If you have just jumped on the new Android 16 and noticing Android 16 update slowing down OnePlus 12R , don’t be surprised. It has happened with multiple users. Things like laggy scrolling, apps not opening smoothly, and that frustrating overall sluggishness. These are signs of cry for repair.
Major OS updates like this one (built on OxygenOS 16) can sometimes malfunction in older models due to introducing new features. There could be compatibility glitches with your phone functions. Whatever be teh reason, let’s dig it out and fix it rught away!
Also read: Vivo Y83 Pro Aux Jack Not Working? Repair It Fast With Cashify!
Why Is Android 16 Update Slowing Down OnePlus 12R?

if you are noticing the sluggishness particularly afte getting the Android 16 update, it is most probably the culprit. Android 16 is known to bring AI features, better privacy controls, and refined animations. However, what many people overlook is that it can also bloat up RAM usage or conflict with older app data. On the OnePlus 12R, users have reported slower animations and delays while switching apps after update. It might be connected to OxygenOS’s new design elements. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset in your phone is a beast, so this isn’t hardwar, it’s software settling in.
We will sort it out without needing a factory reset right away (though that’s a last resort).
Also read: No Sound In Headphones? Fix Audio Jack On Samsung Galaxy A05 In 3 Easy Steps
Quick Troubleshooting For Android 16 Update Slowing Down OnePlus 12R
These are the low-effort wins that resolve 80 per cent of slowdowns. Give them a shot first.
Do The classic Phone Restart
Sometimes, a simple reboot clears out stuck processes.
- Press and hold the power button > Tap “Restart.” If that doesn’t stick, try a soft reboot: Hold power + volume down for 10 seconds until it vibrates and restarts.
Why it works: Flushes RAM and stops rogue background tasks from the update.
Pro tip: Do this weekly anyway. It’s like hitting refresh.
Wipe the Cache Partition
Android’s cache builds up junk files, and updates can make it worse. Most of the time low storage and cache build up togther make teh phone performance sluggish.
- Power off your OnePlus 12R.
- Press and hold Volume Down + Power until the bootloader screen appears (OnePlus logo).
- Use volume keys to go to “Recovery Mode” > Press power to select.
- In recovery, select “Wipe Cache Partition” > Confirm with power button.
- Reboot from the menu.
Why it works: Clears temporary files without touching your data or apps.
Also read: OnePlus Nord 2T 5G Screen Replacement Cost & Process Explained!
Update Apps and Check for System Patches
Outdated apps can clash with Android 16’s new APIs, causing stutters.
- Open Google Play Store > Tap your profile > “Manage apps & device” > Updates > Update all.
- For system updates: Settings > System > System Update > Check for updates. Install any OxygenOS patches. They often include performance tweaks.
Why it works: Android 16 optimises for newer app versions. Old ones drag things down.
Also, enable auto-updates in Play Store settings to stay ahead.
Free Up Storage Space
Low storage forces the phone to work harder. So maybe it’s not the Android 16 update slowing down OnePlus 12R but the exsisting low storage space. Clear space with these steps:
- Settings > Storage > Free up space > Review and delete large files, unused apps, or old downloads.
- Aim for at least 20% free (your 128/256/512GB drive will thank you).
- Offload to cloud: Use Google Photos for auto-backup and delete locals.
Why it works: Full storage slows read/write speeds. Android 16’s bigger footprint needs room to breathe.
If none of these workout, you can attempt a bit advanced troublshoot like:
Also read: How To Deal With Battery Drain Issue On OnePlus Nord CE 4?
Change Animations for increasing speed
OxygenOS 16’s animations are smoother but can feel drawn-out. It mimicks iOS-style delays. To change settings, go:
- Go to Settings > About phone.
- Tap “Build number” 7 times to enable Developer Options.
- Back to Settings > System > Developer options.
- Scroll to “Window animation scale,” “Transition animation scale,” and “Animator duration scale” > Set all to 0.5x (or 0x for no animations).
Why it works: Reduces visual fluff, making app launches and switches feel instant. Some users have actually reported this fixes post-update “iPhone-like” lag on OnePlus 12 series.
It changes the look slightly, but you can always revert.
Manage RAM and Background Apps
Android 16 ramps up multitasking. Clogged RAM may cause Android 16 update slowing down OnePlus 12R.
- Settings > Battery > More settings > RAM Booster (or High Performance mode if available, toggle it on for heavy use).
- For app management: Settings > Apps > See all apps > Select a culprit (e.g., social media) > Battery > Restrict background activity.
- Use the built-in optimizer: Swipe down from top > Tap the gear > “Optimise now” (or search for “Optimiser” in Settings).
Why it works: Frees up your 12R’s 8/16GB RAM, which gets overloaded by new features.
Close unused apps via recent apps overview, but don’t overdo it. Android handles this better than we think.
Also Read: OnePlus Nord 2 Not Charging! Know Why And How To Fix!
Cashify For OnePlus 12R Repair
If you are not sure what went wrong with the Oneplus 12R performance, don’t panic. Also if the above mentioned troublshoots don’t work out, it’s time for professional intervention. If you are looking for an affordable, hassle-free quality mobile repair, there’s no better option than Cashify. This is a certified platform that offers a variety of phone repair by experienced technicians. They can carry out proper diagonistics on the OnePlus 12R performance. Whether it’s battery or software issue or any other hardware damage causing it, they can fix it right away.
- Get instant mobile repair done at your place or at Cashify store.
- Free doorstep service
- High quality repair parts
- Transparent and affordable pricing that is at par with the market.
- Discounts that further lower the price.
- Warranty on battery and screen replacements.
In The End
Performance is a great deal breaker for a smartphone. If that feature is not there anymore because of a new update, it’s time to take action. But luckily Android 16 update slowing down OnePlus 12R only sounds like a software issue. So you may be able to fixit with the troublshoots mentioned here in the article. If not, you can simply turn to Cashify. It’s the best hassle-free place with skilled professionals who would do the Oneplus phone repair job for you. And it doesn’t even cost much! Schedule a visit today!
(Use code RPR50 to get upto 50% off on mobile phone repair booked through online platform.)
Also read: Frozen On The Logo? Unbrick Your OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G In Minutes!
If you’ve just bought a new phone and don’t know what to do with your old phone, then here’s your answer. Sell your old mobile to Cashify and get the best price for it. If you are planning to buy a new phone, check out Cashify’s refurbished mobile phones. You can get your favourite phone at almost half price with a six-month warranty, 15-day refund and free delivery.
