mobile devices Archives - Rick's Daily Tips

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…]

Q&A: Why does my phone have an ‘Airplane Mode’?

Posted on September 25, 2022

Question from Janine: Hello, Rick. I have just finished reading an article that discussed an app that places your phone into “Airplane Mode” whenever there isn’t a cell signal available.

Please don’t think I’m a dummy because I’m not, but I had never heard the term “Airplane Mode” before reading that article.

Can you tell me what it means? What do phones have to do with airplanes?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Lookout Mobile Security: An outstanding free security app for your smartphone or tablet

Posted on October 28, 2020

Hackers have been relentlessly attacking PCs that run Microsoft Windows for years while largely ignoring computers running other operating systems.

Why? Because they enjoy inflicting misery and financial loss on as many people as possible while expending the least effort.

It’s simply the age-old principle known as economy of scale at work. Since there are more Windows PCs out there than anything else, they aim their malicious attacks at them in order to get the most “bang for their buck”.

While PC’s are still huge targets, now that smartphones and tablets are in virtually every pocket in America the hackers have turned their attention to those devices as well.

With that in mind, let me tell you about a free app called Lookout Mobile Security that offers outstanding security protection for iPhones, iPads and all types of Android devices.

[Read more…]

Keep your mobile devices charged during extended power outages with a solar powered USB charger

Posted on February 17, 2015

If you live in an area plagued by frequent power outages, keeping your cell phone and other mobile devices charged can be a real challenge.

I wrote a post a while back explaining how a spare battery backup unit is a great tool for keeping your devices charged up.

But if you’d rather not have to deal with keeping another battery backup charged and at the ready, there is a great alternative available: a solar powered USB charger. (#ad)

One major advantage of solar chargers is the obvious: As long as the sun shines you can keep a charge on your devices’ batteries. Of course that’s also the main disadvantage – no sun, no charging. But most models have a built-in backup battery for charging your devices during times of darkness or heavy cloud cover. [Read more…]