Because there are several types of validation rules you can apply to your dataset, let’s walk through each one individually so you can pick the one that fits best.

Validate Text

With the text validation feature in Google Sheets, you can check for entries that contain, don’t contain, or are the same as specific text. You can also validate the cell for an email address or URL.

For example, we’ll validate the text in our cell to make sure it contains “ID” for our product numbers.

Select the cell or range and use Data > Data validation to open the sidebar and pick Add rule.

Apply to range: Confirm the cell or range and use the icon on the right to add another cell range. Note: As shown below, you should use the sheet (tab) name with the cell reference or data range. Our sheet name is Dates.

Criteria: Pick the text option you want to use and enter the text in the field beneath. For our example, we choose “Text contains” and enter “ID.”

Advanced options: To show and enter help text or choose a warning or rejection for invalid data, expand Advanced options, and mark the ones you want to use.

Select Done to apply the rule. You can then test your data validation rule. Input a valid entry and then an invalid entry to make sure the rule works as you expect.

Validate Dates

For validating dates in Google Sheets, you have several options. You can check for a date on, after, before, or between as well as a valid date.

As an example, you may want to confirm that the dates entered fall after a particular date, such as January 1, 2023, for your company’s 2023 financials.

Select the cell or range and use Data > Data validation to open the sidebar and pick Add rule.

Apply to range: Confirm the cell or range and optionally add another.

Criteria: Pick the date option you want to use the drop-down menu or text field to pick or enter the corresponding date. For our example, we pick “Date is after,” choose “exact date,” and enter “1/1/23” in the field beneath.

Advanced options: Like the text validation above, you can expand this section to add help text and pick an invalid input action.

Select Done when you finish. You can then test your date validation by entering a valid and invalid date per your rule.

Validate Numbers

If you want to validate numbers in Sheets, you can set up a rule that checks for those greater than, less than, equal to, between, and more.

For this example, we want to confirm that the number entered is between 1 and 17 for parents entering their minor child’s age.

Select the cell or range, pick Data > Data validation, and choose Add rule.

Apply to range: Confirm the cell or range and optionally add another.

Criteria: Pick the date option you want to use and enter the text in the field beneath. For our example, we pick “Is between” and enter “1” in the first field and “17” in the second.

Advanced options: Like the above validations, expand this section to add help text and pick an invalid data action.

Select Done to apply the rule. Test your number validation rule by entering both a correct and incorrect number.

Create a Drop-Down List

Drop-down lists are another validation type you can use in Sheets. What’s different about these is that you can insert a drop-down list using the Insert or the Data menu. Either way, you’ll use the Data Validation sidebar to set up the list of items.

Here, we’ll set up a drop-down list to choose a menu item.

Do one of the following to add a drop-down list:

• Select the cell and pick Insert > Dropdown in the menu. The sidebar will open.
• Right-click the cell and pick Dropdown.
• Select the cell, pick Data > Data validation, and choose Dropdown in the Criteria menu in the sidebar.

Enter your list items in the Option 1 and Option 2 fields and use the Add another item button to include more. You can also reorder the items using the grid icons on the left of each.

Choose a color for each list item in the color palette drop-down box on the left.

Advanced options: Expand this section to show help text, choose an invalid data action, and pick the display style for the list.

Select Done when you finish, and you’ll see your drop-down list ready to go.

Insert a Checkbox

Similar to the drop-down list validation above, you can add a checkbox to a cell using one of two options and customize the values in the Data Validation sidebar.

Here, we’ll add checkboxes to add dishes to our meals.

• Select the cell and pick Insert > Checkbox in the menu. The sidebar will open.
• Select the cell, pick Data > Data validation, and choose Checkbox in the Criteria menu in the sidebar.

To use specific values for the checked and unchecked box statuses, mark the option Use custom cell values and enter those you want to use. For our example, we enter “Yes” and “No.”

Advanced options: Expand this section to show help text and choose an invalid input action.

Select Done to apply the checkbox rule to the cell or range of cells.

Use a Custom Formula

One more way to use data validation is with a custom formula in Google Sheets. This is a good option when none of the above preset rules apply. You can do things like make sure the cell contains text or limit the number of characters in the cell.

As an example, we’ll set up the validation rule to check for text in the cell. If a number or date is entered, this invokes the invalid data action.

Select the cell or range and pick Data > Data validation.

Apply to range: Confirm the cell or range and optionally add another.

Criteria: Pick “Custom formula is” and enter the formula in the field beneath. Using our example, we enter the formula “=ISTEXT(A2)” to check that cell A2 contains text.

Advanced options: Expand this section to enter help text and choose an invalid data action. For our example, we’ll mark the option to show help text and enter a custom message to display along with rejecting the input.

Select Done to apply the rule. Then, give your new validation rule a test by entering both valid and invalid data to make sure the formula works as expected. In the screenshot below, you can see our message for an invalid entry.

Edit or Remove Data Validation

If after you set up a data validation rule, you want to change it or simply remove it, both are easy to do.

Select the cell or range containing the validation and choose Data > Data validation in the menu to open the sidebar.

Then, do one of the following:

• To edit a rule, select it, make your changes, and choose Done to save it.
• To remove a rule, hover your cursor over it and select the Delete (trash can) icon.
• To remove every rule in the list, use the Remove all button.

With the data validation feature in Google Sheets, you can make sure your data is entered correctly. Whether you pop up a warning message or provide drop-down list options, you can save yourself the aggravation of checking for invalid data later.

If you also use Microsoft applications, look at how to create a drop-down list in Excel too.

The post How to Use Data Validation in Google Sheets first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

For PDFs, you can get the word count using your PDF editing software, depending on which one you’re using. If it’s not built in, you’ll need to convert the PDF to a Word doc or use an online service.

Use Foxit PDF Editor

Foxit PDF Editor is one of the few PDF editing tools that can provide the word count of a PDF directly within the app and with little effort.

1. Launch Foxit PDF Editor and open the PDF you want to get the word count for.
2. Next, click the View tab and then select Word Count.

The Word Count window will appear, giving you certain statistics about the PDF. Not only will you see the word count, but you’ll also get the number of characters, pages, and more.

Using Adobe Acrobat Reader? Convert to Word

Adobe Acrobat Reader is one of the most popular and widely used PDF editing tools. Even still, it doesn’t provide a way to get the word count of a PDF within the app. Instead, you’ll need to convert the PDF file to a Word doc, which Adobe can help you with.

1. Open a browser of your choice and go to Adobe’s PDF to Word convertor on their official site.
2. Upload the PDF file that you want to convert.
3. Once uploaded, you’ll see a screen where you can confirm the document language and the document type you want to convert the PDF to. Click Convert to DOCX.

4. Once the conversion is finished, click Open in Word in the header menu. You can also download the document if you want by clicking Download.

5. With the document now open In Word, click the Review tab and select Word Count in the Proofing group.

The Word Count window will appear, showing the document’s word count and other statical information.

Use an Online Word Count Tool

If your PDF software allows you to copy the text in the PDF, you can use an online word count tool like WordCounter to quickly get the word count (and the character count, too). Copy the text, paste it into the editor, and voilà.

Don’t forget that this is an online service, though. Online tools are convenient and mostly free, but don’t forget to give privacy an additional thought before you plugin potentially sensitive information into the word counter tool. Ensure you’re using a reputable site that guarantees the confidentiality of your content.

Words to the Wise

There are a few different ways you can get the word count of a PDF document, each with its own set of advantages. Foxit PDF Editor stands out, though, by providing an in-app word count feature. Hopefully, one day Adobe will bring this feature to the table.

The post How to Check the Word Count of PDF Documents first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Other reasons your Spotify search function isn’t working are that the platform’s servers are down, Spotify doesn’t have access to your phone’s camera, your app’s cached files are corrupted, your app is old, and more.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

When you have problems using an internet-enabled app like Spotify, check and ensure your internet connection is working. Your connection may be inactive, causing Spotify’s search feature not to work.

You can check if your connection is working by opening a web browser and launching a site. If your site doesn’t load, your connection is faulty. In this case, try to resolve your internet connection problems by restarting your device, rebooting your router, fixing your network adapter problems, or contacting your internet service provider (ISP).

2. Check if Spotify Is Down

One reason Spotify’s search feature isn’t working is that the platform’s servers are down. In this case, you can’t use various app features as the servers providing those features are unavailable.

You can check if Spotify is down using the Downdetector site or the Spotify Status account on X (formerly Twitter). If these sites say Spotify is down, wait until the company fixes the issue.

3. Turn Off Spotify’s Offline Mode

Spotify offers an offline mode that allows you to listen to your downloaded music when you aren’t connected to the internet. If you’ve enabled this mode, that may be why you can’t use the search function.

You can resolve your issue by turning off your app’s offline mode.

On Android and iPhone

1. Launch Spotify on your phone.
2. Select your profile icon in the app’s top-left corner and choose Settings and privacy.
3. Turn off the Offline mode option.

On Windows and Mac

1. Launch Spotify on your computer.
2. Select File > Offline Mode (Windows) or Spotify > Offline Mode (Mac) from the menu bar to disable the mode.

4. Give Spotify Access to Your Phone’s Camera

If you’re trying to scan a code using Spotify’s search feature, ensure you’ve given the app access to your phone’s camera. This is because the app can’t scan codes without camera access.

On Android

1. Tap and hold on Spotify in your app drawer or home screen and select App info.
2. Select Permissions on the following screen.
3. Tap Camera.
4. Enable the Allow only while using the app option.

On iPhone

1. Launch Settings on your phone.
2. Scroll down and tap Spotify.
3. Turn on the Camera option.

5. Clear Spotify’s App Cache

Spotify caches various content to improve your app experience. If this cache becomes corrupted, you experience various issues in the app. This may be the case with your Spotify app.

Luckily, you can fix your app’s bad cache by deleting the cache. This doesn’t delete your account data in the app.

On Android and iPhone

1. Open Spotify on your phone.
2. Select your profile icon in the top-left corner and choose Settings and privacy.
3. Scroll down the open page and select Clear cache.

4. Choose Clear cache in the prompt.
5. Quit and re-open your Spotify app.

On Windows and Mac

1. Launch Spotify on your computer.
2. Select your profile icon in the top-right corner and choose Settings.
3. Select Clear cache next to Cache.

4. Close and relaunch your Spotify app.

6. Log Out and Back Into Your Spotify Account

If your search issue persists, your app may have a login session problem. In this case, you can sign out and back into your account in the app to resolve your issue. Note that you’ll need your Spotify login credentials to log back in, so keep those details handy.

On Android and iPhone

1. Open Spotify on your phone.
2. Select your profile icon in the top-left corner and choose Settings and privacy.
3. Scroll the open page to the bottom and tap Log out.

4. Sign back into your account in the app.

On Windows and Mac

1. Launch Spotify on your computer.
2. Select your profile icon in the top-right corner and choose Log out.

3. Log back into your account in the app.

7. Update Spotify to Fix a Spotify Search Not Working Issue

If you have an old Spotify version, that may be why you can’t utilize the search feature. Old software versions often have many issues, and you can patch those problems by updating your app to the latest version.

It’s quick and easy to update Spotify on your mobile and desktop devices.

On Android

1. Launch Google Play Store on your phone.
2. Find Spotify.
3. Tap Update to update the app.

On iPhone

1. Launch App Store on your phone.
2. Select the Updates tab in the bottom bar.
3. Tap Update next to Spotify on the list.

On Windows and Mac

1. Launch Spotify on your computer.
2. Select File > Help > About Spotify (Windows) or Spotify > About Spotify (Mac) from the menu bar.
3. Select Click here to download to download the latest Spotify version.

8. Remove and Reinstall Spotify on Your Device

If your issue still isn’t resolved, Spotify’s core files may be corrupted. In such a case, your only option to fix the problem is to uninstall and reinstall the app. Doing so deletes all the existing app files, some of which are faulty.

Note that you don’t lose your created playlists and other account data when you reinstall Spotify.

On Android

1. Tap and hold on Spotify in your app drawer and select Uninstall.

2. Choose Uninstall in the prompt.
3. Open Google Play Store, find Spotify, and select Install.

On iPhone

1. Find the Spotify app on your phone’s home screen.
2. Tap and hold on the app and select Remove App > Delete App.
3. Launch App Store, find Spotify, and tap the download icon.

On Windows

1. On Windows 11, head into Settings > Apps > Installed apps, select the three dots next to Spotify, choose Uninstall, and select Uninstall.

2. On Windows 10, navigate to Settings > Apps, select Spotify, choose Uninstall, and select Uninstall.

3. Head to the Spotify website and download and install the latest app version.

On Mac

1. Open a Finder window and select Applications in the left sidebar.
2. Right-click Spotify and choose Move to Trash.
3. Launch the Spotify website, download the app, and install the app on your Mac.

9. Use the Spotify Web Player

If nothing fixes your issue and you can’t find your favorite music, use Spotify’s web player that allows you to access all your favorite music from your device’s web browser. This web-based Spotify works pretty much the same way as your desktop Spotify app, allowing you to sign in to your account, access your playlists, find music tracks, and listen to your favorite songs.

You can launch a web browser on your device and open the Spotify Web Player site to access the tool.

Restore Spotify’s Broken Search Functionality

Spotify’s search function stops working for various reasons. If you’ve run into this problem and can’t find a way to fix it, use the methods outlined above. These methods resolve issues with the items that can potentially cause your problem, allowing you to restore your favorite music player’s find function. Good luck!

The post Spotify Search Not Working? 9 Ways to Fix It first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

You can’t dial a code on your phone because your phone has a minor glitch, your device’s secondary SIM is causing the problem, a malicious app on your phone, your phone’s network settings are incorrect, and more. Luckily, you have a few ways to fix that problem and use your codes without issues. We’ll show you what those fixes are.

1. Add a Comma at the End of Your Code

One quick way to fix your issue is to suffix the code you want to dial with a comma. This comma tells your phone to ignore errors and continue executing your code. You can use this tip with any code you want to dial on your phone.

For example, if you want to dial *123#, you’d type *123#, (note the comma at the end). This dials your code, ignoring any errors that may appear.

2. Enable and Disable Your Phone’s Airplane Mode

Another way to fix your code issue is to turn on and back off your phone’s airplane mode. Enabling the mode turns off all network connections on your phone, and disabling the mode restores those connections. This helps fix connectivity issues on your phone.

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

3. Wait for 10 seconds.
4. Turn the mode off by tapping Airplane mode in the same menu.
5. Dial your code.

3. Restart Your Android Phone

If toggling on and back off airplane mode didn’t fix your issue, give your Android device a reboot and see if that resolves your problem. Doing so fixes many minor glitches with your device, possibly resolving your code dial error.

1. Press and hold down the Power button on your phone.
2. Select Restart in the menu to turn off and back on your phone.

3. Dial your code when your phone turns on.

4. Turn Off the Secondary SIM on Your Dual SIM Phone

If your Android phone offers multiple SIM slots, disable the secondary SIM and see if that resolves your issue. This is because your secondary SIM may interfere with your primary SIM, causing your MMI code problem.

1. Go to Settings on your Android phone.
2. Select Mobile network in Settings.
3. Choose your secondary SIM on the open page.
4. Turn off the Enable option.

5. Quit Settings and dial your code.

5. Manually Select Your Service Provider on Your Mobile Phone

Sometimes, your phone has trouble connecting to the appropriate network provider, preventing you from dialing your codes. In this case, manually set the correct carrier on your phone to resolve your issue.

1. Access Settings on your phone.
2. Select Mobile network in Settings.
3. Choose your SIM card on the list.
4. Select Carrier on the following screen.
5. Turn off the Auto select option.

6. Select your carrier from the network operators list.
7. Dial your code.

6. Use Safe Mode on Your Android Phone

Like Microsoft’s Windows operating system, Android offers a safe mode to isolate your phone’s third-party tools. This lets you turn on your phone where your third-party apps aren’t loaded, allowing you to verify if those items are causing your problem.

You can use this mode when you have trouble dialing codes on your device.

1. Press and hold down the Power button on your phone.
2. Tap and hold on Power off in the open menu.
3. Select OK in the prompt to boot your phone in safe mode.

4. Dial your code when your phone is in safe mode.

If your code dials successfully in safe mode, one or more of your installed apps are the culprit. In this case, remove those apps from your phone to resolve your issue.

1. Open Settings on your phone.
2. Select Apps > App management in Settings.
3. Find and tap the suspicious app on the list.
4. Select Uninstall to remove the app.

5. Choose OK in the prompt.

7. Reset Network Settings on Your Phone

Your Android phone allows you to customize various network settings. If you or someone else has incorrectly configured an option, that may be why you can’t dial codes on your phone.

In this case, you can reset your phone’s network settings to resolve your issue. Doing so erases your custom network configuration and lets you set up those settings from scratch.

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

4. Dial your code when you’ve reset the settings.

8. Replace Your Physically Damaged SIM Card

If nothing else works, your last resort is to replace your current SIM card with a new one. This is because your current SIM card may be physically damaged, preventing you from dialing codes on your phone. The above methods not working indicates your SIM card is the culprit.

You can contact your cellular provider and request a new SIM card. Your new card should work fine and let you dial your codes without errors.

Troubleshooting an Invalid MMI Code Error on Android

Android’s “Connection problem or invalid MMI code” error prevents you from dialing your network-specific codes and getting relevant information. If the issue persists even after multiple attempts to run your code, use the fixes outlined above and dial your codes without issues.

The post 8 Ways to Fix a “Connection problem or invalid MMI code” Error on Android first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

How to Delete a Story on Snapchat

When it comes to deleting a story on Snapchat, there’s no way to delete your entire story, as we just mentioned — instead, you can go through your story and decide which Snaps to nix, and which ones to keep. Here’s how to do that:

1. Launch the Snapchat app on your device.
2. Click the Profile icon at the top left to go to your Profile.
3. Tap My Story to view your story.
4. If you’ve added multiple Snaps to your story, tap to advance to the one(s) you want to delete.
5. Press and hold on the Snap you wish to delete.
6. Tap Delete, then tap Done.
7. In the popup window, tap Delete to confirm the deletion of your Snap.
8. Repeat this step for any snaps you want to delete from your story.

Note: If you created a story, you can delete not only any Snaps you added to it but also those added by anyone else.

How to Add Snaps to My Story

If you changed your mind after deleting a Snap from your story and want to add it back, there are a couple of ways to do this:

1. Go to your Profile and tap Add to My Story or choose New Private Story or New Shared Story to add Snaps to your story. Then, select the Snaps you want to add from your Camera Roll or Memories and tap My Story to add them.

2. Or, after you create a Snap with your Snapchat camera, tap the Story icon at the bottom of your screen, then tap Add to confirm you want to add the Snap to your story.

Now, there’s no need to worry if you accidentally upload a Snap to your story or change your mind after adding a Snap. It’s easy to delete a Story on Snapchat, whether you want to remove one or two Snaps from your story or delete the entire thing, Snap by Snap. Before you go, why not check out our guide on how to save Snapchat Videos?

The post How to Delete a Story on Snapchat first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

How to See Birthdays on Snapchat

It used to be possible to use the Birthday mini to see a birthday on Snapchat, but that feature has been disabled. Now, there’s no way to see a list of all your friends’ birthdays. Though that’s quite inconvenient, thankfully, you can still see when one of your friends is celebrating a birthday. Here’s how:

1. Launch Snapchat.
2. Tap your Profile icon at the top-left of your screen.
3. Scroll down and select My Friends to view your friends list.
4. Select a friend from the list to open a chat with them.
5. To view their profile, tap their Profile picture at the top-left of your screen.
6. You should see their birthday listed underneath their Snapchat username.

Note: You should also see a cake icon next to a friend’s name in your chat if it’s their birthday. However, if your friend hasn’t enabled Birthday Party, you won’t be able to see the cake icon when it’s their birthday.

How to Enable Birthday Party in Snapchat

If you want friends to see your birthday on Snapchat, you can enable Birthday Party. Here’s how to do that so your friends have no excuse for missing your birthday ever again!

1. Launch Snapchat.
2. Tap your Profile icon at the top-left of your screen.
3. Tap Settings in the top-right of your screen.
4. Under My Account, tap Birthday.
5. Add your birthday date and year, then tap Save.
6. Ensure the box next to Birthday Party is checked to share your birthday with your friends. This also displays your zodiac sign on your profile.

Note: Your age is never revealed to other Snapchatters — only your birthday day and month is revealed.

How to See People’s Astrological Signs on Snapchat

Did you know that you can also see a friend’s astrological sign on Snapchat? Provided you’ve both entered your birthday details and enabled Birthday Party, you can see each other’s zodiac signs and view their astrological compatibility. Here’s how to do that:

1. Launch Snapchat.
2. Tap your Profile icon at the top-left of your screen.
3. Scroll down and select My Friends to view a list of all your friends.
4. Tap on any friend in the list to open a chat with them.
5. Tap their Profile picture at the top-left of your screen to view their profile.
6. You should see their birthday under their Snapchat username, and their zodiac sign should be to the right of this.
7. If they have enabled the feature, you can tap on their zodiac sign to see your compatibility.

Now you know how to see birthdays on Snapchat, you’ll never have an excuse for missing your friends’ birthdays ever again — and you can also ensure that your birthday is visible to all your friends. You can also view their astrological sign and find out how compatible you are, if you’re into astrology. Before you go, why not check out some of the best Snapchat privacy tips?

The post How to See People’s Birthdays on Snapchat first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Close and Relaunch Your Web Browser

The first fix to apply when your cursor disappears on Google Docs is to quit and re-open your web browser. This helps resolve minor glitches with your browser, some of which may be causing your cursor problem.

Make sure you’ve saved your unsaved work before quitting your browser.

You can restart your Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or another browser by selecting X in the browser’s top-right corner. Then, open your PC’s Start menu, find your browser, and select it in the search results. If a browser refuses to quit, use the Task Manager to force-close your browser.

Prevent Windows From Hiding Your Cursor When You’re Typing

Windows offers an option that allows you to hide your cursor when you’re typing something on your computer. You or someone else may have enabled this option, causing the cursor to disappear while typing on Google Docs.

In this case, turn off that option, and your issue should be resolved.

1. Open the Start menu, find Control Panel, and select the item with that name.
2. Choose Hardware and Sound in Control Panel.
3. Select Mouse in the Devices and Printers section.
4. Open the Pointer Options tab.
5. Disable the Hide pointer while typing option.

6. Select Apply followed by OK at the bottom.

Turn Off Hardware Acceleration in Your Web Browser

The hardware acceleration feature enhances your web browser’s performance, but sometimes, this feature causes issues. This option being enabled may be the reason your cursor disappears on Google Docs.

In this case, turn off the feature and see if that resolves your cursor issue.

Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome, select the three dots in the top-right corner, and choose Settings to access Chrome settings.
2. Select System in the left sidebar.
3. Turn off Use hardware acceleration when available on the right.

4. Close and relaunch your web browser.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Launch Firefox, select the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner, and choose Settings.
2. Select General in the left sidebar and scroll down to the Performance section on the right.
3. Turn off the Use recommended performance settings option.
4. Disable the Use hardware acceleration when available option.

5. Quit and re-open your browser.

Microsoft Edge

1. Open Edge, select the three dots in the top-right corner, and choose Settings.
2. Select System and performance in the left sidebar.
3. Turn off Use hardware acceleration when available on the right.

4. Close and re-open your browser.

Update Your Web Browser

If your web browser version is outdated, that may be why you have issues with the sites in your browser. Outdated browsers often have many bugs, which you can fix by updating your browser to the latest version.

Google Chrome

1. Select the three dots in Chrome’s top-right corner and choose Help > About Google Chrome.

2. Wait for Chrome to find and install the latest updates.
3. Restart Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Select the three horizontal lines in Firefox’s top-right corner and choose Help > About Firefox.

2. Allow the browser to check for and install the available updates.
3. Restart your browser.

Microsoft Edge

1. Choose the three dots in Edge’s top-right corner and select Help and feedback > About Microsoft Edge.

2. Wait for Edge to find and install the latest updates.
3. Close and re-open your browser.

Change Your Cursor’s Color on Windows

If your cursor remains invisible on Google Docs, change the cursor’s color so you can easily spot it on your screen. Note that this is a universal change, meaning you’ll see your cursor’s new color everywhere on your system and not just on Google Docs.

On Windows 11

1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
2. Select Accessibility in the left sidebar.
3. Choose Mouse pointer and touch on the right.
4. Select Black, Inverted, or Custom. If you select Custom, choose your preferred cursor color.

On Windows 10

1. Launch Settings using Windows + I.
2. Select Ease of Access in Settings.
3. Choose Mouse pointer in the left sidebar.
4. Select Black, Inverted, or Custom on the right pane. If you choose Custom, select the custom color for your cursor.

Change Your Google Docs Document’s Page Background Color

One reason you can’t see your cursor on Google Docs is that both the Google Docs page background color and the cursor color are the same. In this case, if you don’t wish to change your cursor’s color, you can switch to a different page color on Google Docs to ensure your cursor remains visible.

1. Launch your Google Docs document.
2. Select File > Page setup from the menu bar.
3. Choose Page color and select your preferred color.

4. Select OK to apply your changes.

If you’ve changed your page’s color to black and your document’s text has become invisible, change your font color to see your text again.

Bring Back Your Disappeared Cursor on Google Docs

There are various reasons for your cursor errors when you’re working with Google Docs. You can try basic fixes like restarting your web browser to potentially fix your problem. If that doesn’t work, you have a few other ways to resolve your issue.

The post How to Fix Mouse Cursor Disappearing on Google Docs first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Are you sick of Snapchat’s constant notifications on your iPhone or Android phone? If so, it’s easy to turn off this app’s notifications on your smartphone. You can disable all the app alerts or select the ones you’re not interested in. You can deactivate the Story and message notifications as well. We’ll show you how to do that all in Snapchat on your iOS or Android device.

Note that all the methods below are reversible, meaning you can turn any notification off and back on whenever you want. We’ve explained how to turn an alert back on in case you’re interested in receiving specific notifications on your phone.

How to Turn Off All Snapchat Notifications on Android

If you’re an Android user wishing to disable your Snapchat notifications, you can use your phone’s Settings app to turn off all the alerts. Android’s Settings app lets you deactivate notifications for any installed app on your phone, including Snapchat.

Note that the steps to disable your app alerts will vary slightly depending on your Android phone model.

1. Launch Settings on your Android phone.
2. Select Apps > App management in Settings.
3. Choose Snapchat on the app list.
4. Select Manage notifications.
5. Turn off the Allow notifications option.

You can re-activate your app alerts in the future by turning on the Allow notifications option.

How to Disable All Snapchat Alerts on Apple iPhone

If you’re using Snapchat on an iPhone, you can use your phone’s Settings app to turn off all your app notifications. Like Android, iOS also lets you turn off all the notifications for any app using the built-in Settings app.

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Select Notifications.
3. Find and tap Snapchat on the list.
4. Toggle off the Allow Notifications option.

You can re-enable your app alerts in the future by toggling on the Allow Notifications option.

How to Turn Off Story Notifications for a Specific User on Snapchat

If you aren’t interested in receiving an alert when someone specific posts a Story on their Snapchat account, you have the option to disable such alerts. You can turn off Story notifications per-user in Snapchat on your iPhone or Android device.

1. Launch Snapchat on your phone.
2. Select your profile picture or Bitmoji in the top-left corner and choose My Friends.
3. Select the friend whose Story alerts you don’t want to get.
4. Choose the three dots in the top-right corner and select Story Settings.
5. Disable the Story Notifications option.

You can re-enable the Story notifications anytime by turning on the Story Notifications option.

How to Disable Message Alerts for a Specific Person on Snapchat

If you don’t want Snapchat to alert you when someone specific sends you a message, you can turn off the message alerts for that user in your app. Again, you can control this setting on a per-user basis.

1. Open Snapchat on your phone.
2. Select the Chat option in the bottom bar.
3. Tap and hold on the user who you want to disable the message notifications for.
4. Select Chat Settings in the open menu.
5. Turn off the Message Notifications option.

You can turn your message alerts back on at any time by activating the Message Notifications option.

How to Deactivate Selective Notifications in Your Snapchat App

If you’re looking to turn off other Snapchat alerts, such as the ones for mentions and memories, you have the option to do so.

1. Launch Snapchat on your phone.
2. Select your profile icon or Bitmoji in the top-left corner and choose Settings (a gear icon) in the top-right corner.
3. Select Notifications on the following page.
4. Review and turn on or off any notifications you want.

What to Do if Your Snapchat Notifications Aren’t Working?

If your Snapchat notifications aren’t working even after you’ve enabled them, your Snapchat app may be outdated, or your app’s cache files may be corrupted. Either way, you can resolve your issue and get your alerts working again in the app.

Update Your Snapchat App

One way to fix many issues with your app is to update your app. Doing so brings various bug fixes that patch the issues with your app. This can resolve your notification problem in Snapchat.

You can update Snapchat on an Android phone by visiting Google Play Store, finding Snapchat, and tapping Update next to the app.

You can update Snapchat on an iPhone by opening App Store, selecting the Updates tab, and choosing Update next to Snapchat.

Launch the updated app on your phone, and your issue should be fixed.

Clear Your Snapchat App Cache

If your Snapchat app’s cache files are corrupted, that may be why you aren’t receiving any alerts. In this case, clear your app’s bad cache, and your issue will be resolved.

Note that you don’t lose your account data when you clear your app’s cache. Also, you can only perform this procedure on an Android phone; the iPhone doesn’t allow you to delete an app’s cache files.

1. Find the Snapchat app in your phone’s app drawer or home screen.
2. Tap and hold on the app and select App info.
3. Choose Storage usage on the following screen.
4. Select Clear cache to remove the app’s cache files.

5. Launch your app.

Disabling and Re-Enabling Your Snapchat App Alerts Is Easier Than You Think

Whether you’re sick of constant notifications or only looking to receive specific alerts from the app, it’s easy to manage various alert settings in the Snapchat app on your mobile phone. The app allows you to enable as well as disable any notification you want, as described above.

We hope the guide above helps you set the desired notification settings in Snapchat on your phone so you only get the alerts you’re interested in.

The post How to Turn Off Snapchat Notifications (Or Back On) first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Some other reasons you can’t log out of your account are that your Facebook app’s cache is corrupted, the app itself is damaged, your phone’s operating system has a minor glitch, and more.

Check if Your Internet Connection Is Faulty

One reason you can’t log out of your Facebook account is that your phone’s internet connection isn’t working. Facebook needs access to the internet to sign you out of your account, and an inactive connection prevents that from happening.

You can check if your connection is faulty by opening a web browser and launching a site. If your site fails to launch, your internet connection has issues. In this case, try to resolve your internet problems by rebooting your router or contacting your internet service provider (ISP).

Check if Facebook Is Down

If your internet connection is working, the next item to check is if Facebook’s servers are down. The company’s servers may be experiencing an outage, making all the services unusable.

You can check if Facebook is down by visiting the Facebook page on the Downdetector site. This site will tell you if Facebook is experiencing any issues. If the platform is indeed down, wait until the company fixes the issue.

Clear Your Facebook App Cache

Another reason Facebook fails to log you out of your account is that your app’s cache files are corrupted. Such corrupted files can cause random issues in your app. Luckily, fixing the problem in this case is easy, as all you have to do is clear your app’s cache.

You don’t lose your account data when you do that, and the app will rebuild this cache. Note that you can only clear an app’s cache on Android; the iPhone doesn’t allow you to do that.

1. Locate the Facebook app in your app drawer or on your home screen.
2. Tap and hold on the app and select App info.
3. Choose Storage usage on the following screen.
4. Select Clear cache to delete the app’s cache files.

5. Launch the Facebook app and try to sign out of your account.

Roll Back Your Facebook App Update

If you started facing a sign-out problem after updating the Facebook app, your app update might be faulty. Such updates cause various issues in your app.

In this case, you can roll back your app update to possibly resolve your issue. Note that you can only downgrade apps on Android; you can’t uninstall app updates on an iPhone.

1. Tap and hold on Facebook in your app drawer or on your home screen and select App info.
2. Select the three dots in the top-right corner and choose Uninstall updates.
3. Select OK in the prompt to begin removing the app update.
4. Launch your downgraded app and see if you can log out of your account.

Update Facebook on Your iPhone or Android Phone

If your Facebook app is outdated, that may be why you can’t sign out of your account in the app. Obsolete app versions are known to cause issues, and this may be the case with your app.

In this case, update your app to the latest version, and your issue will be fixed.

Update Facebook on Android

1. Open Google Play Store on your phone.
2. Find Facebook in the store.
3. Select Update next to Facebook to update the app.

Update Facebook on iPhone

1. Launch App Store on your phone.
2. Select the Updates tab in the bottom bar.
3. Choose Update next to Facebook on the list.

Restart Your iPhone or Android Device

If your Facebook sign-out issue persists, your mobile phone’s operating system may be experiencing a problem. In this case, you can try to resolve those minor system glitches by rebooting your phone. Doing that turns off and back on all your phone features, possibly fixing your issue.

Restart an Android Phone

1. Press and hold down the Power button on your phone.
2. Select Restart in the open menu.

3. Launch Facebook when your phone restarts.

Restart an iPhone

1. Press and hold down Volume Up + Side or Volume Down + Side on your phone.
2. Drag the slider to power off your phone.

3. Turn on your phone by pressing and holding down the Side button.
4. Open the Facebook app.

Uninstall and Reinstall Facebook on Your Smartphone

If you still can’t log out of your account on Facebook, your app’s core files might be corrupted. Such file damage can make various app features not work. In this case, your only solution is to remove and reinstall the app on your phone.

Reinstall Facebook on Android

1. Tap and hold on Facebook in your app drawer and select Uninstall.

2. Choose Uninstall in the prompt.
3. Open Google Play Store, find Facebook, and choose Install.

Reinstall Facebook on iPhone

1. Tap and hold on Facebook on your phone’s home screen.
2. Select Remove App > Delete App in the menu.
3. Launch App Store, find Facebook, and tap the download icon.

Use Facebook’s Desktop Site to Log Out of Your Account on Your Phone

One way to log out of your account on your phone is by visiting Facebook’s desktop site and using the remote log-out option. This option allows you to log out of all sessions on all your devices.

1. Launch a web browser on your desktop, open the Facebook Accounts Center site, and log in to your account if you haven’t already.
2. Select Password and security in the site’s left sidebar.
3. Choose Where you’re logged in on the right pane.
4. Select the phone where you want to log out of your account.
5. Choose Log out on the following page.

You’re now logged out of your Facebook account on your selected phone.

Resolve the Facebook Log Out Problem to Sign Out of Your Account Successfully

Facebook’s sign-out bug prevents you from removing your account in the app on your phone. If this issue isn’t fixed even after multiple attempts to sign out of your account, use the methods described above. These methods fix the underlying items that may be causing your problem, allowing you to remove your account from this social media app successfully.

The post Why Can’t You Log Out of Facebook? (And How to Fix It) first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

The error code is prevalent on smart TVs and game consoles (PlayStation and Xbox). You could also get the error code in streaming media players like Roku, Android TV, and Blu-ray players.

1. Close and Reopen Netflix

Restarting the Netflix application can help your streaming device connect to Netflix, especially if other apps have internet access. If the error code NW-3-6 persists, check your device’s network settings and ensure the Netflix application has internet access permission.

2. Close Unneeded Applications

Your streaming device might fail to connect to Netflix if other applications use up network bandwidth. Say, for instance, you’re downloading a large file, updating an app, or installing a new application.

Close unneeded applications running in the background, pause bandwidth-heavy operations and check if you can stream Netflix. Reboot your router if the error code persists or other applications can’t connect to the internet.

3. Change or Verify DNS Settings

You could get the Netflix error NW-3-6 if there’s an issue with your internet service provider’s Domain Name System (DNS) server. Also, using custom DNS settings might prevent your streaming device from connecting to Netflix servers.

Switching to reputable public DNS servers could boost internet speed and resolve connectivity issues.

Our Best Free Public DNS Servers compilation has a bunch of top-class public DNS servers to try out. Contact your network administrator if you can’t access the router’s settings menu.

If you can’t change your router’s DNS settings, Netflix recommends contacting your internet service provider (ISP) and asking them to ensure your device(s) can connect to the following addresses:

• secure.netflix.com
• appboot.netflix.com
• uiboot.netflix.com
• fast.com

Contact your router manufacturer if you need help changing DNS servers or IP address settings.

Recommended DNS Settings for PlayStation

Netflix recommends using the following configurations for wireless and wired connections on PlayStation consoles:

• IP Address Settings > Automatic
• DHCP Host or DHCP hostname > Don’t Specify or Do Not Set
• DNS Settings > Automatic
• Proxy Server > Don’t Use or Do Not Use
• MTU or MTU Settings > Automatic
• UPnP > Enable

Check your PlayStation’s connection settings and verify that your connection uses these default settings.

Go to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection, navigate to the network, and press the Options button on your controller. Then, select Advanced Settings to enter the network configuration screen.

Configure the network according to Netflix’s recommendation and select OK. Reopen Netflix and check if the streaming app works correctly.

Recommended DNS Settings for Xbox

Open your Xbox’s Settings menu, head to General > Network Settings > Advanced Settings, and set DNS Settings to Automatic.

For Xbox 360, head to Settings > System Settings > Network Settings > [Network Name] > Configure Network > DNS Settings and select Automatic.

4. Reboot Your Router or Modem

Power cycling your router can improve connectivity speed and resolve issues stopping your device from connecting to Netflix. Before rebooting your router, try streaming Netflix on other devices connected to the same network as your streaming device.

Reboot your router if the Netflix error code NW-3-6 error code affects all devices. Unplug the router from its power source, wait 30-60 seconds, and plug it back in.

Connect your device to the router/modem using an ethernet cable if Netflix (or other apps) doesn’t work over Wi-Fi.

Update the router’s firmware or reset it to factory default if the Netflix code NW-3-6 persists after the reboot.

5. Turn Off VPN or Proxy Apps

Virtual Private Network (VPN) apps and proxy servers can interfere with your device’s internet connection. Turn off these apps if other devices on your home network can access Netflix, but your media player, smart TV, or console keeps throwing the error code NW-3-6.

6. Reboot Your Streaming Device

Turn off your streaming device or disconnect it from its power source and wait for a few seconds. Reconnect your device to your home network and try streaming Netflix again. Try a different network if the NW-3-6 error persists.

Contact your ISP or reset your device’s internet connection settings if Netflix doesn’t work on any Wi-Fi or Ethernet network.

7. Update the Netflix App

Running the latest Netflix version on your device can fix buffering problems, connectivity errors, and other streaming issues. Open your device’s app store and install any update available for the Netflix app.

Alternatively, head to your device’s settings menu and enable automatic app updates. That allows your streaming device to automatically install new versions of the Netflix app in the app store.

8. Update Your Streaming Device

The Netflix app sometimes malfunctions if the streaming app no longer supports your device (or operating system). Head to your device’s system settings menu and update its software or firmware to the latest version.

Contact your device manufacturer or refer to its instructions manual if you need help installing software/firmware updates.

9. Reset Your Device’s Network Settings

Resetting your device’s network configurations to factory default could resolve connection issues causing the NW-3-6 error. Contact your device manufacturer or refer to its instruction manual for network reset instructions.

Fix Netflix Error Code NW-3-6

The Netflix error code NW-2-5 and NW-3-6 have similar causative factors and solutions. The troubleshooting recommendations above should fix the NW-3-6 error and restore the Netflix service to your streaming device. Contact Netflix if you still have trouble accessing the streaming service.

The post How to Fix Netflix Error Code NW-3-6 first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Users familiar with Microsoft Sharepoint would note the similarities with the new Lists app, as it is in essence an upgraded version of the same tool. While Sharepoint lists were mostly about data management and could be accessed through Excel spreadsheets, Microsoft Lists are focused more on collaboration and can be viewed in multiple user-friendly ways.

What Is Microsoft Lists?

Microsoft Lists is described pretty well by its name already, but the number of similar products in Microsoft’s arsenal still makes things a bit confusing. Microsoft To-Do already lets you add tasks to a list, while something like Microsoft Planner works as a proper agile team collaboration tool. And then there is Sharepoint, which lets you create shareable lists as well.

Microsoft Lists distinguishes itself from these applications by its modern interface, cross-platform support, and incredible customization. It seeks not to supplant these tools but to supplement them, and to this end provides native integration with Planner and Sharepoint.

Lists are meant for creating multipurpose lists of, well, anything, from tasks to calendar events and even just data entries. This is paired with the ability to share these lists with Microsoft Teams (again, natively integrated) to discuss and collaborate on any list item.

Essentially, Microsoft Lists works as a powerful alternative to project management tools like Trello for teams that use the Office 365 suite, plugging a major gap in the capabilities of the Microsoft ecosystem.

Using Microsoft Lists

As Microsoft Lists is intended to work as a general-purpose collaborative list-making tool, it’s designed to be cross-platform. Along with the desktop app, you can download the Lists mobile app on Android as well as iOS phones, apart from the web version that can be accessed through any browser.

It is a part of the Office 365 suite, but you can also use it as a preview for now with any Microsoft account even without an Office subscription.

1. To try out the Microsoft Lists preview, head to lists.live.com, which acts as the web app for the tool. You may have to log in with your Microsoft account to gain access.

2. The interface is clean and clutter-free, with one button standing out at the top: New list. Click on it to create our first list.

3. This is where we get our first glimpse of the flexibility of Microsoft Lists. You can create a Blank list, use ready-made templates, or import a .csv file as a list, similar to Microsoft Sharepoint. And of course, you can also select a template to create a specific type of list.

4. Selecting a template also gives you a preview of what the template will look like with data filled in, after which you can click on the Use template button to go ahead with it.

5. Now just enter a name for the list, along with an optional description to make it easier to understand the purpose of the list. A color and icon will be chosen by default (based on the type of template) but you can change these too if you want. Select Create when you are satisfied.

6. The new list will open with all the fields (columns) already in place, ready to accept data. You can add more fields with the Add column button on the right, and new rows with the Add new item option on the left.

7. The categories are already configured with their respective data types, so for fields like date, you will get a calendar to pick from.

8. Simply enter all the fields to create a new item, repeating the process for as many entries as you want to add. As you might note, the Created by field keeps track of who added the item, making it easier to organize in case of multiple people using the same list.

And that’s all you need to get started. Those proficient with Excel (or Sharepoint) will find many similar features like sorting the data in a column or using Filters to view a selection of the list.

You can even export any list as a CSV file or a Microsoft Power BI file with the Export button on the top.

Sharing a List

Since the whole premise of Microsoft Lists is about collaborating with others, let’s take a look at how you can share lists that you have created.

1. Open an existing Microsoft List.

2. Click on the Share button from the top bar.

3. A small window will appear, letting you add names and a message for the people you are sharing the list with. All of it is optional since the only thing you need to do is to Copy link and share it with your team members.

4. By default the link permissions are set to allow anyone with the link to edit lists (after signing in), but you can modify this as well. Click on the Sharing settings button on the top of this small window (the gear icon) to view all the available options.

5. Now you can change the sharing access, from turning off the sign-in requirement to restricting it to people added to your organization. You can also set a password for an extra layer of security, or change what kind of permissions the link provides, limiting it to viewing only if you need to. Select Apply when you are done to bring the changes into effect.

Don’t worry about any mistakes made during this part; you can always use the Manage access button on the top right to modify user permissions for any given list.

Creating Views in Microsoft Lists

The default list is not the only way of viewing a Microsoft list. You can choose from four different views: List, Calendar, Gallery, and Board.

This flexibility in visualizing the information is another advantage Lists has over Sharepoint. There is no perfect view – depending on the content of the list in question, some views are better suited than others.

1. To create a new view, open a list and slick on the Add a view button on the right (with the + icon).

2. Here you can select the type of the list and enter the additional information required. Gallery and the default List view only require a name, while the Board needs you to specify a column to organize the list by. The Calendar view asks for a layout (Month or Week) along with the starting and ending dates.

3. Click on the Create button after entering the information to have the new view created for you.

4. You can edit new items in this view itself, or switch back to the grid view by using the dedicated button on the top left.

5. If you have multiple views, bringing down the three-dot menu on the right will let you choose from them.

Automate Tasks by Creating Rules

An essential feature of a collaborative list creation app is to be able to automate certain tasks. Fortunately, Microsoft Lists has you covered.

We say tasks, though for now, the only thing you can automate are notifications. You can set a list up to notify you when certain changes are made, letting you keep track of how the list is being used by your team.

1. To do this, click on the Rules button on the top bar, and select Create a rule.

2. A new window will appear, prompting you to select the type of condition you want to trigger a notification for. Select the icon that matches your needs.

3. Enter any other information required (such as the name of the column to track and any additional conditions) and the name or email address of the person to be notified.

4. Select Create when you are done to bring the new rule into effect.

5. You can head to Rules > Manage rules at any time to view the rules running on a list and disable them with a click.

Is Microsoft Lists Worth It?

For anyone already acquainted with the Office 365 ecosystem, the Microsoft Lists app is an excellent way to keep everything organized, whether you are working on it with a small team or a full corporate division.

You can create tasks, list out calendar events, and discuss every item with your teammates. The lists are extremely customizable, with several templates to create the perfect list for your use case, be it Employee onboarding or an Expense tracker.

And that’s before we get into the native integration with other Office 365 apps like Teams or Planner, making it the perfect organizational tool for someone familiar with Microsoft’s applications.

The post How to Use Microsoft Lists (And Why It’s Awesome) first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Why Is My PS5 Screen Flickering?

If you’re wondering why you’re experiencing the PS5 screen flickering issue, there could be a number of reasons. The most common one is a handshake problem from the HDCP or transfer rate to the HDMI cable — or your HDMI cable may be damaged or faulty. Resolving this could be as simple as replacing your HDMI cable, or might involve tinkering with some settings on your PS5. For the PS5, an HDMI 2.0 or high-speed HDMI cable is the one to get. We’ll also look at some other things that could be causing the problem and ways to fix it below.

1. Restart Your PS5

Turning it off and on again may be an age-old solution to common tech problems, but it rings true here, too. Restarting your console might make the issue go away if you’re looking for a temporary fix. If this resolves your problem for good, great! However, you might find the flickering starts up again after your PS5 has been on for some time.

2. Try Using Your PS5 Horizontally

This may sound a bit strange, but bear with us. If your console is usually vertical, try lying it down horizontally. This has solved the screen flickering issue for some people.

3. Disable HDR

If it seems like your PS5 screen flickering started after you edited HDR settings, you can try changing the settings back, then ensure HDR is disabled on both your console and your TV. Hopefully, this will solve the issue. Here’s how to disable HDR on your PS5:

1. Go to Settings > Screen and Video.
2. Scroll down to Colour and select HDR.
3. Select Off.
4. Restart your console to ensure the changes are applied.

4. Adjust Your Transfer Rate Settings

If you’re still experiencing issues with your PS5 screen flickering, you can try changing the 4K transfer rate to -1 or -2, as this seems to fix the issue for many gamers. Here’s how to do that:

1. On your PS5, go to Settings > Screen and Video.
2. Select Video Output, scroll down, and select 4K Video Transfer Rate.
3. Change the transfer rate setting to -1 or -2.
4. Save the changes and restart your console.
5. Hopefully, one of these changes will stop the screen flickering.

5. Disconnect your PS5

Handshake issues with your HDMI cable could be the culprit of your PS5 screen flickering. Disconnecting everything could help! Here’s what to do:

1. Unplug your PS5 from the TV for 60 seconds by removing the HDMI cable at both ends.
2. Turn both your TV and PS5 off and remove the power cables.
3. Then, plug everything back in, power things up, and see if the issue is fixed.

6. Adjust Resolution, RGB Mode, and HDCP Settings

If none of the above fixes have worked for you so far, another thing you can try is disabling game mode and HDCP (high-bandwidth digital copyright protection) by going into your PS5 settings. HDCP prevents external devices recording video from your console, so don’t disable this if you’re using a game capture device to record video. If you want to disable HDCP, here’s how to do that:

1. Go to Settings > System.
2. Choose HDMI.
3. From the list of options, turn the toggle off next to Enable HDCP.
4. Restart your PS5 to see if the issue is resolved.

To turn off game mode, go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > ALLM and turn the setting off. You can also disable your TV’s Game Mode to see if this helps.

The PS5 screen resolution is set to Automatic by default. However, if you’re experiencing PS5 screen flickering, you can try reducing the resolution to 1080p to see if this resolves the issue by going to Settings > Screen and Video > Resolution and manually selecting 1080p.

Setting the RGB Range to full or limited may also help. Here’s how to do this:

1. Go to Settings > Screen and Video.
2. Scroll down and select RGB Range.
3. By default, this should be set to Automatic (Recommended).
4. Try changing it to Full and save your changes.
5. Restart your console to see if this fixes the issue.
6. If it’s still flickering, try changing RGB range to Limited, saving your changes, and restarting.

7. Update your PS5

Not having the latest updates installed on your console could be causing issues. Try updating your PS5 system as well as your TV firmware to see if you can fix the screen flickering problem. To do this, go to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings to check for the most recent updates.

8. Enable Performance Mode

The PS5’s Performance Mode favors high frame rates, and turning it on might help with issues if your PS5 screen is flickering. Here’s how to enable it:

1. Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings.
2. Select Game Presets > Performance Mode or Resolution Mode.
3. Ensure Performance Mode is selected.
4. Restart your console.

9. Adjust Screen Size/Display Area

Still no luck? Some PS5 owners have reported that adjusting the screen size or Display Area so it’s a bit smaller has resolved issues with screen flickering. Here’s how to do that:

1. Go to Settings > Screen and Video.
2. Select Screen.
3. Select Adjust Display Area.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to select a smaller display area.
5. Once you’re finished, save any changes and restart your PS5.

10. Replace Your HDMI Cable

As mentioned earlier, the issue could be as simple as a faulty, damaged, or incompatible HDMI cable. Check that you’re using a high-speed or HDMI 2.0 cable and that it isn’t frayed or damaged. If you’re using a slower cable or if it is damaged, replacing it with a new one could be the key to solving your PS5 screen flickering issue. Luckily, HDMI cables can be sourced cheaply from Amazon and other retailers.

Hopefully, one of these fixes worked for you! If none of these fixes have stopped your PS5 screen flickering, it might be time to reach out to the retailer you bought your PS5 from, if you purchased it recently, or to Sony for support and a repair or replacement so you can get back to gaming. Before you go, check out our fixes to try if your PS5 isn’t connecting to your TV.

The post PlayStation (PS5) Screen Flickering? 10 Ways to Fix first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Why Check Your Purchase History on Steam?

There are a number of reasons why you might want to check your Steam purchase history. If you’re considering purchasing a game or DLC, you might want to make sure you don’t already own it. Or perhaps you want to check if the game you own is a special edition. You might also have forgotten how much you paid for an item or game and need to check.

Reviewing your purchase history on Steam is also useful in the event something goes wrong. For example, if there’s a Steam transaction on your bank statement that you don’t recognize or if you have been overcharged for a game, you can check your purchase history.

You may need your purchase history as proof of purchase if a game or DLC goes missing from your Steam library, if a game key you purchased doesn’t work, or if a Steam game won’t launch. Finally, if you need a refund on a game or in-game item, you’ll need the details from your Steam purchase history.

Below, we’ll show you three ways to check your Steam purchase history.

Check Purchase History on Steam via the App

The quickest and easiest way to check your purchase history on Steam when you’re on the go is via the mobile app on Android or iOS. Here’s how to do that:

1. Launch the Steam app on your device and ensure you’re logged into your account.
2. In the upper right corner of your screen, tap your profile name/picture.
3. Select Account Details.
4. Under Store & Purchase History, tap View Purchase History to see all your Steam Store purchases.

You should be able to see the date of the purchase, the name of the game or item purchased, the transaction type (e.g., card, PayPal, etc.), and the transaction amount.

Check Steam Purchase History on PC

Another way to check your purchase history on Steam is on your desktop or laptop PC. It’s often easier to see details of your transactions on a larger screen!

You can either use the Steam client (recommended) or check your purchase history on the Steam website.

How to Check Purchase History on Steam via the Desktop Client

It only takes a few seconds to check your Steam purchase history via the desktop client. Here’s how to see purchase history on Steam using the client:

1. Launch the Steam client on your PC and log into your Steam account.
2. Click the drop-down arrow next to your profile name in the top right corner and select Account Details.
3. Under Store & Purchase History, select View Purchase History.
4. The next window will show you your Steam purchase history since you opened your account.

Check Steam Purchase History via the Website

If you don’t use the Steam client or just prefer to check your purchase history on Steam via the website, here’s how to do that:

1. Navigate to https://store.steampowered.com/ in your browser.
2. Log into your Steam account.
3. Click the drop-down arrow next to your profile name at the top right of your screen.
4. Select Account Details.
5. Under Store & Purchase History, select View Purchase History.
6. You should now see a list of your items purchased.

Understanding Steam Purchase History

You can click on any item in your Steam purchase history to bring up further details about that transaction. You’ll also see a number of support options available to choose from, including I would like a refund, I was charged the wrong amount, I have a question about this purchase, and I would like to view or print the receipt for this purchase.

If you’re having any issues with your item, for example, if you need a refund for a game on Steam after an accidental purchase, or if you’re having trouble with a game key, select I have a problem with a product in this purchase. On the following page, select the issue that applies and follow the on-screen prompts for support.

Now, you no longer need to worry about how to check purchase history on Steam. It takes just a few seconds of your time and you can easily check your purchase history via the app, website, or desktop client, depending on your preferences.

The post How to Check Your Purchase History on Steam first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Some reasons your Instagram link doesn’t work are that your link is invalid or spammy, your app has a bug, your app’s cached files are corrupted, your app is outdated, and more.

Check and Ensure Your Link Is Valid

When your Instagram link doesn’t work, check and make sure your link is valid. You may have mistyped the link that takes users nowhere, causing your link problem.

In this case, you can ensure your link is correct by copying the link from its source and pasting it on Instagram. This avoids typos and other issues with your link and ensures Instagram accepts your link.

Check if Your Link Is Spammy

Not all valid links are supported by Instagram. This means you can’t use a valid, spammy link in your Instagram bio. Your current link may have too many redirects or leads to a spammy website, causing Instagram to reject the link.

In this case, make sure your link doesn’t have many redirects and points to a legitimate site. You can use a web-based link checker like ScanURL or Norton Safe Web to check whether a link is safe to use or not.

Force Close and Re-Open Instagram on Your Phone

One reason your link isn’t working is that your Instagram app is experiencing issues. Such app problems are common, and these issues occur in most apps you use on your phone. One way to deal with these minor problems is by force-closing and re-opening your app.

Doing that turns off and back on all app features, possibly fixing your issue. Note that you can only force close apps on Android. You’ll have to use the standard close-and-open method on your iPhone.

On Android

1. Find Instagram on your home screen or in your app drawer, tap and hold on the app, and select App info.
2. Choose Force stop on the following page.

3. Select Force stop in the prompt.
4. Relaunch your app.

On iPhone

1. Swipe up from the bottom of your phone’s screen and pause in the middle.
2. Find and swipe up on Instagram to close the app.
3. Relaunch the app from your home screen.

Clear Instagram Cache on Your Android Phone

Like many other apps, Instagram creates and uses cache files to quickly serve your content. Sometimes, these cached files become broken, being unable to serve various app features. You may experience issues with your app when this happens.

In this case, luckily, you can resolve the issue with ease by deleting your app’s cache files. You don’t lose your account files when you do this, and your app will rebuild the cache files as you use the app.

Note that you can only clear an app’s cache files on Android. You’ll have to delete the app on an iPhone to remove the app’s cached data.

1. Tap and hold on Instagram in your app drawer or on your home screen and select App info.
2. Choose Storage usage on the following screen.
3. Select Clear cache to delete your app’s cached files.

4. Launch your Instagram app.

Clear Instagram’s In-App Web Browser Data

If you’ve noticed, Instagram uses an in-app web browser to load the links you tap inside the app. The app does that so you don’t have to leave your app to access a link. Sometimes, this in-app web browser’s data becomes corrupted, causing your in-app links not to work.

One way to possibly fix this browser’s issues is by clearing the browser’s saved data. You can do this within Instagram, and we’ll show you how.

1. Launch Instagram on your phone.
2. Select a link in the app so your in-app browser opens.
3. Choose the three dots in the browser’s top-right corner and select Browser settings.
4. Select Clear next to Browsing data to delete your browser’s saved data.

5. Close and relaunch Instagram, then see if your link works.

Update Your Instagram for iOS or Android App

It goes without saying that you should keep all your apps updated all the time on your phone. If you haven’t updated your Instagram app in a long time, that may be why your links aren’t working. Old app versions often have many bugs, which you can resolve by updating the app version.

You can possibly fix your link issue as well as add new features to your Instagram app by updating your app to the latest version.

On Android

1. Launch Play Store on your phone.
2. Find the Instagram app in the store.
3. Select Update next to the app to update the application.

On iPhone

1. Access App Store on your iPhone.
2. Select Updates in the bottom bar.
3. Choose Update next to Instagram to update the app.

Fix Instagram Links Not Working by Deleting and Reinstalling the App

If your link issue persists even after updating your app, your Instagram app itself may be faulty. This isn’t too uncommon, as mobile apps do get broken for various reasons. Your app’s core files might be corrupted, or your app might have come from an untrusted source.

Either way, you can resolve the issue by removing and reinstalling the app on your phone. Doing so deletes all the app files and brings official and working app files on your phone.

You don’t lose your account data when you reinstall the app, but you’ll have to sign back into your account.

On Android

1. Launch your phone’s app drawer, tap and hold on Instagram, and select Uninstall.

2. Choose Uninstall in the prompt.
3. Open Play Store, find Instagram, and tap Install.

On iPhone

1. Tap and hold on Instagram on your iPhone’s home screen.
2. Select Remove App > Delete App in the menu.
3. Open App Store, find Instagram, and tap the download icon.

Report Your Instagram Links Issue

If your reinstalled Instagram app has the same link problem, something may be off on Instagram’s end. In this case, you can report your issue to the company so the company can review and fix the problem.

You can use an option within your Instagram app to submit the report.

1. Launch Instagram on your phone.
2. Select your profile icon in the bottom bar.
3. Choose the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner and select Settings and privacy.
4. Scroll down the page and choose Help.
5. Select Report a Problem and choose Report problem without shaking.

6. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish submitting your report.

Troubleshoot Instagram Bio Links Not Working

There are various reasons your Instagram bio links stop working. You may have added an invalid link, or Instagram’s own problems may be causing your issue. Either way, you can follow the methods outlined above to resolve your issue and get your links working in your profile.

The post Instagram Links Not Working: How to Fix the Issue first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Infrared cameras now come in all forms and shapes. You can even get one as a small USB add-on for your phone. However, if you want all the advantages that a thermal imaging camera can offer, getting a standalone device is recommended.

Are you ready to see more than the human eye can? Then check out our thermal camera review to see whether you should get the TopDon TC004 next.

TopDon TC004: First Impressions & Specs

The TopDonTC004 is a thermal imaging camera boasting a remarkable 12-hour battery life, capable of capturing both images and motion videos, conveniently stored on an included microSD card.

Before we dive into this thermal imaging camera review, here’s the full list of specs of the TOPDON TC004:

• Dimensions: 9.4 x 2.76 x 3.54 in (24 x 70 x 90 mm)
• Weight: 18.3 oz (520 g)
• Display: 2.8-inch screen, resolution 256 x 192 pixels
• Temperature measurement range: 14°F to 122°F (-10 to +50℃)
• Storage temp: 14°F to 131°F (-10 to +55℃)
• Frame rate: 20 Hz
• Focal length: 0.12 in. (3.2 mm)
• Heat/thermal sensitivity: 40mk
• Four color palettes: white hot, black hot, iron red, rainbow
• Measurement accuracy: ±3.6°F or ±2%
• Water resistance: IP54 +2m drop proof
• Battery life: up to 12 hours runtime, rechargeable
• Price: $341 on Amazon.

While the TC004 is a gadget with lots of practical uses, it’s not cheap, especially considering that you can get similar functionality from an add-on for your Android smartphone or iPhone.

If you’re unsure whether you need this gadget in your household, here are a few things that the IR camera such as TC004 can help you with:

• Detecting Temperature Anomalies like Hot and Cold Spots. Thermal cameras can identify temperature variations, making them invaluable for safety and maintenance around the house. They are particularly useful in detecting overheating components or potential fire hazards.
• Saving Energy. You can use a thermal camera to find places where a lot of heat or cool air is escaping, helping to save energy and money on bills.
• Building Diagnostics. Thermal cameras can see if your buildings have problems like leaks or bad insulation.
• Finding People. Thermal cameras are often used in search and rescue operations. They can help easier find people, especially in the dark. You can also use a thermal camera to check for intruders at night without alerting them to your presence.
• Fixing Machines. Companies use them to see if machines might break soon so they can fix them before they do. You can also use a thermal camera for predictive maintenance of your car, electronics repair, and any HVAC-related issues.
• Watching Animals. Scientists use thermal cameras to watch and learn about animals without disturbing them. I’m no scientist, but I enjoyed watching my neighbor’s cat on its late-night walks in the dark.

• Checking Health. A thermal camera can measure your skin temperature and help determine if you have a fever or other signs of illness.

So aside from helping you see heat and cold, the TC004 can help you in many other spheres, including diagnostics, search, and even home security.

Design and Unpacking

The TC004 thermal imaging camera is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in your hand. The blue trigger allows for capturing still photos or videos with a simple squeeze-and-release mechanism.

Additional features include a USB-C charging port, microSD card slot, LED lights for operation in low light conditions, and a threaded camera tripod mount for stability.

What’s in the Box

Here’s everything you’ll find while unboxing your TopDon TC004 handheld thermal camera:

• TopDon TC004 infrared thermal imaging camera
• Carrying case
• USB-C charger and cable
• MicroSD card
• User manual and warranty card

The TopDon TC004 thermal imaging camera is crafted to fit snugly in your hand, allowing for a comfortable grip during use. The control pad is conveniently placed for your thumb to rest on, ensuring easy access and seamless operation.

At the top of the device, you’ll find the essential ports — a USB-C charging port and a slot for a microSD card. They’re discreetly tucked beneath a protective flap.

On the bottom of the handle, you’ll see a threaded camera tripod mount, which gives you an option for stable mounting, in case it’s not comfortable to hold the camera in hand during a certain operation.

Another addition to this thermal imaging camera I like is the incorporation of LED lights which aid in visibility when you have to use it in complete darkness. Though not excessively bright, they offer just enough illumination to navigate and capture clear thermal images in poor lighting conditions.

Zooming in on the controls, the central pad hosts a select button, conveniently positioned for effortless access, which makes for a user-friendly experience. The intuitive arrangement of controls ensures seamless operation, allowing you to capture the perfect thermal shot with ease.

Performance & Features

Even if you’ve never used a thermal camera before, the setup process and the user-friendly interface of the TopDon TC004 ensures you won’t have any problems operating the device.

The TopDon TC004 thermal imaging camera powers on with the TCView logo displayed.

The Settings menu is easily accessible from the main screen and you can see all the options available in the Menu interface.

I was also pleasantly surprised by the variety of the language options. I checked a variety of languages, and the interface translated seamlessly into all of them, even some of the more difficult ones for translation like Russian.

Navigating the camera’s interface is straightforward, with an easy-to-use trigger system. A simple squeeze captures a photo, while a prolonged hold initiates video recording. The trigger’s action is satisfying, complemented by other responsive UI buttons that contribute to an overall smooth user experience.

There are also plenty of customizable options which enhance the camera’s adaptability. You have the flexibility to modify color schemes for the thermal images and tailor the visuals to suit your preferences.

When delving into the camera’s performance, it offers an incredible insight into temperature variations. For instance, I was measuring the temperature of the different parts of my car wheels before and after driving, and you can see the red crosshairs showing the hottest spot, while the green identifies the coldest. The hottest element is also shown in white color.

We tried measuring the temperature of various items and mechanical parts inside and outside the house, and the TC004 captured the thermal dynamics accurately. The display showed the areas emitting heat correctly.

The TopDon TC004 camera is also capable of video recording in .h264 format, and can capture dynamic thermal shifts effectively. You can then play the videos on the TC004, or transfer them to your PC computer.

Connectivity-wise, the TC004 seamlessly integrates with your PC for comprehensive analysis. You can connect the camera to your computer and continue using it to see the results on your PC monitor.

To sum up, the TC004 impresses with its ability to produce high resolution JPG images, H264 videos, and proprietary .irg files – a diverse set of data formats available for your analysis. Additionally, the built-in torch and tripod port are there to enhance usability, especially in dimly lit environments. All of that makes the TC004 a versatile and practical tool (and not just an expensive toy) for a range of thermal imaging applications.

Software

The dedicated software for managing the TopDon TC004 thermal imaging camera is currently available exclusively for Windows users and is named TD View. During the installation process, you may encounter a startup display in Chinese, but as soon as you change it to English the interface will make sense.

The software’s functionality is straightforward and intuitive. Find a folder with your thermal images and open a gallery with all of your thermal captures.

TC View proved to have a limited set of functions, but if you only need to read and manipulate the unique .irg files generated by the TC004 thermal imaging camera, the app will do the job.

Battery Life

The TopDon TC004 thermal imaging camera comes with a built-in 5000 mAh lithium battery, ensuring extended usage without the constant need for recharging.

The 5000 mAh lithium battery is a high-capacity and a sizable battery that runs for up to 12 hours on a single charge. So you don’t have to worry about your device powering off in the middle of your running tasks.

Should You Buy the TopDon TC004 Thermal Imaging Camera?

If you’re in the market for a powerful thermal imaging tool, the TopDon TC004 thermal imaging camera should undoubtedly be on your radar. With its impressive temperature range and advanced features, this device stands as a compelling choice for both professional and amateur users.

The TC004 is suitable for both amateur and professional users, but if you feel the TC004 is lacking some functionality, check out the TopDon TC005 which also features a 2 megapixel visible light camera on top of all the features present in the TC004.

The post TopDon TC004 – a Thermal Imaging Camera That Will Give You Predator Vision first appeared on Online Tech Tips.