Why Is Android OS Slow?

Uninstall Un-Needed Apps

Just like on full-sized computers, third-party applications have a nasty habit of running right when you turn your phone on - whether you need them or not. The easiest way to stop this behavior is to uninstall the apps that you don't use on a regular basis. Remember that you can reinstall apps at any time from the Android Market - free apps are always available, and the apps that you pay for are found in the 'My Apps' tab. To uninstall an application, press the 'Home' button, then 'Menu' then tap 'Settings.' Tap 'Applications.' Tap 'Manage Applications.' Tap an app you want to remove, then 'Uninstall.' Tap 'OK' to remove the app from your phone.

Use a Start-up Manager

While getting rid of apps you don't need can help, the most dramatic way to reduce the immediate memory load of your phone is with a startup manager. Free apps like Startup Cleaner Pro will list the applications that start automatically with your phone, allowing you to determine which ones begin automatically and which ones will only start when you tap on the app icon. These apps can also allow you to stop Android processes from starting automatically; for example, if you don't use the Bluetooth features of your phone, you can keep the Bluetooth service from running.

Clean Up Your Home Screen

While the widgets, folders and live wallpapers on the Android home screen are fun, they tend to slow down the phone considerably when overused. Be sure to install and place only the widgets that you need, and if possible, on as few home screens as you can. Animated live wallpapers should be avoided at all times - they're pretty to look at, but the animations sit in RAM and slow down the phone while draining battery power at the same time. If you make changes to your home screen and remove widgets you installed from the Android Market, be sure to uninstall them from the Applications menu as well.

Kill Unused Apps

When you're done using an app, be sure to press the 'Back' button to completely exit the application - don't just press the 'Home' screen. Pressing the 'Home' screen just lets the app run in the background, and you should only do so if you're actively using more than one app. Some apps don't properly close via the 'Back' button. To manually shut down these stubborn apps, press 'Home,' then 'Menu,' then tap 'Settings.' Tap 'Applications.' Tap 'Running Services.' Find the icon of the app you were using and tap the list item. Tap 'Stop.' Repeat this for every service listed under the app name.