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This 15-digit code is your stolen phone insurance
If your smartphone was ever lost or stolen, would you know what to do? Lock it remotely, call your carrier or use a tracking app. That’s a start.
But you know what weapon most people sleep on?
That weird 15-digit code called your IMEI. Your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is like a Social Security number for your phone. Every phone has one, and it’s not tied to your phone number or SIM card.
Why does this matter?
Let’s say someone nabs your phone and jams in a shiny new SIM. They think they’re slick. But your carrier can use your IMEI to block the hardware itself from the entire mobile network. Boom. The phone is now a $900 coaster.
It doesn’t get you the device back. Think of it as your phone’s self-destruct button, minus the explosions. Those cost extra.
Find your IMEI
This part is easy. Just open your phone app and dial: *#06#
That’s star, pound, zero, six, pound. You don’t even have to press call. Your IMEI number will pop right up on your screen.
Grab a pen. Take a screenshot. Email it to yourself. Save it in a secure notes app. Etch it into a cursed amulet you hang above your door. Whatever works.
Just don’t only store it on your phone (reminder: likely the missing item in this future scenario). This is one of those tiny tech things that makes a big difference, and that’s exactly why I’m here. 😉
Blackout prep
⚡ The outage in Europe shows how it’s key to stay ready.
- Stay updated on emergency alerts with a hand-crank radio (11% off).
- Use a solar power charger power bank (36% off) to juice up with the sun.
- These emergency LEDs ($22) automatically light up when the power fails.
- Get a four-pack of rechargeable bulbs (20% off) that self-charge.
- Crack, shake and go for 12 hours with a 12-pack of glow sticks (13% off).
- No AC? This rechargeable portable fan (8% off) keeps the air moving.
- Keep warm with a 45-pack of hand and body warmers (40% off).
🪫 Don’t run on empty: Stock up on AA and AAA batteries from Duracell (19% off) or Energizer (23% off).
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
The $55K FaceTime car scam
Sarah’s $55,000 lesson: The online car dealership that wasn’t
Even smart shoppers can get taken; here’s how to make sure you don’t.
Sarah from Salt Lake City did everything right, or so she thought. She was looking for a used car online and found what looked like a legitimate dealership.
🌳 Want beautiful trees without the wait? At Fast Growing Trees , use promo code KIM to save an extra 15% on fast, easy and expert-approved planting. They have the perfect trees and plants for your location, shipped right to your door. No messy trips to the garden center. I love my avocado tree!
📬 Have a question, a story or something to share with me? I’d love to hear from you. I read every single note that comes in, seriously, every single one. 👀 If you’ve got something on your mind, don’t be shy. Just fill out this quick form. I can’t wait to see what you have to say!
How to tell if a job applicant isn’t real
Hackers are using AI to create fake job candidates that look and sound real on Zoom. Try this pro trick to spot them.
🛸 This is space-cial: The James Webb Space Telescope picked up traces of dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide 124 light-years away, gases that, on Earth, only come from microorganisms like phytoplankton. The catch? It could also be from some chemical process we just don’t understand yet. Cue the X-Files theme.
7 minutes
How long Kanye West lasted before getting banned on Twitch for doing a Nazi salute and antisemitic remarks. He didn’t even crack 220 followers before face-planting into a permanent ban, possibly a new world record.
100% critics’ score for Netflix’s new comedy series
That’s the critics’ score for Netflix’s new comedy series North of North. It follows a young Inuk mom who moves back to her small hometown after leaving her husband. It’s like Gilmore Girls meets snow meets 9,000 percent more gossip. The trailer looks pretty good.
Down to business
📅 New week, same desk, unless you upgrade it with these goodies.
- Keep your pens ready to roll with a two-pack of rotating pen holders ($19).
- This mini desktop vacuum ($13) sucks up keyboard gunk like a pro.
- An adjustable laptop stand (25% off) lifts your screen and your posture.
- Print right from your phone with a wireless mini label maker (53% off).
- Snag a paper shredder (7% off), so sensitive docs are confetti.
- No more juggling cables with this USB-C hub (25% off) that turns one port into five.
😎 Shop my tech picks that are on sale right now!
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
🖥️ Own a Copilot Plus PC? Microsoft’s finally rolling out Recall, the controversial feature that snaps everything you do on your Windows PC (including those embarrassing things) so you can search your “memories” later. Windows Search also now lets you find stuff just by describing it instead of remembering exact file names. I went Mac and never went back.
Quick trick to clean out your inbox
Are you inbox zero? If not, here’s a simple way to get rid of all those junky emails.
🌡️ Google’s cutting off old Nest Thermostats: Support ends on Oct. 25 for any you purchased in 2011 or 2012. You won’t be able to control it from your phone or Google Assistant anymore. You’ll have to adjust the temperature the old-fashioned way, by hand. Looking for an upgrade? The 4th gen (2024) is on sale.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
🛏️ Fluffing the case: MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell’s lawyer filed a court brief written by AI with nearly 30 fake legal citations. He blamed “paraphrasing” before admitting he didn’t fact-check at all. File this under absolutely not how you want your court case to go.
▶️ YouTube changed its player: It’s rolling out slowly, but people already hate it. Time stamps have buttons, the volume control is on the right and the black gradient is now opaque. Oh, you can’t scroll to adjust the volume anymore or use the up/down arrow keys, all in the name of progress. Shameless plug: Click here to subscribe to my YouTube channel.
Waymo wants to sell you a $250K self-driving car
Owning your own robotaxi could soon be a reality. Plus, when did you made your first investment? Thanks to AI, people are doing it younger than ever. Also: Selfies with the pope, and why Apple wants you to delete Chrome right now.
2 years
That’s how long a new male birth control shot has been working. “ADAM” is a water-based gel that blocks sperm, but everything else still works just fine. The kicker? They’ve only tested it on two guys, and while they say it’s reversible … there’s no proof yet. But look how far we’ve come.
36
The exact age scientists say bad habits really start wrecking your health. A study tracked hundreds of kids born in 1959 to 61 years old. Those who smoked, boozed and skipped workouts ended up sicker and more depressed. Great news if you’re 35, you’ve got 12 months left to be an absolute disaster on purpose.
Selfies at the Pope’s funeral
Some moments are meant for respect, not your camera roll.