A lot of people think once their Airtag dies, they have to throw it away. I am here to bust that myth with 3 simple steps to change your Airtag battery. *No tools required
Tech prep kit: What you need in an emergency
A few weeks ago, I asked if y’all would be down with my putting together a tech prep list of emergency items and ideas. I really was surprised at how many of you said, “Yes!” So, without further ado, let’s prep for cyberattacks and outages.
Tech power
- Pocket power: A portable power bank keeps your tech going when the power goes out. Here’s a no-nonsense option compatible with most devices. This one ($20 off) has a built-in light. Try this one if you’re on a budget.
- Save me: An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) provides backup power to specific devices. I recommend one for your desktop computer (7% off) and one for your router.
- Here comes the sun: Solar generators are nice to have around for extended outages. Spring for this one to soak up the sun or this one that’s a bit cheaper.
Power generators
- If it’s just for one or two people: This generator’s a great option to run your laptop, small fridge and more. It’s both solar- and battery-powered, and it’s 31% off right now.
- Take it to the next level: This Generac gas-powered option will run 4.5 hours at a 50% load. Outdoor use only, just sayin’.
- Movin’ on up again: This indoor or outdoor generator will run the refrigerator for up to 15 hours, lights for up to 180 hours and charge your phone up to 164 times. It’s pricey, but you get what you pay for. I have two Generac generators, and they’re a good, solid choice.
Data backup solutions
- Separate and secure: Back up data from your desktop or laptop on an external hard drive for safekeeping. Go with this one if you won’t be carrying it around. This option or a similar model are more portable.
- Up, up and away: A cloud storage subscription like Google Drive, Dropbox or OneDrive makes it easy to access your data from any device, no matter where you are.
- Set it and forget it: Automatic backup systems automatically collect, compress and encrypt your data. For local backups only, try Macrium. Backblaze is a great cloud backup option. Arq works with Google Drive, OneDrive and Amazon.
Communication tools
- Oh, that’s my burner: If your smartphone carrier goes down, having a device on a separate carrier could save the day. The spare doesn’t have to be anything fancy.
- Linking up: When the internet on the ground goes kaput, a backup internet source like Starlink keeps you up and running. I have this at home.
- Mixed signals: A satellite phone still works if something happens to the regular cellular tower network. This device has all the bells and whistles. This Garmin unit doubles as a map and GPS. This two-way messenger is a great option, too.
- Roger that: To keep your family connected, stash away some walkie-talkies. They’re perfect for short-range communication. These two can pair with a smartphone for chat or text and these are long-range, waterproof and 20% off.
Emergency connectivity
- On the go: If your router becomes unreliable or you have to hit the road, a mobile hotspot device (7% off) keeps you connected. Here’s a budget-friendly alternative.
- In the SIM-ulation: Spotty cell service or none at all? SIM cards with prepaid data plans to rescue. Here are three options: Verizon, T-Mobile and Infimoble.
- Emergency calls: Have a lightweight, compact satellite-connected device on hand so you can call for help. Clip this one (44% off) to your backpack.
Security measures
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Should you splurge on a Copilot+ AI PC?
Anymore, every company (and their mother) seems to be slapping “AI” on their product marketing and charging you a boatload. Microsoft and its new line of Copilot+ PCs are no exception.
Let me give it to you straight: Microsoft is pushing these laptops hard, but in this case, what they sell isn’t exactly what you get. If you’re considering buying one, read this first.
Prep your home for emergencies
Preparing for emergencies isn’t exactly a blast, but boy, will you be thankful if you ever need to use that gear. It’s all about peace of mind.
- Flashlights (25% off) and batteries are both musts.
- A battery-powered or hand-crank radio is perfect in case there’s no cell signal.
- Don’t forget a first-aid kit … which you should already own, really.
- Grab a manual can opener (20% off) if yours is electric.
- Make sure you have a cooler and lots of ice packs. I keep some in the freezer all the time.
- I like to keep around a solar charger, too. Click the coupon for an extra 10% off.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Turn off Bluetooth when you’re not using it: Keeping it active all the time makes your device more vulnerable. Plus, you’ll get more battery life by turning it off from time to time. On an iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and switch it off. On an Android, go to Settings > Connected Devices > Connection Preferences > Bluetooth and switch it off. (Note: Steps may vary based on your phone model.)
3 ways to charge your phone faster
Did you forget to power up your phone overnight? Here are some quick tips to help speed up your charging time so you can get back to full battery.
Which of the following smartphone charging “facts” is actually a myth? Is it … A.) Charging overnight damages your battery, B.) Using your phone while it’s charging can make it explode, C.) Charging only when it reaches 0% extends your battery life, or D.) You should only use the charger that came with your phone?
50,000 gallons of water
To put out a Tesla Semi fire. After a crash in California, the truck’s massive lithium-ion battery reached up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Firefighters had to call in an aircraft to drop fire retardant around the electric semi to make sure the fire didn’t spread.
Dog sets the house on fire
An indoor cam caught a dog chewing on a lithium-ion battery power bank, which then set the house on fire. The flames spread through the living room in minutes. The family (and all their pets) got out safely. Note to self: Keep power banks up high away from Abby.
Fix anything, anywhere
Travel prepared like a good little scout. (Fun fact: I was a Boy Scout leader. It’s a long story.) Bring these nifty gadgets to fix:
- Hiccups, with a straw that stops them instantly (need this for the studio).
- Bad breath, with pre-pasted disposable toothbrushes under $8.
- Glasses, with this $2 repair kit.
- A dead phone battery, with a compact Anker power bank that’s 17% off.
- Everything else, with pocket-sized, go-anywhere duct tape on sale. Sure wish I’d invented that!
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
600 miles in 9 minutes
Charge capacity for Samsung’s new EV battery. Oh, and the solid-state battery has a 20-year lifespan. They say it’ll be ready for mass production by 2027. Luxury carmakers will be all over this.
🔋 iNeed you to know this: The battery in an AirTag lasts about a year. Once it dies, you don’t need to trash it like lots of people do. We put together an awesome video with exact steps to swap the battery yourself, no tools required!
700 miles per charge
For the new breed of EVs known as extended-range electric vehicles. The catch: You’ll have to gas up every now and then (paywall link). EREVs have a small combustion engine that’s there to charge the electric battery as you drive.
📺 Your remote is dirtier than your toilet: Remove the batteries and blast it with compressed air if you have it, then clean it with a disinfectant wipe. Cotton swabs and toothpicks are great for removing stubborn gunk. Remember: Don’t put the batteries back in until it’s fully dry.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
🔋 Charges dropped: Your phone has built-in settings to keep the battery healthy over the long term. On Android, open Settings > Battery > Adaptive Charging. On an iPhone, head to Settings > Battery > Charging Optimization.
🔥 You really have to see this: An indoor cam caught a dog chewing on a lithium-ion battery power bank, which then set the house on fire (video here). The flames spread through the living room in minutes. The family and all their pets got out safely. Phew.
🔋 More battery in a hurry: You must leave in 15 minutes and your phone battery is hovering around 3%. Plug it in, switch it into Airplane mode and give it as much time as possible. Shutting off extra processes means your phone can focus on charging.
Tech to the rescue: A family of seven was saved from their sinking boat on Utah Lake thanks to a hero and drone. A bystander found the family a mile and a half from shore and shared the GPS coordinates with emergency services. Everyone’s OK, except for the drone; its battery ran out, and it took a dive.
MacBook battery widget: It’ll regularly remind you how much juice is left in your laptop. On your Mac, click the date and time in the top right corner. In the notification center pop-up, click Edit Widgets at the bottom. Search for “batteries” and pick your favorite options.