Tech expert's 6 mistakes to avoid if your iPhone or Android is more than two years old

There are many blunders mobile phone users are guilty of making - but they must be avoided to preserve your device

Smartphones aren't cheap, meaning that once you commit to a device, you are normally stuck with it for at least a couple of years. However, ageing devices can run into several problems.

In fact, if your phone is more than two or three years old and feels like it's crawling compared to when you first unboxed it, you're not imagining things.

Across the UK, millions of iPhone and Android owners are holding onto ageing devices, but according to one tech expert, it’s often our own bad habits that make them feel sluggish long before they truly need replacing.

Phone expert Matthew Bertram has warned that older mobiles are especially vulnerable to small oversights in their settings and day-to-day use.

He says that with some simple adjustments, users could reclaim lost speed, stretch out battery life, and even add another year or two to their handset’s lifespan.

The storage squeeze

Bertram says one of the biggest culprits for slowing down older phones is a lack of storage space. He said: "Once your device dips below a gigabyte or two of free storage... the system struggles to install updates, apps take longer to open, and crashes become more common."

The mistake many make, he says, is holding onto thousands of old photos, downloads and unused apps. The expert suggests "clearing the clutter regularly".

He said: "Whether that’s shifting pictures to the cloud, deleting WhatsApp videos or offloading apps you haven’t touched in months. Freeing up space is one of the quickest ways to revive an older phone."

Brightness habits that burn batteries

Another major drain on phones older than two years is the screen. Both iPhones and Androids default to automatic brightness, but this often keeps the display higher than necessary.

"Your screen is already the biggest energy hog," Bertram explained. "On a battery that’s had two or three years of wear, it’s even worse. Leaving brightness on auto is like leaving the heating on full blast when you don’t need it."

He recommends switching to manual brightness and sticking to around 50 per cent, lowering it further indoors. Combined with dark mode, which reduces power draw on OLED screens, this tweak can give older devices an extra couple of hours of use each day.

Background apps stealing power

Owners of ageing phones are also guilty of letting dozens of apps run unseen in the background. Both iPhone and Android have tools to manage this: iOS allows you to limit background app refresh, while Android’s adaptive battery setting restricts unused apps from draining power.

"Check your battery settings and you’ll see which apps are the worst offenders," Bertram said. "Cutting them down can make a noticeable difference."

Skipping software updates

Perhaps the most overlooked mistake among those with older phones is ignoring software updates. Many users fear that updates will slow down their devices even more, but Bertram says the opposite is true.

"Apple and Google release updates not just for new features but for efficiency and security," he explained. "Older devices especially benefit, because updates are often designed to iron out performance issues. By avoiding them, you’re leaving your phone exposed and sluggish."

Battery health blind spots

Finally, Bertram warns that battery health is often ignored until it’s too late. He said: "Lithium batteries naturally degrade after a few hundred charge cycles, and by year three you’ll usually notice your phone doesn’t hold power like it used to."

For iPhone users, checking Settings > Battery > Battery Health can reveal if the device needs a replacement. Android users can often find battery health details in diagnostics or use apps provided by the manufacturer.

Don’t rush to upgrade

While many assume an old phone is a lost cause, Bertram insists that simple fixes can extend a device’s useful life. "Not everyone can or wants to fork out £800 on a new handset every couple of years," he said.

"If your phone is two or three years old, take control of your settings before giving up on it. With the right adjustments, it can still serve you well for another year or two."