Take a minute to adjust these important Android privacy settings

Security can be complicated with your smartphone, especially for Android users.

What are some of the best ways to keep your device (and yourself!) safe from nefarious actors, illegal surveillance, and malware?

Our sponsor, ExpressVPN, recently shared five easy ways to configure your Android device for a safer and more private experience. All of them should be on your list if they aren’t already.

Hide your Google location history

The first to-do on this list brings a few obvious benefits. Your location history could leave you vulnerable to stalkers in a worst-case scenario. Creepy? Yes, and Google has been tracking your location since you first started using Google Maps.

Unless you rely on your Google location history for one reason or another, you should disable it. Here’s how:

  • Open Settings.
  • Tap Privacy > Google location history.
  • Tap Turn off.
  • Scroll down and tap Pause.

After doing this, you’ll be asked if your old data should be flushed. Tap Delete old activity and hit Got it to seal the deal.

While ExpressVPN does note that you would need a VPN to hide your location entirely, your Google profile will be separated through this method.

Cleanse your permission manager

After years of using an Android device, apps tend to pile up. At one point, many needed permission to use the camera, microphone, or contacts.

You can keep access to your device exclusive by revoking permission for odds and ends you don’t use anymore. It’s an excellent solution for apps you rarely use but not every day.

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8 signs that your computer has been hacked

If your device is connected to the internet, it’s vulnerable to hacks. It’s as simple as that. Cybercriminals are always coming up with new tricks to get into your gadgets and you should be aware of that.

Fortunately, there are usually signs that your device has been compromised. When it comes to smartphones, this can include spikes in data usage, battery drainage and changes to your home screen, among other indicators. Tap or click here for information on diagnosing and solving phone hacks.

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Phone battery dying too soon? Try this

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New research reveals the apps responsible, and you can find them listed in this one-minute podcast.

5 simple ways to protect your home this winter

Winter months can bring some serious challenges for homeowners. Icy driveways, slick walkways and frozen pipes can cause a lot of damage.

Whether you tough it out or take off to warmer climates, you want to keep your home safe over the winter months. That means you need protection from thieves while you’re away. Protect your home with the security system that protects Kim’s family, SimpliSafe. Visit SimpliSafeKim.com today to save 40% on a home security system and get your first month free when you sign up for Interactive Monitoring.

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Have a SimpliSafe system? There's a brand new HD outdoor camera to add to your home's arsenal

When it comes to home security, you need a company you can trust. Traditional home security companies are all about the bottom line. You work with a salesperson to find a system, someone comes over to install it, then you’re locked into a long contract with high monthly fees.

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AI jobs most at risk, Amazon's palm reader & Audi's car sniffing team

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Plus, I reveal the truth behind Beethoven’s death — all it took was a few strands of hair! Google Pixel 7A prototype causes bidding war on eBay, check your remote battery using your smartphone and the perfect placement for your doorbell cam.

TSA PreCheck comes to LinkedIn, Amazon's bizarre $1 return fee & how to run a free background check on yourself

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Plus, I talk with self-made billionaire John A. Catsimatidis on his determination and journey to success. Also, curious about the dark side of Roblox? I tell you why scammers are after your kid’s chore money! And wait till you hear why the FBI is warning against charging in public with low battery. If you’re a hiker, Google Maps has new tools just for you. Oh, and should you let robots mow your lawn? I’ll give you all the compelling reasons why it’s time.

FBI warns - never use public smartphone charging stations

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Low phone battery? Don’t charge it on a public USB port. In 60 seconds, find out why you’ll be tracked.

Ford’s self-driving repo man, Bing AI’s new personalities & discover your Facebook friend rejects

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Plus, banned from Airbnb? It might not be your fault. If you’re an EV owner, I share the best temp for your car’s battery range. (Hint: it’s warm.) If you print wirelessly, make sure you do a few things first for your security. And before you click “buy” on that Amazon product, here’s the lowdown on whether their warranties are really worth it. 

Should I let my phone die every day?

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How low should you go with your phone’s battery? Discover the surprising truth, in 60 seconds.
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Send a text using email

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Need to send a text message, but your phone’s battery is dead? Just do it over email. Here’s how, in 60 seconds.
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Digital Life Hack: How you're ruining your phone's battery

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Did you know that every phone’s lithium ion battery has only a certain number of charge cycles? Listen now for the best way to charge your phone.
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This battery lasts 28,000 years

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Imagine a battery that never needs recharging. Actually, you don’t have to imagine it, since that technology has already arrived! Here’s how it works.
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The mistake killing your phone battery

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How often do you charge your smartphone? You may be making a common mistake that could shorten your battery life.
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Americans waste $40 billion a year on broken tech

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A decade ago, you could fix a smartphone in no time. Was your old battery acting up? You could just pop off the back and drop in a new one! Things aren’t as simple nowadays. Here’s what changed.
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3 best phone chargers

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For years, Apple was absolutely adamant: Unless you want to risk a fire or battery explosion, “Do not,” they said, “Use ANY other charger on your iPhone, except the one that we supply.” But today, when you buy a new iPhone 12, Apple no longer includes a charger. You have to buy your own. So, which one is best?
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iOS 14 has a battery problem

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If you updated your iPhone to Apple’s latest operating system, iOS 14, in the past few days you may have already noticed that your iPhone’s daily battery life has somehow grown shorter. Here’s why.
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You're charging your phone wrong

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You probably have your own method for keeping your phone charged — but according to research, you’re probably doing it wrong. The way you charge your phone could be shortening the battery’s lifespan.
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Get your cut of Apple's $500M iPhone settlement

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Back in 2017, Apple admitted to intentionally slowing down the performance of certain phones when the battery was older or low on juice. Apple agreed to pay up to $500 million dollars in a settlement. Today, you can get your cut.
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SimpliSafe protects your whole house in under an hour

You’ve probably heard how easy it is to protect your family, home and valuables these days. It’s nothing like the hassle it used to be.

Technology has changed everything — and simplified it, too. That’s because wireless technology has made installing home security an afternoon project, rather than the all-day nightmare it was when techs had to drill holes in your walls, cut wires and mount a system that worked just OK.

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