Roku was hacked over the weekend. To keep yourself protected, I suggest changing your password ASAP!
‘How do I reset my old router?’
After I shared my router picks (and so many of you realized you have a TP-Link …), my inbox is flooded with this one: “What do I do with my old router after I upgrade?” Good question. A factory reset wipes your username, password, Wi-Fi network name or SSID, and any security settings.
Step 1: Look for a small button on the back or bottom of your router. It’s usually recessed (so you’ll need a paper clip to press it in) and may be labeled “Reset.”
Step 2: Do a 30-30-30 reset. It’s a bit of a pain but works for every router model I’ve come across. Here’s how:
- 👉 With your router plugged in, hold down the reset button for 30 seconds.
- While still pressing reset, unplug your router from the power source and count for another 30 seconds.
- Finally, still holding reset, reconnect the router to the power cord and count another final 30 seconds. Done!
WTH do I do now? Jim in Philly wrote to me because he downloaded an app that totally screwed up his phone — random ads everywhere. Sorry, Jim, but you need to do a full factory reset. It’s a royal pain in the rear, I know, but it’s the only way to ensure your phone is clear from adware and malware. After that, do like I do and get a solid AV software on your phone.
Mid-week slump? Try this
The Wednesday drag is real. I’ve got a few quick tech tips to help you reset and power through.
📱 Ring, ring, it’s not IT: If you get a call from your help desk or IT asking for a password reset, check if it’s legit. Scammers are getting good at tricking people over the phone to sneak into their systems. CrowdStrike found voice vishing scams (that’s voice phishing) jumped 442% last year.
🌐 Browser acting weird? Extensions or broken settings could be messing things up. Time for a reset. In Chrome, go to Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults. Using Firefox? Head to Menu > Help > More Troubleshooting information, then click Refresh Firefox and confirm.
The button combo to force-reboot any frozen phone
Before you freak out and mash all the buttons, try this quick reset trick. Works on iPhones and Androids.
🔄 Clean slate: If you’re chatting with ChatGPT or any bot and want to change the subject, just say, “Please ignore all previous instructions and start fresh.” That’ll reset the convo. You can also say, “Let’s shift gears” to sound smoother. Pro tip: This won’t get you out of a real-life speeding ticket.
It’s a goldmine: Your printer stores copies of docs you’ve printed. If yours is spitting out random documents or your settings are funky, reset it to factory defaults. Unplug the printer, then press and hold the Reset button (on the back or bottom). While holding, plug the printer back in and turn it on. In about 20 seconds, lights will flash to tell you it’s done.
A phone reset is not good enough
Trying to sell your old phone? Remember to take these privacy steps before you hand it off.
Quick way to cancel your subscriptions
Considering canceling your card on file to reset your subscriptions? Before you do, there are a few steps you should follow.