Smart Phone Tips Archives - Rick's Daily Tips

How to interpret the results of an Internet speed test

Posted on March 14, 2026

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Regular readers of this blog know I’ve written several posts about the importance of occasionally running an Internet speed test.

In a nutshell, these tests allow you to monitor the speed and reliability of your Internet connection and also make sure you’re getting the download and upload speeds you’re paying for every month.

Since several people have asked me how to interpret the scores they receive when they run a test, I thought it might be a good idea to write up the answer in a stand-alone blog post.

[Read more…]

How (and when) to boot your Android device into Safe Mode

Posted on March 6, 2026

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If you’re a Windows or Mac user you probably know that restarting your computer in Safe Mode is a great way to troubleshoot software problems that are difficult to track down when everything but the kitchen sink is running on the machine.

In a nutshell, booting a device into Safe Mode ensures that only the most essential parts of the operating system and the most basic hardware drivers are loaded into memory to make it easier to track down those most stubborn issues.

Luckily, Android devices can be booted into Safe Mode as well. [Read more…]

How to remotely erase a lost or stolen smartphone to protect your sensitive info

Posted on February 24, 2026

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Have you ever stopped to consider just how much of your digital life is stored on your smartphone?

First, there are the names and phone numbers of all your contacts (and possibly their email addresses and other sensitive info as well).

Then there are apps for accessing your bank account, your social media accounts and the accounts for all the other online services you use (and possibly the usernames and passwords to those accounts as well). [Read more…]

How (and why) to stop mobile apps from tracking your location

Posted on February 21, 2026

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Did you know that at least some of the apps on your phone are probably tracking your location even if the app doesn’t need location data in order to perform the task it was intended for.

Of course a Maps app has a legitimate need to track your location, for obvious reasons.

So does an app that keeps you up-to-date on where to buy the cheapest gasoline in the area you happen to be driving through. [Read more…]

Q&A: Is a 6 digit PIN really all that much more secure than 4 digits?

Posted on February 20, 2026

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Question from Andy: My girlfriend and I have a bet that’s riding on your answer to this question:

Is a six digit PIN really all that more secure than a four digit PIN?

It don’t seem like just two digits could make that much of a difference. She says it makes a big difference if someone ever tries to break into my phone.

So who’s right? [Read more…]