What would you do if, one day, your mobile phone just stopped working? Listen to this one-minute episode to learn what to do if America’s cellular network goes down.
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Here's what Apple knows about you (and how to stop more data collection)
It shouldn’t be surprising that online services such as Facebook and Instagram know a lot about you. After all, it is their business model to know exactly where you go, what you do and what you enjoy. Use Apple, Google, Facebook or Twitter? Here’s how to find out what they know about you.
All these social media companies use your collected data for personalized advertising to increase revenue. Without personalized ads (which they charge a premium for), they most likely would need to start charging users a fee.
But it’s not just services that keep tabs on you. Your mobile phone also collects data about you that you might not know. Read on to see what Apple knows about you and what you can do about it.
Here’s the backstory
Your mobile phone, whether it’s the latest Android model from Google or a six-year-old iPhone from Apple, stores your information. Your device not only stores cherished photos and videos but also safeguards your banking information and sensitive emails.
Google is intrinsically linked to Android, so the company automatically knows many of your details if you use a phone that runs on its operating system. On the other hand, Apple has been a ferocious defender of privacy for many years.
Some time ago, Apple introduced its App Privacy Report. This lets you see which apps and services have access to your device’s tools, such as the camera, GPS and microphone. It also shows you which apps and websites request internet connections. Tap or click here to learn more about Apple’s App Privacy Report.
But few know that Apple, like Google, collects lots of information based on your activities and habits. When you get a new iPhone, you must scroll through mountains of terms and conditions, most of which people glance over. However, the data that Apple collects is tucked away in the 4,000-word privacy policy.
What you can do about it
Some of the data Apple collects is what you willingly provide, while other data sets are gathered from third-party apps and services. Generally, you must agree to this data collection. So, what does Apple know about you?
To use an iPhone as intended, Apple collects your name, email address, Apple ID and payment details.
Occasionally, it can also collect your health, location and fitness data. For other services, it’s not unusual for the tech giant to gather your device information, your IP address, network carrier and the MAC address of your Wi-Fi connection.
Annoyed by your video doorbell's notification? Check this setting now
A video doorbell is a great tool to see who’s at your door. When it rings, you don’t even have to get off the couch as you can easily open your mobile phone and take a look at the camera. It also keeps an eye on your porch, helping you keep tabs on packages and visitors.
Are there more humans or more mobile phone subscriptions on Earth?
Turn on this smart security setting to protect your phone backups from hackers
You should always have a backup of precious photos and essential personal files. It would be best to back up your mobile phone before upgrading its operating system, so you don’t lose anything important. Tap or click for three things to look for in a cloud backup.
Use TikTok? Take this one step now or they might be tracking you
With Twitter dominating the social media headlines recently, problems with TikTok seem to be an afterthought. But the platform has too many issues to ignore. Tap or click here to find out how TikTok can record what you type.
True or false: The government can track your phone's location without a warrant
In many TV crime shows, there is a race against time to track criminals through technology. Using city-wide camera footage or triangulating a mobile phone’s signal, police never fail to make an arrest. Tap or click here for five ways you’re being tracked that you must stop immediately.
How to use Skype to make an emergency phone call
An emergency requires quick thinking, and split-second decisions can mean the difference between life and death. Unless you’re a qualified doctor, first responders must arrive as quickly as possible to assist someone in dire need.
Ever broken a phone? These are the 5 clumsiest cities in the US
Smartphones are expensive, no matter which brand or operating system you have. While cases and protective layers are available, some users still manage to drop and break their devices.
Since smartphones are crucial in everyday life, you don’t want to be without yours for too long. When it breaks, or the screen shatters, it could mean a few days or a week in the repair shop.
SIM swapping is one of the most dangerous phone hacks - And it's on the rise
You might assume that the SIM card in your mobile phone is safe. After all, it is firmly embedded into your device, and someone would need to take it out physically to access it. But that isn’t the only method. Tap or click here for an in-depth look at SIM swapping scams.
Update your Android now to fix a bug that blocks calling 911
(Updated Jan. 11, 2022 – Android has released its January security patch and it fixes the bug addressed in this article that was published last month. Update your OS immediately to take advantage of the patch.)
Having a mobile phone always with you is great when you need constant contact with friends and family. Even if they are halfway across the country, it is incredibly easy to message or make a call. Tap or click here for an Android update that makes it easier to chat with iPhone users.
This messaging app with 500K+ downloads is hiding malware that steals your money
Malware has evolved over the years to make detection incredibly difficult. Part of the problem is that many malicious apps behave like legitimate ones – stealing your data while hiding in plain sight.
When these apps are detected by security researchers or mobile phone developers, they’re typically removed quickly from the respective stores. Tap or click here to see if your phone could be harboring some of these apps.
These 151 apps caught scamming millions of people
The Google Play Store for Android is stacked with applications for almost anything imaginable. Most of the apps are developed by programmers who want to make users’ lives easier or more enjoyable.
But then you have developers who want to cause misery and rip people off. Just because an application is available for download in the Google Play Store doesn’t mean that it’s harmless. Tap or click here to see how Apple made it easy to report App Store scams.
If your iPhone battery is dying faster, there's one app to blame
It has been a bit of a rough time for Apple and those on the iOS maintenance team. The new iOS 15 has been out for only a short time and several problems have already made headlines.
One recently reported problem turned out to not be a flaw with the operating system, but normal behavior for new software. Tap or click here for an iOS 15 flaw that could put your data at risk.
8 great apps you can only get on an Android phone
A lot goes into choosing a mobile phone that is right for you. Some users prefer a certain look and feel, while others are more loyal to a brand they have used for years and are familiar with. But the biggest factor is the operating system. Tap or click here for five things only your Android phone can do (and an iPhone can’t).
Millions of iPhones are vulnerable to this scary new 'zero-click' hack
Most mobile phone users would be aware that technology isn’t as secure as manufacturers would like them to believe. Whether you are using an iPhone or Android, there is always a risk that something can be hacked, stolen, altered or infected.
Warning: Sneaky new malware steals your passwords and messages your contacts
Has your mobile phone felt a bit sluggish lately? Is it not working as smoothly as it should? Does it seem like it might have the flu? No, the coronavirus hasn’t been infecting mobile devices, but your phone might be sick with malware.
Privacy tip: These Android phones are Google-free
When you set out to find a new mobile phone, you generally have two options for operating systems: Apple’s iOS or Google’s Android.
They have been the dominant players in the market for years, as others have fallen by the wayside. iOS is naturally only available on Apple devices. But since Android is open-source software, it is used by many brands like Samsung, Huawei and LG. Tap or click to set up this Android privacy feature before you need it.
This app could save the battery in your Android phone
Mobile phone batteries have undoubtedly gotten better over the years out of necessity. Complex circuitry and internal components often require bigger, more efficient power sources.
Phone batteries are designed to have a long lifespan, but user behavior can significantly reduce their performance. Tap or click here to see how you have been charging your phone wrong. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to over-charge the battery.
Is Apple designing a car? These patents hint to what it may include
Apple is one of the most recognized brands in the world. It’s built up that reputation through clever marketing, product design and a massive Research and Development team.
That has afforded it the freedom to experiment with technology and develop products that might seem lightyears ahead of its time. But Apple doesn’t always hit the mark and has had its fair share of failed products. In fact, its latest flagship iPhone models could cause serious health risks. Tap or click here to see if you’re in danger.