Smart Phone Tips Archives - Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: Is it possible to let one specific person call me even when my iPhone is set to ‘Do Not Disturb’?

Posted on October 15, 2018

Question from Janelle S.: I know there probably isn’t a way to do what I’m asking, but I thought I’d ask anyway.

I have to keep my phone silenced when I’m in class, but my dad is very seriously ill and I need to be able to get messages from my mom in case something happens with him.

I really need for my phone to ring if she calls so I can leave the room and call her back. Is there any way that I can let my mom call me even when I have my iPhone set to “Do Not Disturb”?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: How can I make things easier to see on my iPhone?

Posted on October 14, 2018

Question from Brenda: Rick, I just bought an iPhone 7 because it was deeply discounted. I don’t really want or need the latest model.

When I was looking at the demo phone in the store I could read the screen ok.

But now when I look at mine I’m finding that I have to struggle to make out the text, and even some of the icons. I have more trouble reading the text though.

I know my eyesight isn’t what it used to be, but I guess it’s not too bad for a 74 year old.

Anyway, is there a way to make everything on the screen appear larger?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

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

Posted on October 12, 2018

Question from Andie J.: My boyfriend 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 difference. He says it makes a big difference in making a phone harder to break into.

So who’s right?

If you agree with me he has to take me out to dinner. If you agree with him I have to cook him a steak dinner with all the fixin’s. We both subscribe to your blog and we’ll trust your opinion.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: How do I set Google Play to auto-update my apps on Wi-Fi only?

Posted on October 10, 2018

Question from Kim G.: I have an Android phone that always auto-updates my apps over my cellular data connection without any warning.

The problem is I sometimes use up my data allotment before the month runs out.

I realize that downloading updates don’t use up a lot of data, but they do use some.

How can I set my phone to only auto-update my apps when I’m connected to Wi-Fi?

Or if that’s not possible can I just turn auto-update off completely?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: How much faster is 4G LTE than 2G?

Posted on October 9, 2018

Question from Roberta L.: I closed my T-Mobile account yesterday and bought a Straight Talk phone because I wasn’t happy with the service I was getting from T-Mobile.

So far the Straight Talk service seems to be a lot better in my neck of the woods.

When I bought the new phone I also bought one of the cards for Straight Talk’s $35 plan.

Now I’m thinking that might have been a mistake because when I put the Straight Talk app on my new phone it said the first 2GB of data I use will be “high speed” 4G LTE but after that it’ll switch to 2G speed.

What exactly does that mean? Is there a huge difference in the speeds of 4G LTE and 2G? I do a lot of video streaming and I’m pretty sure I’ll use more than 2GB every month.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]