Many users notice that their phone starts lagging, stuttering, or freezing after a software update. Apps take longer to open, animations feel slow, and the overall performance drops—even on phones that were working perfectly before the update.
I personally faced this issue after a major Android update where my phone became noticeably slower for a few days. Instead of panicking or resetting the phone, I applied a few practical fixes that restored smooth performance.
In this article, I’ll explain why phones lag after updates and share real fixes that actually work.
How Post-Update Lag Usually Appears
You may notice:
- Phone feels slow overall
- Apps open with delay
- Animations stutter
- Phone heats up more than usual
- Battery drains faster
These are common after major updates.
Why Phones Lag After Updates
1. Background Optimization After Update
After updates, Android runs background optimization tasks.
2. App Compatibility Issues
Apps may not be optimized for the new version yet.
3. Cached Data Conflicts
Old cache may conflict with new system files.
4. Increased System Resource Usage
New features may require more RAM or CPU.
5. Low Storage Space
Updates need free space to run smoothly.
Fixes That Actually Work
Method 1: Restart the Phone (Very Important)
This was the first fix that helped me.
Restarting:
- Completes background optimization
- Clears temporary system cache
- Stabilizes system performance
Do this once or twice after an update.
Method 2: Give the Phone Some Time
This is often overlooked.
- Let the phone settle for 24–48 hours
- Avoid heavy usage immediately after update
- Allow background processes to finish
Performance usually improves on its own.
Method 3: Update All Apps
Outdated apps cause lag.
Steps:
- Open Play Store
- Update all apps
- Restart phone
This improves compatibility with the new Android version.
Method 4: Clear App Cache (Safely)
Clearing cache helps remove conflicts.
What to do:
- Go to Settings → Apps
- Clear cache of heavy apps (not data)
- Restart phone
This often reduces stutter instantly.
Method 5: Check Storage Space
Low storage causes lag.
Recommended:
- Keep at least 2–3 GB free internal storage
- Delete unused files or apps
Performance improves with more free space.
Method 6: Disable Unnecessary Animations
Reducing animations improves smoothness.
Steps:
- Enable Developer options
- Reduce or turn off animation scales
- Restart phone
This makes the phone feel faster.
Method 7: Factory Reset (Last Option)
Only try if lag persists after several days.
- Back up important data
- Factory reset the phone
- Install apps gradually
This gives the cleanest performance.
Why Phones Feel Slower After Big Updates
Major updates:
- Add new features
- Rebuild system cache
- Relearn usage patterns
This temporary slowdown is normal.
What You Should Avoid
- Installing fake speed booster apps
- Resetting phone immediately after update
- Ignoring app updates
- Running heavy apps continuously
These worsen performance.
FAQs
Is lag after update permanent?
No, it’s usually temporary.
Does factory reset always fix lag?
Yes, but it should be the last option.
Should I downgrade Android?
Not recommended for most users.
Can updates harm old phones?
Older phones may feel slower due to hardware limits.
Final Thoughts
If your phone is lagging or stuttering after an update, the issue is usually caused by background optimization, app compatibility, or cached data—not a faulty update.
From my experience, restarting the phone and updating apps fixed most lag issues within a day. Patience and small tweaks go a long way.
Vaishnav Singh is the founder and primary author of TechHary.com. Based in Mumbai, he brings hands-on professional experience to his writing, having worked extensively as a Windows expert within the IT industry. His practical background in solving complex technical issues fuels his passion for creating clear, helpful, and relevant content. At TechHary.com, Vaishnav dedicates himself to publishing in-depth articles, guides, and insights aimed at demystifying technology for enthusiasts and professionals alike. His mission is to build a trusted resource where readers can find reliable information to navigate the ever-evolving tech landscape.