I was reading an article on how to make an old Android phone, new. What strikes me how far off they are. The article covered mainly wallpaper, fonts and launcher. So here is my take.
- Change the screen protector. If the model for your phone is not available, choose the nearest size in plastic and trim!!
- Replace the phone case. After years of use, that phone case has taken its share of beating. It is time to refresh that.
With the above 2 items, you have a phone that looks like nearly new. For a phone that works like new, you can factory reset your phone. This will clear out all the apps and install the latest version. This will also remove apps no longer in the Play store, eg Jabra Service, Jabra Assist etc.
- Save the configuration of your apps, delete unused apps and backup off the phone. Copy out the Podcasts, Music, Videos, Download and Pictures folders. Google Camera configuration folders if any.
- Backup text and Whatsapp messages off the phone.
- Double check your Google password on another computer by starting private or incognito browser window and login.
- Follow the manufacturer’s guide on factory reset.
- After reboot, Google will ask if you want to restore. Click Yes.
- Note some apps don’t restore well from Google backup, eg. WhatsApp.
- For these apps, it is easier to the apps storage and restore.
After an hour you will have freshly installed and feels like new phone.