Your home isn’t the only place that benefits from a seasonal deep clean. Your digital life—everything from your email inbox to your smartphone settings—could use a refresh, too.
Just like you dust off the shelves and reorganize your garage, a digital spring cleaning helps you clear clutter, protect your personal information and keep your devices running smoothly. Following these steps will ensure you’ve got everything you need to clean up with confidence.
Why Digital Spring Cleaning Matters
A messy digital life doesn’t just slow you down—it can leave your personal data vulnerable. Old accounts, weak passwords, outdated software and forgotten apps are all soft spots hackers can exploit. Cleaning up once a year (or more frequently) can:
- Reduce your risk of identity theft
- Improve device performance
- Keep your family safer online
- Make everyday tasks like logging in or finding files easier
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported over 1.1 million identity theft cases in 2024 alone. A few simple steps today can help make sure you and your family aren’t part of that statistic.
Organize and Secure Your Passwords
If you’re still using the same password for multiple accounts (or worse, one that includes your dog’s name and a few numbers), it’s time for an upgrade. Here are some other password best practices:
- Delete old or unused accounts. Less exposure means less risk.
- Avoid password recycling. A single breach could expose multiple logins.
- Use a password manager. These tools generate strong, unique passwords for each site and store them securely.
Look for password managers that offer breach alerts and multi-device syncing. Some reliable options include Bitwarden, 1Password and Dashlane.
Turn On Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA adds a second step when logging into your accounts, like a code sent to your phone or generated by an app. It’s one of the easiest, most effective ways to block unauthorized access. Start with your most sensitive accounts:
- Online banking
- Social media
- Shopping sites with saved payment info
Most platforms offer MFA in their account settings, often under “Security” or “Login Options.” Choose an authenticator app over text messages when possible for extra protection.
Audit Your Apps and Browser Extensions
Over time, apps and extensions accumulate, many of which you no longer use or even remember installing. Take these steps to perform your audit:
- Delete unused apps from your phone or tablet.
- Revoke access for apps that don’t need your location, microphone or camera.
- Remove browser extensions you don’t recognize.
- Check app permissions, especially on apps that track data in the background.
Cleaning out apps frees up storage and helps reduce data tracking and potential vulnerabilities.
Update Your Devices and Software
Security updates are often released in response to newly discovered threats. If you delay or ignore updates, you’re leaving the door wide open for cybercriminals.
- Turn on auto-updates for your devices, browsers and apps
- Check for firmware updates on smart home devices
- Don’t ignore software update prompts
Outdated software is one of the most common ways hackers get in. Staying updated helps keep the bad guys out.
Back Up Your Data
Losing photos, documents or other important files can happen in an instant due to hardware failure or ransomware. Regular backups can save you from that headache.
- Back up to a cloud service (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox, etc.)
- Use an external hard drive as a secondary backup
- Set a reminder to back up your data monthly
It’s a small habit that can save you a lot of stress in the long run.
Review Your Social Media Privacy Settings
Social media platforms collect more data than most people realize, and their default settings don’t always favor privacy. Here’s how to protect yourself while posting:
- Limit who can see your posts and personal info
- Disconnect apps or services you no longer use
- Turn off location tagging
- Review ad preferences to reduce targeted tracking
Make it a habit to review your privacy settings on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and others at least once a year.
Clean Up Your Inbox and Notifications
Digital clutter doesn’t just eat up storage—it creates distractions.
- Unsubscribe from email lists you don’t read
- Organize emails with folders or labels
- Delete spam and empty your trash
- Turn off unnecessary notifications on your phone
A cleaner inbox can help reduce stress and allow you to focus on what matters.
Bonus Tips for Families with Kids
If you’re running a household, keeping your kids safe online should be part of your digital spring cleaning, too.
- Set parental controls on streaming services and devices
- Use router-based filters to manage screen time and restrict adult content
- Educate your kids about phishing scams, online strangers and data sharing
With Mercury Protect®, you have proactive, simple and customizable safety features at your fingertips, including time limits and content and device controls, so you can manage screen time and access to age-appropriate websites.
Your Internet Connection: The Foundation of Digital Safety
A fast, reliable connection is more than a convenience—it’s a safety tool. Mercury’s high-speed fiber and fixed wireless internet services help ensure smooth software updates, secure cloud backups and stable connections for your devices. We’re proud to serve families across Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri and Ohio with dependable service and local support you can count on. Check to see if we’re available at your home!
Make Digital Spring Cleaning a Habit
You don’t have to clean your digital life every week, but building this into your spring routine can help you stay secure, organized and stress-free all year.
So grab your laptop, open your settings and start deleting, updating and securing—it’s one of the easiest ways to protect your personal data and enjoy peace of mind online.