Okay, so we don’t have flying cars just yet (still waiting for that!), but our tech is getting smarter by the second. Our smartphones are basically tiny supercomputers, capable of some pretty amazing stuff and making our lives 10x easier. 

That’s why we’ve put together a few tips to help you get the most out of your device in 2025. From organizing apps to optimizing your usage, there are some really nice things you can do to improve your device performance in 2025 and beyond. Let’s get started! 

#1: Digital declutter 🧹

If your phone feels more like a jungle than a tool, then it’s time to declutter!

Here’s how to do this:

• Group your apps: Use folders to sort by category. Define your most important categories like Work, Social, Fun, Finance, Travel, Health, or any other category that you’d like.  Extra tip: Make those folders even nicer with some emojis! 
• Declutter: Remember that time when you thought that amazing 5-star rated app would help you improve your productivity? Well, now it’s just there, unused for the past 6 months. That means it’s time for spring cleaning! Assess which apps are helpful or not and simply delete the ones that you are not using. 
• Minimalist mode: Speaking of spring cleaning, go for a tidy home screen and only keep the most essential apps. A clean home screen means a more focused mode.
• Clear your cache: Regularly cleaning out your app and browser cache will keep your device running smoothly.

#2: Keep your phone updated ✅

Not sure if you noticed, but we always tell you to keep your phone updated, even for some troubleshooting issues. Your phone and its apps will work so much better if you take care of those updates. Think of them as your phone’s regular health checkup. Keeping your operating system and apps updated ensures your device runs smoothly and has better security, cooler features, and fewer bugs. Oh, and trust us, no one likes bugs. 

💡 How to update your device: 

On iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Software Update.

On Android: Check Settings > System > Software Update.

💡 How to update your apps: 

Open your app store and hit the “Update” button for the latest and improved version of any app.

#3: Optimize your battery 🔋

Tired of your phone battery dying too soon? While having countless apps and access to great tech, they are all drowning your battery. So here are some tips to keep it optimized. 

• Turn Off Background App Refresh: Limit apps from running in the background unnecessarily.
• Use Dark Mode: This saves some battery life and it comes with a bonus point: it’s easier on your eyes! 
• Use Battery-Saving Mode: A great feature that extends your battery life when you need it most. For iPhone, enable the Low Power Mode under the Battery settings. For Android, go to Battery, and then Battery Saver. 

#4: Manage your screen time ⏳

Let’s face it…we all spend too much time on our phones. But what if your device could help you use it less?

• Use Screen Time tools: On iPhone, try Screen Time to set app limits and track your usage. On Android, search for Digital Wellbeing features to schedule breaks or enable bedtime mode.
• Schedule Downtime: Block notifications to focus better or simply for relaxation.
• Limit your phone usage: Set daily time for those apps that make you doom-scroll for hours (you know what we’re talking about). They’ll still be there tomorrow, so don’t worry!
• Extra tip: Take a digital detox from time to time and pick some offline activities, you’ll feel awesome. (P.S. Personally, we’ll wait for a bit more sun and warmer temperatures, so don’t feel bad if you’re not going out as much as you should now)
  

#5: Let AI help you 🤖

Don’t be afraid to use AI, there are many ways it can help to make life easier. Whether you need a virtual assistant, a smarter way to organize your day, or a little creative help, AI has your back.

Use your AI Assistants: Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa can set reminders, send texts, or help you with some daily tasks.

Automate things: AI can help sort through lists, manage schedules, and suggest smarter ways to get things done.

Boost creativity: From generating ideas to improving your own, AI tools can enhance your work in seconds.

It’s not mandatory to use AI or any tools that you see more and more online. Just keep in mind that AI is here to stay and you’ll be left behind if you don’t give it a try.

#6: Pick the right plan for your lifestyle 💙

Complicated contracts? $100+ bills? Never-ending waiting time while calling for support? 

We’ll skip that and tell you it’s time for a change in 2025. 

With Tello, you can simply craft your phone plan, just the way you like it. Pick your plan from over 34 combinations and upgrade or downgrade whenever you want. You can go for the 5 GB plan during the colder season (cuz hey, we’ve admitted we’re going to spend some more time inside, using our Wi-Fi) and then switch to Unlimited during spring break. 

In 2025, you are the one in control of your phone plan and it’s time to start saving with Tello! 

💡 Tello Team Thoughts

As we’re all passionate about tech tips here at Tello, we’ve also asked around for some extra advice. 

E., IT: 

For yourself or those close to you, I recommend turning off notifications from most entertainment apps. 1-to-1 messaging, banking apps, and security apps can still send notifications. Notifications for messaging groups can also be turned off. Less distraction, more peace.

I., Operations: 

I use Google Calendar, where I set my meetings, appointments or things to do; I allow the app to send me notifications prior to the event I am supposed to attend so I have enough time to prepare. I also use it to remind me of family members and friends’ birthdays.

In order to keep focused when going shopping, I use the Notes app on my iPhone or Evernote and I share it with my husband; we can divide the list and make notes of who bought what, this way we can finish this chore more efficiently.

C., Marketing

To extend my iPhone’s battery life, I’ve set up a Personal Automation that automatically enables Low Power Mode when the battery drops below 30% and disables it when it exceeds 50%.  Or when I connect with my WiFi, it disables mobile data. You can explore other automation options by going to Shortcuts > Automation and creating one (or even more) that best fits your needs.

O., IT: 

Here are 3 key areas that I consider important tips for battery health and optimization:

1. Charging and Battery Health:

Avoid extreme temperatures or using the smartphone while charging. Don’t always charge to 100%; consider keeping it between 20% and 80% to prolong battery life. Use the charger that came with your phone or a reputable alternative.

2. App Management:

Limit background app refresh or notifications for apps you don’t use frequently. Uninstall unused apps. Be mindful of battery-intensive apps (e.g., games, video streaming).

3. Screen & Display:

Reduce screen brightness or use adaptive brightness. Shorten the screen timeout duration. (I personally use 10s timeout). Use dark mode.

While using our phones can sometimes be overwhelming, don’t forget to follow our simple tips for a happy digital life in 2025. Happy scrolling, but not too much!

P.S. Don’t hesitate to share your own tech tips for this year in the comments section.