How to Start 2026 With a Safer, More Organized Digital Life
A new year brings fresh routines, new goals, and often new technology. After the holidays, it’s common to find yourself juggling new devices, extra apps, and accounts you barely remember creating. Without regular upkeep, digital clutter can slow things down and create unnecessary security risks.
A digital refresh is a simple way to reset. By organizing your devices, reviewing settings, and tightening security, you can make your online life easier to manage and more secure all year long.
Why a Digital Refresh Is Worth Your Time
Just like physical clutter, digital clutter builds up quietly. Old apps, outdated passwords, unused subscriptions, and forgotten devices connected to your accounts can create confusion and leave personal information exposed.
Taking time at the start of the year to review your digital setup helps you:
- Reduce privacy and security risks
- Improve device performance
- Stay organized and save time
- Feel more confident online
Build Smarter Online Habits for the Year Ahead
Good digital security doesn’t rely on one big change. It’s built through small habits that become part of your routine.
Some easy habits to adopt include regularly checking financial statements, being cautious with unexpected emails or messages, limiting how much personal information you share online, and keeping devices and apps updated. Reviewing privacy settings occasionally and sticking to official websites for payments can also help reduce risk.
If something doesn’t seem right, slow down and double-check before clicking or responding. That pause alone can prevent many common online scams.
Get Organized Across Devices and Accounts
An organized digital life is easier to manage and safer to maintain. Once clutter is reduced, structure helps you quickly find what matters most.
Start by grouping important files into clear folders, cleaning up your email inbox, and reviewing what’s stored in the cloud. It’s also a good time to update your contacts list and make sure essential documents are backed up securely.
Subscriptions deserve attention too. Streaming services, apps, and online tools can quietly renew month after month. Reviewing them now helps eliminate unnecessary costs and keeps your accounts streamlined.
Set Up Devices With Security in Mind
New phones, tablets, laptops, and smart devices should always be set up carefully. The choices you make during setup can have a lasting impact on security.
Updating software right away, using strong passcodes, enabling automatic updates, and reviewing privacy permissions are all important first steps. It’s also smart to connect devices only to trusted home Wi-Fi networks and download apps from reputable sources.
Be wary of pop-ups or messages claiming something is wrong with your device. Legitimate companies don’t use scare tactics or ask for remote access unexpectedly.
Strengthen Account and Network Security
Once devices are organized, focus on long-term protection. Strong, unique passwords for each account help prevent unauthorized access, especially when paired with two-factor authentication.
Review which devices are connected to major accounts, update old security questions, and remove saved payment details where possible. Your home network matters too. Updating your router, changing old Wi-Fi passwords, and removing unused devices can significantly improve overall security.
Clean Up Apps, Accounts, and Digital Clutter
Unused apps, duplicate photos, old downloads, and forgotten accounts can quietly create risks. Removing what you no longer use helps protect your privacy and keeps devices running smoothly.
Delete apps you don’t need, clear unnecessary files, review browser extensions, and unsubscribe from emails that no longer serve you. If you can’t remember the last time you used an account, it’s often better to remove it entirely.
Start the Year Confident Online
A digital refresh doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Even small changes can make a noticeable difference in how secure and organized your online life feels.
At Mercury, we believe reliable internet should support families, not complicate their lives. Taking time to refresh your digital setup at the start of the year helps you browse, stream, work, and connect with confidence in 2026 and beyond.
