When we get our hands on shiny new gadgets, we’re all about keeping them in perfect condition. But as time goes on, we often get a little too relaxed and forget to give our devices the TLC they deserve. To give you a friendly nudge and help kick bad habits to the curb, we’ve put together a handy list of good tech habits to keep your devices happy and healthy in 2025!
Restarting your device
Leaving your devices on 24/7 can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the components of your devices. It also consumes more energy and can potentially cause overheating.
We recommend restarting your mobile phone and computer at least once a week to improve its performance. A simple restart—rather than just shutting down—helps your device run better by clearing memory, refreshing the system kernel, resetting the cache, and finishing pending updates. Shutting down, on the other hand, stores current system data so it can reload quickly, which can also reload existing issues.
Please note: Macs are the exception to this restarting vs shutting down rule. In fact, the roles are reversed. So, it’s best practice to shut down your Mac regularly, rather than restart it.
If you have a Windows device, we recommend that you disable fast startup. To do this open control panel > power options > choose what the power buttons do > change settings that are currently unavailable. Now simply untick fast startup.
Partial charging
Excessive charging can harm your computer’s battery over time. This is because devices, such as your laptop and smartphone, are powered by lithium ion batteries. Excessive heat is lithium ion’s worst enemy, and over charging produces heat!
To build good tech habits and keep your devices in top condition, we recommend avoiding overnight charging. And, if you’re wondering for example, how to charge your phone correctly, we’ve got you covered. To maintain optimal battery health, keep your device’s charge between 20% and 80%, whether it’s plugged in or running on battery. It’s a simple habit that can make a big difference in your battery’s longevity!
Updating software and operating systems
Updates don’t just bring improved features—they also come with important bug fixes and enhanced security. So, when you’re prompted to install the latest update, make sure you do it. It’s one of the more important of the good tech habits we recommended.
If you’re wondering where to even begin and how to update devices, check out our blog where we show you how to find and update your device’s operating system!
Browsing the web protected
Relying on your own common sense shouldn’t be your only protection when browsing the internet.
The internet is a prime spot for scammers because of its vastness, lack of regulation and anonymity. Even legitimate websites can become infected with malware. So, amongst the many good tech habits you should adopt in 2025, this one is a biggie!
We recommend the web extension, Malwarebytes’ Browser Guard!
Allowing airflow
Especially this time of year, it’s a good habit to consistently ensure your device’s vents aren’t obstructed, and that they are getting optimal airflow. This is because minimal airflow can cause your device to overheat, which can ultimately cause damage to your device’s lithium ion battery.
Wondering how to cool down laptop? A simple tip is to keep your devices off plush surfaces, which can block airflow. Another is to always keep them out of direct sunlight to prevent them from heating up unnecessarily!
Cleaning dust and grime build up regularly
One major cause of overheating in devices is the buildup of dust and grime. For example, a dusty PC can lead to performance issues over time and may even shorten the lifespan of critical components like the central processing unit (CPU), which is often referred to as the ‘brain’ of a computer.
We recommend using compressed air to regularly blow out dust from your PC to keep it running smoothly. Need other tips for how to clean your computer? Check out our blog on how to clean your computer and smartphone.
Backing up your data
You might feel confident that you are keeping your data safe, but there are numerous reasons, many beyond your control, that can lead to data loss. These can include human error, power failures, hardware malfunctions, ransomware, malware and more!
To prevent something happening to your data that is beyond your control, good tech habits include regularly backing up your data! If you want to look at some of the tools you have available to do this, read our blog on different computer backup options.
Using a surge protector
Standard power outlets don’t provide protection against power surges. Power surges can occur due to lightning strikes, power outages, or electrical faults—things completely out of your control. These surges send sudden spikes of electricity through your devices, potentially causing significant damage.
To protect your electronics and reduce the risk of costly repairs or replacements, consider investing in a surge protector power board or single-outlet surge protectors.
Now you’ve got some great tech habits to kickstart your 2025 goals! Remember, the more care you show your devices, the longer they’ll last—and the more money you’ll save in the long run. And if you ever need computer repairs, one of the smartest habits is to trust the professionals. That’s where we come in—book a geek with us and keep your tech in top shape!
