How to Make Your Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Go Faster

Don’t shoot the messenger, but you don’t need all those apps or files filling up your storage. It’s one of the most common culprits of phone lags. When your phone’s memory is close to full, it has to work harder to manage apps and files, which can result in sluggish performance. Background processes and cached data from frequently used apps can accumulate over time, taking up valuable resources and slowing down your phone.

But we understand it’s unlikely to be the source of lags for brand-new phones like the Pixel 9 series. Several factors might be at play in this case. It could be:

• App or Software Bugs

• Unoptimized Apps

• Battery Optimization Settings

• Network or Connectivity Issues

An outdated Android OS or apps can cause performance issues due to unpatched bugs or security vulnerabilities. Additionally, certain third-party apps may be poorly optimized, leading to excessive CPU and battery usage, which can cause your phone to lag.

Lastly, battery health can impact performance. If your battery is aging or running low, your Pixel 9 Pro XL may throttle its performance to preserve energy, making it feel slower than usual.

To overcome these issues before it becomes an ongoing problem, we’ll share a few tweaks and hacks to make your Pixel 9 Pro XL run faster.

1. Declutter Your Phone by Clearing Up Storage

Clearing out unnecessary files is one of the quickest ways to boost your phone’s performance. When your Pixel 9 Pro XL runs low on storage, it can slow down as it struggles to manage tasks efficiently.

Consider deleting unused apps, large files, and old photos. Moving media to cloud storage or transferring it to another device can also help free up space.

2. Clear the App Cache

Over time, apps accumulate cache files, which can bog down your phone’s performance. Clearing the app cache will remove temporary files and help the apps run smoother.

To do this:

Go to your phone’s settings.

Navigate to “Storage.”

Select “Cached Data” for individual apps.

Clearing cache won’t delete your app data but can make your Pixel 9 Pro XL feel more responsive.

3. Check for the Latest Android Software

Regular software updates are essential for keeping your phone running at its best. These updates often come with performance improvements, bug fixes, and security patches.

To run the latest Android version:

Go to “Settings” > “System” > “Software Update.”

4. Restart Your Phone in Safe Mode

Safe Mode disables all third-party apps, allowing you to test whether a particular app is causing performance issues. If your phone runs faster in Safe Mode, an app you’ve installed is likely causing the slowdown.

To enter Safe Mode in the Pixel 9 Pro XL, press and hold the power button, then tap and hold the “Power Off” option until the “Safe Mode” option appears.

5. Use Video Boost for Smoother Recording

If you’re experiencing video lag, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a handy feature called Video Boost. This feature, available in the Google Camera app, helps enhance video recording quality.

It allows you to record videos in up to 8K resolution at 60 frames per second (FPS), making your videos crisper and reducing lag. You can also choose lower resolutions like 4K at 30 FPS for less intensive recording needs. The only catch is that video recording is limited to 10 minutes.

6. Charge Your Phone for Optimised Performance

Believe it or not, a low battery can affect your phone’s performance. Your Pixel 9 Pro XL running low on battery may throttle performance to conserve power.

Here are some steps you can take:

• Try keeping your phone charged, especially if you’re planning to use resource-heavy apps.

• Use a Pixel Stand to provide quick wireless charging, allowing you to recharge your phone to 70% in 30 minutes.

7. Update Your Existing Apps

Just like software updates, app updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes. Keeping your apps up-to-date can help them run more smoothly and avoid compatibility issues that might slow down your device.

8. Close Apps You Don’t Use

Running too many apps at once can drain your phone’s resources. Even if you’re not actively using them, apps running in the background can slow down your Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Be sure to close any apps you’re not using by accessing the recent apps screen and swiping them away.

9. Reset Your Factory Settings

If your phone is still sluggish after trying other fixes, resetting it to factory settings can give it a fresh start. This will erase all data and settings, so it’s important to back up your data before proceeding.

To reset your Pixel 9 Pro XL:

Go to “Settings” > “System” > “Reset Options” and select “Erase All Data.”

10. Troubleshoot Your Network Connection

Sometimes, slow network speeds can be mistaken for a slow phone. Check your Wi-Fi or mobile data connection if you’re experiencing lag while using the internet. Switching to a different network or resetting your network settings can help resolve any connectivity issues.

When to Speed Up a Slow Pixel Phone

You’ll know it’s time to take action when your Pixel 9 Pro XL starts to exhibit specific signs of slowing down. While a slight decrease in speed over time is normal, certain indicators suggest it’s time for maintenance:

• Runs very slowly: Apps take much longer to open, scrolling is sluggish, or the phone freezes momentarily

• Lags: Performing tasks like switching between apps or typing, lagging becomes obvious with delayed responses and stuttering animations

• Long response times: Takes too long to react to touches or gestures

Smartphones have complex systems to manage performance, but even the most advanced devices, like the Pixel 9 Pro XL, can experience slowdowns. If you’ve noticed lag or sluggishness, following the steps outlined in this guide can help restore your phone’s speed and responsiveness.

It’s crucial to make your Pixel 9 Pro XL run smoothly for the long haul, and so is keeping it looking divine even after years of usage. We recommend our genuine leather Pixel 9 Pro XL case from Leatherborne for luxurious protection!