Tech secrets only the pros know

We’ve all been there. Your screen goes black, but you can still hear the audio. You’re trying to move the cursor on your phone, but your thumb’s too big to land in the right spot. Or your Android suddenly turns into a sluggish mess, and you’re ready to throw your $1,000 phone out the window.

Pause. Breathe.

There’s a secret power-user layer baked into your gadgets that most folks never see. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill tips. These are the hidden handshakes, the ones you can drop to sound like the family tech wizard.

📱 Thumb-believable phone secrets

iPhone user? Stop jabbing the screen to fix typos. Press and hold the space bar instead. The keys vanish, and the keyboard turns into a mini track pad. Now slide your thumb to drop that cursor exactly where you want it. So much easier.

And those four little signal bars at the top? Basically meaningless. Want the real signal strength? Open your Phone app and dial this: *3001#12345#*, then hit call.

You’re in Field Test Mode. Find RSRP (that’s Reference Signal Received Power) to see the actual signal number. The closer to -80, the better. -120? You’re in the dead zone. Now you can walk around your house and see exactly where the signal is strongest.

Android users, I’ve got three hidden gems for you:

Unlock Developer Mode: Go to Settings > About phone > Software information. Quickly tap “Build number” seven times in a row. Enter your pattern, PIN or password to enable the “Developer options” menu. Pop in there and speed up animations to make your phone feel faster instantly. Do not do this unless you really know what you are doing, please.

Use Safe Mode: If your phone’s acting buggy or crashing, press and hold the power button. Then press and hold “Power off” until you see “Reboot to Safe Mode.” Tap OK. If the issues don’t disappear, you’ve got a rogue app to delete.

Turn on Guest Mode: Handing your phone to a kid or friend? Don’t risk them digging through your messages. Set up “Guest mode.” It’s a clean version of Android, no access to your stuff.

• Samsung: Settings > Accounts and backup > Users. If you see an option for new users, toggle it on. Then, select Add Guest.
• Pixel: Settings > System > Users > Allow multiple users > Add guest.

🖥️ Control freak mode for your PC

Is your Windows screen frozen or black, but the PC’s still on? Don’t yank the power. Try this instead: Press Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B. You’ll hear a beep, the screen flashes, and boom, your graphics driver resets. One second, no reboot.

Here’s the ultimate power move: God Mode.

1. Right-click your desktop > New > Folder.
2. Rename it to: GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}.
3. The icon changes. Open it, and voilà: every single Control Panel setting in one place.

Go ahead, wow your family with your tech smarts. Then grab your phone, open your browser and head to GetKim.com. Take a minute to sign up your family and friends for my newsletter. It’s the easiest favor you’ll do all day.

Tags: Android, family, settings, space, tech