Why Is My Google Pixel So Slow? Here Are 5 Fixes (Restart, Update + More)

Why is my Google Pixel so slow that it’s taking forever to load apps, switch between tasks, or even just open a new web page? If so, you’re not alone—Google Pixel devices can slow down over time, just like any other smartphone. 

1. Close background applications

why is my google pixel so slow

When it comes to fixing performance issues, the first thing you must do is close everything that uses your phone’s CPU and RAM. This will tell you right off the bat how your device performs with only core services running in the background. 

  1. To close all apps, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and stop in the middle. This will show you the apps that are still running. 
  2. Swipe up on each app to close them one by one. 

After that, try to see if your Pixel is still running slow.

2. Force restart your Pixel

Force restart your Pixel

The next thing you have to do if the first solution fails is to refresh the memory and reload all services. You can do so by doing the forced restart. It’s a simulated battery pull that has been proven to be very effective in fixing issues like this.  

  1. To do so, press and hold the Power key for 8 seconds. This will trigger your Pixel to shut down and power back up. 
  2. Once the Google logo shows, release the power key and allow the device to boot up uninterrupted. 

After the reboot, observe your phone closely to know if it’s performance has improved. 

3. Make sure there’s enough storage space

Make sure there’s enough storage space

Another thing you have to check if your device is running slowly is the storage. Apps and services take up storage when used for their caches. So if your Pixel is low on storage, it’s normal for it to slow down when you use apps as it closes other services and applications to give way to the one you currently use. 

  1. To check the storage of your phone, launch Settings, and then tap Storage.

If you still have enough storage space left, then try the next solution. 

4. Check for new updates

Check for new updates

It is also possible that these issues are due to glitches with the firmware. So if they occurred without apparent reason and can’t be fixed by the previous solutions, try to see if there’s a new update available. 

  1. Firmware issues are often fixed through updates. Besides, Google actually rolls out updates regularly to make sure its Pixel phones run smoothly. 
  2. To check for an update, launch Settings. 
  3. Scroll down and tap System. 
  4. Tap Advanced. 
  5. Now tap System Update. 
  6. If there’s an update available, download and install it. 

After updating the firmware and your Pixel 4a is still running slow, then move on to the next solution. 

5. Factory reset your Pixel

Factory reset your Pixel

After doing the previous solutions and your Pixel 4a still lags and freezes, then you have no other choice but to reset your phone. A factory reset will fix any performance issues including these ones. However, make sure to back up your important files and data. 

  1. When ready, follow these steps: 
  2. Open your phone’s Settings app.
  3. Tap System.
  4. Tap Advanced. 
  5. Tap Reset options, and then tap Erase all data.
  6. Tap Erase all data at the bottom right corner of the screen. If needed, enter your PIN, pattern, or password.
  7. To erase all data from your phone’s internal storage, tap Erase all data.

After the reset, set up your phone as a new device. The problem should be fixed by now. 

Why Is My Google Pixel So Slow?

And that’s what you need to do if your Google Pixel 4a started running slow after the Android 11 update. We hope that this simple troubleshooting guide has been helpful. 

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