RCA Tablet 7 Voyager Review: Proven Fixes For Slow Performance

Slow performance on your RCA Tablet 7 Voyager? Don’t worry! This guide provides easy-to-follow, proven solutions to speed up your tablet. We’ll cover common issues and simple fixes to get your Voyager running smoothly again, making your tablet experience enjoyable once more.

Mastering Your RCA Tablet 7 Voyager: Tackling Slow Performance Head-On

Hello there! Walter Moore here from Tabletzoo, your friendly guide to all things tablets. Many of us have been there – you pull out your trusty RCA Tablet 7 Voyager, ready to browse, game, or work, only to be met with frustratingly slow loading times and laggy responses. It’s a common hiccup with many devices, and especially with entry-level tablets like the Voyager, it can feel like a real roadblock. But before you start thinking about replacing it, know that there are usually simple, effective ways to revitalize its performance. We’re going to dive into some proven fixes that can make a real difference, turning your sluggish tablet back into a responsive tool for your daily digital life. Let’s get your Voyager back up to speed!

Understanding Why Your RCA Tablet 7 Voyager Might Be Slow

It’s easy to get frustrated when your tablet feels like it’s moving through molasses. Understanding the common culprits behind slow performance can empower you to tackle the issue effectively. For the RCA Tablet 7 Voyager, like many budget-friendly tablets, performance can be impacted by resource limitations and typical software bloat that accumulates over time. These devices are fantastic for basic tasks, but they have a finite amount of processing power and memory (RAM). When these get overburdened, everything slows down.

Some of the most frequent reasons for sluggishness include:

• Too many apps running simultaneously in the background.
• A lack of available storage space.
• Outdated software or apps.
• Excessive cache data built up over time.
• Malware or potentially unwanted programs (PUPs).
• Hardware limitations that become more apparent with age or more demanding app versions.

The good news is, most of these issues are fixable without needing to be a tech whiz. We’ll guide you through each step, making it simple and straightforward.

Proven Fixes to Boost Your RCA Tablet 7 Voyager’s Performance

Let’s get down to business! Here are some tried-and-true methods to help your RCA Tablet 7 Voyager regain its zip.

1. The Universal Fix: Restart Your Tablet

It sounds almost too simple to be true, but a good old-fashioned restart can work wonders. When your tablet is on for an extended period, temporary files can bog down the system, and apps can sometimes get stuck in a loop. A restart clears out this temporary clutter and gives your tablet a fresh start.

How to do it:

1. Press and hold the power button until the power options appear on the screen.
2. Tap “Restart” (or “Power off” if “Restart” isn’t an option, then press the power button again to turn it back on).
3. Allow your tablet to fully boot up.

Try this first, especially if you haven’t restarted your tablet in a while. You might be surprised by the immediate improvement.

2. Close Background Apps: Free Up That RAM!

Your tablet’s Random Access Memory (RAM) is like its short-term memory. When too many apps are open, even if you’re not actively using them, they consume RAM. On devices with limited RAM like the Voyager, this can quickly lead to performance issues.

How to close background apps:

1. Look for the “Recents” or “Overview” button. This is usually a square icon or three vertical lines at the bottom of your screen, near the Home and Back buttons.
2. Tap this button to see all your currently open apps.
3. To close an app, you usually swipe it away (either up, down, left, or right, depending on your interface).
4. You might also see a “Clear All” or “Close All” button at the top or bottom of the recents screen – use this for a quick cleanup.

It’s a good habit to close apps you’re finished with rather than just switching to another one.

3. Free Up Storage Space: Less Clutter, More Speed

Just like your computer, your tablet needs free space to operate efficiently. When the internal storage gets too full, the operating system struggles to create temporary files, run updates, and perform other essential functions. Aim to keep at least 10-15% of your storage free.

What to remove:

• Unused Apps: Go through your app list and uninstall anything you haven’t used in months.
• Old Photos & Videos: Back them up to a cloud service (like Google Photos) or a computer, then delete them from your tablet.
• Downloaded Files: Check your “Downloads” folder for old documents, music, or other files you no longer need.
• App Data: Some apps store a lot of data. Consider clearing the cache or data for apps you don’t use often (see section 5).

To check your storage:

1. Go to “Settings.”
2. Tap on “Storage.”
3. See how much space is used and what’s taking it up.

Tip: Consider using a microSD card (if your Voyager model supports it) for storing photos, videos, and some apps to free up internal storage.

4. Update Your Software and Apps

Manufacturers and app developers frequently release updates that include performance improvements and bug fixes. Running outdated software can lead to compatibility issues and slower performance. This is particularly true for the Android operating system and individual apps.

How to update your tablet’s system:

1. Go to “Settings.”
2. Scroll down and tap on “System” (or “About tablet”).
3. Tap on “System update” (or “Software update”).
4. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it. Make sure your tablet is connected to Wi-Fi and has sufficient battery life or is plugged in.

How to update your apps:

1. Open the Google Play Store app.
2. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
3. Tap “Manage apps & device.”
4. Under “Updates available,” tap “Update all” or select individual apps to update.

Keeping everything up-to-date is crucial for security and performance.

5. Clear App Cache and Data

Apps store temporary files called “cache” to help them load faster. However, over time, this cache can become corrupted or excessively large, leading to slower performance or even app crashes. Clearing the cache can often resolve these issues.

How to clear cache for a specific app:

1. Go to “Settings.”
2. Tap “Apps” or “Applications.”
3. Find and tap on the app you want to clear the cache for (e.g., your web browser, social media app).
4. Tap “Storage.”
5. Tap “Clear cache.”

Important Note: Be careful when tapping “Clear Data” (or “Clear Storage”). This will reset the app to its default state, meaning you’ll have to log in again and it will delete all your saved settings and data within that app. It’s usually best to try “Clear cache” first.

You can also clear the cache for all apps simultaneously, though this option might be buried deep in settings or not available on all Android versions. Typically, this is managed through individual app settings.

6. Uninstall Bloatware and Unnecessary Apps

Many tablets come pre-loaded with apps that you might never use, often referred to as “bloatware.” These apps not only take up storage space but can also run processes in the background, consuming valuable resources. If you can’t uninstall them, consider disabling them.

How to uninstall:

1. Go to “Settings” > “Apps.”
2. Tap on the app you want to remove.
3. If an “Uninstall” button is available, tap it.

How to disable (if uninstall isn’t an option):

1. Go to “Settings” > “Apps.”
2. Tap on the app you want to disable.
3. Tap the “Disable” button. This prevents the app from running in the background and appearing in your app drawer.

Be cautious when disabling system apps. If you’re unsure, it’s best to leave them alone. Focus on third-party apps you installed or pre-loaded apps you know you won’t use.

7. Check for Malware

While less common on Android tablets than on computers, malware or potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) can sometimes find their way onto your device, often through sketchy app downloads or malicious websites. These can significantly slow down your tablet as they run hidden processes.

What to do:

• Install a reputable antivirus app from the Google Play Store. Popular options include Malwarebytes, Bitdefender, or Avast.
• Run a full system scan.
• Follow the app’s instructions to remove any threats found.

Prevention is key: Only download apps from trusted sources like the Google Play Store, and be wary of suspicious email attachments or links.

8. Reduce Animations and Visual Effects

Android has various visual effects and animations that make the interface look smoother. While nice, these can be resource-intensive on older or less powerful hardware. Turning them off or reducing them can free up processing power.

How to enable Developer Options (if not already enabled):

1. Go to “Settings.”
2. Tap “About tablet.”
3. Scroll down to “Build number.”
4. Tap on “Build number” seven times rapidly. You’ll see a message saying “You are now a developer!”

How to adjust animations:

1. Go back to “Settings.”
2. Tap “System,” then “Developer options.”
3. Scroll down until you find options like:
   • Window animation scale
   • Transition animation scale
   • Animator duration scale
4. Tap on each of these and set them to “.5x” or “Animation off.” Setting them to “Animation off” will give the biggest boost but might make the interface feel less fluid.

This is a fantastic tweak for boosting perceived speed on most Android devices.

9. Factory Reset: The Last Resort

If you’ve tried all the above steps and your RCA Tablet 7 Voyager is still unacceptably slow, a factory reset might be your best option. This process wipes your tablet clean, returning it to its original factory settings, much like when you first got it. It’s a drastic step, but it can often resolve deep-seated software issues that other methods can’t.

Before you begin: BACK UP EVERYTHING!

• Photos and Videos: Use Google Photos, a cloud service, or transfer them to a computer.
• Contacts: Ensure they are synced with your Google account.
• Important Documents: Back them up.
• App Data: Some apps offer their own backup options.

How to perform a factory reset:

1. Go to “Settings.”
2. Tap “System.”
3. Tap “Reset options” (or “Backup & reset”).
4. Tap “Erase all data (factory reset).”
5. Read the warning carefully and tap “Erase all data” or “Reset tablet.”
6. You may need to enter your PIN or password.
7. Your tablet will restart and go through the setup process as if it were new.

After the reset, install only the apps you truly need and avoid downloading excessive amounts of data immediately. This method is very effective but requires some effort in re-setting up your device.

RCA Tablet 7 Voyager Performance: What to Expect

The RCA Tablet 7 Voyager is designed as an affordable entry-level tablet. It’s great for browsing the web, checking email, watching videos, and simple games. However, it’s important to set realistic expectations. It won’t perform like a high-end tablet with more RAM and a faster processor.

Based on user experiences and reviews, here’s a general performance overview:

Aspect	Typical Performance	Notes
Web Browsing	Moderate (handles basic sites well, struggles with many tabs or heavy JavaScript)	Clear cache regularly, limit open tabs.
Video Streaming	Good (YouTube, Netflix at standard definition)	Ensure stable Wi-Fi connection.
App Launch Times	Slow to Moderate	Close background apps often.
Gaming	Basic games only (casual, puzzle games). Demanding games will stutter.	Avoid games with high graphical requirements.
Multitasking	Limited (struggles with more than 2-3 apps open)	Stick to single-tasking for best results.
Storage	Limited internal storage (often 16GB or 32GB)	Crucial to manage with external storage or cloud sync.

Understanding these limitations helps in managing your expectations and applying the right fixes. For the tasks it’s designed for, the Voyager can be a perfectly capable device when well-maintained.

Maintaining Peak Performance on Your Voyager

Once you’ve gotten your RCA Tablet 7 Voyager running smoothly again, it’s important to establish some good habits to keep it that way. Proactive maintenance is far easier than fixing significant slowdowns later.

Here are some ongoing tips:

• Regular Restarts: Aim to restart your tablet at least once a week.
• App Management: Uninstall apps you no longer use as soon as you realize they’re just taking up space.
• Storage Monitoring: Keep an eye on your storage levels and clean up files periodically.
• Update Promptly: Install system and app updates as soon as they become available.
• Be Mindful of Battery: Extremely low battery can sometimes cause performance throttling. Keep it adequately charged.
• Use a Lite Browser or App Versions: If possible, use “Lite” versions of apps (like Facebook Lite, Google Go) which are designed to use fewer resources. For browsing, consider minimalist browsers.
• Limit Widgets: Widgets that constantly update can consume resources.

By incorporating these practices into your routine, you can significantly extend the period of good performance for your RCA Tablet 7 Voyager.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: My RCA Tablet 7 Voyager is brand new, but it’s already slow. What should I do?
A1: Even new tablets can benefit from a restart. Also, check for any pending system or app updates from the Google Play Store. Ensure you aren’t running too many apps simultaneously right out of the box, and check how much storage is available. Sometimes, initial setup and background processes can temporarily slow things down.

Q2: Can I upgrade the RAM or storage on my RCA Tablet 7 Voyager?
A2: The RAM is typically soldered onto the motherboard and cannot be upgraded. However, many RCA Voyager models support expandable storage via a microSD card, which is an excellent way to increase available space for photos, videos, and apps.

Q3: Is it safe to clear app data on my RCA Tablet 7 Voyager?
A3: Clearing app data will reset the app to its default state, deleting logins, settings, and saved progress. It’s safe in the sense that it won’t harm your tablet, but you will lose that app’s personalized information. It’s best to try clearing cache first, and only clear data if you’re prepared to reconfigure the app.

Q4: How often should I run a virus scan on my tablet?