Why is my device running slow after a software update? (Android 8.0 or lower)

If you experience that the device runs very slow after a software update when, for example, entering menus or opening applications, read on to get suggestions on how to solve the problem. Verify after each suggestion whether the problem was solved, before trying the next one. 

Wait for two days to see if the performance improves

When you have performed an Android system update, it may take up to two days for the device software to stabilise. Some processes initiated by the update will continue running in the background for some time, for example:

• The indexing of files.
• The updating of pre-installed apps. The apps are updated when the device is turned on and connected to the Internet for the first time after the update.

The processes running in the background are using the processor a lot, causing the device to be temporarily perceived as slow for a day or two. This behaviour is normal during indexing and app updates.

Restart the device

If the device is still slow two days after the update, restart the device to see if the performance improves.

Perform a factory data reset

Back up any important data saved on the internal memory of your device, and then perform a factory data reset. You find detailed instructions how to reset your device further down this page. Note! A factory data reset will erase all data on the internal memory. Content on an SD card will not be deleted. You should backup personal content, such as contacts and media files from your device to an SD card or to a cloud backup service (online account). Alternatively, you can make a backup to a computer using the Xperia Companion computer application.

Perform a software repair

If you haven't done so very recently, back up any important data saved on the internal memory of your device, and then perform a software repair. You find instructions how to do a software repair further down this page.

Format your memory card (SD card)

Try formatting the memory card. Formatting the card removes all files and folders including any leftover data and corrupted files. You find detailed instructions how to format the memory card further down this page. Note! Back up any important data before formatting the memory card. You can use a file manager to move the memory card content to a computer.

Detailed instructions

Tip: To check the Android version of your device, find and tap Settings > System > About phone > Android version or Settings > About phone/tablet > Android version.

Performing a factory data reset

Note! To avoid permanent damage to your device, do not interrupt a factory data reset procedure.

Android 8.0

To perform a factory data reset

1. Back up any important data that is saved on the internal memory of your device to, for example, an SD card or to a cloud backup service (online account). If you have any encrypted files stored on an SD card, you should also remove the encryption to ensure you can still access them after the reset.
2. Find and tap Settings > System > Reset.
3. Tap Factory data reset > RESET PHONE.
4. If required, draw your screen unlock pattern or enter your screen unlock password or PIN to continue.
5. To confirm, tap ERASE EVERYTHING.

Android 5.0, 5.1, 6.0, 7.0, 7.1 or 7.1.1

To perform a factory data reset

1. Back up any important data that is saved on the internal memory of your device to, for example, an SD card or to a cloud backup service (online account). If you have any encrypted files stored on an SD card, you should also remove the encryption to ensure you can still access them after the reset.
2. Make sure you know your Google account username and password.
3. From your Home screen, tap the Application screen icon.
4. Find and tap Settings > Backup & reset > Factory data reset.
5. Android 5.0/5.1: If you also want to erase data such as pictures and music, which is saved to your device's internal storage, mark the Erase internal storage checkbox (does not affect the SD card).
6. Tap Reset phone/tablet or Erase everything.
7. If required, draw your screen unlock pattern or enter your screen unlock password or PIN to continue.
8. To confirm, tap Erase everything.

Android 4.2, 4.3 or 4.4

To perform a factory data reset

1. Make a backup of any personal content that you want to keep stored on the internal memory of your device to, for example, an SD card or to a computer using the Xperia Companion computer application
2. From your Home screen, tap the Application screen icon.
3. Find and tap Settings > Backup & reset > Factory data reset.
4. If you also want to erase data such as pictures and music, which is saved to your device's internal storage, mark the Erase internal storage checkbox (does not affect the SD card).
5. Tap Reset phone/tablet.
6. To confirm, tap Erase everything.

Performing a software repair

To perform a software repair

1. Make sure you know your Google account username and password. Depending on your Xperia device's security settings, you may need to enter them in order to start up your Xperia device after a software repair. Tip: If you don't remember your Google account username or password, you can try to recover them using the Google Account Recovery page at https://www.google.com/accounts/recovery/.
2. Computer: If not already installed, download and install the Xperia Companion application from https://support.sonymobile.com/xperia-companion/.
3. Open the Xperia Companion application.
4. Under Manage your Xperia, click Software repair.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Formatting the memory card

Android 8.0

To format the memory card

1. Find and tap Settings > Storage.
2. Tap SD card > the menu icon (three vertical dots), then tap Storage settings > Format > ERASE & FORMAT.

Android 7.0

To format the memory card

1. From your Home screen, tap the Applications screen icon.
2. Find and tap Settings > Storage & memory.
3. Tap the menu icon (three vertical dots), then tap Advanced > Storage > SD Card.
4. Tap the menu icon, then tap Storage settings > Format.
5. To confirm, tap ERASE & FORMAT.

Android 6.0 (Xperia X series and Xperia E5)

To format the memory card

1. From your Home screen, tap the Application screen icon.
2. Settings > Storage & memory > tap the menu button (three vertical dots) > Advanced > Storage > SD Card > tap the menu button (three vertical dots) > Settings > Format.

Android 6.0

To format the memory card

1. From your Home screen, tap the Application screen icon.
2. Find and tap Settings > Storage > SD Card > tap the menu button (three vertical dots) > Settings > Format.

Android 5.0 or 5.1

To format the memory card

1. From your Home screen, tap the Application screen icon
2. Find and tap Settings > Storage > Erase SD card .

Android 4.4 and lower

To format the memory card

1. From your Home screen, tap the Application screen icon.
2. Find and tap Settings > Storage > Erase SD card.
3. To confirm, tap Erase SD card > Erase everything.