Cut Old Tech Loose: Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Network

Spring cleaning isn’t just about closets, garages and junk drawers. It’s also the perfect time to tidy up your digital life — starting with the forgotten devices still hanging around your home network.

Maybe it’s an old tablet sitting in a drawer, an unused smart TV, or an outdated mobile phone still connected to your Wi‑Fi. It’s easy to forget about old devices. But even when you’re not actively using them, they can quietly affect your home network in ways you might not expect.

A cleaner network is easier to manage, monitor and optimize

Just like clearing out clutter makes your home feel lighter, removing unnecessary devices helps your network run more smoothly.

Every connected device uses a portion of your network’s bandwidth, even in the background. Automatic updates, app refreshes, and system processes can all add up. When too many devices compete for bandwidth, your internet can start to feel slower, especially if you have lower bandwidth.

Outdated devices also often stop receiving important security updates, which means they may have unpatched vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Even if you’re not actively using a device, if it’s connected to your network, it can become a potential entry point for bad actors.

Unfortunately, one unsecured device can put your entire network — and your personal information — at risk.

And just like a cluttered room makes it harder to find what you need, a cluttered network makes troubleshooting more difficult. If your internet slows down or something isn’t working properly, it’s harder to pinpoint the issue when your network is crowded with inactive or unnecessary devices.

Start by reviewing the devices connected to your network

Think of this as your digital spring‑cleaning checklist:

Remove anything you no longer use
Replace outdated devices that you are using if they no longer receive updates or are nearing the end of support

With Smithville Wi-Fi+, this process is simple. The Wi-Fi+ app lets you see every device connected to your network in one place, so you can quickly identify and remove outdated or unused devices. Additionally, the built-in Proactive Network Security helps safeguard your network by monitoring suspicious activity — even from older devices that may be more vulnerable.

Protect our community by keeping electronics out of the landfill

Once you’re ready to say goodbye to old tech, don’t toss it in the trash. Since 2011, Indiana state law prohibits the disposal of electronics in trash bound for a landfill because they contain hazardous materials that pose environmental risks. By taking a little extra time to recycle, you’re doing your part to keep our communities healthy.

Find a recycling center near you

Recycling centers are available throughout Indiana. Before you go, check their website to see what’s accepted, drop-off limits and/or fees, and hours of operation.

Brown County: Brown County Recycling Center

Dubois County: Dubois County Solid Waste Management District Process Center

Greene County: Greene County Recycling Centers in Linton and Switz City

Monroe County: Waste Reduction District of Monroe County

Posey County: Posey County Solid Waste District