smart phone Archives - Rick's Daily Tips

Did you know you can redial the last number you called with a single tap?

Posted on August 9, 2026

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Have you ever called someone only to have the call go straight to voice mail? If so, you probably tried placing the call again later.

Or perhaps there are occasions when you need to speak to the last person you called once again?

There are several ways to redial the last number you called, and I’m sure you have your favorite method of doing it. [Read more…]

5 tips for fixing a misbehaving smartphone

Posted on July 5, 2026

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It’s no secret that smart phones have literally changed the way most of us live our lives.

They allow us to make phone calls and use the Internet from most anywhere, and the list of devices they can replace by simply installing an app boggles the mind.

Truth be told, smartphones are actually just really small computers that can run programs (apps) to perform countless types of tasks.

Unfortunately, like other computers a smartphone can get bloated and inefficient over time as you add more and more apps (some of which can conflict with one another) and its internal storage gets clogged up with digital clutter.

[Read more…]

Q&A: What does the phrase ‘brick your phone’ mean?

Posted on July 17, 2025

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Question from Betty: I read an article suggesting that everyone needs to keep the software on their smartphones up to date.

It also said to be careful not to ‘brick your phone’ while you’re updating it. Can you tell me what they mean by that? Thanks. [Read more…]

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

Posted on February 12, 2025

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Question from Kara: I have an Android phone that loves to auto-update 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 app updates doesn’t use up a lot of data, but they do use some, right?

How can I set my phone to only auto-update my apps when I’m connected to Wi-Fi? [Read more…]

Q&A: Can a cell phone damage a credit card or key fob?

Posted on June 27, 2024

Question from Cam : I’ve been wondering about the something and I’m hoping you can set me straight.

I always carry my credit cards, my debit card and the key ring with my car keys and key fob on it all in my purse right next to my cell phone.

My question is could the battery or any parts of the cellphone or the electric current in the phone (which I leave turned on) somehow damage the key fob or erase the data on my bank cards? [Read more…]