Give your devices a fresh start: 6 essential spring-cleaning steps

[simonb]

As the flowers bloom and the days grow longer, the arrival of spring signals a time for renewal and rejuvenation. While many people associate spring cleaning with tidying up their homes, it's likewise important to extend it to the digital realm–specifically to our smartphones and computers. Spring cleaning them can bring you numerous surprising benefits, ensuring that your digital life is organized, efficient, and secure.

It’s worth noting that a cluttered phone or computer can contribute to mental clutter. Unnecessary notifications, unused apps, and disorganized files can be distracting and overwhelming. By spring cleaning your phones and computers, you create a more focused and secure digital environment, reducing distractions and promoting a sense of order and clarity.

Below are 6 reasons to spring clean your digital life – and tips on how to do it.

1. Free up storage for new photos, videos, and apps
   Over time, our devices become overloaded with old files, apps we no longer use, and random downloads. This not only takes up space but can also slow things down. By clearing out unnecessary content, you ensure your phone and computer run smoothly while keeping room available for new memories and must-have apps.

How to clean up storage:

• Upload important photos and videos to cloud storage or an external drive.
• Delete unnecessary photos, videos, and downloads.
• Uninstall apps you no longer use—if you need them later, you can always reinstall.
  
  

2. Boost performance and extend battery life

Unused apps and background processes consume memory, leading to sluggish performance. Regular cleanup helps optimize its performance by removing redundant files and apps that may be running in the background. This results in a snappier and more responsive device, making everything you do on it a bit faster and more fun to do.

Unused apps also consume power in the background. By removing them and limiting background activity, your battery lasts longer, making your device more reliable throughout the day.
Steps to improve speed and battery life:

• Delete apps you don’t use anymore.
• Clear cache and temporary files in your phone’s storage settings.
• Use built-in memory optimization tools, if available.

3. Stay organized and improve efficiency

Spring cleaning is not just about deleting files; it's also an opportunity to organize and categorize your digital content. Create folders, sort photos, and organize apps into relevant categories. Organizing your phone and desktop not only make them aesthetically pleasing but it makes it easier to find what you need quickly, improving efficiency and reducing frustration.

Ways to stay organized:

• Group similar apps into folders (e.g., social media, work, entertainment, finances).
• Sort photos and files into albums or categorized folders.
• Use cloud services to store important documents for easy access.

4. Strengthen privacy and security

Cyber threats are rising, and keeping your security settings updated is crucial. Reviewing app permissions and deleting unused apps reduces vulnerabilities, on top of a cleaner look.

How to do it:

• Check app permissions and remove any that seem unnecessary.
• Turn off location tracking for apps that don’t need it.
• Review social media privacy settings and make your accounts private.

5. Improve password protection

Weak or reused passwords put your personal data at risk. 2024 was an especially difficult year regarding data breaches, as the “Mother of All Breaches” alone compromised 26 billion records of personal information – including passwords. If your credentials are compromised, hackers can take over your account – especially if you reuse passwords on multiple accounts.

Spring cleaning presents a great opportunity to check your situation and fix any password issues you might have.

How to do it:

• Use a password manager like TalkTalk SuperSafe to generate and store strong and unique passwords.
• Check if your credentials have been leaked with an identity protection tool.
• Change any compromised passwords immediately.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for important accounts.

6. Prevent viruses & malware

Cyber threats are evolving rapidly. In 2025, almost 20 million new malware variants have already been detected. Keeping your device clean ensures protection against cybercriminals looking to exploit outdated security measures.

An antivirus scan as part of your spring cleaning routine ensures your device is free from harmful software. This not only removes existing threats but also prevents future infections, keeping your system secure.

How to do it:

• Install antivirus software like TalkTalk SuperSafe and run a full system scan.
• Enable real-time protection to prevent future infections.
• Keep your operating system and apps updated to patch security vulnerabilities.

Refresh your digital life, one step at a time

Spring is the perfect opportunity to refresh your digital world. By decluttering your phone and computer, you’ll enjoy better performance, organization, and security. And don’t worry—this doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Tackle one step at a time, and soon, your device will feel as good as new.

So, grab your digital broom and start dusting off your virtual shelves—your device (and your peace of mind) will thank you!

TalkTalk SuperSafe – keep your kids protected online

With TalkTalk SuperSafe you can protect up to 10 devices keeping all of the family’s smartphones, tablets and computers safe. Go to My Account and add SuperSafe to your account. SuperSafe online security is just £6 per month.

•             Browsing protection to block malicious sites
•             Antivirus that blocks fake apps before installing them
•             A password manager for safe login on all devices
•             Parental controls to keep your children safe

Once you’ve selected SuperSafe in My Account, you will receive an email to install the app onto your devices.

(Prices correct at time of publishing)