It’s a terrific Thursday, friend. 📟 Let’s start this party with some throwback trivia. I totally had a pager in the ’90s and maybe you did, too. Can you guess how many pagers are active in the U.S. today? Is it … A.) 8,000, B.) 80,000, C.) 800,000 or D.) 8 million? Beep, beep. Answer at the end!

Is that me in your pocket? If it’s been a while since you turned me on and listened to my national radio show, let’s catch up! Hit this link for the podcast version and take me with you on a walk or drive. You’re gonna love it! Now, onto the tech smarts! — Kim

I just swiped through my apps and found, uh, six I’ve never used or haven’t opened in months. Yep, it even happens to me. You have grand plans to meditate, organize your to-dos, fix your pics, whatever, and you download an app for the job. But then, the romance ends.

You should know that it’s not enough just to press down on the app, wait for the wiggle and press delete. Most folks have no clue that deleting an app doesn’t stop the app developer from accessing your data. I’ll show you the tech pro way to say goodbye.

Why you’re still being tracked

If you signed into an app using your Google, Apple or Facebook account, that connection is probably still live. That means the app is free to keep pulling data like your name, email, contacts and calendar.

Some apps back up data to iCloud or Google Drive. Deleting the app doesn’t delete that backup. It sits there waiting to sync again if you reinstall.

And if the app sold or shared your data with advertisers or data brokers (and let’s face it, so many do), deleting it doesn’t magically erase what’s already out there.

Here’s how to cut ties for good

Before we dive into the steps, know they may vary slightly depending on your phone or operating system. Makes and models have their quirks.

Step 1: Revoke third-party access

✅ Google: Go to myaccount.google.com > Security > Under “Your connection to third-party apps and services,” tap See all connections. Choose one to delete the connection.

✅ Apple: Settings > Your Name > Sign in with Apple. Remove anything unnecessary.

✅ Facebook: Settings & privacy > Settings > Apps and websites. Remove access from unused apps.

Step 2: Delete cloud backups

📲 On iPhone: Settings > Your Name > iCloud > Storage. Check and delete individual app data.

📲 On Android: Open Google Drive > Choose Backups from the menu > tap your device > choose the three-dot menu > delete old app backups.

Step 3: Review permissions on apps you still use

🔧 On iPhone: Settings > Privacy & Security. Review access to Location, Microphone, Contacts, etc.

🔧 On Android: Settings > Security & privacy > Privacy controls > Permission manager.

Phew, I know, lots of menus. But doesn’t it feel good to know you can delete an app the right way now? This guide is worth saving.

Reminds me, the other day I went to a restaurant, and the waiter sat me down and asked if I’d like to see a dessert menu. I told him, “No, that’s the last thing I want.” (I spotted a smile right there!)

The only way to keep your business yours is with a VPN. A virtual private network encrypts your data and hides your IP address, giving you an extra layer of protection from snoops, advertisers and Big Tech companies looking to profit off you.

Some VPNs slow your connection or, worse, track your internet activity and compromise your security. Not ExpressVPN. Plus, you can connect in just one click from a Windows PC, Mac, iPhone, Android, iPad — you name it.

🚨 Deal alert: Get an extra FOUR months free since you subscribe to my newsletter.

⚠️ Your browser is a big honkin’ target: Reading this on Chrome? Hackers are sending phishing links via email that infect your system with malware as soon as you click. A fix is coming soon, so restart your browser when you see the update icon near the URL bar. Sigh, just one more reason you need solid antivirus protection.*

If you hear the words Bitcoin ATM, hang up: It starts with a call from someone claiming you or a loved one’s in trouble. They need money, fast. The person on the other end sends a QR code and tells you to rush to a Bitcoin ATM. Any cash you deposit is sent straight to their crypto wallet, for good. You’ll never get your money back.

Dumb and dumber: Police are looking for four kids caught on camera following a bonehead viral TikTok trend. These troublemakers threw themselves against random garage doors to rack up likes and views. Homeowners are stuck paying thousands to fix the damage. Make sure your outside cams are working.

iPad cracks the case: London police just solved a six-year-old case after finding an iPad in the bottom of the Thames River. It led the forensics team to Amazon and eBay purchases used in an attempted murder plot. Three clowns are behind bars, pointing fingers at who threw the iPad in the water thinking it would be gone for good. Meanwhile, a ton of permanent facial recognition cameras just went up in London.

LinkedIn influencers? It’s not just for jobs anymore. People are sharing personal stories mixed with career advice, and it’s making them famous. Take April Little (paywall link). She wrote about layoffs, went viral and now has 260,000 followers and $150,000 in brand deals. A little shameless self-promotion: Share this with your friends on LinkedIn and tell ’em to sign up for my newsletter at GetKim.com. TY!

📺 Crystal clear binge: Got a Netflix Premium subscription? Look for HDR10+ on some shows and movies for a crisper, less muddy picture. Go to the Menu > Get Help > Video and hit HDR On. If you don’t see it, your device may not support it. Sorry.

🎖️ The Army’s getting new gear: Wow, some troops carry over 80 pounds of equipment, including five separate radios. To lighten the load, they’re developing new tech like the Integrated Visual Augmentation System, goggles that combine night vision, navigation, targeting and heat sensing all in one. Because I can … What rank are all cats in the army? Corpurrrrrral. (Nice one!)

☀️ Because who says adventure has to be expensive? So many good deals in Amazon’s spring sale!

• Grab a nice travel umbrella (32% off) that won’t blow open every 30 seconds.
• Beach or park day? This tent (36% off) keeps UV rays at bay.
• Sit back and relax on a folding chair (44% off) you can take anywhere.
• This collapsible wagon (54% off) hauls up to 255 pounds and packs up nicely.
• Burger pressers (20% off) are the trick to perfect smash burgers.
• Handle the heat safely with grilling gloves (48% off).
• Snag a stainless steel garden hose (20% off) that’s built to last.
• Green thumb? Miracle-Gro potting mix (25% off) is your plants’ best friend. 
• Charge your tech on the go with a retractable car charger (39% off).
• Speaking of, time to replace frayed USB-C cables (20% off).

💡 A bright idea: Power up your essentials with Duracell (49% off) or Energizer (40% off) AA batteries, so you don’t run out of juice.

🧑🏼‍🎨 New AI image generator: Using ChatGPT’s 4o model, just type something like, “Draw a dog surfing a wave with sunglasses,” and boom, you’ve got an image in seconds. It’s rolling out to both free and paid users, so if you don’t see it yet, hang tight.

Vacation mode: If you’re on vacation for a week or more, hold your mail, so it doesn’t pile up. Log in or create a USPS account and verify your identity. On Amazon, go to Your Orders, find anything pending and click Reschedule. Choose a new date on the calendar and hit Confirm.

🗑️ Trash your big files: Running out of space on Google Drive? On the web, click Storage on the left to see your files from largest to smallest. On the Google Drive app, go to Files and tap on Name under My Drive near the top left. Then tap Storage used to sort it by file size. Delete what you don’t need. Ah, space.

No FaceTime or Skype? No problem. Try WhatsApp for Mac when you want to include Android pals, too. You can add eight people to a video call or 32 for audio-only. Hit this link for the Windows version. 

✋ Skip the Apple Store: Try your iPhone or Mac’s built-in diagnostic tool. Pop your iPhone or Mac into diagnostics mode, enter the serial number and start troubleshooting. FYI, it’s designed for techies, not total newbies.

Impress your boss: Download NetSuite’s free knowledge e-book, “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.

🗣️ Speak up, please: If you haven’t tried this yet, it’s slick. Otter’s AI bot already takes notes and summarizes meetings. Now, its Meeting Agent answers questions, drafts emails and schedules future meetings. Score. Use it on Zoom for free; coming soon to Teams and Google Meet.

The answer: C.) 800,000 pagers are still operational in the U.S. Most are used by doctors and emergency personnel, but anyone can buy one. A basic one-way pager, which receives messages but can’t send them, will set you back about $100, plus $20 per month. Tempted? Me, neither.

🖊️ Let me tell you, modern technology has never matched the simplicity and grace of the traditional pen. In fact, you could say that there is still no e‑quill. (Bet you didn’t see that coming!)

Just a reminder to join the fun with me on Instagram, X, YouTube and Facebook. Make it a great day, and I’m so thrilled to have you with me here with the best newsletter in the USA! Keep shining bright (like your phone screen at 2 a.m.). — Kim