Smart how-to today: Set up Apple’s Stolen Device Protection setting. This hack only works if you set it up before your iPhone goes missing, so do it now before it’s too late.
I wasted 36 hours trying to do it myself
So many of the calls, emails, messages and DMs I get are about privacy and security. I can’t remember the last time I had a full day where no one asked me some version of “How do I get all this info about me off the internet?”
It’s not just you. It’s me, too. After finding my personal cellphone number available on a free people-search site last year, I made it my mission to scrub everything online about me. There are literally hundreds of companies and sites that collect personal info, and they make it extremely hard to get your data removed. Why? Because they profit from selling your data — and mine.
I called the series Opt-Out Tuesday. We put together articles, newsletters and radio segments promoting it. I shared the steps in my nationally syndicated columns. And yet …
I didn’t make a dent
To be fair, we heard from a ton of people who had success following our instructions and removing their info. In fact, the big people search site networks got so peeved, they changed the steps to remove your data after one of my articles went viral.
I spent 36 hours emailing the scummy sites, filling out forms, making calls and even sending letters by USPS. I gave up when I had no real progress. That’s when I researched services to do this for me. I tried three, and I ultimately picked Incogni.
It took me about 3 minutes
Creating an account was easy, and I was immediately opted out of 27 databases, with 47 more requests sent. Now we’re talking about hundreds of sites I’m opted out of with no extra work on my end.
All you have to do is create an account and then enter your name and address. These sites require this info to remove your data — so you’d do that whether or not you use Incogni. Bonus: You can add up to three addresses and three phone numbers, too, so they can catch all the sneaky records.
Then, you grant Incogni permission to reach out on your behalf. After you finish the setup process, you’ll see a list of sites you’ve been removed from and pending requests.
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Outdoor living upgrades
These deals are all under $10 and an easy way to level up your summer life outside. With deals like this, the steaks aren’t too high for your patio paradise.
- Bug out: A magnetic screen door will keep the bugs at bay as you move between indoors and outdoors. It’s a steal at $8.99 (44% off).
- Under pressure: Clean the driveway or patio with a high-pressure garden hose nozzle. Get a pack of two brass nozzles for half off ($9.99).
- Backyard upgrade: These solar-powered rope lights make any outdoor setup party-ready. Snag ‘em for just $9.99.
- Dining deterrents: Don’t let flies ruin dinner. Place a couple of these fly fans (23% off, $9.99) on the table. They really work!
- Grill me: This multiuse silicone mat holds your tools for easy cleanup after grilling. It’s an easy upgrade for only $8.99.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
📶 Internet connection cutting out? Try a Wi-Fi extender to cover dead zones. Place it as far from your router as possible where it still picks up a strong signal. Pro tip: Download an app like NetSpot WiFi Analyzer (for Android and iOS) to test your signal quality and fine-tune your setup.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Signs of a SIM swap attack
Is your phone suddenly not working? It might be scammers hijacking your number. Here’s how to protect yourself with a simple PIN setup.
Keep your eyes peeled: Southern Californian residents got a creepy surprise: A camera, disguised with camouflage tape and leaves, spying on a whole street. Scary setup, right? Cops think it’s the work of South American theft rings scouting for their next break-in. Check your yard.
Sweet trick: Use a smart speaker as an intercom
Remember screaming, “Dinner’s ready!” Or maybe you had a fancy built-in intercom system in your house? Those clunky old systems feel outdated today, but man, were they handy.
Good news: You have access to the future world version if you own any smart speakers. It’s super easy to set up. Let me show you how.
Android tip: 7 surefire ways to take better photos every time
There’s an amateur photographer inside each of us. For years, iOS devices constantly outperformed many Android devices regarding camera quality and built-in camera modes. But that’s changing.
Now that Android phone cameras are punching up with better hardware and software, you can take stunning photographs like a DSLR camera. This guide will teach you how to unlock the features in your Android phone, frame your shots and make share-worthy photographs that look highly professional.
Chairing is caring
How about some new patio chairs to upgrade your outdoor setup? Let’s face it: You need ‘em.
- Two zero-gravity lounge chairs for $100 (23% off!). They have over 42,000 five-star reviews, and everyone says, “Comfy!”
- This oversized zero-gravity chair is also on sale for $80. Dang! It’s 27% off!
- Adirondack chairs look and feel great. This durable no-crack and no-fade option has a retractable ottoman and cup holders. Sweetness.
- Put your pool toys, gardening tools, sports gear — you name it — in this 70-gallon lockable storage bench. It has a 551-pound weight capacity, so plop down. It’s $110 — that’s 38% off right now!
- This hammock just screams summer. Best of all, it’s 46% off (only $75). Love all the colors.
Btw, here’s a link to find money-saving coupons on Amazon.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Beep-beep: With a cheap setup, someone can copy the signal from your keyfob to open and steal your car. What can you do? Buy a signal-blocking pouch that can hold your keys, like this $9.99 shielded RFID-blocking one. It works!
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Need help setting up your home security system? SimpliSafe is just a call away
By now, it’s crystal clear that a home security system is a literal lifesaver. Depending on your choice, your cameras can catch burglars and even call for emergency help. Despite the many benefits, a few key concerns stop people from buying one.
Get 40% off home security tech, like video doorbells, outdoor cameras and window sensors
Now is the best time to protect your home with tech. Thanks to a home security sale from our sponsor SimpliSafe, you can get steep discounts on everything you need to stay secure. Grab motion sensors, security cameras, burglary alarms and more.
5 great uses for smart plugs
When you think of smart homes, what comes to mind? Thermostats, speakers, doorbells, lighting and TVs are common smart devices that make your life easier, but some can also make it safer.
A smart home surveillance system can deter criminals and help police catch them in the act if they attempt a break-in. You can monitor your home, belongings and pets while away. While there are many benefits, smart home devices are vulnerable to hackers. Tap or click here for tips on locking down your smart home cameras.
The best way to get internet to any spot on your property: Ubiquity LocoM5
You indicated you want a spot far from your home to connect to Wi-Fi. This awesome kit will absolutely deliver. It works by bridging your home internet connection to an area up to six miles away.
It’s the device you need if you want to get strong, stable internet to a barn, garage, guest house, workshop or other structure on your property.
Solid Wi-Fi 6 router for homes up to 2,500 square feet: NETGEAR Nighthawk AX6600
You got the NETGEAR Nighthawk AX6600. This reliable router reaches up to 2,500 square feet and supports up to 40 devices.
This router is Wi-Fi 6 compatible. While that standard hasn’t rolled out for most devices, it is a good idea to future-proof now since that technology is not far away. For context, Wi-Fi 6 offers an estimated 2.7 times the speed of Wi-Fi 5. Tap or click here to see how a Wi-Fi 6 router can benefit your household.
Review: Smarter Keurig lets you brew coffee from your phone
For many of us, that morning cup of coffee is necessary to start the day on the right track. It’s usually more than a couple of cups for me, but I could rarely get through a whole pot when I used to own a traditional brewer.
Need to set up a security system? Hire the pros
DIY projects have gotten incredibly popular during the pandemic. Folks are posting videos of themselves crafting slime — and sometimes spilling it everywhere. Some people are creating their own robots, NFTs and more.
Reader question: 'Can you help me pick a dashcam?'
Uber and Lyft have become overwhelmingly popular in America to make extra cash. Drivers can sign up in minutes, fill in their information and be up and running as an employee in just a few days.
But using your car to earn income comes with liability issues. What if you get into an accident or one of your riders becomes combative? Even if you don’t drive for a living, proving fault in a crash can be difficult. To avoid he said she said, you’ll need to protect yourself.
Security tip: How to set up a VPN on all your devices
If you’re security and privacy-conscious, you need to take all the steps you can to keep yourself safe online. That starts with the right VPN.
Not using a VPN is like leaving your front door unlocked every time you go out. Sure, nothing might happen for years, but when something does happen, it’s devastating.