
The appeal of refurbished tech is skyrocketing, and it’s easy to see why. With these cost-saving and eco-conscious devices, buyers can enjoy premium quality for a fraction of the price. But even with the savings, a used Mac is still an investment—how can you make the most of it?
To get as much use out of a used Mac as possible, you’ll need to put in some extra effort to keep it running smoothly. Refurbished devices tend to need a little more TLC compared to devices that are brand-new out of the box, but with these tips, you can maximize your used Mac’s lifespan.
Caring for Your Used Mac
The better you care for your used Mac, the more mileage you’ll get out of it. The steps for caring for a used device are similar to those for maintaining a new one, but with a few extra considerations. Here’s how to keep your Mac in top condition for as long as possible.
Keep It Clean

Dust and dirt can easily build up over time, especially in the various crevices of your used Mac desktop. Common locations for dust buildup include the keyboard, fans, and ports. This accumulation can impact the performance of your device and also make it look less appealing.
To clean the exterior of your Mac, use a dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe away any dust or smudges on the monitor and the exterior of the case. For tougher grime, you can use a putty eraser or a small amount of rubbing alcohol on the cloth.
For the internal components, carefully open the case and use a can of compressed air and soft brushes to remove dust buildup around the fans, the motherboard, and other components. This will help prevent overheating and extend the lifespan of your Mac.
Manage Storage Space
As you use your refurbished Mac, you may find that it starts to slow down or experience glitches. This could be a sign that your device is running low on storage space. To prevent this issue, regularly check how much available storage space your device has and delete any unnecessary files or applications.
You can easily check the amount of available storage space by going to the Apple Menu > About This Mac > Storage. You can also use various cleaning tools, such as CleanMyMac or CCleaner, to help free up space on your device. These tools can also help you identify and remove any unused or duplicate files.
Protect Against Viruses and Malware
Did you know that older devices are more vulnerable to viruses and malware? This is because they may not have the latest security updates or features to protect against these threats. To keep your used Mac safe, install reliable antivirus software and enable the built-in firewall feature on your device. These actions can help protect your device and personal information from cyberattacks.
Consider Upgrading Hardware
While refurbished Macs are a great way to save money, they may not have the latest hardware or capabilities compared to newer models. If you find your used Mac is struggling with performance-heavy tasks or running the latest software, it may be worth considering upgrading certain components, such as RAM or storage space.
RAM increases the speed and efficiency of your device by allowing it to process more information at once, while additional storage space can help prevent slowdowns and crashes. These upgrades, among others, can give your used Mac a new lease on life and keep it running smoothly for longer.
Backup Regularly
Just like with a new device, you should regularly backup your used Mac to avoid losing important files and data. This is especially true for older devices that may be more prone to hardware failures. You can easily set up automatic backups using Time Machine or an external hard drive.
Update Software Regularly

Just like with a new Mac, it’s important to keep your used device’s software up to date; this includes the operating system and any applications you regularly use. Updates often include bug fixes and security patches that can help keep your Mac running smoothly and protect it from potential threats.
To update your software, go to the Apple Menu and select Software Update. You can also set your Mac to automatically install updates so you don’t have to worry about manually checking for them. Just go to System Preferences > Software Update and select Automatically keep my Mac up to date.
Keep It Cool
Heat is one of the biggest enemies of electronic devices, as it can cause damage to internal components and decrease the lifespan of your device. If you want to maximize your used Mac’s lifespan, set it up in an area with good ventilation and airflow. This could be on a desk in an open space rather than in a closed cabinet or against a wall.
If you find your Mac is running hot despite it being in a prime location, you may want to consider upgrading it with additional or more powerful fans, which shouldn’t be too costly or difficult to install.
Use a Surge Protector
Power surges can happen unexpectedly, potentially damaging the internal components of your used Mac. This is because when too much electricity flows into a desktop due to a power surge, it can overload critical components like the power supply, motherboard, and storage drives. This sudden spike in voltage can damage or completely fry these parts, leading to system failures, data loss, or even rendering the desktop unusable.
To protect against this, use a surge protector when plugging in your device. Surge protectors work by diverting excess voltage away from your device so it can’t cause damage.
Used Macs are a fantastic deal—you can get a high-quality device at a fraction of the cost of a new one. But if you want to make the most of your investment, treat your used Mac with care according to the tips outlined above. A quick scrub-down, update, and upgrade every so often can keep your Mac in good shape, allowing you to use it to work, play, or create for a long time.
If you’re interested in finding a used Mac, Wisetek Market has refurbished Mac desktops available. Our refurbished Macs are like-new and come with comprehensive warranties for your peace of mind. And with fast, free shipping, you can get your used Mac delivered right to your door and start enjoying it in no time. Browse our selection today to see how much you can save on popular Apple products.