Smart Phone Tips Archives - Page 2 of 65

How to see which Android apps have access to your Contacts (and optionally revoke it)

Posted on January 6, 2026

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If you have a smartphone or tablet, you’re probably aware that the apps on your device have permission to access certain features and caches of info that are present on the device.

While it’s true that you have the option to revoke most any permission that an app might claim for itself, do you actually take the time to review your apps’ permissions and revoke the ones the apps really don’t need in order to perform their stated functions?

If you’re like most folks, the answer is probably no. [Read more…]

10 things the smartphone has replaced (can you add to the list?)

Posted on December 30, 2025

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Throughout human history there has been a long string of new inventions that literally changed the ways in which we live, work and play.

For example, the inventions of both the electric light bulb and the refrigerator made life on Earth so much safer and a lot more convenient than it had ever been before.

The blazing speed at which technology is now evolving ensures that there will be plenty more great inventions (or innovations) to come in the future, but if I had to choose one device that changed how we live our daily lives more than any other to date it would have to be the smartphone. [Read more…]

How to safely disinfect your smartphone and avoid damaging the screen

Posted on December 19, 2025

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Well, cold and flu season has arrived, and unfortunately it appears that Covid 19 is destined to hang around forever and rear its ugly head from time to time.

There are things you’re probably already doing to reduce your chances of catching a nasty virus such as being diligent about washing your hands, doing your best to avoid people who are obviously sick and taking supplements that boost your immune system, but did you know one of the easiest ways to expose yourself to viruses and other contaminants is by simply talking to someone on your phone?

[Read more…]

Q&A: What does it mean to ‘jailbreak’ an iPhone? (and should I do it?)

Posted on December 12, 2025

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Question from Barbara: Can you explain what it means to “jailbreak” an iPhone in terms a six year old can understand?

I read something about that the other day and it went right over my head.

Is this something that I should do? [Read more…]

How to make your phone charge as quickly as possible

Posted on December 7, 2025

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Do you often find that your phone’s battery is running low but you don’t have much time to charge it up?

If so, there’s an easy way to ensure that you’ll get as much charge in the short time available as possible. All you have to do is put your phone in airplane mode.

You probably know that putting any device into airplane prevents it from ringing or making other sounds, but this handy setting actually goes much further than that… [Read more…]