Factory Reset vs. Cleaning Apps: Minor technical issues with smartphones are common. But as time goes on, the phone's speed starts to slow down.

Factory Reset Vs Cleaning Apps: Minor technical issues with smartphones are common. But as time passes, the phone's speed begins to slow down. Apps take longer to open, storage gets clogged, and the phone doesn't feel as smooth as before. In such situations, users typically resort to two approaches: either factory resetting the phone or using a cleaning app that claims to boost speed with a single tap. Both options seem effective, but they actually work in completely different ways.

What changes in the phone after doing a factory reset?

A factory reset completely restores the phone to its original state. It removes all apps, data, and settings. This eliminates corrupted files, unnecessary apps, and background content that may be slowing down the phone. A factory reset largely corrects software clutter that builds up in the system after prolonged use, making the phone feel fast and responsive again.

However, this also has a disadvantage. If a backup isn't made in advance, all personal data is erased, and setting up the phone again takes time. Therefore, a factory reset is especially useful when your phone frequently hangs, crashes, or you're planning to sell or give it away.

How do phone cleaning apps work?

Not every cleaning app is useless. However, most third-party cleaning apps don't deliver the benefits they claim. In comparison, the built-in cleanup tools found in Android and iOS are much safer and more reliable. They can help you clear cache files, delete unnecessary apps, manage storage, and turn off unnecessary notifications.

Because these features are part of the phone's operating system, their impact on performance is moderate. However, many external cleaning apps don't properly understand the memory management system of modern smartphones, preventing a real speed boost.

After all, which is the better option?

If your phone's slowing down simply because the storage is full or unnecessary files have accumulated, a manual cleanup or built-in tools may be sufficient. However, if your phone is experiencing persistent lag, frequent crashes, or deeper software issues, a factory reset may be more effective.

The bottom line is that a factory reset is a powerful solution, not a routine maintenance routine. Performing the right method at the right time not only improves phone performance but also prevents unnecessary data loss and hassle.