Major iPhone updates don’t always go badly, but when they do, discovering you don’t have a recent backup while staring at an uncooperative phone is a particularly unpleasant way to spend an afternoon.

If you’re planning to install the iOS 27 update, do these seven things first.

1. Make Sure Your iPhone Supports iOS 27

Before worrying about anything else, make sure your iPhone is compatible.

Apple lists iOS 27 as available for the iPhone 11 and newer compatible models.

You can identify your iPhone by opening:

Settings > General > About

Look for Model Name.

If your iPhone isn’t eligible for iOS 27, don’t ignore the Software Update screen. Apple also released iOS 26.7 with security updates for supported devices remaining on iOS 26.

2. Back Up Your iPhone

This is the one step I’d consider mandatory before installing a major iOS update.

Go to:

Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup

Check the date of your latest successful backup.

If it isn’t recent, tap Back Up Now and let the backup finish before starting the update.

You can also back up an iPhone using a Mac or PC.

Hopefully you’ll never need the backup.

That’s rather the point.

3. Check How Much Free Storage You Have

Major iOS updates require free storage for the download and installation process.

Go to:

Settings > General > iPhone Storage

Your iPhone will show how much space is currently available and which apps are consuming the most storage.

If you’re running low, start with obvious space hogs such as downloaded movies, old podcasts, large videos and apps you no longer use.

Don’t start deleting important photos at random just because your phone wants more breathing room.

4. Update Your Apps

Open the App Store and make sure your important apps are current.

Developers frequently release updates around major iOS launches to improve compatibility with the new operating system.

Pay particular attention to apps you rely on every day, including banking, authentication, work, smart-home and password-management apps.

If an essential app hasn’t been updated in ages, checking its compatibility before installing iOS 27 isn’t a terrible idea.

5. Know Your Apple Account Password

Face ID has made it impressively easy to forget passwords we supposedly know.

Before installing a major update, make sure you know your Apple Account credentials and can access any trusted phone numbers or devices associated with your account.

You don’t want to discover an account-access problem in the middle of setting your phone back up.

This is also a good time to make sure your important passwords are securely stored somewhere you can access if the phone isn’t cooperating.

6. Plug In and Use a Reliable Wi-Fi Connection

Don’t start a major iOS update when your battery is nearly dead or when you’re about to leave the house.

Plug your iPhone into power and connect it to a reliable network.

Give yourself some time when you don’t urgently need the phone.

The download, preparation, installation and post-update processes can take a while, particularly when millions of other people have just been handed the same shiny Update button.

7. Decide Whether You Actually Want iOS 27 Today

You don’t have to install a major iOS release the moment it appears.

Apple released iOS 26.7 alongside iOS 27, giving eligible users another software-update option while still providing security fixes.

If your iPhone is critical for work, travel or something important happening in the next few days, waiting a little while before making a major operating-system jump can be reasonable.

On the other hand, software updates contain important security improvements. Apple’s security-release information confirms both iOS 27 and iOS 26.7 were released September 14.

The important part is not to forget about updates entirely.

Don’t Panic If Your Battery Seems Worse After Updating

You may notice unusual battery drain, warmth or sluggishness shortly after installing a major update.

Your iPhone can perform background tasks following an update, and things may settle after you’ve been using the new software for a while.

If your phone continues getting unusually warm, our guide to Why Your iPhone Gets Hot and How to Fix It covers the common causes and what you can do about them.

And if charging becomes the problem instead, Phone Won’t Charge? 10 Fixes That Actually Work walks through the things worth checking before assuming the hardware has failed.

Check Your Settings After Installing iOS 27

Once the update is complete, spend a few minutes exploring Settings rather than immediately forgetting the Settings app exists for another year.

Review privacy permissions, location access, notifications, security features and any new options introduced with the update.

Our guide to 7 iPhone Settings You’ll Wish You Changed Sooner is a good place to start.

Major software updates are also a good excuse to review settings you may have accepted years ago and never looked at again.

Should You Install iOS 27?

For most people with a compatible iPhone, iOS 27 will eventually be the natural upgrade path.

But there’s nothing wrong with preparing first.

Back up your phone, make sure you have enough storage, update important apps and confirm you can access your Apple Account.

Ten minutes of preparation is considerably less annoying than troubleshooting an iPhone while wondering whether your photos actually made it to iCloud.

FAQ

Is iOS 27 Available Now?

Yes. Apple released iOS 27 on September 14, 2026.

Which iPhones Support iOS 27?

Apple’s current security-release information lists iOS 27 for iPhone 11 and later.

Do I Need to Back Up Before Installing iOS 27?

You should. A backup gives you a recent copy of important information if something goes wrong during or after the update.

Do I Have to Install iOS 27 Immediately?

No. Apple also released iOS 26.7 on September 14 with security fixes for supported devices remaining on iOS 26.

Why Is My iPhone Hot After Installing iOS 27?

Some increased activity immediately after a major software update can occur while the device completes background tasks. If excessive heat or battery drain persists, investigate further rather than assuming the update is still responsible.

This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

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Check this out on Amazon: USB-C to USB-C Charging Cable

Before You Install iOS 27, Do These 7 Things is a post by GBM Staff from Gotta Be Mobile.

They sound scared. There’s been an accident. They’re in trouble. They need money immediately.

There’s just one problem.

It might not actually be them.

AI voice scams are making it easier for criminals to imitate real people and create convincing emergency calls. Modern voice-cloning technology can produce audio that sounds remarkably similar to someone’s actual voice, adding a disturbing new layer to an old scam.

The FBI has specifically warned that AI-generated content can be difficult to identify and that criminals are using AI alongside impersonation schemes.

Here’s what your family should know before one of these calls happens.

What Is an AI Voice Scam?

An AI voice scam uses artificial intelligence to imitate someone’s voice.

A criminal may pretend to be your child, grandchild, spouse, friend or another person you trust.

The story varies, but the objective is usually the same: create panic and convince you to send money or reveal sensitive information before you have time to verify what’s happening.

You might hear that your family member:

• Was arrested
• Was injured
• Caused a car accident
• Lost their phone
• Is stranded somewhere
• Needs bail money
• Needs money for an emergency
• Can’t talk for very long

That last part is convenient for the scammer. The less conversation you have, the less opportunity there is to notice something isn’t right.

AI Makes “That Doesn’t Sound Like Them” Less Useful

For years, recognizing someone’s voice was a reasonable way to decide whether a phone call was legitimate.

That’s becoming less reliable.

AI-generated audio has advanced enough that the FBI warns cloned voices can sound nearly identical to a real person’s voice.

That means hearing a familiar voice shouldn’t be your only form of verification.

Caller ID isn’t enough either.

Phone numbers and caller ID information can be spoofed, making a call appear to come from someone or somewhere you recognize. The FTC warns consumers not to rely on caller ID alone to determine whether a call is legitimate.

So now we have reached the charming stage of technological progress where both the voice and the phone number can lie to you.

Fortunately, there’s an extremely low-tech defense.

Create a Family Safe Word

Pick a word or short phrase that only close family members know.

It shouldn’t be something easily associated with your family or something you’ve posted publicly.

If someone calls claiming to be a family member in an emergency, ask for the safe word.

Don’t mention the answer.

Ask:

“What is our family safe word?”

Someone genuinely close to you should know it. A scammer relying on information gathered online probably won’t.

You can also create a family verification question, but avoid questions whose answers could easily be found through social media.

Your dog’s name, high school mascot and mother’s maiden name aren’t particularly secret if you’ve spent the last decade posting your life online.

Hang Up and Call Them Yourself

This is one of the simplest ways to defeat an emergency impersonation scam.

If someone calls claiming to be your daughter, son, spouse or another family member and something feels wrong, hang up.

Then call that person using the number already saved in your contacts.

Don’t call a number provided by the person who contacted you.

If they don’t answer, contact another trusted person who may know where they are.

A legitimate emergency can survive an extra minute of verification.

A scammer desperately wants to prevent you from taking that minute.

Be Suspicious When Someone Creates Extreme Urgency

Scammers frequently use fear and urgency because both make people less likely to stop and think. The FBI specifically advises consumers to slow down when a caller creates panic or demands immediate action.

Watch for statements such as:

“Don’t tell Mom.”

“I need the money right now.”

“You can’t call anyone.”

“The police said I only have an hour.”

“My phone is dying.”

“I’ll explain everything later.”

The details may sound convincing, but urgency itself should be a warning sign.

Never Send Money Just Because a Caller Demands It

Be particularly suspicious if the supposed emergency suddenly requires payment through:

• Gift cards
• Cryptocurrency
• Wire transfers
• Cash
• Payment apps

The FTC warns that scammers favor payment methods that make recovering money difficult.

If someone claiming to be a government official or law-enforcement officer tells you to move money to “protect” it, that’s another major warning sign. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says legitimate government agencies and financial institutions do not instruct people to send money to protect their funds.

Don’t Assume a Video Call Proves Anything

Voice isn’t the only thing AI can imitate.

The FBI warned in July 2026 that scammers have used AI-generated videos in fraud schemes, including video designed to depict executives, law enforcement officers and other authority figures.

A video call therefore shouldn’t automatically override other warning signs.

If something seems suspicious, verify the person independently.

Talk About This With Parents and Grandparents

Older adults are frequent targets of emergency and impersonation scams, but these schemes can fool people of any age.

The best time to explain AI voice cloning to your family isn’t while someone is panicking on the phone.

Do it beforehand.

Agree that nobody in the family will be offended if someone hangs up during an alleged emergency and calls back independently.

Set your family safe word.

Explain that voices can be cloned and caller ID can be spoofed.

Those few minutes of preparation can make an unexpected call much easier to handle.

What Should You Do If You Already Sent Money?

Act quickly.

Contact the bank, credit card company, payment service or other financial institution involved and explain what happened.

Depending on how the payment was made and how quickly you respond, there may be options for stopping or recovering it.

You can also report internet-enabled fraud to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center and report scams to the Federal Trade Commission.

If you gave the scammer passwords or account information, change the affected passwords immediately and secure those accounts.

AI Voice Scams Are Another Reason to Verify First

AI isn’t creating an entirely new category of crime here.

Impersonation scams have existed forever.

What’s changing is how convincing they can become.

A familiar voice, a recognizable phone number or even convincing video should no longer be enough to make an important financial decision.

When a call involves money, sensitive information or an emergency, verify the person through another method before doing anything.

And while you’re tightening up your digital defenses, read Stop Scanning Random QR Codes. Here’s What Can Happen for another increasingly common way scammers try to get people from their phones to fraudulent websites.

FAQ

Can Scammers Really Copy Someone’s Voice With AI?

AI technology can generate convincing imitations of real voices. The FBI has warned that AI-generated voice cloning can be difficult to distinguish from a legitimate voice.

How Do I Know If a Family Emergency Call Is Real?

Hang up and independently call your family member using a phone number you already know. You can also establish a private family safe word ahead of time.

Can Scammers Fake Caller ID?

Yes. Caller ID can be spoofed, so a familiar name or phone number appearing on your screen doesn’t guarantee the caller is legitimate.

What Is a Family Safe Word?

It’s a private word or phrase known by trusted family members that can be used to verify someone’s identity during an unexpected or suspicious situation.

What Should I Do If I Sent Money to a Scammer?

Contact the financial institution or payment provider immediately. You should also report the incident to appropriate authorities, including the FTC or FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center when applicable.

This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

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That Call From Your Family Member Could Be an AI Voice Scam is a post by GBM Staff from Gotta Be Mobile.

But before you spend $800, $1,000 or considerably more on a new smartphone, it’s worth figuring out whether you actually need one and whether now is the right time to buy.

If you’re wondering, should I buy a new phone now, check these seven things before placing an order.

1. Find Out When Your Current Phone Stops Getting Updates

An older phone isn’t automatically obsolete.

One of the biggest things to consider is how long your current device will continue receiving operating system and security updates.

Check your manufacturer’s support information for your particular model.

If your phone still receives security updates, performs well and does everything you need, there may be little reason to replace it simply because something newer exists.

On the other hand, a phone that no longer receives important security updates deserves a closer look.

2. Check Your Battery Health

A phone that once lasted all day but now desperately searches for a charger by lunchtime can feel ancient.

The rest of the device may be perfectly fine.

iPhone owners can check battery information under:

Settings > Battery > Battery Health

Battery information and diagnostics on Android vary by manufacturer.

If battery degradation is your biggest complaint, compare the cost of replacing the battery with the cost of replacing the entire phone.

A battery replacement could potentially give an otherwise capable phone considerably more life.

3. Look at Your Storage Before Blaming the Phone

Constantly running out of storage can make an older phone miserable to use.

Open your storage settings and see what’s actually consuming the space.

Photos and videos are obvious culprits, but downloaded movies, podcasts, messages and apps you haven’t opened since 2022 can consume surprising amounts of storage.

Clean things up before deciding you need a new device.

If you’re still constantly running out of space after that, buying a higher-capacity model with your next upgrade may be worthwhile.

4. Decide Which New Features You’d Actually Use

New phones arrive with increasingly impressive lists of features.

The question isn’t whether those features are cool.

It’s whether you’ll use them.

Consider what actually bothers you about your current phone:

• Is the camera not good enough?
• Is the battery failing?
• Do you need more storage?
• Is performance noticeably slow?
• Is the screen damaged?
• Are you missing a feature you’d use regularly?
• Has software support ended?

If you can’t identify what a new phone would meaningfully improve, that’s a pretty strong argument for keeping the one you have.

5. Check What’s About to Launch

Timing matters.

September is traditionally a busy period for smartphone announcements, and 2026 is no exception. A wave of new devices is expected throughout the month, which can change the buying equation even if you don’t want the newest model.

When a new generation arrives, previous-generation phones can become more attractive because of discounts, carrier promotions and refurbished inventory.

That means buying immediately before a major launch can sometimes leave you paying yesterday’s price for yesterday’s phone.

6. Don’t Judge a Trade-In Offer by the Big Number

Carrier and manufacturer advertisements can offer surprisingly large trade-in credits.

Read the conditions.

The maximum advertised value may require:

• A specific unlimited plan
• A qualifying trade-in
• A new line
• Monthly bill credits
• Staying with the carrier for several years

A “$1,000 trade-in” isn’t necessarily the same thing as someone handing you $1,000 for your old phone.

Compare the total cost of the service plan and device over the entire promotion period.

7. Consider Last Year’s Phone

You don’t necessarily need the newest phone to get a major upgrade.

Last year’s flagship can offer excellent cameras, fast processors, high-quality displays and years of remaining software support.

Once its successor arrives, it may also become substantially cheaper.

Compare the previous model with the new one feature by feature.

If the improvements don’t matter to you, take the discount.

Your phone will somehow continue functioning despite knowing it isn’t the newest one in the room.

So, Should You Buy a New Phone Now?

Upgrade if your current phone is genuinely interfering with how you use it.

A failing battery, broken hardware, inadequate storage, poor performance or the end of software support can all be legitimate reasons to replace a device.

But if your phone works well and continues receiving updates, waiting can be the smarter move.

New product launches don’t just create new phones. They can also create better deals on the phones that were considered cutting-edge a few weeks earlier.

Before You Upgrade, Check Your Settings

You may also be able to improve your current phone without replacing it.

iPhone owners should check our guide to 7 iPhone Settings You’ll Wish You Changed Sooner for privacy, security and usability settings worth reviewing.

If you use Android, 7 Android Settings You’ll Be Glad You Changed covers similar changes for Android devices.

FAQ

How Often Should You Replace Your Phone?

There isn’t a universal replacement schedule. If your phone remains secure, supported and capable of doing what you need, there’s no requirement to replace it after a certain number of years.

Is September a Good Time to Buy a Phone?

It can be, but timing matters. September is a major smartphone-launch period, so waiting for announcements can give you more options and potentially change pricing on existing models.

Is It Better to Replace a Battery or Buy a New Phone?

If the battery is the primary problem and the phone otherwise meets your needs, battery replacement may be considerably cheaper than buying a new device. Compare repair cost, remaining software support and the condition of the phone before deciding.

Should I Buy Last Year’s Phone?

Often, yes. A previous-generation flagship can be an excellent value if it still has years of software support and the newer model doesn’t offer features you need.

Should I Trade In My Old Phone?

Possibly, but compare the trade-in offer with other options. Pay attention to whether the advertised credit is delivered through monthly bill credits or requires a particular wireless plan.

This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

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• Check this out on Amazon: Phone Backup Flash Drive
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Don’t Buy a New Phone Right Now Without Checking These 7 Things is a post by GBM Staff from Gotta Be Mobile.

One technology behind this is called Automatic Content Recognition, or ACR.

Smart TV tracking isn’t necessarily some sinister person sitting in a dark room watching your television habits. It’s generally automated data collection used for things like recommendations, analytics and advertising.

Still, if you’d rather your television know a little less about your viewing habits, there are settings worth checking.

What Is ACR on a Smart TV?

Automatic Content Recognition technology can identify content playing on your television.

Depending on the TV and the features you’ve enabled, this can help the manufacturer or its partners understand what programs, movies and advertisements are being watched.

ACR can also be used to provide features such as content recommendations.

The important part is that this technology can potentially recognize content beyond the streaming apps built directly into your TV.

That makes ACR one of the first settings worth investigating if you’re concerned about smart TV tracking.

1. Look for ACR or Viewing Data Settings

Unfortunately, TV manufacturers don’t all call their tracking features the same thing, because apparently finding a privacy setting needed an additional difficulty level.

Open your television’s Settings menu and look under sections such as:

• Privacy
• Terms & Privacy
• Viewing Information
• Viewing Data
• Advertising
• Smart Features

You may see references to Automatic Content Recognition, viewing information or content recognition.

Read the description before deciding whether you want the feature enabled.

2. Turn Off Personalized Advertising

Your smart TV may have a separate setting for personalized or interest-based advertising.

This can be different from ACR.

Look through the Privacy or Advertising settings for options related to:

• Personalized ads
• Interest-based ads
• Ad tracking
• Advertising IDs

Disabling personalized advertising doesn’t necessarily eliminate advertisements. It generally limits the use of your activity for tailoring those ads.

3. Review Your TV’s Privacy Choices

When you first set up a new television, you’re usually presented with a collection of agreements and privacy choices.

And, like nearly every human presented with 4,000 words of legal text while trying to watch television, you probably pressed Accept.

Go back and review them.

Some smart TVs allow you to change individual privacy permissions without resetting the entire television.

Pay particular attention to optional agreements involving viewing data, recommendations, voice features and advertising.

4. Check Voice Assistant Settings

Many modern televisions include microphones or work with voice assistants.

If you don’t use voice control, check whether you can disable the feature.

Also review whether voice recordings or interactions can be stored or used to improve the service.

A television having a microphone isn’t automatically a privacy disaster, but there’s little reason to leave features enabled that you never use.

5. Review the Apps Installed on Your TV

Smart TVs have effectively become giant smartphones attached to walls.

Open your TV’s app section and remove apps you no longer use.

You should also review account and privacy settings inside frequently used streaming apps.

Remember that disabling tracking by your television manufacturer doesn’t necessarily change the data collected by Netflix, YouTube, Hulu or other individual services.

Those services have their own privacy and account settings.

6. Don’t Forget Your Streaming Devices

If you use a Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast or another streaming device, your television isn’t the only device involved.

The streaming platform may have its own advertising, privacy and data-collection settings.

Open the settings on each device and look for sections related to:

• Privacy
• Advertising
• Usage data
• Personalized recommendations
• Viewing information

If you’ve spent years adding streaming boxes and sticks to your television, you may have several different privacy settings to review.

7. Keep Your Smart TV Updated

Privacy isn’t the only reason to dig into your television’s settings.

Check for software or firmware updates while you’re there.

Manufacturers release updates to fix bugs, improve features and address security issues.

Some TVs update automatically, while others require you to manually check.

You’ll typically find the option under Settings, Support, System or About.

Can You Completely Stop a Smart TV From Collecting Data?

Probably not while continuing to use all of its connected features.

Streaming services need certain information simply to operate, maintain accounts and deliver content.

The more practical goal is to limit optional data collection you don’t want.

Turning off ACR or viewing-data features, reviewing advertising preferences and disabling unused smart features can reduce the amount of information being collected for purposes beyond simply delivering the service.

What If You Don’t Use the Smart Features?

If you use an external streaming box and don’t need your television’s built-in apps, you can take things further.

Depending on your setup, you may decide not to keep the television connected to the internet at all.

The TV can essentially function as a display while your streaming device handles online content.

That approach isn’t practical for everyone, especially if you use built-in streaming apps, but it removes many of the television’s connected features from the equation.

Privacy Settings Are Worth Checking Everywhere

Your television isn’t the only device in your house collecting information.

Phones, streaming devices, smart speakers, apps and websites all have their own privacy settings.

If you’re an iPhone user, our guide to 7 iPhone Settings You’ll Wish You Changed Sooner covers several privacy and security settings that are also worth reviewing.

Android users can check 7 Android Settings You’ll Be Glad You Changed for similar controls on Android phones.

FAQ

Is My Smart TV Actually Watching Me?

Not in the way the phrase might suggest. Smart TV tracking generally refers to automated technologies that collect information about usage or recognize content being displayed. The exact data collected depends on the television manufacturer, settings and services you use.

What Is ACR?

ACR stands for Automatic Content Recognition. It is technology that can identify content being displayed on a television and can be used for features including analytics, recommendations and advertising.

Will Turning Off ACR Break My TV?

Your television should still work, although certain recommendation or smart features that depend on viewing information may be affected.

Do Streaming Devices Track Viewing Activity Too?

Streaming platforms and devices may collect their own usage information independently of your television. Review the privacy settings for any Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast or other streaming platform you use.

Can I Disconnect My Smart TV From the Internet?

Yes. If you don’t use its built-in connected features, you can use many televisions primarily as displays for external devices. You will lose internet-dependent features and may need another method for firmware updates.

This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

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Your Smart TV Is Watching More Than You Think. Here’s How to Stop It is a post by GBM Staff from Gotta Be Mobile.

Most are perfectly legitimate.

The problem is that a QR code can hide where it’s actually sending you until you scan it. That makes a QR code scam surprisingly easy to pull off.

Criminals can create QR codes that lead to fake websites designed to steal passwords, payment information or other personal information. In some cases, all they have to do is place their fake QR code over a legitimate one.

Here’s what you should know before pointing your phone at the next random square you see.

How Does a QR Code Scam Work?

A QR code is essentially a shortcut to information, often a website address.

Your phone scans the code and gives you the option to open the destination.

The problem is that you can’t simply look at a QR code and know where it leads.

A scammer can create a code that sends you to a convincing copy of a legitimate website. You might think you’re paying for parking, signing into an account or viewing a restaurant menu when you’re actually entering information into a fraudulent website.

This type of scam is sometimes called “quishing,” a combination of QR code and phishing.

1. Be Careful With QR Codes in Public Places

A QR code attached to a physical object deserves an extra second of attention.

Parking meters, signs, restaurant tables, flyers and public kiosks can potentially be altered.

Before scanning, look closely at the QR code.

Does it appear to be an original part of the sign?

Or does it look like a sticker was placed over another QR code?

A sticker doesn’t automatically mean it’s fraudulent, but it’s a reason to verify before continuing.

2. Check the Website Before Opening It

Modern iPhones and Android phones generally show you information about the link before you open it.

Take a second to look at it.

Watch for:

• Misspelled company names
• Strange domains
• Unexpected URL-shortening services
• Random strings of characters
• A website that doesn’t match the business you’re dealing with

If you’re trying to pay for parking and the QR code sends you somewhere that has nothing to do with the parking company, don’t continue.

3. Don’t Enter a Password Just Because a QR Code Asked

Be particularly suspicious if scanning a QR code unexpectedly brings you to a login screen.

Instead of entering your username and password, close the page and open the company’s official app or website yourself.

This is especially important for:

• Banking accounts
• Email
• Apple or Google accounts
• Social media
• Workplace accounts

A fake login page can look remarkably similar to the real thing.

4. Be Suspicious of Unexpected Payment Requests

QR codes make payments convenient, which also makes them attractive to scammers.

Suppose you’re scanning a code to pay for parking, donate money or complete a purchase. Before entering credit card information, verify that you’re actually on the website you intended to visit.

Don’t assume a website is legitimate simply because it has the right logo.

Logos are very easy to copy. Humanity has somehow developed artificial intelligence while still being regularly defeated by copied-and-pasted logos.

5. Don’t Download an App From a Random QR Code

A QR code may direct you to download an app.

Instead of downloading software directly from an unfamiliar website, search for the company’s official app through Apple’s App Store or Google Play.

This gives you another opportunity to verify the developer and make sure you’re installing the correct application.

Be especially cautious if a website asks you to change security settings or install software from outside your phone’s normal app store.

6. Be Careful With QR Codes in Emails and Text Messages

QR codes aren’t limited to physical signs.

Scammers can put them in emails, text messages and attachments.

The message may claim:

• Your account has been locked
• A payment failed
• You need to verify your identity
• A package couldn’t be delivered
• Your password is expiring
• You have an unpaid bill

The QR code then sends you to a phishing site.

Treat an unexpected QR code the same way you’d treat a suspicious link.

7. Use the Camera App You Already Have

You generally don’t need to download a special QR code scanner.

Modern iPhones and Android phones can scan QR codes using their built-in camera software.

Using the phone’s built-in scanner also gives you an opportunity to preview the destination before opening it.

Downloading some random “Super Ultimate QR Scanner 2026” app just adds another unknown app with potential permissions to your phone.

What If You Already Scanned a Suspicious QR Code?

Simply scanning a QR code doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve been compromised.

What happened after you scanned it matters.

If you opened the website but didn’t enter information, close the page and avoid interacting with it further.

If you entered a password, change that password using the legitimate website or app. If you reuse that password anywhere else, change it there too.

If you entered credit or debit card information, contact your financial institution and monitor the account for unauthorized transactions.

If you downloaded an unfamiliar app, remove it and review your phone’s permissions and security settings.

QR Codes Aren’t the Problem

There’s no reason to stop using QR codes completely.

They’re useful technology, and the overwhelming majority you’ll encounter are legitimate.

The important thing is recognizing that scanning a QR code should be treated much like clicking a link.

You wouldn’t click every mysterious link someone emailed you.

A QR code shouldn’t get a free pass simply because the URL is wearing a little square disguise.

Public Technology Deserves Extra Caution

QR codes aren’t the only everyday technology worth thinking twice about when you’re away from home.

Airports, hotels, coffee shops and other public spaces are filled with convenient charging stations and unfamiliar networks.

If you travel frequently, read our guide on Why You Should Think Twice Before Using Public USB Charging Stations for another simple precaution worth knowing.

FAQ

Can Scanning a QR Code Hack My Phone?

Simply scanning a QR code generally isn’t the same as giving someone access to your phone. The bigger risk is following a malicious link, entering sensitive information, downloading something unsafe or granting permissions you shouldn’t.

How Can I Tell If a QR Code Is Fake?

You usually can’t determine whether a QR code is safe simply by looking at the pattern. Inspect the physical code for signs of tampering and preview the destination before opening it.

Is It Safe to Scan Restaurant QR Codes?

Most restaurant QR codes are legitimate. Still, check whether the code appears to belong to the restaurant and look at the destination before opening it.

Should I Use a QR Scanner App?

Usually not. Current iPhones and Android phones can scan QR codes using their built-in camera features.

What Should I Do If I Entered My Password on a Fake QR Website?

Go directly to the legitimate service and change your password immediately. If you used the same password elsewhere, change those passwords as well and enable two-factor authentication where available.

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This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Stop Scanning Random QR Codes. Here’s What Can Happen is a post by GBM Staff from Gotta Be Mobile.

A few quick adjustments can improve your privacy, tighten security, cut down on annoying notifications and give you more control over your phone. The exact menus can vary between Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Motorola and other Android phones, but these Android settings to change are worth finding on almost any device.

1. Turn On Theft Protection

Android includes theft protection features designed to help protect your phone and personal information if the device is stolen.

Open Settings and search for:

Theft Protection

Depending on your Android version and phone manufacturer, you may see features such as Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock and Remote Lock.

These protections can automatically lock your device when suspicious activity is detected or help prevent someone from accessing your information when your phone is offline.

While you’re there, make sure Find My Device or Google’s device-finding features are enabled. Losing a phone is irritating enough without discovering afterward that the feature designed to find it was turned off.

2. Review Your App Permissions

Apps can request access to your camera, microphone, contacts, location and other information.

Go to:

Settings > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Permission Manager

The wording may vary depending on your phone.

Instead of checking permissions one app at a time, Permission Manager lets you see which apps have access to things like your camera, microphone and location.

If a random game or shopping app has access to something it doesn’t reasonably need, change the permission.

3. Stop Giving Every App Your Precise Location

Not every app that needs your location needs to know exactly where you are.

Go to:

Settings > Location > App Location Permissions

Choose an app and review its location settings.

Android may allow you to choose options such as:

• Allow all the time
• Allow only while using the app
• Ask every time
• Don’t allow

You may also be able to turn off Use Precise Location for individual apps.

A navigation app obviously benefits from precise location. An app that simply needs to know what city you’re in probably doesn’t.

4. Take Control of Your Notifications

Install enough apps and your notification panel can quickly become a dumping ground for advertisements, promotions, reminders and other things you never asked to see.

Go to:

Settings > Notifications > App Notifications

Review which apps are allowed to send notifications.

You don’t necessarily have to disable an app completely. Many Android phones let you control individual notification categories so you can keep useful alerts while shutting off promotional ones.

This is especially useful for shopping, food delivery, games and other apps that have somehow concluded every sale deserves your immediate attention.

5. Check Which Apps Can Run in the Background

Some apps continue working even when you aren’t actively using them.

Depending on your Android phone, look under:

Settings > Battery

Then look for options such as Battery Usage, Background Usage Limits or App Battery Usage.

You may be able to restrict individual apps that don’t need constant background access.

Don’t aggressively restrict apps you rely on for real-time notifications or other background functions. The goal is to identify unnecessary activity, not prevent your phone from doing anything useful.

6. Turn On Private DNS

Private DNS is one of Android’s more useful settings that many people never touch.

Go to:

Settings > Network & Internet > Private DNS

On Samsung Galaxy phones, you may find it under:

Settings > Connections > More Connection Settings > Private DNS

Private DNS can encrypt DNS requests when used with a compatible provider, adding another layer of privacy to your internet activity.

If you don’t know what DNS provider you want to use, leaving the setting on Automatic is generally better than entering a random provider you found online.

7. Set Up Emergency SOS and Emergency Information

Emergency features are easy to ignore until the moment you actually need them.

Open Settings and search for:

Emergency SOS

Then review your phone’s emergency features and emergency contact information.

Depending on your device, Android may let you:

• Call emergency services using the power button
• Share your location with emergency contacts
• Store medical information
• Add emergency contacts
• Display emergency information from the Lock Screen

Take a few minutes to understand exactly how Emergency SOS is activated on your phone so you don’t accidentally trigger it later.

Which Android Settings Should You Change First?

If you don’t want to dig through every menu right now, start with security and privacy.

Check:

• Theft Protection
• App permissions
• Location permissions
• Emergency information

Then review notifications and background app activity.

Android gives you an enormous amount of control over your phone, but that control isn’t particularly useful if you never venture into Settings to see what’s enabled.

One More Android Setting Worth Checking

Open:

Settings > Security & Privacy

Look for your security update information.

Depending on your phone, Android may show the date of your latest security update and Google Play system update.

Keeping your device updated is one of the simplest ways to protect it against known security vulnerabilities.

And if you’re an iPhone household too, check out our guide to 7 iPhone Settings You’ll Wish You Changed Sooner. Many of the same privacy concerns exist on both platforms, even though Apple and Google have naturally hidden everything in completely different places.

FAQ

Are These Settings the Same on Every Android Phone?

No. Android manufacturers customize their software, so Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Motorola and other devices may use slightly different menu names and locations. Searching for the setting by name is often the fastest way to find it.

Should I Turn Off Location Services Completely?

Usually not. Location services are important for navigation, weather, finding a lost device and other useful features. Reviewing location access for individual apps gives you more control without disabling location entirely.

Should I Restrict Background Activity for Every App?

No. Some apps need background access to provide notifications and other features. Restrict apps that appear to be using unnecessary battery or data rather than automatically restricting everything.

Is Android’s Theft Protection Worth Turning On?

Yes. Theft protection and device-finding features can provide additional protection if your phone is lost or stolen. Review the available options on your specific Android device and make sure they’re configured before you need them.

This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

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7 Android Settings You’ll Be Glad You Changed is a post by GBM Staff from Gotta Be Mobile.

A few quick changes can make your iPhone less distracting, limit unnecessary tracking and give you more control over what apps can access. These iPhone settings to change only take a few minutes to review, and you may wonder why you didn’t change them sooner.

1. Stop Apps From Tracking You

Apps can request permission to track your activity across other companies’ apps and websites, primarily for advertising purposes.

Go to:

Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking

From here, you can review which apps have permission to track you.

You can also turn off Allow Apps to Request to Track if you don’t want apps asking for tracking permission in the future.

2. Review Which Apps Can See Your Location

There’s a good chance more apps have access to your location than actually need it.

Go to:

Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services

Review the apps individually.

For many apps, While Using the App makes more sense than allowing constant location access. You can also disable Precise Location for apps that only need a general idea of where you are.

Don’t automatically disable location access for everything. Navigation, weather and certain safety features legitimately use it.

3. Turn On Stolen Device Protection

If you haven’t enabled Stolen Device Protection, this is one of the most important iPhone settings to check.

Go to:

Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Stolen Device Protection

Stolen Device Protection adds additional security requirements when your iPhone is away from familiar locations.

It can make it harder for someone who steals your iPhone and knows your passcode to change critical security settings or gain access to your Apple Account.

4. Take Control of Your Notifications

Notifications can turn an otherwise useful phone into something that demands attention every six minutes.

Go to:

Settings > Notifications

Scroll through the list and ask yourself whether each app genuinely needs permission to interrupt you.

Games, shopping apps and apps you rarely use are good places to start.

You don’t necessarily have to disable notifications completely. You can change whether they appear on your Lock Screen, in Notification Center or as banners.

5. Check Background App Refresh

Background App Refresh allows apps to update information while you aren’t actively using them.

Go to:

Settings > General > Background App Refresh

You can disable the feature for individual apps that don’t need to constantly refresh.

If you’ve also noticed that your iPhone gets unusually warm, read our guide on Why Your iPhone Gets Hot and How to Fix It. Excessive background activity can sometimes contribute to both heat and battery use.

6. Change What Appears on Your Lock Screen

Your iPhone can display information and provide access to certain features without requiring you to unlock it.

Go to:

Settings > Face ID & Passcode

Scroll down to Allow Access When Locked.

You’ll see options that may include Control Center, Notification Center, Siri, Wallet and other features.

Decide which features you actually want accessible while your phone is locked. There’s no universal right combination, but it’s worth knowing what’s currently enabled.

7. Set Up Emergency SOS and Medical ID

This is one setting you hopefully never need, but it’s worth setting up correctly.

Go to:

Settings > Emergency SOS

Review how your iPhone can make an emergency call and make sure you understand the button combinations that trigger it.

Then open the Health app and review your Medical ID.

You can add emergency contacts and important information that can be available from your Lock Screen during an emergency.

Which iPhone Settings Should You Change First?

If you don’t want to go through every setting at once, start with privacy and security.

Review:

• App tracking
• Location permissions
• Stolen Device Protection
• Lock Screen access
• Emergency information

Then work through notifications and background activity.

There’s no reason to disable every feature simply because someone on the internet tells you to. The goal is to understand what your iPhone is doing and choose settings that make sense for how you use it.

One More Setting Worth Checking

While you’re already digging through Settings, open:

Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging

You can see your battery’s maximum capacity and whether iOS has detected any significant battery issues.

And if plugging the phone in has become the problem rather than the battery itself, our guide Phone Won’t Charge? 10 Fixes That Actually Work walks through the most common charging problems.

FAQ

Should I Turn Off All iPhone Tracking?

Not necessarily. Some location and tracking-related features provide useful functionality. Instead of disabling everything, review permissions app by app and decide whether each one actually needs the access you’ve given it.

Should Background App Refresh Be Turned Off?

You can turn it off completely, but you don’t have to. Disabling Background App Refresh for apps that don’t need constant updates is a good middle ground.

Is Stolen Device Protection Worth Turning On?

For most iPhone owners, yes. It adds another layer of protection against someone making critical changes to your account and security settings if your iPhone is stolen.

Will Changing These Settings Make My iPhone Faster?

These settings are primarily about privacy, security and usability. Reducing unnecessary background activity and notifications may improve the experience, but you shouldn’t expect these changes to transform an older iPhone into a new one.

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7 iPhone Settings You’ll Wish You Changed Sooner is a post by GBM Staff from Gotta Be Mobile.

1. Check the Charging Cable

Charging cables wear out more often than people realize.

Look for:

• Frayed ends
• Bent connectors
• Loose USB plugs
• Exposed wires

If possible, try another certified charging cable.

2. Try a Different Charger

The charger itself could be the problem.

Test:

• Another wall adapter
• Another USB-C charger
• A different outlet
• A computer USB port

If another charger works, you’ve found the issue.

3. Clean the Charging Port

Pocket lint is one of the most common causes of charging problems.

Use:

• A wooden toothpick
• A soft anti-static brush
• Compressed air (gentle bursts)

Avoid metal objects that could damage the charging pins.

4. Restart Your Phone

Software glitches can interrupt charging.

Restart the device and reconnect the charger after it powers back on.

5. Remove Thick Phone Cases

Some rugged cases prevent charging cables from seating completely.

Remove the case and reconnect the cable.

6. Let the Battery Recover

If your battery has been completely drained, it may stay black for several minutes.

Leave it connected to power for at least 30 minutes before assuming it’s dead.

7. Check for Moisture Warnings

Modern phones detect moisture inside the charging port.

If you receive a moisture alert:

• Disconnect the charger
• Let the phone dry naturally
• Avoid using heat or rice

8. Try Wireless Charging

If your phone supports wireless charging and it works normally, the charging port may be damaged rather than the battery.

9. Install Software Updates

Charging bugs occasionally appear after major software releases.

Install any available updates before assuming it’s a hardware issue.

10. Check Battery Health

Older batteries eventually wear out.

On iPhone:

Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging

On Android:

Many manufacturers include battery diagnostics within Settings or their support apps.

If battery health is very low, replacement may be the best solution.

When It’s Time for Repair

You may need professional service if:

• The charging port feels loose
• The phone only charges at one angle
• It overheats while charging
• It stops charging completely with multiple chargers
• The battery drains unusually fast

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Final Thoughts

Most charging problems are caused by worn cables, dirty charging ports, or faulty chargers rather than expensive hardware failures. Taking a few minutes to work through these steps can often save you the cost of an unnecessary repair. Once your phone is charging again, our guide on How to Extend Smartphone Battery Life can help keep your battery healthy and performing its best.

This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

How to Fix a Phone That Won’t Charge (iPhone & Android) is a post by GBM Staff from Gotta Be Mobile.

Over time, phones collect unnecessary files, install more apps, run additional background processes, and simply have to work harder than they did when they were new.

The good news is that a slow phone doesn’t always mean you need to buy a new one.

Here are ten simple ways to speed it up.

1. Restart Your Phone

One of the easiest fixes is also one of the most effective.

Restarting your phone clears temporary memory, closes background processes, and often improves performance immediately.

If you’re not sure how to restart your device, our guides on How to Hard Reset Every iPhone Model (2026 Guide) and How to Force Restart or Hard Reset Pixel 8a can help if your phone has stopped responding.

2. Check Your Available Storage

Phones need free storage to operate efficiently.

If your storage is nearly full, apps may load more slowly and updates can take longer to install.

Delete files you no longer need or move photos to cloud storage or an external drive.

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3. Update Your Software

Operating system updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes.

Install the latest version available for your phone whenever possible.

4. Remove Apps You Don’t Use

Every installed app has the potential to consume storage or run background tasks.

Removing apps you haven’t opened in months can help improve performance.

5. Clear Cached Data

Some apps build large caches over time.

Clearing cached files can free storage and solve unusual app behavior without deleting your personal data.

6. Turn Off Background App Activity

Some apps constantly refresh in the background.

Reducing unnecessary background activity can improve both performance and battery life.

7. Watch for Overheating

A phone that’s too hot often slows itself down to protect internal components.

If your phone frequently becomes warm during normal use, read our guide Why Your Phone Gets Hot (And What You Can Do About It) to learn what may be causing the problem.

8. Check Battery Health

Older batteries can affect overall performance.

Many smartphones now include battery health information in Settings.

If your battery has significantly degraded, replacing it may improve both battery life and responsiveness.

9. Use a Quality Charger

Low-quality charging accessories may not directly slow your phone, but unreliable charging can lead to poor battery performance over time.

Check this out on Amazon: UGREEN Nexode 45W GaN Charger

10. Know When It’s Time to Upgrade

If you’ve tried everything and your phone is still slow, the hardware may simply be reaching its limits.

Phones typically receive several years of software updates, but older processors eventually struggle to keep up with newer apps and features.

The Bottom Line

A slow phone doesn’t always need replacing.

Restarting your device, freeing storage, updating software, and reducing background activity can often restore much of the performance your phone had when it was new.

If none of these steps help, it may be time to replace the battery or consider upgrading your device.

This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, GottaBeMobile may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Why Your Phone Is Running Slow (10 Easy Fixes That Actually Work) is a post by GBM Staff from Gotta Be Mobile.

While these charging stations are convenient, they may not always be the safest option.

Here’s what you should know before plugging your phone into a public USB port.

What Is Juice Jacking?

“Juice jacking” is the term used to describe a cyberattack where a compromised USB port could attempt to access data on a connected device or install malicious software.

Modern smartphones have added protections against these attacks, but using an unknown USB connection still isn’t considered a best practice.

If your phone asks whether you trust a connected device or want to allow data access, always choose Charge Only if that option is available.

Are Public USB Charging Stations Dangerous?

Most public charging stations are perfectly legitimate.

However, because you have no way of knowing how the USB hardware is configured, security experts recommend avoiding direct USB data connections whenever possible.

The risk may be low, but it’s also easy to avoid.

Bring Your Own Charger

The safest option is to plug your own charging brick into a standard AC wall outlet instead of using a public USB port.

Modern compact chargers are small enough to fit in a backpack, purse, or laptop bag.

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Carry a Portable Battery

If you travel often, a portable power bank can keep your devices charged without needing to search for a public charging station.

Check this out on Amazon: INIU 20,000mAh Power Bank

Use a USB Data Blocker

A USB data blocker allows electricity to pass through while physically blocking data connections.

These inexpensive adapters are popular with travelers and can provide additional peace of mind when using unfamiliar charging ports.

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Keep Your Phone Updated

Phone manufacturers regularly release security updates that improve protection against newly discovered threats.

Keeping your operating system current is one of the simplest ways to improve your device’s security.

The Bottom Line

Public USB charging stations are convenient, but convenience shouldn’t come at the expense of security.

Whenever possible, use your own wall charger or a portable battery instead of plugging directly into an unknown USB port.

A few inexpensive accessories can help keep both your phone and your personal information safer while traveling.

This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, GottaBeMobile may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Why You Should Never Plug Your Phone Into a Public USB Charging Station is a post by GBM Staff from Gotta Be Mobile.