Samsung phone slow or storage full: using Device Care to speed it up
Phones slow down when storage is nearly full or when too many apps run in the background. Samsung's built-in Device Care tool helps you find the cause safely.
Run a quick check
- Open Settings.
- Tap Battery and device care (in One UI 7 this may be called Device care).
- Tap Optimise now if it is offered. The phone will tidy memory and background apps.
Free up storage
- In the same area, tap Storage.
- The phone shows what is using space: images, videos, apps and more.
- Tap Clean now or Clean up if shown. It suggests junk files, duplicate files and large files.
- Look through the suggestions yourself before confirming. Do not delete photos or videos you have not backed up.
Tip: Open the Gallery and empty the Recycle bin, because deleted photos are kept for a time and still use space. Also check My Files and the Downloads folder.
Other quick wins
- Restart the phone. This clears many slowdowns and is worth doing weekly.
- Uninstall apps you never use. Press and hold the app icon and choose Uninstall.
- Check for a software update in Settings then Software update.
- Try to keep at least a fifth of storage free.
- Cut down moving wallpapers and animated widgets on the home screen.
Take care
Do not install "cleaner" or "booster" apps from adverts. They usually do little, and some are harmful. Device Care is already built in.
Menu names differ between One UI 5, 6 and 7, and between models. Use the search box at the top of Settings if you cannot see something.
When to get more help
If your phone is still slow after clearing space, restarting and updating, or storage will not free up, ask for help. An old phone with failing storage may need replacing, and we can advise.