Best ways to charge your phone’s battery

We spend so much on tech that it’s incredibly frustrating when our devices break. A little prevention can go a long way. Here are six checkups to give your tech now to avoid a shocking repair bill later.

Regular maintenance is vital to longevity. Tap or click for my simple action plan to get more years out of your iPhone or Android.

Then, there are the mistakes you make day in and day out. Bad charging habits can shorten or disrupt your smartphone battery life if you aren’t careful.

Don’t rely on knock-off chargers

High-quality chargers have circuits inside of them that switch off when there’s too much power draw. This protects your phone battery from overcharging, breaking, or overheating.

Heat is your battery’s biggest enemy. Some cheap chargers and cables have even led to fire and injuries. Saving money is excellent, but don’t skimp on quality here.

Here’s a list of safe options that will charge your phone safely.

Be careful with power banks

Like with cheap chargers, cheap power banks can ruin your battery over time. Be sure any power bank you use has overcharge protection. If not, you can still use it, but keep an eye out. Once your battery is almost full, unplug it.

It would be best to avoid power banks with quick charge options unless they’re from a reliable brand. Here’s a rule of thumb: Say no if you’ve never heard of it.

Rapid charging can send too much electricity to your phone and cause battery damage. This high voltage could, at the very least, shorten your battery lifespan.

Tap or click for more smart ways to ensure you’re buying gear worth your money.

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Big Tech is listening and tracking your voice recordings. How to make it stop!

Most of what you type, say, search and buy is being tracked in one way or another. Big Tech gives us great free products, and the price is our privacy. Even your TV habits are packaged up and sold to advertisers. Here’s how to stop your TV from spying on you.

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Big Brother controls your driving

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Should the government keep an eye on your driving habits? It’s starting in Europe, and it might be headed our way soon.

Can’t put your phone down? Here are tips to cut back on screen time

The more apps you have, the slower your phone runs and the more exposed you are to security risks. Tap or click here to run an app audit.

More apps lead to more time spent staring at our screens. Take a guess which country’s residents are most addicted to their phones? If you guessed the U.S., you’re wrong.

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How to finally kick your social media scrolling habit

Endless scrolling every morning. Hours wasted on TikTok after work. What’s the best way to build better habits regarding your relationship with your phone?

Digital wellness has been a huge topic of concern recently. Apple and Android devices claim to prioritize the mental health of their users. One of our favorite ways to maximize productivity is through features that limit the amount of time we spend on entertainment platforms like Instagram, YouTube and the rest.

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Your car is watching

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Automakers and insurance companies are teaming up to share data on your driving habits. Also, EV sales are struggling, and there are issues with Airbnb. I speak with a guy whose identity was stolen, and now the scammer is using his info to con others.

VW carjacking fiasco, Facebook tigers for sale & Morgan Freeman's fake voice

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Plus, you’re being tracked. I reveal your phone’s hidden list that knows everywhere you go. Matt’s got slick tips on how to digitize your old address book. And if you’re worried about staying safe in cyberspace, Allie’s got three habits the pros know. 

How to limit ad tracking on your iPhone and iPad

User privacy has been a big topic over the last few months, and for a good reason. Mobile users are not fond of their online behavior and habits being tracked, analyzed and disseminated by tech companies for financial gain.

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This $400K folding TV hides in the floor when you're not watching

Have your TV habits changed since the start of the pandemic? With all the new shows and direct-to-streaming films, you are likely watching more than ever. There’s no reason to feel guilty. These are trying times, after all, and television can be a nice escape when you can’t really go anywhere else.

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5 health apps you never knew existed

Many of us resolve to work out more often or eat healthier when the new year rolls around. Really, you can adopt healthier habits at any time, but the new year offers a “clean slate,” so it feels like an appropriate time to start on a “new you.”

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