Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. As a person who covers consumer tech for a living, I get to use a few dozen smartphones every year. While I almost always advise on which is the new best smartphone, the majority of consumers don’t upgrade every year. I have friends and family who tell me they don’t want to upgrade and ask, “How can I make my current phone faster?” I finally have an answer. Also: The best phones to buy in 2026 I don’t get to use review devices for long, but I have picked up tips and tricks from years of experience that can help boost the speed of your old Android phone. Before you ask, it doesn’t involve rooting your device. These tips are easy to implement for both tech-savvy consumers and the average Joe.  If your Android phone has started feeling slow, you should primarily focus on clearing its storage. If you’re unsure about where to start, here are a few steps you can take to make your …