It’s easy to overlook settings that affect our privacy when we rush to set up new tech. Don’t make that mistake. Here are seven settings tech companies would prefer you leave alone.
There are ordinary things we do daily that take months, even years, off our tech’s lifespan. Tap or click for five ways you’re ruining your expensive phone, laptop, tablet and TV.
There are some gadgets that pose security and safety threats. This list will help you make sure your family is safe.
1. Old phones can be used to light a fire by being stored in a drawer.
YouTuber Arun Majori, who owns a popular channel called Mrwhosethebosss, has collected every Samsung smartphone since 2010. He saw a disturbing pattern. The phone’s batteries are swelling enough to crack the glass and split the cases.
It’s not just Samsung phones. Every gadget that uses a lithium-ion batteries is vulnerable to being damaged over time. A swollen lithium-ion battery can cause serious problems that can result in fires, injuries, or property damage.
Take a look through your phone drawers to see if there are any signs of battery swelling. If you see it, here’s what to do:
Don’t try to charge a swollen phone. Charging a battery that is too full can cause an explosion or a fire.
If your phone has an easily removable battery you can remove the battery from its case. If you have a newer phone, don’t attempt to remove the battery yourself.
The manufacturer can be reached at the following address: There may not be an option to exchange or obtain anything for the old model. At the very minimum, dispose of it properly or recycle it.
These are the rules for storing your old phone.
Then, turn off your phone and place it in a dry, dry area.
If you intend to store it for a prolonged period of time, charge the battery at 50%. The battery should be checked every six months and charged halfway.
An Apple guest holds the new iPhone 14 at an Apple event in Cupertino (California), U.S.A September 7, 2022.
(REUTERS/Carlos Barria)
It is possible to get more years from your phone’s current model by maintaining it. Click or tap to get my easy guide on how to clean your iPhone/Android inside and out.
2. Hackers can access outdated routers
Your router is responsible for connecting all of your devices to the internet. If you’re using a years-old model, it might not be doing that task safely.
WPA-3 was released in 2018 and is the most recent security standard. WPA2-PSK is the next secure option, if your router doesn’t support WPA3. It’s a sign you need to get a new router.
Three factors are essential when it comes to purchasing a new router. Consider your home’s square footage and layout, the number of internet-connected devices you have, and your internet speed. It can be difficult to choose the right router with so many options.
This is a time- and money-sparing tip:We can help you cover your apartment or mansion with a mesh system. We’ll help you choose the right router by asking a few questions. To get our recommendations, please take the 60-second quiz.
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3. There are no further updates
Where there’s an internet connection, there’s potential for hackers to wreak havoc. Security updates keep you safe from cybercriminals’ latest tricks, which is why it’s vital to keep your smartphone, computer and all the rest up to date.
What happens to your gear if it doesn’t get updates anymore? It’s time to upgrade. This is You can easily make this connection with your computer or phoneThe same goes for smart speakers, security camera, and all other devices connected to your home network.
Here are some more ways you can keep yourself safe:
To ensure that your network is up-to-date, check it regularly. If you see something you don’t recognize, take action. Click or tap here to view how to check all devices in your Wi-Fi network.
You should consider Set up a separate Wi Fi network for your devices.
Always use strong, complex passwords that aren’t easily guessed. To create stronger passwords, tap or click here
16 December 2021 in Baden-Wuerttemberg and Rottweil: Hacker software is available on a laptop. Photo: Silas Stein/dpa.
(Silas Stein/picture alliance)
4. It’s on a recall list
It’s not just old devices you need to worry about. Some products are able to cause injury and fire, as well as other problems, in our homes.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety CommissionAlerts you about potentially dangerous products are regularly sent and you can be guided on what to do if there is a recall in your household.
It is worth checking their list regularly to determine if there are any products that could be a danger to your family. Sometimes you can get a replacement or a refund for the recall product. There are also instructions for how to contact the manufacturer.
Komando.com also covers major product recalls. Get our warnings straight to your inbox by signing up for my free Fraud & Security Alerts newsletter.You’ll be happy you did.
5. Old power strips with wear and tear
Extension cords and outlet extenders do a lot for our homes. Sometimes your power strip may short out and shut down your devices. If this happens, even if it is only for a moment, check the power strip for damage. You should look for signs of singe near the outlets. These might appear as rust-colored marks which you may be able to remove with your fingers.
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Old power strips, even if they don’t have obvious damage, can still be dangerous to use. It is possible to forget when the last time your power strips were replaced. It should be added to your shopping list.
There are many things that you should do NeverPlug into an extender Click or tap here to see 10 mistakes you could be making.
For more tech-savvy advice, subscribe to my daily podcast
My most popular podcast is called “Kim Komando Today.” It’s a solid 30 minutes of tech news, tips, and callers with tech questions like you from all over the country. You can search for it wherever your podcasts are available. Click the link below to view a previous episode.
PODCAST PICK Online FBI Employment Quizzes and Holiday Smart Speaker Tricks – No More Chrome
You belong in the FBI if you solve this puzzle. Well, maybe. Holiday smart speaker tips, Amazon now lets you payChrome is leaving Chrome with Venmo and Windows browser extensions.
In an arrangement photograph taken in Washington, D.C., U.S.A on Monday, July 23rd 2018, the Paypal Holdings Inc. Venmo app is displayed in Apple Inc.’s App Store. Venmo claims it processed more than $40 Billion in payments over the last 12 month and increased 50 percent during the first quarter.
(Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg )
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Listen to the podcast right hereYou can also download podcasts from wherever you are located. Search for “Komando”, my last name.
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Get the most recent technology information on The Kim Komando ShowThe nation’s most popular weekend radio talk show. Kim is available to take calls and give advice on digital living today. This includes smartphones, tablets, online privacy, and data hacks. Visit her website for daily tips and free newsletters. Komando.com.
