Echo sound muffled? You’ll know — it’s like your smart speaker is underwater. To fix this, unplug the Echo, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. The magic restart trick! Yep, it works.
Use this trick to stop spam texts on your Android phone
Spam messages are no longer confined to your email inbox. They can now show up on your phone as text messages. Spam messages can range from harmless and annoying to invasive and dangerous.
Carriers and smartphone developers offer built-in tools to combat spam. You can block calls and filter numbers from unknown senders if you have an iPhone. You can even report spam messages as junk. Tap or click here to learn more.
Android fans also have recourse against spam. The Google Messages app includes spam text blocking and the ability to report these messages. Keep reading to find out how to stop annoying spam texts.
Google’s built-in tools
You have a couple of options to deal with spam when it comes to Google Messages. You can block a number from messaging you or report it and block it simultaneously.
To block messages from any number:
- Open the Messages app.
- Touch and hold the conversation you want to block on the Home screen.
- Tap Block > OK.
To report and block a conversation:
- Open the Messages app.
- Touch and hold the conversation you want to report.
- Tap Block > Report spam > OK.
You can also block and report a conversation from within the message:
- Open the conversation in your Messages app and tap the three dots for more options.
- Tap Details > Block & report spam > OK.
Use this advanced search trick to find anything on your Mac
Finder is the first thing that you see when your Mac finishes booting up. It’s your doorway to all the files and folders on your Mac.
You can use Finder to locate items on your computer — it’s as easy as typing in a search term. But did you know you can tweak this function to more easily find what you’re looking for? Here’s how.
How to send messages discreetly
Want to keep your messages private? Here’s a handy iPhone trick to avoid prying eyes.
Is LinkedIn the new love connection? Relationship counselors say it gives you a more authentic look into someone’s life, work and social contacts. The real trick is figuring out when to take things offline. But heck, at least you know they have a job.
Scammers have a new money-stealing trick: Fraudulent QR codes on parking meters
In many cities around the country, finding a parking spot can be a nightmare. When you manage to get one, you also have to contend with the parking meter. Never lose your car in a parking lot again with this clever trick.
Try your hand at this viral TikTok challenge
These days, it doesn’t take much for a video or tweet to go viral on social media. As a society, our attention span is short, and there’s an endless supply of content creators out there who deliver laughter and cringe-inducing material in equal doses.
Google Docs trick: This one’s perfect for when you want to share a doc as a template, but you don’t want other people messing around in your file. Click on Share, then change the link settings to Anyone with the link and choose Editor. Before you hit Send, replace the text in the URL that says “edit” with “template/preview.” It’ll force recipients to make their own copies and edits, leaving your original under your full control. So cool.
YouTube trick: There might be a good reason you need a solid screenshot of a single frame of a YouTube video. Now, it’s easy to do. Pause the video, right-click on it and select Copy video frame. Sweet! Just paste it into a chat, image editor or document.
Get a better Uber price: Put in your destination and pick a car. Close the app, then wait five minutes and reopen the app. I usually get at least a 10% lower price doing this trick.
Snag sold-out national park campsites
The best spots book out far in advance. There’s a trick to snagging last-minute cancelations if you know where to look.
Top auto execs reveal the truth about EV sales
If you buy an EV, will it be a trick or a treat? I unpack why many are fearful to buy. Plus, Kristen seeks a privacy-centric smart speaker for her 80-year-old aunt.
Map out your travels with Google Earth
Want a fun way to look back at your vacations? Try this trick in my one-minute podcast.
Viral trick to know who's behind an unknown number
Ever received a text message from a number you don’t recognize? I’ve got a trick you need to use, in one minute.
How to hide your phone number from marketers
Getting a bunch of spammy calls and texts? I’ve got a trick to put that to rest, in one minute.
Trick to make your phone run fast
Is your phone running at a snail’s pace? Well, in this one-minute podcast, I’ll share a really quick fix that might surprise you.
Check for dead remote batteries with your smartphone
Do you suspect that your TV remote batteries might be running low? I have a quick trick, in one minute.
How to split the tab on Venmo
Need to split the bill with a lot of people? Venmo’s got a feature for you. Here’s the trick in one minute.
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This one trick will stop phone scammers
America’s seniors shelled out more than $3 billion to phone scammers. In one minute, here’s how to save your money.
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Scary new malware is spreading
Did you know that login prompts can be dangerous? Here’s how hackers can trick you, in one minute.
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