We live in a world where technology is part of almost every moment — from the moment we wake up to the time we fall asleep. Yet, despite being surrounded by gadgets and smart devices, most of us are unknowingly using our everyday tech the wrong way. And that’s not just a minor issue — it can lead to slower performance, shorter lifespans, and even costly mistakes.






So, let's explore seven common types of everyday tech you’re likely misusing, along with simple, effective ways to fix those habits today.



1. Smartphones — Killing Battery Health Without Realizing It


Charging your phone to 100% may seem like the responsible thing to do, especially overnight. But doing this daily can slowly reduce your battery’s long-term health. Lithium-ion batteries — the kind used in most smartphones — don’t like being at full charge for extended periods.


Instead, try to keep your phone charged between 20% and 80%. This small habit can significantly improve battery longevity over time. Also, avoid exposing your phone to heat while charging, and if your device supports it, use smart charging features that pause or slow charging during the night.





2. Wi-Fi Routers — Placing Them in All the Wrong Places


Struggling with weak Wi-Fi signals? It might not be your internet provider’s fault. One of the most common mistakes people make is hiding the router behind furniture, under tables, or inside cabinets — spots that choke the signal before it even reaches your device.


A better approach is to place your router in an open, central part of your home, ideally elevated and free from physical barriers. Walls, especially concrete or brick, and electronics like microwaves can interfere with signals. You don’t need a new router — just a better location.





3. Laptops — Keeping Them Plugged in 24/7


Many laptop users treat their device like a desktop — always plugged in. While it sounds harmless, keeping your laptop constantly on charge can cause battery wear over time, especially in older models that lack smart battery controls.


Use your battery regularly. Let it cycle through discharge and recharge. Most modern laptops have battery management options — enable those. Also, ensure proper airflow when using it to prevent overheating, which can be just as damaging.





4. Wireless Earbuds — Forgetting Basic Battery Care


Wireless earbuds are super convenient, but many users leave them uncharged for too long or let them drain to 0% repeatedly. Over time, this harms the battery inside each earbud and reduces its total charging capacity.


To avoid this, always store them in their case when not in use and try not to let them die completely. Also, give them a quick clean regularly. Dirt buildup in the charging contacts or speaker mesh can impact performance without you realizing it.





5. Smart TVs — Leaving Default Settings Untouched


Smart TVs come packed with features, but if you’ve never tweaked the settings, you’re probably not getting the best picture. One of the worst offenders is motion smoothing — a setting that makes movies and shows look unnaturally smooth, ruining the cinematic experience.


Go into your TV’s picture settings and turn off features like motion interpolation or “soap opera effect” modes. Switching to Cinema or Filmmaker Mode instantly improves the viewing experience. You’d be surprised how much better your favorite shows and movies can look with just a few adjustments.





6. Voice Assistants — Using Only Basic Commands


Most people use their voice assistants for simple tasks like playing music or setting alarms. But Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri are capable of much more — and ignoring those capabilities means you’re missing out on powerful productivity tools.


You can use voice commands to manage your calendar, send texts, create shopping lists, control smart home devices, or even automate your daily routines. Once you get familiar with deeper features, you’ll start to appreciate how much time and effort they can save.





7. Power Strips — Overloading Without Protection


Power strips make it easy to connect multiple devices, but overloading them — or using cheap, unprotected ones — is a dangerous habit. Without surge protection, you’re leaving your valuable tech vulnerable to power spikes that can fry internal components in an instant.


If you're plugging in devices like PCs, consoles, or smart TVs, make sure your power strip includes surge protection. Also, never chain multiple strips together — it’s a fire hazard waiting to happen.





Final Thoughts: It's Not the Tech — It’s the Habits


Technology isn’t just about what you buy — it’s about how you use it. Many of us blame our devices when they slow down, overheat, or stop working, but more often than not, the problem lies in our habits.


By making a few small changes, like improving your charging routine or repositioning your router, you can extend the lifespan of your tech, boost performance, and avoid costly replacements.


Take a moment to evaluate how you're using your devices. You might be surprised at how much better they perform once you start using them right.