Table of Contents
Before we get started, make sure that your Android version is compatible. These methods work best on Android 6 and newer. Devices with less than 4GB of RAM will benefit the most from these tips, but even if you have more, you’ll see improvements. For users with root access, you’ll have a few more options, but most methods will work without rooting your device.
Manage RAM via Developer Options
Want to know which apps are using the most memory? Activating Developer Options will give you access to settings that allow you to see RAM usage. Here’s how:
Enable Developer Mode
Developer Mode gives you access to hidden settings that can help you track how your RAM is being used.
- Go to Settings.
- Tap About Phone and repeatedly tap Build Number until you see the message “You are now a developer.”
Access Memory Settings
Now that you’re a developer, you can track your phone’s memory use.
- Go to Settings > System > Developer Options.
- Scroll down to Memory and select Memory used by apps.
Here, you’ll be able to see which apps are using the most RAM. This will help you figure out which ones to close or remove if needed.
Uninstall or Disable RAM-Hungry Apps
Some apps are memory hogs, using up RAM even when you aren’t actively using them. Getting rid of these apps can free up a lot of memory.
Identify Apps That Use Too Much RAM
You can use the Developer Options to find the apps that are using a lot of RAM.
- Go to Settings > Apps > See all apps.
- Select an app and check its memory use.
Uninstall or Disable Unnecessary Apps
If there are apps you don’t use, uninstalling them will free up memory.
- Tap Uninstall and confirm.
For apps that can’t be uninstalled, you can disable them so they stop running in the background.
Use Lightweight Apps to Reduce RAM
Heavy apps can slow your phone down. But there are lighter versions of many popular apps that use much less RAM. Switching to these apps can help your phone run faster.
Download Lighter Versions of Popular Apps
These smaller apps do the same job as their bigger versions but use less memory:
Disable the Full Versions of Apps
Once you’ve installed the lightweight versions, disable the full versions of those apps to stop them from using RAM in the background.
Close Background Apps and Use Task Managers
Even if you’re not using an app, it might still be running in the background, slowing down your phone. Closing these apps can help free up memory.
Manually Close Background Apps
Background apps can drain your phone’s memory. Here’s how to close them:
- Swipe up from the bottom of your screen or tap the Recents button to see the open apps.
- Swipe away any apps you’re not using to close them.
Use Built-in Task Managers
Some Android phones, like Samsung, come with tools like Memory Guardian to help manage memory use. You can use these built-in tools to close background apps more efficiently.
- Open Memory Guardian in the Device Care settings of Samsung devices.
Optimize RAM Usage in Games
If you’re a gamer, you’ve probably noticed that high-end games can really slow down your phone. Let’s change that.
Use Game Optimization Tools
Many Android devices come with tools to help improve game performance by managing RAM use.
- On Samsung devices, you can use Game Booster in the Device Care settings to prioritize RAM for your game.
Lower Game Graphics Settings
Some games, like PUBG and Genshin Impact, are resource-heavy, especially when played with high-graphic settings. Reducing the graphics quality can free up a lot of RAM, helping the game run more smoothly.
Advanced Options for Rooted Devices
If your phone is rooted, you can go a step further to free up even more RAM.
Remove Pre-installed Apps (Bloatware)
Rooted devices allow you to remove system apps that take up RAM but can’t normally be uninstalled.
- Use Titanium Backup to remove these apps for good.
Install a Custom Kernel
A custom kernel can improve your phone’s memory management, making it faster.
- Download a custom kernel for your device and flash it using TWRP recovery.
And there you go! Reducing RAM usage doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re doing basic tweaks or diving deeper with rooted device options, these steps will help your Android run smoother. You’ll notice the difference as soon as you start. Give it a try!