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tips and tricks

  1. Android News

    15 Chrome Tips on Android

    If you use Chrome as your Android web browser, you'll want to check out these 15 tips.
  2. Android News

    5 things to do with your new Android phone

    Just pick up a new Android phone during one of the big sales? Here's a peek at the first five things you should do with your new device.
  3. Android News

    How to customize your Google Chrome and Chromebook searches

    Dieter from The Verge gives users a few tips to customize Google Chrome and Chromebook URL searches to "supercharge your URL bar".
  4. Joe

    Pixel 2: How to use Portrait Mode

    One of the new features on the Pixel 2 camera is called Portrait Mode. Basically, it applies a heavy blur to the background and makes the foreground object pop. Open the Camera app Tap the menu icon in the top left Select Portrait Tap on the subject to focus Tap the shutter button The photo...
  5. Joe

    Pixel 2: How to use Google Assistant

    Google Assistant is one of the headlining features of the Pixel phones. There are a couple of different ways to use Assistant. First, set it up. Long-press the home button or say "Ok Google" Tap Turn on when Assistant pops up You will be guided through the setup To use Assistant, you can...
  6. Joe

    Pixel 2: How to get content from old phone

    One of the coolest features of the Pixel phones is the ability to easily transfer content from an old device. The Pixel 2 comes with an adapter in the box to make this process easy. Android devices can transfer apps, app data, contacts, settings, Google accounts, music, photos, and SMS. iOS...
  7. Joe

    Pixel 2: How to change home screen

    If you don't like the default Pixel Launcher, it's very easy to get a new home screen. Simply install a launcher from the Play Store, such as Nova Launcher. After installing the launcher, press the home button and you'll be asked to Select a Home app. Choose the new launcher and select Always...
  8. Joe

    Pixel 2: How to move search bar

    One of the most noticeable changes on the Pixel 2 is the search bar on the home screen. It has been moved to below the dock. Unfortunately, you can't change this in the default Pixel launcher. You'll need to install a 3rd-party launcher, such as Nova Launcher. If you do install a 3rd-party...
  9. Joe

    Pixel 2: How to use Ambient Display

    The Pixel 2 has an always-on display feature called "Ambient Display." It shows the time, date, and notifications when the display is off. Here's how to use it. Go to Settings > Display Select Advanced > Ambient display Toggle it Always on, enabled Double-tap to check phone, and New notifications
  10. Joe

    Pixel 2: Swipe the fingerprint sensor for notifications

    A neat trick on the Pixel 2 is the ability to swipe the fingerprint sensor to open or close the notification shade. Go to Settings > System Select Languages, input & gestures Select Advanced Tap Swipe fingerprint for notifications Toggle the switch on
  11. Joe

    Pixel 2: How to factory reset

    If your Pixel 2 is misbehaving or you want to sell it to someone, a factory reset will erase everything and start from scratch. Before you do a factory reset, make sure all personal media is backed up. Go to Settings > System Select Reset Select Factory data reset Tap RESET PHONE Enter password...
  12. Joe

    Pixel 2: How to show battery percentage

    Want more information about Pixel 2 battery life? You can show the exact battery percentage in the status bar. Go to Settings > Battery Toggle on Battery percentage That's it!
  13. Joe

    Pixel 2: How to squeeze for Google Assistant

    One of the most unique features of the Pixel 2 is the ability to literally squeeze the phone to launch Assistant. Here's how to enable it and customize the action. Go to Settings > System The go to Language, input & gestures > Advanced Select Active Edge Adjust the squeeze sensitivity to your...
  14. Joe

    Pixel 2: How to backup

    The Pixel 2 has a great feature that enables you to backup the phone with Google Drive. It's easy to set up. Go to Settings > System > Backup Toggle the switch on If no account has been selected, you'll see a notification pop up Tap the notification Select your Google account Now go into the...
  15. Joe

    Pixel 2: How to hide apps

    Most phones allow you to hide apps from showing up in the app drawer. The default Pixel Launcher doesn't have this ability. You'll need to install a 3rd-party launcher, such as Nova Launcher. If you do install a 3rd-party launcher, look in the app drawer settings to hide apps. In the case of...
  16. Joe

    Pixel 2: How to delete apps

    Want to get rid of some apps on your Pixel 2? Here's how to uninstall or disable almost any app. Swipe up on the home screen to open the app drawer Long press on the app you want to remove Tap App Info On the App Info page, select Uninstall or Disable
  17. Joe

    Pixel 2: How to change keyboard

    As with any Android phone, you can change the keyboard on the Pixel 2. Here's how: Go to Settings > System Select Languages, input & gestures Tap Virtual keyboard Tap Manage keyboards Toggle the one you wish to use Bring up the keyboard by tapping in a text box Ta the keyboard icon in the nav...
  18. Joe

    Pixel 2: How to use fingerprint scanner

    The Pixel 2 has a fingerprint scanner on the back. It's fast and very reliable. Here's how to use it. Go to Settings > Security & location > Pixel Imprint If you haven’t already set up a lock screen pattern, PIN, or password, you’ll be asked to set one up Tap +Add fingerprint Choose which...
  19. Joe

    Pixel 2: How to take a screenshot

    One of the simplest and most basic functions you can do is take a screenshot. This is handy for sharing your home screen design or getting help when something isn't working quite right. Here's how to do it. Press and hold the Power button Press and hold the Volume Down button Hold both until...
  20. Joe

    LG V30: How to use Always-on display

    The Always-on display can show the time, date, and notifications while the display is turned off. It’s pretty handy to see the time or whether you need to read a notification. Go to Settings > Display Tap Always-on display Toggle the switch to ON Tap the settings gear icon to choose how it looks
  21. Joe

    LG V30: How to factory reset

    If you ever want to start fresh or sell your phone, you need to do a factory reset. This will wipe the device clean, so make sure none of your personal information is left. Open the Settings app Scroll down and select Backup & reset Tap Factory data reset Tap RESET PHONE (confirm password)
  22. Joe

    LG V30: How to use mobile hotspot

    The V30 can be used as a mobile hotspot if you have an eligible data plan. This allows you to connect other devices to the V30 and use its data connection. Go to Settings > Tethering Toggle the Wi-Fi Hotspot switch Enter a password for the network Update the Mobile Hotspot password if needed...
  23. Joe

    LG V30: How to backup

    Backing up your phone is very important if you want to keep your data and media safe. Backup apps Go to Settings > Backup & reset Under 'GOOGLE BACKUP,' tap Back up my data Tap the Backup my data switch to the ON setting Backup everything else Go to Settings > Backup & reset Under 'LG...
  24. Joe

    LG V30: How to change the theme

    The LG V30 has the ability to use different themes. It comes with a few out of the box and you can download more from the Play Store. Go to Settings > Theme Select one of the preloaded themes Tap APPLY OR Tap the download icon in the top right This will open the themes section in LG...
  25. Joe

    LG V30: How to show battery percentage

    You can put the battery percentage number in the status bar. You'll get a better idea of how much battery is left. Go to Settings > Battery & power saving Toggle the switch for Battery percentage on status bar