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Tech how-to: Check your phone for signs someone is watching
I get so many calls during my national radio show and DMs from folks who think they’re being stalked. Sometimes, the person is seeing signs that aren’t there. Other times, it’s clear there’s something going on. It’s not surprising, given how easy it is for tech to watch someone’s movements.
The good news is you have me, and I know the exact settings creeps use to spy on you. Grab your phone and let’s dive in.
Start here, Apple folks
First, check Share My Location. You’ll see a list of the people who can follow your every move.
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > Share My Location.
Pro tip: If you remove access, they’ll be notified. Take a screenshot of that list if you need to show it to the cops or someone else. Press and hold the right-side power button and the top volume button until you see a flash.
Now, if someone’s signed into your Apple ID, they could track you across everything that uses it. Let’s make sure no one’s in your account.
- Tap Settings > [your name], then scroll to the bottom to see a list of anything signed into your account. Hit the arrow on the right, then press Remove from Account to delete the ones you don’t recognize.
Pro tip: Want a quick fix? Apple’s Safety Check shows you what info you’re sharing and lets you cut off access from people or apps you don’t trust.
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Safety Check. At the bottom, hit Manage Sharing & Access to see who still has the keys to your account. Press Start Emergency Reset to yank access from everyone with your Apple ID.
On to you, Android crew
The easiest way for someone to spy is by logging into your Google account. This shows them your Maps history, location, searches and everything else. Yeesh.
Tech myths: Streaming, AI, phone and computer ‘wisdom’ that isn’t
When it comes to tech myths, I’ve heard ‘em all. That’s why I’m here to help you keep a handle on what’s real and what’s not. Before we dive in, just a few reminders: Macs can get viruses, closing apps will not save battery life, and your smartphone’s memory doesn’t die after two years.
Get some space: I’m always surprised when I see someone’s iPhone home screen covered in icons. It’s easy to sort them into folders. Press on an app icon until it starts to jiggle. Now, move it on top of another one that you’d like to pair it with. Bam, folder. Name it whatever you want.
🔧 What’s wrong with my website? Ask your favorite AI chatbot for a critique. At worst, you wasted 30 seconds. At best, you save a bunch of money in consulting fees. Try this prompt: “Analyze my website for usability, design and SEO. Identify issues with the loading speed, mobile responsiveness, readability and navigation. Suggest improvements to enhance user experience, engagement and search rankings.” My result: “Incorporate interactive elements such as polls or quizzes to increase user engagement.” It’s right!
💡 Lights on, but nobody’s home: That’s a good thing. Smart bulbs usually have a vacation-mode setting that turns them on and off when you’re away to scare off thieves. This three-pack is $24.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Absolute life upgrade: Hearing aids aren’t expensive and bulky like they used to be. See if you qualify for a 45-day risk-free trial of tiny hearing aids that make conversations crystal clear again.
Not for me, thanks: Almost every social media platform has the option to say, “I don’t like this.” Next to a post, video or anything else, look for the three-dot or three-line menu that opens more options. On YouTube, for example, tap the three dots next to a video and choose Don’t recommend channel or Not interested.
🗣️ Personal narrator: Your phone can read webpages aloud. On iPhone, open a page on Safari, then say, “Siri, read this page.” For Android, go to Settings > Accessibility > Select to Speak and toggle on the shortcut. Open your browser, swipe up with two fingers and hit Play.
Don’t get left behind: Download NetSuite’s free knowledge drop, “The CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning.” No matter what you do, you should know more about AI. It’s not going anywhere.
Icon-ic maps upgrade: If you have an Android, look for new icons for your car in Google Maps. Open the app and start navigation while you’re parked. Tap the blue arrow and Choose vehicle icon. Woohoo, five new cars and eight colors to pick from instead of just three.
Check for keyloggers: These programs capture every single thing you do on your phone and secretly send it off, where it all can be accessed by who-knows-who. One of the most popular programs is called MSpy. If you think you’re being stalked, check your device for this app.
♠️ “Play solitaire”: Type that into Google for a quick game. It’s better than downloading some random app that wants $1.99 and your mother’s maiden name. Why does Batman love solitaire? No Joker.
From Ed in Florida: “Kim, I want to get away from Google. If I sign up for StartMail, will it import all my email and contacts?” Yup. You can transfer your entire mailbox, including messages and contacts, with zero downtime and 100% security. Right now, get 60% off your first year.
Hidden Windows settings: There’s so much good stuff packed into the accessibility menu, like a magnifier tool, extra text size options, color contrast levels, voice typing and narration, caption settings, and voice recognition. In Windows 10, go to Settings > Ease of Access. In Windows 11, go to Settings > Accessibility. So handy!
Laptop mistake: Working all day with your computer plugged in kills the battery over time. On a Mac, there’s a special setting to turn on if you can’t give up the cord. Go to System Settings > Battery. Next to Battery Health, click the i and enable Optimized Battery Charging. You’ll charge to 80% and then run on wall power.
At a loss for words? AI is a champ when you’re feeling overwhelmed, confused, frustrated or just plain out of ideas. It works for anything from “What do I do with a celeriac I got at the farmer’s market?” to “What’s a creative way to end my presentation on a high note?”
Look good, feel good: You deserve to feel your best. Collagen has been a staple in my routine for years. Grab NativePath Collagen here with my link to save 45%. Three cheers for younger-looking skin.
📖 Storytime: Create a shared e-book library for your whole family to enjoy. On Kindle, head to Menu > Settings > Household & Family Library > Add a New Person > Add Adult or Child (click here for parental controls info). Hit Next, tap Done and you’re all set.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
📱 Better than caller ID: Is that call important? If you have AT&T, you can now see who’s calling and why. When a biz calls you, they can choose to show a message like “refill reminder” or “package delivery.” It’ll pop up as the call comes in. Right now, this is only available on Android phones with Verified Calls.