Smart Phone Tips Archives - Page 3 of 51

Apple has added a new (and awesome) ‘Account Recovery’ tool to iOS 15

Posted on July 9, 2021

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I frequently receive frantic messages from folks who have managed to get locked out of their own Apple devices because they’ve forgotten their Apple ID password.

I usually reply to those requests for help by sending them the link to Apple’s Reset Password page.

If the stars are aligned just right and the closest creek hasn’t overflowed its banks most password reset attempts end in success.

However, in far too many cases the forgotten password simply cannot be reset using the tools Apple provides on that page.

[Read more…]

Q&A: Will my phone’s battery charge faster if it’s turned off?

Posted on July 8, 2021

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Question from Dorenda J.: Hi Rick! I have a question about charging my phone.

I lead walking tours through the streets of my historic home town and I only have a few minutes here and there when I can plug my iPhone in for a quick charge.

Someone told me my phone will charge faster if I turn it off before I plug it in. Is that true?

Rick’s answer: Yes it is true, Dorenda. The innards of your iPhone consist of some pretty sophisticated electronic devices, including a CPU, some memory chips and multiple send/receive radios. [Read more…]

Q&A: What does it mean to ‘jailbreak’ a device?

Posted on July 7, 2021

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Question from Barbra: Can you explain what “jailbreaking” is – in terms a six year old can understand?

Rick’s answer: I’ll do my best, Barbra. And that’s a great question!

[Read more…]

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

Posted on June 20, 2021

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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?

If you agree with me she has to take me out to dinner. If you agree with her I have to cook her 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…]

Scam alert: Never answer a call if your own number is on the Caller ID

Posted on June 12, 2021

Have you ever received a telephone call with your own number showing up on the Caller ID?

Yeah, me too. And it’s quite frustrating to say the least.

When that happens the natural instinct is to answer the call and give the scammer a piece of your mind, but that’s a very bad idea.

[Read more…]