Android phone keeps freezing? 9 fixes that stop the lag
A phone that freezes again and again usually has full storage, a bad app or old software. Here is how to find which.
Why your phone freezes
- Storage almost full, which leaves no room for the system to work.
- A buggy or badly made app, often a recent install.
- Old software with a known bug.
- Heat from charging, gaming or sun.
The fix
9 fixes, in order
- 1
Force restart.
Hold Power and Volume Down together for 10 to 20 seconds.
- 2
Free up storage.
Settings › Storage. Delete big videos and apps you do not use.
- 3
Update Android.
Settings › Software update, or Settings › System › Software updates on Pixel.
- 4
Update all apps in the Play Store.
- 5
Clear the cache of apps that freeze.
Settings › Apps › the app › Storage › Clear cache.
- 6
Start in safe mode.
Hold Power, then touch and hold Power off until Safe mode appears. If the phone runs smoothly there, a downloaded app is the cause. Remove recent apps one at a time.
- 7
Let it cool down.
Remove a thick case and stop charging while you use heavy apps.
- 8
Run Device care on Samsung.
Settings › Device care › Optimize now.
- 9
Back up and factory reset.
If it still freezes, a reset clears deep software problems.
Frequently asked questions
How do I unfreeze my phone right now?
Hold the Power and Volume Down buttons together for 10 to 20 seconds until the phone restarts. On some Samsung models, keep holding past the power menu.
Can a virus make my phone freeze?
It can, though a bad app or full storage is far more likely. Run Play Protect in the Play Store and remove apps you do not recognize.
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