How-To Geek - Android

This Is the OnePlus Open, the First Folding Phone From OnePlus

Arol Wright — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 15:01:45 GMT

Samsung released the first mainstream folding phone in 2019 with the original Samsung Galaxy Fold. Since then, the company has remained a leader in this segment, but that doesn't mean that other companies haven't done it. Everyone from Motorola to Google has come out with their own foldable phones over the past few years. OnePlus has now joined the party with its very own OnePlus Open.

Google Maps Gains Real-Time Weather Data on Android

Andrew Heinzman — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 19:27:01 GMT

The Google Maps app can now display real-time weather data on Android. When searching for a location in Google Maps, a small icon under your search bar will show the location's current temperature and air quality index. Tapping the weather icon reveals additional information, including a six-hour forecast and a "feels like" value.

Fitbit Step Streaks Are Coming Back

Andrew Heinzman — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 14:02:59 GMT

The redesigned Fitbit app has elicited a surprising number of complaints from customers. But what's more surprising is Google's response to these complaints—the Fitbit app will be tweaked to address user feedback. Plus, step streaks are returning to iOS and finally coming to Android.

What Is Root on Android, and Should You Do It?

Bemfica de Oliva — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 13:00:34 GMT

Android, like any operating system (OS), has an advanced mode—usually called "root"—to modify protected system files. Rooting can unlock many advanced features, but there are some big trade-offs as well. If you're wondering whether to root your Android phone, this article is for you.

How to Find Your Android Device's Serial Number

Adam Doud — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 12:30:34 GMT

The serial number is a unique code that identifies your specific Android device. No two serial numbers are the same. Should you need to find your phone's serial number, there are a couple of places where you can look.

How to Create a Custom Lock Screen on Google Pixel

Joe Fedewa — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 12:01:33 GMT

Google Pixel phones are known for their simplicity, but simplicity can come with a lack of customization options. Thankfully, Android 14 introduced some much-needed lock screen personalization. We'll show you how to change the clock style, font, size, and colors.

Google Wallet Now Supports Barcode and QR Code Passes

Andrew Heinzman — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 15:11:52 GMT

You can now add physical cards and passes to Google Wallet by scanning their QR codes or barcodes. This functionality was first announced in June and is currently rolling out to smartphones, starting with the Pixel 8. Additionally, Google Wallet now lets you disable its holiday-themed animations,

How to Enable Wi-Fi Calling on Android

Joe Fedewa — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 14:30:33 GMT

Wi-Fi calling allows your Android phone to use the best connection in your house for phone calls and text messages. You'll get higher-quality audio, and it's perfect if you live in a dead zone. Let's turn on Wi-Fi calling.

What's the Latest Version of Android?

Joe Fedewa — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 12:31:35 GMT

Android can be confusing. There are a lot of different versions, and many of them are still running on devices today. Keeping up with the latest version can be a challenge, and you may need a new Android phone to get the latest and greatest version of Android.

How to Turn Off Data Saver Mode on Android

Mahesh Makvana — Sat, 14 Oct 2023 14:30:34 GMT

Data Saver mode on Android helps save your mobile internet data. It's a special mode that ensures apps and services only use background data when on Wi-Fi. However, if you have an unlimited data plan, Data Saver isn't necessary. Learn how to turn it off using this guide.

Android Screen Won't Rotate? Here's How to Fix It

Mahesh Makvana — Sat, 14 Oct 2023 12:30:34 GMT

Does your phone's screen not rotate when you turn it sideways? If so, Android's automatic screen rotation option might be disabled, or your phone may have another bug. We'll show you a few ways to fix this problem.

Google's Pixel 8 Has Some Camera Issues

Arol Wright — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 18:16:58 GMT

We've known for a long time that Google's strong suit in smartphones is the camera. Since the very first Google Pixel launched in 2016, the cameras have been (mostly) excellent compared to other smartphones, and while the other smartphone makers have attempted to catch up since, Pixels remain in a strong position. The Pixel 8 is no different, with notable camera improvements, but some issues related to camera processing are not sitting well with buyers.

The Original Pixel Watch's Charging Speed Just Got Downgraded

Andrew Heinzman — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 15:11:41 GMT

Shortly after the launch of Pixel Watch 2, Google quietly downgraded the original Pixel Watch's charging speed. Presumably, the reduced charging speed is meant to prevent overheating, which can physically harm users and may damage the Pixel Watch's battery or adhesive binding. This change was made during a routine firmware update and was not communicated to customers.

How to Back Up and Restore Android Using Google One

Kevin Parrish — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 12:30:34 GMT

Moving from one phone to another can be as traumatic as changing schools or moving to a new city. To make the transition less painful, you can use Google One to back up and restore Android.

How Long Will My Android Phone Be Supported With Updates?

Joe Fedewa — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 12:31:35 GMT

Updates are a big deal in the Android world. While Apple controls the iPhone update process, Google does not have that power over all Android devices. How are you supposed to know how long your Android phone will get updates? We'll help you.

How to Install Android Apps to Multiple Devices at Once

Joe Fedewa — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 12:00:33 GMT

If you're a techy Android user, there's a pretty good chance you have multiple devices scattered throughout your life. A smartphone, of course, and maybe a Wear OS smartwatch, Google TV stick, and Android tablet to go with it. Did you know you can install apps on all of those devices at the same time from the Google Play Store?

Android Phone Not Receiving Calls? Here's How To Fix it!

Chizara Ibeakanma — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 16:01:31 GMT

Your phone has one main job: make and receive calls. What happens when calls can't get through to you? Let's find out why your phone isn't getting calls and how you can fix the issue.

How to Change the Navigation Buttons or Gestures on Android

Joe Fedewa — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 15:30:32 GMT

Many Android phones these days come with fancy full-screen navigation gestures. Maybe you don't like them or want to try the other options. We'll show you how to change the navigation buttons on Android easily.

Is My Pixel Phone Waterproof?

Shikhar Mehrotra — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 12:00:34 GMT

The Google Pixel phones are among the best in the Android market, but are they waterproof? Does Google provide a similar protection for all the models, or do the older models fall behind? Here's everything you need to know about your Pixel's water resistance and what not to do to prolong its life.

Moto Razr Is the Most Affordable Foldable in North America

Andrew Heinzman — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 19:57:26 GMT

Foldable phones are cool, but they can cost a fortune. Now, Motorola is flipping the script: the 2023 Moto Razr costs just $700. It launches in the United States and Canada on October 19th and will be the most "affordable" current-generation foldable on the market. Additionally, Motorola will offer a special $100 discount if you pre-order the Razr after October 12th.

How to Transfer Contacts to a New Android Phone

Joe Fedewa — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 14:30:35 GMT

Android gives you a few options for transferring contacts to a new device. By default, everything should be synced when you set up a new device, but even if sync is disabled, it’s easy to move your contacts over.

How to Copy Music to Your Android Phone

Ben Stockton — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 12:31:31 GMT

You don't need to abandon your music collection while on the go. Streaming services like Spotify are great, but you shouldn't have to pay for your own music. If you want to transfer music to your Android device, here's how.

How to Unzip Files on Android

Joe Fedewa — Sat, 07 Oct 2023 12:31:32 GMT

It's pretty common to zip files and unzip folders on a computer, but you might also have to do it on your Android phone or tablet. This used to be an annoying task, but it's much easier nowadays. We'll show you how.

Should You Upgrade to the Pixel 8?

Joe Fedewa — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 15:15:35 GMT

Since 2016, Google has released a new Pixel phone every October. The new Pixel is often compared to the last Pixel, but not everyone upgrades every year. How do the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro compare to previous generations?

Google's Magnifier Android App Now Works on More Phones

Andrew Heinzman — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 15:01:17 GMT

After a refreshingly short wait, Google's new Magnifier app is now available on the Pixel 5 and later. This app, which makes it easier to read small print or faraway signage, was previously exclusive to the Pixel 8 smartphone. Some people will say, "I can just use my camera for that," but I suggest that you download Magnifier from the Play Store and give it a shot. It has some special features that are definitely worth your time.

How to Use Focus Mode on Android

Joe Fedewa — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 14:30:35 GMT

"Digital wellbeing" tools are a big part of modern smartphones. These utilities aim to create healthier usage habits. Focus Mode is one of these tools, and it's available on all Android devices. Here's how it works.

Drivers' Licenses And State IDs Are Coming to Samsung Wallet

Corbin Davenport — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 19:19:07 GMT

Samsung Pay and Samsung Pass were combined into a single app last year: Samsung Wallet. The plan was for Wallet to support everything from credit cards to digital keys to government IDs, though some of those integrations are taking longer to set up than others. Samsung is now rolling out support for drivers' licenses and state IDs in the Wallet app in the United States, but just like Apple's implementation in the iPhone Wallet app, you can't use it in all states.

Samsung's SmartTag 2 Tracker Still Has a Big Catch

Andrew Heinzman — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 19:00:22 GMT

We're still reeling from the Google Pixel 8 launch event. But Samsung must not be too impressed. It announced a ton of new Galaxy FE products on the same day as Google's event. And, one day later, it revealed the long-awaited SmartTag 2 tracker. This thing is a serious upgrade from the original SmartTag—it offers both Bluetooth LE and UWB connectivity, improved IP67 durability, and a maximum 700-day battery life. At $30, the SmartTag 2 really seems like a no-brainer, although it requires a Samsung smartphone.

Wear OS 4 Is Coming to More Smartwatches

Corbin Davenport — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 14:43:50 GMT

Wear OS is the software platform that powers the Samsung Galaxy Watch series, Google Pixel Watch lineup, and many smartwatches from Fossil, Mobvoi, and other brands. The latest version debuted on the Galaxy Watch 6 series, but now it will ship with the Pixel Watch 2, and Google says it's coming to other watches soon.

Can You Swim with the Pixel Watch 2?

Andrew Heinzman — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 14:15:34 GMT

The new Pixel Watch 2 is like a super-powered Fitbit tracker, and it even offers full integration with Fitbit's apps and services. But, unlike most Fitbit trackers, the Pixel Watch 2 isn't explicitly advertised as a device for swimmers. The good news is it has a dedicated exercise mode for swimmers and offers the same water resistance as most Fitbit devices. However, here's what you need to know before you hit the lanes.

Google Is Offering Serious Cash to Lure iPhone Users to the Pixel 8

Joe Fedewa — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 11:00:33 GMT

Google's newly announced Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro come with another round of trade-in offers. Smartphone makers use trade-ins to bring in new users, and Google is going hard to court iPhone and Apple Watch owners. Somewhat embarrassingly so.

Samsung Reveals $599 Galaxy S23 FE, More Budget Devices

Corbin Davenport — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 18:17:41 GMT

Google revealed the Pixel 8 series and Pixel Watch 2 today, but that's not the only news today in the world of Android devices. Samsung just surprised us with four new budget-friendly devices under its "Fan Edition" label: the Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Tab S9 FE and S9+ FE, and Galaxy Buds FE.

Google Assistant Now Uses AI to "See" and "Hear"

Andrew Heinzman — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 17:13:17 GMT

Google Assistant is finally gaining true integration with the Bard AI. Over the coming months, Assistant will tap into the Bard AI when you ask it to compose a text message, create a travel itinerary, answer a complicated question, or perform other tasks. This functionality will extend to smartphones, where Assistant can also summarize web pages, generate captions for images on social media, and streamline your work in Gmail or Docs. These new capabilities were showcased at the Made by Google 2023 event, where Google also revealed the Pixel 8 smartphone and Pixel Watch 2 wearable.

The Pixel Watch 2 Arrives with New Sensors and Safety Features

Andrew Heinzman — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 14:32:20 GMT

The Made by Google 2023 event may be remembered as a Pixel 8 launch party. But Google also took some time to reveal the Pixel Watch 2, an upgraded version of the smartwatch it debuted last year. Pixel Watch 2 adds a handful of new and notable features, including an improved heart rate sensor, Fitbit stress tracking technology, and a safety-oriented location sharing system.

Android 14 is Finally Out, Coming to a Pixel Phone Near You

Arol Wright — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 14:30:33 GMT

We're entering the final months of 2023, which means it's time for your smartphone operating systems to update. Apple has already done its thing with the release of iOS 17, which is now making its way into iPhones both new and old. And in case you've been living under a rock, the next version of Android, Android 14, has also been coming for some time. Now, with the release of the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro, the company has now finally released the final, consumer-ready version of Android 14.

This Is the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro

Arol Wright — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 14:30:33 GMT

Many people think of Google Pixel phones as the "iPhones" of Android. They're made by the maker of Android, Google, and they are usually first in line for new Android updates. They also feature, every year, more and more proprietary hardware, with new Pixel phones coming with Google-designed Tensor chips, since the Pixel 6 in 2021. Now, the newest flagship entries in the Pixel series are here, in the form of the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro.

Android Phone Vibrating Randomly? Here's How To Fix It

Chizara Ibeakanma — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 13:01:35 GMT

You’re not imagining things. The random vibrations are real. Phone vibrations are normal, but when they happen for no reason, they can become annoying. You don't need to fret; there is a way out. With our easy fixes, you can stop the buzzing.

How to Open the Camera From the Pixel Lock Screen

Joe Fedewa — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 12:30:32 GMT

In 2021, Android 12 added many new features to Google Pixel devices, but it also took some away. The camera shortcut that has long been present on the lock screen was removed. So, how do you quickly open the Camera?

How to Check Your Voicemail on Android

Mahesh Makvana — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 14:30:31 GMT

Did you know that you can call your voicemail on your phone or someone else's? Major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and US Cellular make it easy. Here's how to check your voicemail on Android.

How to Find Out What Model of Android Phone You Have

Cameron Summerson — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 12:31:32 GMT

Because of the sheer number of Android phones out there, it can be a challenge to figure out (or remember) which device you have. Here's how you can find out.

Microsoft Lists Task Manager Is Now Available for Everyone

Andrew Heinzman — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 17:37:33 GMT

After a long wait, Microsoft Lists is now available for free. Microsoft Lists is a flexible task management tool that allows you to track household or professional work, create itineraries, save recipes, and more. It's an interesting option for individuals and families, though it offers advanced collaborative and calendar features for businesses, clubs, and other groups. Previously, Microsoft Lists was exclusive to business and enterprise users, though Microsoft opened a limited preview for 200,000 people last year.

Some Google Pixel Phones Still Can't Dial 911

Andrew Heinzman — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 16:01:38 GMT

Some Google Pixel owners are still unable to dial 911. This is a years-long problem that began in 2021 when a Reddit user struggled to contact emergency services from their Pixel 3 smartphone. The reasons for this problem are currently unknown. If you own a Pixel phone, you can contact your local non-emergency number to schedule a 911 test call — detailed instructions for scheduling a 911 test call are listed on the 911.gov website.

How to Adjust Volume for Individual Apps on Samsung Galaxy Phones

Joe Fedewa — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 14:31:35 GMT

Windows PCs allow you to adjust the volume for specific apps, but smartphones don't have the same functionality. That is unless you have a Samsung Galaxy device and you know where to look. We'll show you.

How to View (and Edit) Photo EXIF Data on Android

Joe Fedewa — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 12:31:31 GMT

Photo EXIF data is useful for seeing pertinent information about a picture: shutter speed, aperture, exposure, time taken, geolocation—the list goes on and on. Checking this sort of info directly from your phone is simple—so is editing (or removing) it.

How to Add Subtitles to a Video on Android

Kashif Javed — Sat, 30 Sep 2023 16:00:34 GMT

Watching videos on your Android device can be a great way to pass the time, learn something new, or enjoy your favorite entertainment videos. Sometimes, the videos you watch may have poor sound quality or use a language you're not familiar with. That's where downloadable subtitles come in.

How to Like a Text Message on Android

Mahesh Makvana — Sat, 30 Sep 2023 12:01:33 GMT

Did you know you can “like” and react with emojis like a thumbs-up to the incoming text messages on your Android phone? Thanks to Google’s RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging, it’s possible to use rich features even for your text messages.

What Is "Watch Only" Mode on a Galaxy Watch? (and How to Use It)

Joe Fedewa — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 14:31:29 GMT

Battery life and notifications are two of the features you might care about the most when it comes to your Samsung Galaxy Watch. Did you know there's a "Watch Only" mode that can improve both of those areas?

How to Uninstall Android Apps From Your Phone or Tablet

Joe Fedewa — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 12:30:30 GMT

With so many interesting—and free—apps in the Google Play Store, you're sure to download some that you end up not using. Keeping unused apps on your Android device can impact performance and take up storage space. Here's how to uninstall Android apps.

Google Podcasts Is Shutting Down in 2024

Andrew Heinzman — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 21:16:52 GMT

The Google Podcasts app will be discontinued in early 2024. It's being replaced by YouTube Music, which began offering podcasts to U.S. users earlier this year. To prepare for this transition, Google will offer a migration tool that copies your Google Podcasts account over to YouTube Music. You'll also have the option to download an OPML file of your Google Podcast subscriptions that can be uploaded to any podcast app with OPML importing functionality.

How to Set Up Android's Guest Mode

Joe Fedewa — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 12:30:31 GMT

Phones are extremely personal devices that contain things you probably don't want just anyone to see. Some Android devices have a "Guest" mode so you can hand off your phone and not have to worry about what they'll find.

I Bought a Leather Phone Case and I'm Never Going Back

Sydney Butler — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 11:00:30 GMT

As a grizzled tech enthusiast, I was a "naked" phone purist until Samsung's S22 Ultra's wobble bump led me to leather cases. Surprisingly, they transformed, not just protected, my device. Here's why I've stuck with leather cases ever since.

How to See How Much RAM Your Android Phone Has

Joe Fedewa — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 14:31:29 GMT

RAM is an important specification for your smartphone. The amount your phone has can greatly impact performance. If you're curious about how much RAM you have on your Android phone, it's easy to find out.

How to Set App Time Limits and Block Apps on Android

Khamosh Pathak — Sun, 24 Sep 2023 14:30:30 GMT

Spending way too much time on your Android device? Use Android's Digital Wellbeing tools to track your app usage and set app limits. You can even block specific apps for a bit with Focus Mode.

How to Check Battery Health on Android

Joe Fedewa — Sun, 24 Sep 2023 12:30:31 GMT

Battery life is something most people think about, but what about battery health? This is important for the long-term usability of your phone. Unlike the iPhone, Android devices don't have a super-easy way to check this.

How to See Your Android Phone's Processor and Speed

Joe Fedewa — Sat, 23 Sep 2023 14:31:28 GMT

Some people like to know what's powering the device in their pocket, others simply forgot the specs. Whatever the case may be, we'll show you how to see the processor in your Android phone---and how fast it is.

How to Set Up Multiple User Profiles on Android

Joe Fedewa — Sat, 23 Sep 2023 12:30:28 GMT

If you share an Android device with other people, it can be tough to keep your account separate from theirs. Fortunately, Android supports multiple user profiles, allowing users to share devices without fear of encroaching on each other.

How to Use Apple Maps on Windows and Android Devices

Tim Brookes — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 14:31:28 GMT

Apple Maps is only officially available on Apple devices like iPhones and Macs. But, thanks to DuckDuckGo, you can browse or get directions in Apple Maps from any platform with a browser, including Windows and Android.

How to Factory Reset an Android Phone or Tablet

Joe Fedewa — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 14:31:28 GMT

Part of owning a smartphone is dealing with occasional bugs, and Android is no exception. One of the easiest fixes for nagging problems is a factory reset. We'll show you how to factory reset Android in a few different scenarios.

How to Enable Developer Options and USB Debugging on Android

Chris Hoffman — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 12:30:27 GMT

Every Android device—from Amazon Fire TV to Samsung Galaxy—has a hidden "Developer Options" menu chock full of goodies. You don't have to be a developer to take advantage of these secret features, though. We'll show you how to find them.

How to Get Lock Screen Widgets on Android

Joe Fedewa — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 14:30:33 GMT

Apple introduced lock screen widgets for the iPhone in iOS 16. Android is known for being the highly customizable OS, but it doesn't have the same features. Well, not officially—but that doesn't have to stop us.

How to Add an Action Button to an Android Phone

Joe Fedewa — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 13:00:32 GMT

The iPhone 15 Pro includes a programmable "Action Button" that can do various tasks. If you'd like to bring similar functionality to your Android device, there are a number of ways to do it, both physically and virtually.

Android Storage Space Running Out? How to Check and Fix It

Joe Fedewa — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 12:31:30 GMT

When you picked up your new Android device, you probably thought it had plenty of internal storage—but here you are, with a full phone. Thankfully, Android includes many easy tools to check your internal storage usage and free up space.

How to Pin Live Sports Scores to Your Android Home Screen

Joe Fedewa — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 14:31:31 GMT

The best way to experience a sporting event is to watch it live, but that's not always possible. So how do you track the scores in real-time? If you own an Android smartphone or tablet, you can put live sports scores in floating bubbles on your screen.

How to Check Call History for a Single Contact on Android

Chizara Ibeakanma — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 13:00:28 GMT

Whether you’re trying to remember when you last spoke to a friend, how long a call with a particular contact was, or how frequently you’ve recently called someone, skip looking through your entire call log and zero in on the information you need with this simple trick!

Samsung Galaxy vs. Google Pixel: Which Should You Buy?

Joe Fedewa — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 12:30:29 GMT

In the U.S., there are two smartphone brands that most people seem to go with—Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy. Both run on the same Android operating system, but that's where most of the similarities end.

This Android Setting Automatically Archives Unused Apps

Andrew Heinzman — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 19:28:57 GMT

Are you always running out of storage space on your Android phone? Google is now rolling out a feature that automatically archives your least-used apps, reducing their storage impact by 60%. At first glance, this setting may seem like a recipe for disaster, but it's actually quite intuitive. Archived apps aren't completely deleted from your phone, and they still appear in your app drawer. When you try to open an archived app, it reinstalls almost immediately and retains all of your original user data.

Old Phones Make Great Cameras for Kids

Joe Fedewa — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 12:00:26 GMT

What can you do with an old iPhone or Android phone? If you have kids, your old phone can live on as a dedicated camera. It's a huge upgrade over the cheap digital cameras made for children.

How to Retrieve Deleted Text Messages on Android

Mahesh Makvana — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 12:30:26 GMT

Did you accidentally delete an important text message on your Android phone? If so, you can try to recover your message using a Google One backup (if you have one) or a third-party method. We'll show you the available ways.

How to Set Up Call Forwarding on Android

Joe Fedewa — Sat, 16 Sep 2023 14:31:26 GMT

Call forwarding on Android allows you to route calls from one phone number to another. This is a super useful feature that isn't difficult to set up. We'll show you how to forward calls on Android.

How to Spoof Your Location on Android

Joe Fedewa — Sat, 16 Sep 2023 12:30:27 GMT

It should be no surprise that your Android phone knows your location. There are times when you may not want your phone—or other people—to track you. We'll show you how to fake your location and set your location to anywhere easily.

No, Google Won't Repair Your Cracked Pixel Watch Screen

Andrew Heinzman — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 20:17:19 GMT

If you crack or shatter your Pixel Watch's screen, Google won't fix it. The company does not offer Pixel Watch repairs. At best, Google will replace your Pixel Watch, but only if a repair meets the criteria of your limited warranty (which does not cover damage caused by "accidents" or "normal wear and tear").

How to Turn Off Keyboard Vibration on Android

Joe Fedewa — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 14:31:30 GMT

Most keyboard apps have subtle vibration—also known as "haptic feedback"—to help make typing on a touchscreen feel more tactile. If you'd rather not feel your Android phone buzz with every tap, this can be turned off.

How to Uninstall Multiple Apps at Once on Android

Joe Fedewa — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 12:30:30 GMT

It's easy to get carried away installing apps and games, but you're probably not using all of them. The Play Store on Android makes it easy to uninstall a bunch of apps at once to free up space.

Google's New Pixel Tablet Gets Repair Guides and Parts from iFixit

Andrew Heinzman — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 16:06:55 GMT

The Google Pixel Tablet is just a few months old, but iFixit is already offering authorized replacement parts and repair guides for the device. It's yet another sign of the healthy relationship between Google and iFixit, which began working together late last year. While iFixit hasn't published a reparability score for the Pixel Tablet, repair guides for this device are all of "moderate" difficulty, which is a promising sign.

Google Wallet Exploit Reveals Credit Card Details to NFC Devices

Andrew Heinzman — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 15:02:17 GMT

A strange Google Wallet bug, which affects smartphones running Android 5.0 and up, may expose your credit card details under a very specific set of circumstances. Google is aware of this vulnerability (CVE-2023-35671), and a fix is included in the September 2023 security update for devices running Android 11 and later. At the time of writing, the September 2023 security update is only available on select smartphones (excluding Pixel phones, oddly enough), though you can avoid the Google Wallet exploit by disabling or avoiding a certain Android feature: Screen Pinning.

How to Screenshot on a Samsung Galaxy Smartphone

Joe Fedewa — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 14:31:28 GMT

Android phones all generally work the same, but there are plenty of small differences. Samsung Galaxy phones, in particular, have some unique quirks. If you have a Samsung device, there are multiple ways to take a screenshot.

5 Android Screenshot Tricks You Should Know

Joe Fedewa — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 12:30:27 GMT

Android's diverse landscape of devices makes for a lot of variety in features. Take screenshots, for example—there are many ways to take and edit them. We'll show you some of the tricks you may not know about.

How to Take a Scrolling Screenshot on Android

Joe Fedewa — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 12:31:27 GMT

Taking a screenshot is a core Android feature, but it has changed a bit over the years. Android 11 introduced a new screenshot UI, and subsequent versions have built upon that. We'll show you how to capture long page screenshots.

How to Take a Screenshot by Tapping the Back of Your Android Phone

Joe Fedewa — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 14:30:26 GMT

There are multiple ways to take screenshots on most Android devices. One of the methods you may not know about doesn't even require pressing buttons. We'll show you how to do it just by tapping the back of your phone.

How to Perform Actions by Tapping the Back of Your Android Phone

Joe Fedewa — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 12:30:27 GMT

Gestures and shortcuts allow you to quickly access things without jumping through apps and menus. What if you could simply tap the back of your device to perform an action? We'll show you how to do this on your Android phone.

10 Best Offline Android Games

Joe Fedewa — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 12:01:27 GMT

Mobile games are a great way to pass the time, but you may not always have an internet connection or want to run up your data. Thankfully, there are a lot of great Android games that can be played offline.

The Original Microsoft Surface Duo Is Already Entering Retirement

Andrew Heinzman — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 17:54:38 GMT

Three years after its launch, the original Microsoft Surface Duo has officially reached its end-of-servicing date. The dual-screened phone will no longer receive security updates, and any remaining Surface Duos are stuck running Android 12L. While three years of software updates may seem unusual for a $1,399 smartphone, this should come as no surprise—Microsoft committed to three years at launch and held by its promise.

It's Time to Replace Your Samsung Galaxy Note 10

Andrew Heinzman — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 15:36:31 GMT

The Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10+ are no longer supported by Samsung. The software that these phones run today — Android 12 and the August 2023 security update — will never be updated, leaving all remaining users vulnerable to security exploits, bugs, and increasingly poor performance. We suggest that you buy a new smartphone within the next six months to avoid any problems (though the Galaxy Note 10 Lite is still good until 2025). Note that the Galaxy S10 series also reached end of life last year.

What to Do If You Forget Your Android Phone's PIN, Pattern, or Password

Joe Fedewa — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 12:30:29 GMT

Android secures your device by asking you for a PIN, pattern, or full password. What happens if you forget the security method you set up? If you're lucky, you can get back in easily—but that may not be possible.

5 Reasons You Should Switch to Google Phone on Android

Joe Fedewa — Sat, 09 Sep 2023 12:31:28 GMT

Android phones are, well, phones at the core. You may not think much about the phone app that came pre-installed, but like many things in Android, it can be changed. You should try the Google Phone app.

How to Hear Who's Calling Your Android Phone

Joe Fedewa — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 15:31:28 GMT

Who's calling me now? It's a question everyone has asked. Smartphones make it easy to see who's calling before you answer, but what if you didn't even have to look at the screen? The Google Phone app can announce it.

How to Avoid Spam Robocalls on Android

Joe Fedewa — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 12:31:26 GMT

Spam calls might be the worst thing about carrying a phone in your pocket every day. Thankfully, there are tools to help with this. We'll show you how to block these annoying calls on your Android phone using one of Google's own apps.

How to Save Voicemails on Your Android Phone

Joe Fedewa — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 12:00:28 GMT

Voicemails can contain very personal messages, and you may want to keep them around long past the lifespan of your phone. Thankfully, it's very easy to save a voicemail on your Android phone, whether it's a Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 vs. Galaxy Watch 6 Classic: Finding the Differences

Joe Fedewa — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 12:00:27 GMT

Samsung’s smartwatches for 2023, the Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, have more in common than ever before. What are the differences that matter, and do they matter to you? Let's take a closer look.

Android Has a (Slightly) New Logo

Arol Wright — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 17:01:28 GMT

Not too many logos are as iconic as Android's logo. The green bugdroid we all know has been associated to Android for more than a decade, and has been kept as a key element of Android's branding throughout several rebrands. Now, it's time for another rebrand, and as Google is once again revamping Android's visual identity, the bugdroid is still a key part of the brand.

New Android Feature Drop Includes Redesigned Google Assistant Widget

Andrew Heinzman — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 17:01:28 GMT

Google just revealed the latest Android Feature Drop. While it isn't as robust as the upcoming Android 14 update, it contains plenty of useful new features, including an upgraded Assistant At a Glance widget for non-Pixel users. These improvements should arrive on your Android phone within the coming weeks or months, depending on how quickly your smartphone's manufacturer delivers firmware updates.

7 Ways to Improve Notifications on Android

Joe Fedewa — Sat, 02 Sep 2023 15:30:27 GMT

Android notifications are head and shoulders above iPhone notifications, but they're certainly not perfect. You can improve them with a few of Android's built-in features. We'll show you the settings to tweak to make Android notifications even better.

How to Get Reminders for Android Notifications

Joe Fedewa — Sat, 02 Sep 2023 13:31:27 GMT

At times, it can feel like smartphones exist purely to bother us with notifications. There are important notifications among the noise, though, and you don't want to forget about them. Android allows you to set reminders for notifications easily.

How to Hide Sensitive Notifications on Android

Joe Fedewa — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 15:31:29 GMT

The lock screen prevents people from getting into your device, but there's still information that can be seen from notifications that might appear. Thankfully, Android makes it easy to hide content on your lock screen.

How to Stop Android Notifications from Popping up on Your Screen

Joe Fedewa — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 14:30:28 GMT

Android notifications are great, but they're not perfect. The way that some notifications pop up on the screen can be annoying, especially if they're not important. Thankfully, you can stop this from happening.

How to Hide Notifications Icons from the Status Bar on Android

Joe Fedewa — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 13:30:29 GMT

You might think the only way to prevent apps from showing notifications in the status bar is by turning them off completely. That's not true. You can "minimize" notifications so they're only visible by expanding Android's notification shade.

4 Android Browsers That Support Extensions

Joe Fedewa — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 13:00:29 GMT

Extensions and add-ons make desktop browsers incredibly useful, but that same functionality hasn't translated over to mobile browsers quite yet—or has it? In the Android world, you have a few choices for browsers that support extensions.

The Galaxy Watch 5 is Finally Getting Wear OS 4

Arol Wright — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 19:38:51 GMT

The next version of Wear OS, Wear OS 4, is officially out at long last. After Wear OS 3 represented a massive leap for Android-powered smartwatches, the stakes are high for Wear OS 4. The new operating system comes pre-installed in the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 series, and Samsung promised to roll it out to older smartwatches soon. Like clockwork (no pun intended), the new operating system is now rolling out for the Galaxy Watch 5 series.

10 Google Pixel Features You Should Be Using

Joe Fedewa — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 15:31:27 GMT

Google Pixel phones may not have as many features as Samsung Galaxy phones, but they're not without cool things to do. We'll show you some things you can do with a Pixel phone that you may not know about.

How to See Your Notification History in Android

Joe Fedewa — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 14:31:28 GMT

Notifications are a key component of the Android experience, but they're also easy to swipe away accidentally. Thankfully, Android has a feature called "Notification History" that keeps a running log of notifications. We'll show you how to find it.