Time Needed : 10 minutes

Performing the subsequent methods will help eliminate common factors that can slow down a powerful smartphone like the Galaxy S20. While these are just simple tweaks, they can deliver significant remedies unless hardware damage is present. Just follow these steps when needed.

1. Clear all background apps and restart.

   When apps are left open and running in the background for a long period of time, there is a tendency for them to crash. When this happens, the entire system functions could get affected and thus, your device would slow down. To rule this out, clearing all background apps and restarting the device is recommended. This is the simplest yet effective means to clear and refresh the internal memory and operating system, allowing the device to run smoothly again.To clear all background apps on the Galaxy S20, simply tap the Recent icon from the Home screen. Doing so will open app previews. These are the apps that are left open and running in the background. Swiping up on each app preview will force close individual apps. After clearing all background apps, restart the phone. This is imperative to clear out any existing system errors that might have slowed the phone down. 

2. Install all pending software updates (apps and operating system).

   Software updates be it for apps and Android OS not only bring in new features but also deliver security patches that are programmed to address existing issues inflicted by some bugs and malware. Some updates are purposely rolled out to enhance a device’s system functions and overall performance. If you haven’t set your Galaxy S20 auto-install updates, then you should consider doing a manual check.To check for app updates from the Play Store, open the Play Store app then tap on the Menu icon to view My apps & games. From this menu, you can find the option to Update individual apps or Update all apps at once. The latter option is only applicable if multiple app updates are available.To check for the latest software update (Android version), navigate to Apps-> Settings-> Software update menu and from here you can find the option to Download and install the latest Android version available for your phone. Your device will execute a new update check and if available prompt you to update your device. Simply tap OK then Start to continue.You can also update your Galaxy S20 using a computer via Samsung Smart Switch. After installing all updates, restart your phone to apply the recent system changes.View a step by step guide here.

3. Manage storage space.

   Although the Galaxy S20 offers a huge storage space, it’s internal storage is not limited. This means that it can become fully occupied and run out eventually. To rule out insufficient storage, deleting all unwanted old files from the phone and creating backups of critical information is recommended.To check and manage your Galaxy S20 storage, navigate to Apps-> Settings-> Device care-> Storage menu and then scroll to the Available space section.If necessary, you can free up some space by deleting unused apps on the phone, clearing app cache and data, deleting call logs, unnecessary messages and other useless files.View a step by step guide here.

4. Reset settings.

   Performance issues can also be attributed to some incorrect configurations or invalid settings on the phone. Thus, if your Galaxy S20 started to slow down after changing some settings, restoring the default settings can help. This is when the need to reset all settings arises.Reset settings is a reset command that is used to erase all customized settings and system modifications you’ve recently done. After the reset, original options and system configurations are restored. All saved information on the internal memory would remain intact and so you don’t need to create backups. To reset all settings on your Galaxy S20, navigate to Apps-> Settings-> General management-> Reset menu and then select Reset settings from the given options. Tap Reset settings to proceed and if prompted, enter your device PIN and password to confirm Reset settings. View a step by step Reset settings guide here.

5. Factory reset/master reset.

   If the problem continues after implementing all prior methods, there’s a higher chance that you’re dealing with a complex system issue if not, hardware damage. To rule out the former, advanced methods like a factory reset are needed. But before you proceed, be sure to back up all important files saved on your phone’s internal storage to evade from losing them permanently. You can back them up to cloud or other external storage devices, as you would prefer. Once the backup is secured, you’re all set for a factory reset.To factory reset your Galaxy S20 via settings, navigate to Apps-> Settings-> General Management-> Reset menu then choose Factory data reset from the given options. Continue by scrolling down, tap Reset then Delete all. If prompted, enter the correct PIN or unlock credentials to confirm full system reset.Another way to master reset a Galaxy S20 is using the hardware keys. This method is applicable when you need to factory reset an unresponsive or frozen device.View a step by step Factory Reset guide here.