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Are you an Android user? If so, there may be some things you're doing incorrectly on your phone without even realizing it. Nowadays, everyone seems to have tips for optimizing your Android phone's performance, battery life, and more. However, some of this advice could actually be more harmful than helpful.
In this article, we'll go over 10 common mistakes people make on their Android device and how you can avoid them. Following these best practices will ensure your Android experience is as smooth, private and secure as possible.
1. Manually closing apps or using task killer apps
Many people got into the habit of manually closing apps when they're done with them by swiping them away or use task killer apps to force stop running apps in the background. However, on modern Android versions this is generally not needed and can actually be counterproductive.
When you leave apps running in the background instead of forcing closes, Android is able to manage them more efficiently. The operating system will automatically pause apps that aren't in active use and allocate RAM and processor resources to those tasks you want to switch between quickly.
Forcing closes with apps like task killers disrupts this process and requires the apps to reload from scratch every time you open them. This wastes battery and slows things down over time.
Most people also incorrectly assume lots of apps running equals poor performance, but with Android's app standby and Doze features, unused apps have very little impact on battery life or speed.
2. Installing antivirus apps
Many Android users feel more secure having an antivirus app installed to constantly scan for malware threats. However, on modern versions of Android these additional antivirus apps are generally unnecessary for most users and will likely do more harm than good.Google already incorporates malware protection directly into the Android operating system and Play Store. Known as Google Play Protect, it runs automatic and continuous scans to check apps, apks, and files for viruses and other threats.
Play Protect is constantly updated by Google to protect against the latest types of Android malware without draining your phone's battery or resources. As long as you only download apps from the Google Play Store, your Android device has strong built-in protection.
On the other hand, antivirus apps themselves can be resource hogs. They often run constant scans in the background that negatively impact performance and drain battery far more than any potential threats. Some even contain their own vulnerabilities.
3. Not restarting your device
Even though Android and modern smartphones are much more efficient than older models, periodically restarting your device is still a good idea. A reboot helps clear out any bugs, crashes, or issues that may be lingering in the background processes.
Over time, as you install and uninstall apps, browse the web, stream media and perform other activities, temporary files and caches start to build up in your device's RAM and storage. A reboot clears this out and refreshes the entire operating system.
It allows Android to do things like fully unload apps from memory and clear caches. This avoids slowdowns that can happen as fragmented memory fragments get left behind over days or weeks of uptime.
A simple weekly restart is usually sufficient. You can even set up automatic reboots on a schedule through your Android's settings menu for added convenience.
Don't be afraid to occasionally do a manual reboot as well if you notice apps acting strangely or your device lagging more than normal. Reboots fix many issues and ensure peak performance is maintained long-term without any extra effort from you.
4. Using phone cleaning apps to clear temporary storage
Many phone cleaner apps advertise that clearing temporary cache files from your storage helps boost your device's speed and performance. While this may have been true on older Android phones with limited storage, it's generally not necessary on modern devices and can actually cause issues.
When you visit websites, open apps, or stream videos, your phone automatically caches some content like images, videos, and app data for faster load times later on. This is similar to how a computer browser caches pages you visit regularly.
Android is designed to optimize this cache over time, deleting older unused files to manage storage. However, phone cleaning apps that forcefully clear all these files at once disrupt this process.
Some consequences of aggressively clearing temporary cache include:
- Apps reloading from scratch instead of using cached data, increasing data usage and reducing launch speeds.
- Websites taking longer to load graphics and media since they all must be redownloaded.
- Loss of cached game data, requiring replaying levels or restarting games.
5. Keeping battery saver mode constantly enabled
Battery saver mode is a useful feature to extend battery life during emergencies or on long days when you need every last percentage point. However, keeping it turned on all the time is not recommended and can actually increase battery drain for most users.
When enabled, battery saver restricts power-intensive activities like location services, auto-sync and high-performance mode. While this does eke out additional hours of standby time, it also slows down background processes and limits functionality.
Some side effects of constant battery saver use include apps taking longer to refresh, notifications being delayed, and activities like browsing or using maps being less smooth overall. This forces your phone to work harder to accomplish tasks.
It's better to only enable battery saver temporarily during critically low power moments. Otherwise, let your device run at full capability for optimal speeds. Most modern Android phones are efficient enough at default settings.
Have battery saver automatically activate below 15-20% rather than impose its limitations unnecessarily. You'll enjoy better all-around device performance and potentially even greater efficiency by utilizing your phone to its full potential most of the time.
6. Not checking permissions
When installing new apps, it's important to take a moment to review the permissions you're granting them. By default, Android shows a list of permissions like access to camera, contacts, microphone etc. that the app is requesting.
However, many people simply click through this screen without consideration. This can lead to privacy and security issues over time if apps are given more access than they actually need.
Be wary of any apps requesting unusual permissions that don't align with their purpose. For example, a game asking for call logs or texts would be a red flag. Carefully reconsider installing if permissions don't seem reasonable.
You can also use a permission manager like Bouncer to handle permissions more granularly. It automatically denies newly requested permissions so you can approve them later if actually needed.
Another option is to selectively revoke certain permissions from apps you don't fully trust anymore through your device settings. This reduces their scope of data collection over time.
7. Using only default Android apps
While the basic apps that come pre-installed on Android like the dialer, messaging app, calendar, and more work great for general usage, they often lack customization or advanced features compared to third-party alternatives.
Exploring some replacement apps is worthwhile if you need extra functionality. For example
- Google Calendar is basic, but apps like aCalendar allow more complex event view styles.
- The default texting app may not support group chats or have themes - try alternative SMS apps.
- Gmail works, but apps like Outlook offer integrated email, calendar and contacts.
- Google Maps is capable, but Waze provides live traffic updates and a social navigation experience.
There are also many great custom launcher options if you want a different home screen look and feel beyond the standard Pixel / Samsung launchers.
Don't be afraid to try different options beyond pre-installed apps. Third-party developers regularly innovate, and you may find replacements that better suit your specific needs or preferences. Just check reviews and permissions first.
Having the right apps tailored to your usage means getting more out of your Android device experience. Don't limit yourself to only what's default.
8. Downloading apps from unknown sources
Installing apps from outside the Google Play Store can potentially expose your device to malware, viruses, and privacy/security risks. While alternative stores and direct apk downloads are sometimes necessary, they require extra caution.
When you enable the “Install unknown apps” setting, it allows the installation of any apk files, even ones that have not undergone Google's security scans. Some risks include:
- Malware disguised as legitimate apps that gain access to your private information like contacts, texts, location data and banking details once installed.
- Cryptominers that silently ramp up your device usage for someone else's profit without your awareness.
- Ransomware posing as games or utilities that lock your phone until a payment is made.
There are legit reasons to use other sources too, such as installing apps not available in your country. But be extremely wary of unfamiliar titles, ask friends for direct referral apks versus random downloads, and inspect the permissions closely before approving installation of anything outside Google Play.
In general, stick to well-known app stores and verify the developer’s reputation if you must look beyond the Play Store. Keeping “Install unknown apps” disabled as default helps avoid serious headaches down the road. Trust, but verify whenever possible.
9. Continuing to use navigation buttons
Most Android phones now feature gesture navigation options as an alternative to the traditional on-screen buttons for Back, Home, and Recent Apps. While it takes some adjustment, switching to gestures provides a more immersive full-screen experience and is usually more efficient overall.
With gestures enabled, the entire bottom section can be used for content instead of housing fixed buttons. You swipe up from various parts of the screen to navigate rather than tapping buttons.
Some advantages of Android's gesture system include:
- Full-screen apps and media utilize the entire display space without interruption.
- Navigation becomes more fluid and seamless looking without the hard button borders.
- Gestures allow opening recent apps and switching between them much faster with side swipes.
- One-handed usage is easier thanks to back gestures available from either screen side.
Once you spend a week adjusting, gestures become second nature. Consider giving them a try even if you've always used buttons - your Android experience could feel refreshed. Just be patient during the learning curve.
10.Software update
Updating software immediately on your Android phone is not recommended. While urgent updates should still be installed promptly, it's generally better to wait 2-3 days after a new non-critical update is available. This allows time to monitor forums and reviews from other users for any compatibility or bug reports before updating your device. Rushing updates carries an unnecessary risk of introducing issues, especially for manufacturer skins like Samsung's devices. It's always safest to update only when you're able to dedicate time to problem-solving if needed.
Conclusion
In summary, following some basic best practices can help optimize your Android phone's performance, privacy and security. Avoid unnecessary app closings and cache clearings that disrupt the OS's management processes. Steers clear of resource-heavy antivirus apps but do carefully review permissions for any newly installed apps. Keeping battery saver off except when needed allows the phone to run at full capability. Periodic reboots help clear issues over time. Also consider alternative apps that offer more customized features versus pre-installed defaults. While necessary updates should still be timely, waiting a few days on non-critical updates is prudent before installing on your device. With a little mindfulness around these common pitfalls, you can ensure your Android experience stays running smoothly for the long haul.