PCNEXUS

How to Access Notification History on Samsung Galaxy Phones (2026 Guide)

2026-07-24T09:14:50.203-07:00

Missed a notification and can't remember which app sent it? Samsung Galaxy phones include a built-in Notification History feature that lets you view recently dismissed notifications, helping you find alerts you accidentally swiped away or missed.

In this guide, you'll learn how to enable Notification History on a Samsung Galaxy phone, where to find your saved notifications, and what limitations you should know before using the feature.

What Is Notification History on Samsung Galaxy?

Notification History is an Android feature that keeps a record of recent notifications from your apps. Once enabled, it allows you to check notifications you have already dismissed without opening each app individually.

The feature shows details such as the app name, notification title, message preview, and the time the notification was received. However, it only starts saving notifications after you enable it, so it cannot restore alerts that were cleared before activation.

Notification History has a limited storage period. Samsung groups saved notifications under Recently dismissed and Last 24 hours. Samsung notification history more than 24 hours is automatically removed.

To turn on the feature, go to Settings > Notifications > Advanced settings > Notification history, then enable it if it is turned off.

Warning: Turning off Notification History removes the saved notification records. If the feature is already enabled, keep it turned on to avoid losing your notification history.

If you are exploring more Android customization options, check out our guide on changing Android power button settings and disabling Gemini.

How to See Notification History on Samsung Galaxy Phones

Notification History is enabled by default on some Samsung Galaxy phones. If it is not enabled on your device or you previously turned it off, follow these steps to enable it:

Open Settings on your Samsung Galaxy phone.
Tap Notifications.
Select Advanced settings.
Tap Notification history.
Tap the Notification history toggle switch to enable it.

Once enabled, your phone will start saving notifications from supported apps. Any notifications received before enabling this option will not appear in the history.

Expert Tip: If you have disabled notifications for an app, its alerts will not appear in Notification History. Make sure notifications are enabled for apps where you don't want to miss important alerts. Go to Settings > Notifications > App notifications to review your app notification settings.

For Samsung file management tips, see our guide on setting up network storage in Samsung My Files on Android.

Why Use Notification History on Samsung Galaxy?

Notification History is useful when you miss an alert or accidentally clear a notification before reading it. For example, you can check recent text message notifications you dismissed, review alerts from apps you don't recognize, or find notifications that appeared briefly in the notification panel.

It can also help you identify apps that have recently sent notifications, including apps you may not recognize. If a WhatsApp message notification appeared and was later cleared, Notification History may show the notification preview. However, it cannot restore deleted WhatsApp messages, and the message content may not always be visible. In some cases, WhatsApp only shows a generic alert such as "New message" or "New message from a particular chat" instead of the actual text.

If you want to improve Android privacy settings, you can also learn how to hide contact numbers in incoming and outgoing calls on Android.

Keep in mind that Notification History has limitations. Some notifications only show a shortened preview because the full message content may be hidden or truncated by the app.

For additional Samsung storage cleanup tips, read our guide on deleting invisible backups from Samsung Android phones.

Final Thoughts

Samsung's Notification History is a simple way to check dismissed notifications and find alerts you may have missed. Enable it before you need it, because it cannot recover notifications from before activation. While it has some limitations, such as a limited history period and incomplete message previews, it can be helpful for tracking recent alerts from your apps.

You can also explore Samsung's built-in editing features with our guide on removing unwanted objects using Samsung Object Eraser.

What Are 'Pending Files' on Samsung? How to Safely Remove Them Without Losing Data

2026-07-12T06:51:53.057-07:00

Think of Pending files as "digital leftovers." These are bits and pieces of a task that your phone started but never actually finished. Have you ever tried to download a large file in your browser only for the Wi-Fi to cut out?

Or perhaps you were uploading a high-res video to the cloud and the app crashed mid-way? One interesting fact here to note: WhatsApp files from your chats are also treated as 'Pending Files,' even though they weren't incomplete at all in my case.

Instead of just going away, these half-finished files get stuck on your phone. They sit there taking up space, waiting for a download to finish that will never actually happen.

The Key Difference Between Pending Files and Invisible Backups

While invisible backups are completed, permanent copies of your photos kept specifically for the "Revert to original" feature, pending files are just broken fragments from interrupted tasks and almost all files from your WhatsApp folder.

They serve no purpose (except WhatsApp files or any other important files) once the process has failed—they are essentially just cluttering up your internal storage and can be safely removed.

Read more about Samsung invisible backups and how to delete them.

Can You Delete Pending Files At Once From The Device Care

Unlike invisible backups, Samsung doesn’t actually give you a "Delete All" button for pending files. It’s frustrating, but there is no direct way to wipe them out in one tap like you can with photo backups.

Instead, you have to play detective, find where they are hiding, and delete them manually.

You can try heading to Settings > Device Care > Storage. Under the 'Storage' file categories, tap 'Show more' and look for a category called "Other Files." Tap it and you'll see "Pending Files" listed there, you can long-press a file and check "Details" to see its exact folder path. Once you know where it’s living, you can navigate there in your File Manager and trash it.

Screenshot showing the “Other Files” location in Samsung Device Care Storage.

If you’re staring at a massive list of these files, doing this one-by-one is a nightmare. However, to prevent accidental deletion, you must use your phone's built-in storage manager to clear unwanted files.

When I dug deep into this, I found that most of the 'Pending Files' were files from the WhatsApp folder. Almost all of the photos, videos and audios that I had shared on WhatsApp were visible under pending files.

Screenshot showing Pending Files in Samsung Device Care storage section.

So, I didn't bother clearing them one by one. I just headed to WhatsApp folder and deleted files that I no longer required. I used the Samsung file manager for this and deleted them all at once and also cleared the 'Recycle Bin' to totally free up the phone's storage space. I actually reclaimed approximately 2.5GB on my phone's storage space after deleting files from the WhatsApp folder.

Unfinished downloads are almost always tagged with the word "pending" in the file name. If you look in your Downloads folder, you’ll see things like .pending-123-filename. File name can be anything, but since the "pending" keyword is always there, you can easily spot these broken files and delete them yourself.

Example of a .pending file shown inside the Samsung My Files (File Manager) app.

Should You Delete Pending Files?

Short answer: It depends. When I checked the pending files section, my phone showed me WhatsApp files only that were not pending in any chat. Actually, these were important files from different chats which I can't delete.

So, if the files in the 'Pending files' section is not useful to you then you can delete, else not. Also, make sure any unfinished, half downloaded file will have a .pending file extension, you can delete them safely. If you delete files without checking, you'll lose them permanently.

I started downloading a 4GB file and intentionally disconnected my Wi-Fi after only 100MB had finished. Even though I only downloaded a tiny fraction of the data, One UI reported the file size as 2.91GB!

I’m not sure if this is just a weird file size calculation bug in One UI or if the system "reserves" the space ahead of time, but my available storage dropped by 3GB instantly.

As soon as I manually deleted that pending file (had a .pending label in its file name), I got all that space back. If you’ve had a few failed downloads recently, you could be sitting on gigabytes of "ghost" data without realizing it. So, deleting them is always advisable. Also check — how to clear cache and site data for a single website in Chrome .

Frequently Asked Questions

Will deleting "Pending Files" break my apps? +

Generally, no. Most are just orphaned download fragments. However, always check the folder path first; if the file is inside a folder for an app you use daily, avoid deleting it to be safe.

Why does my phone show massive file sizes for "Pending" downloads? +

This is often a storage reservation glitch. The system may "reserve" the full expected file size the moment a download starts, even if only a fraction of the data has actually been transferred.

Are all "Pending Files" actually incomplete downloads? +

No. WhatsApp often miscategorizes fully functional media files as "Pending" in the storage settings. Always verify the file in your File Manager before deleting it.

Is there a faster way to delete them than one-by-one? +

There is no "Delete All" button. The fastest way is to use the "My Files" app to navigate to the specific directory (like the WhatsApp Media folder) and delete the folders or batches of files directly.

Conclusion

Pending files are essentially digital debris—remnants of interrupted downloads or system processes that needlessly consume your storage. While they can be frustrating to track down, taking a few minutes to clear them is a highly effective way to reclaim space.

Just remember that not every file labeled "pending" is junk; always double-check the folder path, especially when it involves WhatsApp, to ensure you don't accidentally remove important media. If you verify what you're clearing, you can safely wipe away these fragments and keep your device's storage lean and responsive.

Samsung Bypass Charging Explained: How It Protects Your Phone Battery While Gaming

2026-07-04T06:43:08.934-07:00

Serious Android gaming requires a smartphone that not only packs a powerful processor but also a massive battery. However, longer gaming sessions make the phone's battery run out quickly. Over time, due to gaming for hours on your phone, the battery will start losing its desired performance.

To prevent this damage, Samsung phones have a built-in battery-saving feature that prevents degradation due to gaming. This feature is known as 'Bypass Charging' or 'Pause USB PD (Power Delivery).'

So, let's see what this feature is on Samsung phones and how does it work.

What's Bypass Charging Feature On Samsung Android Phones

For an Android gamer, if not the phone's hardware, the battery will definitely be a bottleneck for long gaming sessions. During those multiplayer gaming sessions, your phone will need recharging, as it can't last a full day.

Recharging hampers your gaming experience—as no power means no gaming. Also, it isn't viable to recharge the phone 2–3 times during a single gaming session. Secondly, keeping your phone plugged in while charging will not help, as gaming and charging happen simultaneously, causing overheating. Also, if you use your phone outdoors frequently, the battery can overheat. Here’s how to fix Android battery overheating issues.

To tackle this issue, Samsung has a solution known as the 'Bypass Charging' or 'Pause USB PD (Power Delivery)' feature. It directly powers your Samsung phone using a compatible USB PD charger with PPS (Programmable Power Supply). When you play games with a compatible USB PD PPS charger connected, the charger bypasses the battery and supplies power directly to the phone. This reduces heat buildup and unnecessary battery wear during long gaming sessions while helping preserve the battery's long-term health.

This feature can be found on almost every modern Samsung phone including the latest Galaxy phone Samsung Galaxy M47.

For additional protection, Samsung also offers built-in charging limits. You can enable battery protection on Samsung phones to reduce long-term wear.

How Samsung Bypass Charging Works

Samsung hasn't revealed how this feature works under the hood. So, I can't explain its exact working, but I can give you a general idea of its working.

Normally, when you plug your phone in, the charger first tops up the battery, and the battery powers the phone. While gaming, the battery is constantly being charged and discharged at the same time, which creates extra heat and gradually wears it down.

With Bypass Charging enabled, things work a little differently. Instead of routing power through the battery, the phone draws it directly from a compatible USB PD PPS charger if a game is running. The battery is almost left out of the circuit, staying at nearly the same charge level while the charger handles the heavy lifting.

You can confirm this yourself. While the charger is connected and you're gaming, check the battery level. It will remain the same and won't increase, confirming that the battery is not charging.

This means less heat during long gaming sessions, reduced battery wear, and more consistent performance, as the phone is less likely to throttle due to high temperatures. If the feature isn't available, disabled, or you're using an incompatible charger, the phone simply falls back to normal charging.

Here's one interesting thing to note—the feature only works when you're running a game. If you plug in the charger while watching YouTube or using any other app, the Bypass Charging feature will not work.

How to Enable Bypass Charging on Samsung Galaxy Phones

Before you can enable this feature on your Samsung phone, you must meet the following requirements.

A Samsung phone running One UI 6.0 or above.
A compatible Samsung PD PPS charger with a minimum power rating of 25 watts.
Original Samsung USB type-C charging cable.
Phone battery charged to 20% or above.

Samsung Bypass charging not working would become a common issue if the above requirements are not met. So, make sure to meet the requirements in order to use this feature.

Pro Tip: To check whether your Samsung charger supports PDO and PPS, simply look at the information printed on its body. Samsung lists the supported PDO and PPS power ratings on compatible chargers. If those ratings are mentioned, your charger supports the Bypass Charging feature.

Printed information on a Samsung charger showing USB PDO and PPS details.

Go to Settings > Advanced features > Game Booster settings.

If the 'Pause USB PD charging when gaming' or the Samsung Bypass Charging greyed out here then connect your phone charger.
After connecting the charger, tap the option to enable it.

Option to enable pause USB Power Delivery or bypass charging on Samsung phones.

You can now start playing games on direct power supplied by your phone charger. The battery will not be used while you game.

FAQ—Frequently Asked Questions

Is bypass charging bad for battery? +

No, it is not bad for your phone's battery. The bypass charging feature is actually saving your phone's battery from overheating and degradation. While you play games with the charger connected, the battery is not used and also doesn't get charged. All the power required by your phone is delivered by the charger. Also, to minimize battery degradation, you can follow these tips to extend battery life on Samsung phones.

How long can I use bypass charging? +

There's no such limit on this. While you actively game with the phone charger connected, the charger keeps delivering power to your phone bypassing the battery function. However, bypass charging feature will not work if your battery level is 20% or less. So, it is always a good idea to keep the battery charged to 50-60% of its capacity.

How to know if bypass charging is working? +

During gaming on your Samsung phone with the charger connected, check the battery level. It will remain the same or go down normally after some time, but it will not increase. This confirms that the bypass charging feature is working.

Conclusion

Bypass Charging is one of those underrated Samsung features that can make a real difference if you spend hours gaming on your phone. By letting a compatible charger power the device directly instead of constantly charging and discharging the battery, it helps reduce heat and slows down long-term battery wear. If your Samsung Galaxy phone supports this feature, it's worth enabling it before your next gaming session to keep both performance and battery health in better shape over time.

Why Does My Samsung Phone Show Two Settings Apps and How to Fix It?

2026-06-28T08:18:48.360-07:00

Have you recently started seeing two Settings apps on your Samsung phone? If you do then you might be worried about an Android system-level app being installed twice. At first, this may look suspicious and make you believe that your phone has got some malware.

Well, we can't rule out the possibility of rogue Android apps completely, but let's not make assumptions—let's see what is actually causing the Settings app to appear twice on One UI.

Why The Settings App Appears Twice On Samsung One UI

Samsung One UI provides a 'Dual Messenger' feature. The feature allows you to install a second copy of several social media and messenger apps like: WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, Snapchat etc.

So, technically, you can set up two accounts on your Samsung phone using this app cloning feature. But that is not all. Once you clone a supported app using the 'Dual Messenger' feature, several other apps also get cloned as a working requirement.

So, you may not only see two Settings apps, but you may also see two Chrome browser apps, two Android System WebView apps, and two Google Play Services apps. However, these apps are used internally by the cloned app and will not appear twice in the app drawer.

Do Cloned Apps on My Samsung Phone Mean Malware?

It could be a possibility as no Android phone is 100% secure. Hackers try their best to trick Android users globally to install rogue apps that look legitimate.

Once installed, such apps can lock your device, steal sensitive data, encrypt your data and demand ransomware, show you a large number of ads, or secretly use your phone for data mining.

The chances of such malware attacks are quite low to zero if you're not getting yourself tricked in installing unknown apps. Also, Samsung's Auto Blocker security feature auto-blocks third-party app installations, so, your phone is pretty secure and chances of malware getting into your phone is quite low.

Make sure to never install Android APKs by downloading them from random websites and never disable Auto Blocker.

If you have downloaded several unknown Android APKs then delete them immediately as they might be malicious. Deleted files go straight to the recyle bin and you must also delete those files from there also.

You can manage your One UI's recycle bin pretty fast by learning How to Add a Recycle Bin Shortcut to the Samsung Home Screen

How to Fix The Settings App Appearing Twice On a Samsung Phone

If this is bothering you then simply disable the 'Dual Messenger' feature on your Samsung phone and delete the cloned app data and storage. But only do this if you are not using an account in the second copy of the installed app.

Caution:Deleting a dual app can delete your app's data unless you are choosing to keep it. You can later restore the data for the cloned app if dual storage space is not deleted.

Go to Settings > Advanced features > Dual Messenger.
Look for the apps that are enabled here.
Tap the blue switch next to every app to uninstall their second copy.
Disabling 'Dual Messenger' only uninstalls the cloned app but doesn't delete their data.
You can still access their data in My Files > Internal storage (Dual Messenger).

Dual Messenger storage option in Samsung My Files

If you also wish to permanently delete the 'Dual Messenger' app data, go to the dual messenger option in Settings again. Tap the three vertical dots in the top-right corner and tap 'Delete all my data' and then 'Delete' once a delete confirmation popup appears.

You have successfully deleted the Dual Messenger apps and their storage on your Samsung phone and now you won't see duplicate apps on your phone.

If you're also facing low storage problem on your Samsung phone, check How to Delete Invisible Backups on Samsung Android Phones. These backups take a large space on your Samsung phone and must be deleted accordingly.

Conclusion

In most cases, seeing the Settings app twice or other duplicate apps is related to Samsung One UI's Dual Messenger feature, and is not a sign of malware. The feature is quite useful for those who wish to setup two accounts for the same app. However, if you enabled this app just to test and now no longer want it, disable it entirely.

Disabling this feature will delete the associated data and duplicate Settings issue will be resolved. If this helped you then take a minute to share this article.

How to Use the LG ThinQ App to Control Your LG Wi-Fi AC From Your Phone

2026-06-23T11:29:56.817-07:00

Controlling your LG Wi-Fi AC is easier than searching for the remote every time you want to change the temperature or mode. With the LG ThinQ App, you can connect your air conditioner to your smartphone and manage settings like cooling mode, fan speed, temperature, and schedules directly from your phone.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to set up the LG ThinQ App and use it to control your LG Wi-Fi AC without needing the physical remote.

Before you start: Your LG Wi-Fi AC must already be connected to the LG ThinQ app. If you haven't completed the setup yet, follow our guide on how to connect your LG 5 Star Wi-Fi AC to the LG ThinQ app before continuing.

Control Your LG Wi-Fi AC From the LG ThinQ App (Android/iOS)

Once your LG AC is linked with the ThinQ App, using it becomes simple. You can turn the AC on or off, change the temperature, adjust the fan speed, and switch between different modes right from your phone. Let’s look at how you can control these features through the app.

1. Increase or Decrease the Cooling Temperature

Here's a step-by-step guide to control your LG AC's temperature with the LG ThinQ app. Just follow the steps as listed below. Make sure your smartphone and the LG AC must be connected to internet. You don't need to connect your smartphone to the same Wi-Fi to which your AC is connected. For your smartphone, you can also use its cellular mobile data to send remote control commands to your AC.

Open the LG ThinQ smart home app and tap the 'Device' tab. You will see all your LG ACs listed here. Tap the 'Power' button to turn on the AC as this will enable all the functions.

Once you tap the 'Power' button, your AC will start running and the app will show details such as the indoor temperature and target temperature. Tap the AC card/widget to open its functions.
Once you tap the AC card, you will see the controls on the screen as shown in the image below. From this software control panel you can control your AC's temperature, indoor unit's fan speed, airflow swing (if applicable), make it convertible (40%, 60%, 80% or set to AI Plus convertible). You will also see options for 'VIRAAT' mode or 'Jet Mode' and 'Himclean' (for cleaning heat exchanger) here.

To increase or decrease the AC temperature, see the the temperature control function just below the 'Power' button. Move the slider toward right to increase the temperature or move it left to decrease the temperature. You can also use the '+' and the '-' buttons to increase or decrease the temperature by 1 °C (celcius) with every single tap.

2. Increase or Decrease Indoor Unit's Fan Speed

At any instant of time, you may need to increase or decrease the indoor unit's fan speed. Here's how you can do it.

On the LG ThinQ app's control panel, tap the 'Fan Speed' option.

Here, you will see five speed options and a separate option for 'Auto' speed. Tap the desired level or use the '+' and '-' buttons to increase or decrease the fan speed respectively.

You can also enable the option 'Auto' if you wish to let the AC manage the fan speed automatically.

3. Adjust Airflow By Configuring Up/Down and Left/Right Swing Function

The airflow must be adjusted on your LG air conditioner, so that it evenly cools your rooms. The LG 5 star Wi-Fi ACs support both the up/down and left/right swing to direct the airflow in every corner of the room. To configure the swing function on your LG AC, follow the steps given below.

Tap the 'Airflow' flow in the main controls section within the smart home app.

Here, you will see two options 'UP/DOWN' and 'LEFT/RIGHT.'

If all the bars inside the airflow swing are grey then this means the swing is disabled.
To enable the up/down swing function tap the up/down arrows. Tapping the arrow button will activate only one mode of the up/down swing. There are a total of six up/down swing modes.
If you wish to set the up/down swing to work continuously then you have to enable all the six swing levels. To do this tap the 'Up/Down Swing' option to enable. Enabling this option will activate the auto up/down swing.
To disable the swing from any level just tap the 'Up/Down Swing' option to enable it and then disable it. You will see that all the swing levels turn grey which means that it has been disabled.
Similarly, you can configure the left/right swing as per your convenience.

4. Schedule Your LG AC For Auto Start and Off

You can set a schedule for your LG AC which will automatically turn it on and turn it off at your desired times. The 'Schedule' function is extremely useful and must be used while you go to bed for a sleep. Follow the steps below to configure the schedule option.

Tap the 'Schedule' option on the main controls screen.

Tap 'Turn On' option and set a time at which you wish your LG AC to turn on automatically.

Similarly, tap 'Turn Off' and set a time at which you wish your LG AC to turn off automatically.
Now, your LG AC will turn on and off at the set time interval. But please note that this would be for one time only. If you wish to set a daily schedule or a schedule that you wish to repeat on multiple days then you have to configure this setting.
Under 'Repeat Schedule' simply tap 'Add Schedule.'
Now select the 'Start Time' at which you want your LG AC to turn on automatically. Also, under the 'Repeat' option select the days you wish to repeat this schedule. If all the days are visible in blue then this means the schedule will repeat on all days. Tap the day to unselect on which you wish not to repeat the schedule.

Now come under 'Operation Settings' tap 'Power' and then select/tap 'Turn On.'
Here, you can configure settings such as 'Operating Mode', 'Target Temperature', and 'Fan Speed.' Tap 'Save' to save the schedule for automatic 'Turn On.'
Now we have to set a schedule for auto turn off. However, this is optional and you can choose to skip it if you wish.
Under the 'Repeat Schedule' tap 'Add Schedule' again. Select the 'Start Time' at which you wish your LG AC to turn off automatically. Also, select the days as per your turn on schedule.
Under 'Operation Settings' tap 'Power' and select 'Turn Off.' Finally, tap 'Save' to save this auto turn off schedule.

Note: The auto turn on and turn off times would be different depending on how long you want your LG to operate. For example, if you have set the start time as 11:00AM in the morning and you want the AC to operate 1 hour then turn off time would be 12:00PM. You can select any time range as per your usage and requirement.

5. Enable Sleep Timer For Your LG AC On LG ThinQ

You can enable sleep timer for your air conditioner, after running for that particular time period, your AC will turn off automatically. You can set the sleep timer starting from 30 minutes and up to 7 hours.

Tap the 'Sleep Timer' option on the main controls panel.

You will be asked to set a countdown timer for a time period. You can select 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours and so on. The maximum time can be set for 7 hours only.

Tap 'Save' to set the countdown timer. If you wish to disable this option, tap the blue slider button just next to the 'Sleep Timer.'

6. Make Your 5-star LG AC Convertible To Save Power In LG ThinQ

One of the most useful features of your LG 5-star Wi-Fi AC is that you can make it convertible. The convertible feature lets you use your LG AC at 40%, 60% or 80% efficiency. By using this feature, you can save power and reduce your electricity bills. To configure this feature follow the steps below.

Tap the 'AI Plus Convertible' option and select the LG AC efficiency from 40%, 60% or 80%.

If you wish you can set your LG AC's to AI Plus (LG's artificial intelligence feature) to let your Air conditioner control the cooling capacity automatically based on current conditions.

7. How to Use Smart Diagnosis In LG ThinQ

The 'Smart Diagnosis' feature can help you identify faults with your AC's temperature sensor, digital inverter, fan motor, voltage, compressor, refrigerant, pressure sensor and the current sensor.

To use this feature, go to Useful Features > Smart Diagnosis option and then tap 'Get Started' button to start the smart diagnosis. If smart diagnosis finds an issue with the AC's hardware, it will report it and show you the results.

Conclusion

The LG ThinQ App makes it simple to control your LG Wi-Fi AC without using the physical remote. You can adjust the temperature, change fan speed, manage airflow, set schedules, enable sleep timers, and use power-saving features directly from your smartphone.

Once your LG AC is connected to the ThinQ App, you can control its important functions anytime with an internet connection. These smart controls make daily AC usage more convenient while helping you manage cooling according to your needs.

If you want to monitor and manage your AC's energy consumption, check out our guide on setting up Energy Manager+ on your LG Wi-Fi AC with the LG ThinQ app.

How to Setup Energy Manager+ On Your 5-star LG Wi-Fi AC With LG ThinQ

2026-06-23T11:29:43.892-07:00

Energy Manager+ helps you keep track of how much electricity your LG AC is expected to use over a set period. By setting a target energy consumption, you can better manage your usage, estimate running costs, and avoid surprises on your electricity bill. It's a simple way to stay comfortable while keeping energy consumption under control.

Follow the steps below to set up Energy Manager+ in the LG ThinQ app.

Before You Set Up Energy Manager+ On Your LG

Before setting up Energy Manager+, make sure your LG Wi-Fi AC is already connected to the LG ThinQ app. If you haven't completed the connection process yet, follow this step-by-step guide on how to connect your LG 5-Star Wi-Fi AC to LG ThinQ.

Make sure your LG AC is connected to Wi-Fi.
Update the LG ThinQ app to the latest version.
Energy Manager+ is only available on compatible 5-star LG AC models.

If you meet the above conditions then you're ready to follow the steps given below.

Open your LG AC controls screen in the LG ThinQ app. Tap Useful Features, then select Energy Manager+.

Open Energy Manager+ from the Useful Features section in the LG ThinQ app.

Tap 'Go to Settings' to open the energy manager setup.

Open the Energy Manager+ settings page in the LG ThinQ app.

Under 'Schedule Settings' tap 'Start Date' and select your start date, similarly select your 'End Date.' Tap 'Daily Usage' and select the hours of operation per day.

Set start date, end date, and daily usage in the Energy Manager+ schedule settings.

Under Target Energy Usage, enter your desired energy consumption limit in kWh. The available target value depends on the number of hours selected under Daily Usage.

Enter your target energy consumption limit in kWh in the Energy Manager+ settings.

You can also enter your local Power Rate (electricity cost per kWh). Once entered, LG ThinQ will calculate the estimated Target Billing Charge based on your target energy usage. For example, if your electricity provider charges $4 per kWh, enter 4 as the power rate.
Once you enter the power rate, the 'Target Billing Charge' will show you the estimated power consumption charge in your currency.
Finally, tap 'Save' to save the energy manager settings. A popup will open tap 'OK' to proceed.
If you wish to delete the energy manager or change its settings then tap the 'Energy Manager+' option, then tap the 'Settings' button in the top right corner. Here, you can change the settings for 'Start Date', 'End Date' and 'Daily Usage.' Tap 'Delete Settings' if you wish to delete the energy manager settings.

Remove or update Energy Manager+ settings from the LG ThinQ app.

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

What is Energy Manager Plus in LG AC? +

Energy Manager Plus is a smart feature in LG ACs that monitors and limits power consumption. It lets you set daily or monthly energy targets, view real-time usage, and receive alerts when consumption nears limits. Use it to schedule runtime and manage settings so cooling stays comfortable while reducing electricity bills.

Why is Energy Manager+ not showing in my LG ThinQ app? +

If Energy Manager+ is not available, check that your LG AC model supports the feature, your AC is connected to Wi-Fi, and the LG ThinQ app is updated. Some models may not support this feature.

What is 6 in 1 mode in LG AC? +

The 6-in-1 (convertible) mode lets you choose from six cooling capacities — reducing or increasing the AC’s effective tonnage. By selecting lower steps you use less power for light cooling needs; higher steps deliver full capacity when required. It provides flexible, energy-efficient cooling tailored to room conditions.

Conclusion — Manage Your LG AC Energy Usage with Energy Manager+

Setting up Energy Manager+ on your LG Wi-Fi AC gives you better control over your energy usage and helps you keep track of your expected electricity consumption. With your energy targets and billing details configured in the LG ThinQ app, you can monitor your AC usage more efficiently and make adjustments whenever needed. This makes it easier to enjoy comfortable cooling while staying aware of your power consumption.

Internet Speed Is Fast But Websites Load Slow? Fix DNS Settings

2026-06-20T09:46:22.234-07:00

You’re not alone when even with a high-speed internet connection, websites can load painfully slow on both PC and mobile. This becomes more confusing when speed tests still show full bandwidth and stable results.

This doesn’t automatically point to your Internet Service Provider. In most cases, the connection itself is fine, and raw speed is not the issue.

The issue is often not your internet speed but the time it takes for your device to find the website it wants to open. This process depends on DNS (Domain Name System), and a slow DNS response can delay every website request.

So, in this post, we’ll focus on the DNS-related cause behind slow website loading despite a fast connection and walk through the exact steps to fix it.

Fast internet speed but slow website loading can be caused by DNS delays.

Why DNS Can Make Websites Feel Slow

Before a website can load, your device must first find out where that website is located on the internet.

When you enter a website address such as google.com, your device sends a request to a DNS server. The DNS server returns the website's IP address, allowing the browser to connect and begin loading the page.

This step happens before any website content is downloaded.

If the DNS server responds slowly, the browser must wait. Even with a fast internet connection, websites may appear sluggish because every visit starts with a delayed lookup.

That is why a speed test can show excellent results while normal browsing still feels slow.

Sometimes DNS works correctly, but your internet can still feel slow. In that case, the problem may be related to your Wi-Fi network, router placement, signal interference, or connected devices. Check our guide on how to fix slow Wi-Fi and improve wireless speed for additional troubleshooting steps.

Another Problem: Inconsistent DNS Across Devices

In many home networks, DNS requests are not always handled by the same service.

Your router may use the DNS servers provided by your internet provider. A Windows PC may be configured with a different DNS service. A browser such as Chrome may use Secure DNS. Android may use Private DNS.

As a result, different devices can end up using different DNS servers for the same network.

While this does not always cause problems, it can lead to inconsistent browsing performance, delayed lookups, and unreliable website loading.

The easiest solution is to standardize DNS across your network.

Use Cloudflare DNS

Cloudflare operates one of the fastest DNS servers available. Use the following Cloudflare DNS servers across your devices.

IPv4 DNS Servers

Primary DNS: 1.1.1.1
Secondary DNS: 1.0.0.1

IPv6 DNS Servers

Primary DNS: 2606:4700:4700::1111
Secondary DNS: 2606:4700:4700::1001

By configuring these DNS servers on your router, every device connected to your network can use the same DNS provider automatically.

Changing DNS Settings on Your Router

Make sure you're device is connected to your home/office internet wither via Wi-Fi or an ethernet cable.
Open an installed browser on your device and enter your routers default gateway IP address. It could be 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.2.1. To get the exact IP address, simply check your router's back panel for details.
Once the page opens, enter the username and password to login. If you never changed your router's admin panel's password then you can use the password printed at the back of your Wi-Fi router.
Once logged in, look for 'DNS Settings.' You will probably find it under Network > Internet > Advanced settings. However, the exact path would depend on your router's model.
Look for settings that allow you to change the DNS server settings.
Once you find it, you will be able to see two options: 'Primary DNS' and 'Secondary DNS' separately for IPv4 and IPv6 networking.
Under IPv4 and IPv6 settings, enter the respective addresses for 'Primary DNS' and 'Secondary DNS' as we have shared above in this post. You can check the image below for reference.

Example of DNS server configuration settings in a Wi-Fi router.

After adding the Cloudflare DNS server address details, click the 'Save' button to save the new DNS configuration in your router.
Reboot your router and connect your devices again to the network with newly configured DNS settings.

After the router restarts, newly connected devices should automatically receive the updated DNS information.

Do You Need to Configure Every Device Individually?

You usually don't need to configure DNS on every device. Once you change the DNS settings on your router, most connected devices will automatically use the same DNS servers.

However, some devices may have their own DNS settings configured. For example, a browser with Secure DNS enabled or a device manually set to use one of the best DNS servers such as Google DNS, OpenDNS, Quad9, or another provider will bypass the router's DNS settings.

If that happens, either change the device back to automatic DNS assignment or manually configure it to use the same DNS servers as your router.

Verify That Cloudflare DNS Is Working

After configuring Cloudflare DNS on your router and devices, the next step is to verify that everything is working correctly. This confirms that your devices are actually using Cloudflare DNS instead of another DNS provider.

Open a browser on your phone or PC and visit 1.1.1.1/help.
Under Debug information, check Connected to 1.1.1.1 and Using DNS over HTTPS (DoH). Both should show Yes.
Under Connectivity to Resolver IP Addresses, make sure all listed IP addresses show Yes.

If all checks pass, Cloudflare DNS is working correctly on your network and configured devices.

If websites are still not loading on your phone after checking DNS settings, the issue may be related to your mobile network (if not using Wi-Fi), SIM settings, or Android connectivity configuration. In that case, check our guide on how to fix mobile internet not working on Android.

You can now test website loading again. If DNS was causing the delay, pages should start opening faster and browsing should feel more responsive.

Caution: While custom DNS settings may usually make browsing faster, it can occasionally cause issues with certain websites—especially local or region-specific ones. If you ever find that a specific site refuses to load while other sites work normally, don’t immediately assume the website is down. Try switching your settings back to your ISP’s default for a moment to see if that fixes it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8 faster? +

Both are fast DNS servers. The actual speed depends on your location and your internet provider. In many cases, Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) gives slightly faster DNS responses, but the difference is usually very small.

Google DNS (8.8.8.8) is also reliable and works well for most users. If your ISP DNS is slow, switching to either of these can improve website loading speed.

Is Cloudflare DNS 1.1.1.1 safe? +

Yes, Cloudflare DNS is safe to use. It only changes the server that handles your DNS requests. Your internet connection, apps, and websites will continue working normally.

Cloudflare also supports encrypted DNS features like DNS over HTTPS, which helps protect your DNS requests from being easily monitored on the network.

How to apply Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 DNS? +

The easiest way is to change the DNS settings in your Wi-Fi router.

Use these DNS addresses:

Primary DNS: 1.1.1.1
Secondary DNS: 1.0.0.1

After saving the settings, restart your router. Most connected devices will automatically start using Cloudflare DNS.

You can also configure Cloudflare DNS manually on Windows, Android, or your browser if you want to use it on a specific device only.

Final Thoughts

If websites still take time to start loading even though your speed tests look good, checking your DNS settings is a good place to start.

A slow DNS response can add a delay before your browser even begins loading the website.

Using a reliable DNS provider like Cloudflare can help reduce these delays and make browsing more consistent without changing your internet plan or upgrading your connection.

Gmail Send Button Greyed Out on Android? Here’s How to Fix It Quickly

2026-06-17T09:46:17.655-07:00

Have you recently been unable to send an email because the Gmail send button is greyed out on Android? You're not alone if you see this issue. A number of users report Gmail send button not working once in a while.

The issue may arise from corrupted app cache, app update issues or gmail limits being reached. However, there's nothing to be worried about as this can be fixed under 5 minutes.

In this guide, you'll find simple fixes to restore the working of Gmail send button and start sending emails again.

Gmail Send Button Greyed Out on Android? Try This Quick Fixes

When you find Gmail send button not working (button that doesn't respond to taps), it can be really confusing—especially when you’re ready to send an important email.

The good news is that this is usually a minor issue that you can fix quickly. Below are some simple fixes you can try to bring the send button back and continue emailing normally.

How to Clear Cache On Gmail

I treat this fix as the gold standard for fixing greyed out 'Send' button in Gmail app. You can follow the steps below to clear the Gmail app cache.

Long tap on the Gmail app, a popup will open. Tap the 'i' icon or 'App info' button.

App Info button from the Gmail app.

In Gmail app info, tap 'Storage' and then tap 'Clear cache.'

Tap Clear cache to delete temporary Gmail app files.

Now go one step back and tap 'Force stop' to close the app.
Go back to Android app drawer and tap Gmail app now. Open the draft email (previously saved) or create a new email.
The Gmail 'Send' button will now work without any issues.

Expert Tip:Always ensure that your Gmail Android app is up to date. App updates come with bug fixes that prevent normal an app from working normally. To check for an update, simply open Google Play Store and search for the Gmail app. If an app update is available, you will see the 'Update' button. Just hit that button to install the latest app update.

Why Is My Gmail Send Button Greyed Out?

A greyed-out Gmail send button not working is often caused by a cache issue.

Gmail stores temporary files to help the app run faster, but these files can sometimes become corrupted after an update or system change. When that happens, certain features may stop working properly, including the Send button.

Clearing the Gmail cache removes these temporary files and lets the app create fresh ones. Your emails and account data won't be affected.

Gmail Limits Can Prevent Emails From Being Sent

Apart from a greyed-out Send button, Gmail may also stop you from sending emails when you hit certain account limits. These restrictions are usually temporary and can happen due to sending too many emails, large attachments, or unusual account activity.

Daily sending limit reached:
Personal Gmail accounts can send up to 500 emails within a 24-hour period. If you hit that limit, Gmail may temporarily block outgoing messages.
Attachment size is too large:
Gmail supports attachments up to 25 MB. However, larger files are usually uploaded to Google Drive automatically and shared through a link.
Too many recipients:
Gmail also limits the number of recipients you can email within a 24-hour period. Sending to more than 500 recipients at once can trigger restrictions.
Security checks or account restrictions:
Unusual sign-ins or suspicious activity can cause Gmail to temporarily block email sending. In such a case Google may ask you to verify your account ownership using account recovery options.
Email stuck in Outbox:
If the Send button works but the email stays in Outbox, check your internet connection and account sync settings.

If Gmail still fails to send emails, the problem may be related to your internet connection. Before trying again, check whether your mobile data is working properly by following this guide to fix mobile internet issues on Android.

Conclusion

A greyed-out Gmail send button not working is usually linked to a cache problem, a Gmail sending limit, or a temporary account restriction.

Start by clearing the Gmail app cache, checking your connection, and making sure you haven't exceeded Gmail's limits. If the issue remains, update the Gmail app or add your account again on your phone.

Samsung Max VPN Is Discontinued: Can You Uninstall It?

2026-06-15T08:06:31.315-07:00

Samsung Max VPN was officially discontinued on June 15, 2026 by Samsung. The service is no longer supported, no longer receiving updates, and essentially no longer functional as an active VPN tool.

But here’s what’s confusing many users: can you uninstall Max VPN?

Why Is The Samsung Max VPN App Still There?

In most cases, Samsung Max VPN is not a normal “download and delete” app. On many Samsung devices, it comes pre-installed or is treated like a system-level app. Once you open the app, you'll only see service discontinuation notice dated June 15, 2026.

Samsung Max VPN app official discontinuation notice.

If you have downloaded this app from Google Play Store, it can be uninstalled. But the Galaxy Store version of the Max VPN can't be uninstalled right now. Once you check the app information, you won't find an option to uninstall it.

That basically means it sits closer to the phone’s software than a regular app you install from the Play Store. So even when the service is discontinued, the app doesn’t just disappear on its own.

Can You Uninstall Samsung Max VPN?

Here’s the simple truth as things stand right now:

You usually cannot fully uninstall it on most Samsung phones as of now
Some devices may only allow you to disable it
In certain cases, you might only see options like force stop or uninstall updates

It may depend heavily on the phone model, One UI version, and how Samsung has configured system apps on that specific device.

If you’re also tidying up your phone and going through old apps, you might find Samsung’s built-in editing tools useful too. For example, Object Eraser can quietly clean up unwanted things from your photos without much effort. You can see how it works here: Samsung Object Eraser tool guide.

Warning: You may find guides online telling you to remove Samsung Max VPN using ADB tools, but Samsung has not officially approved this. Trying to force-remove a system app can cause problems with your phone, updates, or software stability. It’s safer to leave it as it is and wait for an official update.

Will Samsung Remove It In Future Software Updates?

There’s a good chance that Samsung will phase it out completely in future software updates. When companies retire built-in services, they often clean them out gradually through OS upgrades.

There's no point of keeping an app as a system-level component that has been discontinued. So hopefully, Samsung will definitely remove it in the upcoming Android software upgrades for eligible devices.

But this doesn’t happen everywhere at once. Some devices get the change early, while others may keep the app sitting there for a long time—even if it does nothing anymore.

What about older Samsung phones?

This is where it gets a bit frustrating for some users as not all Samsung phones will get future software upgrades.

If you’re on an older Samsung device, there’s a real possibility that Samsung Max VPN will simply stay there permanently. Even after discontinuation, it might:

Remain visible in the app list
Stop working completely but not disappear
Never receive an update that removes it

In some cases, it may just become one of those “forgotten” system apps that stays in the background of older software versions.

So what should you do?

Honestly, if the app is still on your phone, it’s not something to panic about. It’s usually inactive and doesn’t cause issues once the service is shut down.

You can check if your device allows you to disable it, but if not, it’s generally safe to just leave it alone. It’s not doing much in the background anymore.

If your Samsung phone is eligible to receive the next major Android software upgrade, the app will likely be removed. So, wait for the next OS upgrade without doing anything from your side.

If you’re also dealing with hidden storage or leftover system clutter on your Samsung device, you can learn how to remove them using this guide on deleting invisible backups on Samsung Android.

Bottom line

Samsung Max VPN is gone as a service, but the app itself is a bit harder to erase because of how deeply it’s tied into some Samsung One UI software.

Newer updates may eventually remove it, but older phones might carry it for a long time—possibly indefinitely.

Mobile Internet Not Working on Android? Fix It in 10 Steps

2026-06-14T11:07:00.644-07:00

Mobile data not working on Android is a super common problem. Most of the time it’s a quick fix, but it can still be annoying since we depend on it for everything.

Usually it’s caused by simple glitches, network congestion, or wrong settings. Other times it could be a carrier outage, maintenance, or bad weather you can’t do anything about.

If your mobile internet has stopped working, this guide will walk you through the fastest ways to find the cause and get it running again.

Quick Answer: Mobile data on Android usually stops working due to APN errors, SIM or network registration issues, or incorrect settings. Fix it fast by toggling Airplane mode, restarting your phone, resetting network settings, checking APN, and removing/reinserting the SIM.

Table Of Contents

Proven Fixes for Restoring Mobile Data on Android
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion: Fix Android Mobile Data Issues Quickly and Easily

Proven Fixes for Restoring Mobile Data on Android

Mobile data issues on Android often come from misconfigured network settings, SIM not properly connecting to the carrier, or incorrect APN (Access Point Names) profiles. The fixes below focus on the most reliable checks to quickly restore a stable mobile internet connection.

1. Check Your Subscription Plan and Mobile Data Balance

A valid subscription plan is always required before you can use internet on your phone. Before going into troubleshooting, always make sure that you have enough data balance and your monthly bill is not past the due date.

Network carriers disconnect services in case of non-payment of bills. In such a situation you'll see full network signals but internet doesn't work. If your internet is not working due to this reason, simply clear your bill to resume services.

If your subscription plan doesn't have unlimited data then it is better to set your mobile data as metered on Android. Doing so, will save your data and prevent background data usage. Check this article: Set Mobile Data As Metered Connections On Android.

2. Restart Your Phone For a Cellular Reconnection

Restarting your phone should be the first step in case your network is acting up. Restarting makes your phone register itself on the network with the nearest available cell tower. In most situations, restarting quickly fixes network glitches and temporary connection issues.

On most Android phones, while long pressing the power button Google Gemini pops up instead of showing power options. If this happens with you then check this article: How to turn off Gemini on Android power button.

3. Enable Flight/Airplane Phone to Reset Network

Enabling the flight disconnects the phone network completely. Once Airplane/Flight mode is enabled, your phone can't register on any cellular network. Basically, we use this mode when we board an aeroplane. We also use flight mode to reset the mobile connection.

If you're having mobile internet issues on your phone, simply enable flight mode for at least 10 seconds and then disable it. Once you disable it, your phone will automatically connect to the network. You can then check if the services have been restored.

You can simply access the flight mode from your phone's quick settings panel or by going to Settings > Connections/Network & Internet.

Airplane mode option in the Android Quick Settings panel.

4. Remove the SIM, Clean and Reinsert

Though you don't need to remove your SIM everytime you face network troubles, but sometimes it does work. Cleaning the SIM and then reinserting it in the phone may help.

A SIM card contains a golden film housed over a chip. It is possible for this golden film to get dirty or rusty over time. This can make the data communication between the SIM and the phone difficult. A simple gentle wipe with a piece of cloth cleans the SIM surface restoring the functionality.

Cleaning the golden contact part of a SIM card.

If you're using two SIMs on your phone then you can configure the dual SIM manager by checking this article: Configure Android Dual SIM Manager for Calls, Data, and SMS.

5. Check For Network Outage In Your Area

Your mobile data may stop working or become sluggish if there's a network outage in your area. A network fault often affects one or more cell towers close to you.

Though you can't fix this issue yourself but knowing about such a situation will save your time and efforts. You can contact your network carrier and ask about the turnaround time for the resolution.

During a network outage you can turn to your Wi-Fi. But if the Wi-Fi itself is slow then you can check: Why Your Wi-Fi Is So Slow (9 Fixes That Actually Work Fast).

6. Enable Data Roaming If You're Abroad

When you move out of your home network area or visit abroad, your phone gets in a roaming state. While roaming your phone stops using internet unless you enable Data Roaming. Android keeps this option disabled by-default to prevent high roaming charges in your phone bill.

You can safely enable 'Data Roaming' if your subscription plan covers domestic and international roaming. Go to Settings > Connections/Network & Internet > Mobile networks. Here, you can enable data roaming for the required SIM.

Enable data roaming on an Android device.

If you wish to manage and set a mobile data limit to avoid high roaming charges, see this article: How to Set a Mobile Data Limit on Android.

7. Manually Select Network (4G/5G)

We normally don't need to manually select the network (4G/5G), because our phones do this automatically. But in case of a temporary service disruption or an upgrade work from your telecom company, you may need to select the network manually.

In such situations you may experience call dropping issues, SMS not being sent, other person not hearing your voice during a VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution) or VoNR (Voice over New Radio)calls and internet not working.

Manually selecting the network in these situations can help restore services. Go to Settings > Connections/Network & Internet > Mobile networks > Network operators. Here disable the 'Select automatically' switch and let the phone scan for cellular networks. Once the list gets visible, select your network to register.

Manual network selection settings on an Android device.

8. Check The SIM In a Different Phone

Sometimes you can't always suspect the mobile internet for not working, it could also be a faulty, disconnected or a non-working SIM card. To ensure your SIM doesn't have any hardware or service-related issues, try checking it in a different Android phone.

If the SIM still doesn't work then it could mean temporary or permanent disconnection due to billing-related issues, network outage or a damaged SIM. If SIM stopped working due to non-payment of bills or prepaid plan expiry, simply make a payment to resume services.

If there's network outage in your area or the SIM is damaged, contact your network provider for further assistance.

9. Reset Network Settings

Many times it happens that phone network works as usual but you still encounter mobile internet issues such as slow download speeds or websites not loading at all. This may happen due to APN issues, but they are easily fixable.

To reset network settings on your Android phone simply head to Settings > General Management > Reset > Reset mobile network settings. Select the desired SIM here and tap 'Reset settings.' Your phone will restart after making this change.

Network settings reset option on an Android device.

10. Check with Your Mobile Carrier for Account or Network Issues

If you've tried all the above steps and your mobile data is still not working, the problem is likely on the carrier's side. This could be due to account suspension, unpaid dues, SIM deactivation, pending port-in request or a larger network fault affecting your area.

To know the exact issue behind mobile internet not working once you have tried everything, getting in touch with your network carrier would be ideal. The support team will fetch your account and check for service-related problems to resolve connectivity issues.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

What does 🚫 mean on phone Android? +

The (circle with slash) icon on Android means your phone is not receiving any mobile signal. This commonly happens in areas with weak coverage (basement, elevator, etc.), or due to a deactivated SIM, unpaid bill, or carrier-side problem.

Why is my mobile connected but no internet? +

Mobile internet can stop working for myriad of reasons such as network outage, faulty SIM, non-payment of bills, port-in request, SIM activation issues or temporary connectivity glitches. Most of these are easy to fix as we have discussed above. If you're on a limited internet plan then you must learn to enable data saver on your Android phone.

Will resetting network settings delete data? +

No, resetting mobile network settings do not delete your data such as files, images and videos. It only resets the network settings such as APN and MMS settings. However, on some older Android versions, performing a network reset will also delete saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth devices.

Conclusion: Fix Android Mobile Data Issues Quickly and Easily

These simple fixes solve mobile data problems on Android for most people. Start with the basics like restarting and Airplane mode, then move to network reset or contacting your carrier if needed. In most cases, you’ll get your internet back within minutes.

If the issue keeps coming back, it’s usually worth checking with your carrier. Hope this helped you get connected again!

How to Play Java (.JAR) Games on Android Using J2ME Loader (Easy Guide)

2026-06-06T09:51:06.593-07:00

Java (.JAR) games used to be everywhere on old Nokia phones, N-Gage and those early keypad mobiles from Sony Ericsson and Motorola. These small .jar files ran on something called the J2ME (Java Platform), which pretty much powered mobile gaming back then.

Then Android and iOS showed up around 2007 and everything shifted. Java phones slowly disappeared, but the games didn’t really vanish. You can still find titles like Asphalt, Prince of Persia, Sky Force, and Bounce floating around in .jar format.

If you’re trying to run Java (.jar) games on Android, it’s still possible. You just need a simple emulator, and the steps below will get you there without much trouble.

What You Need to Run Java (.JAR) Games on Android

Before you start, you only need a couple of basic tools. Once set up, Java (.JAR) games run smoothly through an emulator.

J2ME Loader APK – JAVA Games Emulator for Android
Java (.JAR / .JAD) game files – use games you already have or backed up on your device

Disclaimer

Be careful where you download Java (.JAR) games from. A lot of random sites hosting old .jar files are unsafe and often filled with aggressive ads or malware traps.

Stick to files you already own or trusted sources. If a site pushes you toward unknown APK(.apk) files or anything that looks off, close it immediately.

It’s not always clear whether these games are still legally distributable, so downloading them carries some risk. If you still choose to proceed, that’s your decision.

Before opening any .jar file, scan it with a proper antivirus app.

How to Play Java (.JAR) Games on Android Using J2ME Loader

Here’s how to run Java (.JAR) games on Android using J2ME Loader. Follow the steps below.

Download and install J2ME Loader which is the best java games emulator for Android.
Make sure to put all your .jar games in a folder named 'Java' on your phone's internal storage.
After installation, open the J2ME Loader app and tap the '+' button to locate the .jar files in the 'Java' folder on your phone's storage. Add all the games to J2ME Loader one by one by tapping the '+' button.

Load and play Java (.jar) games on Android using J2ME Loader.

Here, you will see all the game files. Tap any game to load it in the J2ME Loader emulator.

A popup will open as the 'MIDlet Installer.' Tap 'START' to run the game.

A game settings page will open. Here, you do not need to modify any settings. Just tap the 'START' option in the top right corner to run the game.

You can now start playing the game with the on screen controls. You can enjoy your Java (.jar) games either in landscape or portrait mode. Also, read: how to play PS1/PSX games on Android.

Mission Impossible 3 Java (.jar) game running on Android.

If you enjoy retro mobile gaming, you can also explore other classic console setups like SNES games on Android, Windows and Mac.

Java (.JAR) Games Running on Android – Video Demo

This short video shows Java (.JAR) games running on Android using an emulator setup.

Why Some Java (.JAR) Games Don’t Work Properly On Android

Not every Java (.JAR) game will run perfectly, and that’s normal. These games were originally built for old Nokia and keypad phones, so modern Android emulators like J2ME Loader are doing a lot of translation in the background.

Some games may load fine but feel a bit off — like stretched screens, missing sounds, or slightly slow performance. A few titles might not open at all if they use very old or heavily customized J2ME features.

Also, control mapping isn’t always perfect. Games designed for physical keypads sometimes take a little adjustment when played with touch controls on Android.

In short, most popular titles work well, but a few may need trial and error before they run smoothly.

Conclusion

That’s all you need to run old Java (.JAR) games on Android using an emulator like J2ME Loader.

Keep your .jar files in a folder on your phone, open them inside the emulator, and start playing. Controls are simple and fully touch-based, so everything runs directly on Android without extra setup.

Stick to trusted sources when downloading files and scan them before opening.

If you want to explore more retro gaming setups, you can also try playing PSP games using PPSSPP on Android.

How I Used AI to Analyze SMART Data and Check HDD & SSD Lifespan

2026-06-06T02:54:13.053-07:00

Most HDD and SSD failures don’t happen out of nowhere. In many cases, the drive already shows early warning signs in its SMART data—but they’re hard for most users to interpret.

Tools like CrystalDiskInfo may still show a “Good” status even when a drive is slowly degrading. That label only means it hasn’t crossed preset warning thresholds yet, not that it’s truly healthy.

In this guide, I tested a simple approach: exporting SMART data and analyzing it with AI tools like ChatGPT, Grok, and Gemini to see whether they can turn raw drive data into clear, practical health insights.

Table of Contents – SMART Data Analysis Guide

What SMART Data Means for HDD and SSD Health
How to Analyze SMART Data Using AI Tools
Testing SMART Data Interpretation Using AI Tools
Key SMART Attributes That Indicate Drive Problems
When to Back Up or Replace Your Drive
Limitations of AI-Based SMART Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions About SMART Data
Final Thoughts on Monitoring Drive Health

What SMART Data Is and What It Reveals About HDD and SSD Health

SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) is a built-in system in HDDs and SSDs that tracks drive health using real usage data like read/write errors, reallocated sectors, power-on hours, temperature, and wear level.

This data isn’t stored in Windows, macOS or any file. S.M.A.R.T. resides inside the drive itself, and is continuously updated by the drive controller during normal operation.

SMART doesn’t predict exact failure time. Instead, it highlights early warning signs—such as rising bad sectors in HDDs or increasing wear levels in SSDs—that suggest the drive is degrading.

In short, it reflects the real condition of the drive over time, even when everything still appears to be working normally.

Infographic summarizing HDD and SSD SMART data, health indicators, and drive diagnostics.

How to Analyze SMART Data Using AI Tools (ChatGPT, Grok, and Gemini)

Tools Required for SMART Analysis

You'll need the following tools in order to analyze SMART data for your hard drive or SSD.

CrystalDiskInfo: Download for Windows
Access to online AI tools such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini or Grok.

Note: CrystalDiskInfo is Windows-only utility. On macOS, use your drive manufacturer’s utility or tools like DriveDx for SMART data. Samsung SSD users can also use Samsung Magician on Mac. The goal is simply to access the drive’s SMART report for analysis.

How to Export SMART Data from CrystalDiskInfo as Text

Follow these steps to export your hard drive's or SSD's SMART data to a text file using CrystalDiskInfo.

After downloading CrystalDiskInfo, open it. Double click 'DiskInfo64.exe' to launch it for an x64-based PC or 'DiskInfoA64' for ARM-based PC.
CrystalDiskInfo will show you all the SSDs or hard drives connected to your PC. Select the desired drive to get the SMART data.

The main disk will always be shown in the top-left corner. To select the desired drive click the 'Drive' option in CrystalDiskInfo and select the required HDD/SSD.

CrystalDiskInfo dashboard showing SMART attributes and storage device health metrics.

To export SMART data, click 'File' and then click 'Save (text).' You can also press CTRL + T to open the 'Save As' dialog. Rename the text file as desired and save it on your PC in your desired location. We now have the drive's SMART data exported to a text file.
Continue to the next section to analyze the SMART report with AI.

How to Input SMART Data into AI Tools for Analysis

Open the official website of your preferred AI tool, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, or Grok. For this guide, I'll use ChatGPT as the example.
Copy the exact prompt from below and paste it in ChatGPT's input text field but do not hit Enter key yet.

The Exact Prompt Used to Analyze Drive Health, Wear Level, and Failure Risk

Here is the exact prompt used:

Prompt:

Analyze the following SMART data from a hard drive or SSD.

Overall drive health (Good / Warning / Critical)
Signs of wear or degradation
Risk of failure in the near future
Key SMART attributes that indicate problems
Estimated remaining lifespan based on the data
Whether I should back up or replace the drive

Keep the explanation simple and practical. Avoid unnecessary technical jargon.

SMART DATA:
[Paste your SMART report here]

Now open the text file in which you exported your drive's SMART data and copy all the text.
Replace [Paste your SMART report here] in the prompt with your drive's SMART data and hit the Enter key.
The AI tool will analyze the SMART data and provide its assessment of the drive's health.
Review the results and ask follow-up questions if you need more detail.

Personal Testing: How ChatGPT, Gemini, and Grok Interpreted the Same SMART Data

I analyzed the same SMART data from a WDC WD3200BEKT 320GB 7200RPM HDD using ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Grok. The goal wasn’t to rank them, but to observe how each model interprets the same failure signals from a real-world drive.

Where All Three AI Models Agreed Without Hesitation

All three AI tools converged on the same core diagnosis: the drive is no longer in a healthy state. Despite differences in wording, they consistently identified a degraded HDD with real failure risk.

Disclaimer: This analysis is based on observed SMART data patterns and should be used for guidance, not as a guaranteed failure prediction tool.

ChatGPT — Focused on “Warning Signs You Can Act On”

🟡 Balanced but cautious interpretation

Health view: Aging drive with clear degradation signals
What stood out most: reallocated sectors + uncorrectable errors + timeout behavior
Risk framing: Moderate to High, but not absolute failure prediction
Practical advice: Back up immediately, plan replacement soon

Gemini — Interpreting It Like a “Hard Stop Warning” Scenario

🔴 Most aggressive risk interpretation

Health view: Clearly degraded / unstable drive condition
What stood out most: physical damage indicators + shock/vibration history
Risk framing: High risk with possible sudden failure
Practical advice: Immediate backup + retire the drive

Grok — Treating It as a “Degraded but Still Running” Drive

🟠 Moderately conservative interpretation

Health view: Aging HDD with measurable wear
What stood out most: reallocated sectors + general error increase
Risk framing: Moderate to High, but still potentially usable short-term
Practical advice: Backup now, replace soon

What This Comparison Actually Revealed

Even though each LLM (Large Language Model) expressed the findings differently, the underlying interpretation was consistent: the drive shows multiple independent failure indicators and should not be trusted for important data.

Key SMART Attributes You Should Never Ignore

Not every SMART attribute is equally important. Most drives report dozens of metrics, but only a few are actually useful for spotting early failure signs.

SMART Attribute	What It Means	Why It Matters
Reallocated Sectors Count	Number of bad sectors that have been replaced by spare ones	A rising value often indicates physical disk surface degradation
Current Pending Sector Count	Sectors that the drive cannot read reliably	Strong early warning sign of instability or failing disk areas
Uncorrectable Sector Count	Read/write errors that could not be recovered	Serious indicator of potential drive failure
SSD Wear Level / Percentage Used	How much of the SSD’s NAND life has been consumed	Higher usage means lower remaining lifespan
Temperature	Operating temperature of the drive	Consistently high temperatures can accelerate degradation
Power-On Hours	Total time the drive has been powered on	Useful for context when evaluating overall wear and age

These values become much more meaningful when seen together, which is where AI-based interpretation becomes useful.

When You Should Backup or Replace the Drive

If AI analysis shows rising bad sectors, pending sectors, uncorrectable errors, or rapidly increasing SSD wear, back up your data immediately. Drives can still run for a while, but these signs usually mean failure risk is increasing and replacement should be planned.

Backups should never be optional. Use an external drive, spare internal disk, or SSD depending on your setup and budget.

For SATA SSDs, a SATA-to-USB adapter or enclosure with a reliable bridge chip is the simplest way to use it externally.

In practice, both HDDs and SSDs work for backups. SSDs are more durable physically, while HDDs still offer better cost per TB. A 1TB or 2TB external HDD remains one of the most cost-effective options.

Limitations of Using AI for SMART Analysis

AI can be really helpful with SMART data, but it does have some clear limits you should know about.

Only works with the data you provide: The AI can only analyze the SMART report you share. It doesn’t have access to any extra or hidden information.
No physical inspection possible: It can’t look inside your drive or detect actual physical damage.
Only interprets SMART warnings: It explains what the early warning signs mean — like bad sectors or dropping health — and whether your drive might need replacing soon.
Depends heavily on data quality: If the SMART report is incomplete or wrong, the analysis won’t be accurate either. Always double-check you’re feeding it clean, raw SMART data.
No knowledge of your usage: The AI doesn’t know how you actually use the drive — light storage, heavy gaming, video editing, or 24/7 server work — which can make a big difference in how you interpret the results.

FAQs — Frequently Asked Questions

How to determine if a HDD is failing? +

A failing HDD often starts with sluggish performance, weird clicking noises, random crashes, corrupted files, or SMART alerts about bad sectors. If you notice more errors, back up your data right away.

What is SMART failure prediction on a hard drive? +

SMART failure prediction is the drive’s built-in warning system. It tracks things like bad sectors, read/write errors, heat, and wear to tell you the drive is wearing out — though it can’t say exactly when it’ll die.

Is SMART data reliable? +

SMART helps catch problems early, but it’s not foolproof. Some drives die without any warning, others keep running fine long after alerts. Treat it as a heads-up, not a sure thing.

How many hours will a HDD last? +

Most HDDs last between 20,000 to 50,000 hours. Good cooling and light use can stretch that out, but heat, heavy work, and knocks will shorten their life pretty quick.

Final Thoughts

SMART data often contains warning signs long before a drive actually fails. Reviewing it periodically can help you spot problems early and protect your data.

Regularly checking SMART data takes only a few minutes and can help you make informed decisions about backups and drive replacement.

That said, it should never replace backups or proper monitoring tools. It’s useful for quick risk awareness, not exact predictions.

In the end, the real value is simple: catching problems early enough to avoid data loss by replacing the drive.

My Android Phone’s Battery Hit 43°C Outside — These 9 Fixes Actually Helped

2026-05-28T07:03:31.113-07:00

You step outside for just a few minutes, maybe using Google Maps or recording a quick video—and suddenly your Android phone starts getting uncomfortably hot, slowing down right when you need it most.

This isn’t random. In direct sunlight or during heavy usage, modern Android phones can overheat quickly because powerful processors, bright displays, and 5G connections generate heat faster than passive cooling can handle.

The result is frustrating: lag, reduced performance, faster battery drain, and in some cases, automatic performance throttling.

This guide breaks down practical, real-world ways to stop your Android phone from overheating and keep it stable outdoors.

Quick Summary

Phones overheat due to CPU load, sunlight, and background apps
GPS, 5G, and camera usage increase heat quickly
Cooling requires stopping usage, not just external cooling
Prevention is more effective than fixing overheating repeatedly

Why Android Phones Overheat During Outdoor Usage

Android phones run powerful processors, multiple background apps, large batteries, and high-resolution displays, making them mini computers that fit inside a pocket.

Unlike laptops or desktops, smartphones don’t use active cooling systems due to space limitations. Instead, they rely on graphite layers and copper heat pipes to spread heat and thermal management.

Because of these hardware limits, heat builds up more easily during heavy usage, such as sustained CPU load or running multiple background apps at once.

Some hardware info apps report battery temperatures around 43°C under load. The temperature is not fixed and you may see different values for your phone. Here are some solid reasons why Android phones overheat during outdoor usage.

Common Reasons Android Phones Overheat Outdoors

1. Heavy GPS and navigation usage: Apps like Google Maps and Uber use GPS, mobile data, screen brightness, and CPU simultaneously, increasing power consumption and heat generation.
2. Thick or low-quality phone cases: Phone cases trap heat and restrict airflow, slowing down heat dissipation from the device body.
3. Poor-quality screen protectors: Low-grade tempered glass may slightly reduce thermal efficiency by trapping heat on the device surface.
4. Phone stored in pockets under sunlight: Dark clothing especially black clothes absorb heat, increasing pocket temperature and indirectly warming the device.
5. Use of unauthorized power banks: Low-quality or uncertified power banks can deliver unstable voltage and generate excess heat during charging, which may contribute to overall device temperature rise. Also check: How to enable battery protection in Samsung phones.

How to Cool Down an Overheating Android Phone Quickly

When an Android phone overheats, it means the device is generating more heat than it can release. The priority is to stop heat generation first, then allow the device to cool naturally.

Forcing sudden cooling (like refrigeration or water exposure) can damage internal components and I'm not recommending this to anyone.

Turn off GPS and 5G
These features constantly use modem and processor resources, increasing heat during outdoor use.
Limit background app activity
Closing or restricting background apps reduces CPU and RAM usage, lowering heat generation.
Avoid direct sunlight on the screen
Direct sunlight increases surface temperature even when the phone is idle. Also check: YouTube background playback and screen strain on Android
Avoid charging while the phone is warm
Charging increases battery activity and adds extra heat, slowing cooling.
Wear light-colored clothing
Dark clothing absorbs heat, increasing pocket temperature and indirectly warming the phone.
Remove heavy phone cases
Thick cases trap heat and reduce natural heat dissipation. You may also like: I have a solid reason why I removed my phone case and tempered glass
Limit or stop camera usage
Camera use increases CPU, sensor, and screen load, which raises internal temperature quickly.
Use a portable fan (optional)
A small fan improves airflow and speeds up external cooling in extreme heat conditions.
Use a single SIM if possible
Dual SIM increases modem activity, especially on 5G, which raises heat output. Switch to 4G when possible.

In most normal cases, temperature begins to stabilize within 5–10 minutes after removing heat sources. If overheating happens frequently even in normal conditions, it may indicate heavy background usage, poor network conditions, or an underlying battery health issue.

How to Prevent Android Phone Overheating in Daily Use

Preventing overheating is more effective than fixing it repeatedly. Most heating issues come from usage habits and environmental exposure.

Avoid using the phone under direct sunlight for long periods.
Keep screen brightness on auto or lower levels whenever possible. You may also read: Adaptive brightness not working on Android: quick ways to fix
Do not run heavy apps like gaming, navigation, and camera together.
Keep background apps limited to reduce CPU load.
Update your phone software regularly for thermal optimizations.
Avoid using the phone while charging in hot environments.
Wear light-colored clothing if you wish to carry your phone in your pocket.
Use the phone without a case in hot areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Android phone overheat in sunlight? +

Direct sunlight increases external temperature while the phone continues internal processing, causing heat buildup faster than it can dissipate.

Is phone overheating dangerous? +

Occasional heating is normal, but frequent overheating can reduce battery life and slow down performance due to thermal throttling.

Can I cool my phone in a fridge or use an ice pack? +

No. Sudden temperature changes can cause moisture buildup and damage internal components especially battery.

Why does my phone overheat even when not in use? +

Background apps, poor network signals, or battery issues can cause idle heating.

Final Thoughts

Android phone overheating is mainly caused by a mix of high-performance hardware, background activity, and exposure to heat. While modern devices are powerful, they are still limited by passive cooling systems.

Most overheating issues can be controlled with simple usage habits like reducing background load, avoiding direct sunlight, and managing network usage. If the problem happens frequently, it may indicate environmental or battery-related factors.

Why I Stopped Using a Case and Tempered Glass on My Android Phone

2026-05-24T09:39:49.224-07:00

Last updated: 21 June 2026

For years, I treated a phone case and tempered glass protector as essential accessories. Whenever I bought a new smartphone, they were among the first things I ordered.

Recently, though, I stopped using both on my Samsung phone. What began as an attempt to reduce heat buildup ended up changing how I think about phone protection altogether.

After several months without a case or screen protector, I've found there are some genuine advantages to using a modern smartphone as it was designed. In this article, I'll explain why I stopped using them, what I gained, and the trade-offs you should consider before doing the same.

Quick summary: I removed the case and tempered glass from my Samsung phone to see if it would help with heat and daily comfort. The phone feels cooler and more responsive without them, but this doesn’t mean everyone should go without protection. Your phone, usage habits, and environment should decide whether keeping a case or screen protector makes sense.

Why I Removed the Case and Tempered Glass From My Android Phone

I use a Samsung phone with an AMOLED display and a large battery, but I'm far from a power user on this phone. Most days, it's just online shopping, YouTube, web browsing, Google Maps, and the occasional Uber ride. I don't game on it, and I rarely use it for music.

Even so, the phone would often get warmer than I expected, especially outdoors. Navigation apps like Google Maps and Uber keep the screen bright and GPS active, which can generate a surprising amount of heat on a hot day.

My phone has a vapour cooling chamber, but with a thick case on the back and tempered glass on the front, it often felt like that heat had nowhere to go. After weeks of noticing it, I removed both. The difference was immediate. The phone still gets warm when it's working hard, but it no longer feels like it's holding onto the heat.

Smartphone Cases Trap Heat More Than We Admit

Smartphone case trapping heat

Most phone cases are designed for drop protection, not heat management.

TPU and silicone cases add an extra layer around the phone, and in my experience, that made heat more noticeable during charging, navigation, and outdoor use. I’ve tried several cases, but the phone always felt more comfortable without one.

Cases still have their benefits. They improve grip and protect against drops. But if your phone already runs warm, a thick case can make everyday use less comfortable. That was one of the reasons I decided to stop using one.

I also wrote about another Android feature I ended up disabling because of my own usage experience: Why I Turned Off Accidental Touch Protection on Android.

Tempered Glass Also Has Its Downsides

Tempered glass is considered a must-have, but it also changes the way the phone feels. It protects against scratches and drops, but the extra layer can affect touch response.

On my phone, I had to increase touch sensitivity from Settings because the screen didn’t feel as responsive. After removing the glass, I switched it back to normal, and the display felt better immediately.

Outdoor use also became more comfortable. The phone no longer felt as hot against my hand or ear. Tempered glass isn’t useless, but for me, the trade-off wasn’t worth it.

Exynos-powered Samsung phones can already run warm under load. Apps like Google Maps and Uber make this more noticeable in hot weather, with heat building around the top of the display and the camera area. Adding a case and tempered glass only made it worse.

During winter, I don’t mind using tempered glass. The heat issue is mainly noticeable in warmer conditions, especially outdoors, when the phone already has a harder time staying cool.

If your phone is overheating, these fixes may help: Android phone overheating fix.

Modern Phones Are Tougher Than Before

Phones today are generally tougher than they used to be, but that doesn’t mean every phone is built the same. Many modern Samsung and Android devices come with stronger glass, better frames, and improved protection ratings, but plenty of phones still benefit from a screen protector.

Not every phone has the same durability, and not every user treats their phone the same way. If your phone gets scratches easily, has weaker glass, or if the phone is prone to drops, tempered glass is still a smart investment.

In my case, I decided to skip it because my phone already runs warm and I noticed a difference in daily comfort without the extra layer. If your phone doesn’t have heat issues, there’s no real reason to remove tempered glass. The added protection is worth keeping.

For many people, using a case still makes sense. Glass-backed phones can be slippery, and a case with raised edges adds grip while also helping protect against drops. The same applies to tempered glass screen protectors—they reduce the risk of scratches and cracks.

Personally, I’ve stopped using both. I prefer the slimmer feel and the original design of the phone. That said, both options do offer real protection against everyday damage. In the end, it comes down to personal preference and how much risk you’re willing to accept.

FAQs — Frequently Asked Questions

Does a phone case cause overheating? +

Phone cases usually do not directly cause overheating, but thick TPU or silicone cases can trap heat and make phones feel noticeably warmer during gaming, charging, GPS navigation, or outdoor use.

Does taking off a phone case help with overheating? +

Often yes. Removing the case improves heat dissipation, especially if it's thick or poorly ventilated.

Is it safe to use a phone without a case? +

Modern smartphones are more durable than older devices, especially flagship phones with Gorilla Glass and water resistance. However, using a phone without a case still increases the risk of scratches and damage from accidental drops.

Can tempered glass cause heat? +

Tempered glass usually does not increase internal phone temperature significantly, but it can hold extra surface heat and make the screen feel warmer during outdoor use or prolonged brightness-heavy tasks.

What are the disadvantages of tempered glass? +

It adds slight bulk, can crack or shatter on impact, and poor-quality ones reduce touch sensitivity or clarity.

Final Thoughts

Using my phone without a case and tempered glass feels more natural in hand and easier to use, with noticeably less heat buildup during summer.

That said, this approach isn’t for everyone. If you drop your phone often or share it with others, keeping both protections still makes sense. Personally, I don’t use either a phone case or a tempered glass screen protector.

If your phone runs warm and you’re careful with it, try removing the screen protector for a week to see the difference. Otherwise, keeping it on is the safer choice.

Accidental Touch Protection on Android: Why I Turned It Off and When You Should Too

2026-05-10T11:40:00.000-07:00

Many Android users encounter a persistent “Accidental Touch Protection” pop-up that activates even during normal use. This sensor-based feature, also known as Pocket Mode on some devices, is designed to prevent unintended inputs but can become frustrating when it triggers too often.

This guide covers what the feature does, why it misfires, how to disable it safely, and the most effective troubleshooting steps to try first.

Quick Answer If your Android phone keeps showing "Accidental Touch Protection" popup, the most common causes are a blocked proximity sensor, a dirty screen, or a problematic screen protector. The quickest fix is to go to Settings > Display and turn off Accidental touch protection.

What Is Accidental Touch Protection on Android?

Accidental Touch Protection is an Android feature that temporarily disables touch input when the phone detects it’s in a pocket, bag, or enclosed space. It relies primarily on the proximity sensor and ambient light sensor to identify these conditions and prevent accidental taps, pocket dials, or unintended app launches.

When active, you may see the notification: “Your phone is being protected from accidental touches.”

How to Disable Accidental Touch Protection

Open the Settings app.
Navigate to Display.
Tap Accidental touch protection (may appear as Pocket Mode on Xiaomi, OnePlus, or other brands).
Toggle the switch off.

Accidental Touch Protection toggle in Android Display settings

If the option isn’t visible, use the search bar at the top of Settings and type “accidental touch” or “pocket mode.” The steps work across Samsung One UI, Google Pixel, Xiaomi, Motorola, and most other Android devices.

Should You Disable Accidental Touch Protection on Android?

Whether to keep the feature enabled depends on your usage habits. Here’s a clear breakdown:

Your Usage Pattern	Recommendation	Why
Frequently carry phone in pocket or bag	Keep Enabled	Best protection against accidental calls and taps in enclosed spaces.
Mainly use phone in hand or on desk	Consider Disabling	Prevents unnecessary interruptions during normal use.
Frequent false triggers (even when holding the phone)	Disable After Troubleshooting	Sensor issues from dirt, screen protectors, or cases often cause repeated problems.

Troubleshoot Before Disabling

Most accidental touch protection issues stem from sensor problems rather than the feature itself. Try these fixes first, in order:

1. Clean the Proximity Sensor Area

Wipe the top portion of your screen — especially around the front camera and earpiece — with a microfiber cloth lightly dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol. This resolves the majority of false triggers caused by dust, oil, or smudges.

2. Check or Remove Your Screen Protector

Poorly aligned or overhanging tempered glass protectors frequently interfere with the proximity and ambient light sensors. Remove it temporarily to test if the issue disappears.

3. Restart and Update Your Phone

A simple restart often clears temporary glitches. Also check for system updates, as manufacturers regularly improve sensor behavior through patches.

4. Adjust Touch Sensitivity

Go to Settings > Display and turn off Touch sensitivity (sometimes called “Increased touch sensitivity”). This setting, meant for screen protectors, can sometimes contribute to false detections.

FAQ — Accidental Touch Protection on Android

Why does Accidental Touch Protection keep activating? +

It usually triggers when the proximity sensor is blocked or misreads conditions due to dirt, a screen protector, case interference, or software glitches.

How do I turn off Accidental Touch Protection on Samsung? +

Go to Settings → Display → Accidental touch protection → Toggle it off. The same path works on most Android phones (Pocket Mode on some brands).

Is it safe to disable Pocket Mode? +

Yes. Disabling it has no meaningful impact on battery life and is a practical choice if the feature frequently interferes with normal use.

Conclusion

Accidental Touch Protection works well as a pocket detection system when your sensors are clean and unobstructed. But when it starts triggering falsely, it can quickly become more annoying than helpful.

Most users can resolve the issue by cleaning the proximity sensor area and checking for software updates. If the pop-ups continue during normal use, disabling the feature is a safe and practical choice.

You may also want to explore fixing adaptive brightness issues (another common sensor-related problem) or learn how to customize power button behavior and disable Gemini.

Adaptive Brightness Not Working On Android: Quick Ways to Fix

2026-05-04T05:46:00.000-07:00

A few days ago, on a sunny day, I noticed that adaptive brightness was not working on my Android phone. The screen stayed dim, making it difficult for me to see anything clearly outdoors. This issue is common across Android devices, including Samsung, Pixel, Xiaomi, and OnePlus phones.

I immediately checked the Adaptive Brightness setting and, to my surprise, found it was already enabled—yet the screen still wasn't adjusting to the surrounding light.

This is a common issue on Android devices and is often caused by light sensor glitches or misconfigured settings. I suspected a light sensor problem, and after some quick troubleshooting, I managed to fix it in under five minutes. I thought it was a hardware issue at first—but thankfully it wasn’t.

If adaptive brightness is not working on Android for you, you’re in the right place. Let’s fix it together.

Adaptive Brightness Not Working On Android: Quick Fix

To fix adaptive brightness not working on Android, start with a simple restart. This refreshes the system and recalibrates the light sensor, which often resolves temporary glitches causing brightness issues.

Restart your phone.
After restarting, move to a bright area or direct sunlight.
Check if the screen brightness adjusts automatically.

I found myself in this situation where adaptive brightness wasn't working for my Samsung Galaxy (Android 16). I immediately did a restart and the glitch vanished within seconds.

If the above fix resolved the issue, you may not need to continue further. However, going through the remaining methods can help you identify other causes and avoid similar problems later.

Expert Tip: On some Android phones, pressing and holding the power button may open Google Gemini instead of showing the power menu. If this happens, you may need to change your settings or disable Gemini from the power button behavior.

What Is Adaptive Brightness on Android and How Does It Work?

Adaptive Brightness is a feature on Android devices that automatically adjusts your screen brightness based on your surroundings. It uses the phone’s ambient light sensor to detect how bright or dark your environment is.

When you're in bright conditions, like outdoors, the screen brightness increases for better visibility. In low-light environments, it dims the display to reduce eye strain and save battery.

Over time, Android also learns your brightness preferences and fine-tunes adjustments to match your usage habits.

Why Adaptive Brightness Stops Working on Android

Adaptive brightness usually stops working for a few simple, annoying reasons. Most of the time, your ambient light sensor is just blocked by smudges, pocket lint, oil, or a poorly aligned screen protector. If the sensor can’t properly detect light, it won’t adjust your screen brightness correctly.

Quick Fix: Clean the light sensor area, just above the front camera with a clean piece of cloth and remove any oil smudges or dirt. If the tempered glass is misplaced, discard it and reapply a new one.

Software glitches are another common cause. A buggy update can affect brightness behavior, or Battery Saver mode may quietly override your settings to keep the display dim.

In most cases, a quick restart or recalibrating the brightness settings fixes the issue. It’s rarely a hardware failure—your phone usually just needs a quick reset or refresh.

How to Check Whether the Ambient Light Sensor Is Working on Android

You can quickly check if your phone’s ambient light sensor is working by observing how the screen responds to changes in lighting.

Move Your Phone from a Dark to a Well-Lit Area

First, make sure Adaptive Brightness is enabled in your phone’s Display settings — Settings > Display > Adaptive brightness. Then move your phone from a dark environment to a bright area.

If the sensor is working properly, the screen brightness should automatically increase or decrease based on the surrounding light.

If there’s no change, try restarting your device and test again. If the issue persists, it could indicate a sensor or software-related problem—continue with the next steps to confirm. You may also like to read: how to enable privacy display feature on Galaxy S26 Ultra.

How to Check Ambient Light Sensor in Real Time on Android

Here's a step-by-step guide to check the working of your phone's Ambient light sensor in real time.

Download and install CPU-Z from CPUID (verified by Play Protect) on your Android phone.
Open the CPU-Z app and swipe the options panel to left and tap 'SENSORS.'
Here, look for 'Light' or 'Ambient Light Sensor.' Under this option you will see numerical values in lux (SI unit of illuminance).

Real-time ambient light sensor data (lux values) using CPU-Z on Android.

If the values under the light sensor keep changing then this confirms that it is working fine. To confirm this further, bring the phone closer to a light source (a table lamp or another phone's camera flash used as LED torch), the numerical value under the light sensor will increase.
After checking the working of the light sensor, you can safely uninstall CPU-Z from your phone.

If your phone’s light sensor still isn’t showing any values, there’s a good chance something isn’t working properly. You can start by checking for a software update, as these glitches are sometimes fixed with newer updates.

If that doesn’t help, try a factory reset (make sure to back up your data first). And if the problem still persists after that, it’s likely a hardware issue—at that point, your best option is to visit an authorized service center for repair.

Warning: Before taking your phone to an authorized service center, make sure to back up all your important data to a PC or external drive.

Expert Tip: If you’re using a Samsung phone, you can also enable Maintenance Mode to protect your personal data while the device is being serviced. Many other Android brands offer similar privacy or repair modes, so check your phone’s settings before handing it over.

Conclusion

Dealing with a dim screen is incredibly frustrating, but as we’ve seen, it’s usually just a software hiccup or a dirty sensor rather than a broken phone. Whether a quick sensor cleaning or a settings reset did the trick, your Android should now be back to its responsive self.

Experiencing sensor-related display glitches while using your phone? It might be worth learning how to disable Pocket Mode on Android to restore normal touchscreen functionality.

Still squinting at your display, or did a simple restart save the day? Drop a comment below and let me know which fix worked for you—or if you've discovered another trick I missed!

Why Your Wi-Fi Is So Slow (9 Fixes That Actually Work Fast)

2026-04-28T11:54:00.000-07:00

Tired of paying for high-speed fiber but getting speeds that feel like a slow broadband connection? I've been there. It’s incredibly frustrating to feel like your ISP is charging you for service they aren't delivering.

While it's tempting to call them up and give them a piece of your mind, the truth is that the bottleneck is usually happening somewhere inside your own four walls.

The good news is that you don’t need a degree in network engineering to fix it. Most Wi-Fi issues come down to a few physical hurdles or outdated settings. Before you spend forty minutes on hold with customer support, try these real-world fixes.

I’ve personally used these to rescue my own connection more times than I can count. Check out this solid post to fix slow WiFi at home fast.

Table Of Contents

How to Fix Your Slow Wi-Fi Speeds in Under 5 Minutes
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

How to Fix Your Slow Wi-Fi Speeds in Under 5 Minutes

Check these proven tips below to fix your slow Wi-Fi under 5 minutes.

1. Check The Cable Connections

Internet reaches your router via a physical optical fiber or a copper wire with an Ethernet connector. Make sure the physical connection is working. You can simply remove the cable connector from the back of your router and try plugging it again. The connector fits perfectly with a 'click' sound, ensuring the physical connection has been made.

Wi-Fi routers have a dedicated LED at the front which glows either white or light green when the connection is active. If the physical link is broken or the connector is loose, the light may glow red or orange.

2. Try Rebooting Your Router (Works Most Of The Time)

While rebooting your Wi-Fi router may seem like a generic fix, it has the potential to save you from unnecessary troubleshooting. A reboot flushes hardware buffers and memory, which may be struggling with corrupted data during an active issue.

Even professionals at tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Apple employ this simple fix before diving into more serious troubleshooting.

3. Clear Browser Cache & History

A browser records the pages you visit as history. Over time, these records step away from being browsing records and become a browser performance bottleneck. As the cache and history get larger, the browser starts losing its performance, no matter how fast or elite your system is. Simply, this is not a system or Wi-Fi issue, just a localized browser-app issue.

To resolve this within a few minutes, simply press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (works on all modern browsers for desktops) and delete your browsing history. Relaunch your browser after this and do a Wi-Fi speed test by using either Ookla's website, Bing, or Google internet speed test to check whether download and upload speed is low.

4. Check Router Placement

Your Wi-Fi router isn't a piece of home decor, so covering it with fancy items or placing it near mirrors, metal items, microwave ovens, behind the TV, or near thick walls will cause it to malfunction. Wi-Fi signals are pretty wimpy and get reflected if anything comes in their way.

Though you can't just prioritize your Wi-Fi router here and replace all other items in your room, keep in mind that Wi-Fi signals travel outward like a flat doughnut; they have great horizontal reach but struggle to go up or down floors.

That's the reason you don't get good Wi-Fi signals on your terrace—the signals don't travel vertically. Therefore, make sure you place it somewhere where there are no physical blocks to its transmission.

Samsung Connectivity Labs showing realtime Wi-Fi signal strength.

Also, the correct router placement can help you fix Wi-Fi dead zones in your home. If you use a Samsung phone, you can use Samsung Wi-Fi Connectivity Labs to find dead zones in your home and adjust the router placement accordingly. Believe me, this tool will definitely help you in balancing out good Wi-Fi coverage in every corner of your home.

5. Check Number Of Devices Connected to Your Wi-Fi Router

That 100 Mbps plan you’re paying for is a single 'pie' that everyone has to share. If your kid is downloading a massive game update and your partner is on a 4K Zoom call, your Netflix stream may stutter with high latency.

Take a second to check your router’s app or the admin panel for the number of devices connected. You may be using a router from TP-Link, Netgear, Asus etc., to access admin panel, you may either need to enter 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in the browser's address bar to access the router admin panel.

Though this is not a serious issue as long as the connected devices are not hogging data. If you find any devices always hogging data and stealing your router's bandwidth, just limit them, block them, or add time constraints against their MAC addresses in your router's admin panel.

If you wish you can also set your Wi-Fi network as metered connections on devices that churn data unnecessarily. This way you are limiting the way they use your internet for downloading data. A Metered connection ensures that the system only use the internet for downloading important data.

6. Understand The Speed Difference Between 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz Frequencies

Not all Wi-Fi signals are created equal. Depending on where you are in the house, you need to be on the right frequency:

2.4GHz (Reliable but slow):

This is the long-distance runner of Wi-Fi. Because it uses longer waves, it can easily travel through walls and reach the backyard, but it is significantly slower and prone to interference.

Nearly every router in your neighborhood, plus devices like microwaves, baby monitors, and Bluetooth speakers, live on this frequency.

Because this band is so crowded, it’s like a traffic jam for data. In a real-world speed test, you might only see 30–40 Mbps on this band, even if you pay for a 1,000 Mbps plan.

If your speeds are low on 2.4GHz but high on a wired connection, your ISP isn't the problem—physics is.

5GHz/6GHz (Wi-Fi 6: The Fast Lanes):

These are where the real speed lives. They don't travel through walls very well, but they offer the massive bandwidth needed for gaming and 4K streaming.

This is where you'll see those "advertised" speeds show up. Most routers only support 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi dual-band operations.

So, if your plan is 1 Gbps and you're using a 5GHz WiFi router, you won't get the advertised speed. Ask your ISP to replace your router with a 6GHz Wi-Fi 6E OFDMA (orthogonal frequency-division multiple access) router.

Wi-Fi 7 - Superfast Browsing & Downloads:

The newest Wi-Fi standard on the block. It’s built for ultra-low latency and multi-gigabit speeds, but you basically need to be in the same room as the router to feel the magic.

Again, if your plan is 1 Gbps and your router doesn't support 6GHz, you need a replacement to unlock the advertised speed.

If you use Wi-Fi calling a lot then using 2.4GHz is recommended for better coverage. You can read — what is Wi-Fi calling and how does it work.

7. Test with a Physical Ethernet LAN Cable

To find out if your ISP is actually the problem, you have to cut Wi-Fi out of the equation. Grab an Ethernet cable (Cat 5 or Cat 6/7/8) and plug your laptop directly into the router.

If the speed is perfect on a wire but terrible on your T-Mobile 5G home internet Wi-Fi, the issue is your house’s environment or Wi-Fi settings, not your service provider.

You can also connect the Ethernet cable on your phone using an Ethernet to USB-C adapter and do the speed test. You can read — How to Connect Wired Ethernet to Android Phone.

Pro Tip: Look at the tiny writing on your cable. If it says Cat 5, it’s ancient and will cap you at 100 Mbps. You want at least Cat 5e or Cat 6 to handle modern fiber speeds.

8. Bits vs. Bytes: What You Need to Know

ISPs love to use "Megabits" (Mbps) because the numbers look bigger, but your browser usually measures things in "Megabytes" (MB/s). It’s a classic point of confusion. To find your actual real-world speed, divide your plan speed by 8 (1 byte = 8 bits). So, a 100 Mbps plan will show up as roughly ~12 MB/s on a Steam or Windows download.

If you want a real test, ignore the flashy speed test gauges and try downloading a large file, like a Windows 10/11 ISO. If a 100 Mbps plan is giving you 10–12 MB/s or more, you're actually getting exactly what you're paying for. If it's way lower, then it's time for the final step.

9. The Nuclear Option: Factory Reset Your Router

If you’ve tried every trick I've shared above and still facing speed issues, it is time to step further and reset the router. Over time, the Wi-Fi router show signs of sluggish performance due to temporary storage issues. Resetting the Wi-Fi router to default settings immediately clears out firmware glitches and cached data issues.

To reset, grab a paperclip and look for that tiny Reset hole on the back of your unit. While the power is still on, press and hold it down for a solid 10-20 seconds. You’ll see the lights go a bit crazy for a few seconds; that’s just the router scrubbing itself clean and reloading the original factory firmware.

Warning: Keep in mind that this wipes everything. Your Wi-Fi name and password will be gone, and you’ll have to set it up again as if you just took it out of the box. It's a bit of a pain, but it's the single best way to kill deep-seated glitches and get back to those "day-one" speeds.

Pro Tip: If Wi-Fi speed is normal but websites still load slowly, the issue may be DNS delays rather than your wireless connection. Check our guide on fixing slow website loading by changing DNS settings.

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

How can I increase my WiFi speed? +

Simply connect to either 5GHz or 6GHz Wi-Fi for the full advertised speed. Both these bands have higher bandwidth, meaning internet signals can move much faster through these bands offering faster speeds.

Why is 2.4 GHz slower than 5GHz? +

2.4GHz Wi-Fi is slower mainly because it operates on a crowded frequency band with limited available channels. Many devices like Bluetooth gadgets, microwaves, and nearby routers also use this band, causing heavy interference.

Additionally, 2.4GHz supports narrower channel widths compared to 5GHz and 6GHz, which limits the amount of data it can transmit at once. While it offers better range and can pass through walls more easily, it sacrifices speed due to congestion and lower data capacity.

Should I run my router at 2.4 or 5GHz? +

Use 5GHz for speed-heavy tasks like gaming or 4K streaming when near the router. Switch to 2.4GHz for better range when you're several rooms away or connecting simple smart home gadgets.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Your Wi-Fi Hold You Back

Usually, "slow internet" isn't a failure of the fiber line outside your house; it’s just the signal getting tripped up somewhere inside your own walls.

By taking a few minutes to check your cables, move your router out from behind the TV, and pick the right frequency, you can usually unlock the high-speed service you’re already paying for.

If you’ve done the legwork—right down to the factory reset—and a wired speed test is still falling short of your plan, you finally have the "proof" you need.

Call your ISP, tell them you’ve done a direct Ethernet bypass test and a full reset, and let them handle it from there. You’ve done your part; now it’s their turn to deliver.

If you're also facing slow internet issues on your Android phone then check: Fix mobile internet not working on Android.

How to Check for Bad Sectors: Testing an Internal HDD for External Storage

2026-04-28T02:25:00.000-07:00

Converting an old internal hard drive into a portable external one is a brilliant way to recycle hardware, but it comes with a major "if"—if the drive is actually healthy.

Before you trust an old laptop HDD with your precious photos or documents, you must verify its physical integrity.

A drive that "works" might still have hidden bad sectors—physical damage on the disk surface that causes file corruption or sudden hardware failure.

This guide shows you how to use professional-grade diagnostic tools to ensure your repurposed storage won't let you down.

Quick Steps: How to Check HDD Health

To ensure an internal hard drive is safe to use as external storage, follow these two diagnostic steps:

1. Scan for Bad Sectors (Windows CHKDSK)

Connect the HDD to your PC via SATA-to-USB.
Open Command Prompt (Admin).
Type chkdsk X: /r (Replace X with your drive letter) and press Enter.
Check the results: 0 KB in bad sectors means the drive is healthy.

2. Run a S.M.A.R.T. Diagnostic

Download and launch CrystalDiskInfo.
Locate your drive in the top menu.
View the Health Status:
- Good (Blue): Safe for all data.
- Caution (Yellow): High risk of failure; store non-essential data only.
- Bad (Red): Drive is failing; do not use.

How to check internal HDD health for external storage

Testing a Used Internal Hard Drive: A Step-by-Step Health Check Guide

Before using a laptop's 2.5 inch internal hard drive as external storage, we must ensure that the concerned HDDs are free from any bad sectors and read write errors. If the hard drive reports any bad sectors then we won't use it to store important data.

Hard drives with bad sectors can fail any time and over time such a drive will develop more bad sectors. Bad sectors are a clear sign of mechanical wear and an early warning that at some time the drive would definitely fail.

Warning: A hard drive or SSD with bad sectors must not be used to store important data. You also never use such a HDD as your primary backup drive. Eventually, it will fail at some point. Storing important data on such a drive will result in data loss and file corruption beyond recovery. You can use this drive just for storing unimportant data such as movies.

Now, let's move on to check the 2.5 inch hard drive for errors and bad sectors.

How to Use CHKDSK to Check Hard Drive's Health and Identify Bad Sectors

In this section, we're using chkdsk command on Windows 10/11 to check the hard drive's health. Our purpose here is to find out whether the drive we're about to use is reliable to be used as an external storage device.

Connect the 2.5 inch internal HDD to your Windows PC by using the SATA to USB cable or enclosure.
Make sure the drive is visible in 'My PC' with a label 'External Storage' that we created earlier.
Note the drive label for this externally connected internal hard drive. 'F:' is the drive letter in my case.
Open command prompt (CMD) with administrator privileges. To do this, type 'CMD' in Windows search box, once you see 'Command Prompt,' right click on it and select 'Run as administrator.'
In the command prompt type: chkdsk X: /f /r. Replace X: with your drive's letter (e.g. F:). After correctly typing the command, hit enter and let chkdsk perform a thorough scan of the hard drive.

Running chkdsk X: /f /r in an elevated Command Prompt to verify disk integrity and repair bad sectors.

For a 500 GB hard drive, chkdsk will take about more than an hour to finish the drive scan before returning the results.
If chkdsk reports no bad sectors or errors then you can use this drive as an external storage.

I used CHKDSK on my 12-year-old 2.5-inch internal hard disk from Hitachi HGST and it reported 8 KB in bad sectors. This means a very small portion of the disk’s physical surface has become unreadable and has been permanently marked as unusable by the file system.

Scan Result: Review the summary. If "KB in bad sectors" is greater than 0, the drive may be failing.

In practical terms, 8 KB is an extremely small amount of space, but its presence confirms that the drive has started to suffer from physical wear, which is expected at this age.

While the operating system will avoid using these damaged sectors, their appearance indicates that the disk is no longer in perfect health and may continue to degrade over time.

The drive may still function for light or non-critical use, but it should not be trusted with important data, and maintaining regular backups—or planning a replacement—is strongly recommended.

How to Find Hard Drive Errors and Early Signs Of Failing Using SMART (S.M.A.R.T) Data

Every internal hard drive or SSD or even external hard drives come with S.M.A.R.T technology. S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) is a hard drive health monitoring system.

By analysing SMART data we can detect the early warning signs of a hard disk failure. A hard disk won't fail suddenly in many cases, therefore we always have time to transfer data to a new drive.

So, let's see how can we analyze the SMART data for your 2.5 inch internal hard disk to detect read/write errors, bad sectors and early signs of failing.

Download and install CrystalDiskInfo. If you don't wish to install it, you can also download the portable .zip package.
CrystalDiskInfo is only available for Windows 10/11. If you're using a Mac then you can use Apple's Disk Utility.
Make sure to connect your 2.5 inch internal HDD/SSD to your PC/laptop using the SATA to USB cable or enclosure.
After downloading CrystalDiskInfo, open it by double clicking DiskInfo64.exe.
In CrystalDiskInfo, click the drive with only one partition. You can also check the name of your 2.5 inch HDD in CrystalDiskInfo that'll help you identify it.
If CrystalDiskInfo shows no warnings and displays the status as 'Good' then you can use this hard drive/SSD as an external storage device.
But if you see any warning or status as 'Caution' then it is an early warning sign of hard drive or SSD failure.

To understand exactly what your drive is reporting, check the table below for a breakdown of critical S.M.A.R.T. attributes and what they mean for your data safety:

HDD Health Analysis: Critical S.M.A.R.T. Indicators
ID	Attribute Name	Description	HDD Health Verdict
01	Read Error Rate	Vendor-specific metric related to hardware read errors and ECC correction activity during read operations.	Monitor Closely: Sudden changes or threshold failures may indicate read instability.
05	Reallocated Sectors	Count of sectors moved to the G-List (Grown Defect List). The drive has retired damaged sectors and remapped them to spare area.	Caution: Any value above 0 indicates physical media degradation. A rising count increases failure risk.
C5	Current Pending Sectors	Unstable sectors identified during failed read/write operations. Waiting to be re-tested or remapped.	Immediate Danger: Data in these sectors is volatile. Backup immediately and re-test the drive.
C6	Uncorrectable Sector Count	Sectors where ECC could not successfully recover read/write errors during scans or operations.	Critical: Indicates serious media reliability problems and elevated risk of data loss.
09	Power-On Hours (POH)	Total time the drive has been powered on. Follows general aging/failure probability trends over time.	Review: Exceeding 40,000–50,000 hours (~4.5–5.7 years continuous use) increases failure risk.
C2	Temperature	Current internal drive temperature reading.	Maintenance: Keep below 50°C for best longevity. Sustained operation above 55°C may accelerate wear.
187	Reported Uncorrectable Errors	Total number of errors reported to the host that could not be recovered by the drive.	Warning: Increasing values indicate real read/write failures reaching the system.

Important General Rules:

Always monitor trends over time, not just single values.
Any non-zero values in 05, C5, C6, or 187 → Immediate full backup is strongly recommended.
Recommended monitoring tools: CrystalDiskInfo, Hard Disk Sentinel, or smartctl.

The same Hitachi hard drive now shows a Current Pending Sector Count of 100 in CrystalDiskInfo. This means there are many sectors on the disk that the drive is struggling to read and has not yet been able to repair or permanently mark as bad.

Using CrystalDiskInfo to read S.M.A.R.T. data. A "Caution" status usually indicates reallocated or pending sectors.

Unlike confirmed bad sectors reported by CHKDSK, pending sectors indicate ongoing instability and a much higher risk of sudden data loss. At this level, the drive is clearly in poor health and may degrade quickly with continued use.

While it might still operate for short periods, it should no longer be considered reliable, and replacing the drive is strongly recommended. Therefore, I'm not using this drive for regular backups. I'll use this drive to store only unimportant data.

Want a simpler way to understand SMART data? I recently tested how AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Grok interpret HDD and SSD SMART reports to identify failure risks, estimate remaining lifespan, and recommend when backups or drive replacement should be considered. Read the full guide here: How I Used AI to Analyze SMART Data and Check HDD & SSD Lifespan.

Conclusion: Trust, but Verify

Reusing old hardware is environmentally friendly and cost-effective, but data loss is a high price to pay for a "free" drive. If your drive passes both the CHKDSK surface scan and the S.M.A.R.T. analysis with a "Good" rating, you can confidently use it as your primary external storage.

However, if you see even a few bad sectors, treat that drive as a ticking time bomb—fine for temporary file transfers, but never for your only copy of important data. When in doubt, the peace of mind offered by a new SSD is always worth the investment.

Also, if the hard drive is way too old but still reports no issues, it is still a good idea to keep its S.M.A.R.T. data monitored. This will save you from losing your data on that drive.

Samsung One UI 8: How to Add Recycle Bin Shortcut on Your Home Screen

2026-04-25T07:01:00.000-07:00

Tired of digging through My Files just to find the Recycle Bin on your Samsung phone?

On One UI 8, Samsung hides the unified Recycle Bin inside the My Files app, making it frustrating to access quickly.

The good news? You can create a direct shortcut and place it right on your home screen for one-tap access to all your deleted files.

This shortcut lets you easily restore deleted photos, videos, messages, notes, and other files — all in one place.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to add the Recycle Bin shortcut to the home screen on Samsung One UI 8, One UI 7, and One UI 6.

How to Add Recycle Bin Shortcut to Samsung One UI 8 Home Screen

Open Samsung My Files app and scroll down till the end. Here tap 'Manage storage' and again scroll down till the end. Tap 'Recycle bin' once you find it.

Accessing the Recycle Bin in Samsung My Files app

Once you open the Recycle Bin, you'll be able to view deleted photos, videos, messages, notes, and other files from supported Samsung apps in one place.

Viewing system-wide deleted files at one place in Samsung My Files

Tap the 'Menu' button (three vertical dots) in the top right corner and tap 'Add to Home screen.'

A popup will appear asking you to add the Recycle Bin to the home screen. Long tap the 'Recycle Bin shortcut icon' and drag/drop it anywhere on your main home screen.

Now you can access your Samsung phone's Recycle Bin for all the apps right from your phone's home screen. It is highly convenient to use and manage it this way.

Note: This article also works normally for Samsung phones running One UI 6 and One UI 7.

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

Where is my Recycle Bin on my Samsung? +

You can find it in the location: Samsung My Files > Utilities > Recycle Bin or Samsung My Files > Manage Storage > Recycle bin. This folder stores deleted photos, videos, documents, messages, and notes for up to 30 days before permanent deletion.

Where do I find deleted items on my Samsung phone? +

Just head to the trash bin using the path: Samsung My Files > Manage Storage > Recycle Bin. Here you will be able to see all the deleted items on your Samsung phone at one place. The deleted files here will appear as apps from which they were deleted, for example: Gallery, Messages, Files, Notes, Contacts etc. You may also read — what are invisible backups and pending files on Samsung phones.

How to recover deleted files from Recycle Bin in Samsung? +

Open Recycle Bin from any of the paths I've told you above.
Tap the app from which you wish to recover deleted files on your Samsung phone.
Select all the files you wish to recover and tap the 'Restore all' to recover them to their original storage location.

How long does the Samsung Recycle Bin keep deleted files? +

By default, One UI keeps deleted items for 30 days. After this period, they are permanently purged and cannot be recovered without a secondary or cloud backup. See, how to convert an old laptop hard drive into an external USB drive, and use it as a secondary backup solution.

Conclusion

Creating a Samsung Recycle Bin shortcut on your home screen is a simple tweak that makes One UI 8 (and older versions) so much more convenient. One tap gives you instant access to all deleted photos, videos, messages, notes, and files — no more digging through My Files.

I tested it myself on Galaxy devices running One UI 8, and it works perfectly on One UI 7 and One UI 6 too. It takes less than a minute to set up but saves plenty of hassle later.

If this helped, share it with others who updated to One UI 8. Got any questions? Drop a comment below!

How to Avoid QR Code Scams: Easy Tips to Stay Safe

2026-04-24T01:04:00.000-07:00

You’ve probably seen those little black-and-white pixelated squares everywhere lately—on restaurant tables, parking meters, and even mail flyers. QR codes are incredibly handy for pulling up a menu or paying for parking in seconds. However, as they’ve become part of our daily lives, scammers have started using them to hide digital traps.

The good news is that staying safe doesn't require being a tech expert. It just takes a bit of awareness. Think of this as a quick chat over snacks to help you spot malicious QR codes before they cause trouble. Here are my top safe QR code scanning tips to keep your data protected.

QR Code Safety: Safe Signals vs Red Flags
Feature	✅ Safe Signal	⚠️ Red Flag
Physical Appearance	Printed directly on official signage, menus, or posters.	A sticker slapped over an existing code or placed on random public surfaces.
URL Preview	A clear, recognizable domain (e.g., brandname.com/menu).	Jumbled characters, weird extensions (e.g., .biz, .xyz), or misspelled names.
Action Required	Opens a simple website, PDF menu, or official app store link.	Immediate pop-ups asking for "updates," "downloads," or login credentials.
Payment/Personal Info	Used for convenience on trusted, permanent kiosks or inside verified apps.	Unexpected requests for credit card details or passwords on a mobile site.
Incentive	Realistic offers (e.g., "Scan for 10% off your meal").	Too-good-to-be-true prizes, "urgent" account locks, or free high-end electronics.

1. Only Scan Codes You Trust

Before you point your camera, take a second to look at the physical environment. Does the QR code look like it belongs there? If you’re at a well-known café and the code is printed directly onto their official signage, it’s likely safe.

But if you see a random sticker slapped onto a bus stop bench, a public light pole, or a "too good to be true" flyer, be cautious. Scammers often place fake stickers over legitimate ones in public places to redirect you to QR code scams.

Quick tip: If you’re unsure, just ask. A quick "Is this your official code?" to a staff member can save you a lot of headache.

2. Check the Link Before You Click

When you scan a code, your phone usually pops up a preview of the link before it actually opens. This is your "look before you leap" moment. A legit link should look clean and make sense, like coolcafe.com/menu. However, keep a sharp eye out for "typosquatting"—that’s when scammers swap letters to trick your brain.

They might use coo1cafe.com (using a '1' instead of an 'l') or cool-cafe.net instead of .com. If the address looks like a jumbled mess of gibberish—think qr-v3-99.biz/login—or uses a weird link shortener you don’t recognize, don't tap it. If the spelling feels even slightly "off," it’s a major red flag.

Smart move: Use a reputable scanner app like Google Lens. It displays the link clearly, giving you a chance to "look before you leap."

3. Say No to Pushy Pop-Ups

Legitimate QR codes are designed to be helpful, not bossy. If you scan a code and your phone immediately hits you with aggressive pop-ups saying "Download this now!" or "Update your account to continue," close the tab.

Real businesses use these codes to show you information, not to force software onto your device. If a site feels pushy or immediately asks for sensitive info like your credit card or social media password, it’s a major red flag for malicious QR codes.

4. Keep Your Phone’s Security Strong

Your phone is your primary buddy in this digital world, and it needs to stay "fit" to protect you. Regularly updating your phone's software ensures you have the latest security patches to block new types of attacks.

Additionally, avoid using "shady" third-party QR scanner apps that ask for excessive permissions, like access to your contacts or location. Stick to your phone’s built-in camera or trusted apps from the official App Store or Google Play Store.

Easy fix: Check your settings and ensure that "Install unknown apps" is disabled. This acts like a deadbolt on your phone's digital door.

5. Be Careful with Wi-Fi Codes

Scanning a QR code to join a guest Wi-Fi network is a great convenience, but it’s also a favorite trick for scammers. A bad code could connect you to a "cloned" network that allows a hacker to see what you're doing online.

Always verify that the network name matches the establishment. If you're at "The Coffee House" and the code wants to connect you to "FreeWiFi_Fast_Connect," double-check with the staff.

Cool trick: After you're done using public Wi-Fi, go into your settings and "Forget" the network so your phone doesn't automatically reconnect to it later.

6. Trust Your Knowledge and Instincts

Common sense is your best security tool. If a QR code promises something that seems impossible—like a free flagship phone or an instant cash prize—it’s probably a trap. Similarly, if you receive an unexpected text or email saying your account is "locked" and you must scan a QR code to fix it, stop. High-quality companies will almost never ask you to perform sensitive account actions via a QR code.

The Golden Rule: If it feels fishy, don't scan. Your gut feeling is usually right.

7. Financial QR Codes: Protecting Your Wallet from "Quishing"

When it comes to your wallet, the stakes are much higher. Many of us now scan codes to pay for parking, tip a server, or send money to a friend via Venmo or PayPal. Scammers know this and love to place fake codes on public payment kiosks or even send them in "urgent" emails claiming you owe a fine.

The Golden Rule for payments: If a QR code directs you to a payment page or asks for your credit card details, stop. Instead of trusting the scan, manually type the official website into your browser or open the company's verified app yourself. It takes an extra ten seconds, but it ensures your money is going to the right place—not a hacker's pocket. If a "parking meter" code feels flimsy or looks like a sticker, walk away and find a different way to pay.

If you're curious about how QR codes are actually generated and shared from browsers, tools like Google Chrome make it very easy—for example, you can even create and share webpage links as QR codes directly from Chrome using simple built-in features. You can learn the step-by-step process here: 👉 how to share webpage links as QR code in Google Chrome

The good news is that staying safe doesn't require being a tech expert. It just takes a bit of awareness. Think of this as a quick chat over snacks to help you spot malicious QR codes before they cause trouble.

Conclusion

QR codes are here to stay, and for the most part, they make our lives easier. By taking just two extra seconds to inspect the code and the link it provides, you can avoid the vast majority of QR code scams. Stay observant, keep your phone updated, and scan with confidence!

Thank you for reading this article. Think before you link! Help your friends and family stay safe in a world of quick scans—share this guide with someone who needs to see it.

How to Clear Cache for Just One Website in Chrome Without Clearing All History

2026-04-23T06:03:00.000-07:00

If one website suddenly stops loading while everything else works fine, clearing your entire browser history probably isn’t the smartest fix.

This is because doing so is counterproductive because it logs you out of every other site you’re using such as, Gmail, Netflix, Amazon, Facebook or whatever account you're logged into.

Instead of clearing my entire browsing history and cache, I opted for a more precise approach. Fortunately, Chrome allows you to delete cache and cookies for a specific website without affecting your other active sessions.

Once I cleared the data for WhatsApp Web, the QR code loaded immediately after I reloaded the page. This method resolved the error while keeping my logins for all other tabs intact.

Here’s the step-by-step process to clear data for a single website in Google Chrome so you can fix site-specific errors without clearing your entire browser history.

Quick Fix: To clear cache for a single website in Chrome, open the site, click the padlock or site information icon, go to “Cookies and site data,” and delete the stored data. This removes corrupted files without affecting other tabs or active sessions.

This works as the chrome clear cache shortcut that you can employ quickly. If you’ve done this before, go for it! Otherwise, check out the simple steps I've listed below to get things back on track.

Table of Contents

How to Clear Cache for One Website in Chrome (Without Deleting History)
Why a Particular Website Gets "Stuck" (While Others Aren't)
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
The Bottom Line

How to Clear Cache for One Website in Chrome (Without Deleting History)

The following guide is divided in three sections. Each section provides detailed steps for Google chrome for Android, chrome for Windows and Microsoft Edge for Windows 11/10. So, let's begin.

For Chrome Browser On Android

How to clear browser cache on mobile? The following tutorial has been tested on Chrome version 147 to clear browser cache (Android). For Chrome update version download, open Google Play Store and update chrome. this ensures that you'll be able to follow these steps the same way as us.

Open the chrome browser on Android and enter the web address of the website you're having issues with. Let the website load completely.
Once the website loads completely, tap the 'website info' button.
Then tap 'Cookies and site data.'

Open cookies and site data settings for the current website in Chrome.
In 'Cookies and site data' popup, tap the 'Delete' icon just next to the 'stored data.'

Manage and clear data for a specific website in Chrome.
A popup will appear for delete confirmation, tap 'Delete' to proceed clearing site data and Google cache.
Now, go back to the webpage and reload it. The website will work normally as we have cleared corrupted cache, cookies and site data.

Also check — share webpages as QR codes on Google Chrome for Android.

For Chrome Web Browser On Windows 10/11

Make sure to download latest Chrome browser version before proceed with the following steps. Type chrome://settings/help in your address bar and hit Enter key. Make sure to check the current version of Chrome and it should be updated to the latest version. If not download the latest version and relaunch your browser.

Open the website in chrome web browser that is not loading properly or showing any errors.
Once the website loads, click the 'website info' button.
In this step, click 'Cookies and site data.'

Click on "Cookies and site data" to drill down into the specific files stored by this website.
Then click 'Manage on-device site data' to access the delete option.
Now 'On-device site data' popup will appear, click the 'Delete' icon in front of the website's name.

Click the trash icon next to the domain to wipe its data without affecting the rest of your browser.
Finally, click 'Done' to exit and close the popup.
Hit ctrl + R or click the 'Reload' button to reload the webpage.
The website will now work with fresh data as we have cleared corrupted site data already.

You may also like to read — extract specific pages from a large PDF file using Google Chrome.

For Microsoft Edge Browser On Windows 10/11

Unlike Google Chrome web browser, the Miscrosoft Edge browser doesn't give an easy way to clear a particular website's data. However, you can still follow these steps given below.

Open the desired website in Microsoft Edge browser that is having operational issues.
Once the website finishes loading, click the 'padlock' icon in address bar.
Under 'Permission for this site' click 'Cookies and site data' and then click 'Cookies.'
You will see a list of cookies stored on your PC for that particular website in the 'Allowed' section.
Select every cookie and click 'Remove.' Do this for all the cookies you see in the 'Allowed' section.
After deleting the cookies click 'Done' and reload your page. The page should now work normally.

If you wish you can also learn to use split tabs in Google Chrome and view them side-by-side for conveniece and enhanced productivity.

What If Clearing the Cookies Don't Work In Microsoft Edge Web Browser

If clearing cookies in the Microsoft Edge web browser still doesn't make the website work normally, try the following steps below.

Copy this address edge://history/all?q=website_name_causing_issues and paste it in your edge browser's web address.
Before hitting the Enter key, replace "website_name_causing_issues" with the website's name having issues e.g. Google, Bing, WhatsApp. You can use lowercase if intended.
Once you hit the Enter key, you'll see the list of website's records in your browsing history. We have to delete them now.
There won't be an option to select all these web browsing options at once. But I have a trick for you, just scroll down to the end of the list, hold the Shift and then press the Space Bar, this selects all the browsing history items at once.
Once selected, the 'Delete' button will appear at the top. Click the delete button to clear the web browsing history for that particular website.
The troublesome website should now work normally.

Expert Tip: If the site is still acting up, your browser cache is probably just bloated. If you haven't cleared it in a while, old junk data can easily break pages. Just hit Ctrl+Shift+Delete, set the time range to "All time," check the boxes, and click "Clear now." That usually does the trick and gets things running smoothly again.

Note: If you're using any other operating system such as Linux, Mac or iOS, you can use the above tutorial to clear safari cache macbook, or on a browser running on Linux or iOS.

Why a Particular Website Gets "Stuck" (While Others Aren't)

When a specific site fails to load properly, the issue is usually related to locally stored browser data, not your internet connection.

Corrupted cookies or session data: Websites use cookies to maintain login sessions. If these become invalid or corrupted, authentication may fail or loop endlessly.
Cached file conflicts after updates: Browsers store scripts and assets locally. If a site updates but your browser loads outdated cached files, it can cause rendering errors or broken functionality.
Site storage inconsistencies: Modern web apps store data using local storage or indexed databases. Corrupted entries can prevent proper page initialization.

Clearing site-specific data for just that one site (as documented in Chrome Help). acts as a fresh restart for that specific tab, forcing it to fetch fresh, working files without affecting the rest of your browser sessions.

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

Does clearing cache delete passwords in Chrome? +

No, clearing your cache in Chrome does not delete your saved passwords. Chrome stores passwords securely in a separate location. However, clearing your cache and cookies will log you out of most websites, meaning you will need to sign back in using your autofill details.

Will I lose my bookmarks if I clear my browser cache? +

No, clearing your browser cache will not delete your bookmarks. Your bookmarks and browsing history are stored in a separate, permanent database. Clearing the cache only removes temporary files—like cached images and scripts—which means your saved sites remain completely safe.

Is it better to use Incognito mode or clear the cache? +

Neither is inherently better, as they serve entirely different purposes. Incognito mode is a temporary troubleshooting tool that runs a website without using your existing cache or cookies. If a broken site works in Incognito, it confirms your regular browser cache is the issue, meaning you must clear it to permanently fix the problem.

The Bottom Line

Clearing all browsing data is rarely necessary when troubleshooting a single website. While a full wipe fixes the issue, it also unnecessarily logs you out of every other account. Instead, clearing the cache for only the affected site is a faster, targeted way to resolve loading loops and corrupted data without disrupting your entire browsing experience.

To learn more useful browser tips, see our guide on how to take a long screenshot in Google Chrome.

Did this fix your website loading issue? If you are still encountering errors or a continuous loading wheel, drop a comment below so we can help you troubleshoot further.

How to Extract Specific Pages From a PDF File On Android, iPhone and PC

2026-04-15T07:59:00.000-07:00

Stop drowning in a PDF file containing hundreds of pages just to find several of them. Whether it’s a specific contract clause, a recipe from a massive cookbook, or just three slides from a semester-long lecture pack, extracting what you need shouldn't be a chore.

The best part? You already have the tools to do it. No expensive software, no blurry text, and no broken layouts. Here is the simplest way to split a PDF, extract specific pages, and save your sanity using nothing but your web browser.

Table of Contents

How to Extract PDF Pages on Mobile (Android & iPhone)
1. How to Split PDF Pages on PC (Chrome, Windows & Mac)
2. Instructions for Microsoft Edge Users
Why Extract PDF Pages?
Privacy Warning: Online PDF Tools

How to Extract Specific Pages From a PDF File For Free: Android, iPhone & PC

You can use this guide to split PDF without any third-party PDF editing software.

For Android and iPhone Users

How to Extract PDF Pages on Mobile (Android & iPhone)

Open file manager on your Android or iPhone and tap open the required PDF file that you wish to open.
Your phone will provide you several app options to open that PDF file such as Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive, Mozilla Firefox (if installed), Adobe Acrobat PDF viewer or Samsung Notes.
Select the desired app to open the PDF file.
Once the PDF file gets opened, tap the 'Menu' icon in the PDF viewer app. The menu icon is a three vertical dots button that you can find in the top-right or bottom-right or top-left corner. The exact options may vary depending on the app you use.
When the 'options' appear, look for the 'Print' option and tap it to open the default Android print dialog.

Print option available in an Android PDF viewer.
The Android 'Print' dialog looks like this.

Android print dialog interface showing print settings and options.
Tap the tiny 'arrow' button just immediately below the 'Paper size' option. You will see PDF page setup options.
Under 'Paper size' tap the drop down menu and select 'ISO A4.'

Android print dialog displaying paper size and orientation options.
Set the 'Orientation' to 'Portrait' or 'Landscape' as per the original PDF file.
Now comes the main part, under the 'Pages' option tap 'Range of.' This will open a separate text field.

Enter specific page numbers in the Android print dialog to extract selected pages from a PDF.
Enter the range of pages as per their page numbers.
For example, if I have 50 pages in a PDF file and the page numbers that I need to extract are from 1 to 10 and some individual pages such as 15, 19, 25 and 30. So, I will enter the information in the text field like this: 1-10, 15, 19, 25, 30.

Choose the number of pages to extract from a PDF using the Android print dialog.
Once you enter the page range and page numbers, only those pages will remain visible in the print dialog. You can scroll through the pages to check whether you have selected the correct pages.
This will extract pages from 1-10, 15, 19, 25 and 30 and separate PDF pages locally. Tap the 'yellow' PDF to save the extracted pages in a new PDF file on your phone.
You can follow the steps even if you're an iPhone user as the process may not be too different.

Also check, if you find it annoying when your phone’s power button triggers an assistant instead of the power menu, you can change the Android power button settings to disable Gemini. This simple adjustment restores the traditional long-press function, making it much faster to restart or power off your device.

For Windows, Mac & Linux Users

How to Split PDF Pages on PC (Chrome, Windows & Mac)

Download and install Google chrome browser for your computer's respective operating system. Download Google Chrome: Mac, Windows & Linux.
Now right click on the PDF file that you wish to extract pages from and select 'Open with' and then select 'Google Chrome.'
Once the PDF file opens up in Chrome browser, press CTRL + P or go to menu > Print. A print dialog will open within the browser.

Google Chrome print dialog interface on Windows 11 showing print options.
In 'Destination' select 'Save as PDF.'
In 'Pages' option select 'Custom' then enter the page range, individual page numbers or both separated by commas. A correct example for this is: 20-30, 45, 50, 51 (for example only). This will extract pages from 20 to 30 (both included) and page numbers 45, 50 and 51.

Enter page numbers in Google Chrome print dialog to split or extract PDF pages.
After selecting the pages, you can see the number of pages that you have selected for extraction in the top-right corner.

Chrome print dialog displaying total number of pages in a PDF before printing.
Finally, click 'Save' to save the new PDF file on your computer's hard drive or SSD with just the extracted pages that you've selected.

If You're Using Microsoft Edge

Right click on the PDF file and select 'Open with.' Select Microsoft Edge from the list.
Once the PDF file opens in Microsoft web browser, press CTRL + P to open the print dialog.
In the 'Printer' option, select 'Save as PDF.'

Microsoft Edge print dialog with options for splitting or extracting PDF pages.
In the 'Pages' option, select the text field option and enter the range and number of pages that you wish to extract. For example: 1-8, 25, 30-60.

Enter page numbers in Microsoft Edge print dialog to split or extract PDF pages.
Once you enter the pages range and numbers, the print dialog will hide all the other pages in the PDF document and only the selected pages will be visible. This way you can be sure that you have selected the correct pages.
Finally, click the 'Save' button and then save the extracted pages as a new smaller PDF on your PC.

Note:If you're a Mac user and using Apple Safari browser, then you can simply press Command (⌘) + P in order to launch the print dialog. Follow the above tutorial to extract specific pages from a PDF file using Apple Safari.

Real Reasons You May Need to Extract Specific Pages From a PDF File

In practice, the need to extract specific pages from a PDF file arises frequently—whether to isolate a section from a lengthy report, retrieve a single chapter for reference, or remove extraneous content from a scanned document.

The ability to do so efficiently preserves clarity and streamlines document handling. Below are common, real-world scenarios where this proves essential:

1. Send only what matters:: Your manager doesn’t want the full 50-page quarterly report—just the sales summary on page 4. Extract it, send it, done. No back-and-forth, no “which page was that again?”
Like attaching only the pricing sheet to a client email instead of the whole proposal.
2. Whip up presentations or quick summaries:: Need three killer charts for tomorrow’s meeting? Pull them straight from the annual report. Boom—clean slides, no copy-paste mess.
Grab the revenue graphs from pages 8, 12, and 15 for your deck.
3. Keep sensitive info safe:: That employee handbook has salary bands on page 33? Delete it before sending to the new intern. Same goes for client contracts with personal IDs.
Strip out pages with SSNs or internal pricing before sharing externally.
4. Mix and match the best bits:: Writing a new guide? Take the intro from last year’s version, fresh stats from this month’s data dump, and the FAQ from the old manual. Stitch them into one tight file.
Build a training packet using the best parts of three different PDFs.
5. Sort out study notes:: Textbooks are huge. Why carry 400 pages when you’re only reviewing chapter 7? Extract it. Same for problem sets, past exams, or highlighted sections.
6. Save just the thermodynamics chapter into a “Finals” folder.
6. Shrink the file size:: A scanned 200-page manual can balloon to 30 MB. Cut the junk—foreign translations, blank pages, old revisions—and you’re down to 3 MB. Uploads fly, emails don’t bounce.
Remove 120 pages of appendices nobody reads.
7. Make team work smoother:: Big project plan? Break it up. Send design specs to the creative team, budget pages to finance, timeline to the PM. Everyone gets only what they need.
Designer gets pages 4–6, developer gets 10–14.
8. Store smarter:: Don’t archive bloat. Keep the signed contract page, the receipt, the one diagram you’ll reference later. Delete the rest. Your folders stay clean, your search actually works.
Save just page 2 of a 10-page invoice—the one with the total and signature.

⚠️ A Quick Reality Check on "Free" Online PDF Editing Tools

Many of us love a free shortcut as much as the next person, but here’s the honest truth: be careful where you drop your PDF files. When you upload a document to a random "PDF Splitter" website, you’re basically handing a stranger a copy of your data.

If you’re just pulling a pancake recipe from a cookbook? Go for it. But if that PDF has bank details, your home address, or a confidential work contract, stop right there. You have no real way of knowing where those files are stored or who might be looking at them on the back end.

The "Print to PDF" methods we talked about above are the way to go because they happen locally on your device. No uploads, no mystery servers, and no privacy leaks. Keep the sensitive stuff on your own hardware—it takes the same amount of time and keeps your private life actually private.

Related Guide

If you're facing website loading or login issues in Google Chrome, check out: how to clear cache and site data for a single website in Chrome

Master Your Workflow: Effortless PDF Page Extraction

Stop letting massive, bloated documents clutter your digital life. Whether you are using a mobile device or a desktop, learning how to extract specific pages from a PDF file is a simple productivity hack that saves time and storage space. By isolating only the most relevant data, you ensure your document handling is precise, professional, and clutter-free.

Give it a try right now! Take that heavy report or manual sitting in your downloads and split the PDF to keep only what you need. Once you experience how easy it is to save specific pages as their own clean files, you’ll never go back to scrolling through endless pages again.

How to Change Audio Track In Dual Audio Movies On Android (VLC, MX & Samsung)

2026-04-04T12:26:00.000-07:00

Ever tried watching a dual-audio movie on your Android phone, only for it to start blasting the wrong language with no obvious way to change it?

I ran into this recently on my Samsung phone while trying to watch an MKV file. The default video player buried the audio settings, which is incredibly frustrating when you know the file has multiple language tracks built right into it.

Once I finally figured out how to switch the track, the difference was night and day. Even through a basic pair of earbuds, the 5.1 Dolby Digital track sounded rich and detailed. While Android usually squishes surround sound down to standard stereo, having the right audio format—paired with features like Dolby Atmos or Spatial Audio—makes a massive difference in how good your movie sounds.

If you're stuck listening to the wrong language, here is exactly how to change the audio track using Samsung's native video player, VLC, and MX Player.

What is a Dual-Audio Movie File?

A dual-audio movie file basically has more than one audio track built into a single video file. These tracks can include different languages such as English, Hindi, or Spanish. Most dual-audio files use the MKV format, which supports multiple audio streams and subtitles.

How to Change Audio Track In Dual Audio Movies On Android

This is a three-part guide for teaching you to change audio track in dual audio movies on Android. You can choose method(part) which suits you the best.

Video Player	Quick Instructions
Samsung Player	Open video from Gallery > Tap 3 dots > Open in Video Player > Tap 3 dots > Language.
VLC Media Player	Tap screen > Select Audio & Subtitles icon (speech bubble) > Tap track under Audio.
MX Player	Rotate to Landscape > Tap Audio/Music Note icon > Choose preferred language stream.

Method 1: Using the Built-in Samsung Video Player

Here's a step-by-step guide on switching the audio language in dual-audio movies on Android. I am using a Samsung phone that uses the Samsung video player app. The Samsung video player app easily recognizes multiple audio streams (if encoded) in a movie file. Check the step-by-step guide below.

Note that I'm using a 5GB Blu-ray MKV (.mkv) movie file to test this tutorial on a Samsung Galaxy phone.

Make sure to copy the movie file on your Samsung phone. If you're using a Blu-ray quality movie then it may either have a .mp4 or .mkv format and file size may range up to 5GB. So, make sure your phone has enough storage space.
After copying the movie file to your phone, open the Samsung Gallery app and tap the movie file once to start playing it.
Now tap the three vertical dots in the top right corner and then tap 'Open in Video player.' Samsung Video Player opens up and starts playing the movie. Do not skip this—if you just watch it in the Gallery preview, the audio settings won't show up.

How to open the video player directly from the Samsung Gallery app.
This is what the Samsung Video Player interface looks like—pretty straightforward once you’re in.

Samsung video player interface showing playback controls and options.
Now tap the 'three vertical dots' in the top right corner again and select the 'Language' option.
You'll see multiple audio streams to select from right on your screen. A movie can have multiple dubbed audio streams such as German, French, Spanish, and Japanese. Tap the audio language to select, the movie will immediately switch to your selected language.

Samsung video player displaying dual audio language selection options.
You can now enjoy the movie in your preferred language.

If you're using a non-Samsung phone such as OnePlus, Google Pixel, Motorola, or Xiaomi then you can check if their built-in video players support this language switch feature. If the feature is missing then you can simply switch to VLC media player.

If your phone’s built-in player doesn’t support audio switching, you can use third-party apps like VLC.

Method 2: Using VLC Media Player (Best for Google Pixel, OnePlus & Xiaomi)

VLC is an advanced media player for Android that supports almost every video format. The good news about VLC media player is that it is totally free. Here's how to change audio track in dual-audio or multi-audio movies in VLC media player for Android.

Download and install VLC media player for Android from Google Play Store.
Open the app, grant file storage permissions and start playing your movie.
You'll see an interface like this below. Take a few seconds to check on its video player controls.

Changing audio language in movies using VLC Media Player.
Tap the 'Audio & Subtitles' button in the VLC player controls. Under 'Audio' tap the desired language for your movie and then tap the 'back' button to return to the VLC player.

Selecting an audio language option in VLC Media Player.
Rotate the screen to landscape mode to watch the movie in full screen. You can simply hold your phone in landscape mode, and VLC media player zoom will automatically adjust the video to 16:9 full screen.

Method 3: Switch Audio Language in MX Player (Android)

MX Player is quite popular as an OTT platform. You can also use it to play your favorite movies but it is not as versatile as VLC as its interface is quite bulky.

MX Player offers useful features, but its interface may feel heavier compared to VLC Media Player for some users.

Open the desired movie file in MX Player and switch to landscape mode (full screen) by rotating your phone's screen.
Tap the 'Audio/Music Note' button to open the language options. This button is not visible in portrait mode, so, to access it, tap the 'three vertical dots' menu button in the top right corner and tap 'Audio language' option.

Changing audio language in movies using MX Player.
Once you tap the button, you'll see the list of audio streams your movie is encoded with. Tap the desired language to switch.

Selecting an audio language option in MX Player.

Use Network Stream to Watch Movies If Your Phone's Storage Is Low

You won't be able to transfer large movie files to your phone if its storage is nearly full. So, let's assume if you have some 50 movies and wish to watch them whenever you like.

It is not practical to transfer all those movies to your phone due to limited storage. 50 movies may total around 200-400GB or more in overall file size. Android phones typically do not have that much storage.

So, what's the best way to watch movies on your phone without transferring them every time?

For this, you can use Samsung's Network Storage Manager which is built-in to the Samsung My Files app. The Samsung Network Storage Manager allows you to access a shared folder or a drive partition from your PC's hard disk using local home WiFi network over FTP (File Transfer Protocol) or SMB (Server Message Block) protocols. This shared folder from your PC can contain hundreds of movie files as PCs have larger storage spaces often ranging from 500GB to 2TB or more.

However, this method is exclusive to Samsung Android phones. Samsung Network Manager is not available for other Android phones. However, you can use VLC media player's local network streaming feature or check if your phone's file manager doesn't support network storage management.

See the detailed tutorial—read my full guide on setting up Network Storage via Samsung My Files.

FAQ: Got Questions? I’ve Got Answers.

Why is there no sound after I switch languages? +

It’s incredibly annoying, but this is usually a codec issue. Basically, your phone's built-in player doesn't "speak" the language of high-end audio formats like DTS or AC3 (Dolby Digital) or eAC3 (Dolby Digital Plus). To fix this instantly, just open the file in VLC—it has most of the "translators" (codecs) built-in so the sound actually works.

My subtitles are in the wrong language now—how do I fix that? +

It’s a classic headache: you switch the audio to English, but the subtitles are still stuck in the original language. Since dual-audio files usually pack multiple subtitle "tracks" too, you just need to tell your player which one to show.

If you’re in VLC or MX Player, tap that same Subtitles/Speech Bubble icon where you changed the audio. You’ll see a list of available subtitle tracks—just pick the one that matches your language and you’re good to go.

What if the voices don't match the lips (Audio Sync issues)? +

This happens all the time with dubbed movies. If the audio feels "off," don't panic. If you’re using VLC, tap the audio icon and look for "Audio delay." You can manually nudge the sound forward or backward by a few milliseconds until it perfectly lines up with the actor's mouth. Problem solved!

How to check if your movie file supports dual or multiple audio streams? +

Open the movie file in VLC media player and then tap the 'Menu' button (three horizontal dots) in the bottom-right corner. A list of tools/options will appear on the right side. Scroll down this list and tap 'Video information.' If you see multiple entries for 'Audio' section here, your movie file supports multi audio streams.

Checking whether a movie file supports dual audio using VLC Media Player.

Conclusion: Enjoy the Show!

There’s nothing like getting lost in a classic movie with the perfect sound setup. Whether you’re sticking with the Samsung Video Player or leveling up with VLC, switching to your favorite language should only take a few taps. Don’t let a "dual-audio" file intimidate you—once you know where the settings are hidden, you’re in total control of your movie night.

Did this work for you? If you hit a snag or found a better player for your Android, let me know in the comments. And if you're running out of space for those massive Blu-ray files, definitely check out my guide on setting up a Network Stream to watch your entire collection without using a single MB of phone storage!

How to Change Android Power Button Settings (Disable Google Gemini On Long Press)

2026-03-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

The other day, my phone’s 5G was acting up, and I was trying to restart my device to reset the cellular connection. Instead of the power menu, Google Gemini kept popping up every time I long pressed the side power button.

Honestly, I had this issue for days but never took it seriously, and I was wondering why my basic navigation had suddenly changed. It’s incredibly frustrating when a simple hardware command is hijacked by an AI assistant without warning, isn't it?

After digging through the latest Android 16 settings, I finally found the culprit. How did I fix it? It’s a simple toggle hidden deep within the Advanced features of your Android phone settings.

I am about to teach you exactly how to restore your phone's normal power off function using the side power button and disable Gemini on long press of the side button for good.

Quick Solution To bypass Gemini popup on long press of your phone's power button, hold Power + Volume Down to see the power menu. Once power menu appears, tap the 'Power off' button To fix this permanently in Android, kindly read the full article below to change the behaviour of your phone's power button and disable Gemini popup on long press.

Table of Contents

How to Change Android Power Button Settings (Disable Google Gemini On Long Press)
How to Power Off Android Phone Without Side Power Button
How to Customize The Power Button On Android (Even More Different Functions)
FAQ - Android Power Button Settings
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Android Power Button

How to Change Android Power Button Settings (Disable Google Gemini On Long Press)

Here's a step-by-step guide to restore the normal functioning of your phone's power button. The guide I am presenting will ensure that you will only get power off options when long pressing the side button instead of Google Gemini popup.

Go to Settings > Advanced features > Side button.
Here, you'll see the 'Long press' option for your power button. Tap it to open.
In this section you will see Google Gemini Digital Assistant, Bixby (on Samsung phones) or any other 'Digital Assistant.'
If any digital assistant is selected here then simply look for the 'Power off menu' and select it.

Selecting the Power off menu to restore standard button behavior.
That's it, you have just restored the normal function of your phone's power button.
To test the button now, long press it and you'll see options for 'Power off' and 'Restart.'

The restored Android power menu with Power off and Restart options.

Restoring these basic controls makes your device much easier to navigate. While you are tweaking your advanced settings, you can also learn how to set up network storage Samsung My Files Android to better manage your local and remote files from one place.

How to Power Off Android Phone Without Side Power Button

If you do not wish to use the power button to turn off your Android phone then there are two alternate ways to power off your phone.

Method #1

Access the quick settings panel on your Android phone.
Here, you'll see a 'Power button' in the top right corner.

Android power button quick settings panel
Tap that button and you'll get the same power options that a long press of the side button provides.
Tap 'Power off' or 'Restart' as required.

Method #2

If you are using a Samsung Android phone then you can simply use Bixby digital assistant to turn off your phone. Open Bixby and say 'turn off my phone.' Once Bixby accepts this command your phone will be turned off.

While managing system functions, you might also want to learn how to configure Android dual SIM manager for better connectivity control.

How to Customize The Power Button On Android (Even More Different Functions)

Many Android users don't know that the power button on their phone can do more than just turning the phone on or off. You can change the double press behaviour of the power button and set different functions to it. Here's how to customize the power button on your Android phone.

Simply head to Settings > Advanced features > Side button.
Here tap the 'Double press' option and make sure that the toggle switch is enable (set to blue color).
You will see a list of apps here that you can open with a double press of your button.

Setting an Android app to open on double press of the power button
Select the app you wish to set to open when power button gets double pressed.
Some apps will provide you more functions, just tap the 'Settings' icon and you will see more functions.
For example, when I selected the 'Voice Recorder' app and tapped its settings, I got further two actions that I could set on the double press of the power button. These two functions are: 'Open Voice Recorder' and 'Start recording.'

Android side key double press app function options

The 'Start recording' function is way too convenient as I can start voice recording with just a quick double press of the power button. The good thing about this is that this works even when the phone is locked.

FAQ — Android Power Button Settings

Is there a way to use both Google Gemini and the Power Menu? +

Yes! If you don't wish to remove Google Gemini from the long press function of your phone's power button, simply press and hold 'Power' and 'Volume down' buttons simultaneously. This will give you power options such as 'Restart' and 'Power off.' If you are troubleshooting data issues while doing this, it's a good idea to set mobile data limit warning Android to avoid overages.

How to Change Power Button Function in Samsung? +

You can simply head to Settings > Advanced features > Side button on your Samsung phone. Here you can customize the power button behaviour and double press function. The above tutorial has been tested on a Samsung Galaxy phone running Android 16 and One UI 8.0.

How to Turn Off Bixby On Side Key Settings on a Samsung Phone? +

Simply head to Settings > Advanced features > Side button. Here tap the 'Long press' option and select 'Power off menu' to unselect 'Bixby' digital assistant from the side key settings.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Android Power Button

The shift from a classic power button to an AI shortcut can feel like a step backward in usability, but as we've explored, the control is still in your hands. Whether you want to disable Gemini, Bixbi, restore your Power menu, or turn your side key into a one-tap voice recorder, these simple tweaks make your Android 16 experience feel personal again. Also check — how to clear cache and site data for a single website in Chrome .

Did this fix work for you, or is your phone still acting up? Let me know in the comments below, and don't forget to share this article.

How to Connect an Ethernet Cable to an Android Phone (Step-by-Step Guide)

2026-03-18T02:19:00.000-07:00

Last updated: 21 June 2026

Android supports Ethernet connections using a USB-C to Ethernet adapter, allowing you to use a LAN cable instead of Wi-Fi.

This can improve stability and reduce latency compared to wireless connections, especially for gaming, large downloads, and network troubleshooting.

This guide explains how to connect Ethernet to an Android phone, along with setup steps, requirements, and fixes for common issues.

Quick Summary

Android phones can connect to wired internet using a USB-C to Ethernet adapter and LAN cable.
You need a USB-C OTG-supported phone, Ethernet adapter, LAN cable, and an active network connection.
Most modern Android phones detect Ethernet automatically without requiring any app.
Ethernet provides a more stable connection with lower latency, making it useful for gaming, downloads, and network troubleshooting.
Android also supports Ethernet tethering on compatible devices, allowing you to share your phone’s internet through a wired connection.
If Ethernet is not working, common causes include adapter compatibility, cable issues, USB-C support, or router DHCP problems.

Requirements for Wired Internet Connection on Android

Android phone with USB-C and USB OTG support
USB-C to Ethernet (RJ45) adapter
Ethernet (LAN) cable (Cat5 or higher)
Active router or modem with internet connection

How to Connect an Ethernet Cable to an Android Phone for Wired Internet

Here's a step-by-step and plug and play guide for connecting wired internet connection to your Android phone via Ethernet cable. The following guide has been tested on a Samsung Android phone running One UI 8.0 and Android 16.

Plug in the USB-C end of the ethernet to USB-C adapter to your phone.

USB Type-C to Ethernet OTG LAN adapter for connecting wired internet to Android devices.
Make sure your Wi-Fi router is switched on.
At the back of your Wi-Fi router, you'll see multiple RJ45/LAN ports. Connect the LAN cable to any of the RJ45 ports in yellow.
Now connect the other end of the LAN cable to the LAN to USB-C adapter that you just plugged in to your Android phone.
Once you make the successful connection, an ethernet icon will be visible in your phone's status bar.
You don't have to change any settings to make the internet connection work on your phone. The ethernet connection works plug-and-play on most supported Android devices. However, you can check some settings if you ever need to change them in Settings > Connections > More connection settings > Ethernet.

Android Ethernet settings page showing wired LAN connection configuration.
Now open the Chrome browser and browse some websites or do an internet speed test. You'll be amazed to see the high-speed wired internet on your phone.

If you're also looking to access your PC files on your Samsung phone using ELAN network, then check: How to Set Up Network Storage in Samsung My Files (Access PC Files Wirelessly)

Pros and Cons of Ethernet on Android

A wired Ethernet connection can improve stability and reduce latency on Android devices, but it is less convenient than Wi-Fi due to its hardware requirements.

Pros of Using Ethernet on Android

Lower latency compared to Wi-Fi, useful for gaming and video calls
More stable connection in areas with weak or congested Wi-Fi
Consistent performance for large downloads and uploads
Useful for diagnosing network or router-related issues

Cons of Using Ethernet on Android

Requires a USB-C to Ethernet adapter and cable
Reduces mobility due to physical cable connection
Not supported on all Android devices (Android 8.0 or earlier).
May increase battery consumption depending on adapter and usage
Prevent simultaneous charging on your phone.

What is Ethernet Tethering on Android?

Ethernet tethering on Android is a feature that lets your phone share its internet connection (mobile data or Wi-Fi) through a wired Ethernet connection using a USB-C to Ethernet adapter. Instead of creating a Wi-Fi hotspot, it sends internet through a physical LAN cable to another device like a PC or laptop.

This results in a more stable and low-latency connection compared to wireless sharing methods.

How Ethernet Tethering Works on Android (Simple Explanation)

When Ethernet tethering is enabled, Android routes internet traffic from your phone through a USB-C to Ethernet adapter and outputs it via a LAN cable.

The connected device treats your phone like a wired network source, similar to a modem or router.

Ethernet Tethering vs USB Tethering (Key Difference)

These two features are often confused:

USB tethering: Shares internet using a USB cable to one connected device
Ethernet tethering: Shares internet through a LAN cable using a USB-C Ethernet adapter

Ethernet tethering is preferred when you need:

Lower latency connections
More stable packet delivery
Compatibility with wired network setups (PCs, switches, routers)

How to Enable Ethernet Tethering on Android (Step-by-Step)

Connect a USB-C to Ethernet adapter to your Android phone
Plug an Ethernet (LAN) cable into the adapter
Connect the other end to your PC or laptop
Go to: Settings > Connections > Mobile Hotspot and Tethering > Ethernet tethering
Turn ON Ethernet tethering

Once enabled, Android automatically routes internet through the wired connection without requiring any additional apps.

Important Notes

Requires USB-C OTG + Ethernet adapter support
Availability depends on device manufacturer and Android version
Connection is automatically disabled when the cable is unplugged

If you're facing slow Wi-Fi speed issues then I recommend reading: Why Your Wi-Fi Is So Slow (9 Fixes That Actually Work Fast)

Troubleshooting Ethernet Connection Not Working on Android

If Ethernet is not working on your Android phone, the issue is usually caused by the adapter, cable, router settings, or device compatibility. Use the checks below to identify and fix the problem.

1. No Ethernet Icon on Android

If the Ethernet icon does not appear after connecting the USB-C to Ethernet adapter, the system is not detecting a valid wired connection.

Check the following:

Ensure the USB-C to Ethernet adapter is properly connected
Try a different Ethernet cable (Cat5 or higher recommended)
Test the adapter on a PC or another compatible device
Check for a blinking LED indicator on the adapter (if available)

If the adapter works on other devices, the issue is likely device compatibility or a faulty USB-C port.

2. Connected but No Internet (DHCP Issue)

If the Ethernet connection is detected but there is no internet access, the issue is usually related to DHCP (IP address assignment) from the router.

Common cause

The router may not be assigning an IP address due to a full or misconfigured DHCP range, preventing the Android device from connecting properly.

How to fix DHCP issues

Open your router settings by entering 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a browser
Log in to the admin panel
Go to LAN or DHCP settings
Increase the IP address range or DHCP pool size
Save settings and reconnect the Ethernet cable

Additional check (important)

Ensure the phone’s network mode is set to DHCP (Automatic IP)
Avoid static IP conflicts between multiple devices
Restart the router after making DHCP changes if needed

Pro Tip: Ensure your phone's Ethernet setting is set to "Automatic" or "DHCP". If it's set to "Static," it won't even ask the router for an address. Also, If two devices are manually set to the same Static IP, the Ethernet connection will fail. So, keep a check on this.

If you're a Samsung phone user and facing Wi-Fi dead zones issues on your home then we have a definitive guide for you. Our guide lets you identify Wi-Fi dead zones in every corner of your house using the built-in Samsung utility known as Samsung Wi-Fi Connectivity Labs.

This utility maps the Wi-Fi connectivity in realtime and lets you find Wi-Fi dead zones across your home when you move around. Check the article: How to Identify & Fix Wi-Fi Dead Zones with Samsung Connectivity Labs

FAQ — Ethernet on Android

Does Ethernet work on all Android phones? +

No. Ethernet works on most Android phones with USB-C and OTG support (generally Android 9.0+). However, support depends on the device hardware and manufacturer implementation.

Does Ethernet work on Samsung phones specifically? +

Yes. Most Samsung Galaxy devices running One UI with USB-C support can use Ethernet through a USB-C to Ethernet adapter without extra apps. The connection is automatically detected in system network settings.

Is USB-C Ethernet faster than 5GHz Wi-Fi on Android? +

USB-C Ethernet is not always faster in peak speed, but it is more stable and has lower latency than 5GHz Wi-Fi. This makes it better for gaming, video calls, and large downloads in unstable Wi-Fi environments.

Can I charge my phone while using Ethernet on Android? +

Not directly with a basic adapter. You need a USB-C hub with Power Delivery (PD) support to charge your phone and use Ethernet at the same time.

Is Ethernet good for gaming on Android? +

Yes. Ethernet reduces latency, packet loss, and jitter compared to Wi-Fi, making it more stable for competitive online gaming.

Why is my Ethernet not working on Android? +

This usually happens due to a faulty adapter, unsupported USB-C OTG, damaged LAN cable, or router DHCP configuration issues.

Do I need an app to use Ethernet on Android? +

No. Ethernet works natively on Android. Once connected, the system automatically switches to wired network mode.

Can Ethernet improve mobile hotspot speed? +

No. Ethernet does not boost hotspot speed. It only provides a wired internet connection directly to the phone or shared device via tethering.

Is Ethernet better than Wi-Fi for video calls on Android? +

Yes. Ethernet reduces connection drops and latency spikes, making it more reliable for video calls compared to Wi-Fi.

Wrapping Up

While Wi-Fi is the king of convenience, nothing beats the raw stability and speed of a wired Ethernet connection on Android. Whether you're a competitive gamer looking for zero lag or just troubleshooting a stubborn router, this setup is a lifesaver for your digital toolkit.

Have you tried connecting your phone to ethernet yet? If you hit a speed record or ran into a weird glitch, drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your results!