Check sketchy apps on Android: Before installing something from the Play Store, see what info it collects and shares. Open the app page, scroll down and tap Data Safety. You’ll find whether it gathers personal details, photos, location or financial info, and if your data is encrypted in transit.
⚡️ 3-second tech genius: Need to take a quick photo? On iPhone, swipe left on the lock screen. On Android, double-press the Power button. No passcodes, no missed shots.
🌪️ Turn on emergency alerts: Your phone can warn you about severe weather or local threats. On Android: Go to Settings > Notifications > Advanced settings > Wireless emergency alerts and toggle on Allow alerts. On iPhone: Go to Settings > Notifications, then under Government Alerts, switch on Emergency Alerts and Public Safety Alerts.
⚡️ 3-second tech genius: On iPhone and Android, double-tap the space bar while typing to insert a period and a space. Nice, you’re now texting 0.002 seconds faster.
Share your phone’s internet: Turn your mobile data into Wi-Fi for other devices. On iPhone, go to Settings > Personal Hotspot and toggle Allow Others to Join. On Android, go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Hotspot and Tethering. Then, on your laptop or tablet, open Wi-Fi settings and connect to your phone’s hotspot name.
⚡️ 3-second tech genius: Want to find your phone? Say, “Hey, Siri, where are you?” (or “Hey, Google”), and follow the sound. Magic. 🔍📱
Drop your phone in water? A bag of rice won’t help. Turn it off immediately to stop short circuits, then dry it with a microfiber cloth. Remove the case and SIM card, let it air-dry for 24 to 48 hours, and see if it powers back on. PSA: Don’t use a hair dryer. It pushes moisture deeper inside.
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⚡️ 3-second tech genius: Streaming music or my podcast but need to save battery? Turn on Low Power Mode on iPhone or Power Saving mode on Android. The trade-off is a dimmer screen.
⚡️ 3-second tech genius: On Android, swipe down with two fingers from the top of the screen to open all Quick Settings at once. Saved you an extra swipe. You’re welcome.
📱 Customize your Android home screen: Long-press an empty spot until the menu pops up. From there, you can change the Wallpaper, apply a new Theme, add Widgets, or change Settings like the Home screen layout. You’ll also see a (+) icon you can tap to add another home screen page.
🌡️ Stop your Android from overheating: First one’s obvious, don’t leave your phone in direct sunlight. Next, avoid using it for heavy tasks, like streaming video, while it’s charging. And make sure it’s running the latest updates! Go to Settings > Software Update and follow the prompts.
Personalize your Chromebook: Right-click your Desktop and select Set wallpaper and style to change up the look. Pick an accent color, choose a wallpaper or add your own photos. You can also move the shelf. Right-click it, select Shelf position and choose Left, Bottom or Right.
🔋 A secret Android battery drainer: Scan for nearby devices constantly uses your Bluetooth. Turn it off in Settings > Google > All services > Devices. Check your phone’s version under Settings > Connections > More connection settings, and switch off Nearby device scanning, too.
🔔 Keep Android notifications private: Put that lock screen on lockdown. Go to Settings > Notifications > Lock screen notifications and toggle on Hide content. FYI: You can also set it per app if you only want it for some.
🚫 Stop Chrome from running in the background: To shut that down, go to Settings > System and toggle off Continue running background apps when Google Chrome is closed. While you’re there, turn on Use graphics acceleration when available. Your little laptop will run a bit smoother.
⚡️ 3-second tech genius: iPhone and Android both let you copy text from a photo. Just tap and hold the text, e.g., menus, signs, screenshots. Boom. Instant clipboard magic.
Clear it out on Android, too: Open Chrome and tap the three dots (top right). Go to Delete browsing data and choose a Timeframe. Now tap More options and make sure Browsing history, Cookies and site data, and Cached images and files are selected. Then hit Delete data at the bottom.
😁 Look better in photos: Never face the camera head-on. Instead, turn your body about 45 degrees, shift your weight to your back foot and lean your torso slightly forward. It’s a simple trick for a more flattering pose. The source? Oh, just 20+ years of broadcasting and looking fabulous!