Nexus 7 Slow? 8 Ways to Speed Up Your Tablet
Addressing Performance Issues in the Nexus 7 Tablet
Reports of diminished performance in Nexus 7 tablets as time progresses are frequently encountered. While largely based on user experiences, the sheer volume of these reports suggests a common issue. This article details several methods to potentially improve the speed and responsiveness of your device.
Common Causes of Slowness
A significant number of users have indicated that upgrading to Android 4.2 negatively impacted the performance of their Nexus 7. However, it’s important to recognize that numerous factors can contribute to a slowdown. Extensive research has been conducted to compile a list of recommended solutions.
Troubleshooting Steps to Enhance Speed
Various techniques can be employed to address Nexus 7 slowness. The following suggestions have been gathered from across the web and represent a comprehensive approach to optimization.
- Clear Application Cache: Regularly clearing the cache for individual applications can free up valuable storage space.
- Uninstall Unused Apps: Removing applications that are no longer used reduces system load.
- Disable Bloatware: If possible, disable pre-installed applications that are not essential.
- Manage Background Processes: Limit the number of applications running in the background to conserve resources.
- Factory Reset (Last Resort): As a final step, a factory reset can restore the device to its original state, potentially resolving persistent performance issues. Note: This will erase all data, so back up important files beforehand.
Implementing these strategies may help restore the original speed and functionality of your Nexus 7 tablet. Consistent maintenance and mindful app management are key to preventing future performance degradation.
It's crucial to remember that individual results may vary. The effectiveness of each method will depend on the specific usage patterns and installed applications on your device.
Addressing Performance Issues: Freeing Up Storage on Your Nexus 7
A common complaint among Nexus 7 users is a noticeable decrease in performance as the device’s storage capacity nears its limit. Specifically, when the 16GB model has approximately 3GB of free space remaining, slowdowns often begin to occur.
The reduction in available storage directly impacts the device’s write speed, which in turn affects overall system responsiveness. This performance degradation is particularly pronounced.
Impact on Original 8GB Models
Owners of the earlier 8GB Nexus 7 models are even more susceptible to these issues, given the limited initial storage provided. A lack of available space can significantly hinder the device’s operational efficiency.
Should you experience sluggish performance, a primary troubleshooting step involves deleting unused applications and files to reclaim storage space. This can often restore a more fluid user experience.
- Removing infrequently used apps can free up substantial space.
- Deleting downloaded files, such as videos and documents, is another effective method.
- Consider transferring media to a computer or cloud storage.
Optimizing storage utilization is a key factor in maintaining the responsiveness of your Nexus 7. Regularly clearing out unnecessary data will help ensure smooth operation.
Addressing Performance Issues with TRIM on the Nexus 7
A software flaw within the driver for the internal Samsung NAND flash storage of the Nexus 7 resulted in Android failing to correctly send TRIM commands. These commands are essential for clearing out sectors that are no longer in use.
The consequence of this issue was a significant reduction in write speeds over time. Fortunately, this problem was resolved with the release of Android 4.1.2, which enabled proper TRIM command execution.
Resolving Existing Performance Degradation
However, the Android 4.1.2 update doesn't retroactively address sectors that should have been cleared previously but weren't. Users can manually initiate this process.
For rooted devices, the LagFix application, available on Google Play, provides a user-friendly interface for the fstrim utility. This utility effectively clears unused storage space, thereby resolving the performance issue.
Alternatively, if root access is unavailable, the Forever Gone application can be utilized. This application functions by temporarily filling the device's storage with dummy files and then deleting them.
This process prompts Android to issue TRIM commands to the storage, effectively reclaiming unused sectors.
Verifying TRIM Effectiveness
To confirm whether these steps have successfully improved performance, the Androbench storage benchmark application can be employed.
Running Androbench before and after applying either LagFix or Forever Gone will allow you to compare NAND storage write speeds and assess any improvements.
Addressing Performance Issues: Disabling Background Sync and Apps
As highlighted in our Nexus 7 troubleshooting documentation, Google Currents synchronization is frequently identified as a source of performance degradation on the Nexus 7. Should your device exhibit sluggishness or unresponsiveness to touch inputs, access the Currents application.
Navigate to its Settings menu and deactivate the Syncing function. This action will prevent Google Currents from continuously downloading and recording data while operating in the background.
Optimizing Background Processes
Consider disabling background synchronization within other applications as well. Alternatively, configure these apps to synchronize data less frequently. Similar performance issues can arise from other applications engaging in constant background data transfer.
Reports from users on Reddit suggest that disabling location access on your tablet may resolve lag experienced with Android 4.2. This will restrict applications such as Google Now and Google Maps from identifying your current geographical position.
However, it represents a potential solution if your tablet's performance is severely compromised. This setting is located under Settings –> Location Access.
Leveraging the AOSP Browser for Enhanced Performance
It’s a common observation that the Chrome browser can exhibit sluggish performance on Android devices. While Chrome operates efficiently on devices like the Google Nexus 4, benefiting from its robust hardware, this isn't consistently the case across all Android platforms.
Specifically, the Nexus 7 often experiences performance limitations when running Chrome, with scrolling frequently appearing choppy and unresponsive. Although improvements have been made to Chrome since the Nexus 7’s release, its speed remains suboptimal.
The browser included with the Android operating system – often referred to as the AOSP (Android Open Source Project) Browser – generally delivers a faster experience. Scrolling, in particular, is noticeably smoother when using the AOSP Browser.
However, it's important to note that the AOSP browser lacks the comprehensive synchronization capabilities offered by Google Chrome.
While Google doesn't pre-install the standard Android browser on devices like the Nexus 7, it can be installed on rooted devices. The AOSP Browser Installer app facilitates this process, allowing users to install the AOSP "Browser" application on their tablet.
Removing Multiple User Accounts
Having several user accounts configured on your Nexus 7 can potentially impact performance. Multiple accounts result in simultaneous data synchronization from various sources.
For instance, three separate user accounts could mean three Gmail accounts are actively syncing in the background concurrently.
Impact on Performance
This continuous background activity can contribute to slowdowns, particularly on the Nexus 7’s older hardware.
If your usage doesn't necessitate multiple user accounts, consider removing them to streamline operations.
Utilizing a single user account can free up system resources and improve overall responsiveness.
How to Delete User Accounts
User accounts can be managed and deleted through the Settings menu. Navigate to the Users screen to begin the process.
From there, you can select and remove any unnecessary user profiles.
Clearing the System CachePerformance enhancements can often be achieved by clearing the cache partition through the Android recovery menu. This process can help to resolve slowdowns.
Begin by completely powering down your Nexus 7 device. Simultaneously press and maintain pressure on the Volume Up, Volume Down, and Power buttons to initiate the device’s startup sequence.
Utilize the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons to navigate to and highlight the "Recovery mode" option. Confirm your selection by pressing the Power button.
Within the recovery menu, use the volume keys to select "wipe cache partition". Confirm this action by pressing the Power button. This action removes temporary application data.
Clearing the cache can often resolve performance issues and contribute to a faster, more responsive user experience on your Nexus 7.
Addressing Performance Issues: Safe Mode and Factory Reset
Should your Nexus 7 exhibit sluggish performance, initiating a boot into safe mode is a recommended first step. This process launches a streamlined, default system environment, excluding all third-party applications.
By doing so, you can effectively determine if the slowdown is attributable to applications installed by the user – potentially widgets, dynamic wallpapers, or background processes.
Utilizing Safe Mode for Diagnostics
Safe mode provides a controlled environment for identifying the source of performance degradation. It allows for a clear assessment of whether pre-installed software or user-installed apps are impacting system speed.
A factory reset offers a more comprehensive solution, allowing you to revert the device to its original state. This effectively clears all user data and settings.
Fortunately, a significant portion of your data is typically synchronized with your Google account. This includes a record of previously installed applications, facilitating a relatively straightforward restoration process following the reset.
Performing a Factory Reset
Consider a factory reset as a means of eliminating software-related causes of slow performance. It provides a fresh start for your Nexus 7.
The ability to restore apps from your Google account minimizes the inconvenience associated with a factory reset, streamlining the recovery of your personalized device configuration.
Reverting to a Previous Android Version or Installing a Custom ROM
Should you be dissatisfied with the performance of your Nexus 7 after the Android 4.2 update, a solution exists – reverting to Android 4.1.2 is possible. This requires obtaining the correct factory image from Google and utilizing the provided .bat file to flash the software.
While not a guaranteed fix for performance issues, this downgrade is worth considering if you recall significantly faster operation under Android 4.1, particularly if previous troubleshooting steps haven't yielded improvements.
Exploring Custom ROM Options
Similar to other Android devices, users can enhance their Nexus 7 experience by installing custom ROMs, such as Cyanogenmod.
These alternative operating systems can potentially offer performance boosts and additional features.
Hardware Limitations and Future Updates
It's important to acknowledge that the Nexus 7’s original hardware wasn't top-of-the-line even at its release. Consequently, it’s unsurprising that its performance lags behind newer tablets like the iPad Mini, which benefit from more powerful processors.
The NVIDIA Tegra 3 chipset found within the Nexus 7 is now less competitive compared to more recent hardware advancements.
Industry expectations suggest that Google is preparing to release a new Nexus 7 model with upgraded internal components in the near future to address these limitations.
Do you have any further suggestions for optimizing the speed of a Nexus 7?
Image Source: Johan Larsson on Flickr