Leap Day, arriving only once every four years, gifts us with an extra day during the month of February. Many may consider this a bonus day, and it’s an ideal time for routine maintenance on your digital devices.

With our increasingly busy lives, an extra 24 hours can make a world of difference. So, why not use this time to enhance the performance and security of your smartphones and computers?

Start by updating your software. Regardless of whether you’re using a Mac, PC, or tablet, software updates often come with important security patches that not only safeguard your devices but also improve their performance. And don’t overlook your web browsers. Chrome, Firefox, and Safari might not update automatically, so make sure they’re up-to-date.

Next, declutter your devices. Erase old files and apps, especially the free ones that are no longer in use. This simple step will free up storage space for photos and other important files and could enhance your device’s speed and battery life.

It’s also advisable to back up everything. In the unfortunate event of a computer crash, having important files stored on an external hard drive can be a lifesaver. While your phone is likely backed up to the cloud, creating an additional backup on your computer is a smart precaution.

Protect your devices from potential threats by running a security scan. Free software programs like Malware Bytes and Trend Micro can help detect malware and other unwanted elements.

Remember to also review your Facebook settings for any third-party programs and apps that might be using your login credentials. To do this, navigate to settings, then Facebook logins, and remove any programs you don’t recognize or no longer use.

Finally, restart your WiFi router. You can do this when everyone is leaving the house for a bit. It’ll only take a few minutes and will install any security updates, and speed up your home internet speeds.

So, this Leap Day, take some time to care for your digital devices. It could make your everyday tech experience smoother and more secure.