There are a lot of different tech habits that you can build in order to improve your productivity and efficiency. Here are seven of the most important ones, along with some helpful apps to get you started. 1. Set up a daily routine and stick to it. 2. Organize your files and folders. 3. Use a task manager to keep track of your to-dos. 4. Automate your tasks whenever possible. 5. Use a cloud storage service to keep your files safe and accessible. 6. Stay up-to-date with the latest tech news and trends. 7. Practice safe computing habits.

We rarely think about how we spend time with technology, even though it's a big part of our lives. We'll work towards building good real-world habits, but what about the hours we waste checking our phones in bed?
If you’re experiencing technology fatigue, or if it isn’t bringing you as much joy as it used to, you should consider some positive tech habits. We’ve rounded up our recommendations below, but take things on your own time. Just like with every habit, you should start small and aim to grow over the long run. Here are some positive tech habits to consider: 1. Take a break from technology every day. 2. Use technology to simplify your life, not complicate it. 3. Be mindful of how you’re using technology. 4. Make time for real-world interactions. 5. Use technology to connect with loved ones.
Enable two-factor authentication on all your devices and accounts.
There’s nothing as sweet as peace of mind, and two-factor authentication will help you to feel reassured that your accounts are secure from hackers. Two-factor authentication only takes a couple of minutes to set up, but it’s a great way to deter hackers.
Once enabled, you need a unique, 6-digit code that regenerates every 30 minutes. This can be generated using a dedicated app, or you can get it via SMS. If you’re using an iPhone, you can just use the built-in password manager to generate and auto-fill one-time passwords. On Android, you can use the Google Authenticator app.
There are a few different ways to set up distraction blockers. One way is to use an app like Self Control, which allows you to block certain websites for a set amount of time. Another way is to use a browser extension like StayFocusd, which allows you to block certain websites for a set amount of time or until you reach a certain goal.
There will be times when you'll need to hunker down and work, and that's precisely when you'll get distracted by a tweet or a funny video. Get into the habit of using distraction blockers. Try something like Freedom, even though it costs $6.99/month: Unlike other distraction blockers, Freedom syncs across all your devices, allowing you to block all distracting sites and apps with just one click. Otherwise, you'll probably just end up scrolling Twitter on your phone instead of your computer. If you find a free distraction blocker that you prefer, use that instead. The goal is the same: Keep your work-time distraction-free so you can move onto other things.
If you want to be more productive, start tracking your time. Knowing how you spend your time will help you figure out where you can make changes.
Time is money—especially if you’re a freelancer or running your own business—and tracking how you spend your time can help you out, if you’re willing to face the truth. First, you’ll see how you’re spending your time, and you’ll find out how you’re wasting your time on your computer. Then it’s up to you to decide how you want to optimize your time.
You can use an automatic tool like RescueTime to find out how you’re spending your time. If you want to manually track your work time, you can use Toggl or a similar tool.
to help you manage how much time you spend on your phone. The Screen Time features on your smartphone can help you manage how much time you spend on your phone.
The Screen Time feature on iPhone and the Digital Wellbeing app on Android can help you out if your phone is the distraction. They will both limit how much time you can spend on your phone each day.
Use these features to first see how much time you’re spending on distracting apps. Then, set per-day limits for the biggest time-wasters. You can also configure times when certain apps just won’t open. Aim to do it for your work hours and bedtime.
A fun habit tracker can help keep you engaged in your goal.
Habit tracking is nothing new. In fact, there are lots of existing apps and services that help you track and build long-term routines. But the problem is that few of them are fun or engaging. This is where the (Not Boring) Habits app for iPhone comes in. Each day that you complete your habit, you progress along a visually enchanting journey and unlock new achievements.
There are many ways to take fast notes. You can use a laptop, a tablet, or a phone. You can also use a pen and paper.
Task managers and to-do apps are a good way to keep track of your tasks, but the problem with most to-do apps is the amount of time it takes to open the app, go to a list, and write down a reminder. Adding a due date also takes time.
If you're using an iPhone, use the Reminders app for to-do lists, but combine that with a third-party app called Remind Me Faster to quickly jot down your to-dos. This app opens with the keyboard ready to go, and all you have to do is type out the task and hit send.
If you want to use a task management app that works on different platforms, use something like TickTick or Todoist. Both apps have features for quick entry, and they support natural language input, so you can just write “submit the second report at 6 PM next Thursday” and the app will automatically parse it and set the reminder.
Get an app that understands natural language to help you keep track of your schedule.
It might be time you outgrow your default Calendar app (like Apple Calendar and Google Calendar) and begin with something that understands natural language. If you’re all-in on the Apple ecosystem, try the Fantastical app. It’s a subscription-based calendar app, but it’s worth the money: You can use natural language to add calendar appointments (“meet with designers at 3 PM next Tuesday”), and there are a ton of options for customizing layouts and automating your calendar using integrations. If you’re on Android (or Windows), Microsoft Outlook is a really robust option.