Do You Really Need a New Phone? Not Really.

Typically towards the end of the year, tech companies release their line of new phones. Even though shiny new gadgets are tempting to purchase, especially for the holidays, they are not always worth it or necessary. So, do you really need a new phone? Not really.

Before you read about why a new phone is not necessary, we must acknowledge that there are certain cases in which you really do. 

Why You Need a New Phone

If a tech repair company with expert technicians can’t even fix your device’s problems, it is time to get a replacement. 

Your Phone is Outdated 

The 2000s called and they want their flip phone back (even though they are slowly coming back in style). The same goes for First Gen smartphones that aren’t so smart anymore. 

These types of phones are outdated in appearance and performance. Companies such as Apple only support their devices for a certain period of time. For example, iOS 14 is only compatible with the iPhone 12 Series and a few of its predecessors. If you have an iPhone 6 or later, Apple can no longer support it. 

This may not be an issue for you if you don’t mind missing out on the latest features. But not being able to update your device is worrisome because updates help prevent bugs, hacking, and performance issues

Another way to tell if your device is outdated is if you are still using a 3G network. A 4G network is 500 times faster than 3G,  and 5G is at least 10 faster than 4G. 

Your Photos are Videos Are Poor Quality

Many people purchase a phone for its camera and video quality. They can’t be blamed though. The iPhone 12 and other high-end devices have 4K video quality and take HD photos. Older devices were not made popular for their camera quality, being that the end results are grainy and blurry. 

If you want to document events with your camera phone but the quality is too poor, this is the perfect excuse to upgrade! 

You Don’t Have Enough Storage 

If your device can barely manage to store a 30-second video or a couple of photos, you need an upgrade. There are ways to make more space on your phone, but if you want to keep everything close by, 16 GB is not going to cut it. 

Now, many smartphones have up to 256 GB of storage. 

Your Phone Isn’t Your Style Anymore

Whether you have owned your current phone for 5 months or 5 years, if it no longer serves any purpose to you or is simply not your style anymore, you might as well get one that fits you best. You may own a smartphone but now want a flip phone. Yours may be red but you prefer blue. You may even want to switch brands completely. 

Why You Don’t Need a New Phone 

If you damage your device in any way, your first thought may be to replace it with a new one. Rather than waste your money, bring your phone to a tech repair shop such as iFixYouri, where expert technicians will repair your tech efficiently for a great price. 

Repair your phone with iFixYouri if it has: 

  • Poor battery life 
  • Shattered glass
  • Broken buttons 
  • Broken battery 
  • Water damage 
  • Won’t charge properly 

If you are looking to buy a new phone, be sure to check out Tech Reboot for the most money guaranteed. 

Do You Really Need a New Phone? Not Really. By iFixYouri.

Tech Prepper: How to Protect Your Phone From These Four Virtual Threats

NOTE:This post is part of iFixYouri’s Tech Prepper series. This series covers how to prepare yourself and your digital devices for any of the worst case scenarios they may face: viruses, malware, theft, or loss.

Please check out our other posts in the Tech Prepper series:

To protect your phone, you may use a protective case or buy a warranty plan. But you have to do more than this to protect your device. Cybercriminals with virtual threats, or malware, are always waiting for their next victim. To avoid being the next victim here is how to protect your phone from these Four virtual threats. 

Viruses, Worms, and Spyware

According to the Oxford Dictionary, malware, or malicious software, is defined as software that is specifically designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system. 

Malware is not a single issue, but many. Each type of malware has its own effects and serves different purposes. Here are some of them to look out for.

Viruses: Viruses are probably the most known malware. A virus is a piece of code that can copy itself within the code of another system and corrupt its data. 

Computing Worms: A worm is a self-replicating system that spreads from computer to computer. 

Spyware: Spyware is software that essentially “spies” on you. It gathers information about you based on your web browsing history and sends your data to ad companies. Spyware also takes notes of your passwords and important information, as well as your contact information and locations. 

Fake Networks and Unsecured Wi-Fi 

Many businesses draw customers with one simple statement: Free Wi-Fi. But sometimes those loyal customers are hackers and scammers. 

With this being said, you need to beware of networks at coffee shops, airports, libraries, and hotels. This is because hackers create fake networks and take advantage of authentic networks with unsecured wifi.

To access these networks, sometimes you are required to make a username and password. If the network is corrupt, it is the perfect opportunity for a hacker to steal your login information and get access to other important accounts. 

As for unsecured networks, they are safe to use in certain situations, but should not always be relied on. It is okay to use an unsecured network when casually browsing the web, but it should be avoided at all costs when accessing confidential information. 

Phishing

Don’t mistake phishing for fishing. While fishing an exhilarating yet tranquil experience that benefits you, phishing is a fraudulent act of creating fake sources in efforts to gather important information. 

For years, the most common form of phishing is done by email. A hacker will send realistic emails that ask for your personal information. Because the email appears to come from a trustworthy source, hackers hope that you are willing to fill out this information and press send. 

Today, phishing has a modern twist with the use of fake apps. These apps look like any other that you can find in an app store, but the account information you enter is collected and used against you. 

What a phishing email or app may ask you for:

  • Date of Birth
  • Phone Number 
  • Social Security Number
  • Address 
  • Password 

Drive-by Downloads

Accidentally clicking on a link or typing in the wrong website can make you fall victim to a drive-by download. A drive-by download happens when malware is downloaded to your device without your permission. 

Ways To Avoid These Virtual Threats: 

  • Always Update Your Phone: The more often you update your phone, the better chances you have of protecting the software. You should also keep up with your app updates. 
  • Only Download Apps From Official App Stores: If the app you want to download does not come from the App Store, Google Play Store, Samsung Store, or something similar, do not waste your time. 
  • Use Strong Passcodes: You cant to make sure that the password you use for an important account is not predictable or common. You may even want to switch up your password for each platform. If you think you’ll have a difficult time remembering, write them down and keep them in a safe place.  

How to Protect Your Phone From These Four Virtual Threats by iFixYouri.

Photo Credit: Nahel Abdul Hadi Via Unsplash.

Tech Prepper: What to Do If Your Phone Is Lost or Stolen

NOTE:This post is part of iFixYouri’s Tech Prepper series. This series covers how to prepare yourself and your digital devices for any of the worst case scenarios they may face: viruses, malware, theft, or loss.

Please check out our other posts in the Tech Prepper series:

Imagine you are about to head out and start your day. Before you leave, you quickly make sure you have everything you need. Keys- check. Wallet- check. Phone- no check. Without your phone in sight, you assume it is lost, or even worse, stolen. Here is what to do if your phone is lost or stolen. 

Retrace Your Steps

The first thing you should do before panic sets in is retracing your steps from the time you woke up.

Check common areas like your bedsheets, trash cans, couch cushions, fridge, and car. 

If you have no luck finding your phone in any of these locations, where you last had your phone may trace back to somewhere outside your home. 

Call and Text Your Phone 

The next step to find your missing phone is simple- call it. 

You may have overlooked your phone when retracing your steps, so giving it a call can lead you in the right direction. Hopefully, you can hear your phone ring or see its screen light up. 

If you still have no luck finding your phone, a call can still help out significantly. A family member, coworker, or kind stranger may be the person to answer your phone call and help you get your device back. 

Another option is to send a text message along the lines of “Missing phone. Please call _____.” 

Use Your Phone-Finding Features

Pretty much every smartphone has some sort of phone-finding feature or app. One of the most popular is the Find My app. 

For instance, Find My iPhone allows you to track your missing Apple devices such as your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch.

The app also allows you to mark your phone as lost, which will lock it with a passcode, activate a screen lock message that says “Lost iPhone. This iPhone has been lost. Please call me,” and allow you to erase everything on your phone. 

Use the Cloud to Back Up Your Phone

Before you delete everything from your phone, you need to back up your information on the Cloud, that way you will not lose your pictures, notes, and documents. 

You can also manually upload your information directly to your computer. 

If time passes and you believe that your phone has been stolen, you should back up your information and wipe your device as soon as possible before it ends up in the wrong hands. 

Change Your Passwords

If you still cannot locate your phone, you need to change all of your passwords.

First, you need to change your Device ID password, which will prevent anyone else from accessing your information. 

To be safe, you should also change passwords for any other account you have, like  banking and social media.

Contact Your Carrier and Report Your Phone as Missing  

One of the last efforts you should make to find your phone is to call your carrier and report your phone as missing to authorities. 

Your phone carrier will cancel your service, and authorities will keep an eye out for your missing device. You will need to provide your phone’s make and model, serial number, and IMEI number, as well as proof that the device was stolen. 

Even if you follow what to do if your phone is lost or stolen, it is not guaranteed that your device will appear again. But if you have a warranty plan, there is a great chance that the manufacturer will cover damage, loss, and theft. 

What to Do if Your Phone Is Lost or Stolen By iFixYouri. 

Photo Credit: Ashkan Forouzani Via Unsplash

Tech Prepper: How To Properly Prepare Your Phone For The Worst Scenarios

NOTE:This post is part of iFixYouri’s Tech Prepper series. This series covers how to prepare yourself and your digital devices for any of the worst case scenarios they may face: viruses, malware, theft, or loss.

Please check out our other posts in the Tech Prepper series:

People prepare for the unexpected all the time: They stockpile water and food for natural disasters, save extra funds for a rainy day, and have a list of emergency contacts in their phone. But people should also prepare their phones specifically for damage, loss, or theft. Here is how to properly prepare your phone for the worst scenarios. 

Prepare Your Phone Before it is Damaged 

A shattered screen can easily ruin someone’s day. To save yourself from this disappointment, you need to make sure that you are using high-quality protective accessories

For clumsy people, it is nearly impossible to maintain a phone without a durable phone case like Otter Box or LAUT.

The next best accessory to prep your phone for damage is a screen protector, which can be found at almost any big box store. 

It is also a good idea to invest in a protection plan. You are often offered a phone warranty or insurance plan when buying a new phone. Even though you may not want to pay the initial price, the protection is worth it.

While a warranty covers defects and damages caused by the phone manufacturer, an insurance plan covers damage, loss, and theft. 

Just keep in mind that you cannot purchase coverage after the damage is done.

If your phone breaks but does not have the proper coverage, you are not completely out of luck. Tech repair company iFixYouri will assist you with any of your repair needs for an affordable price.

Prepare Your Phone Before it is Lost or Stolen 

Breaking your phone is a bummer, but suddenly losing it or having it stolen is worse.

Thankfully, there is a series of things you can do to prepare your phone in the event it is ever stolen or lost.

The first thing you should do is download the mobile app that your carrier’s protection plan provides or set up the phone-finding features in your settings. 

With one of these apps set in place, you can track your phone’s location if it is ever misplaced or stolen. 

For iPhone: Settings > iCloud > Find My Phone 

For Android: Settings > Security > Android Device Manager 

One of the most obvious but important things for you to do to prepare your phone if ever stolen is set strong passwords. 

Most smartphones give you the option to set passwords, activate Touch ID, use face recognition, or all of the above. Using your phone without a password is like leaving the door of your house unlocked when you are not home. 

You can also set passwords for specific apps that hold important information, such as important notes and banking information. 

To prepare your phone in case it is stolen or lost, you should also know about the phone you own. You should know your phone’s number and IMEI to be able to identify your device if ever necessary. You can locate this information in your settings. 

In the case that you never see your phone again, you need to make sure that you are always backing up your phone’s information. You can either do this through the cloud or physically upload information to your computer. 

In Conclusion

Properly preparing your phone for an unfortunate event comes down to common sense and balance. Keep your phone close to you in large crowds and set boundaries with the outside world. There also needs to be a balance between not necessarily being glued to your phone but always keeping an eye on it.

How To Properly  Prepare Your Phone For The Worst Scenarios By iFixYouri.

Original Photo: Stefan Stefancik Via Unsplash

4 Common Laptop Issues and How To Fix Them

It seems as if your laptop decides to fail you when you need it the most. The most unfortunate part of it all is not knowing how to fix the issue yourself. To avoid this, here are 4 common laptop issues and how to fix them.

Your Laptop Won’t Turn On 

There is likely one of three reasons as to why your laptop refuses to turn on even after being charged. The issue is your laptop may not be charging in the first place.

The first reason why your laptop may not turn on is because of a failed AC Adapter, or the brick you connect to the charging cable.

To test if the AC Adapter has an electricity output, use a voltmeter to properly inspect. In the case that it does not have electricity, test another adapter to be sure and replace yours. They are often under $100. 

If you constantly have to adjust your laptop’s cord to get it to charge, the issue is most likely the DC Jack.

In some cases, the DC Jack does allow power to get through, but a sudden move can change that. Other times, it is just completely broken. The only solution is to replace the DC Jack. 

 The third and typically most expensive cause of your laptop not turning on is a broken motherboard. The only option is to replace the motherboard or buy a new laptop. 

Your Laptop Keeps Collapsing 

For a laptop screen to be seen properly, it must be supported upright. If your laptop screen is not supported and keeps folding in or falling back, your laptop has damaged hinges or housing in general. 

If you are tired of propping your screen against the wall, it is time to get your laptop’s hinges and housing repaired. There are cheap kits online, but if you want the best result and a long-lasting result, you should have your laptop repaired by an expert tech shop. 

Your Laptop Screen Goes Blank

When first powering your laptop, there is often a brief moment when all you can see is your reflection on the screen- but eventually, your apps appear. 

If your laptop screen remains black or suddenly goes black in the middle of using it even though you see lights and hear the fan, there is probably a memory issue. 

Make sure to check the memory modules are in contact with the slot. If this doesn’t result in anything, remove the modules and test one module at a time to see which one allows the laptop to turn on. All you have to do is replace the broken module. 

The other reason why your screen is blank goes back to having to repair the motherboard. 

Your Laptop Keeps Overheating  

If the bottom of your laptop easily burns you or warms up any surface that it is on, your laptop is overheating. The good thing is that preventing your laptop from overheating is simple and can be done at home. 

  1. Place your laptop on an elevated surface: Elevating your laptop will allow it to ventilate and distribute the heat properly. 
  2. Control Fan Speeds: There are several apps you can download on your laptop to control fan speeds. If your fan runs fast, your computer will think that the CPU is overworking and will begin to overheat. 
  3. Keep your laptop in a cool setting: Make sure your laptop is not in direct sunlight or else it will cause your laptop to overheat quickly. 

If you are not quite sure what is wrong with your laptop, you can send your laptop to iFixYouri for a free diagnostic test. Tech experts will thoroughly examine your device and then give you a proper diagnosis. No matter what you need to get done to your laptop, iFixYouri can repair it for a very affordable price.


4 Common Laptop Issues and How To Fix Them By iFixYouri

A Complete Rundown of Every Microsoft Surface Line

The first Microsoft Surface hit the market in October 2012, joining the already thriving Apple iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, and Amazon Fire as tablets continued to grow in popularity. Since then Microsoft Surface products have significantly developed.

Whether you are a college student who is always on the go, a digital artist who uses a stylus for their best work, or an employee who needs a break from their desktop, there is a Surface for everyone. 

If you own a Microsoft Surface device that needs repairs, send it to iFixYouri, where trained tech experts will have your device working as good as new in no time. 

 Here is a complete rundown of every Microsoft Surface line.  

The Surface Line 

Photo Credit: Microsoft 

Surface (First Gen)

Released on October 26, 2012

Operating System: Windows RT

Colors: Silver 

Battery Life: Up to 8 Hours 

Storage: 64 GB SSD, 32 GB SSD 

Photo Credit: Microsoft 

Surface 2

Released on October 22, 2013

Operating System: Windows RT 8.1 

Colors: Silver 

Battery Life: Up to 10 Hours 

Storage: 64 GB SSD, 32 GB SSD 

Photo Credit: Microsoft 

Surface 3

Released on May 5, 2015

Operating System: Windows 8.1 Update 

Colors: Silver 

Battery Life: Up to 10 Hours 

Storage: 64 GB SSD, 32 GB SSD 

Photo Credit: Microsoft

Surface Go 

Released on August 2, 2018

Operating System: Windows 10 Home S Mode

Colors: Silver 

Battery Life: Up to 8.5 Hours 

Storage: 256 GB SSD, 128 GB SSD, 64 GB SSD 

Photo Credit: Microsoft 

 Surface Go 2

Released on May 6, 2020 

Operating System: Windows 10 Home S Mode 

Colors: Platinum 

Battery Life: Up to 10 Hours 

Storage: 128 GB SSD or 64 B 

Surface Pro Line 

Photo Credit: Microsoft 

Surface Pro (First Gen)

Released on February 9, 2013

Operating System: Windows 8 Pro 

Colors: Dark Titanium

Battery Life: Up to 5 Hours 

Storage: 128 GB SSD, 64 GB SSD

Photo Credit: Microsoft 

Surface Pro 2

Released on October 22, 2013

 Operating System: Windows 8.1 

Colors: Dark Titanium 

Battery Life: Up to 8 Hours 

Storage: 512 GB SSD, 256 GB SSD,128 GB SSD, 64 GB SSD 

Photo Credit: Microsoft 

Surface Pro 3

Released on June 20, 2014  

Operating System: Windows 8.1 Update 

Colors: Dark Titanium 

Battery Life: Up to 10 Hours 

Storage: 512 GB SSD, 256 GB SSD,128 GB SSD, 64 GB SSD 

Photo Credit: Microsoft 

Surface Pro 4

Released on October 26, 2015 

Operating system: Windows 10 Pro 

Colors: Dark Titanium 

Battery Life: Up to 10 Hours 

Storage: 1 TB SSD , 512 GB SSD, 256 GB SSD, 128 GB SSD 

Photo Credit: Microsoft 

Surface Pro 5

Released on June 15, 2017 

Operating System: Windows 10 Pro 

Colors: Silver

Battery Life: Up to 12.5 Hours 

Storage: 1 TB SSD, 512 GB SSD, 256 GB SSD, 128 GB SSD, 

Photo Credit: Microsoft  

Surface Pro 6

Released on October 16, 2018 

Operating System: Windows 10 Home/Pro 

Colors: Platinum, Black 

Battery Life: Up to 13.5 Hours 

Storage: 1 TB SSD, 512 GB SSD, 256 GB SSD, 128 GB SSD 

Photo Credit: Microsoft  

Surface Pro 7

Released on October 22, 2019

Operating System: Windows 10 Home/Pro 

Colors: Matte Black, Platinum 

Battery Life: Up to 10.5 Hours 

Storage: 1 TB SSD, 512 GB SSD, 256 GB, 128 GB SSD 

Photo Credit: Microsoft  

Surface Pro X

Released on November 5, 2019 

Operating System: Windows 10 Home/Pro 

Colors: Matte Black 

Battery Life: Up to 15 Hours 

Storage: 256 GB or 128 GB 

Surface Laptop Go Line 

Photo Credit: Microsoft  

Surface Laptop Go 

Released on October 27, 2020 

Operating System: Windows 10 Home 

Colors: Platinum, Ice Blue, Sandstone 

Battery Life: Up to 13 Hours 

Storage: 256 GB SSD, 128 GB SSD, 64 GB SSD 

Surface Laptop Line 

Photo Credit: Microsoft  

Surface Laptop (First Gen) 

Released on June 15, 2017

Operating System: Windows 10 S 

Colors: Burgundy, Platinum, Cobalt Blue, Graphite Gold 

Battery Life: Up to 14.5 Hours 

Storage: 1 TB SSD, 512 GB SSD, 256 GB SSD, 128 GB SSD 

Photo Credit: Microsoft  

Surface Laptop 2 

Released on October 16, 2018

Operating System: Windows 10 Home/Pro 

Colors: Matte Balck, Platinum, Cobalt Blue, Sandstorm 

Battery Life: Up to 14 Hours 

Storage: 1 TB SSD, 512 GB SSD, 256 GB SSD, 128 GB SSD 

Photo Credit: Microsoft  

Surface Laptop 3

Released on October 22, 2019 

Operating System: Windows 10 Home/Pro 

Colors: Matte Balck, Platinum, Cobalt Blue, Sandstorm  

Battery Life: Up to 11.5 hours 

Storage: 1 TB SSD (Matte Black Only), 512 GB SSD, 256 GB SSD, 128 GB SSD

Surface Book Line 

Photo Credit: Insight 

Surface Book (First Gen)

Released on October 26, 2015/ Performance Base on November 10, 2016 

Operating System: Windows 10 Pro 

Colors: Magnesium

Battery Life: Up to 12 Hours 

Storage: 1 TB SSD, 512 GB SSD, 256 GB SSD, 128GB

Photo Credit: Microsoft 

Surface Book 2

Released on November 16, 2017 

Operating System: Windows 10 Pro 

Colors: Silver

Battery Life: Up to 17 Hours  

Storage: 1TB SSD, 512 GB SSD, 256 GB SSD, 128 GB SSD 

Photo Credit: Microsoft 

Surface Book 3

Released on May 21, 2020

Operating System: Windows 10 Home 

Colors: Platinum 

Battery Life: Up to 15.5 Hours 

Storage: 256 GB SSD, 512 GB SSD, 1,000 GB SSD, 2,000 GB SSD 

Surface Studio Line 

Photo Credit: Microsoft 

Surface Studio (First Gen) 

Released on December 15, 2016

Operating System: Windows 10 Pro 

Colors: Silver 

Storage: 2 TB SSD, 1 TB SSD

Photo Credit: Microsoft 

Surface Studio 2

Released on October 2, 2018 

Operating System: Windows 10 Pro

Colors: Silver 

Storage: 2 TB SSD, 1 TB SSD 

Surface Hub Line 

Photo Credit: Microsoft

Surface Hub (First Gen)

Released on June 1, 2015 

Operating System: Windows 10 Team

Colors: Platinum 

Storage: 128 GB SSD 

Surface Hub 2S

Released on April 17, 2019

Operating System: Windows 10 Team

Colors: Platinum 

Storage: 128 GB SSD 

Surface Duo Line  

Photo Credit: Microsoft 

 Surface Duo

Released on September 10, 2020 

Operating System: Android 

Colors: Glacier 

Battery Life: Up to 9 Hours 

Storage: 256 GB SSD, 128 GB SSD

Hopefully you have a better of idea of which device is for you after looking at this rundown of every Microsoft Surface line.

A Complete Rundown of Every Microsoft Surface Line By iFixYouri 

Cover Photo Credit: Leon Seibert Via Unsplash.com

Four Unusual Keyboard Shortcuts You Didn’t Mean to Hit

Modern keyboards have a total of 104 keys, meaning that there are hundreds of combinations that can result in a shortcut. Each shortcut serves a specific purpose but may seem bothersome in the times you don’t need them. With this being said, here are four unusual keyboard shortcuts you didn’t mean to hit. 

Everything You Type Erases One Letter at a Time 

Typing is the most basic function of a keyboard but it becomes an annoying task when what you have already typed is erased.  

This issue is happening because you have accidentally hit the Insert key. The insert key has two modes- insert and overwrite. 

You are used to the insert mode, which allows you to type one letter after the other without any conflict.

The overwrite mode is what causes your typing to overlap. 

To fix this keyboard issue, simply hit the insert button again. 

What is the purpose? 

The insert key does not serve a big purpose on the keyboard anymore. Unless you want to rewrite something you have already typed, the overwrite mode is only useful for pasting something (Shift + Insert). Even this shortcut could be argued because the more common way to paste something is Ctrl + V

Your Search and Task Bar Have Disappeared 

Your computer screen has a standard layout. The address bar is at the very top and the taskbar is at the very bottom of the screen.

So what happens when your laptop’s layout changes and there is just an enlarged screen with no taskbar or exit button in sight?

The reason why your screen appears this way is because you accidentally hit the F11 key. 

All you have to do is hit the F11 key again and your screen will return to its normal layout. 

What is the purpose? 

If you want a bigger screen for more workspace, then the F11 button will come in very handy. 

As a bonus, F11 has a symbol below it often related to the computer’s volume. To activate the key’s secondary function, just hold down Fn and press F11 at the same time. 

Your Screen Flipped 90°

Can you imagine working on your computer while tilting your head to the left or the right the entire time just to see the screen properly? 

Well if you hit Ctrl + Alt + Arrow Keys that is exactly what will happen as you will see your screen go from landscape to portrait mode. 

To reverse this shortcut and align your screen you just have to hit the Ctrl + Alt + Upward Key to bring the screen back to its original position. 

What is the purpose? 

Depending on the tasks you perform, working on a vertical screen is very beneficial.

A vertical monitor allows for more space and improves productivity. For example, developers who use coding can see almost double the number of lines on a vertical screen than on a horizontal screen. 

Your Screen Keeps Zooming In and Out

When you are browsing the web, it becomes very inconvenient when your screen begins to zoom in and out uncontrollably. 

In reality, you do have control of this situation and it is quite simple to resolve. If your screen refuses to stay put, it is because you are either pressing Ctrl +  or unknowingly pinching your laptop’s touchpad. 

To get your screen back to its normal size, just press Ctrl – or pinch the touch bar using two fingers. 

What is the Purpose? 

The purpose of the zoom in/out features is to get a better look at your screen when needed. If a website uses a font that is way too small for you to read, or there is a large image that takes up the entire screen, these features are handy. 

What is so great about these four unusual keyboard shortcuts you didn’t mean to hit is that they are all easily reversible. 

If you notice that you have a hard time using your keyboard, not because of a shortcut but because it does not work well, restart your computer then try using it again. If a restart does not work, you may have a broken keyboard.  

The shortcut to get your keyboard repaired is to send it to an expert tech repair company like iFixYouri

Four Unusual Keyboard Shortcuts You Didn’t Mean to Hit By iFixYouri.

The Best Accessories to Protect Your Phone From Damages

Smartphones appear to increase in size every year. Because of its large screen size and the majority of its surface area being covered by fragile glass, a phone’s chances of needing repairs greatly improves. Here’s a rundown of the best accessories to protect your phone from damages no matter its size.

The Apps That Will Protect Your Phone 

Find My iPhone in the Apple Store

Protecting your phone from its environment goes beyond protecting your phone from the outside.

Something as simple as downloading an app on your phone can save you a lot of trouble. 

Find My iPhone

Find My iPhone is designed to track your iPhone in case it is misplaced or stolen.

Once the app is set up, it becomes easy for you to keep track of your phone’s location. You can even allow trusted family and friends to track your device. 

You also won’t need to worry about your personal information being accessed. Once the Lost mode is activated, no one will be able to access the contents of your phone without successfully entering a 4-digit security code. 

You can also create specific messages such as “Call this number when found” for someone to read when they come across your phone. 

Androids have a similar app called Find My Droid. You can use the app to send a text message, turn up your phone’s ringer, or track its location with Google Maps. 

Lookout Personal

Like Find My iPhone, Lookout Personal protects your phone when it is misplaced or stolen.

But it also alerts you about identity theft, notifies you about which apps are tracking your location, and lets you know how to improve your phone’s overall security. 

All three of these apps are free in your device’s app store. 

The Cases That Will Protect Your Phone

TUTTI FRUTTI case by LAUT 

Using a very expensive phone without a protective case is very risky, at least if you are clumsy. Dropping your phone can lead to a cracked screen, water damage, or an out-of-service camera. 

With how diverse and accessible smartphone cases are, there is no excuse for you not to own one. Here are some of the cases you should consider getting if you don’t have one already.

OtterBox 

The OtterBox case is one of the best accessories to protect your phone from damages because it is extremely reliable and durable. The company designs a series of cases that are water-resistant, shock-resistant, and dorp-resistant. 

The #1 selling type of case for the company is the Defender Series, which is proven to be drop scratch-resistant. 

The only downfall to this case is that is bulky, which is why OtterBox has also created the Symmetry, Commuter, and Statement series. 

Even with a slimmer look and feel, these cases are still durable enough to protect your phone from a fall. 

LAUT Cases 

LAUT is another case to consider putting on your phone because they are protective and stylish. With hundreds of designs to choose from, all LAUT cases have raised borders and are made from durable materials to prevent your phone from getting a cracked screen. 

For extra protection, LUAT created a new line called IMPKT Cell Technology, which is proven to deliver industry-leading protection for up to 22 feet. 

The Glass Screens That Will Protect Your Phone 

Amplify Glass Screen by OtterBox 

One of the most fragile parts of a phone is the glass screen. It is also one of the most important parts of the phone. 

Technically you can still use your phone if it has broken glass, but your fingers may get scratched up in the process.

 To avoid damage to your fingers and phone, it is highly recommended that you put a protective glass screen overtop of your phone’s screen. 

Think of it as a backup plan. If you drop your phone, the protective glass will break rather than your actual screen. 

Amplify Glass Screen 

Amplify Glass Screen by OtterBox is claimed to offer long-lasting strength and up to 5 times greater scratch resistance than other glass alternatives. You can also get an antimicrobial glass screen, meaning that your phone is protected from scratches, cracks, and unwanted microbes. 

The extra glass does not affect how your phone works or how clear your screen is. 

Amazon 

If you go through protective cases very often and see that the prices are adding up quickly, you can buy a multi-pack of proactive screens for under $10. Even though they may not be as high in quality as the pricier options, they are still a good option for temporary screen protection. 

Extras That Will Protect Your Phone 

OtterPop by OtterBox and PopSocket

Even after getting the most durable accessories, there are still quite a few options that can provide your phone with extra protection. 

The PopSocket, a phone accessory that sticks to the back of your phone, helps you get a better grip on your device. 

With the collapsable grip, you can hold on to your phone effortlessly and then pop the accessory back into place when you are no using it. 

OtterBox has even collaborated with PopSocket to create the OtterPop, the durable phone case with a grip. 

No matter how careful you are with your phone, sometimes it needs extra protection and help.

iFixYouri is your one-stop-shop for high-quality protective accessories and device repairs. Whether your phone has a broken screen, damaged speaker, or poor battery life, iFixYouri’s expert technicians can fix it all.

The Best Accessories to Protect Your Phone From Damages by iFixYouri

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