Gadget Hacks How-Tos
How To: Protect Your Internet Browsing for Life for Less Than $20
We all know that using a VPN not only has a ton of benefits but is essential in our digital age. But did you know that you can get access to your own industry-leading VPN for life with one one-time payment? Even better, we've found an amazing deal on one right now: for a limited time, a YoData VPN: Lifetime Subscription is on sale for just $17.99. That's 69% off the regular price of $59.
How To: Turn Your iPhone into a Digital Level to Make Objects & Surfaces Straight, Plumb, or Angled
Let's say you're hanging a picture frame, and it doesn't look quite right. Sure, you could grab a spirit or bubble level, but maybe it's in another room or buried in a toolbox somewhere. Maybe you're away from home, away from your tools. As it turns out, you almost always have a level with you, and it's likely sitting in your pocket right now or resting in your hand as you read this article.
How To: Connect Your Nest Products to SmartThings & Trigger Automations with Your Cameras or Thermostats
Samsung and Google have done some amazing work together in the past, particularly with Android related projects. But after years of an inexplicable lack of interoperability, the primary smart home hardware divisions from both companies are finally on the same page — starting right now.
How To: Quickly Paste or Save Highlighted Text to Files, Messages, Mail, Notes & Other Apps
Highlight text, tap "Copy," open the app to paste the text into, long-press or double-tap where you want it, and hit "Paste." That's probably what you do when you need to copy text from one location to paste into another on your iPhone. It's a tried-and-true method, but there's a hidden trick for saving and sharing text on iOS that cuts down on that lengthy copy-paste process.
How To: Use Wireless ADB in Samsung's One UI 3.0 (It's Actually Pretty Easy)
Samsung's One UI 3.0 skin is built on top of Google's Android 11 open source code base, which means you get all of the standard features, plus some cool bonus stuff from Samsung. However, it's one of those standard AOSP features that you might find most useful if you send a lot of ADB commands.
How To: Become a Certified Project Management Pro from Home for Less Than $50
Want to land an exciting new job, get that promotion, or simply become more productive in 2021? Project and quality management are invaluable, transferable skills that will improve your efficiency in almost any industry. Right now, "The Premium 2021 Project & Quality Management Certification Bundle" is on sale with an amazing 98% off the regular price of $4,400, for just $45.99.
How To: Set Custom Ringtones for Individual Chat Threads in Android Messages
Things tend to get noisy when you're in a big group chat, which is why the notification sound for that thread shouldn't be your standard, attention-grabbing ringtone. But you don't want to set the default notification sound to something too subtle, otherwise you'd miss messages that actually matter.
How To: Quickly Download Streamable Videos on Your iPhone Before They Disappear Online
Videos hosted on Streamable may be fleeting or forever. So when you come across a cool video that you want to watch again later, it's a good idea to download it to your device in case it's one that disappears after a few months. There is no built-in download button in the Streamable player, but that doesn't mean you can't save anything on your iPhone.
How To: Stop Websites from Asking to Use Your Location Every Single Time for Uninterrupted Browsing in Safari
If you surf the web on your iPhone, you no doubt run into this problem all the time: a website wants your location. It can happen when performing a location-based task, such as using a store locator, or whenever a web app just wants to deliver better ads or local recommendations. If you're tired of allowing or denying permission each time, there's an easy way to stop the annoying security pop-ups.
How To: Ditch Google's WebView & Switch Android's System Browser to Bromite
Apps don't need to come bundled with an entire browser just to be able to display web pages — instead, they can call on the system WebView browser to render content for them. Android's default WebView renderer is Google software, which isn't quite as privacy-forward as some other options.
How To: Block & Report Spam Texts in Android Messages
Android Messages, formally named simply "Messages" now, has built-in spam protection. This doesn't get every spam SMS message, however — in fact, you can still get unwanted texts multiple times daily even with the feature enabled. Thankfully, you can manually block numbers, too.
How To: Convert Dates & Times to Different Time Zones on iOS Without Leaving the App You're In
Working with people in different time zones can be difficult when scheduling a time to meet up virtually, whether it's on Zoom, FaceTime, another video chatting app, or just a good old-fashioned phone call. The time needs to be good for all parties, and trying to remember UTC offsets and doing mental math isn't easy. Luckily, there's an easier way to deal with time zones on your iPhone.
How To: Create Your Own Website or Online Store with This Complete Master Class
Everyone needs a great website. Whether you want to launch the new business you've been dreaming about in 2021, increase your brand's web presence and bring it into the digital realm, or promote yourself and your portfolio, a fully optimized website is the way to do it — and the results can be life-changing.
How To: Get the Classic Nexus Ringtones & System Sounds on Any Rooted Phone
Google's legendary phone series fittingly ended with the Nexus 6 (P), and all the replicants that have come in its wake failed to unite the geek crowd quite as well. It might seem silly to think back on a smartphone with a sense of nostalgia, but if any Android phone deserves it, it's the Nexus.
How To: Set Ecosia as Your iPhone's Default Search Engine or Web Browser (And Why You Should)
With iOS 14, Apple finally lets us change the default browser on our iPhones. No longer do we need to settle for Safari if we'd prefer another option like Chrome or Firefox. However, we encourage you to consider switching your browser or your search engine — or both — to Ecosia. Here's why.
How To: This Top-Rated Bundle Will Help You Kick-Start a More Productive Life
Have you ever admired those individuals that get so much accomplished in a day and wonder how the heck they do it? Now's your chance to learn their secrets. The Productivity & Motivation Master Class Bundle brings you everything you need to life-hack your way into leading a more productive lifestyle at home and work.
How To: Can't Find an App on Your iPhone's Home Screen? Its Icon Is Likely Hiding from You
You know that you have the Gmail app on your iPhone. After all, you get Gmail notifications, you see it in the app switcher, it's in the Settings app, and there's an "Open" button in the App Store instead of "Get" or a download icon. But you cannot find the app on your Home Screen. If this situation sounds like something you're dealing with on iOS 14 or iOS 15, there's an easy answer.
How To: Send ADB & Fastboot Commands from One Android Phone to Another
ADB and Fastboot are powerful tools that have always required a computer. But with the right setup, you can now send commands to a phone using another phone.
How To: Sort & Filter Apple Arcade Titles on Your iPhone to Find the Perfect Game to Play
When it comes to mobile gaming, it's tough to beat Apple Arcade. With over 100 games and counting, there's something for everyone to play. That said, the ever-growing list of titles can make it difficult to find the games that are right for you. That's why Apple Arcade's sorting and filtering tools are essential for any subscriber.
How To: Check Your Phone for USB OTG Support to Connect Flash Drives, Control DSLRs & More
Compared to Apple's products like the iPhone and iPad, Android phones and tablets are very flexible devices. For instance, you can set a new home screen, replace the lock screen, or even beam files using NFC — but that's just the software side of things, and the flexibility goes well beyond that.
How To: Use This Trick to Quickly Access Spotlight Search from Anywhere on Your iPhone
Spotlight, Apple's system-wide search feature, lets you search for apps, contacts, messages, webpages, music, notes, and other content that's on and off your iPhone. On iOS, it's known as "Search," and you can access it by swiping your home screen down or swiping open the Today View screen. It's not exactly convenient, but an accessibility feature can unlock Search so you could open it from anywhere.
How To: Take Your Productivity to the Next Level with This Google Masterclass Bundle
Want to take your productivity to the next level in the new year? Whatever industry you're in, The Complete Google Master Class Bundle will teach you the tips and tricks to become more efficient and highly skilled in its most popular apps. Right now, the entire bundle is on sale for just $39.99 — that's an amazing 97% discount off the regular price of $1,990.
How To: The Easiest Way to Convert Videos to GIFs on Your iPhone
Countless third-party apps and services exist that can convert the videos on your iPhone into GIFs. With so many options available, the problem becomes which one to choose. Do you install something on the App Store that provides good quality but costs money, or should you use a shady online service where you have to jump through hoops to get the GIF? Your best option may be neither.
How To: Get Extra Security with This VPN & Email Encryption Bundle
The first step to getting your life together? Getting your online security together. After all, security when you're shopping, video calling, and more means more than ever in a digital age when anyone can copy your info or try to pose as you on the web. This Premium Privacy Bundle featuring Zenmate and StartMail will give you a secure VPN and encrypt your emails, all at a bundled price. The security duo is on sale for 60% off for a limited time, which means it's just $44.99 (regularly $113).
How To: Remove Vocals from Any Song to Make a Karaoke or Instrumental Track
Finding an instrumental or karaoke version of a song can be pretty easy unless you're dealing with a song that isn't popular. That leaves you with just the full version of the song, complete with vocals. So how do you convert it into an instrumental or karaoke track?
How To: Can't Find Episode Notes in Apple Podcasts? Here's How to Unlock Them on Your iPhone
Many podcasts you come across will tell you to check out the episode notes for information and links about whatever that show's topic is. Easy enough, unless you're using Apple Podcasts, where these episode notes don't appear to be anywhere at all. Luckily, they're just hiding in plain sight.
How To: Disable Vanish Mode in Facebook Messenger & Instagram
Facebook recently implemented "Vanish Mode" into Messenger and Instagram, which lets you have an end-to-end encrypted conversation in a chat that will disappear as soon as you leave the thread. As cool as it sounds, it's easy to enable accidentally, and a friend could force you into using it. In some cases, that may not be ideal since everything you or the recipient said will disappear.
How To: Easily Become an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner with This All-in-One Bundle
Ready to take the next step in your career and become an Amazon Web Services certified cloud practitioner in 2021? The complete AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner All In One Bundle is the easiest option to help you kill the exam — and right now, the entire bundle of courses is on sale with 91% off, for just $24.99 (regular price $300).
How To: The Easiest Way to Send Fastboot Commands to Your Google Pixel
Pixels don't have a "Download Mode" like Samsung Galaxy phones, so there's not an easy, point-and-click way to send firmware files and low-level commands from your computer. What they do have is an even more powerful tool: Fastboot Mode.
How To: The First 10 Things to Do After Rooting Your Phone
Okay, so you rooted your Android phone .... now what? There are a few ducks you need to get into a row, like backing up your stock boot image, getting SafetyNet sorted, and improving security with biometrics. But there are also awesome root mods waiting for you — just don't get ahead of yourself.
How To: Become a Productive Microsoft Apps Power User with 97% Off This Course Bundle
You may think you know Microsoft's apps, but did you know that you could be using them as a power user and make yourself way more productive in the process? Thankfully, the easiest way to master them from home is on sale right now, as The Premium Microsoft Office & Data Apps Certification Bundle is on offer for just $39.99 — a huge 97% off the regular price of $1,782.
How To: Get the iPhone's Auto-Hiding Lock Screen Notifications on Android
The iPhone has a setting that will obfuscate the content of notifications on its lock screen until you're recognized by Face ID. Google implemented this same feature in its Pixel phones, but many Android devices have no such option. At least, not by default.
How To: The Easiest Way to Download High-Res Cover Art for Albums, Movies, Books, Podcasts, Apps & More — Right from Your iPhone
The internet is saturated with low-quality pictures, making it difficult to find a high-resolution image for specific albums, TV shows, movies, podcasts, music videos, apps, and books. Apple uses high-quality images, but it seems impossible to download cover art, posters, thumbnails, icons, and other images from within its apps on your iPhone. Now, with the help of a shortcut, it's as simple as can be.
How To: Start 2021 with a New Coding Career with This Ultimate Set of Web Developer Courses
Did you know that you could learn all the fundamentals of web development for less than $35? Set yourself up for your new coding career in 2021 with The Ultimate 2021 Web Developer & Designer Super Bundle, which is on sale for just $34.99 right now — a huge 98% off the regular price of $1,886.
How To: Take Screenshots on Your iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, or 12 Mini in 6 Different Ways
If you just got an iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, or 12 mini, and you've never owned an iPhone before, some of the most basic tasks can be baffling. Shutting it down, force-restarting it, quitting apps, and even viewing the percentage of battery remaining sound simple but aren't very intuitive for new iPhone owners. Another big question mark is screenshots, and there are several ways to take them.
How To: Uninstall Bloatware Without Root or a PC Using Android's New 'Wireless Debugging' Feature
Bloatware is a problem on Android, and it's not just a Samsung thing. Removing apps that have the Uninstall or Disable button grayed out in Settings has always involved sending ADB commands to your phone from a computer, which itself was always such a pain to set up. Thankfully, that has finally changed.
How To: Make Your iPhone Switch Wallpapers Automatically When Dark Mode or Light Mode Is Enabled
There are still and live wallpapers on your iPhone that can go dark when Dark Mode is active or light when Light Mode is on, but there's no easy way to do the same for custom backgrounds. That doesn't mean you're out of luck, though, because you can use Shortcuts to build a workaround until Apple gets us an official "Dark Mode" option for automation.
How To: Download Photos & Videos from Instagram Posts & Stories Using This Shortcut for iPhone
You don't need to take screenshots or make screen recordings to save photos and videos from other users on Instagram. While Instagram doesn't offer an official way to download others' posted content, dozens of shortcuts are available for iPhone that can do just that. But which one should you pick?
How To: Automatically Mute All Spotify Ads on Android
There are modded Spofity APKs floating around that essentially give you a Spotify Premium account for free, but the music streaming giant has been aggressively banning users who go this route. So if you're tired of listening to ads, but you don't want to do anything illegal, you'll want to know about this new app.
How To: Make Project Management Easier Than Ever with This Professional Tool, Now Almost Half Off
Did you know there is a simple trick to making beautiful, professional charts? Whether for your work or for making running your own business easier, Edraw Project Software will make all your projects simple. Right now, a Perpetual License, which includes three-year upgrades and maintenance, is on sale for almost half off, at just $89.99 — that's a 49% discount off the regular price of $179.