Your Devices Love Naps, Too
- Mar 17
- 4 min read
There you are, peacefully checking the weather or reading the news, when your computer starts going slow, or your mouse seems possessed. Maybe your printer has forgotten how to print, or your Wi-Fi is not connecting as it should. It is incredibly frustrating when you are trying to get things done and your technology refuses to cooperate.
You have likely already tried hitting the power button or clicking around to fix it, and have summoned all of the patience you have to get through it. When it happens, you might hear a faint whisper to reboot the device, and that is what we’re talking about today.
Are Digital Naps Real?
Think of how your own brain starts to misfire when you haven’t had enough sleep. You are more likely to spill the milk into your coffee, snap at a loved one, or miss your turn going to the same grocery store you’ve been going to for 10 years.
When we sleep, our brains literally flush out the day’s details and organizes itself by consolidating memories, strengthening learning, and processing the information and emotions we have stored.
Digital devices also misfire when they’ve been working for days and days without shutting down. They also need to flush out their “brains” to be more attentive, efficient, and productive. Rebooting / restarting the devices is the equivalent of giving it a refreshing nap.
When your device restarts, it clears out short-term memory called RAM, it stops programs and processes that were quietly misbehaving, and it applies any updates to the software.
Taking Control of Your Tech
The only expertise you need in this area is to remember that restarting your devices is a secret weapon against malfunctions, spyware and viruses, and sluggish performance.
Computers (Windows & Mac)
Restarting your computer is like sending it to a spa. It clears sluggish memory, closes sneaky background apps eating up your speed, and installs those updates that have been nagging you for weeks. If your computer has been running for days (or weeks), a restart can feel like getting a brand new machine.
Smartphones & Tablets
Your phone works incredibly hard. Apps, notifications, background updates, GPS, camera, and video calls. It’s doing a lot! A weekly reboot keeps things running smoothly, improves battery life, and fixes those mystery glitches (like why your alarm app decided to stop making sound).
Wi-Fi Routers & Modems
Your router is the unsung hero of your household, and it never gets a break. Unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in clears network congestion, refreshes your IP address, and can instantly fix that “I have Wi-Fi but nothing will load” mystery. It’s basically therapy for your internet connection.
Printers
Printers have a special talent for being dramatic. “Offline” when they’re clearly on. Error messages with no explanation. Refusing to print page 3 for no apparent reason. A full power cycle — turn it off, unplug it, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in — fixes about 90% of printer tantrums instantly.
Smart TVs & Streaming Sticks
Buffering forever? Apps crashing mid-episode? Remote acting possessed? Unplug your smart TV or streaming stick (Roku, Fire Stick, Apple TV) for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and you’ll likely be back to binge-watching in no time.
Smart Home Devices
Smart thermostats, smart bulbs, smart hubs — they all talk to each other constantly, and sometimes they just lose the thread of the conversation. A quick unplug-and-replug re-syncs their connections and snaps them back to attention.
Restart vs. Unplug: What’s the Difference?
Great question! For computers and phones, a regular restart usually does the trick. But for devices like routers, printers, and smart TVs, sometimes you need the full dramatic pause, where you physically unplug it from the wall, wait a full 30 seconds, and then plug it back in.
Why 30 seconds? It gives the device’s internal components time to fully discharge and reset, where a quick unplug-replug doesn’t always do the job. Think of it as the difference between blinking your eyes and taking an actual nap.
How Often Should You Reboot?
Computer or laptop: At least once a week
Smartphone or tablet: Once a week
Wi-Fi router & modem: When your signal is weak or intermittent
Printer: Only when presenting issues
Smart TV / streaming devices: When prompted, or when apps start misbehaving
Smart home devices: When prompted, or if they stop responding
Signs your device is begging for a reboot:
It’s running slower than usual
Apps or programs are freezing or crashing
Your internet connection feels flaky
Something that used to work suddenly doesn’t
You’re Googling “why is my device doing this”
If you found this helpful, please consider sharing with a friend or neighbor who may benefit from learning about the power of the reboot!
Stay wonderful, and stay safe in your digital world,
My Friendly Tech Helper
(719)256-0325
My Friendly Tech Helper offers single-session and ongoing remote tech support for seniors nationwide, and in-home support in the Colorado Springs area.
