Some reasons you have trouble placing calls on your phone are that your SIM card is improperly installed or damaged, the phone’s data roaming option is disabled, your phone can’t find the correct cellular network to connect, your device’s operating system has a minor glitch, and more.

Check if Your Phone Has Network Coverage

When you can’t make phone calls from your phone, the first thing to check is if your phone has network coverage. You can’t make or receive calls when your phone is outside the coverage area.

If your phone’s coverage bar doesn’t show any bars, which indicates your phone isn’t connected to your carrier, move around in your area and see if you get the network.

If your error continues even after receiving network signals, follow further fixes below.

Enable and Disable Your Phone’s Airplane Mode

When your phone experiences connectivity issues, you can toggle your phone’s flight mode on and off to resolve your problem, hopefully. This is because turning on flight mode disconnects your phone from all networks, and turning the mode back off re-connects your phone to your networks, fixing your issue.

On Android

1. Pull down twice from the top of your phone’s screen.
2. Tap the airplane icon in the open menu to turn on flight mode.

3. Turn off the mode by tapping the same flight icon.

On iPhone

1. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your phone.
2. Tap the flight icon in the menu to turn on airplane mode.

3. Turn off the mode by tapping the same flight icon.

Remove and Reinsert the SIM Card Into Your Phone

If your SIM card is improperly installed or damaged, that may be why you can’t make phone calls from your device. A damaged or incorrectly placed SIM card prevents your phone from connecting to your carrier, preventing incoming and outgoing calls.

You can check your SIM card’s condition by removing the SIM tray from your phone and the card from the tray. If your card’s condition looks good, place the card properly on the tray, push the tray back into your phone, and try to make a phone call.

Also, you can get a replacement SIM card from your carrier if your current card is damaged.

Restart Your iPhone or Android Phone

Sometimes, your phone’s minor glitches cause your call features to stop working. This may be the case with your phone, preventing you from placing calls.

You can fix many minor system issues on your iPhone or Android phone by restarting it.

On Android

1. Press and hold down the Power button until a menu appears.
2. Select Restart in the menu to reboot your phone.

3. Try to make your phone call.

On iPhone

1. Turn off your iPhone by pressing Volume Up + Side or Volume Down + Side.
2. Drag the slider to finish powering off your phone.

3. Turn on your phone by pressing and holding down the Side button.
4. Make your voice call.

Turn On Data Roaming on Your Phone

Some carriers require you to enable data roaming to place phone calls. If you’ve turned off this option on your phone, turn the option on to resolve your issue.

Note that your carrier may charge a fee for using data while roaming. Get in touch with your network provider to learn more about the costs.

On Android

1. Open Settings on your phone.
2. Select Mobile network in Settings.
3. Choose your SIM card on the list if your phone supports multiple SIM cards.
4. Turn on the Data roaming option.

5. Place your phone call.

On iPhone

1. Launch Settings on your iPhone.
2. Select Mobile Data in Settings.
3. Choose Mobile Data Options.
4. Enable Data Roaming.

5. Make your call.

Choose Your Network Operator Manually

By default, your phone automatically finds and connects to your cellular provider. However, it’s worth choosing the provider manually when you have trouble placing calls on your phone. It’s possible your phone is confused about what carrier to choose, which you can fix by selecting the carrier manually.

On Android

1. Open Settings on your phone.
2. Select Mobile network and tap your SIM card.
3. Choose Carrier on the following screen.
4. Turn off the Auto select option.

5. Select your carrier manually on the list.

On iPhone

1. Open Settings on your phone.
2. Select Mobile Data in Settings.
3. Choose Network Selection.
4. Turn off the Automatic toggle.

5. Manually select your carrier on the list.

Update iOS or Android on Your Phone

If your phone is using an old iOS or Android version, that can cause various issues on your device. An outdated operating system version may be why you can’t make phone calls from your phone.

In this case, update your phone’s operating system to resolve your call error.

On Android

1. Open Settings on your phone.
2. Scroll to the bottom and choose About device.
3. Select Software update.

4. Download and install the available updates.

On iPhone

1. Launch Settings on your phone.
2. Select General > Software Update in Settings.

3. Download and install the latest iOS updates.

Factory Reset Network Settings on Your iPhone or Android Phone

If your phone still can’t make calls and you continue getting a “Cellular network not available for voice calls” error, your network settings might be incorrect. You or someone else may have modified your phone’s network configuration incorrectly, causing the phone not to make calls.

In this case, you can reset your device’s network settings to fix your issue potentially.

On Android

1. Open Settings on your phone.
2. Navigate to System settings > Back up and reset > Reset phone in Settings.
3. Choose Reset network settings.

4. Authorize yourself using biometrics or a PIN and finish the reset process.

On iPhone

1. Access Settings on your iPhone.
2. Select General > Reset in Settings.
3. Choose Reset Network Settings.

4. Authenticate yourself and tap Reset Network Settings in the prompt.

Contact Your Network Provider

If your “Cellular network not available for voice calls” error persists, your last option is to contact your carrier. Something may be wrong on your carrier’s end, causing your call issue.

You can verify that and seek a solution to your problem by contacting your specific network provider. You can reach most providers online using their official websites.

Solve the Cellular Network Error Stopping Your Calls

You can’t make calls and get an error on your iOS or Android device for many reasons. Your carrier may have issues on its end, or your phone may be suffering from a bug. Either way, you can use the above mentioned methods to fix your error and start placing your calls.

The post How to Fix a “Cellular network not available for voice calls” Error first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

There are a number of reasons why this could happen. Don’t panic! We’ll take you through them, and explain how to fix Cash App payment completed but not received in each instance.

Why Is a Cash App Payment Completed But Not Received?

As we mentioned above, numerous factors could cause a payment in Cash App to show as completed even though the funds haven’t been received. Perhaps you tried to make a payment with poor internet connectivity. Maybe you’re using an expired card, have insufficient funds in your account, or have exceeded your daily limit. There could even be issues with Cash App’s server — or your bank’s server. Below, we’ll take you through each of these factors and show you how to resolve each one.

Check Your Internet Connectivity

You need a stable internet connection to use Cash App, so if you’ve tried to send a payment — or are waiting to receive a payment when connectivity is poor, this could result in the payment showing as pending. We’d recommend waiting until you’re in an area with better connectivity, such as high ground or a major city, before checking to see if your Cash App payment has been received.

Double Check Your Card’s Expiration Date

Another common reason why a payment may be stuck as pending and hasn’t been received is that the person sending the payment is using an expired debit card. Always check the expiration date on your card before using it to send payments via Cash App.

Check for Server Issues

If there’s a server problem with Cash App, or with your bank, this could lead to payments being delayed. A payment could show as pending for some time — usually more than two to three working days. If it’s an issue with your bank’s server, Cash App could show the payment as completed even though the funds haven’t arrived in your account.

You can use a site like DownDetector to check if Cash App’s servers are down. You could also use this to see if your bank’s servers are running normally. Another way to check is to look on Twitter, where you can contact customer support normally.

Check You Haven’t Exceeded Your Payment Limit

Cash App puts payment limits in place — a $250 per week sending limit and a $1,000 per month sending limit applies until you verify your account by sending over your name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number.

Once you’re verified, you can send and receive up to $10,000 per week and $15,000 per month, with weekly limits resetting at 6 p.m. CST on Saturday and monthly limits resetting at 6 p.m. on the last day of the month.

There’s also a daily limit of $7,000 for sending and receiving funds, which resets at 6 p.m. CST daily. If you have exceeded these limits, that could be why your payment hasn’t been received.

Check Your Account for Suspicious Activity

If Cash App detects suspicious activity on your account, they may limit actions to protect you from being victim of a scam or fraud. Payments may be left as pending for hours or days while the Cash App team works to verify that it’s not a fraudulent transaction. In some cases, payments may even be blocked. If this has happened to you, and the payment in question is one that you know you’ve made or are expecting to receive, you can reach out to Cash App customer support for assistance.

Ensure There Are No Typos

It could be that there’s been a typo when sending or receiving a payment. For example, you or the person sending the payment may have accidentally typed a wrong digit or character when entering the phone number or Cashtag of the recipient. If you haven’t received a payment, always double check the sender typed your details correctly. If a payment you’ve sent hasn’t been received after a few working days (or instantly, if you used Instant Deposit), ensure there are no typos in the recipient’s details.

Check Which Payment Method Was Used

Cash App allows you to deposit funds in two ways, via an Instant Deposit or a Standard Deposit. An Instant Deposit charges a 1.5% fee and sends funds instantly to the recipient. A Standard deposit doesn’t charge any fees, but it can take a few working days before funds are received. If you see a payment marked as pending, it could be that the sender chose to send the funds via Standard Deposit. If you still haven’t received the payment after a few working days, you should contact Cash App customer support.

It’s worth noting here that if a payment is sent on weekends or public holidays and shows as completed but you don’t have funds in your bank account, you may need to wait two to three working days from the time it is marked as pending for it to arrive.

Be Patient if Your Completed Cash App Payment Hasn’t Been Received

If you’re experiencing Cash App payment completed but not received, it’s usually best to wait two to three working days to see if the payment arrives in your account, particularly if the transaction was completed on a weekend or public holiday. You could also contact the sender to check that they entered your Cashtag or phone number correctly and verify whether they chose an Instant or Standard Deposit.

If you’re particularly concerned that a payment hasn’t arrived in your account when it’s showing as completed, or if a payment has been pending for longer than expected, you can reach out to Cash App customer support.

Hopefully, this explains all the reasons why a completed Cash App payment may not have been received, and what to do if this happens to you. Before you go, we’ve got some fixes if CashApp isn’t working for any other reasons.

The post What to Do When You Don’t Receive Completed Cash App Payments first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

How to Change Cash App Password

There are two ways to reset the Cash App password or PIN, either using the app or online, through the Cash App site in your mobile or desktop browser. We’ll show you how to do both, so you can change your password on Cash App wherever you are.

How to Reset Your Cash App Password Using the App

The quickest and most convenient way to change your Cash App password or PIN is by using the mobile app. If you’ve forgotten your password, here’s how to change it in the app:

1. Open Cash App on your mobile device.
2. From the home screen, tap the Profile icon.
3. Select Security & Privacy > Change Cash PIN.
4. You’ll need to enter your old Cash App PIN.
5. Then, choose and confirm your new PIN or password.

How to Reset Forgotten Cash App Password in the App

If you’ve forgotten your existing PIN, here’s how to reset it:

1. Follow steps 1 through 3 above.
2. Then, tap Forgot Cash PIN > I forgot my Cash PIN, and you’ll be sent a verification code to the email address or phone number registered to your account.
3. Enter the code to continue resetting your PIN.

You can now log into Cash App using your new PIN or password — but make sure to store it somewhere safe so you don’t forget it this time.

How to Change Cash App Password in Your Browser

If you don’t have your mobile device handy, you can change your Cash App PIN or password through the Cash App site in your browser on a desktop computer or mobile device. Here’s how to change your password on Cash App through your browser.

1. In your browser of choice, go to cash.app/account.
2. Log into your account — you may need to enter your PIN to continue logging in.
3. Click Account from the bottom of the left toolbar to open Settings.
4. Under Security & Privacy, select Change Cash PIN.

5. Enter your current PIN.
6. Then, you’ll be asked to enter and re-confirm your new PIN.
7. You should receive a text message or email confirming you’ve changed your PIN.

How to Change a Forgotten Cash App Password in Your Browser

If you’ve forgotten your password, resetting it is similar to the above steps.

1. Follow steps 1 through 4 above.
2. When prompted to enter your current PIN, select Forgot PIN?
3. You should see a box saying you’ve been sent a verification code (either to your account email address or phone number). In some cases, you’ll receive a code in your email and phone number and will need to enter both.
4. Enter the code from the email or text message to continue resetting your PIN, then select Continue.
5. Enter your new PIN of choice, then confirm it.

As you can see, changing your Cash App password takes just a few minutes, and you can do it through the mobile app or the Cash App website, depending on your preferences. If your Cash App isn’t working after you’ve changed your PIN, or if you experience any other issues, you can contact Cash App support for help.

The post How to Change or Reset your Cash App Password/Pin first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

In this troubleshooting guide, we’ll explain what causes this glitch and how to fix Samsung Email not showing images.

How to Fix Samsung Email Not Showing Pictures

There are a few reasons that could explain why your Samsung Email app isn’t showing images, including:

1. Using incorrect app settings
2. Experiencing temporary bugs
3. Using an outdated version of the app

Here are 3 things you can do to fix this problem on your Samsung device.

1. Update the Samsung Email App

In 2022, Samsung released an update to the email app that removed the “Show Images” button from individual emails. This meant that to display images, you needed to enable Show Images on all emails by default.

However, later in the year, Samsung released another update that brought back the “Show Images” button. So, if you aren’t seeing the option in your email app, it might be because you’re using an older version of the app.

To check this:

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Search for and select Samsung Email.

3. Tap Update (if it’s available).
4. Check if you can show email images.

Note: It’s also worth checking whether your Samsung phone needs an update. Make sure you’re connected to a Wi-Fi internet connection, then open the Settings app and tap on Software updates. If there are any new updates available, download and install them.

2. Restart the App and Clear the Cache

This glitch might be caused by a temporary bug in your Android phone. To fix this, you can try clearing the Samsung Email app’s cache and then restarting the app.

1. Swipe up from the bottom of your home screen and close all of your currently open apps.
2. Open the Settings app.
3. Select Apps.

4. Find and tap Samsung Email.

5. Select Storage.

6. Tap Clear Cache.

7. Open Samsung Email and see if the option has reappeared within an email message.

3. Enable Show Images in Samsung Email

If the first two fixes don’t help, there’s an easy workaround. You can enable the “Show Images” setting by default. To do so:

1. Open the Samsung Email application on your Android device, then sign in to your email account.
2. Tap the menu icon at the top-left corner of the screen.

3. Press the Settings icon.

4. Choose your email account.

5. Scroll down and make sure to toggle on Show Images.

Note: Turning on images by default is a security risk as they’re commonly used by spammers and marketers to collect information on you. For example, if you have view images always enabled, it’s easy to tell whether you’ve opened the email. This informs scammers that your email address is monitored which means they’re more likely to send you more scam and phishing attempts.

Images Still Aren’t Showing?

If nothing has worked, we recommend using a different email client on your Samsung Galaxy, like the Gmail app. While it can be frustrating to set up your email account on another app, it will solve the headache of having to deal with the “Show Images” glitch every time you receive an email notification.

The post Samsung Email Not Showing Images? Try These 3 Fixes Now first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

In this troubleshooting guide, we’ll explain why the mobile data is not working on your Samsung phone and cover 12 ways to get it working again.

Why Is Mobile Data Not Working on My Samsung?

There are multiple things that could cause your mobile data to stop working on an Android. Mobile data might suddenly stop working on your Samsung phone for many reasons, including:

• Accidentally turning on Airplane Mode or turning off mobile data.
• Incorrect network settings after switching to a new mobile carrier.
• A broken or deactivated SIM card.
• Temporary issues with your carrier’s mobile network.
• Increased mobile data usage causing you to cap your cellular data on your plan.

How to Fix Mobile Data on a Samsung

Here are 12 things you can do to get your mobile data working once again. We’ve listed these in order of ease, so we recommend starting at your top and working your way down.

1. Check That Mobile Data Is Enabled

Swipe down from the top of the screen twice to open the Quick Settings menu. Here, find the mobile data icon — it looks like an up and down arrow next to each other. Make sure this is turned on. If it isn’t, you’ve found your mobile data problem.

2. Turn Flight Mode On and Off

Swipe down from the top of your screen and double-check whether Airplane Mode or Flight Mode is enabled. If it is, that’s why you have no internet — simply tap the Airplane Mode option to turn it back on.

If not, try toggling it on for 30 seconds then turn it off again. Sometimes, this can fix temporary glitches that have arisen in your Samsung device.

3. Check for Outages

It’s possible that your cellular carrier is experiencing network problems. Perhaps the entire network is down for maintenance, and that’s why you can’t access the internet.

To check whether this is the case, call your carrier and ask if there are any problems in your area. Alternatively, you can check social media or head to a website like Down Detector and search for your carrier.

Note: If you’re on a trip, or you’re in a new location, it’s worth checking that you’re still in range of your provider’s network coverage. It’s possible that you’re out of range, and that’s the reason you have no internet.

4. Turn Off Your Wi-Fi

While Wi-Fi is usually faster than your mobile network, it can cause problems if the Wi-Fi network is playing up or if you’ve got a poor connection. In these cases, your phone might be struggling to get Wi-Fi reception when it would have better results using the cellular network.

To check whether this is the case, swipe down from the top of your screen and toggle off Wi-Fi. Then, try to load a website using your web browser. If this doesn’t help, there’s likely another reason why your mobile data is so slow.

5. Restart Your Samsung Phone

Restarting your phone is the best way to clear the cache and get rid of temporary bugs. To do so, press and hold the Side Button and Volume Down Button for a few seconds. If you have an older Android device, you might need to press and hold the Power Button, instead.

When the power menu appears, select Restart. Wait for your phone to reboot, then check whether the internet is working correctly.

6. Update Your Operating System

Android updates often contain bug fixes and patches that improve the functionality of your Samsung device. It’s possible that you haven’t updated your device in a while, and that’s causing your mobile data issues.

To update your Samsung’s operating system, connect to a Wi-Fi network, then open the Settings app. Tap Software update (this may appear at the top of your Settings menu, depending on your device). Choose to install the latest software and wait for the process to complete.

7. Check Your Mobile Plan

Head to your service provider’s website and check your account. Make sure that there are no coverage warnings or notifications letting you know that something has happened to your account.

While you’re there, double-check that you still have a mobile plan. If you pay month by month, you might’ve reached the end of your current plan without realizing it. In this case, you can fix your mobile data issues by paying for a new monthly plan.

Finally, make sure that you haven’t reached your mobile data limit. If you’ve been more active online lately, you might’ve accidentally capped your data plan. If so, you’ll have to purchase a data add-on for this month.

8. Switch Between 5G and 4G

If you have the latest Samsung Galaxy phone and you’re connected to the 5G network, check whether manually switching to 4G helps resolve your internet issues. Switching to an older internet connection like the 4G LTE network can help because the 5G coverage area is still far smaller in most places around the world.

To do so:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Connections.

3. Tap Mobile Networks > Network Mode.

4. Tap any option that doesn’t contain 5G in the title. This will give you more options while you’re moving around.

9. Reinsert Your SIM Card (Or Try a New One)

It’s possible that your SIM card is to blame for your network issues. Using a safety pin (or the metal pin that came with your Samsung phone), eject your SIM card. Check it for any damage or dust, then carefully reinsert it. Make sure it’s the right way up and firmly in place.

If your internet still doesn’t work, you could try inserting a different SIM card. Try a friend’s card, or purchase a cheap card to test. If you can connect to the mobile network with this other SIM, then your SIM card is at fault. If not, there might be something wrong with your phone.

10. Reset Your Samsung’s Network Settings

Resetting your phone’s network settings will remove all of your internet-related information, including Wi-Fi passwords, network login information, VPN settings, and Bluetooth connections. However, it might help resolve your internet problems, too.

To reset your network settings:

1. Tap Settings.
2. Select General management.

3. Choose Reset.

4. Tap Reset network settings > Reset settings, then confirm your choice.

Note: After resetting your network settings, you might need to reconfigure several of them, including Wi-Fi names and passwords, Bluetooth settings, and more.

11. Change Your Access Point Name (APN)

If you’ve recently changed cell carrier to a different company, you might need to configure your APN. Keep in mind that changing APN settings can cause more problems with network connectivity, so note down your current settings before changing them — that way, you can revert them if something goes wrong.

To change APN settings on your Samsung:

1. Open Settings > Mobile Networks.
2. Select Access Point Names.

3. Tap Add, then add all of the information that your carrier has provided. If you aren’t sure what to add, call your network provider’s customer support line and they’ll walk you through what information to add to these fields.

4. Save your new APN, then go back to the Access Point Names menu and select your new APN from the list.

Note: If you have only recently tried to connect to a new network, it’s possible that you need to unlock your phone before it’ll work. Each network carrier has its own policies regarding unlocking phones, so you’ll have to contact them directly to find out whether your phone is eligible.

12. Factory Reset Your Samsung Device

If nothing else has worked, your last resort is to factory reset your device. This will remove all data stored on your phone’s hard drive, and it will revert all of your settings to default. It will be like a brand-new phone. Unfortunately, this means you’ll need to back up your data, then add it back to your phone and reinstall your apps after the factory reset.

To factory reset your phone:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select General management.
3. Choose Reset.
4. Select Factory Data Reset.

5. Scroll down and select Reset, then choose Delete all.

6. Wait for the process to complete. Once it’s done, set your phone up once again and check your data connection.

Stay Connected

There’s nothing worse than when internet problems pop up and you can’t work out why. If you’re still having trouble connecting to the internet, your best bet is to call your service provider and have them run you through some more troubleshooting steps. And don’t forget that you can use a Wi-Fi connection or hotspot to access the internet in the meantime!

The post Mobile Data Not Working on Your Samsung Phone? Try These 12 Fixes first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Setting up a mobile hotspot is simple. However, one common problem many people encounter is forgetting their mobile hotspot’s password. This could become a nightmare if you need to share the password with someone quickly but can’t find it on your phone. After all, what can be more annoying than not knowing the WiFi password?

This quick guide will show you how to check your hotspot password on iPhone and Android devices.

How to Find Your Mobile Hotspot Password on Android

So you’ve set a Wi-Fi hotspot on your Android phone but can’t remember the password. You can use two methods to check this password — through your phone’s hotspot settings and from the personal hotspot menu.

View Your Mobile Hotspot Password in the Hotspot Settings

The hotspot settings on your smartphone allow you to view the hotspot name, security protocol, password, AP band, and the number of connected devices.

To check your portable hotspot password, follow the steps below. The instructions may differ depending on your phone model (like if you’re using a Samsung Galaxy phone) and Android version.

1. On your Android device, open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to the Connection & sharing or Network & internet section.

3. Select Personal hotspot, Wi-Fi hotspot, or similar.

4. Under Hotspot settings, you’ll see the Password field. Select it to copy or change your password.

Use the Personal Hotspot Menu to View Your Mobile Hotspot Password

Another way to check your hotspot password is to find it in the personal hotspot menu. Here’s how to do that.

1. Swipe down from the top of your home screen to access the Notifications panel.
2. Look for the Personal hotspot or Mobile hotspot quick settings tile.

3. Tap and hold the tile to directly access the hotspot settings. You might need to select the Mobile Hotspot settings or a similar option.

4. You’ll find the hotspot password displayed in the settings.

How to Find Your Mobile Hotspot on iPhone

If you want to configure the personal hotspot settings on your iPhone or create a new password for it, you can do it one of two ways: directly through the hotspot settings or from the Control Center.

View Your Mobile Hotspot Password Though the Hotspot Settings

Here’s how to check your hotspot password on Apple devices.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and select Personal Hotspot or Cellular (depending on the iOS version).

3. Look for the Wi-Fi Password or Personal Hotspot Password option. This will display your hotspot’s password, the network name, and the connected devices.

View and Change Hotspot Password from Control Center

There’s an even quicker way to view a hotspot password on your iPhone and change it if you like. Here’s how to do it through your phone’s control center.

1. Swipe down from the top right corner of your iPhone to open the Control Center.
2. Press and hold the Mobile Data or Personal Hotspot icon.

3. A menu will pop up, showing your hotspot’s name and password. Select the password if you want to change it for something else. Then, simply exit the menu to save changes.

Use Your Phone as a Hotspot

Learning how to find and handle your mobile hotspot password on Android and iPhone devices is important to keep your data sharing safe and in control.

When you understand how your Wi-Fi hotspot functions, you can ensure your mobile data is secure and that no one uses up your data plans without you knowing.

And if you ever have issues with your mobile hotspot, check out our guides on how to fix an iPhone hotspot not working on Mac, how to fix an iPhone hotspot not working on Windows, and how to fix a hotspot not working on Android.

The post How to Find Mobile Hotspot Password (Android and iPhone) first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Whether you’re looking for a subtle shift or a bold transformation, exploring the steps to modify your keyboard color on Android can bring a refreshing new look to your digital interactions. In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to customize your keyboard color scheme using the Android built-in option or a third-party app.

Why Change Keyboard Color on Your Android Device

Ever wondered why someone would want to change the keyboard theme on their Android phone? Here are a few possible reasons why someone would want to change the color of the keyboard on their device.

• Make It Easier to See. If you have trouble seeing well, especially in darker places or if you can’t see certain colors, changing the keyboard color can help you see and type better.
• Customize It. Your phone is like your own special thing. You probably want it to be unique and match your style. Changing the keyboard color or keyboard background is another way to do that.
• Improve Visual Aesthetics. Different colors can make you feel different ways. Choosing a color you like for your keyboard can make using your phone feel more enjoyable and improve your overall user experience.
• Reduce Eye Strain. Staring at your phone for a long time can lead to eye strain, especially if the default keyboard color doesn’t offer optimal contrast. By adjusting the keyboard color to something easier on your eyes, you can contribute to a more comfortable and enjoyable screen experience.
• Express Yourself. Just as your choice of words and emojis reflects your thoughts and emotions, your choice of keyboard color can convey your mood and feelings. Switching colors can add an extra layer of expressiveness to your messages, making your digital communication more engaging and dynamic.

By changing your Android keyboard’s colors, you’re making your phone work better for you. It’s a simple thing to do that can make a big difference, from making things easier to see to expressing yourself in a fun way.

How to Change Keyboard Color on Android

If you’re ready to change the color of your keyboard, here’s how to do it on your Android device. The instructions may differ slightly depending on the phone model and Android version that you have on your device.

1. On your smartphone, open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and select Additional settings, or System settings.

3. From the menu, select Keyboard & input method or Languages & input.

4. On the next page, select Gboard. If you don’t see the Gboard option, select On-screen keyboard > Gboard or find the name of the keyboard you’re using and select it instead.

5. In the Google keyboard settings, select Theme to open the customization options.

6. Here you’ll see various Gboard themes available. You can select any color or even an image to be your new keyboard theme. You can choose from Colors, Landscapes, Light gradient, and Dark gradient.

7. After you choose the color theme that you like, you’ll see the preview of your new keyboard layout and color. Select Apply to save changes.

How to Use Your Own Photo As the Keyboard Background on Android

Android allows you to use any picture saved on your phone or a photo from your gallery as the keyboard background. If you want to set your photo as the keyboard color theme, follow the steps below.

1. Open Settings on your Android or swipe down on your home screen and select the Settings icon.
2. In the Settings menu, scroll down and select Additional settings or System settings.
3. Then select Keyboard & input method or Languages & input.
4. Select Gboard or the name of your keyboard > Theme.
5. Under My themes, select the plus icon.

6. Choose the image that you want to have as your keyboard background from your gallery. Then select the part of the image that you want to use and select Next to continue.

7. Adjust the brightness to make the image more or less transparent.

8. When you’re happy with the image, select Done to save changes.

How to Change Keyboard Color on Samsung

Samsung phones are a little different than other smartphones, and you need special instructions in order to change the keyboard theme on a Samsung Galaxy phone.

If you simply want to change it from light to dark,the easiest way is to change your Samsung phone’s theme. In that case, the keyboard will automatically turn black. To enable dark mode on a Samsung Galaxy phone, follow the path Settings > Display > Dark.

If that method isn’t enough for you, you can use the built-in high-contrast themes that the Samsung keyboard offers. They allow you to choose between Yellow, Black 1, Black 2, and Blue themes. To change the Samsung keyboard theme, follow the steps below.

1. On your Samsung phone, open Settings.

2. Follow the path General Management > Language and input > On-screen keyboard > Samsung Keyboard.

3. From the Samsung Keyboard settings menu, select Keyboard layout and feedback.

4. Then select High contrast keyboard and switch the toggle on to enable the option.
5. When the High contrast keyboard is on, you’ll see all of the themes available. Choose the theme for your keyboard.

6. To see the preview, select the Show keyboard option at the bottom of the screen. If any of the options are grayed out, that means you need to disable dark mode on your phone first and try again.

Use a Third-Party app to Change Keyboard Theme on Your Android

If your device’s default keyboard doesn’t provide the color-changing option, you can turn to third-party keyboard apps that do. Here’s how you can go about it.

1. Head to the Google Play Store and search for a keyboard app that offers customizable color options. One good example of such an app is Microsoft SwiftKey AI Keyboard.
2. Download and install the keyboard app of your choice. Follow the setup instructions, and if needed, set it as your default keyboard in your device’s settings.
3. Once the keyboard app is set up, open it and navigate to the option that lets you personalize the keyboard’s look and change its background color. The exact location may differ based on the app, but generally, you’ll find it in the app’s settings. Look for features related to changing keyboard themes or colors.

Another alternative is to use a third-party keyboard theme app, which enables you to access a variety of pre-designed keyboard themes with unique colors and styles. To do that, follow the steps below.

1. Go to the Google Play Store and search for a keyboard theme app, such as FancyKey or LED Keyboard.
2. Download and install the chosen theme app. Launch the app and explore the assortment of available themes until you find one that catches your eye.
3. Follow the provided instructions to download and apply the selected theme to your keyboard. The steps might involve adjusting settings within the app or selecting the theme from your device’s keyboard settings.

These third-party solutions offer plenty of creative options for changing your keyboard’s appearance on your Android device.

Other Ways to Customize Your Keyboard

Aside from changing your keyboard’s color, Android devices allow you to further customize your keyboard by changing how your keyboard sounds and vibrates.

Here’s how you can change whether your keyboard makes sounds or vibrations, and how loud and strong they are.

1. On your Android device, open Settings.
2. Scroll down and select Additional settings or System settings.
3. Select Keyboard & input method or Languages & input.
4. Select Gboard (or Virtual keyboard > Gboard) and open Preferences.

5. In the Preferences menu, scroll down until you see Key press. There you’ll find different options: Sound on keypress, Volume on keypress, Haptic feedback on keypress, Vibration strength on keypress and other options. Toggle the settings until you’re happy with the level of customization.

How to Change Keyboard Color on iPhone

Unlike Android, iPhone doesn’t have an option to change the keyboard color or theme. The only built-in way on iOS is to enable the dark mode on your iPhone or iPad and change the keyboard from white to black.

If you need more customization options, you’ll have to install a third-party app such as Gboard to change your keyboard color.

The post How to Change Keyboard Color on Android Devices first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Beyond just enabling Live Caption, Android also offers multiple options to tailor how it works. You can hide explicit language, add sound labels to non-speech audio, and translate words to other languages. This tutorial will show you how to enable and make the most of Live Caption for Android.

How Live Caption Works

Live Caption transcribes words from video and audio sources into readable captions simultaneously as you play them. It’s perfect if you have trouble hearing, are in a noisy area, or just don’t want to raise the volume. It’s also fast, doesn’t require an internet connection, and keeps your data private.

On the flip side, though, Live Caption requires a decent amount of processing power, which will drain your phone’s battery faster. To conserve battery life, you should turn it off when you don’t need it or use built-in captioning on streaming apps—for example, YouTube videos can generate their own closed captions.

Additionally, only devices running Android 10 or a newer operating system version support Live Caption, and even then, it depends on the model and manufacturer. A cursory search online will help you determine compatibility. Still, if you own a Google Pixel or a newer OnePlus or Samsung phone, it’s safe to assume you already have it.

How to Access Live Caption Settings

Before beginning to use Live Caption, it’s a good idea to check if the feature is set up to work the way you want on your Android phone. This is possible via the device’s Accessibility settings pane. For example, on a Google Pixel, OnePlus, or Samsung Galaxy:

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Scroll down and tap Accessibility or Sound & vibration. On a Samsung device, follow this step by tapping Hearing enhancements.

3. Tap the Live Caption option to access the following settings.

• Languages & translation: Add extra languages—French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish—for caption generation and translation. It requires a Wi-Fi or cellular data connection to download associated language packs and is available for the Pixel 6/6 Pro and later only.
• Caption preferences: Change the font size, style, and caption window color.
• Hide profanity: Filter out explicit language in speech.
• Show sound labels: Generate descriptions for non-speech audio, like laughter and applause.
• Caption calls: Generate captions during phone calls. Available for the Pixel 2 and later only.
• Type responses during calls: Type out your replies in phone calls, and Live Caption converts the text to speech using Speech Services by Google.

Note: If you have trouble locating the Live Caption preferences on a compatible Android phone, install the latest system software updates, ensure you’re running an up-to-date version of Android System Intelligence, and try again.

How to Use Live Caption

You must turn on Live Caption to generate real-time captions on your Android phone. Although it’s possible to visit the Live Caption preferences pane in the Settings app and enable the switch next to Use Live Caption, a significantly faster method is to:

1. Press the Volume Up or Down button.
2. Tap the Live Caption icon underneath the Volume Slider.
3. If this is your first time turning on the feature, tap Got it.

Alternatively, you can add Live Caption as a shortcut to your Android’s Quick Settings pane. Swipe down from the top of the screen, tap the Edit icon, and drag and drop Live Caption to the list of enabled tiles. Then, tap Live Caption whenever you want to turn the feature on.

Live Caption in Action on Android

After enabling Live Caption, play any form of media containing speech (e.g., a movie clip or voice memo) or initiate/answer a phone call, and a caption box should automatically pop up on the screen with a live transcription. You can drag the box around the screen and double-tap to expand and contract the viewing area.

If you use a Google Pixel 6/6 Pro, you can generate captions in French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish from audio sources containing the language. Just tap any area of the box, select English, and pick the language. You can tap Add a language if you’ve yet to add it to your phone.

Live Caption also lets you translate languages on compatible Pixel phones in real-time. Tap the More icon (three dots) at the top right of the box, turn on the switch next to Translate captions, and set the From and To languages.

How to Disable Live Captions

Live Caption increases battery usage on your Android phone. To disable the feature, press any of the Volume buttons and tap the Live Caption icon. If you have a Live Caption tile on the Quick Settings pane, you can also tap to disable it.

Alternatively, go to Settings > Accessibility/Sound & vibration > Hearing enhancements (Samsung phones only) > Live Caption and turn off the switch next to Use Live Caption.

Anyone Can Take Advantage of Live Caption

Android’s Live Caption feature is suitable for anyone, hard of hearing or not, and you’ll likely find plenty of use cases. It’s easy to turn on and off, conveniently customizable, and does a bang-up job transcribing speech. Most importantly, it safeguards your privacy by processing everything on-device. Remember to disable the feature to avoid battery drain when you don’t need it.

The post How to Enable or Turn Off Live Caption on Android Devices first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

If you’re having trouble with this, you’ve come to the right place. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll explain how to delete words from your keyboard on Android phones.

How to Remove Learned Words From Samsung Keyboard

Samsung Keyboard is the default keyboard on most Android and Samsung phones. As you type, it tries to adapt to your style of writing and retains a personal dictionary of any unfamiliar words that you use a lot.

To delete a single learned word from Samsung Keyboard:

1. Open any app that lets you type and type the word that you want to remove.
2. When the word suggestion appears, long-press the word and select Remove from the dialog box.

To delete every word in your personal dictionary:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Select General management.

3. Select Samsung Keyboard settings.

4. Scroll down and choose Reset to default settings.

5. Tap Erase personalized predictions.

6. Tap Erase to confirm your decision.

How to Remove Learned Words From Gboard

If you’ve installed Google’s third-party keyboard, Gboard, you’ll notice that it also stores learned words. Luckily, it’s just as easy to remove words from your personal dictionary by accessing the Gboard settings. To do so:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Select General management.
3. Tap Keyboard list and default.

4. Tap Gboard.

5. Select Dictionary.

6. Tap Personal dictionary.

7. Tap the word you want to delete, then tap the Trash icon in the top-right corner of the screen.

To remove learned words when they appear as suggestions, you can press and hold the suggestion and select Remove suggestion from the notification pop-up.

How to Remove Learned Words From Microsoft SwiftKey

Removing saved words from the Microsoft SwiftKey Keyboard is very similar to both Samsung Keyboard and Gboard. You can remove either the entire dictionary of learned words or a single word from the SwiftKey virtual keyboard.

To clear the entire dictionary:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select General management > Keyboard list and default.
3. Tap SwiftKey.

4. Tap Account at the top of the screen.

5. Tap Delete personalized dictionary back up.

6. Tap Delete to confirm your choice.

To delete specific words from the SwiftKey library:

1. Open an app that lets you type. When the word you want to delete appears in the suggestion bar, press and hold it.
2. A dialog box will appear asking if you want to remove the suggested word. Tap OK.

Turn Off Autocorrect to Stop Adding New Words

If you make a lot of spelling mistakes when you’re typing, turning off autocorrect can stop these from being added to your personal data library. This helps prevent unwanted words from popping up as suggestions and can help you get back to typing how you’d like to. The downside is, you might have a few more spelling errors.

To turn off autocorrect:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Select General management.
3. Tap the keyboard you use, whether it’s Samsung Keyboard, Gboard, or Microsoft SwiftKey.
4. For Samsung Keyboard, toggle off Predictive text to prevent word prediction from occurring.

5. For Gboard, tap Text correction and turn off all suggestions and auto-correction.

6. For SwiftKey, tap Typing then toggle off Autocorrect.

Text Faster Than Ever Before

There’s nothing worse than typing a word correctly only to have it automatically replaced by an incorrect word. But that’s what often happens with the advanced on-screen keyboard apps on both Androids and iPhones.

Hopefully, this article has helped you delete those pesky words and you can start typing like normal once again.

The post How to Delete Learned/Saved Words from Your Android Keyboard first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

What it does promise is an improved chipset, advanced cooling system, slightly refreshed design, and all the other perks that the 8 Pro version came packed with. In this RedMagic 8S Pro review, we’ll have a look at this new gaming phone by RedMagic and see if it’s again the best gaming phone you can find on the market.

RedMagic 8S Pro: First Impressions & Specs

It’s only been a few months since the release of the ultimate gaming machine which was the Nubia RedMagic 8 Pro, and now RedMagic is giving us yet another gaming beast – the 8S Pro model. But is it worth the money for those who already bought the 8 Pro? And was this phone necessary at all? Let’s find out.

Before we dive into the review, here’s the full list of specs of the RedMagic 8S Pro:

• Dimensions: 6.4 x 3.0 x 0.37 inches (163.98 x 76.35 x 9.47mm)
• Weight: 8.04 ounces (228 grams)
• Material: metal middle frame with glass back cover
• Display: 6.8 inch FHD+ AMOLED, maximum brightness of 1300 nits
• Resolution: 1116×2480 pixels
• Refresh Rate: Up to 120Hz
• Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 – the latest version
• Software: Android 13 with RedMagic OS 8.0
• Capacity: 12/16GB LPDDR5X RAM
• Storage: 256/512GB UFS 4.0
• Rear cameras: 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro
• Front camera : 16MP under-display camera
• Ports & connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-S 3.1, Type-C, DP, dual nano-SIM slot, 3.5mm headphone jack
• Battery: 6,000 mAh dual cell battery
• Charging: 65W GaN fast charging
• Special features: shoulder trigger buttons (touchpad with 520 Hz touch sampling rate), game space switch – toggle the special game mode on or off, haptic feedback and fully customizable RGB light effects
• Colors: silver platinum, transparent black aurora, black midnight, Aurora
• Price: from $649 on the RedMagic website and from $769 on Amazon.

From its captivating AMOLED display with a high refresh rate to its powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, this Android gaming phone is designed to elevate your gaming experience.

Aside from adding the letter S to its predecessor’s name, the RedMagic 8S Pro introduces a refined chipset, fresh look, and an upgraded cooling system to the flagship phone lineup from the esteemed Chinese gaming titan. While the leap might not be that big, you need to understand that the RedMagic 8S Pro serves as a mid-year refresh model rather than a complete new smartphone.

Don’t underestimate these improvements, as the RedMagic 8S Pro has now established itself as the go-to option for those looking for a top-tier performance gaming phone. Still, if you already own the RedMagic 8 Pro, the upgrade may not be worth it. But if you’re looking to upgrade from the RedMagic 7 or earlier, the 8S Pro is the creme de la creme within the RedMagic range.

As always, the new RedMagic version does what it does best – brings together powerful computing abilities, gaming-focused hardware and software, all while keeping the price pleasantly surprising. It’s being touted as one of the top gaming phones around now, with impressive strengths, but we also need to remember that a few drawbacks come along with its cool features.

The poor camera performance is still there, just like the lack of constant updates and software support. Before we discuss that in greater detail, let’s look at the 8S Pro design and build.

Design and Unpacking

The RedMagic 8S Pro boasts a sleek design with its glass back, particularly in the Aurora finish that I have for review. While you can’t see all the internal components, it does look pretty cool. This model also comes in Platinum and Midnight color options.

What’s in the Box

When unpacking your RedMagic 8S Pro, here’s everything you’ll find in the box.

• REDMAGIC 8S Pro Smartphone
• Power adapter
• 54-watt fast type-C charging cable
• Protective phone case
• Sim tray ejector
• User manual and other documentation

RedMagic has managed to strike a balance between bold design and wide appeal, avoiding making the phone look too gamer-centric. The boxy design of the RedMagic 8S Pro feels contemporary, with color choices like Platinum or Midnight that avoid an overly flashy gaming appearance like that of the RedMagic 7. All versions of the phone include the iconic RGB lighting in the cooling fan, visible through a window on the back.

The 8S Pro comes with a 6.8-inch AMOLED screen, Full HD resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The display is absolutely stunning and almost bezel-free. It doesn’t have any intrusive cutouts thanks to the under-display camera. While this affects the front camera performance, this decision does make it perfect for immersive gaming sessions.

The Gorilla Glass 5 protection on the front ensures durability, although it’s important to note that the phone lacks water and dust resistance due to its unique cooling system design.

Both the RedMagic 8S Pro and its predecessor share a similar build quality. With only a 0.6mm difference in thickness, both models weigh a substantial 8oz. The phone feels hefty in hand at first, but the feeling goes away after a few days of use. The device is designed with a serious aesthetic in mind, featuring sharp edges that emphasize the construction.

On the phone’s sides you’ll find the volume buttons, power button, and the recognizable red switch, which activates the Game Space feature.

Charging is facilitated through the USB-C port on the bottom of the smartphone. It supports fast charging of up to 65W using the included RedMagic charger. And of course, the 8S Pro also features the 3.5mm headphone jack, which should never have disappeared from the modern phones in the first place, if you ask me.

Turning the phone over reveals the triple camera system. The cameras are vertically aligned, just like in the previous model. There’s a circular cutout showcasing the spinning fan inside, with an addition of RGB lights for an eye-catching effect.

Even though the phone’s build feels sturdy, all that beautiful glass cover will make you worry about dropping and breaking it. There’s a protective case included, but the design leaves much of the sides exposed to accommodate the cooling system and trigger buttons. I suggest you use your new gaming beast with caution and try not to drop it on hard surfaces.

How Fast Is It?

Let’s have a look at the Geekbench numbers and compare the results with what we had for the 8 Pro model. Using the Geekbench 6 app to test the 8S Pro’s overall performance, and here are the benchmark results I got:

The RedMagic 8S Pro received a 2116 single-core and a 5610 multi-core score. While it still doesn’t outscore the iPhone 14 Pro Max (with 2502 and 6289 points, respectively), it’s a gain over RedMagic 8 Pro in the CPU department with its 2007 and 5491 respectively. And it still leaves behind the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (1869 and 4940) and Xiaomi 13 (1738 and 5138).

If you’re not impressed by the CPU numbers, wait until you see what the GPU test uncovered. The RedMagic 8S Pro received a crazy 9802 score on the OpenCL test (against the 8 Pro’s 64430) and 10188 on the Vulkan test.

Gaming Experience

When it comes to catering to hardcore gamers, the RedMagic 8S Pro certainly doesn’t hold back on processing power. Sporting a blazingly fast overclocked 3.36GHz Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, the latest and greatest available at its release time, the phone gets an additional boost from the dedicated Red Core 2 gaming processor.

If you’re a fan of intense gaming sessions with the likes of Genshin Impact, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how well the 8S Pro handles it. You won’t notice any lags or freezes, no matter how intense the action, even if you use the maximum frame rates.

RedMagic has significantly upgraded the cooling system in the 8S Pro, introducing the advanced ICE 12.0 system. This incorporates a spacious 2068mm3 double-layer vapor chamber cooling plate, an innovative duct structure, cooling gel, a layer of graphene beneath the display, and a high-speed 20,000rpm fan.

In other words, the new cooling system is extremely effective, and holding the phone for extended periods of time during gaming is comfortable since it doesn’t get significantly hot. The fan’s operation is pretty quiet, although if you haven’t used a RedMagic phone before, you’ll definitely notice the fan’s presence as it’s a unique phone equipped with such a cooling method.

Taking gaming controls to the next level, the RedMagic 8S Pro allows you to map trigger buttons on the top edge (in landscape mode) to execute various in-game actions that would typically require touchscreen taps. Add the extra-responsive 960 Hz touch-sampling rate on top of that, and you’ll get an enjoyable gaming experience with swift and precise responses.

Performance for Non-Gaming Applications

The 8S Pro is a gaming beast, but is it as good as a normal use phone? Unfortunately, that again depends on how important the photo quality is to you, as the 8S Pro carried most of the camera performance problems from its predecessor.

Camera Performance

While the RedMagic 8S Pro boasts powerful gaming capabilities, its camera system remains unchanged from the original 8 Pro. The rear setup includes a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide camera, and a 2MP macro camera. The front houses a 16MP selfie camera tucked under the display.

Looking at the sample images, you can be sure that the cameras carried over the challenges of the 8 Pro. The pictures aren’t vibrant enough, and the camera often gets the colors wrong.

The ultrawide lens results in a weird loss of brightness and the colors start to appear much cooler.

And of course, the hidden selfie camera is still the worst. Your selfies will be washed out with weird fuzziness and the colors of both yourself and the background will either be too saturated and unreal.

Having said that, if you completely ignore the selfie camera, you can still get some decent pictures with your RedMagic 8S Pro.

A good example are these couple of photos taken in low light conditions and at night time.

Software

The RedMagic 8S Pro operates on Android 13, layered with the RedMagic OS 8.0 interface. This offers extensive customization options, allowing you to personalize icons, themes, and even the phone’s behavior. Thus, if you’re seeking a simple Android experience, this phone may not be for you.

Sadly, the software experience isn’t entirely flawless. Some bugs need addressing to ensure a smoother day-to-day usage. During testing, various apps unexpectedly shut down for seemingly no reason. That’s something that shouldn’t be happening with a brand-new Android phone and you’ll probably find such things frustrating.

Battery Life

The RedMagic 8S Pro packs a hefty 6000mAh battery, which is actually two 3000mAh batteries working together. This power source is carried over from the 8 Pro and still performs really well. On a normal day of using social media, making calls, browsing the web, and even some gaming, the battery easily lasted me until bedtime.

Even with intense gaming sessions, you’ll still get a good few hours of play before needing to charge.

The 65W charger that comes with the phone is super fast. It charges the battery from empty to full in just over 30 minutes. A quick 15-minute charge can get you up to 60% battery. But keep in mind, there’s no wireless charging option for this phone.

Should You Buy the REDMAGIC 8S Pro?

If you’re a dedicated gamer looking for a smartphone that combines powerful hardware and gaming-focused features, the RedMagic 8S Pro could be an attractive choice. With its overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and revamped cooling system, it offers impressive gaming performance. The 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate enhances the gaming experience further.

However, keep in mind that the camera performance isn’t its strong suit, and the software experience, while customizable, might have some bugs that need ironing out. The massive 6000mAh battery and fast charging capabilities contribute to extended gaming sessions. Ultimately, if you prioritize gaming and are willing to overlook some minor shortcomings, the RedMagic 8S Pro is definitely worth considering.

The post REDMAGIC 8S Pro Gaming Smartphone Review first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

In this troubleshooting guide, we’ll explain the easiest four ways to turn off a Samsung S23 (and any other Samsung Galaxy phone).

Turn Off Your Phone Using the Side Buttons

The easiest way to turn off a newer Samsung smartphone (like the Galaxy S23 Ultra or Galaxy S23 Plus) is by pressing and holding the side keys. Previously, you could turn off a Samsung device by pressing and holding the Power Off button. However, doing this now activates the Bixby voice assistant.

To turn off newer Samsung models:

1. Locate the Power button (now known as the “Side Button”) and the Volume Down button. The Side Button is directly below the Volume Down button.

2. Press and hold both of these buttons for 3-5 seconds to open the Power Off Menu.
3. Tap Power off to switch off your device, or tap Restart to reboot it.

Note: Pressing and releasing these two buttons too quickly will make your phone take a screenshot. If this occurs, just try again and hold them for a little longer.

Turn Off Your Phone Using the Quick Settings Menu

Another simple way to turn off your Samsung device is by using the Quick Settings menu which was introduced with Samsung’s One UI. This is the easiest way to switch off your phone if the power button isn’t working. To turn off your phone with Quick Settings:

1. Unlock your phone. From the home screen, swipe down from the top of the screen, then swipe down one more time to open the Quick Settings panel.
2. Select the power icon at the top-right corner of the screen. It should be in the middle of the search icon and settings icon.

3. Tap Power off.

Turn Off Your Phone With Bixby

The Bixby voice assistant is included with all Samsung phones, replacing Google Assistant on other Android devices. To turn off your phone, you simply need to ask Bixby to do so:

1. Wake up Bixby by pressing the Side key or saying, “Hi Bixby.”
2. Say, “Turn off my phone.”
3. Bixby will open the Power Off Menu. Tap Power off to switch off your device or select the restart option to reboot it.

Force Restart Your Samsung Phone

If your Samsung device isn’t responding, you can perform a force restart to get it working once again. To do so, long press the Side Button and Volume Down Button. After 15-20 seconds your phone will begin a hard reset. It’ll vibrate and the screen will turn off. Then, after a couple of seconds, it will reboot.

No Power Key, No Problem

If you’re switching to Android from an Apple iPhone, it might take a while to learn the ins and outs of your new device. But don’t worry, Samsung phones are just as easy to use as iOS gadgets, and you’ll be a pro in no time!

The post Top 4 Ways to Turn Off Samsung Phones first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Whether you’re a serial tab opener who loses track or someone who just wants a cleaner browsing experience, knowing how to close browser tabs on Android can be a game changer.

This tutorial will help you cut down your list of open tabs in Google Chrome and other browsers like Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Opera.

Close Browser Tabs via the Tab Switcher

Every Android-based browser lets you delete browser tabs through its tab-switching interface. Just:

1. Tap the icon that denotes the number of open tabs to invoke the tab switcher. For example, Google Chrome features this on the top-right corner next to the address bar, while Mozilla Firefox has it on the bottom right.
2. Tap the X button next to a tab preview to close the relevant tab.

Another—and faster—way to close tabs involves swiping the preview cards within the tab switcher to the left. Opera is an exception, where you must swipe them up.

Delete All Browser Tabs at Once

If you have dozens of browser tabs and want to start over, you can trash all of them at once. Just:

1. Look for a three-dot icon or a stack of horizontal lines within the tab switcher.
2. Tap the Close all tabs menu option.

If you use Microsoft Edge, you should find an option to close all tabs on the tab switcher’s bottom left corner.

Shut Down the Current Browser Tab

You do not have to visit the tab switcher on your browser to close the tab you’re currently on. Instead, there’s a hidden gesture you can use. Just:

1. Long-press the tab number indicator.
2. Tap Close tab.

This method does not work on some browsers. For example, long-pressing the tab indicator in the Samsung Internet Browser opens up a new tab. In that case, use the tab switcher to close the tab.

Close Tabs in Chrome’s Tab Groups

Google Chrome supports tab groups, and closing individual tabs within them is even more convenient. Just:

1. Load a tab group.
2. Tap the site favicon of a tab on the bottom bar, and then tap the X icon to close it.

Alternatively, you can head over to Chrome’s tab switcher, tap a group, and select the X button next to a tab preview to close it. Tap X next to the group within the main tab switching area to close everything inside quickly.

Tabs Closed

Web browsing on an Android phone becomes a vastly improved experience when you know how to manage those ever-multiplying tabs. The instructions above also work when browsing anonymously in your browser—e.g., while using Incognito Mode in Chrome.

The post How to Close Tabs in Web Browsers on Android Devices first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

But what if there are moments when you’d prefer not to have Android Auto start up? Perhaps you’re merely aiming to charge your phone, or you’ve chosen to take a break from Android Auto.

Your phone does not offer a direct off-switch, but there are several options and workarounds you can rely on to stop Android Auto from launching automatically.

Disable Android Auto On Your Phone

The most straightforward method to prevent Android Auto from loading automatically over USB or wirelessly is to disable it via your Android device’s Settings app.

Note: The steps below are from a Google Pixel running Android 13—they may vary slightly depending on your device model and system software version.

1. Open the Settings app on your phone.

2. Tap Apps and select See all apps.
3. Locate and tap the Android Auto app—it’s at the top of the list.

4. Tap the option labeled Disable.
5. Tap Disable app on the confirmation pop-up.

Revisit the above screen and tap Enable the next time you want to use Android Auto.

Note: Android Auto may not remain disabled for extended periods. For example, a system software or Google Play update may automatically re-enable it.

Disable Your Android Phone’s Bluetooth

If you’d prefer to prevent Android Auto from launching wirelessly but still work via USB, a simple solution is to turn off your phone’s Bluetooth. However, this will also disconnect your phone from other devices that rely on Bluetooth, such as wireless earphones or a smartwatch.

To disable Bluetooth connectivity, just swipe down from your screen’s top and tap on the Bluetooth tile.

Stop Android Auto From Auto-Launching

It’s possible to configure Android Auto to show up on your car’s head unit only if it was active during your last journey. That way, you have more control over when it launches.

1. Visit your phone’s Android Auto configuration pane—open Settings and tap Apps > See all apps > Android Auto.
2. Tap Additional settings in the app.
3. Scroll down and tap Start Android Auto automatically.
4. Select the If used on the last drive option.
5. Restart your Android phone—hold down the Power button (or the Power and Volume Up buttons, depending on the model) and select Restart.

Alternatively, you can make the adjustment by interacting with Android Auto through the vehicle infotainment system. Just:

1. Tap the Gear icon on the lower-left corner of the Android Auto window.
2. Tap Start Android Auto automatically.
3. Tap the circle next to If used on the last drive.
4. Tap the Gear icon again to go back to the previous screen.
5. Unplug and restart your phone.

Once you’ve done that, exit Android Auto to the head unit’s home screen the next time you start the car. This action should prevent it from kicking in automatically on subsequent drives. Android Auto will continue to appear as an option, but it won’t activate unless you tap on it.

Disable Android Auto From Your Car

Your car’s stock or aftermarket infotainment system may have an integrated option to disable Android Auto. You must check its instructions manual for the correct steps, but basically, it involves the following:

1. Access the head unit’s built-in Settings menu.
2. Look for an option like User Interfaces or Connection Settings.
3. Tap Android Auto. If there’s an option such as Disable or Turn Off, select it.

Repeat the steps and re-enable Android Auto the next time you want to use it while driving.

Use a Charge-Only USB Adapter

Another way to prevent Android Auto from activating is by connecting your phone to a USB port that doesn’t transfer data. If your car doesn’t have one, consider purchasing a charge-only USB cable or adapter. Of course, this approach won’t work if you’re dealing with an Android Auto wireless connection.

Forget Your Car in Android Auto

If you want to stop using Android Auto on your car altogether, you can forget or unpair the vehicle. Here’s how:

1. Visit your Android Auto configurations pane via your phone’s Settings app.
2. Tap the Previously connected cars option.
3. Select the vehicle under the Accepted cars section and tap Forget.

If you want to forget all cars, tap the More icon (three dots) at the top right of the screen and select Forget all cars. Tap OK on the Confirmation prompt.

Optionally, turn off the switch next to Add new cars to Android Auto to stop your phone from prompting you to set up Android Auto each time you connect it to a car charger.

If you disable the option above, select the Connect A Car button within the main Android Auto settings screen whenever you want to set up Android Auto later.

Uninstall Android Auto On Your Phone

On phones running Android 9 and earlier, you can delete Android Auto if you no longer wish to use it. Here’s how:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to Apps & notifications.
3. Find and tap on Android Auto.
4. Tap Uninstall.
5. Confirm your action.

You can always re-download Android Auto from the Google Play Store if you want to use it later.

Android Auto Is Now Disabled

As you just discovered, you’ve got various techniques to stop or turn off Android Auto. You can deactivate it through your Android device, use a workaround to prevent it from auto-launching, turn off the feature directly in your car, or forget the paired vehicle. If your phone runs an older version of Android, you can also delete Android Auto.

Any changes you make aren’t permanent—you can always return to using Android Auto if you begin to miss Google Maps, Spotify, and the dozens of other apps it supports.

The post How to Stop or Turn Off Android Auto first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

However, it’s not easy to find the trash can or a recycle bin on an Android phone. That’s because there isn’t one, especially not one like on Windows PCs. The Android operating system doesn’t come with a single recycle bin in which all deleted files are stored. Although there’s no such thing as a single trash can for Android users, many Android apps have their own trash files that you can empty or use to recover data. Let’s take a closer look at how to access these folders.

1. Android Email Recycle Bin

It doesn’t matter which email client you’re using, Yahoo, Outlook, or Gmail, they all have a trash folder where deleted emails are stored temporarily. Open up the email app on your Android smartphone, tap the trash folder and you’ll access the deleted items. You can recover them or clear them.

2. Recycle Bin in File Explorer

All File Explorer apps, such as Dropbox or ES File Explorer, also have their own recycle bin. Access it and you’ll easily find deleted files in there. How long the File Explorer app will keep the deleted files depends on the app you’re using. For example, Dropbox keeps them for up to 180 days. For cloud-based File Explorer apps, you might need to access them through the web in order to restore deleted data.

3. Photos App Trash Folder

The Android Gallery app has built-in trash folders where you’ll find trash you previously deleted. Note that they are not there forever, and you can retrieve only the images you deleted in the last 30 days. After that period, the trash folder will automatically empty itself to free up internal storage space.

To access the trash bin in the Android Photos gallery:

1. Tap the three lines (hamburger) menu on the bottom right side of the screen.

2. Next, select the trash bin icon from the pop-up menu.

4. The Trash in File Manager

Android’s native File management app also has its own trash bins. Just tap the File Manager, or My Files app and scroll down until you find the trash bin folder. You can restore deleted Android data from here, or empty the trash folder.

5. App Download History

If you accidentally deleted an app, you can always restore it from the app download history. On Android devices, this can be easily done through the Google Play Store. Here’s how:

1. Go to the Google Play app and make sure you’re logged in.
2. Tap on your profile picture and select Manage Apps & Device.

3. Tap the Manage tab and it’ll display the list of all the apps installed on your device.

4. Select the one you accidentally deleted and reinstall it.

And that’s it! You can now keep your digital space clean. Whether you’re deleting old files, freeing up memory, or just doing a little digital spring cleaning, finding the Android trash folder is your secret weapon.

The post How to Find the Trash Can/Folder on Your Android Phone first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

If you enabled DND by accident or no longer need to silence notifications, follow the steps below to turn it off.

Turn Off Do Not Disturb (Stock Android)

Google Pixel phones and Android One devices typically run the basic or pure Android operating system—popularly called Stock Android. You can turn off Do Not Disturb from the Settings menu or Notification Panel on stock Android devices.

Disable Do Not Disturb from the Notification Panel

1. Swipe down from the top of your phone’s screen to open the Notification Panel.
2. Locate the Do not disturb icon and tap it to turn off the feature.

Turn Off Do Not Disturb in Settings Menu

1. Open the Settings app and select Sound (or Sound & vibration).
2. Tap Do Not Disturb.
3. Tap the Turn Off Now button to deactivate Do Not Disturb on the device.

Check the “Schedules” section and turn off all configured Do Not Disturb schedules.

4. Tap Schedules and deselect the checkbox next to a Do Not Disturb schedule to turn it off.

Turn Off Do Not Disturb on Samsung Phones

The steps for disabling Do Not Disturb on Samsung devices are slightly different (from stock Android). This is due to differences in the user interface, design, and software skin.

On Samsung phones or tablets, you can turn off Do Not Disturb from the Notification Center, Quick Settings panel, System Settings, or using Bixby.

Turn Off Do Not Disturb from the Notification Center

When you enable Do Not Disturb on Samsung Galaxy devices, a “Do not disturb turned on” tile appears in the Notification Center. You can disable Do Not Disturb from the notification tile.

1. Swipe down from the top of your device’s screen to open the Notification Center.
2. Tap the down-facing arrow icon on the “Do not disturb turned on” tile.
3. Tap Turn off to disable Do Not Disturb.

Can’t find “Do Not Disturb” in the Quick Settings panel? Tap the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner and select Edit (or Edit buttons).

Tap and hold the Do not disturb icon, drag it to the Quick Settings area, and tap Done.

Afterward, tap the icon to enable or disable Do Not Disturb on your Android device.

Turn Off Do Not Disturb from Quick Settings Menu

1. Swipe down from the top of your device’s screen and locate Do not disturb. Do Not Disturb is active if the tile has a blue highlight or background color.
2. Tap the Do not disturb icon to turn off Do Not Disturb on your device.

Turn Off Do Not Disturb from the Settings Menu

1. Open your phone’s Settings app and select Notifications.
2. Select Do not disturb.
3. Toggle off the Do not disturb option.

Additionally, check the “Schedule” section and turn off any Do Not Disturb schedule you no longer need.

Turn Off Do Not Disturb Using Bixby

If you’ve set up Bixby on your Samsung device, you can disable Do Not Disturb hands-free using the virtual assistant.

Unlock your phone and say, “Hi Bixby, turn off do not disturb.” or “Hi Bixby, turn off do not disturb.”

If Bixby doesn’t respond, press and hold your device’s Side button to summon Bixby and repeat the command.

Turn Off Do Not Disturb for Modes and Routines

Samsung allows you to create modes or routines that automatically activate certain features on your mobile device. In Driving mode, for instance, you can configure your phone to enable Do Not Disturb, switch wallpapers, read notifications aloud, or change media volume when it connects to your car Bluetooth.

If a Mode or Routine automatically enables Do Not Disturb, you should be able to turn it off in the Notification Center.

Swipe down from the top of your screen, expand the “Do not disturb turned on” card, and tap Turn off.

Follow the steps below to configure a Mode or Routine to stop automatically turning on Do Not Disturb.

1. Go to Settings > Modes and Routines and select any mode or routine that’s active or turned on.
2. Select the (active) Mode or Routine that automatically enables Do Not Disturb.
3. Tap the Do not disturb toggle to turn it off.

Turn Off Do Not Disturb Using Google Assistant

You can turn off Do Not Disturb using voice command if you have Google Assistant set up on your Android device.

Unlock your phone and say, “Hey, Google! Turn off do not disturb.” or “OK, Google! Turn off do not disturb.”

You should hear a “Turning Do Not Disturb off” response. Tap OK to dismiss the Google Assistant.

Do Not Disturb Disabled

These are the methods available for disabling Do Not Disturb on Android devices. You can also follow the same steps to re-enable the feature on your device.

The post How to Turn Off Do Not Disturb on Android first appeared on Online Tech Tips.