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Your phone’s dirty little secret

True or false: If your phone’s got all four reception bars lit up and it’s displaying the 5G symbol, you’ve got A+ service.

The answer? False. When you see “5G,” all it means is there are 5G connections nearby. Whether you’re on that network is another story. I know, eye roll. Cell service bars don’t mean much, either.

So, should we stop waving our phones in the air to try to get a better connection? I’ve got the inside scoop.

The 5G hype

The Washington Post just wrote a great piece about the 5G indicator on your phone. Even when you see 5G, you might really be connected to 4G or LTE. Yes, your phone will still work perfectly fine.

When you start doing something more intensive on your phone, though, like making a video call or playing an online game, your wireless network may automatically switch you to 5G for a better experience.

How do you know you’re really on 5G? Look for the letters next to the 5G icon. On Verizon, 5G UW means you’re likely connected to a 5G network. On T-Mobile, it’ll show up as 5G UC. AT&T displays 5G E, but that just means you’re close to a network.

Even the alphabet soup doesn’t guarantee your connection is supercharged.

Barhopping

If walking around looking for reception bars isn’t the solution, what is? Some of the ol’ free standbys still work.

Keep your phone’s Wi-Fi calling option on. This way, you’ll switch over to known, saved internet networks (like work and home) automatically for calls, if they’re within range. On an iPhone, open Settings, then scroll and tap Cellular > Wi-Fi Calling. Toggle on the button next to Wi-Fi Calling. On an Android, open the Phone app, then tap More (or the three-dot icon) to open the menu. Tap Settings and select Wi-Fi calling. If you don’t see the option, your carrier may not support it, or the steps may vary on your phone.
Look around. Some building materials can function like a faraday cage, killing your connection. If you’re inside, get closer to a window or go outside. Go upstairs if you’re on a lower level.
Try a cellphone tower search site. CellMapper is easy to use and has a ton of filtering options. Set your country, provider and network speed, then enter your address in the Location Search field. Hit Enter and you’ll see the closest cell towers.

By the way, you may notice you get better cell service in the winter, when all the trees are bare. I know, you can’t make the leaves fall, but this is good to know!

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15 out-of-the-box ways to make extra cash from anywhere

By now, you probably know that you don’t have to leave home to make money. After all, many companies sent employees home to work during the pandemic. But even if you aren’t a salaried employee, you can still make a living from the comfort of your own home.

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Cheap, clever home upgrades

Goodies to transform your space without breaking the bank (or requiring expert DIY skills):

You’ll never trip over that pesky area rug again with NeverCurl corner grippers.
Make tables, dressers, cupboards or whatever look new with this handy wood polish.
Wireless accent lights look great. Light up a bookshelf or under the counter the easy way. Great price, too — two lights for $10 (44% off).
Any room can look more elegant with sheer curtains, available in a ton of colors. They’re under $8!
TV backlighting will make your family room feel like a home theater. I like these Govee LED backlights. (Click the box for $8 off.)

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

🛰️ If you want peace, prepare for war: The U.S. and its allies are working to defend against growing space threats from China and Russia. Cyberattacks, GPS jamming and even space debris all pose serious risks. So far, NATO has added a space branch, the U.K. has launched its own spy satellite, and France is developing tech to prevent interference in low Earth orbit (paywall link). See you crater, space invader!

What’s the term for a computer virus that replicates itself and uses up a computer’s processing space? Is it … A.) Worm, B.) Trojan, C.) Spyware or D.) Adware?

Find the answer here! →

5 things you should never put on a resume

In life, few rewards come without risk. Take your dream job, for instance. If you want to land that position you’ve been dreaming about, you’ll need to make a great first impression.

When you’re applying for jobs, that all comes down to your resume. Every little detail makes a big difference. For example, a small mistake could take you out of the running for a job you’re qualified for.

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How to protect your teen on Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat

Social media is a minefield of dangers for teens, exposing them to extreme content like anorexia “thinspiration,” drug culture, hardcore pornography, suicide glorification and even predatory grooming. Algorithms push the darkest corners of the internet right onto their screens, sometimes with devastating consequences.

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Master Excel with these 5 genius tricks

You can’t keep track of everything on paper. Excel can play a significant role in your daily workload. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro user, there’s much to learn — like these five useful Excel tricks.

Want to become an Excel expert? It’s a good strategy for small business owners who want to grow this year. After all, you’ll generate tons of data. Speaking of which, here’s how to stop third parties from selling your data.

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Can your phone be rigged to explode?

This past week, a frenzy of small explosions rocked Lebanon, causing thousands of injuries and killing at least 25 people. The cause? Thousands of Apollo AR924 pagers and ICOM walkie-talkies blew up in the hands of members of Hezbollah leaders and their families.

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5 free resources to grow your business

Entrepreneurs and small business owners need all the help they can get. When you’re a self-starter, you’re constantly on the go, multitasking and doing all you can to grow your company quickly. Luckily, there are a ton of free small business resources that can help you along the way.

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What human-made object is the farthest from Earth right now? Is it … A.) The International Space Station, B.) The Hubble Space Telescope, C.) Voyager 1 or D.) The Mars Rover?

Find the answer here! →

Do you need the latest and greatest phone?

Shiny, new things sure have their appeal — take the brand-new Apple iPhone 16. But are the newest flagship phones and laptops worth the extra premium you pay to get them?

Most of the time, and for most people, no. There are a few good reasons why. If you’re tempted by a new smartphone that costs more than a mortgage payment, keep reading. I’ll help you figure out what’s right for you.

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Antivirus comparison: Which option is best for your PC or Mac?

If you browse the internet regularly, you can’t get around the fact that you need antivirus software. Viruses can pop up in unexpected places, and you want your device to be able to fight one off if it appears.

Dangerous malware making the rounds is what makes having antivirus software protecting you so critical. But what’s the best antivirus software for a Mac or Windows computer? Keep reading to see the best options.

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👾 The science of fun: Action video games like Space Invaders Extreme 2 can help kids at risk of dyslexia improve word-identification skills. How? Fast-paced games require fast cognitive and motor skills, activating brain areas that control attention and process memory. Out of 79 kids with a family history of dyslexia, more than 80% showed improvement in word-identification tasks after playing.

Satellite puns never land: For the first time ever, a T-Mobile smartphone used a Starlink satellite to send an emergency alert. The message traveled 217 miles into space, got picked up by a Starlink satellite and was sent back to Earth in seconds. Look for a full cellular satellite system with SpaceX this fall.

Computer Keyboard Wristlet Purse — Etsy.com/shop/SophisticatedU

I’ve lost all Ctrl.

🛰️ Mine is bigger: Jeff Bezos is way behind in the satellite internet race against Elon Musk. Starlink has about 6,000 low-orbit satellites up and running. Amazon’s Project Kuiper? Just two prototypes … so far. The FCC recently gave Amazon the go-ahead to send 3,236 satellites into space.

5 hidden fees costing your small business money

Starting your own business can be exciting, but it often comes with a rocky road ahead. Those rocks will cut into your wallet through several expenses. Miscalculating the daily costs of running a company can hurt you in the long run.

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I keep pressing the spacebar, but I’m still on Earth: NASA’s new solar-sailing spacecraft has successfully spread its wings above Earth. Just like the wind pushes a sailboat, this spacecraft uses energy from the sun to propel itself through space. In the coming weeks, engineers will test its maneuvering capabilities. The goal? Low-cost travel options that could help us reach more destinations across the solar system.

With the two astronauts stuck on the ISS, how long was the longest spaceflight ever taken by an American astronaut? In days, was it … A.) 371, B.) 665, C.) 204 or D.) 225?

Find the answer here! →