I have an Android Razr Maxx which I bought in Aug 12. Lately it has been acting up. It is so slow and some apps don't even load. I have the most issues with the Facebook mobile app. It has been so frustrating lately. I was wondering if I do a "root" will that possibly speed up the phone? I did disable some pre-loaded apps on my phone like Skype, NFL app, etc. I have only used 1.9 of the 3 gigs of the memory/space and the phone has the latest software version (4.2.1).

Thank you for any suggestions.

Rooting does nothing to speed up a phone. I'd simply recommend a full wipe/format and clean it up. Rooting is essentially the same as logging into your laptop as an admin.

That said, when rooted, you can install other firmwares that may not have as much junk in them. Alternatively, you could sell it and invest in something like the Moto X.

Thanks ScottC. Once I am able, I am ready to trade this phone in. I might just do the factory reset. If I do that, any recommendations on what to use for backing up contacts, texts, etc? I use Dropbox for my pictures so I know those are still saved.

Before you do anything drastic, follow these instructions to wipe the cache partition. You may have to try several times before you get to the Droid triage screen.

I recently upgraded from a Droid Razr (identical to the Maxx except for its pitiful battery) to a Droid Maxx (which isn't a Razr Maxx -- what was Verizon thinking?) and I couldn't be happier.

The Droid Maxx has a terrific battery, 32 GB nonexpandable memory, and a dual-core processor that can actually keep up with everything I like to do. It comes with Motorola's Migrate utility which transfers all your files, pictures and text messages from the old phone.

Same phone here, and same problems with sluggish performance. I did a factory data reset and my phone is like new again. It still keeps the latest OS, your app data can be backed up to your google account (the wipe process prompts you to do this), you'll just need to download your apps again from the market (which can be done in one batch). If your contacts are sync'd to gmail you won't lose anything.

I wish I did it months ago. The partition wipes really didn't help. I think it has everything to do with several OS upgrades on this phone since I got it. A data reset got rid of the gremlins.

Ok, so I tried to follow the steps for partition wipes and it I couldn't get to the screen in step 4. I gave that up and did the factory reset. I backed up my contacts, SMS, and call logs. I forgot to back up my calendar. I did the reset and installed my previously downloaded apps. All seemed to work except for 1 toggle widget (airplane). First, when I added it to my homescreen, the name was automatically changed to Verizon. Then I uninstalled and then reinstalled. I got the toggle but it was a smaller size of the other toggles I have.

I just tried Facebook and get the same issue (it stops working when I try to post or view group updates). At least the phone seems a little bit faster and isn't slow anymore.

The good news is that I am eligible for an upgrade in 2 months and will get the new version of the Droid Maxx.

Saw your OP earlier, it seemed that if you unlock the bootloader & root it, and flash one of the custom Rom available via XDA-Developers dot com, you might experience better performance & overall responsiveness - from what I was reading on their site. Unless you purchased extended warranty, tech support @ VZW won't be able to much for you - sometimes, they will allow early upgrade as it sounded like you plan to renew & upgrade to their current offering. If you have a corporate rep. assigned to your VZW account, it wouldn't hurt to ask after having tech. support put notes on your support history in their system.

Are you running stock Gingerbread or was it upgraded to 4.1 Jelly Bean? Hardware/specs. designed for GB roms generally don't do that well with JB upgrade, despite some of the best work done via XDA geeks.

Since this is a global phone, it's worthwhile to keep it as a spare - if the Sim slot hasn't been unlocked, you should call up Global Support & ask them to provide you with the free unlock code while it's still active & in good standing for the account, so that you can use it with any Sim card, as the HSPA bands (not so much the LTE) would at least give you 3G data access, that's useful if & when you travel abroad. It will also enhance its eB** pre-owned value if it is in good to excellent condition & choose to sell it, although they generally don't get much vs. iPhones or other equivalent GSM devices.

That isn't necessary. Droid Razr and Razr Maxx phones were never locked for use outside the US.

The simplest solution for contacts is to back them up with Google.

rooting it and putting a custom ROM on it might be a good idea if you're tech savvy if not, I would suggest as the others to restore it back to stock specs. Personally I would root it and then apply a custom ROM, that will get rid of a lot of the bloatware, you'll also be allowed to put on a custom kernel and then vary the clock speed of the CPU it will help with some bigger apps and help with battery life when the phone is not in use.

While rooting the Droid RAZR MAXX is definitely a possibility (and in my experience desirable), unlocking the bootloader is not. One must work around the issue by installing safestrap on the (rooted) device, then install a custom rom image in a safestrap "slot."

Fine if you find such things enjoyable, but there is risk associated with doing it (i.e. bricking your phone).