Many people don't like the idea of constantly upgrading their phone to a newer model every two years, so they take a proactive approach to keep their phone running like new even when it's a few years old.
1. Restart your phone once a week
Leaving your phone running 24/7 may be convenient, but restarting it regularly offers significant benefits. Over time, apps and background processes build up and slow down your phone's performance. This can lead to slowness and occasional glitches.
Restarting deletes temporary files, closes unused applications and refreshes the system, freeing up valuable resources. This improves responsiveness, reduces latency, and prevents common Android hardware issues like connection problems, overheating, or unexpected shutdowns.
You should set a weekly reminder to restart your phone. On Samsung devices, you can automate this process by going to Settings > Device care > Auto optimization > Auto restart.
Here, turn it on Restart on schedule and set your desired schedule.

2. Delete junk files and applications every month
Not deleting old files and apps that you no longer use can fill up your memory, making it impossible to download new apps and updates to existing ones.
If your phone's internal memory is nearly full, the operating system doesn't have the “breathing space” to perform routine tasks, which can lead to sluggish performance.
To get the most out of this tip, scan your library, app drawer, and downloads folder for anything you no longer need and delete them. The larger the file, the more storage you can clean up at once, including large mobile games, 4K videos, duplicate photos, and large audio files.
3. Regularly clean your phone and case

Dust, lint, and debris can build up in the phone's crevices over time, affecting certain functions and causing damage.
That's why you should make a habit of regularly cleaning the screen, camera lens, edges, charging port, speaker grille, and headphone jack (if applicable). When you do this, don't forget to clean the inside of the phone case and the cutouts in the case as they can collect dirt.
The frequency of cleaning depends on your environment and how much you use your phone. If you frequently spend time outdoors, you will need to take extra care of your equipment. Even though phones with an IP68 rating are more durable, regular cleaning is still important to maintain peak performance.
Tips: Consider buying a case with a built-in dust plug so the USB-C port is sealed when your phone is unplugged to prevent dust from entering.
4. Run diagnostic tests every 3 months
Running a diagnostic test every 3 months is a proactive way to ensure your phone stays in optimal condition. There are a number of apps that can help you do this. However, this function is built into Samsung phones.
To perform a diagnostic test on a Samsung phone, follow these steps:
- Enter Settings > Device care > Diagnostics.
- Press Phone diagnostics to begin diagnosis. Follow the instructions and enter required inputs whenever prompted as the tests progress. If you miss some tests, you can take them again after the diagnosis is complete.
- Once the diagnostics are complete, you'll see a summary of all the tests, including those that were successful, those that were skipped, and many failed features marked in red. To fix the following error, contact the Samsung helpline, visit the official website, or read the FAQ which may provide useful information.

5. Back up data every 3 months
Backing up data regularly (every 3 months is a general rule) is not only important for data recovery, but is also a powerful tool for storage management.
As devices accumulate data – photos, apps, documents, etc. – limited storage capacity can lead to performance bottlenecks. By moving old files to cloud storage or an external hard drive, you not only protect your data but also free up valuable space.
This cleaning can significantly improve your phone's speed and responsiveness, while also giving you more space to save other files.
6. Clear application cache once a month
Most of us use the same few apps regularly, leaving all other apps with cached data unused. While it's useful to continue from where we left off, it can also fill up your phone's memory.
Of course clearing the cache means the app will take longer to load the next time you open it, but it also forces the app to load new data, which can fix problems like minor glitches or lag times. unusually long load times and improved overall performance.
This is especially true for mobile games that require high graphics.
7. Always update the operating system and applications

Check your settings to see if there is a software update available for your device and install it. Some people avoid updating their devices for fear of losing data or encountering new errors. However, the risks of not updating the operating system are much greater.
Regular updates deliver important performance optimizations, such as improved resource management and faster processing speeds. More importantly, updates often patch important security vulnerabilities that can leave your device and data vulnerable to threats.
Likewise, keeping your apps up to date means they'll be able to handle increasingly demanding workloads and get the boost in battery life. Even if you're not interested in getting new features, it's still important to keep your phone and apps up to date.
8. Review application permissions every 2 months
Apps often request more permissions than necessary, which can lead to increased background activity. For example, if a social media app has location access, it can continuously track your location, even when you're not using the app.
This constant background activity drains the battery, consumes data, and consumes the phone's processing power, leading to device slowdown. By regularly reviewing and restricting unnecessary app permissions, you can minimize background processes and keep your phone running smoothly. If you need help with this, learn how to view and manage app permissions on Android.
Of course, your phone will slow down after a few years, but following these tips can significantly extend the life of your phone. This way, you can delay the need to upgrade, save money, reduce e-waste, and even reduce your environmental impact.