FaceTime Archives

House swapping is hot right now – Do it the right way

Want to try out a new city or travel over the long term for cheap? You need to know about home swapping. There are dozens of home-swapping groups on Facebook for everyone from women over 50 to vegans who like baseball. But it’s not for everyone, and you have to do your homework.

Swap smart

My advice: Eat the fee the first time and use a third-party site to see if home swapping is for you. (I’ve got options and costs below.) You can try it by yourself to avoid fees, but be sure to do your due diligence and create an agreement.

🚩 Secrecy is the biggest red flag. If the other party refuses to video-chat on a platform like FaceTime or sign a formal agreement, move on. Ask about security systems and anyone else who has access to the property while you’re staying there, too.

What about your home?

If you’re a renter, check your rental agreement for restrictions and rules around subletting. And if you own your home and still owe on your mortgage, see if your loan agreement lets you rent your place.

Take precautions. Have a plan in place for unexpected maintenance problems and a local contact for your swapper to reach out to about plumbing issues, TVs or pests.

Lock any closets and rooms off-limits to guests, and store all your valuables in a portable safe (this one’s $19).

Insurance is part of this convo, too. Ask if your renter’s or homeowner’s policy extends to anyone you swap homes with. You may need additional coverage.

🦺 Guardhog and Pikl specialize in insurance just for home sharing. Who knew?

Arrivederci, beaches

When you’re getting started with home swapping, going through a vetted third-party website is your safest bet. Here are a few to check out:

Continue reading →

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Try iOS 17 before its official release

Itching to try out iOS 17 before it officially debuts this fall? You’re in luck! Apple just released the first public beta version.

Is it worth the update? Once an operating system (OS) goes to public beta, it’s pretty stable, but there might still be some bumps along the way. I found the most hyped features so you can decide if it’s worth it.

Continue reading →

Longest phone cables you can buy

Extra-long phone cables live in the tiny overlap of things that make both a hilarious gag gift and something the recipient will use and appreciate every single day.

Longest Lightning cable: For all pre-iPhone 15 models. Pick an outlet in the kitchen, then walk your phone way over to the couch with this 26-foot nylon-braided Lightning cable. Right now, it’s $18.99 with the 5% off coupon.
Longest USB-C cable: With 20 feet of braided nylon, you can plug in your charger next to your bed and bring your phone out to the balcony to FaceTime. After clicking the 5% off coupon, it’s just $14.99.
Longest multiport cable: For $15.50, divided households (iPhone and Android) that can make do with just a 10-foot stretch should get this cable, which has three charging options: Lightning port, USB-C and micro-USB.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

You’re the tech-smart one in the family: The next time someone calls you for iPhone help, try this: If both your phones are updated to at least iOS 18, start a FaceTime call. Have them tap the Share button at the top of the screen, next to the red X. When the preview pops up, tap it from your phone and choose Request Control. When you’re all done, hit the stop button.

AI salary bumps, China sinks data center & email marketing pro tips

Open/download audio

Plus, Amazon’s slashing seller fees to rival Shein, and I look into a pill that tracks your health internally. Quick tip: disable this iPhone feature on FaceTime. I’ll also share unspoken email etiquette and clever tech hacks to reduce holiday stress, including how to avoid Amazon spoilers and capture great family photos.

10 iPhone tricks I use every day, and you will, too

Your phone can do more than you realize, but no one points out the countless hidden settings and features when you buy it. Sometimes, you realize you don’t know how to do something simple until you need it. Tap or click for steps to record your iPhone screen.

Continue reading →

Everything Apple announced at this year's Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC23)

Apple just wrapped up this year’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC23) and there’s a lot to look forward to for fans of these sleek devices. Here’s what’s coming soon.

Apple hasn’t really introduced a new product for 10 years. That was the Apple Watch. It made up for this lack of innovation with its new augmented reality (AR) goggles, “Vision Pro.”

Continue reading →

Phone stands for FaceTime-ing or streaming

Most versatile: Prop up your phone (or tablet) just about anywhere — table, car headrest, airplane seatback — with the Flight Flap. It’s a small sheet of metal encased in foam that folds flat for storage and bends to get the right angle. Right now, it’s 31% off ($10.99).
Best two-in-one: Anker’s combination phone stand and charger is a game changer for long FaceTime sessions, and it’s 20% off ($15.98). Wirelessly charge your Qi-enabled phone (including iPhone, LG and Google Pixel) while you’re chatting in landscape or portrait modes. Bonus: Samsung phones with Fast Charge mode charge twice as quickly!

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

🤳🏼 Stranger danger: If you use apps like FaceTime or WhatsApp for calls, your IP address could be shared with the person you’re talking to. Want to keep your IP private? Open the app, hit Settings, find Privacy or Connection, and switch off Peer-to-peer. Your calls might not be as clear, but your IP will stay hidden.

Turn off this FaceTime feature now

Open/download audio

Need to make an important video call? Be sure to take off this embarassing feature.

Here are all the ways to block someone from your iPhone or iPad

Fall means one thing to Apple fans: the launch of a new iPhone and iOS. The iPhone 14 gets better crash detection and satellite communication for emergencies, and the Pro models add an always-on screen.

You don’t need the latest iPhone to enjoy the perks that come with iOS 16, however. And the big news is that you can finally edit and unsend text messages. Before you get too excited, there are some things you should know. Tap or click here for what happens when you unsend, edit or delete a text in iOS 16.

Continue reading →

Quick tip: Transform your iPhone into a white noise machine

With every new iOS, Apple introduces more features, tools and security updates. Developers are constantly pushing the envelope to compete with each other, and one way to keep users excited is to put on a show.

Apple’s 2022 Worldwide Developers Conference took place recently. Highlights of the keynote are new operating systems for the iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch. With iOS 16, you’ll finally be able to unsend text messages! Tap or click here to check out our roundup.

Continue reading →

Why you should set up VIP contacts on your iPhone

Your iPhone is probably capable of so much more than you know. It has a pre-installed measuring app to help with projects around the house. There’s even a setting that will allow you to multitask during FaceTime calls. Tap or click here for 10 iPhone tricks you’ll use all the time.

Continue reading →

Easily move from iPhone to Android with this new app

Apple and Android fans are as loyal as can be. Once you’ve chosen an operating system, most likely, you’ll stick with it for years. Since you are an Android fan, tap or click here for hidden features you should be using.

Continue reading →

You don't need an iPhone to use FaceTime: How to place a call on your computer or Android

Video calls are one of the best ways to keep in touch with loved ones when we’re far away. FaceTime is one of the most popular apps since it’s free and easy to use. With Group FaceTime, you can set up a call with up to 32 people.

Continue reading →

7 hidden iPhone features you wish you knew before now

No matter how long you’ve owned your smartphone, there’s always more to learn about it. There are features you will never use and some you won’t know you need until you find them.

Ever heard a song you have to share with someone? Or maybe you’re traveling and want to experience a movie together from one phone. Apple’s audio sharing feature lets you share the listening experience between two sets of AirPods. Tap or click here to find out how it’s done.

Continue reading →

10 tips and tricks for your new iPad

The holiday season has passed, and it’s time to play with your new toys. Tech products are always a popular gift under the Christmas tree, and you’re spoiled for choice between phones, tablets, smart speakers, laptops and more obscure items like smart temperature-controlled coffee mugs.

Continue reading →

8 of the best new Mac features you haven't tried yet

We all love a good update, and Apple is known for bringing in some real power each time they launch a new operating system. Tap or click here for the best tips and tricks in iOS 15. The trend continues with the introduction of macOS Monterey.

Continue reading →

You should enable iPhone's new App Privacy Report - Here's how

Apple’s latest operating system upgrade, iOS 15, launched in September bringing new privacy features, additional FaceTime tools, camera upgrades, new sharing options for streaming and more. Privacy is a strong selling point for developers and the Cupertino company has beefed up the iPhone’s security features.

Continue reading →

iPhone update: App privacy report, pick who gets access to your data when you die

Apple started to roll out the latest iOS update this week, which adds a few tweaks. In what will probably be the last update for the year, it covers a few important aspects of privacy and security. Everyone in the family using Apple gadgets? Here’s a smart way to save money.

Continue reading →