Hot topics

5 things you shouldn't do with your Android device

AndroidPIT fail2016
© nextpit

We use our smartphones for many things in our professional and private lives. Therefore, we should try to ensure they last as long as possible. Many take precautions like installing anti-virus software and closing background apps, but are these steps really necessary? Here are five things you're doing wrong with your Android device.

AndroidPIT Murder scene 1
Make sure you're not doing anything wrong with your device or you could have problems.  / © ANDROIDPIT

1. Using task killers or manually closing applications

Many of us use task killers or close applications manually from the recent apps menu. But without realizing it that could be harming the performance of our device.

When we first open an app, part of its data is becomes stored in the RAM. This means that when you open the app a second time, it will load faster because of the existence of this previously cached data.

If you remove the app from the recent apps menu, or delete the cache, the data stored in the RAM is lost also. If you then wish to reopen it you have to start this process again.

Only close applications if you must, for instance, if they are draining a lot of battery or occupying too many resources while in the background.

AndroidPIT LG G3 13
Task killers often kill more than intended. / © ANDROIDPIT

2. Using more than one antivirus app

If you feel that you need an antivirus program on your Android device then you should bear in mind that they take up resources like RAM and battery: these are intensive applications that run in the background all the time. But having more than one doesn't make you safer. If you decide to use an antivirus app then make sure you choose wisely among the many available and only use one at a time.

androidpit antivirus
If you decide to protect your device with antivirus software make sure you only use one at a time. / © ANDROIDPIT

3. Ignoring software updates

The operating system of your smartphone needs to be updated periodically to repair deficiencies in security. As soon as you notice an update, accept it. You can even set up your Android device to update automatically. The security of your phone will thank you. It will perform better and be more efficient. 

4. Downloading applications from unreliable sources 

Android APK files can be manipulated to contain malicious software which can infect your device. Make sure all your downloads come from reliable sources such as the Google Play Store, for example. Have a look at our article on how to download an APK for more information on how these work and how you can avoid problems.

androidpit android apk
Beware, downloading APKs from unreliable sources can hurt your device. / © ANDROIDPIT

5. Not restarting your smartphone

There is a lot of controversy surrounding this topic. However, rebooting your device once a week is 'healthy'. On the one hand, memory is saved and temporarily cached data is deleted because it is no longer needed. On the other hand, sometimes memory is blocked and that temporary data is not deleted, which can lead to slowdowns.

Do you have any more common mistakes Android owners make? Let us know in the comments.

The current best Samsung phones to buy

  Editor's choice S23 with a bigger display 2023 flagship 2023 foldable flagship 2022 fodlable flagship 2023 compact foldable 2022 compact foldable Affordable flagship The popular mid-ranger
Product
Image Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Product Image Samsung Galaxy S23+ Product Image Samsung Galaxy S23 Product Image Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Product Image Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 Product Image Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Product Image Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 Product Image Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Product Image Samsung Galaxy A54 Product Image
Review
Review: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Review: Samsung Galaxy S23+
Review: Samsung Galaxy S23
Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
Not yet tested
Hands-on: Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Review: Samsung Galaxy A54
Price
  • $1,199.99
  • $999.99
  • $799.99
  • $1,799.99
  • $1,799.99
  • from $999.99
  • $999.99
  • $699.99
  • $449.99
Offer*
Go to comment (38)
Rosa Donoso

Rosa Donoso
Editor

Born in Valencia, Spain, Rosa works as editor for the spanish AndroidPIT. She doesn't like spanish Tortilla, which makes her "persona non grata" in all social events. Graduated in History, but passionate for Android since the first LG came into her life.

View all articles
Liked this article? Share now!
Recommended articles
Latest articles
Push notification Next article
38 comments
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing

  • Linu S. 9
    Linu S. Nov 3, 2016 Link to comment

    Nice article..


  • Garigov 1
    Garigov May 30, 2016 Link to comment

    Or clicking one million clicks on Chicken Micken game :D


  • soccer cat 1
    soccer cat May 30, 2016 Link to comment

    It's not literally antivirus these days since viruses aren't the problem on phones or PCs anymore. Malware is the concern and saying you've never had any may not be true. It's becoming sophisticated enough that it can hide itself so well that you may never even notice it's there. And having more than one isnt about performance as it is about conflicts between the two programs.


  • 11
    Thomas S May 29, 2016 Link to comment

    2: You don't need an antivirus.
    Simple as that

    Mark G.


  • 3
    George Davis May 29, 2016 Link to comment

    Saving Space, you would think more would be interested in this valuable commodity. I discovered sometime back that there is typically as many 3 APK files (most often 2) for every app installed on your device when you only can use the latest version. It doesn't take too long to get to a 1/2 Gig! WOWI I discovered this condition recently after installing an app called "INSTALLER" by Rhythm Soffware. After starting the app in what appears to be the standard sort, app name, ascending order. In examing the list I noticed each of my installed apps represented with the current version, then the previous version, etc. Another Great feature is that it also lists APK files on your device but Not Installed. These are highlighted in Red. Each item has an Associated check box. There are 2 action items to each selection, you can just delete the APK file or install it. Save Hundreds of megabytes with virtually no effort. The first time I used the app my tablet went from 70% filled to 50% filled, an enormous increase in space, almost too easy to believe, however, it does work! Enjoy...

    Amanda Mack


  • 2
    Mrs_Addams May 28, 2016 Link to comment

    Some devices now come with their own "task-killers" inbuilt like the HiManager in HiOS. Apart from that, in all my experience the third-party killers do more harm than good. bunch of Wasteapps

    Mark G.


  • Rajeevan A. 12
    Rajeevan A. May 27, 2016 Link to comment

    An article with a difference...Thank you..


  • #Thug Life 1
    #Thug Life May 27, 2016 Link to comment

    Adensoup


    • #Thug Life 1
      #Thug Life May 27, 2016 Link to comment

      I love it


  • 5
    Deactivated Account May 26, 2016 Link to comment

    does anyone take these editors..seriously ?? BEST ADVICE HERE IS GO TO A MORE RELIABLE SOURCE LOLOLOLLOL

    lotus


  • 13
    Some Tech Guy May 26, 2016 Link to comment

    1. I only use the task killer in the OS.
    2. I don't use anti-virus. It's a Linux OS. Name once Linux/Unix virus in the wild. Not malware but a true virus.
    3. I manually install security updates. Nexus 6P unlocked BL and TWRP.
    4. Who does that? Only from reliable sources.
    5. I reboot, often. Also a battery pull is not more effective than a hard power off and restart. That is a placebo effect.

    Amanda MackMoni MihailovRaphael Alexander


  • 46
    Deactivated Account May 26, 2016 Link to comment

    Number 5 is one of the main reasons I want a removable battery. Taking the battery out and resetting the phone just keeps everything working better. Hard restarts and just turning your phone off just doesn't do it as well.


  • Alex 17
    Alex May 25, 2016 Link to comment

    I don't agree with the second point we dont need a antivirus app because they don't work as effective as they do in PCs and in android Google itself scans the app after they are been installed so we have inbulit security and I don't agree with that unreliable sources thing because there had been certain experiences where the malware app existed in the google play store itself which have been banned later on and we still don't know that there might be some apps in the huge group of millions and also you can't be always rely on the software updates because some of them makes the phone worser than before.

    GT Ohh


    • 8
      Frank May 26, 2016 Link to comment

      Wow. That's one long-ass sentence.

      Mark G.andrew krystofikJulie


      • Alex 17
        Alex May 26, 2016 Link to comment

        Thanks ,Mate


      • Clinton Edge 3
        Clinton Edge May 29, 2016 Link to comment

        lol yeah punctuation any one


  • Warren JB 10
    Warren JB May 25, 2016 Link to comment

    Blimey, #1 is an eye-opener. I use 'recent apps -> close all' more than the home page button.

    Gypsy Chick


  • 5
    Berend Werkman May 25, 2016 Link to comment

    When i first got my android phone i used to have battery doctor but i noticed that it drained my battery more than it saved battery live

    Mark G.Moni MihailovDwarfer66Raphael Alexander


    • Raphael Alexander 4
      Raphael Alexander May 26, 2016 Link to comment

      That is true.


  • 6
    Robin van Dijke May 25, 2016 Link to comment

    Got a mistake, in last paragraph you say: "One the one hand...". This should be: "On the one hand"


  • Mark G. 28
    Mark G. May 25, 2016 Link to comment

    Arrggghhh! YOU DO NOT NEED antivirus or task manager apps on a Android device.

    I have use Android for the last 6 years and never had a virus or malware nor has anyone else I know.

    People complain about slow running OS or lagging etc but majority of these are caused by running pointless apps.

    The Android OS has everything you need to run in a efficient and effective way. (Settings - Storage).

    You should Always accept Security updates - these are not the same as a full OS upgrade.

    I generally turn my Excellent Samsung Galaxy S5 off or restart as it clears temporary files and is like a refresh. Though I personally don't notice any improvement or lessening of performance.

    I can't believe people use more than 1 antivirus and task cleaner, no wonder your device is not operating efficiently.

    Peace ✌

    andrew krystofikMarcus AmblesideJulieSayrian PillaiGT OhhDwarfer66GrimJimCrowleyitprolondenralph l. seiferRaphael Alexander


    • Raphael Alexander 4
      Raphael Alexander May 25, 2016 Link to comment

      I don't have any antivirus or task manager apps👏

      JulieMark G.


    • 28
      itprolonden May 25, 2016 Link to comment

      Well said!

      Mark G.


  • 7
    Marcus Ambleside May 25, 2016 Link to comment

    1. Manually closing apps...
    What is the alternative to manually closing apps? I've not come across an app that automates closing apps for me. Frankly, if I don't want an app open anymore, then I don't want its debris consuming RAM, either. RAM is precious, don't waste it just to make an app open half a second quicker.

    2. More than one antivirus app...
    Name three VIRUSES that have infected Android devices. VIRUSES. Not malware, spyware, or adware, but viruses. I'm assuming, somewhat optimistically, that you do know the difference between them.

    3. Ignoring software updates...
    Chance would be a fine thing!

    4.Unreliable sources...
    A list of verified unreliable sources, please.

    5. Not restarting your smartphone...
    If I restart it, then all those apps I've left running will need to be launched again! With none of their data in RAM, a simple phone restart risks becoming a prolonged nightmare where I try to run an app and I end up w.a..i...t....i.....n......g
    w.a..i....t........i................n................................g
    w.a..i....t........i................n................................g
    for it to open.

    A task killer might be an option after all.

    GT OhhGypsy ChickJohn MartinRaphael Alexander


    • 28
      itprolonden May 25, 2016 Link to comment

      i would suggest maybe learning how Android uses RAM.

      JulieMark G.


    • 11
      The Multiverse May 26, 2016 Link to comment

      As Itprolondon says, learn the difference between iOS RAM management and Android RAM management; iOS needs as much empty RAM as possible to utilize it, while Android functions best with apps pre-loaded in its RAM.

      Mark G.


      • 7
        Marcus Ambleside May 26, 2016 Link to comment

        "...while Android functions best with apps pre-loaded in its RAM."

        Please explain how an app pre-loaded into RAM will make Android function better. Or for that matter, how an app pre-loaded will make that app function better. Take the stock camera for instance - how will its functions be magically enhanced if it's pre-loaded into RAM. If you can't answer that, maybe you can tell me how its functions will be impaired by not having it preloaded?

        Sure, it may take longer to spring to life, but is load time a function of the app, or a function of inefficient coding?


  • Raphael Alexander 4
    Raphael Alexander May 25, 2016 Link to comment

    I have two app stores I use that I trust right now because they check the apps and tell you if they are suspicious. I found a bad app and a few days later it was removed.

    Dwarfer66John Martin


  • 1
    Vaibhav May 25, 2016 Link to comment

    I have Lenovo k3 note and when I switch between apps using recent tasks then the background app which I select to reopen actually reloads all over again like it loads at the first start!! Why does it happen even when there are only two recent apps in total?? For example if I am checking Gmail and switch to AndroidPit app and again switch to gmail then the screen first becomes white then gmail reloads!! It happens all the time for all the apps with me!! I have Norton Mobile Security installed on my phone. Could it be causing this lag or is my phone losing the charm?? I restart my phone once a day too!! Any help or suggestion in this regard will be highly appreciated.


    • 28
      itprolonden May 25, 2016 Link to comment

      Anything Norton can cause much lag.

      The Multiverse


    • Mark G. 28
      Mark G. May 30, 2016 Link to comment

      Uninstall norton.
      It's most likely that your device manufacturer has optimised the OS to reload. It could also be because you don't have much RAM available, causing the system to reload.


  • 28
    itprolonden May 25, 2016 Link to comment

    I agree with each of these.


  • 4
    Sarah Danks May 25, 2016 Link to comment

    Sorry, but I disagree with #3 rather strongly after the Lollipop fiasco. It slowed our Nexus 7s (2012) to the point that they were nearly unusable. (I took ours and a couple for friends back to KitKat.) I will never again trust a full level upgrade until after I read the reviews and can be reasonably sure that it will work properly on my device.

    GT Ohhralph l. seifer


  • aaditya Singhal 1
    aaditya Singhal May 25, 2016 Link to comment

    Interesting information, i am suffering the same problem like slow phone and found a android cleaner at play store it can handle all those automatically
    Thanks android cleaner


  • 14
    Alex Simpson May 25, 2016 Link to comment

    the problem with software updates is that only nexus devices are getting them often


    • Carmelo Rivera 20
      Carmelo Rivera May 25, 2016 Link to comment

      I love Android, because of everything I can do with the OS. My favorite OEM is LG, but like most of humanity, I hate waiting (for updates), so I switched to Nexus. It's running the latest version, but deep down I'm frustrated because I like LG. You know where I'm going with this...


      • 28
        itprolonden May 25, 2016 Link to comment

        If you have the 5x then you have an LG....


    • 11
      The Multiverse May 25, 2016 Link to comment

      The author probably also means updates in the Play Store..

Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing