50 Tech Tips for a Fresh Start in 2026

Delete apps you haven't used in 3+ months - they're taking up space and may be security risks

Clear your browser history and cached files to speed up web browsing

Empty your email trash and spam folders - they can grow to gigabytes over time

Remove old text message threads with images and videos that hog storage

Unsubscribe from 5 email newsletters you never read anymore

Delete duplicate photos from your camera roll (most phones have a built-in tool for this)

Clear out your downloads folder on your computer - it's probably full of forgotten files

Remove old voicemails you've already listened to

Delete screenshots you no longer need

Clear your clipboard history if your device has one

Never trust a video call from 'family' asking for money - AI can now clone voices and faces. Always call them back on a number you know

Watch for 'too perfect' emails - AI-written scam emails now have perfect grammar and personalization

Be suspicious of urgent messages claiming to be from banks, the IRS, or tech companies

Use a family code word that only real family members would know for emergency money requests

Check email sender addresses carefully - scammers use addresses like 'support@amaz0n.com' with zeros instead of 'o's

Don't click links in text messages from unknown numbers, even if they mention a package delivery

If a deal seems too good to be true (like 90% off), it's almost certainly a scam

Never give remote access to your computer to someone who called you unexpectedly

Report suspicious calls and texts to your carrier by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM)

Enable two-factor authentication on your most important accounts (email, banking, social media)

Increase text size system-wide: Settings → Display → Text Size (drag slider right)

Enable Bold Text for easier reading: Settings → Display → Bold Text

Turn on Reduce Motion if animations make you dizzy: Settings → Accessibility → Motion

Use Magnifier to turn your phone into a magnifying glass: Settings → Accessibility → Magnifier

Enable Speak Screen to have your phone read articles aloud: Settings → Accessibility → Spoken Content

Set up Voice Control to navigate your phone entirely hands-free

Increase touch sensitivity if the screen doesn't always respond: Settings → Accessibility → Touch

Enable LED Flash for Alerts if you miss notification sounds

Turn on Hearing Aids compatibility mode for clearer phone calls

Use Reachability on large phones to bring the top of the screen within thumb reach

Create 5-10 photo albums for major categories: Family, Pets, Travel, Holidays, Documents

Use the Favorites feature to mark photos you love - access them instantly anytime

Delete blurry, duplicate, and accidental photos (screenshot of your pocket, anyone?)

Back up your photos to the cloud so you never lose precious memories

Create email folders for: Bills, Medical, Family, Shopping, Important

Set up email rules to automatically sort incoming messages into the right folders

Archive old emails instead of deleting - they're searchable but out of your inbox

Unsubscribe from marketing emails using the 'unsubscribe' link at the bottom

Star or flag important emails you need to respond to later

Clean up your contacts by merging duplicates and deleting outdated entries

Restart your router once a month by unplugging it for 30 seconds - fixes many issues

Move your router to a central location, away from walls and metal objects

Know your Wi-Fi password - write it down and keep it somewhere safe

Use Airplane Mode for 30 seconds to reset your phone's connection when having issues

Update your router's firmware for better security and performance

Forget and reconnect to Wi-Fi networks that aren't working properly

Use a Wi-Fi extender if you have dead spots in your home

Disable Wi-Fi on devices you're not using to reduce network congestion

Check for ISP outages in your area before troubleshooting your own equipment

Consider upgrading your internet plan if you're streaming video on multiple devices