Don’t wait until it’s too late: After 23-year-old Riley took his own life, his dad found instructions for committing suicide on Riley’s phone. There are hundreds of sites with similar how-tos. One of them gets 6 million views a month. So sad. If your kid is struggling, check their camera roll and search history, and then call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
Delete a photo by accident? Here’s how to get it back
You’re browsing photos, your finger slips and poof! A cherished image is gone forever. Before you panic, know there might be a way to bring it back. The best part is it works even if you accidentally deleted something days ago.
Google Photos
Google Photos is one of the most forgiving apps when it comes to accidental deletion. There’s usually an “undo” button that flashes on your screen for a few seconds after the deed.
That said, any photo you delete will land in the Trash folder for up to 60 days, as long as Back up and Sync is enabled.
- On your iPhone or Android, open Google Photos.
- At the bottom, select Library > Trash.
- Touch and hold the photo you want to restore. Tap Restore.
FYI: Even if you don’t have Back up and Sync enabled, there’s a good chance your photo will be recoverable for up to 30 days. If you empty the trash folder, though, you’re out of luck.
Apple Photos
Any images you delete will appear in the Recently Deleted album. You’ll have up to 30 days to get them back, whether you have iCloud enabled or not.
- Open the Photos app.
- Select Albums and tap Recently Deleted.
- Use the Face ID or Touch ID if prompted.
- Select the deleted photo and tap Recover.
If you can’t find a deleted pic, there’s a slim chance it’s actually “hidden.” To check:
- Open the Photos app. Select Albums and tap Hidden under Utilities.
- Use the Face ID or Touch ID if prompted.
- Select the photo you want to unhide. Tap the More button and select Unhide.
Voila, your deleted (or hidden) photo is back.
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.
9 years earlier
How soon a new test can predict dementia. The test scans brain connections while you’re at rest to predict dementia up to nine years before diagnosis with 80% accuracy. This could be huge, both for early treatment and prevention.
Work in one of these 10 industries? Scammers are targeting you
Any Komando.com reader knows that antivirus software is essential for your computer, but that’s not the only device you should be protecting. Smartphone cyberattacks are becoming increasingly common. Tap or click here for tips on shielding your iPhone and Android from the countless threats out there.
Own a video doorbell? Watch out for thieves
Video doorbells are supposed to be the future of home security. They allow us to see what’s going on outside our front door, whether we’re at home or far away.
Thieves are supposed to see this kind of security system and be deterred. But what happens when criminals get a little too bold with your tech?
23andMe caught in a lie: 23andMe made billions promising disease prevention based on genetic testing from a saliva swab. Really, all we got was that your family came from Eastern Europe or wherever. In 2023, the company reported a $522 million loss. What goes around comes around.
$9,420 flamethrowing robot
The 26-pound Thermonator robo-pup has an ARC flamethrower on its back. Throwflame, the Ohio flamethrower manufacturer, says the fiery Fido can be used for “wildfire control and prevention” and “snow and ice removal.” Shipping is free, but good luck ordering — the website crashed. Ruff!
This fake invoice is scaring Microsoft Windows users into paying up
Another day, another scheme to rip you off makes an appearance. It seems as soon we come up with an excellent way to protect against cybercriminals, they are two steps ahead and find another loophole.
One of the newer schemes thieves are using incorporates vishing. Of course, vishing is when criminals conduct phishing attacks over the phone. Tap or click here for a recent warning from the FBI on the uptick of vishing scams.
Ransomware: Yes, you're vulnerable to this, too. Here's how to stay safe
Online scams have been around since the internet entered the public space. When online shopping and surfing were new, people didn’t consider fraud and crooks quickly moved their craft into the digital space.
We can now access the internet from anywhere thanks to smartphones, tablets and laptops. While convenient, this has only helped to spread crooked activity. With nearly 2 million apps in Apple’s App Store, some are inevitably fraudulent. Tap or click to see how bad apps have scammed iPhone users out of nearly $50 million.
Hidden setting in your browser that reveals your hacked passwords
Data leaks can happen at any time. A company could leak your sensitive information by accident or on purpose. Once it’s out there, anyone can put in some work to find it. On the other hand, a data breach is a deliberate attack to steal information.
New study: Surprising early warning signs of COVID-19
As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, our understanding of the disease continues to grow. In the earlier months of 2020, health officials stressed the importance of sanitizing surfaces and washing our hands — but now we know the disease also spreads through respiratory droplets.
Watch out for scam sites claiming to sell COVID-19 treatments
One of the scariest things about this novel coronavirus is the fact that it’s never been seen in human populations before. As a newly discovered virus, we have no natural immunity, no vaccine and no known cures to treat the disease it causes.
3 proven coronavirus prevention tips you can trust
One of the scariest parts about the coronavirus pandemic is the fact that there’s still so much we don’t know. As a “novel” virus, no human being has immunity to it, and the longterm effects on our bodies is still poorly understood.
Have basic questions about COVID-19? Use these resources and DON'T call 911
People across the country are scared, and they’re calling to 911 — not for emergency help but with general questions. Emergency dispatchers and first responders around the country, already pressed for resources, are pleading with the public to stop.
Wacky 5G coronavirus conspiracy theories now being shared by celebrities
Many questions about the coronavirus still remain, but few prompt as much heated discussion as the true origin of this deadly pandemic.
Based on what we know, there’s little doubt that the virus is of animal origins. Despite piles of scientific evidence, some still insist on spreading baseless conspiracies. Tap or click here to see why COVID-19 is not a bioweapon.
Coronavirus symptoms and prevention: What you need to know
As a previously unknown illness, there’s a great deal we still need to learn about COVID-19. The long-term effects of the disease have yet to be studied and symptoms in infected patients can vary wildly from person to person.
Virus found on surfaces after 17 days - new advice to open your packages
Of all the ways the coronavirus pandemic has upended our lives, our renewed focus on hygiene is one of the most obvious. Soaps, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes are sold out everywhere, and nearly everyone is obsessively washing their hands multiple times a day.
How to properly handle Amazon delivery boxes and orders during the coronavirus pandemic
As quarantine and “shelter-in-place” orders become more commonplace, Americans will be relying on delivery services more than ever before. Sure, grocery stores and pharmacies are planning to stay open, but ordering supplies online is still the best way to avoid exposure to COVID-19 if you are following recommends to stay home.
Windows users beware: New ransomware can lock you out of your PC
It hasn’t been the easiest time for Windows 10 users recently. While Microsoft’s signature operating system is more popular than ever, it’s suffered a variety of significant security issues in its time on the market.