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How to make your Android phone and MacBook work well together
Apple’s ecosystem might be the best solution, but Android users aren’t left in the cold
The Apple ecosystem is the perfect solution for anyone who wants a seamlessly integrated environment where their phone, laptop, and wearable play together without a hitch. This might tempt many people to switch from Android to iOS. But if you prefer to use one of many great Android phones, there are things you can do to make it play better with your MacBook. You might never reach the same level of integration as an iPhone owner, but you can make your life easier, and things might be better than you imagined.
How to remap the Bixby Key on your Samsung Galaxy phone
Put this often unused key to use with your own custom actions
With the rise in the popularity of smartphones, the demand for digital assistants to help us throughout the day has also risen. Many device manufacturers now offer their assistants for you to try, each with different and unique features. This can include launching apps or actions using your voice, asking questions, or identifying objects with your camera. On the best Samsung Galaxy phones, you get Bixby, and Google Pixel phones have Google Assistant, for example. However, even though Samsung continues to enhance Bixby each year, it has yet to persuade many to use it as their default assistant.
How to retrieve deleted texts on your Samsung phone
Lost your texts? Here are a few tips to bring back your messages
An accidental scroll, a system crash, and a child playing with your phone have one thing in common. They could accidentally delete some of your data. When you lose data, you might go to the recycle bin and retrieve it. However, most Android phones that use Google Messages as the default texting app don't have a recycle bin.
You have multiple options when backing up your Android phone, from the official first-party methods to some well-known third-party alternatives. If you get one of the best Android budget phones, you'll want to back up your files from the old phone first. To keep this process as simple as possible, you might use a cloud-based solution with automatic backups that manage themselves. At the same time, you can also create local backups and manually store them offline somewhere for extra ease of mind. In this guide, we cover various examples of how to back up your Android phone.
How to customize Always On Display with Samsung One UI 5
Use stickers, emoji, and more to customize your AOD
Samsung has offered Always On Display (AOD) functionality on its mid-range and premium Samsung Galaxy phones for several years. This feature provides valuable information that pops up on the lock screen, even without you touching your phone. Over time and software releases, Samsung has updated the AOD to be a customizable info hub where you can look at data like the weather, upcoming alarms, the time and date, what music is playing, and more. It's a handy feature for those who keep their Galaxies out on the table beside them to glance at.
How to remove a Google account from your phone
It's helpful to know when you're selling or trading in your device
To get the most out of your Android smartphone experience, you must sign in with your Google account to access much of what makes Android great. Without it, for example, you can't rely on the Google Play Store for your apps or Gmail for your emails, and you won't be able to sync your online contacts. Staying signed in with your Google account on the best 5G Android phones allows you to enjoy everything it offers. However, there may come a time when you want to remove at least one or more Google accounts from your phone.
How to use Google Recorder on your Pixel smartphone
Record and transcribe voice notes with Google Recorder
You'll find a variety of great voice recorder apps for Android, but Pixel owners have the best in the form of Google Recorder. Its deceptively simple UI hides on-device machine learning, which transcribes voices accurately and differentiates between speakers. We show you how to use Recorder to record, transcribe, and edit speech. If you don't have a Pixel phone but want to try it, the Pixel 6a is an affordable option that has most of the Pixel lineup's exclusive features.
How to unblock a number on a Samsung Galaxy phone
Patch up your differences and unblock a number on your Samsung phone
Samsung allows you to block contacts on the top Galaxy phones. When things go south with someone, you can block their number on your phone to avoid calls and messages. If you accidentally blocked an unknown number or sorted out the differences with your friend or family, you should unblock their number on your Galaxy phone.
How to make your favorite song your ringtone on Android
Might as well make answering your phone a little more fun
The ability to choose a custom ringtone was groundbreaking in the early days of the smartphone era. Now it's one of the countless features supported by all the best Android phones. Custom ringtones can get lost in the sea of smartphone novelties, but it's still worth knowing how to create one. The process is super simple. It's also bound to brighten your day from time to time.
How to make phone calls using your Wi-Fi connection
You can still make calls without a carrier network signal
Wi-Fi calling can help you make calls without worrying about bad cellular service. While the best encrypted messaging apps support Wi-Fi calls, your recipient must have the same app. Wi-Fi calling lets you call any number, even if they're only connected to a cellular network.
When you're ready to upgrade to the latest and greatest Android flagship phone, you'll want to dispose of your old phone properly. Newer phones can be sold, traded in, or donated, whereas older devices are better off recycled. Several options are available, so throwing away your phone is a last resort.
How to take a perfect selfie: 16 tips for a killer self portrait
Taking a good selfie is harder than it looks
Although we are long past the selfie stick craze to take pictures, selfies still dominate our image galleries. Whether it's an outing, gathering, vacation, or holiday, most people prefer the phone's front camera to snap pictures and post on social media.
How to factory reset a Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet
Spring cleaning your Galaxy isn't tricky, but beware of SD encryption
If you're considering upgrading to a new Android phone, it's a good idea to do a full factory reset before you trade, sell, or donate your current phone. This is the best way to prevent someone from accessing your private media, banking apps, or email inbox. Another overlooked reason to factory reset your phone is as a last-resort troubleshooting step. When you remove all the apps and data, you can narrow down the issues to the most basic parts of the device.
How long will my Google Pixel get updates?
Google's Pixel phones are some of the longest-supported Android phones
Even though they may not sell as well as Samsung phones, Google's Pixel line of phones is a perennial favorite with Android enthusiasts. Pixel phones continually show up on the list of our favorite Android phones for a good reason. Whether it's the amazing cameras or the awesome Pixel-exclusive features, you can't go wrong with a Google Pixel phone.
Taking better photos isn't just about using your camera better. It also involves editing good pictures into great ones. However, the raft of editing tools available can intimidate beginners.
If you own a Google Pixel, you will likely have to perform a factory reset at some point. While factory resetting a Pixel is similar to most Android devices, some unique steps may catch you unaware.
How to set up and use Samsung DeX on your Galaxy phone or tablet
Turning your phone into an actual computer is easy
Modern smartphones come with impressive computing power and can help you complete most of your daily tasks from the palm of your hand. However, sometimes, a phone's screen is a bit too small, and a desktop interface is more appropriate. Samsung provides most of its best devices with the DeX feature, which allows you to unleash the full power of your smartphone or tablet and turn it into an actual desktop computer by connecting it to an external monitor and accessories. Read on to learn more about DeX and how it can help your phone replace your computer.
14 best Android and One UI software tips for your Samsung Galaxy phone
Finding all the features and options in One UI can be a bit of a chore, so let us help you out
^ Suggested hero for repub
How to quickly reset your network settings on Android and iOS
Unexpected network glitches bugging you out?
Frequent network issues on your Android phone or iPhone can be frustrating. Sometimes a quick reboot or toggling Airplane mode will fix glitches. If the problem persists with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular connectivity, you'll need to reset the network settings on your phone. A network reset is simple and doesn't delete all the content on your phone.
Are you having trouble logging in to your home Wi-Fi network? This guide shows you exactly how to see your Wi-Fi password on an Android device and explains when you might need to do so. It also shows how you can further secure your Wi-Fi password and any other passwords you might have from those hoping to catch you slacking on security. You can navigate to your Wi-Fi password search easily, whether you use a Google Pixel 6 Pro or a tablet running Android 12L.