5-minute cleaning of your phone and computer

Digital garbage it piles up faster than real life clutter. There are files you don’t need, all those random screenshots, apps you once downloaded and used, and blurry photos clogging up your camera.

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All of this adds up, slowing down your devices and making everything messy. good news? Cleaning it’s easier than you think. Let’s create a speedy declutter that will make you say, “Ahhh, that’s better.”

Step 1: Update your devices

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There are too many dangerous bugs to skip security patches.

• On a Windows computer, go to settings > Windows Update.
• On a Mac, go to General > Software update.
• On Android, tap settings > System > Software.
• On your iPhone, tap settings > General > Software update.

Start with your phone

1. Apps are space hogs

Scroll through the list of apps and delete the ones you no longer use. If it’s been months, you won’t use it. trust me Even if you want it later, great, download it again.

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While you’re at it, move the apps you want to use less time (Instagram for me) off your phone’s home screen. You can hide the app or just move it to another page or folder.

On iPhone:

• Swipe left to cycle through all your app screens and open the app library.
• Touch and hold to delete application icon > Delete the application > Delete confirm.

On Android:

• Open the Google Play Store app and tap on your Profile icon.
• Touch Manage applications and devices > Govern.
• Select the name of the app you want to delete, then tap Uninstall.

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1. There is time for a quick photo cleanup

On an iPhone or iPad, the Photos app makes this easy.

• Open yours Photo application and select Albums.
• Scroll down and select Duplicates. (Last time I checked, I had 2,933 duplicate photos and 49 videos!)
• a hit Choose > Select allthen tap Trash icon to delete them. You can also choose Connect to combine your fakes into one great shot.

On Android, open Google files application, select it Cleanthen:

• Touch Confirm and release > See junk files and select what you want to delete.
• When you’re ready, tap Clear > Clear. That’s all it takes to remove screenshots, memes, duplicates, and other junk mixed in with your important photos.

On your computer

1. Start with the desktop

Here’s a quick and dirty way. Create a new folder and then drag all the random files, screenshots and whatever else into it.

Professional advice: Sensitive documents have no place on your desktop. If you do insist on storing private documents locally, at least give snooping a more challenging time by naming the folder something unusual, like “Vacation Photos.” Be sure your computer automatically it locks when you’re away and also requires a password on startup.

Quick lock: For Windows, press Windows key + L. On a Mac, use Ctrl + Cmd + Q.

1. Remove programs you don’t need or use

They take up a decent amount of space, so clear out anything you don’t use regularly. Additionally, outdated apps could put you at risk. By keeping old programs on your computer, you’re potentially leaving the door wide open for cybercriminals to gain entry.

On a Windows computer:

• Click on Start button and search for an app or program. Press and hold (or right-click) an application and select Uninstall.

On Mac:

• Click on Finder icon on the dock, that is Applications.
• If the application is in a folder, open it and look for Uninstaller. Double-click it, then follow the on-screen instructions.
• If the application is not in the folder or does not have an Uninstaller, drag it from the Applications folder to the Trash.

Don’t forget the exterior

We’re aiming for speed, so let’s deal with those fingerprint-covered screens.

On your phoneremove the case and accessories. You want to reach every nook and cranny. For a computer monitor, dust the back, sides, and any protrusions that collect dirt before you begin cleaning.

A microfiber cloth works, but I prefer screen cleaning wipes. They are just so easy. Skip the paper towels. They are too rough for such delicate jobs.

I always come back to this 210 pieces of screen cleaning wipes. Use them on smartphones, tablets, monitors, TVs, remote controls and even glasses. They are scratch-free and made of anti-static fabric that cleans without leaving marks or lint.

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