Skip to content

Agha Ali Abbas

Founder & Editor

Agha Ali Abbas is the founder and editor of PhoneGuiding, writing clear, step-by-step guides that help people fix everyday iPhone, Android and app problems without the jargon.

Guides by Agha Ali Abbas

A black Android phone with earphones plugged in, lying on a book
Android

Pixel keeps lowering volume

Pixel keeps lowering volume on its own? Check Adaptive Sound, app volume normalization, Bluetooth absolute volume and stuck buttons. 8 fixes for Pixel phones.

7 min read
Show me the fix
White Apple AirPods in their charging case
Apple

AirPods says Not Your AirPods

AirPods says not your AirPods? Learn what it means, check the serial number, remove old owners in Find My and reset secondhand or swapped AirPods.

7 min read
Show me the fix
A black iPad on a desk
Apple

iPad attempting data recovery

iPad attempting data recovery or stuck on a data recovery failed screen? Wait, force restart, update in recovery mode and restore safely. 6 steps.

8 min read
Show me the fix
Two iPhones sitting next to each other on a table
iPhone

iPhone stuck on Preparing to Transfer

iPhone stuck on preparing to transfer during setup? Learn how long to wait, what to check on both phones and how to use iCloud or a computer instead.

7 min read
Show me the fix
A person holding an iPhone that shows apps
iPhone

iPhone stuck on Update Requested

iPhone stuck on update requested and not downloading? Check Wi-Fi and storage, delete the update, reset network or update from a computer. 7 fixes.

7 min read
Show me the fix
A cell phone sitting on top of a table next to a lamp
Android

Samsung screen keeps dimming

Samsung screen keeps dimming by itself? Check Adaptive brightness, Extra dim, power saving, screen timeout and heat. 7 fixes for Galaxy phones, step by step.

5 min read
Show me the fix
A white Wi-Fi router with four antennas
Android

Samsung Wi-Fi calling not working

Samsung Wi-Fi calling not working or missing? Turn it on, add your emergency address, check your carrier and reset network settings. 7 fixes for Galaxy phones.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Paying with a smartphone at a contactless payment reader
Apple

Apple Pay not working

Apple Pay not working at a store, online or on double click? Check the card, Face ID, the reader and iOS, then re-add the card. Eight fixes in order.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black and brown rotary phone near gray wall
iPhone

iPhone contacts missing

iPhone contacts missing or disappeared? Check your Lists, iCloud and Gmail sync, then restore contacts from iCloud.com or a backup. 7 ways to get them back.

5 min read
Show me the fix
Person using smartphone and laptop computer
iPhone

iPhone Mail not updating

iPhone Mail not updating or not syncing new emails? Check Fetch settings, Background App Refresh, Low Power Mode and storage, then re-add the account. 8 fixes.

5 min read
Show me the fix
An elderly woman smiling while looking at a smartphone
Guides

Best iPhone for seniors

Choosing an iPhone for a parent or grandparent? Check screen size, Face ID or Touch ID, software support, battery and safety features, then set it up to be easy to use.

3 min read
Show me the fix
A SIM card
How-To

Clean a SIM card on iPhone

Clean an iPhone SIM card and tray safely with a dry lint free cloth. Learn what to avoid, how to test the SIM, and when to get a new one if your iPhone says No SIM.

2 min read
Show me the fix
A laptop and a cell phone on a desk
How-To

Move iCloud backup to Google Drive

You cannot move a full iPhone backup from iCloud to Google Drive, but you can move your photos, files, contacts and calendar. See each method and what to expect.

2 min read
Show me the fix
A white Lightning charging cable
iPhone

iPhone stuck on charging screen

iPhone shows a battery icon or charging screen and will not start? Charge it for an hour, check the cable and port, force restart, and know when the battery needs replacing.

2 min read
Show me the fix
An iPhone and a MacBook on a white desk
iPhone

iPhone won't pair with laptop

iPhone Bluetooth not pairing with your Windows or Mac laptop, or the code never shows? Keep Bluetooth settings open, forget the device on both sides and restart.

2 min read
Show me the fix
A blue SIM card on a dark surface
Guides

eSIM on a locked iPhone

A carrier locked iPhone only takes an eSIM from its own carrier. See how to check the lock in Settings, why a travel eSIM will not activate, and how to unlock.

2 min read
Show me the fix
A smartphone screen showing app icons
Guides

iOS and Android updates tracker

The latest iPhone and Android software updates in one place: iOS 27.0.1 fixes, Pixel update dates, who can update, and our guides for problems after an update.

3 min read
Show me the fix
A cellular tower against a clear blue sky
How-To

Find APN settings on iPhone

Find APN settings on your iPhone in Settings › Cellular › Cellular Data Network. Learn why the menu can be missing, what each field means and how to reset it.

2 min read
Show me the fix
A person holding an iPhone in their hand
How-To

How to tell if an iPhone is fake

Check if an iPhone is genuine before you buy. Use the serial number on Apple's Check Coverage page, match the IMEI, review Parts and Service History and check Activation Lock.

3 min read
Show me how
A passport booklet on top of white paper
How-To

Turn on data roaming on iPhone

Turn data roaming on or off on iPhone in Settings › Cellular › Cellular Data Options. Check your plan first to avoid charges, and fix roaming when it will not connect.

2 min read
Show me the fix
A man walking down a street with a cell phone in his hand
iPhone

iPhone not tracking steps

iPhone steps stuck at zero or not counting? Turn on Fitness Tracking, check Health data sources, carry the phone right and try 3 more fixes, with or without an Apple Watch.

2 min read
Show me the fix
A cell phone with a SIM card attached to it
Guides

Which iPhones support eSIM

Every iPhone with eSIM support, from the XS and XR to the newest models. See if your iPhone 12 or 13 works, which are eSIM only, and how to check yours.

3 min read
Show me the fix
A close up of an iPhone resting on a table
How-To

Change screen lock time on iPhone

Change how long your iPhone screen stays on before it locks. Use Auto-Lock, fix it when it is greyed out or stuck at 30 seconds, and keep the screen on longer.

3 min read
Show me the fix
Close-up of the camera lenses on the back of an iPhone
How-To

Change shutter speed on iPhone

The iPhone Camera app has no shutter speed dial. Learn how to get a longer exposure with Night mode, Live Photo Long Exposure or a manual camera app.

2 min read
Show me the fix
Close-up of an iPhone home screen with app icons
How-To

See recently deleted apps on iPhone

Find apps you deleted from your iPhone. There is no Recently Deleted folder for apps, but the App Store keeps a list you can reinstall from in seconds.

3 min read
Show me the fix
A person holding a smartphone displaying GPS
How-To

Where is Location Services on iPhone

Find Location Services on your iPhone: Settings, Privacy & Security, Location Services. Turn it on or off, choose which apps see your location and fix it when it is greyed out.

2 min read
Show me the fix
Black and white photo of drops of water
iPhone

iPhone water eject

Water in your iPhone speaker? Learn if the Water Eject shortcut and speaker cleaner apps work, how to use them safely, and what to do if the sound stays muffled.

3 min read
Show me the fix
A white cell phone with a blank screen
iPhone

iPhone white screen

iPhone screen turned white? Tell a software glitch from a hardware fault, force restart by model, use recovery mode to update without data loss, and know when to repair.

3 min read
Show me the fix
A hand holding an Android phone against a contactless card reader
Android

Android new tag scanned

Android new tag scanned keeps popping up? It means your phone touched something with an NFC chip. Find the cause and stop it without losing tap to pay.

7 min read
Show me the fix
Android app icons glowing on a dark phone screen
Android

Android no command screen

Android no command screen with a lying robot? It is the recovery gate, not a crash. Use the button combo to get past it and reboot without wiping your data.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A Samsung Galaxy Watch on a wrist
Android

Galaxy Watch authentication required

Galaxy Watch says authentication required in Play Store, Gmail or Wallet? It lost its Google sign-in. Remove and re-add your account from the phone to fix it.

5 min read
Show me the fix
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra on a wrist
Android

Galaxy Watch keeps opening Samsung Pay

Samsung Pay or Wallet keeps opening on your Galaxy Watch? A pressed or failing Back button is the usual cause. Check the button first, then the apps list.

4 min read
Show me the fix
Two Wi-Fi routers standing on a table
Android

Pixel Wi-Fi low quality

Pixel says your Wi-Fi is low quality even with full bars? Learn what the warning measures, why the phone jumps to mobile data and how to make it stay on Wi-Fi.

5 min read
Show me the fix
A smartphone held near a card reader for a contactless payment
Android

Samsung Wallet too young

Samsung Wallet says you are too young or must be 21? Check the birth date on your Samsung account first. Here is what is confirmed, and your options if it stays.

4 min read
Show me the fix
A black iPhone on a white desk next to a white AirPods case
Apple

AirPods no location found

AirPods no location found in Find My? It rarely means they are gone. See what the message means, what to check right now and how to improve your chances.

6 min read
Show me the fix
The back of a black iPhone showing its two camera lenses
iPhone

iPhone camera unknown part

iPhone camera unknown part message after an update or repair? Learn what Unknown, Genuine and Used mean, how to check, and when it is worth fixing.

7 min read
Show me the fix
A blue SIM card on a dark surface
iPhone

iPhone eSIM unknown number

iPhone eSIM shows Unknown or no phone number? Often it is cosmetic. Check that calls and texts work, then set My Number or ask your carrier to fix it.

4 min read
Show me the fix
An iPhone connected to a laptop with a USB cable
iPhone

iPhone keeps asking to trust this computer

iPhone keeps asking to trust this computer every time you plug in? Learn the three real causes and Apple's six-step fix to make the alert stop for good.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A hand holding an Android phone with the lock screen showing the time against a yellow background
Android

Android notifications not showing

Android notifications not showing on the lock screen or late? Check app permission, Do Not Disturb, battery limits and sleeping apps on Samsung and Pixel.

7 min read
Show me the fix
A hand holding the back of a Samsung Galaxy phone
Android

Samsung vibrating for no reason

Galaxy phone buzzing with no call or message? Turn off the settings that cause random vibration, test in Safe Mode and learn when the motor is the problem.

6 min read
Show me the fix
An Apple Watch on a person's wrist in a sunlit office
Apple

Apple Watch not texting Android

Apple Watch texts to an Android phone fail or stay red? Check the paired iPhone, SMS and MMS, iMessage and contact settings, then restart and re-pair if needed.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A hand with an Apple Watch on the wrist against a black background
Apple

Apple Watch not vibrating

Apple Watch quiet for texts, calls or notifications? Check haptic alerts, Focus, the iPhone unlock rule and per-app settings before you reset or repair it.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A person in a dark room lit only by a phone screen
iPhone

iPhone auto brightness not working

iPhone auto brightness not working or the screen keeps changing? Check the Accessibility switch, light sensor, Low Power Mode and heat, then try 3 more fixes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A close up of an iPhone showing the on-screen keyboard and lock screen
iPhone

iPhone keyboard not showing up

iPhone keyboard not showing up in Messages, Safari or another app? Disconnect Bluetooth, remove extra keyboards, reset the dictionary and try 5 more fixes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
An iPhone lying on a white surface, with the side buttons visible
iPhone

iPhone ringer volume going down

Ringer gets quieter by itself? Turn off Attention Aware Features, fix Change with Buttons and check Bluetooth to keep your iPhone ringer at the level you set.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A portable charger with USB ports and a 100 percent display
iPhone

iPhone accessory not supported

iPhone says accessory not supported or may not be supported? Fix a bad cable, clean the port, update iOS and learn what to do when nothing is plugged in.

5 min read
Show me the fix
A hand holding the back of a titanium iPhone
iPhone

iPhone screen won't rotate

iPhone screen won't rotate with the lock off? Check Control Center, the app, Display Zoom and the Measure app Level test, then restart or reset it.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A USB-C charging port with a battery charging icon
Android

Samsung moisture detected

Samsung moisture detected warning won't go away? Dry the port, clean it safely, charge wirelessly, restart and fix a false alarm. Know when to get it repaired.

7 min read
Show me the fix
A person holding AirPods in their hand
Apple

AirPods one side not working

Fix AirPods when one side is silent, quiet or louder than the other. Check balance, clean the mesh, reset the pair and learn when a single bud needs replacing.

7 min read
Show me the fix
Close-up of the camera lenses on an iPhone
iPhone

iPhone camera blurry

Fix a blurry iPhone camera. Clean the lens, remove film, check close focus, zoom and low light, rule out vibration damage and learn when a repair is needed.

7 min read
Show me the fix
Man holding a turned on flashlight in the dark
iPhone

iPhone flashlight not working

Fix an iPhone flashlight that will not turn on, is greyed out, missing from Control Center or too dim. Step by step, and how to tell a bug from a failed LED.

8 min read
Show me the fix
Abstract green and black glitch pattern like a flickering screen
iPhone

iPhone screen flickering

Fix an iPhone screen that flickers, flashes or shows lines. Check brightness and display settings, restart, update, restore and learn when it is a repair.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A blue cube with a white logo
Android

Samsung battery health

How to check battery health on Samsung with Settings, the Samsung Members app or a dial code. Learn what the results mean and when to replace the battery.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Confirm age for adult content 18+
Android

Parental controls on Android

How to set up parental controls on Android with Google Family Link: screen time limits, app approvals, Play Store filters, location sharing and Samsung options.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A smartphone screen displaying the Google Gemini app store page with update options
Android

Google Play refund

How to get a refund on Google Play for an app, game, in-app purchase or subscription. Use the order page, learn the time limits and what to do if it is missing.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A close up of a cell phone with parts removed
Android

Samsung battery replacement cost

What a Samsung battery replacement costs, who can do it and when it pays off. Compare Samsung, Best Buy and repair shops, and check if your warranty covers it.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A close-up of a cell phone
Android

Samsung screen replacement cost

What a Samsung screen replacement costs, why Galaxy S, A and foldable prices differ, and how Samsung Care+, carrier plans and repair shops compare.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A tablet with a screen
Android

Set up eSIM on Samsung

How to set up eSIM on Samsung: scan a QR code, use your carrier app or enter details by hand, then pick which SIM handles calls and data. Fixes included.

6 min read
Show me the fix
3D render of cloud computing concept
Apple

How much iCloud storage

How much iCloud storage do I need? Check your usage, add up photos and backups, then pick 5 GB, 50 GB, 200 GB or 2 TB. Includes family sharing tips.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Graphical user interface
Apple

App Store refund

How to get a refund on the App Store in a few minutes. Use Report a Problem, pick the right reason, write a clear note and learn what to do if Apple says no.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Person holding black samsung android smartphone
Guides

AirTag vs Tile

AirTag vs Tile compared on phone support, network size, precision finding, alerts, battery and cost. See which tracker fits your iPhone or Android.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Green iphone case on black textile
Guides

Google Photos vs iCloud

Google Photos vs iCloud compared on price, free storage, quality, sharing and privacy. See which fits your iPhone or Android and how to switch safely.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Three smartphones in red, white, and blue on a desk with a computer monitor
Guides

How long iPhones last

How long do iPhones last? Most last five to seven years if the battery and updates hold. Learn the signs to upgrade and how to make yours last longer.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Silver Android smartphone
Guides

How much data do I need?

How much data do I need on my phone plan? Check your real use, see what streaming and video calls cost in gigabytes and pick limited or unlimited.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Turn-on laptop displaying 97 percent battery
Guides

Is fast charging bad?

Is fast charging bad for your battery? Mostly no, but heat is. Learn how phones protect themselves, which settings slow charging and when to go slower.

6 min read
Get the answer
Man holding smartphone standing in front of calm body of water
Guides

Is phone insurance worth it?

Is phone insurance worth it for you? Use a simple break-even test, compare carrier, Apple, Samsung and credit card coverage, and learn what claims really cost.

6 min read
Get the answer
Black and white iphone case
Guides

MagSafe vs Qi2

MagSafe vs Qi2: how they differ, which phones work with each, charging speeds, case rules and what to look for when you buy a magnetic wireless charger.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black rotary dial phone on white surface
How-To

Add a line to your plan

How to add a line to your phone plan on Verizon, AT&T or T-Mobile. See the steps, the fees people forget and how to bring your own phone or move a number in.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Pile of smartphones
How-To

Buy a used phone

How to buy a used phone without getting a locked, stolen or worn-out one. Follow a 10-point checklist for IMEI, unlock status, battery, payment and returns.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A person holding a phone
How-To

Is your phone being tracked?

How to check if your phone is being tracked: review location sharing, apps and profiles, run Safety Check and learn what to do safely if you find something.

6 min read
Get the answer
Black iphone 5 on white textile
How-To

Check phone warranty

How to check phone warranty status in under a minute. Look up your iPhone, Samsung or Pixel by serial number or IMEI and learn what the warranty really covers.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A person holding a smartphone with a marble pattern case in a bright room
How-To

Choose a cell phone plan

How to choose a cell phone plan in 7 steps: check coverage, measure your data, compare real monthly costs, read the fine print and test before you commit.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Space gray iPhone X box on gray textile
How-To

Find your IMEI number

How to find IMEI number on any phone: dial *#06#, check Settings, the SIM tray, the box or your account. Includes dual SIM, eSIM and dead phone methods.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Brown rotary dial telephone in gray painted room
How-To

Find your phone number

How to find your phone number on iPhone and Android in seconds. Check Settings, Contacts, your carrier app or a quick call, and fix a number that shows Unknown.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Two cell phones sitting next to each other on a table
How-To

iPhone display settings

Find every iPhone display setting in one place: brightness, Auto-Lock, text size, color filters, wallpaper, app icons, rotation, Home button and iPhone name.

7 min read
Show me the fix
Person using smartphone
How-To

iPhone keyboard settings

Change iPhone keyboard settings fast: turn off autocorrect, add a keyboard, edit a contact, rename a group chat and hide or change your caller ID on any iOS.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black iPhone 5
How-To

iPhone region settings

Change iPhone region settings in one guide: App Store country, phone number, in-app purchases, Maps voice, miles or kilometers and which apps see your location.

7 min read
Show me the fix
Black iphone 5 on white textile
How-To

iPhone Safari settings

Change iPhone Safari settings in one place: default browser, search bar position, SafeSearch, autofill address, DNS and IP address, for iOS 18 and iOS 26.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A black cell phone
How-To

iPhone sound settings

Change iPhone sound settings in one place: text tones, vibration, quiet alerts, voicemail ring time and alarm snooze, with steps for iOS 26 and older.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Man wearing black sweater using smartphone
How-To

Phone stolen: what to do

What to do if your phone is stolen: lock it, track it, call your carrier, protect your accounts and file a police report. Steps for iPhone and Android.

7 min read
Show me the fix
Assorted-color phone lot
How-To

Recover data from a dead phone

How to recover data from a dead phone, starting with free options. Check cloud backups, try a charge and force restart, and know when a lab is worth paying.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Sim cards and their adaptors are on display
How-To

Remove a SIM card

How to remove a SIM card in under a minute. Find the tray, eject it with a pin and put it back correctly. Covers iPhone, Samsung, Pixel and stuck trays.

7 min read
Show me the fix
A group of cell phones sitting next to each other
How-To

Sell your Android phone

How to sell your Android phone safely: back up, remove your accounts, factory reset, check unlock status and pick a trade-in or private sale.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A person holding an iphone in their hand
How-To

Sell your iPhone

How to sell your iPhone the safe way: back up, sign out, erase, then pick trade-in or a private sale. Includes Activation Lock fixes and scam warnings.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A smartphone displaying a security lock icon on a wooden desk with a succulent
How-To

Set up two-factor authentication

How to set up two factor authentication for Apple, Google and other accounts. Compare text codes, authenticator apps and passkeys, and save backup codes first.

6 min read
Show me the fix
White Android smartphone beside banknotes
How-To

SIM swap scam

A SIM swap scam lets a criminal take over your phone number and reset your accounts. Learn the warning signs, what to do first and how to lock down your number.

7 min read
Show me the fix
A close up of a cell phone on a table
How-To

Spot scam texts

How to tell if a text is a scam: 8 warning signs, common scam types, what to do if you clicked a link and how to report scam texts on iPhone and Android.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A hand pointing at a smartphone displaying currency quotes against a laptop
How-To

Trade in your phone

How to trade in your phone for the most value. Compare Apple, Samsung, carriers and retailers, learn how bill credits work and avoid the common trade-in traps.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Canada text overlay on black background
How-To

Use your phone in Canada

How to use your phone in Canada without surprise charges. Check if your US plan includes Canada, set up roaming and avoid border tower traps.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Woman with phone overlooking a white village and sea
How-To

Use your phone in Europe

How to use your phone in Europe without surprise charges. Compare carrier plans, day passes, travel eSIMs and local SIMs, then set up your phone.

7 min read
Show me the fix
Silver iPhone X
iPhone

iPhone no service

iPhone no service or searching? Try 10 fixes in order: Airplane Mode, restart, carrier update, SIM check, network reset and more, plus outage checks.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Rose gold smartphone resting on a dark blue surface
iPhone

Other storage on iPhone

What is Other storage on iPhone, now called System Data, and why it gets huge. Learn what it holds and 8 ways to shrink it, from restarting to a backup restore.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A person in blue gloves holding a cell phone
iPhone

iPhone screen replacement cost

What an iPhone screen replacement costs and why prices vary. Compare Apple, Best Buy, AppleCare+ and repair shops, and decide whether to fix or replace.

7 min read
Show me the fix
Silver iPhone 5s on box
iPhone

Set up a new iPhone

How to set up a new iPhone from the first screen to the last: Quick Start, restore from backup, eSIM, Face ID and the settings to check on day one.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Person holding black iphone 5
iPhone

Use a VPN on iPhone

How to use a VPN on iPhone in minutes: install an app, allow the VPN setting, turn it on and off, and learn when a VPN helps and when it does not.

7 min read
Show me the fix
Silver iphone 6 on white surface
Troubleshooting

Cracked phone screen

Can you use a phone with a cracked screen? Yes, briefly, but cracks spread and let in water. Learn the risks, how to protect it now and when to repair.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Sim card
Troubleshooting

SIM card locked (PUK code)

SIM card locked and asking for a PUK code? Learn what SIM PIN and PUK mean, how to get your PUK from your carrier and how to fix a blocked SIM.

6 min read
Show me the fix
White and gray digital device
Android

Unlock Samsung from carrier

Unlock your Samsung Galaxy from Verizon, AT&T or T-Mobile for free: check if it is eligible, request the unlock and use another carrier’s SIM. 2026 rules.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Illustration of an iPhone showing AppleCare+ coverage for accidental damage and repairs
Apple

Is AppleCare+ worth it

Is AppleCare+ worth it for your iPhone? Compare its fees with real repair costs, see who should buy it, and how AppleCare One and carrier insurance compare.

6 min read
Get the answer
Black iphone 5 on yellow textile
Guides

Unlocked vs carrier phone

Unlocked phone vs carrier phone: compare the real cost, bill credits, flexibility, resale value and updates, and find out which way of buying saves you more.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A blue sign that says have you paid?
Guides

Prepaid vs postpaid

Prepaid vs postpaid phone plans compared: price, coverage, data priority, phones, credit checks and perks, so you can pick the right plan and stop overpaying.

7 min read
Show me the fix
People using phone while standing
Guides

What is an MVNO?

What is an MVNO? Learn how Mint, Visible, Cricket and other cheap carriers use Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile towers, what you give up and which network each uses.

6 min read
Get the answer
A sign with the word Service in black letters on a white background
How-To

Cancel phone service

How to cancel phone service with Verizon, AT&T or T-Mobile: when not to cancel, what you still owe, one line on a family plan, and how to avoid surprise fees.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black android smartphone displaying green and black logo
How-To

Check phone carrier compatibility

Check if your phone is compatible with a carrier using its free IMEI checker. Learn why phones fail: carrier lock, missing bands or no VoLTE, and what to do.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Illustration of several iPhone models with a value tag for trade-in and resale
How-To

How much is my iPhone worth

How much is your iPhone worth in 2026? See Apple’s current trade-in values, how to check your exact price, and how to get more by selling it yourself.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A person holding a cell phone in their hand
How-To

Lower your phone bill

Lower your phone bill with 12 proven ways: right-size your plan, use autopay discounts, remove add-ons, ask for loyalty deals or switch to cheaper prepaid.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black iPhone 5
How-To

Number transfer PIN

Get a number transfer PIN to switch carriers: steps for Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and prepaid brands, where to find your account number and fixes if a port fails.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black and white candybar phones
How-To

Switch phone carriers

Switch phone carriers without losing your number: check your phone is unlocked, get your account number and transfer PIN, and let the new carrier move the line.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Illustration of an eSIM moving from an old iPhone to a new iPhone
How-To

Transfer eSIM to a new iPhone

Transfer your eSIM to a new iPhone with eSIM Quick Transfer, from an Android phone or with your carrier if the old phone is lost. Verizon, AT&T and more.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black corded telephone
How-To

What carrier is my phone?

What carrier is my phone? Find the carrier your phone uses or is locked to in Settings, with the Samsung CSC code, the IMEI or the box, all free and in minutes.

6 min read
Get the answer
Illustration of the iPhone Cellular settings screen showing data usage by app
iPhone

Check data usage on iPhone

Check your cellular data usage on iPhone in Settings › Cellular, see which apps use the most, reset it on your billing date, and cut data use without Wi-Fi.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Illustration of the iPhone Messages app with an Unknown Senders filter and spam texts
iPhone

Stop spam texts on iPhone

Stop spam texts on iPhone with iOS 26 spam filtering, Screen Unknown Senders, blocking, reporting and forwarding to 7726. Plus how to spot scam texts.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Illustration of an iPhone running a free IMEI check that shows the device is not reported stolen
How-To

Check if a phone is stolen

Learn how to check if a phone is stolen before you buy it. Run a free IMEI check, spot Activation Lock and unpaid balances, and avoid used phone scams.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A woman leaning on a rail looking at her cell phone
How-To

Use your phone in Mexico

How to use your phone in Mexico without a surprise bill. See what Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile include, when to buy a pass or eSIM, and settings to check first.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Illustration of an iPhone 18 Pro showing a Face ID not available alert while restarting
iPhone

iPhone 18 Pro Face ID bug

iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max freezing and restarting after Face ID fails? Here is what triggers the bug, a safe workaround, and the iOS 27.0.1 update that fixes it.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A white cell phone
iPhone

iPhone liquid detected

iPhone liquid detected alert even when it is dry? Learn why it happens, how long to wait, when Emergency Override is safe and 7 fixes to charge again.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Two orange smartphones on an orange background
iPhone

Is my iPhone refurbished?

How to tell if an iPhone is refurbished, new or repaired: read the model number letter, check parts history, battery cycles and warranty in a few minutes.

6 min read
Get the answer
Black iPhone close-up photography
How-To

Is my phone unlocked?

How do I know if my phone is unlocked? Check in Settings on iPhone, Samsung or Pixel, test a SIM or eSIM, and see the 2026 Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile rules.

7 min read
Get the answer
Illustration of an iPhone showing Indexing in Progress after the iOS 27 update, with how long it takes, what it does and how to finish it
iPhone

iOS 27 indexing in progress

Indexing in Progress on iOS 27 usually finishes in a few hours to a few days. See what it is doing, why some iPhones take longer and how to speed it up.

8 min read
Show me the fix
Illustration of Samsung Wallet popping up on a phone screen after a swipe up
Android

Stop Samsung Wallet popping up

Samsung Wallet keeps popping up when you swipe up? Turn off the swipe up gesture in a few taps, stop pocket triggers and switch to Google Wallet if you prefer.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A woman in a black shirt is pointing at buttons
How-To

Turn off call screening

Learn how to turn off call screening on iPhone so unknown callers ring normally again. Covers Ask Reason for Calling, call filtering and carrier spam apps.

7 min read
Show me the fix
Space gray iPhone X with box
How-To

Turn off Liquid Glass

Learn how to turn off Liquid Glass on iPhone as far as Apple allows. Use the iOS 27 slider, Tinted mode and Reduce Transparency to make menus solid and clear.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A close up of a cell phone on a table
iPhone

iPhone alarm not going off

iPhone alarm not going off, too quiet or only vibrating? Check the 10 settings that silence alarms, including the iOS 27 alarm volume, and stop oversleeping.

6 min read
Show me the fix
White and black apple logo
iPhone

Contacts showing as numbers

iPhone contacts showing numbers instead of names in calls and Messages? Find the cause fast, turn contact sync back on and get every name back safely.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Illustration of an Android phone battery screen with a low battery icon and 10 fixes for fast battery drain
Android

Android battery draining fast

Android battery draining fast? Find the app to blame in Battery usage, limit background apps, fix weak signal drain, lower the refresh rate and more.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Green frog iphone case beside black samsung android smartphone
Android

Android black screen

Android phone black screen but it still rings or vibrates? Charge it, force restart it, raise the brightness and try safe mode before blaming the screen.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A cell phone with a green icon on it
Android

Android Bluetooth disconnecting

Android Bluetooth keeps disconnecting from headphones, car or watch? Stop battery saving from cutting it, pair again, clear the Bluetooth cache and more.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Person holding black android smartphone
Android

Android hotspot not working

Android hotspot not working or connected with no internet? Check your plan, switch to 2.4 GHz, turn off data saver and the timeout, and try 5 more fixes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Person holding black android smartphone
Android

Android missing texts from iPhone

Android not receiving texts from iPhone users? Deregister your number from iMessage, turn on RCS chats and check blocking and your default messages app.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Person holding smartphone
Android

Android phone keeps freezing

Android phone keeps freezing or not responding? Force restart it, free up storage, find the bad app in safe mode, update and try 5 more fixes, step by step.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black smartphone on top of brown wooden surface
Android

Android phone overheating

Android phone overheating while charging, gaming or doing nothing? Cool it down safely, find the app working it hard and fix the settings behind the heat.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Person holding black android smartphone
Android

Pop up ads on Android

Android phone keeps popping up ads on the home screen? Find the app behind them, turn off Display over other apps, block Chrome notifications and remove adware.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A man driving a car with a gps device in his hand
Android

Android touch screen not working

Android touch screen not working or touching by itself? Force restart, clean the screen, remove the protector, adjust touch sensitivity and test in safe mode.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Graphical user interface
Android

Android voicemail not working

Android voicemail not working or no voicemail alerts? Test by holding 1, check the voicemail number, clear the visual voicemail app and try 5 more fixes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Illustration of an Android phone showing Wi-Fi disconnected, with 8 fixes for Pixel and Samsung
Android

Android Wi-Fi disconnecting

Android Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting and reconnecting? Turn off randomized MAC, Adaptive connectivity and Switch to mobile data, and check the router in 8 steps.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A motorola logo on a blue background
Android

Motorola losing network

Motorola phone keeps losing network or showing no service? Toggle Airplane mode, reseat the SIM, change network type, reset APN and network settings.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A motorola cell phone sitting on top of a blue table
Android

Motorola stuck on logo

Motorola stuck on the Hello Moto or logo screen? Force restart it, charge it, wipe the cache in recovery and use Motorola’s Software Fix tool before a reset.

6 min read
Show me the fix
The google logo is displayed in front of a black background
Android

Pixel stuck on Google logo

Google Pixel stuck on the Google logo or in a boot loop? Force restart, charge it, try safe mode and the Pixel Repair Tool before you use recovery mode.

7 min read
Show me the fix
A person is playing a game on their phone
Android

Samsung downloading apps by itself

Samsung phone keeps downloading games and apps by itself? Block the carrier installer, limit Galaxy Store permissions and stop Play Store auto installs.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Logo
Android

Not registered on network

Samsung says Not registered on network when you call? Toggle Airplane mode, pick your network manually, check the SIM and network mode, then reset the network.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black iphone 7 on black surface
Android

Samsung keeps turning off

Samsung phone keeps turning off by itself, even with battery left? Check the battery in Samsung Members, remove the case, test safe mode and try 6 more fixes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A white samsung logo on a blue background
Android

Samsung stuck on logo

Samsung stuck on the logo or restarting in a loop? Force restart it, charge it, boot into safe mode and wipe the cache partition before a factory reset.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Person using silver Android smartphone
Android

Samsung texts not sending

Samsung text messages not sending or failing? Check signal, turn RCS off and on, clear the Messages cache, check the message center number and try 5 more fixes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Person holding white android smartphone
Android

Samsung unlocking in pocket

Samsung phone keeps unlocking or pocket dialing? Turn on Accidental touch protection, turn off Lift to wake and Double tap to wake, and check Extend Unlock.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Shallow focus photo of Apple AirPods
Apple

AirPods keep disconnecting

AirPods keep disconnecting from your iPhone? Turn off automatic switching and ear detection, charge both buds, forget and pair again, and reset if needed.

7 min read
Show me the fix
Black and white headphones on white table
Apple

AirPods not working on calls

People can’t hear you on AirPods, or calls sound bad? Pick AirPods as the call audio, reset the Microphone setting, clean the mics and try 5 more fixes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Apple earpods beside apple airpods
Apple

AirPods not charging

AirPods or the case not charging? Clean the contacts, try another cable and outlet, check the case battery, turn off optimized charging and try 4 more fixes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black iphone 4 displaying icons
Apple

App Store not working

App Store not working or saying Cannot Connect to App Store? Check Apple’s status, your connection, date and time, VPN and Screen Time with these 9 fixes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black ipad on white table
Apple

App Store Verification Required

App Store says Verification Required even for free apps? Pay any unpaid balance, update your payment method or switch it to None, then sign out and back in.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A dark apple logo centered on a smooth grey metallic surface
Apple

Apple ID locked

Apple ID locked for security reasons? Unlock it by resetting your password on a trusted iPhone or at iforgot.apple.com, and stop it from locking again.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A translucent blue glass cube with an apple logo inside on a surface
Apple

Apple ID not active

Seeing This Apple ID is not active or not valid? Learn why Apple locks or disables accounts, and unlock yours at iforgot.apple.com or with Apple Support.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A rainbow apple sitting on top of a white cake
Apple

Apple ID stuck on Verifying

Apple ID stuck on Verifying or Signing In on your iPhone? Check Apple’s status, your connection and the date, turn off VPN and try 4 more fixes that work.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A smartwatch with a dark textured band and a colorful app icon display
Apple

Apple Watch not connecting

Apple Watch not connecting to iPhone or showing a red iPhone icon? Check Bluetooth and Airplane Mode, restart both, update, and re-pair without losing data.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Apple logo
Apple

Apple Watch stuck on Apple logo

Apple Watch stuck on the Apple logo? Charge it, force restart it, try the Play Sound trick in Find My, or unpair and pair again. Here is what to do, in order.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black iPad
Apple

Factory reset an iPad

Factory reset your iPad from Settings, or with a computer if you forgot the passcode. Back up first and remove Activation Lock before selling or giving it away.

7 min read
Show me the fix
A hand holding a smartphone displaying a home screen with various app icons
Apple

Find My not updating location

Find My not updating location or showing No location found? Check the other iPhone is online, Share My Location, Precise Location and try 6 more fixes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Space gray iphone 6 with red case
Apple

iCloud keeps signing you out

iCloud keeps signing you out or asking you to sign in again? Check Apple’s system status, date and time, VPN and password, then sign out and back in safely.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Yellow flowers screengrab
Apple

iCloud Photos not syncing

iCloud Photos not syncing or stuck on Paused? Check the status in Photos, turn off Low Power Mode, charge and use Wi-Fi, free up storage and try 4 more fixes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Green and white apple logo
Apple

iMessage waiting for activation

iMessage or FaceTime stuck on Waiting for activation? Check data and SMS, set the time automatically, toggle iMessage, update carrier settings and wait a day.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Graphical user interface
Apple

iPad keeps restarting

iPad keeps restarting or turning on and off by itself? Force restart it, update iPadOS, free up storage, remove bad apps and restore with a computer if needed.

7 min read
Show me the fix
A close up of a device connected to a charger
Apple

iPad not charging

iPad not charging or showing Not Charging? Use a strong wall adapter, clean the port, try another cable and force restart. 8 fixes before you book a repair.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Blue and black iphone case
Apple

iPad not connecting to Wi-Fi

iPad not connecting to Wi-Fi or showing no internet? Forget and rejoin the network, turn off Private Address and VPN, restart the router and try 5 more fixes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
The apple logo is reflected in the glass of a building
Apple

iPad stuck on Apple logo

iPad stuck on the Apple logo or restarting over and over? Force restart it the right way for your model, then use recovery mode and choose Update to keep data.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black iPad with white stylus pen
Apple

iPad won't turn on

iPad won't turn on or stuck on a black screen? Charge it for an hour with a strong adapter, force restart it for your model, and try 5 more fixes before repair.

6 min read
Show me the fix
White apple airpods charging case
Apple

Reset AirPods

Reset any AirPods in under a minute: the setup button for older models, the case tap for AirPods 4 and Pro 3, and the two buttons on AirPods Max.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Person holding silver aluminum case Apple Watch
Apple

Reset an Apple Watch

Reset your Apple Watch by unpairing it in the Watch app, which backs it up and removes Activation Lock, or erase it on the watch, even without a passcode.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Person using a smartphone with a cup of coffee
Apple

Screen Time not working

Screen Time not working, limits ignored or reports not updating? Turn on Block at End of Limit, fix the date and time, check iCloud sync and try 5 more fixes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Person holding black android smartphone
Apple

Set up Apple Pay

Set up Apple Pay on your iPhone by adding a debit or credit card to Wallet, verify it with your bank, and learn how to pay in stores and on your Apple Watch.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A close up of a cell phone laying in the grass
Apple

Turn off Find My iPhone

Turn off Find My iPhone in Settings with your Apple Account password, or remove the phone from iCloud.com if you no longer have it. Needed before selling.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A close up of a cell phone with whatsapp on the screen
Apps

Blocked on WhatsApp?

Think you are blocked on WhatsApp? Look for one gray tick, no last seen or profile photo, calls that never connect, and a failed group add. What each one means.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Person holding silver iphone 6
Apps

Change your name on Facebook

Change your name on Facebook in Accounts Center on your phone or computer. Learn the 60-day rule, Facebook’s name policy and how to add a nickname instead.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A blue logo with a white cross
Apps

Delete your Facebook account

Delete your Facebook account permanently from Accounts Center, download your photos first, and learn how deactivating differs and what happens after 30 days.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A hand holding a smartphone displaying the Instagram login page on a screen
Apps

Delete your Instagram account

Delete your Instagram account permanently from Accounts Center on iPhone or Android, save your photos first, or deactivate it for a while instead.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black iphone 5 on black computer keyboard
Apps

Delete Snapchat account

Delete your Snapchat account at accounts.snapchat.com or from the app settings. Save your Memories first, cancel Snapchat+, and know the 30 day window.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Messenger and Facebook app icons as glossy blue 3D squares on a blue background
Apps

Facebook not sending code

Facebook not sending your confirmation or login code? Check the number, ask your carrier to allow short codes, use Try another way, or switch to email.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black laptop computer
Apps

Gmail keeps signing me out

Gmail keeps signing you out on your phone or browser? Check your Google account security, update the app, fix cookies and the date, and try 4 more fixes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Logo
Apps

Google Photos not backing up

Google Photos not backing up or stuck on Preparing backup? Check your storage, Wi-Fi and battery saver, pick the right folders and give it full photo access.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Logo, icon
Apps

Play Store download pending

Google Play stuck on Download pending? Cancel other updates in the queue, check the Wi-Fi only setting and storage, clear Play Store cache and try 4 more fixes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Google Play Store not working: Can't connect right now error on an Android phone with 9 fixes
Apps

Google Play Store not working

Google Play Store not working, keeps stopping or will not open? Force stop it, clear the cache, update Google Play services and try 6 more fixes on Android.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A three-dimensional Instagram logo icon with pink and orange gradient lighting
Apps

Hide following on Instagram

Instagram has no switch to hide your following list, but a private account, removing followers and blocking do the job. Here is how to use each one.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A three-dimensional Instagram logo icon with a pink and orange gradient background
Apps

Instagram keeps crashing

Instagram keeps crashing or freezing? Check for an outage, update the app, clear its cache on Android or reinstall on iPhone, and try 5 more fixes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A cell phone sitting on top of a table next to a potted plant
Apps

Instagram not sending code

Instagram not sending your login or security code? Wait before asking again, switch to email, check blocked numbers and spam, and use backup codes to get in.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A blue Facebook logo icon with small share, like, and heart reaction spheres
Apps

Lock your Facebook profile

Lock your Facebook profile so only friends see your posts and photos. Steps for the app and computer, and privacy settings to use if Lock Profile is missing.

6 min read
Show me the fix
White and blue apple logo
Apps

Messenger not working

Facebook Messenger not working or messages stuck on sending? Check for an outage, turn off data saver, allow background data and try 6 more fixes that work.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A television with the netflix logo lit up in the dark
Apps

Netflix app not working

Netflix app not working, stuck loading or showing an error? Check for an outage, sign out and back in, clear the app data and try 6 more fixes on your phone.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A three-dimensional TikTok logo with cyan and magenta chromatic aberration on a dark background
Apps

Remove a TikTok repost

Remove a repost on TikTok from the video’s Share menu or your Reposts tab in two taps. Plus what to know before using tools that delete all reposts at once.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A woman looking at a contract on DocuSign from a iPhone
Apps

See deleted Messenger messages

Find deleted Messenger messages in Archived chats, your notification history or a Facebook data download. And the truth about seeing messages someone unsent.

6 min read
Show me the fix
IPhone displaying the snapchat app store page
Apps

Snapchat keeps logging me out

Snapchat keeps logging you out? Remove third-party apps with access, turn off VPN, update the app, check other devices and try 4 more fixes that work.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A yellow and blue iPhone sitting on top of a wooden table
Apps

Snapchat stuck on sending

Snaps stuck on sending or failing to send? Switch your connection, clear Snapchat’s cache, check permissions and data access, and try 5 more fixes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A laptop computer sitting on top of a bed
Apps

Start a Spotify Jam

Start a Jam on Spotify from any song or playlist, invite friends by link or QR code, and let them add songs. The host needs Premium, guests can use Free.

6 min read
Show me the fix
The spotify logo is lit up on a flat screen tv
Apps

Spotify keeps pausing

Spotify keeps pausing by itself? Check if someone else is using your account, stop battery saving from killing it, fix Bluetooth and try 5 more fixes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black android smartphone on white surface
Apps

Spotify not working

Spotify not working, crashing or not playing? Check for an outage, turn off Offline mode, clear Spotify’s cache and try 6 more fixes for iPhone and Android.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A couple of cell phones sitting on top of a bed
Apps

TikTok not loading

TikTok not loading videos or your For You feed? Check for an outage, clear TikTok’s cache, turn off Data Saver and your VPN, and try 5 more quick fixes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black iphone 4 on black textile
Apps

TikTok stuck on 0 views

TikTok video stuck on 0 views? Check your account and video privacy, look for a review or violation in Account status, and fix posting habits that limit views.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A glossy green square icon with a white telephone handset inside a speech bubble
Apps

Unarchive a WhatsApp chat

Find your archived chats in WhatsApp and move them back to the main list on iPhone, Android or WhatsApp Web. Plus why archived chats come back on their own.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A green speech bubble icon with a white telephone handset on a dark background
Apps

WhatsApp account restricted

WhatsApp says your account is restricted? See how long it lasts, request a review if it is a mistake, and stop the habits that trigger restrictions and bans.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A green 3D icon of a telephone handset inside a speech bubble
Apps

WhatsApp backup stuck

WhatsApp backup stuck on preparing or at 0%? Free up space, check iCloud Drive or Google Drive, skip videos and try 6 more fixes to finish the backup.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A 3D red play button icon on a dark blue background
Apps

YouTube keeps buffering

YouTube keeps buffering on your phone? Lower the video quality, switch Wi-Fi band, turn off your VPN, clear the app cache and try 5 more fixes that work.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Youtube website screengrab
Apps

YouTube keeps pausing

YouTube keeps pausing by itself? Turn off Remind me to take a break, fix headphones that disconnect, check data saver and try 5 more fixes on your phone.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Graphical user interface, application
Guides

Android safe mode

Safe mode starts Android with only built-in apps so you can find a bad app. How to turn it on, how to turn it off, and what to do if your phone is stuck in it.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black smartphone with charger cord connected
Guides

Charging overnight

Charging your phone overnight is safe with a good charger, and built-in features limit battery wear. Heat is the real risk, so here is how to charge safely.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black iphone 4 on gray textile
Guides

Green vs blue messages

Blue bubbles are iMessages, green ones are SMS or RCS texts. Why a message turns green, what you lose, and how to get blue bubbles back with an iPhone contact.

6 min read
Get the answer
Illustration of the iPhone Optimized Battery Charging setting with an 80 percent battery icon
Guides

Optimized Battery Charging

Optimized Battery Charging holds your iPhone at 80% until you need it, to reduce battery wear. See how it differs from the Charge Limit and when to turn it off.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A bunch of cell phones sitting next to each other
Guides

What is 5G UC

5G UC is T-Mobile’s fastest 5G, called 5G UW on Verizon and 5G+ on AT&T. What the icon means, how fast it is and how it differs from plain 5G.

6 min read
Get the answer
A close up of a cell phone with a keyboard
Guides

What is RCS messaging

RCS is the modern replacement for SMS, with typing indicators, read receipts and full quality photos between iPhone and Android, and how to turn it on.

6 min read
Get the answer
A close up of the wifi logo on the side of a bus
Guides

What is Wi-Fi Calling

Wi-Fi Calling lets your phone make normal calls and texts over Wi-Fi when cell signal is weak. How it works, what it costs and how to turn it on.

6 min read
Get the answer
Black android smartphone on brown wooden table
How-To

Back up your Android phone

Back up your Android phone to Google with Google One, back up photos with Google Photos, or use Samsung Cloud, Smart Switch or a computer. Step by step.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A cell phone sitting on top of a wooden table
How-To

Block a number on Android

Block a number on your Android phone from Recents or Phone settings on Samsung and Pixel. Also how to block texts, add a number by hand and unblock later.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A close up of a cell phone on a table
How-To

Block a number on iPhone

Block a number on iPhone from Recents, Messages or Settings, see what happens to their calls and texts, and how to find blocked voicemails or unblock later.

6 min read
Show me the fix
How to block spam calls on Android: blocking a spam call on Samsung and Pixel phones
How-To

Block spam calls on Android

Block spam calls on Android with Samsung Caller ID and spam protection or the Google Phone spam filter and Call Screen, plus free carrier tools that help.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A close up of a cell phone on a table
How-To

Blocked on iMessage?

Think someone blocked you on iMessage? Check for no Delivered status, blue bubbles turning green and calls going straight to voicemail, plus other causes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black android smartphone on gray textile
How-To

Cancel subscriptions on Android

Cancel subscriptions and free trials on Android in the Play Store, find ones that do not show up, and learn why deleting the app does not stop the charges.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Person holding phone
How-To

Cancel subscriptions on iPhone

Cancel subscriptions on your iPhone in Settings › your name › Subscriptions. Find ones billed outside Apple, cancel free trials in time and ask for a refund.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black and silver laptop computer
How-To

Change your Android keyboard

Change your default keyboard on Android, switch Samsung Keyboard to Gboard or back, and change the keyboard size, theme and language in a few taps.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Person holding black android smartphone
How-To

Forgot Screen Time passcode

Forgot your Screen Time passcode? Reset it in Settings with the Apple Account that set it up, or from a parent’s iPhone for a child. No erase needed.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Person holding black iphone 4
How-To

Check iPhone for a virus

Check your iPhone for a virus or malware: spot the real warning signs, remove unknown profiles and apps, clear Safari data and update iOS. No paid app needed.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Apple AirPods and Charging Case
How-To

Connect AirPods to iPhone

Connect AirPods to your iPhone in seconds with the setup card, or pair them manually in Bluetooth settings. Also how to connect AirPods to a new iPhone.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A cell phone sitting on top of a wooden table
How-To

Connect iPhone to TV

Connect your iPhone to a TV wirelessly with AirPlay screen mirroring, or with an HDMI adapter. Works with Apple TV and many Samsung, LG, Roku and Vizio TVs.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black and blue bluetooth earbuds
How-To

Connect Galaxy Buds to iPhone

Connect Galaxy Buds to your iPhone through Bluetooth in under a minute. How to put each model in pairing mode, which features work and the Galaxy Buds app.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Smartphone screen showing facebook application
How-To

Delete Gmail emails by sender

Delete all emails from one sender in Gmail at once on a computer, or in the phone app. Plus a filter that trashes their future emails automatically.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black android smartphone on white table
How-To

Download photos from iCloud

Download all your iCloud photos to a PC, Mac or iPhone. Use iCloud.com in batches of 1,000, iCloud for Windows, or request a full copy from Apple.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A cell phone sitting on top of a computer keyboard
How-To

Find a lost Android phone

Find a lost Android phone with Google Find Hub at android.com/find, or Samsung SmartThings Find. Ring it, see it on a map, lock it or erase it from any device.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A smartphone with a home screen full of app icons on a wooden surface
How-To

Find a lost iPhone

Find your lost iPhone with Find My on another Apple device or at icloud.com/find from any phone. Play a sound, see its last location and turn on Lost Mode.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Woman talking on the phone
How-To

Forward calls on iPhone

Forward calls on iPhone in Settings › Apps › Phone › Call Forwarding, or dial *72 on Verizon and other carriers. Also how to forward only missed calls.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Two different models of the same cell phone
How-To

Forward calls on Samsung

Forward calls on your Samsung Galaxy from the Phone app settings: always, when busy, unanswered or unreachable. Plus carrier codes and how to turn it off.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black iphone 7 plus with black case
How-To

Forward a text message

Forward a text message on iPhone, Samsung or Pixel in a few taps, forward several messages or photos at once, and send a text to an email address.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A picture of an apple and a paper cut out of it
How-To

Hide apps on Android

Hide apps on Android from the home screen, or lock them away in Samsung Secure Folder or Pixel Private space. Plus how to find and unhide them later.

7 min read
Show me the fix
Person holding space gray iPhone X
How-To

Hide apps on iPhone

Hide apps on iPhone in the locked Hidden folder, or just remove them from the Home Screen. Also how to find hidden apps and hide App Store purchases.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A smartphone, a smartwatch, and wireless earbuds on a wooden surface
How-To

Change HEIC to JPG on iPhone

Make your iPhone take JPG photos instead of HEIC with one setting, and convert photos you already have to JPG for free with the Files app. No extra app needed.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Person using black smartphone
How-To

Convert photos to PDF on iPhone

Convert one or several photos to a PDF on iPhone for free with the Files app or the Print menu, combine pages in order, and save or share the PDF.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A person is holding an iPhone showcasing apps
How-To

Delete hidden apps on iPhone

Delete hidden apps on your iPhone from the Hidden folder in App Library, Search or iPhone Storage. Also how to find apps hidden by Screen Time restrictions.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Person holding black iphone 4
How-To

Change album cover

Change any album cover in the iPhone Photos app with Make Key Photo, plus which albums cannot be changed and what to do if the cover will not update.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A cell phone sitting on top of a wooden table
How-To

Archive to Trash in Mail

Make iPhone Mail delete emails instead of archiving them for Gmail and other accounts, with one account setting. Plus the same fix in the Gmail app.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A hand holding a smartphone displaying the Google search engine homepage
How-To

Change Gmail password

Change your Gmail password on iPhone in the Gmail app or Safari, then update it in iPhone Mail so email keeps arriving. Plus what to do if you forgot it.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Instagram login screen with username and password fields
How-To

Change Instagram password

Change your Instagram password on iPhone in Accounts Center, reset it if you forgot the old one, and log out every other device so nobody else stays signed in.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A white phone with a green message bubble on it
How-To

Change voicemail greeting on iPhone

Record a new voicemail greeting on your iPhone in the Phone app, switch back to the default greeting, or change it by calling voicemail if your carrier needs.

7 min read
Show me the fix
White router on white table
How-To

Change Wi-Fi password on iPhone

Change your home Wi-Fi password from your iPhone with the router app or admin page, update a saved Wi-Fi password, or change your Personal Hotspot password.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Person holding black iPhone 5s
How-To

Emergency call on iPhone

Call 911 from any iPhone, even locked or with no signal: tap Emergency on the lock screen, use the Emergency SOS slider, or press the side button five times.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Person holding brown and silver round pendant
How-To

Set up an AirTag

Set up an AirTag with your iPhone in under a minute, name it, and use Find My to ring it, get Precision Finding directions or put it in Lost Mode.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Two iphones side by side on a white background
How-To

Turn 5G on or off on iPhone

Turn 5G off on your iPhone to save battery or fix a weak signal, switch to LTE, or turn 5G back on. Learn what 5G Auto, 5G On and the network icons mean.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A person holding a cell phone in their hand
How-To

Lock iPhone screen from touch

Lock your iPhone screen from touch while a child watches a video. Turn on Guided Access, triple click the side button, switch Touch off and tap Start.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black and blue smartphone screen
How-To

Lock Android to one app

Lock your Android screen to one app before handing it to a child. Turn on app pinning, pin YouTube Kids or a game, and require your PIN to unpin it.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A person holding a cell phone in their hand
How-To

Print texts from Android

Print text messages from your Android phone for free with scrolling screenshots, Google Messages for web, or an export app that keeps names and dates for court.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Hand holding smartphone showing messaging app
How-To

Print text messages from iPhone

Print text messages from your iPhone for free with screenshots and AirPrint, save them as a PDF, or export whole conversations with dates for court.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Space gray iPhone X on blue surface
How-To

Recover deleted photos on iPhone

Recover deleted photos on iPhone from Recently Deleted, iCloud.com or a backup, and learn your honest options after 30 days before paying for recovery software.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Selective focus photography of person using smartphone
How-To

Recover deleted texts on Android

Recover deleted texts on Android from the Trash in Google Messages or Samsung Messages, the Archived and Spam folders, or a Google or Samsung Cloud backup.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Person using smartphone
How-To

Recover deleted texts on iPhone

Recover deleted text messages on iPhone from the Recently Deleted folder in Messages, another Apple device or a backup. What works, and what does not.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A person holding an iphone in their hand
How-To

Reset iPhone without passcode

Forgot your iPhone passcode or see iPhone Unavailable? Reset it from the Lock Screen, with iCloud Find My or a computer, then restore your data from a backup.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Person holding white Android smartphone in white shirt
How-To

Restore Android from backup

Restore your apps, texts, contacts and settings from a Google backup while setting up a new or reset Android phone. Works across brands, step by step.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Mobile phone showing a security scan and cleaner interface
How-To

Scan Android for malware

Scan your Android phone for malware for free with Google Play Protect or Samsung Device protection, then remove bad apps in safe mode. No extra app needed.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black iphone 5 on white table
How-To

Scan a document on iPhone

Scan documents on your iPhone for free with the Notes or Files app, add several pages, save them as a PDF and sign it. No scanner app or scanner needed.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black android smartphone displaying qr code
How-To

Scan a QR code

Scan a QR code with your iPhone or Android camera in seconds, scan one from a photo or screenshot, and fix a camera that will not read QR codes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Woman holding iPhone during daytime
How-To

Schedule a text on iPhone

Schedule a text on iPhone with Send Later in Messages, up to 14 days ahead. Plus how to edit or cancel it, and a Shortcuts trick for regular SMS texts.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Person holding black iphone 5
How-To

Screenshot on Android

Take a screenshot on any Android phone with Power and Volume Down, plus Samsung’s palm swipe, Motorola’s three finger swipe and long scrolling screenshots.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A cell phone sitting on top of a table
How-To

Screenshot on iPhone

Take a screenshot on any iPhone with the right buttons, without buttons using Back Tap, or capture a full web page. Plus where your screenshots are saved.

6 min read
Show me the fix
How to screenshot on Samsung: buttons, palm swipe and scroll capture on a Galaxy phone
How-To

Screenshot on Samsung

Take a screenshot on any Samsung Galaxy with Power and Volume Down, a palm swipe or Bixby, and capture long pages with Scroll capture. Settings included.

7 min read
Show me the fix
White and black modem router with four lights
How-To

See Wi-Fi password on iPhone

See the password of any Wi-Fi network your iPhone has joined, in Settings or the Passwords app, and share it with friends nearby without typing it.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Android Studio application
How-To

Set up Android Auto

Set up Android Auto for the first time with a USB cable or wirelessly, grant the right permissions, and customize which apps show on your car’s screen.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A person laying in bed holding a cell phone
How-To

Set up an iPhone for a child

Set up an iPhone for your child with Family Sharing: create a child Apple Account, turn on Ask to Buy, Screen Time limits, content filters and location sharing.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A smartphone screen displaying a call interface with circular buttons for audio and FaceTime
How-To

Set up voicemail on Android

Set up voicemail on any Android phone by pressing and holding 1, creating a PIN and recording a greeting. Plus visual voicemail on Samsung and Pixel.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Person hand holding iPhone X
How-To

Set up voicemail on iPhone

Set up voicemail on your iPhone with Set Up Now in the Phone app, pick a password and record a greeting. Plus what to do when the Set Up Now button is missing.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Person holding black smartphone
How-To

Share location Android to iPhone

Share your live location from an Android phone with an iPhone user using Google Maps or Find Hub, for an hour or until you turn it off. No extra app needed.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A person holding a smart phone in their hand
How-To

Share your location on iPhone

Share your location on iPhone for an hour, a day or forever using Messages, Find My or Maps. Also how to share with an Android user and how to stop sharing.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Person holding iPhone
How-To

Transfer iPhone to Android

Move contacts, photos, messages and apps from iPhone to Android with Google’s Android Switch or Samsung Smart Switch, and turn off iMessage so texts arrive.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black samsung android smartphone on white table
How-To

Transfer Samsung to Samsung

Move everything from your old Galaxy to a new one with Smart Switch, wirelessly or with a cable. Includes what does not transfer and how to fix a stuck copy.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Two iphones sitting next to each other on a table
How-To

Transfer data to a new iPhone

Move everything to your new iPhone with Quick Start, an iCloud backup or a computer. Keeps apps, photos, messages and settings, plus your eSIM and WhatsApp.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black and red telephone
How-To

Turn off Emergency SOS

Stop your iPhone calling 911 by accident: turn off Call with Hold and Release, Call with 5 Button Presses and Crash Detection in Settings › Emergency SOS.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Clear hour glass on white table
How-To

Turn off Screen Time

Turn off Screen Time on your iPhone in a few taps, reset a forgotten Screen Time passcode with your Apple Account, or turn it off for a child from your phone.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black ipad with blue screen
How-To

Forgot your Android PIN

Forgot your Android PIN or pattern? Try Samsung’s previous PIN option and Smart Lock first, then reset with Find Hub or recovery mode and restore your backup.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A black smartphone with a blank white screen on a textured white surface
How-To

Unlock iPhone from carrier

Check if your iPhone is carrier locked in Settings, then ask your carrier to unlock it for free. Covers Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile rules and what to do next.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A close up of a cell phone on a black surface
How-To

Update your Android phone

Update your Android phone in Settings on Samsung, Pixel, Motorola and others, plus Google Play system updates, and what to do when no update shows up.

6 min read
Show me the fix
White and blue iphone cases
How-To

Update your iPhone

Update your iPhone to the latest iOS over Wi-Fi or with a computer, turn on automatic updates, and fix an update that is not showing or will not install.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black iphone 5 on white surface
How-To

Send a voice message on iPhone

Send a voice message on iPhone from the plus menu in Messages, review it before sending, and stop audio messages from disappearing after 2 minutes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
White and green iphone screen
How-To

Turn on Wi-Fi Calling

Turn on Wi-Fi Calling on your iPhone in Settings › Cellular, add your emergency address, and fix it when the option is missing or calls still drop.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Space gray iPhone 6
iPhone

Face ID move iPhone lower

Face ID keeps saying move iPhone lower or higher? Clean the camera area, remove the screen protector, restart and reset Face ID, then know when it is hardware.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black smartphone with three camera lenses on back
iPhone

Screen black during calls

iPhone screen goes black during calls and will not wake? Clean the sensor, remove the screen protector, update iOS and reset settings. Plus how to hang up.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Illustration of the iPhone Battery settings screen with Low Power Mode and battery level chart
iPhone

iPhone battery draining fast

iPhone battery draining fast? Find the app to blame in Battery settings, then try 10 fixes, from Adaptive Power to Background App Refresh and battery health.

7 min read
Show me the fix
An iphone, ear buds, and laptop on a table
iPhone

iPhone Bluetooth not working

iPhone Bluetooth not working or not finding devices? Put the accessory in pairing mode, forget and re-pair it, and try 7 more fixes before resetting anything.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Space gray iPhone 6
iPhone

iPhone dropping calls

iPhone keeps dropping calls or saying Call Failed? Switch 5G to LTE, turn on Wi-Fi Calling, update carrier settings, reset the network and try 5 more fixes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A person holding a cell phone in their hand
iPhone

iPhone hotspot not working

iPhone hotspot not working, not showing up or disconnecting? Turn on Maximize Compatibility, keep the hotspot screen open, turn off Low Data Mode and more.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Green and black digital device
iPhone

iPhone not connecting to Wi-Fi

iPhone won't connect to Wi-Fi, or connects with no internet? Forget the network, renew the lease, restart the router and try 7 more fixes to get back online.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black iPhone on gray computer keyboard
iPhone

iPhone not receiving calls

Calls going straight to voicemail on your iPhone? Check Focus, Silence Unknown Callers, blocked numbers, call forwarding and 6 more fixes, in the right order.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Hand holding a smartphone displaying a text message conversation
iPhone

iPhone not receiving texts

iPhone not receiving texts, or missing messages from Android users? Check filters, blocked numbers, MMS and RCS settings, and try 7 more fixes that work.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Two iphones sitting side by side on a table
iPhone

iPhone problems after an update

iPhone slow, hot, draining battery or crashing after an iOS update? See what is normal for 48 hours, then try these 8 fixes for apps, Wi-Fi and a frozen screen.

6 min read
Show me the fix
White usb cable on white table
iPhone

iPhone slow charger message

iPhone says Slow Charger? It means your adapter or cable delivers less power than your iPhone can use. Here is what counts as slow and which charger fixes it.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A close up of a cell phone on a table
iPhone

iPhone texts not sending

iPhone text messages not sending or showing a red exclamation mark? Tap Try Again, turn on Send as Text Message and RCS, check signal and try 5 more fixes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black samsung galaxys 4
iPhone

iPhone touch screen not working

iPhone touch screen not working or not responding? Force restart with the buttons, remove the screen protector, dry the screen and try 5 more fixes by symptom.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A dark smartphone lies on a black surface
iPhone

iPhone Unavailable

iPhone Unavailable or Security Lockout after wrong passcodes? Wait out the timer, try your old passcode, or erase it from the lock screen and restore a backup.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A person holding an iphone in their hand
iPhone

iPhone voicemail not working

iPhone voicemail not working or Visual Voicemail unavailable? Check cellular data, call forwarding and a full mailbox, update carrier settings and more.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A cell phone sitting on top of a wooden table
iPhone

iPhone Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting

iPhone Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting or going in and out? Turn off Private Wi-Fi Address, forget weak networks, restart the router and try 6 more fixes.

7 min read
Show me the fix
Iphone screen showing icons with icons
iPhone

iPhone Wi-Fi won’t turn on

iPhone Wi-Fi won’t turn on, greyed out or stuck off? Check Airplane Mode and Screen Time, reset network settings, update iOS and know when the chip is at fault.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Two rose gold iphones on an orange background
iPhone

Orange dot on iPhone

The orange dot on iPhone means an app is using your microphone; green means the camera. See which app it is, stop access and know when to worry.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Silver iphone 6 on pink surface
iPhone

Why is my iPhone hot

Why is your iPhone getting hot? Learn when warmth is normal, what causes overheating, and how to cool it down safely, including when to worry about the battery.

6 min read
Get the answer
A close up of a car's radio screen
Troubleshooting

Bluetooth won’t connect to car

Phone Bluetooth won’t connect to your car? Forget and re-pair it on both sides, clear old devices from the car, check audio settings and try 6 more fixes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A person taking a picture with a cell phone
Troubleshooting

Phone camera not working

Phone camera showing a black screen or not opening? Close the app, switch lenses, check permissions and storage, restart and try 4 more fixes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Two phones on white table
Troubleshooting

Phone charging slowly

Phone charging slowly? Use a stronger wall charger and good cable, clean the port, keep it cool and check settings that cap charging on iPhone and Android.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A vintage silver microphone with blue accents against a soft purple background
Troubleshooting

Phone microphone not working

People can’t hear you on calls? Test your phone microphone with a voice memo, disconnect Bluetooth, check permissions, clean the mic holes and try 5 more fixes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A person taking a picture of a field with a cell phone
Troubleshooting

Phone says SOS

Your phone says SOS or SOS only when it loses your carrier but can still call 911. Learn why it happens and try 8 fixes for iPhone and Android to get service.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Beats speaker and smartphone on a wooden table
Troubleshooting

Phone speaker not working

Phone speaker not working? Check volume, Silent mode, Bluetooth and Do Not Disturb, clean the speaker safely and try 4 more fixes on iPhone or Android.

7 min read
Show me the fix
A cell phone on a car dashboard
Troubleshooting

Phone got wet

Phone got wet? Turn it off, dry the outside, shake water from the ports and let it air dry for a day. Why rice makes it worse and when to get a repair.

6 min read
Show me the fix
White modem outer is turned on
Troubleshooting

Phone Wi-Fi keeps dropping

Phone keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi? Find out if it is the router or the phone, then restart, forget the network and turn off smart Wi-Fi switching.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Turned on Android smartphone
Android

Android phone not ringing

Android phone not ringing for incoming calls? Check sound mode, Do not disturb, Mute all sounds and call forwarding with 10 fixes for Samsung and Pixel.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Green Android robot toy on grass
Android

Android storage full

Android phone storage full? Find what is using the space, clear junk files and large videos, and move photos to the cloud or an SD card. Works on Samsung too.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Illustration of an Android app storage screen with a Clear cache button
Android

Clear app cache on Android

Clear an app's cache on Android to fix crashes and free up space. Step-by-step instructions for Samsung, Google Pixel, Xiaomi and other phones.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A close up of a cell phone with the google logo in the background
Android

Google Pixel keeps restarting

Google Pixel keeps restarting or stuck in a reboot loop? Test in safe mode, free up storage, update and use Google’s repair tool with these 8 fixes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Logo
Android

Samsung phone keeps restarting

Samsung Galaxy keeps restarting on its own? Check Auto restart, test in Safe mode, run Samsung Members diagnostics and try 6 more fixes before a reset.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Two smartphones with multiple cameras side by side
Android

Samsung phone not charging

Samsung Galaxy not charging, charging slowly or stopping at 80%? Check the cable, port, Battery protection and Moisture detected with these 9 fixes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A group of four different colored cell phones
Android

Samsung phone won't turn on

Samsung Galaxy won't turn on or stuck on a black screen? Charge it properly, force restart it, check for moisture and use recovery mode with these 7 fixes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A group of green androids sitting next to each other
Android

Speed up a slow Android phone

Why is your Android phone so slow? Find the cause, then speed it up with 10 fixes for Samsung, Pixel and other phones, from storage to animation settings.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Silver ipad on white table
Apple

AirDrop not working

AirDrop not working, stuck on Waiting or not finding the other device? Check AirDrop visibility, Bluetooth, Personal Hotspot and 7 more causes to fix it fast.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Space gray iphone 6 beside apple earpods
Apple

AirPods not connecting

AirPods not connecting to your iPhone or stuck on connecting? Charge the case, check Bluetooth, forget and re-pair, and reset your AirPods with these 8 fixes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Sign in options with google and apple accounts
Apple

Apple ID keeps asking for password

iPhone keeps asking for your Apple ID password, or an old one? Find the app or setting behind the pop-up and stop it with these 8 fixes that keep your data.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A couple of smart watches sitting on top of a table
Apple

Apple Watch not charging

Apple Watch not charging, stuck at 80% or showing a red lightning bolt? Clean the back, check the charger and force restart with these 8 simple fixes.

7 min read
Show me the fix
Person wearing silver aluminium case Apple Watch with white Sports Band
Apple

Apple Watch won't turn on

Apple Watch won't turn on or shows only a red lightning bolt? Charge it properly, leave Power Reserve, check Theater mode and force restart with these 7 fixes.

7 min read
Show me the fix
Black and silver car stereo
Apple

CarPlay keeps disconnecting

CarPlay keeps disconnecting and reconnecting? Swap the cable, clean the port, stop your iPhone joining public Wi-Fi and try 6 more fixes for a steady link.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A car dashboard with various app icons on it
Apple

CarPlay not working

Apple CarPlay not working or not connecting? Check Siri, Screen Time, the cable and your car’s settings, then re-pair your iPhone with these 10 fixes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Shallow focus photo of man in gray collared top taking selfie
Apple

FaceTime not working

FaceTime not working, not connecting or missing from your iPhone? Check the connection, FaceTime settings, Screen Time and the date with these 9 fixes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Turned on iPhone on top of brown wooden surface
Apple

iCloud storage full

iCloud storage full? See what is using the space, safely remove old backups and large files, and decide whether a bigger iCloud+ plan is worth it.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A blue button with a white envelope on it
Apple

iMessage not delivered

iMessage showing a red Not Delivered or never saying Delivered? Learn what each means, then fix it with 8 steps, from resending to turning iMessage off and on.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Four purple speech bubbles on a translucent screen with floating geometric shapes
Apple

iMessage not working

iMessage not working, sending as green text or failing to deliver? Check Apple’s status, turn iMessage off and on, fix Send & Receive and try 6 more fixes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A close up of a sign with an apple logo
Apple

Reset your Apple Account password

Reset a forgotten Apple Account (Apple ID) password from your iPhone, from a friend's device or on the web, plus what to do if you get locked out.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Graphical user interface
Apps

Android Auto not connecting

Android Auto not connecting to your car or keeps disconnecting? Swap the cable, check USB mode, forget the car and fix battery settings with these 10 fixes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Person holding black iphone 4
Apps

App Store download stuck

iPhone app stuck on Waiting, Loading or Installing? Try these fixes in order, from pausing the download to checking storage, payment and your Apple Account.

6 min read
Show me the fix
IPhone X beside MacBook
Apps

Facebook keeps logging me out

Facebook keeps logging you out or saying Session Expired? Check your account is safe, then fix the app or browser with 8 steps that stop the logouts.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Message icon
Apps

Gmail not receiving emails

Gmail not receiving emails? Check Spam, All Mail and your Google storage, then fix filters, blocked addresses, forwarding and app sync with these 9 checks.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Closeup of mail app icon on phone
Apps

Gmail not working on iPhone

Gmail not working on your iPhone? Fix it in the iPhone Mail app or the Gmail app: re-add your Google account, turn on IMAP, change Fetch and check storage.

6 min read
Show me the fix
The Instagram app icon on a smartphone screen with other app icons
Apps

Instagram keeps logging me out

Instagram keeps logging you out? Find out why, check your account is not hacked, and try 8 fixes including updating, clearing cache and removing apps.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A grid of colorful three-dimensional social media icons on a white dotted background
Apps

Snapchat not working

Snapchat not working, not loading or crashing? Check if it is down, then clear Snapchat’s cache, fix camera permissions and try 6 more fixes that keep Memories.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A hand holding a smartphone displaying the TikTok logo on a black screen
Apps

TikTok keeps crashing

TikTok keeps crashing, freezing or closing? Update it, clear TikTok’s cache without losing drafts, free up storage and try 6 more fixes on iPhone or Android.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Illustration of an iPhone showing a WhatsApp is not working alert, with Android and iPhone icons
Apps

WhatsApp not working

WhatsApp not working, stuck on connecting or crashing? Check if it is down, then try 9 fixes for iPhone and Android without losing your chats.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Smartphone screen showing icons with logo guessing game
Apps

WhatsApp notifications not working

Not getting WhatsApp notifications until you open the app? Fix the settings in WhatsApp and on your phone that block alerts, on both Android and iPhone.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Youtube application screengrab
Apps

YouTube not working

YouTube not working or videos won't play? Check for an outage, then clear the cache, update the app, lower the quality and try 5 more fixes on phone or PC.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A person holding a smartphone over a card reader for contactless payment
Guides

iPhone NFC tag reader

Yes, iPhones have NFC. Learn which models read NFC tags automatically, how to use the NFC Tag Reader on older iPhones, and how to run Shortcuts with a tag.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A person holding up a cell phone with a logo on it
Guides

What is an eSIM

An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone. Learn how it differs from a physical SIM, which phones support it, and how to set one up on iPhone and Android.

6 min read
Get the answer
Black and white rectangular device
Guides

What Low Power Mode does

Low Power Mode on iPhone pauses background activity and reduces visual effects to save battery. Here is exactly what it changes and when to use it.

6 min read
Get the answer
Silver smartphone resting on a black laptop
How-To

Back up your iPhone

Back up your iPhone to iCloud or a Mac or Windows PC step by step, see what a backup includes, and get free temporary iCloud storage for a new iPhone.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Space gray iPhone X
How-To

Block spam calls on iPhone

Stop spam and robocalls on your iPhone. Use Screen Unknown Callers in iOS 26, block numbers, turn on your carrier’s free spam filter and 3 more methods.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A green square with a white speech bubble
How-To

Change iMessage to text message

Switch iMessage to text message on iPhone, or get green texts to send as blue iMessages again. Steps for one message, automatic fallback and turning iMessage on or off.

7 min read
Show me the fix
Black samsung android smartphone turned on displaying icons
How-To

Change print size on iPhone

Change print size on iPhone: pick the paper size in the Print menu, print photos smaller, or use your printer's app to scale. Steps for HP, Canon and Epson.

8 min read
Show me the fix
Person holding space gray iPhone X
How-To

Clear cache on iPhone

Clear cache on your iPhone to free space and fix slow apps. Clear Safari and Chrome data, offload apps and use in-app cache buttons, step by step.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Person holding black android smartphone
How-To

Factory reset an Android phone

Factory reset a Google Pixel, Motorola or other Android phone from Settings or with the buttons. Back up first and avoid the Google lock after the reset.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Gold iPhone 7 Plus on black surface
How-To

Factory reset an iPhone

How to factory reset an iPhone from Settings or a computer, plus the checklist to follow first so you keep your data and the next owner can use it.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Person holding rose gold iphone 6 s
How-To

Factory reset a Samsung phone

Factory reset your Samsung Galaxy from Settings or with the buttons in recovery mode. Back up first and avoid the Google lock that stops the next owner.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black android smartphone on white table
How-To

Change alarm sound on iPhone

Change your iPhone alarm sound to a new tone or a song in the Clock app, set the alarm volume and vibration, and fix an alarm that makes no sound.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black iphone 7 plus on brown wooden table
How-To

Change aspect ratio on iPhone

Change your iPhone camera aspect ratio to 16:9, 4:3 or square, pin the control to the top bar in iOS 27, keep it as default, and reshape photos you took.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A close up of a cell phone charging
How-To

Change Do Not Disturb on iPhone

Change Do Not Disturb on iPhone: turn it on or off, let family and repeated calls through, set a schedule, and stop it from turning on by itself.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A hand holding a phone
How-To

Change Featured Photos on iPhone

Change what appears in Featured Photos and the Photos widget on iPhone. Remove photos, feature people less, favorite the ones you want or turn it off.

7 min read
Show me the fix
White iphone 5 c beside white earbuds
How-To

Change headphone settings on iPhone

Change headphone settings on iPhone: tune the sound with Headphone Accommodations, fix left and right balance, limit loud audio and set AirPods controls.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Person holding black smartphone
How-To

Change your iPhone avatar

Change your iPhone avatar: the Apple Account photo in Settings and the Contact Photo and Poster people see when you call. Use a photo, Memoji or initials.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A blue iPhone sitting on top of a wooden table
How-To

Change payment method on iPhone

Update the card or PayPal used for App Store purchases and subscriptions on iPhone, fix declined payments and billing alerts, and see how Family Sharing works.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A person holding a cell phone in their hand
How-To

Change screenshot settings on iPhone

Every iPhone screenshot setting and option: turn off iOS 26 full-screen previews, pick PNG or HDR, use Back Tap, and what older iPhones like the X can change.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A black iPhone sitting on top of a wooden table
How-To

Change your iPhone password

Change your iPhone password (the passcode you unlock it with) in Settings, choose a 4 or 6 digit or letter code, and learn what to do if you forget it.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black laptop computer turned on beside white pen
How-To

Use AirDrop on iPhone

Learn how to use AirDrop on iPhone to send photos, videos and files, change who can send to you, use AirDrop codes, and share with Android phones.

6 min read
Show me the fix
An iPhone and a laptop on a wooden table
How-To

Restore iPhone from a backup

Restore your iPhone from an iCloud or computer backup step by step, including how to do it after setup, which backup to choose and how long it takes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A woman holding a cell phone in her hands
How-To

Screen record on iPhone

Screen record on your iPhone in seconds. Add the button to Control Center, record your voice with the microphone, and find and trim your video in Photos.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Hands holding two smartphones showing the same video
How-To

Screen record on Samsung

Screen record on your Samsung Galaxy with the built-in Screen recorder. Record sound or your voice, add a selfie video and find your recording in Gallery.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Person holding phone
How-To

Take a photo from a video on iPhone

Get a still photo from a video on iPhone: use Save Video Frame as Photo in iOS 27, take a clean screenshot, pick a Live Photo frame, or export it on a Mac.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A person in a hoodie typing on a laptop in a leather armchair
How-To

iPhone time zone not changing

iPhone not changing time zones when you travel? Turn on Set Automatically, enable the hidden Setting Time Zone switch and try 4 more fixes, or set it by hand.

7 min read
Show me the fix
Black android smartphone displaying home screen
How-To

Transfer Android to iPhone

Move contacts, photos, messages and WhatsApp from Android to iPhone with Apple’s free Move to iOS app, plus free ways to transfer after your iPhone is set up.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A black smartphone with a blank white screen on a light wooden surface
How-To

Jitterbug contacts to iPhone

Move contacts from a Jitterbug Smart or Jitterbug Flip to an iPhone. Use Move to iOS, sync with Google, or copy them over when you have a Flip phone.

6 min read
Show me the fix
White samsung android smartphone on white table
How-To

iPhone photos to Windows PC

Transfer photos from iPhone to PC in minutes. Use a USB cable, File Explorer or iCloud on Windows 10 or 11, and fix HEIC photos that will not open.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A close up of a cell phone on a table
How-To

Turn off a Samsung phone

Holding the side button on your Samsung opens Bixby instead of turning it off? Here are 4 ways to power off a Galaxy, and how to make the button work normally.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Illustration of the iPhone Battery Health screen showing Maximum Capacity and Peak Performance Capability
iPhone

Check iPhone battery health

Find your iPhone's Maximum Capacity in Settings, understand what the percentage tells you, and learn when a battery replacement is actually worth it.

7 min read
Show me the fix
Person holding black iphone 5
iPhone

Face ID not working

Face ID not working or saying “Face ID is not available”? Learn what the message means and try 10 fixes, from cleaning the camera to resetting Face ID.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Two space gray and two silver iPhone 11's
iPhone

Free up iPhone storage

iPhone storage full? Here is how to find what is using the space and clear several gigabytes without losing a single photo or message you care about.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Gold iPhone 6 on black background
iPhone

iPhone keeps restarting

iPhone keeps restarting on its own or stuck in a restart loop? Find the cause with the panic log, then work through 9 fixes, from quick checks to repair.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Person holding silver iphone 6 with black case
iPhone

iPhone not ringing

iPhone not ringing when someone calls? Check Silent mode, Focus, Bluetooth, unknown caller settings and 6 more causes to get your ringtone back fast.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Logo
iPhone

iPhone stuck on Apple logo

iPhone stuck on the Apple logo or in a boot loop? Try a force restart, then use recovery mode and choose Update to reinstall iOS without erasing your data.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Software updater with refresh arrows icon and update icons
iPhone

iPhone stuck on Verifying Update

iPhone stuck on Verifying Update or Preparing Update? Learn how long to wait, then try 6 safe fixes that keep your data. Do not press Restore before reading.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Black and white apple logo
iPhone

iPhone won't turn off

iPhone won't turn off? On newer models you hold the side and volume buttons, not just the side button. Here are 5 ways to shut it down, even when frozen.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A close up of an iphone on a wooden table
iPhone

iPhone won't turn on

iPhone won't turn on or stuck on a black screen? Charge it, force restart it the right way, and use recovery mode with these 7 fixes before paying for repair.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Person holding space gray iPhone X
iPhone

Siri keeps turning on by itself

Siri keeps turning on by itself or popping up? Find the trigger, from Type to Siri and the side button to your headphones, and stop it with these 7 fixes.

6 min read
Show me the fix
A close up of a cell phone with a keyboard on it
iPhone

Siri not working

Siri not working or not responding to “Hey Siri”? Check Siri settings, the microphone, Screen Time and your connection with these 10 fixes for iPhone.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Turned-on space gray iPhone X
iPhone

Speed up a slow iPhone

Is your iPhone slow? Find out why, then speed it up with 10 fixes, from freeing storage and updating iOS to checking battery health and turning off extras.

6 min read
Show me the fix
White 8 pin lightning cable
Troubleshooting

iPhone not charging

iPhone not charging, charging slowly or stuck at 80%? Work through 7 fixes, from the cable and a dirty port to charging messages, software and battery health.

6 min read
Show me the fix
Silhouette photo of person holding smartphone
Troubleshooting

Phone won't turn on

Phone won't turn on or stuck on a black screen? Try the 3 checks that revive most phones, then the exact force restart steps for iPhone, Samsung, Pixel and more.

6 min read
Show me the fix