What are OpenAI dots?

A dot is an agent in ChatGPT built for ongoing work. You can give it a goal, add context as the work changes, and review what it has done. In the launch announcement, OpenAI describes examples involving projects, planning, and content creation. Those examples show how the product might be used; they do not mean every account has the same apps or abilities.

Each dot has its own computer in the cloud. That is separate from your laptop or desktop. OpenAI’s getting-started guide says access to your local computer is optional and starts off. Connecting an app is another choice you make, with permissions that define what information and actions become available.

For example, you might ask a dot to follow a project and prepare a short update from a connected file service. That is a hypothetical example, not a promise that any particular service or feature is available on your account. The useful question is whether the dot has the information it needs for that one task.

What does connecting an app allow?

A connected app lets a dot work with information within the permissions you have granted. According to OpenAI’s privacy and safety FAQ, plugin permissions are shared across dots, ChatGPT, ChatGPT Work, and Codex. A connection you already set up may therefore be available to your dot within its existing permission scope. Check your connections before giving the dot a new job.

One distinction matters here. A dot can look through permitted connected information in the background without a fresh request from you. OpenAI calls this proactive research. Its research tools can read and make private notes, but they cannot directly send messages, change content through plugins, or control a browser or computer. Work you specifically assign can involve other actions, subject to the app’s permissions, your rules, and OpenAI’s checks.

Instead of asking whether the dot has access to “my apps” as a group, look at each connection separately. A calendar, a storage service, and a messaging app expose different information. Starting with one app for one small task makes the result easier to judge.

Related reading: What not to share with an AI assistant

When does a dot need your approval?

Connecting an app does not give a dot blanket permission to do whatever it wants. OpenAI says dots follow action rules and safety checks. Some actions may proceed within the boundaries you set, others require approval, and especially sensitive steps stay with you. Changing a password, for example, requires you to take over. Custom Rules let you add boundaries for supported actions.

Approval also depends on what you asked for. You may approve a specific action in advance, with clear conditions, but that does not authorize every similar action later. OpenAI’s FAQ on actions and approvals makes that limit explicit.

Suppose you ask a dot to gather information for a project and prepare a draft plan. You can read the plan, correct a detail, and then decide whether a proposed next step should happen in a connected app. Review work that could affect someone else, change an important file, or create a commitment. OpenAI notes that dots can make mistakes even when rules are in place.

Who can use dots in the United States?

OpenAI’s setup guide says dots are rolling out to ChatGPT Pro users outside the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and the UK, and to Business Premium users in supported ChatGPT regions. Enterprise access begins as a beta that a workspace administrator must enable. The US falls within the described Pro rollout, but access is gradual and may take several days to reach an individual account.

You create a dot in the ChatGPT desktop app or on the desktop website. After setup, you can talk to it in the mobile app when mobile access is available for your account. The Help Center says you cannot currently create a dot on a phone or use it on the mobile website. If you do not see the option yet, the account rollout may still be underway.

OpenAI also describes a limited texting beta for some US Pro users. That is a separate feature with its own availability. You do not need texting to understand or use the app connections discussed here.

How should you choose an app connection?

Start with the job, then choose the access it needs. If you only want a summary from one file service, there is little reason to connect a calendar at the same time. Open ChatGPT’s plugin controls, review the available apps, and read the permissions shown for each connection. The getting-started instructions also explain where to review Custom Rules and activity; menus may differ by device and account rollout.

For a first try, keep the process simple:

1. Pick a small task whose result you can check yourself.
2. Connect only the app needed for that task and review its access scope.
3. Decide which supported actions should wait for your approval.
4. Look at the activity and the finished work before assigning more.

You can disconnect an app to stop new access through that connection. Disconnecting does not erase information the dot has already added to its context. OpenAI’s privacy FAQ says deleting the dot removes its own context, while files and conversations created elsewhere are stored separately. That difference is useful to know before connecting a service you use every day.

Dots offer a new way to manage work that crosses several apps. Begin with a task you actually want help with, check the permissions, and see whether the result saves you effort. If the feature is not on your account yet, consult OpenAI’s Help Center for the current rollout status before looking for setup controls that may not have appeared.

Keep reading

• How to assess an Android app permission
• How to review camera, microphone, and location access on Android
• What remains after you uninstall an app

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Public reporting does not confirm a mass campaign, Google Play distribution, or specific targeting in the United States. This article covers what researchers found, which choices allow the attack to progress, and what you can check without treating every unusual phone problem as evidence of RatHat.

What is RatHat Android malware?

RatHat is the name Zimperium’s zLabs team gave to Android malware found in samples distributed through fake messages, malicious ads, and deceptive download pages. Zimperium published its technical analysis of RatHat on September 16, 2026.

Researchers found tools that imitate app screens, monitor activity, and intercept codes from text messages or notifications. RatHat also tries to keep components running after the main app is removed. Zimperium observed that behavior in the samples it studied. The report does not establish that every infection follows the same sequence or that the malware has reached a large number of people.

AI helps the malware locate screen elements and choose where to tap. It does not install the file on its own. The chain begins when someone downloads an APK outside the official store and approves access that deserves closer attention.

How does RatHat reach a phone?

The route described by Zimperium starts with social engineering. A text, ad, or webpage pretends to come from a familiar source and offers an APK file. One sample posed as a streaming service and could change its name and icon.

An APK is the file format Android uses to install apps. A file from outside the official store is not automatically malicious. Risk rises when you cannot confirm its source, the download arrives unexpectedly, or the app requests controls that make no sense for its stated purpose.

Before installing, check the developer, the web address, and the reason the app is unavailable in the store. If the offer came through a message or ad, find the service through a known route instead of the supplied link. Google Play Protect can also scan apps from other sources, though no security tool can promise perfect detection.

Three permissions help the attack progress

The RatHat chain combines three decisions that appear on the Android screen.

1. The user installs an APK obtained outside the store. The file opens the initial path and tries to look legitimate.
2. The app requests Accessibility access. Android provides this feature to help people use their devices, but malicious software can abuse it to read the screen and perform taps.
3. The malware tries to enable Developer options and Wireless Debugging. It then uses ADB to gain control beyond the permissions normally available to an app.

ADB stands for Android Debug Bridge. Developers and repair technicians use it to test devices and run commands. Wireless Debugging provides that connection without a cable. Most users should leave it off when they do not need it.

RatHat uses Accessibility to move through settings, capture a pairing code, and create a local ADB connection. Its AI-assisted automation helps it find buttons and text across different interfaces. This makes the process more adaptable, but the earlier install and permissions still matter.

Related: Review which apps can access sensitive Android features

Is RatHat targeting people in the US?

As of September 22, 2026, public sources did not confirm a campaign focused on the United States, a victim count, or affected US banks. Zimperium describes global financial targeting in the samples but does not provide a country list.

That gap matters when reading headlines. RatHat documents a possible attack technique. It does not give us grounds to label every unknown APK or slow phone as a RatHat infection. The checks below still help because they reduce common risks from malicious Android apps.

Which signs deserve a closer look?

One symptom cannot identify RatHat. Look for the surrounding context, such as a recent install from an unknown source and permissions you do not remember approving.

• An unfamiliar app appears among enabled Accessibility services.
• Developer options or Wireless Debugging are on without a known reason.
• A sideloaded app changed its name, disappeared from the launcher, or resists removal.
• An overlay appears over a banking app or asks for a PIN or authentication code.
• You notice account access or transactions you do not recognize.

Android lets you review permissions for installed apps. Menu names vary by phone maker and Android version. Keep legitimate Accessibility tools enabled when you recognize and use them, including screen readers and password managers.

What should you do after installing a suspicious APK?

If you only received the link, delete the message and do not install the file. If you installed the app, consider disconnecting the phone from mobile data and Wi-Fi, provided that doing so will not block an essential safety action. Use another trusted device to review sensitive accounts.

Check Accessibility, device administrator apps, and Wireless Debugging. Remove access you do not recognize. A security scan may help identify suspicious files and apps, but it does not replace reviewing affected accounts and settings.

Treat bank credentials as exposed if you entered a password, PIN, or one-time code. Use the institution’s verified app, website, help center, or official support channel from a trusted device, then review recent activity. IdentityTheft.gov provides a recovery plan for identity-related misuse.

Zimperium found a component that could remain active after the main app was uninstalled. Removing the icon may therefore be insufficient when persistent ADB access exists. Use the phone maker’s official support channel if you find concrete signs of that access. A factory reset may form part of recovery, but it requires preparation and should not follow from a vague suspicion alone.

Lower the risk before the next download

Keep Android and your apps updated. Leave Wireless Debugging off when you do not use it, and read Accessibility requests before approving them. A video player, promotion, or routine update rarely needs to control the whole interface.

Avoid using a suspicious page to prove its own legitimacy. When a message says you need a new app, open the service’s known website or official store listing yourself. That short pause often stops the chain before an unknown file reaches the phone.

Keep reading

• How to Check If a Link Is Safe: How dfndr Scans Suspicious URLs
• Android Security Update: Check the August Patch
• Is Your Phone Acting Strange? Here’s Why the SIM Card Is Not Always the Cause
• Why Updating Android Helps Protect Your Phone, Even When Nothing Looks Different

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If you use an iPhone in the United States, check those details before you troubleshoot or change settings. This guide covers the main Siri AI requirements, the devices Apple lists as compatible, and the app controls you may want to review before giving the assistant access to personal context.

What are the Siri AI requirements?

Siri AI needs Apple Intelligence-capable hardware, version 27 of the relevant operating system, and supported language settings. Access can still vary by region, account, and feature while the beta rolls out.

Apple Intelligence and Siri AI are related, but the names do not describe the same thing. Apple Intelligence includes a broader group of writing, image, and system features. Siri AI is the updated assistant experience, including personal context, awareness of content on the screen, and actions that can cross between apps. A joint statement from Google and Apple said Gemini models would help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri.

That distinction explains why some users see Apple Intelligence options without receiving every Siri AI feature. Apple may also release one capability before another, even on two devices that appear to have the same setup.

Which devices support Siri AI?

Apple’s current requirements start with hardware that can run the new generation of Apple Intelligence.

Compatible hardware is only the first check. The device also needs the required system version and enough free storage for downloaded components. Some tasks may use Apple’s servers and can have daily limits.

Back up the device through Apple’s built-in tools before installing beta software. A beta can contain bugs, change behavior, or remove a feature while Apple works on it. If you rely on the phone for work or another essential task, waiting for a stable release may save you trouble.

Read next: Review which apps use your camera, microphone, and location.

Why is Siri AI not showing after the iOS 27 update?

Work through the setup in this order:

1. Confirm the exact iPhone model in Settings.
2. Check the installed iOS version.
3. Compare the device language with the Siri language.
4. Review the region on the Apple Account.
5. Check Apple’s support page for the current beta availability.

A missing option does not mean the update failed. Apple can release beta access in stages, and eligibility may differ by account or feature. A supported model may also need matching English settings during the current US rollout.

Changing the phone’s language can affect menus, search results, and voice responses. Do it only if you are comfortable using the whole device in that language. If you want to compare assistant experiences, Google explains how its Gemini app works on iPhone. It is a separate app with its own availability rules, not a switch that unlocks Siri AI. Avoid following a social post that promises instant access through an undocumented setting.

How Siri AI uses personal context

Apple says the updated assistant can find details across messages, email, photos, and other apps when a request needs personal context. It can also use information visible on the screen. The available data depends on the app, the permission, and the feature you are using.

Some processing takes place on the device. For larger requests, Apple says it can use Private Cloud Compute, which the company designed to limit access to user data. Treat that description as Apple’s documented privacy model, not as the result of an independent audit.

You can test Siri AI without opening every app to it. Review the apps allowed to appear in Search or Spotlight and the permissions for location, photos, camera, and microphone. Google’s Gemini Apps Privacy Hub provides a useful comparison of how another assistant describes activity, permissions, and connected apps. Those rules do not replace Apple’s settings. A navigation app has a clear reason to use your location. A basic puzzle game probably does not need access to your photo library.

How to limit Siri AI access to an app

Menu labels may shift during the beta. Look in the Siri, Search, Apple Intelligence, or individual app settings. Select an app and turn off its ability to show content or contribute context if that access does not fit how you use it.

Base the choice on the task. If you want Siri to find a travel confirmation in email, that app needs enough access to return the result. If you never ask the assistant about content from another app, you can remove that connection and see whether anything useful stops working.

Shared devices deserve another quick review. Check notification previews, lock-screen access, and the accounts signed into the phone. Personal context can make an assistant more useful, but ordinary privacy settings still decide what another person can see.

What to check before you turn it on

Confirm the hardware, OS version, English settings, region, and beta status. Make a backup, then review which apps can provide context. Start with one everyday request after Siri AI appears and check whether the answer matches what you expected.

You do not need to enable every option on day one. Add access when a feature solves a real problem, and remove it when the benefit is unclear. That approach gives you time to learn how the beta behaves without handing it more information than the task needs.

Continue reading

• What not to share with ChatGPT, Gemini, or any AI
• ChatGPT for teens: what changes for teens and parents
• What happens when you tap “Allow” on an Android app?

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The good news is that they may not need a new phone or dozens of additional apps. A few Android settings can make a phone easier to read, simpler to navigate, and safer to use.

Most importantly, make these changes together. The goal is not to take control of someone else’s phone, but to make it easier to use while preserving their independence.

1. Make text and screen elements larger

Small text can make messages, contact names, notifications, and settings unnecessarily difficult to read.

On Android, open Settings > Accessibility or search Settings for “Font size.” Depending on the device, you can also increase the display size so buttons and other elements appear larger.

Google provides instructions for changing text and display settings on Android.

Do not automatically move everything to the largest setting. Adjust it together and let the person decide what feels most comfortable.

2. Simplify the Home screen

A screen filled with apps, folders, and widgets can make finding the right option harder.

Consider keeping only frequently used apps on the first Home screen, such as Phone, Messages, Camera, Photos, Maps, and other everyday apps.

Remove duplicate shortcuts and organize less frequently used apps away from the main screen.

A simpler Home screen reduces unnecessary taps and makes important functions easier to find.

3. Turn on useful Android accessibility features

Android includes several tools designed to make devices easier to control.

The Accessibility Menu, for example, provides a large on-screen menu for common actions such as adjusting volume and brightness, opening notifications, navigating the phone, and locking the screen.

Google explains how to enable and use Android’s Accessibility Menu.

Depending on the person’s needs, you can also explore magnification, bold text, contrast settings, or screen-reading tools.

There is no need to enable every accessibility feature. Use the ones that genuinely make the phone easier to operate.

4. Add emergency contacts

A smartphone can also be an important safety tool during an emergency.

On supported Android devices, users can add emergency contacts and important information that may be accessible from the lock screen.

Google provides a guide to emergency information, contacts, and Emergency SOS on Android.

Set these features up together and make sure the person knows how to use them. A safety feature is much more useful when the owner understands where it is and what it does.

5. Set up a secure but practical screen lock

Leaving a phone unlocked can expose messages, photos, email, financial apps, and other personal information.

Choose a PIN, password, fingerprint, or facial recognition option that the person can comfortably use.

Biometrics can be especially convenient on compatible devices because they reduce how often someone needs to type a password.

Avoid overly simple PINs such as “1234” or easily guessed personal dates.

6. Review apps and permissions

Phones tend to accumulate apps over time. Some are no longer used but may still have permission to access contacts, location, the microphone, camera, or other information.

Periodically review installed apps and remove those that are no longer necessary.

Before approving a new permission, encourage one simple question: Does this app really need this information to work?

For more context, read PSafe’s guide to what happens when you tap “Allow” on an Android app.

7. Teach them to recognize urgency as a warning sign

Making a phone easier to use should also include making scams easier to recognize.

Teach one straightforward habit: be suspicious when an unexpected message or call urgently asks for money, passwords, verification codes, or personal information.

Instead of immediately responding, stop and verify the request through a phone number, website, or person you already know.

This matters because scammers frequently use urgency and impersonation to push people into acting before they have time to verify a story. The FTC has also highlighted the significant impact of scams on older adults.

8. Keep Android updated

Updates are not only about getting new features. They can also fix vulnerabilities, strengthen security controls, and improve how the operating system handles apps and permissions.

Check periodically for Android updates and updates to frequently used apps.

The best phone is one they can use confidently

There is no single perfect setup for every older adult.

For one person, larger text may make the biggest difference. For another, simplifying the Home screen, making contacts easier to find, or learning how to recognize suspicious messages may be more important.

Make changes gradually and together. Then ask the person to try common tasks independently: make a call, open a messaging app, find a photo, and return to the Home screen.

The goal is not to do everything for your parents or grandparents. It is to make their phone simple and safe enough that they can confidently do more on their own.

Keep reading

• What Happens When You Tap “Allow” on an Android App?
• Malicious Links: What They Are and How to Protect Yourself
• Why Updating Android Helps Protect Your Phone

Fontes

guide to emergency information, contacts, and Emergency SOS on Android.

how to enable and use Android’s Accessibility Menu.

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Your phone suddenly feels slower. The battery doesn’t last as long as it used to, and some apps start behaving differently. In situations like these, it’s common to hear someone suggest that the problem might be related to the SIM card.

The assumption seems reasonable. After all, the SIM card is directly connected to calls, text messages, and your mobile network connection. Because it plays an important role in communication, many users believe that unusual phone behavior must somehow be linked to it.

In reality, that’s rarely the case.

Understanding what a SIM card actually does can help you identify the real causes of smartphone issues and avoid common misconceptions about how mobile devices work.

What Does a SIM Card Actually Do?

A SIM card is responsible for identifying a subscriber on a mobile carrier’s network. It allows users to make calls, send SMS messages, and access mobile data services linked to their phone number.

While it is essential for communication, the SIM card does not perform the same functions as a smartphone. It does not manage applications, control the operating system, or handle most of the tasks users perform daily.

Its role is much more specific.

As a result, when a phone experiences slowdowns, unexpected advertisements, battery drain, or unusual behavior, the cause is usually found elsewhere within the device.

Why Do People Often Blame the SIM Card?

Part of the confusion comes from the fact that the SIM card is closely associated with many everyday smartphone functions.

If calls fail, messages don’t arrive, or mobile data stops working properly, it’s natural to suspect the SIM card. In some situations, it can indeed affect connectivity, particularly when there are issues involving network authentication or carrier services.

However, most day-to-day smartphone problems have different causes.

Pending software updates, excessive storage usage, poorly optimized apps, incorrect settings, or operating system issues can all create symptoms that users mistakenly associate with the SIM card.

Because the SIM card is one of the few physical components that users can easily remove and replace, it often becomes an easy target when troubleshooting begins.

In practice, though, the SIM card is rarely responsible for the types of issues most users experience.

When the Problem Is in the Device, Not the SIM Card

Many smartphone issues originate within the device itself.

Apps can consume more resources than expected. Certain settings can impact performance. In some cases, applications may request permissions that exceed their intended purpose, affecting the user experience.

Browsing untrustworthy websites or downloading apps from unofficial sources can also contribute to device instability and security concerns.

For this reason, most smartphone maintenance and security recommendations focus on the device rather than the SIM card.

Keeping software updated, reviewing app permissions regularly, and downloading applications only from trusted sources remain some of the most effective ways to maintain a healthy smartphone experience.

Read Also

• Why Updating Android Helps Protect Your Phone, Even When Nothing Looks Different
• Does Deleting Photos From Your Phone Delete Them From Google Photos? Myth vs. Fact

When the SIM Card Can Be Part of the Situation

Although the SIM card is rarely responsible for performance problems, it can play a role in specific situations involving a mobile phone number.

One well-known example is SIM swapping, a type of fraud in which criminals manage to transfer a victim’s phone number to another SIM card under their control.

When that happens, calls, SMS messages, and authentication codes sent to the number may be redirected to someone else.

In these cases, the issue is not with the SIM card itself but with unauthorized access to the phone number associated with it.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) provides guidance on SIM swapping and mobile account protection, helping users understand how these situations occur and how to reduce risks.

Outside of these specific scenarios, however, the SIM card is unlikely to be the explanation for unusual smartphone behavior.

Why Suspicious Text Messages Deserve More Attention Than the SIM Card

Many concerns about SIM cards begin after users receive unexpected text messages.

The message may claim there is a problem with a delivery, an account update, or an unrecognized purchase. It then includes a link that supposedly resolves the issue.

In these situations, the real concern is usually not the SIM card but the interaction with the content itself.

By visiting fraudulent websites or entering personal information on untrustworthy pages, users may unknowingly expose sensitive data.

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) offers guidance on recognizing phishing attempts and fraudulent messages, highlighting common tactics used to trick individuals into sharing personal information.

That’s why it’s important to carefully evaluate unexpected messages before clicking links or providing information.

Before accessing an unfamiliar URL, having an additional layer of protection can also help. The Dangerous Link Detector from dfndr security analyzes suspicious URLs and alerts users before they visit potentially risky websites.

How to Better Protect Your Phone and Mobile Number

The good news is that many common smartphone issues can be reduced through simple habits.

Keeping the operating system updated remains one of the most effective ways to improve both stability and security.

It’s also worth reviewing installed applications regularly and removing those that are no longer needed.

Another important habit is checking app permissions. Not every application needs access to contacts, messages, location data, or personal files to perform its intended function.

Users should also be cautious of messages that create a false sense of urgency or request personal information without a clear reason.

Adding extra layers of account protection, such as multi-factor authentication, can further reduce risks associated with unauthorized access attempts.

Small preventive actions performed consistently can significantly improve the overall security and reliability of a smartphone.

Conclusion

When a smartphone starts behaving differently, it’s understandable to look for a quick explanation. Because the SIM card is involved in essential communication services, it often becomes a common suspect.

In reality, however, most performance and security issues are linked to the smartphone itself, installed applications, device settings, and everyday user interactions.

That doesn’t mean phone numbers and carrier accounts should be ignored. Certain situations involving mobile account fraud deserve attention. Still, they are very different from the common belief that a SIM card is responsible for unusual phone behavior.

Understanding the role of the SIM card helps users focus on the factors that truly affect device performance. And when it comes to digital safety, awareness, prevention, and informed decision-making remain some of the most valuable tools available.

Continue Reading

• Phone overheating: 8 causes and how to cool it safely
• ChatGPT for Teens: What Changes for Teens and Parents
• Does Leaving Wi-Fi On Drain Your Phone Battery?

Sources

• FCC – Cell Phone Fraud and SIM Swapping Guidance
• CISA – Phishing Guidance and Awareness Resources

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If the phone feels too hot to use, unplug it, stop the activity, and let it cool naturally in a dry, shaded, well-ventilated place. Do not use a refrigerator, freezer, ice, or water. This guide covers eight common causes, the clues that can help you narrow them down, and the signs that call for manufacturer-authorized support.

Is it normal for a phone to get hot?

It can be normal for a phone to feel warm during work that demands more from the processor, display, radios, or battery. Recording video, gaming, navigating with GPS, restoring data, and fast charging are common examples. Guidance from Google, Apple, and device manufacturers explains that a phone may temporarily reduce performance, brightness, camera functions, network activity, or charging speed to manage heat.

There is no single surface temperature that every reader can use to judge every model. Look at the context instead: what the phone was doing, how long the heat lasts, and whether warnings, limitations, or shutdowns appear.

Phone overheating: 8 common causes

1. Gaming, camera use, video, and GPS

Graphics-heavy games, high-resolution recording, streaming, and turn-by-turn navigation can keep several components active at once. The phone may warm up during the task and begin cooling after it ends.

If the heat is uncomfortable, pause the activity, lower the display brightness, and wait before starting again. Avoid opening another demanding app while the phone is still hot.

2. Apps working in the background

Photo syncing, location activity, updates, and a poorly behaving app can consume power even when it is not on screen. After the phone cools, open the battery settings and review which apps used unusual amounts of energy. Menu names vary by manufacturer and Android version.

Update or remove an app you do not recognize. Do not assume heat proves malware is present; unusual power use is a clue, not a diagnosis.

3. Fast or wireless charging and use while plugged in

A battery generates heat while accepting energy, and fast or wireless charging can make that warmth more noticeable. Gaming, video calling, or recording while charging combines two demanding activities.

Use compatible, undamaged charging equipment from a trustworthy source. If the connector, cable, charger, or battery looks damaged, stop using it and follow the device maker’s official support guidance.

4. Direct sunlight and a hot environment

A phone absorbs heat from its surroundings. A parked car, sunny windowsill, beach, tight pocket, or closed bag can make cooling difficult even when the device is not doing heavy work.

Move it into the shade and allow air to circulate. Do not try to offset environmental heat with a sudden temperature change.

5. A case that holds in heat

A well-fitted case protects a phone, but some materials or designs may slow heat dissipation during demanding use. Follow the manufacturer’s guidance. If removing the case is permitted, unplug the phone first and do not handle an internal battery.

6. Setup, updates, restores, and data transfers

After a new-device setup, backup restore, system update, or large file transfer, the phone may continue processing data in the background. The warmth should decrease after that work finishes.

If it remains hot long after completion, wait for it to cool, restart it, and check for pending system or app updates.

7. Weak reception, hotspot use, and heavy data activity

In an area with poor coverage, a phone may use more energy trying to maintain a connection. Hotspot use, long calls, 5G activity, and simultaneous uploads or downloads can also add load.

When practical, move to an area with better reception, turn off the hotspot, and pause large transfers. The goal is to reduce temporary work, not permanently disable useful features.

8. A software, battery, or hardware problem

Heat at rest, repeated shutdowns, or warmth concentrated around damaged charging equipment may point to a problem that settings cannot solve. A swollen battery, unusual odor, smoke, or physical damage calls for immediate caution.

Do not open the phone or attempt to replace an internal battery at home. Use the manufacturer’s official help center or authorized service path.

How to cool down a phone safely

If the device is very hot, use this order:

1. Unplug the charger and other cables.
2. Pause gaming, camera use, video, navigation, hotspot use, and downloads.
3. Move the phone to a dry, shaded, well-ventilated place.
4. Follow any temperature warning on the screen; power it off when the manufacturer instructs you to do so.
5. Let it cool naturally before charging it or restarting demanding tasks.

After it cools, review battery use, recent apps, software updates, and charging accessories. Change one factor at a time so you can see what affects the behavior.

What not to do when cooling your phone

Do not put the phone in a refrigerator or freezer or apply ice, water, or a wet cloth. Sudden cold and moisture can create condensation and damage. Avoid hair dryers, compressed air, and other aggressive airflow as well.

An app cannot physically remove heat from the device. Built-in thermal controls may already reduce power use while protecting components. Treat any app that promises instant physical cooling with skepticism.

Can phone overheating be caused by malware?

Malware or another unwanted app can contribute to unusual activity, but heat alone does not confirm an infection. Look for other signs, such as an unknown app, unexpected permissions, abnormal battery use, or behavior that persists without a clear workload.

When those signs appear, update the operating system, review installed apps, and use a reputable security scan. If the heat continues, investigate a possible physical issue separately.

When should you seek authorized service?

Use the manufacturer’s official support channel if the phone repeatedly heats up while idle, displays frequent warnings, shuts down, fails to charge normally, or shows a swollen battery, odor, smoke, physical damage, or a compromised accessory. Stop using the device while seeking guidance when there is a physical sign of battery damage.

The most useful next step is to note exactly when the heat begins. That clue helps separate temporary workload, charging equipment, environmental heat, and a persistent fault without resorting to a risky quick fix.

Sources

• Google: Help keep your Pixel phone from feeling too warm or hot
• Google: Check and understand your Pixel’s temperature
• Apple: If your iPhone or iPad gets too hot or too cold

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For families, the useful question is not simply whether the new experience is “safer.” It is what happens automatically, what requires linked accounts, and what remains private. This guide separates those three categories, explains whether parents can read chats, and offers a practical way for families to decide how AI fits into schoolwork and everyday life.

What Is ChatGPT for Teens?

ChatGPT for Teens is an experience that OpenAI applies to eligible accounts belonging to users ages 13 to 17, based on a stated or estimated age. OpenAI says it adds under-18 safeguards and learning features without requiring a family to turn on a separate “kids’ mode.”

A global launch does not mean instant availability on every account. The OpenAI Help Center page for ChatGPT for Teens describes a gradual rollout. If the options are missing today, that alone does not mean the account is ineligible or configured incorrectly.

It also helps to separate product design from guaranteed results. OpenAI describes how the safeguards are intended to work, but ChatGPT can still produce incomplete or incorrect answers. A teen should verify important information with a teacher, trusted adult, or reliable primary source.

What Changes Automatically, and What Is Optional?

The built-in teen safeguards are applied when an account is recognized as belonging to a teen. Parental controls are different: they require an optional link between the teen’s account and a parent or guardian’s account.

In practice, the features fall into three groups. Age-appropriate safeguards, study tools, and reminders are part of the experience applied by the platform. Placement is based on the age a user states or the age OpenAI estimates for the account.

When accounts are linked, a parent or guardian can manage available options such as time and feature settings. OpenAI also describes limited notifications for specific safety situations. These choices do not appear merely because an account is classified as a teen account; they depend on family linking and configuration.

The third group is what is not shared by default. Linking accounts does not provide full conversation content, real-time chat monitoring, or general access to chat history. This distinction clears up a common misunderstanding: automatic protections are not the same as parental surveillance.

Read also: Why deleting an app is different from deleting an account

Can Parents Read a Teen’s ChatGPT Conversations?

No. OpenAI’s parental controls documentation says a parent or guardian cannot read a teen’s conversations or monitor chats in real time simply because the accounts are linked.

That does not mean the linked experience never communicates anything about safety. OpenAI describes limited notifications for specific circumstances, but those are not the same as opening the full conversation history. Families should review the current wording in their own settings because controls and interface labels can change as the rollout continues.

A healthier family conversation can focus on how the tool was used instead of demanding permanent access. A teen can choose to show a response when they want help checking it. A parent can ask which sources supported the answer and what the teen learned, preserving trust while still offering guidance.

How Does Age Prediction Affect an Account?

OpenAI uses a person’s stated age and may also use age prediction to identify accounts likely to belong to someone under 18. When that estimate is wrong, the company provides an official age-verification path to correct it.

Two limits matter here. An age estimate is not certainty about who is using the device, and an inaccurate result should not be bypassed with false account information. The appropriate next step is the verification process available through the account or OpenAI’s official Help Center.

Explaining the reason for an age-based experience can also reduce frustration. Teens deserve to know which settings are changing and why, rather than encountering a restriction with no context.

How Can You Check Whether the Teen Experience Is Available?

Because the rollout is gradual, check the account and official documentation rather than relying on screenshots or instructions from an unfamiliar third party.

1. Confirm that the birth date associated with the account is accurate.
2. Review account settings for teen-experience or parental-control options available in the current interface.
3. If the family wants additional controls, follow OpenAI’s official account-linking flow.
4. If an age estimate is incorrect, use the official verification process.
5. If the features are not present, check the Help Center as availability expands.

Do not upload identity documents, private chats, or personal information through unofficial forms. The teen experience does not require a third-party extension or a separate unofficial app.

A Family Agreement Can Make AI More Useful

Settings can shape access, but they cannot decide whether a response supports learning or replaces it. A short family agreement can give teens room to explore while making expectations clear.

• Decide when AI helps: explaining a concept, generating practice questions, or comparing ways to solve a problem.
• Agree on how to verify answers using class materials, a teacher, or a reliable primary source.
• Keep passwords, documents, private identifiers, and other people’s personal details out of prompts.
• Set times that do not replace sleep, physical activity, or time with other people.
• Involve a trusted adult or teacher when an answer concerns health, safety, money, or a sensitive situation.

The goal is not a perfect set of controls. It is a shared understanding of what OpenAI applies automatically, what the family selected, and when a generated answer deserves a second look.

What Should Families Do Now?

Open the account settings together, check whether the teen experience is available, and agree on three basics: when to use it, how to verify answers, and when to ask a parent, guardian, or teacher for help. If the features have not arrived, follow the official documentation as the gradual rollout continues.

Keep Reading

• What Incognito mode does and does not keep private
• How to review devices signed in to a Google account
• How local photo deletion differs from cloud storage

Sources

• OpenAI — Introducing ChatGPT for Teens
• OpenAI Help Center — ChatGPT for Teens
• OpenAI Help Center — Parental controls in ChatGPT
• OpenAI — Our approach to age prediction

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This guide shows where to find that date, what the two August levels mean, and what to do when the update has not arrived. The goal is a practical check, not unnecessary alarm.

How to Check Your Android Security Update

On most devices, open Settings > About phone or About tablet > Android version. Look for Android security update or Android security patch level. Menu labels vary by manufacturer, so you can also search Settings for “security update” or “software update.”

Google’s official Android Help instructions explain the standard path, but Samsung, Motorola, Pixel, and other devices may organize these controls differently.

Use this three-step check:

1. Note the date shown for the Android security update.
2. Return to the software or system update screen and check for an available package.
3. Check the separate Google Play system update date as well.

If an official update is waiting, use a reliable connection, make sure the battery has enough charge, and follow the on-screen directions. A current backup is a sensible precaution before a major system change.

What the 2026-08-01 and 2026-08-05 Levels Mean

The official August 2026 Android Security Bulletin organizes fixes under two patch levels. The 2026-08-01 level covers the set assigned to the first part of the bulletin. The 2026-08-05 level includes all issues published for the month, including fixes tied to additional components.

This structure gives manufacturers flexibility as they integrate fixes. For a phone owner, the practical takeaway is that a security patch level of August 5, 2026, or later covers all issues listed in that monthly bulletin. An earlier date does not prove an active compromise; it shows that the newer level is not installed on that device.

Do not use the main Android version as a substitute for the patch date. Two phones running the same Android release can have different patch levels because their components and support schedules differ.

Read also: Android 17 security and privacy settings to turn on

Why the August Patch May Not Be Available Yet

Publishing the Android bulletin starts the process; it does not confirm delivery to every phone. Each manufacturer integrates the relevant fixes, tests its device software, and rolls out an update. Availability can also vary by carrier, region, and rollout batch.

The official August update announcement for compatible Pixel phones is a Pixel-specific example. It is not a schedule for Samsung, Motorola, or other Android devices.

If the update does not appear:

• check the manufacturer’s official support site or help center to see whether the model remains supported;
• restart the phone and check Settings again;
• confirm that the device has free storage and a stable connection;
• avoid update packages offered through unofficial links, messages, or forums.

If the device is supported, wait for its official rollout. A short delay is not the same as abandoned support, and installing a package from an unknown source can introduce a different risk.

Android, Security Patches, and Google Play Updates Differ

Your phone can show several dates because Android components are delivered through different channels:

A new Google Play system update does not necessarily mean the manufacturer’s complete security patch is installed. The reverse can also be true. Checking both dates gives you a better view than checking either one alone.

What to Do When a Phone Stops Receiving Security Patches

Start by checking the device maker’s official support policy. If the support window has ended, the phone may keep working, but it will no longer receive some future operating-system fixes.

While you decide what comes next, update apps through the official store, remove apps you no longer use, review permissions, and maintain backups. These steps can reduce exposure, but they do not replace operating-system patches or provide complete protection.

If you use the phone for sensitive records or financial services, the confirmed end of security support should be part of your replacement decision. When comparing a new phone, review the promised update period along with battery life, storage, camera quality, and price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will an Android update delete my files?

An official update normally preserves apps and personal files, but no system change is completely free of failure. Back up important information, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and do not interrupt the installation or turn off the phone while it is applying the update.

Why does my phone say it is up to date with an old patch date?

The message may mean that no newer package is available for that model, region, or carrier at that time. Check the manufacturer’s support policy. If the phone is still supported, wait for the official staged rollout and check again later.

Should I download the patch from a website?

Use your phone’s Settings and the manufacturer’s official channels. A package shared through a webpage, message, or forum may not match your exact model and could have been modified. Avoid bypassing the supported update process unless the manufacturer itself documents it for your device.

What to Do Now

Open Settings and check both the Android security update date and the Google Play system update date. If an official update is waiting, back up the phone and complete the installation. If the patch is old, verify the model’s support status before deciding what to do next.

Continue Reading

• What happens when you tap Allow on an Android app
• A 5-minute monthly Android phone check
• Phone settings to check before traveling
• How to lock apps on Android

Sources

• Android Security Bulletin — August 2026
• Android Help — check and update your Android version
• Google Pixel Support — August 2026 update

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So the short verdict is: it is mostly a myth that the Wi-Fi toggle alone drains a large amount of battery. The real result depends on signal quality, apps, data traffic, location settings, and the phone itself. Here is how those states differ and how to check what is actually using your charge.

Does Wi-Fi drain battery? The short answer

Every wireless radio needs some energy, but Wi-Fi sitting idle does not work as hard as a connection carrying a video call, cloud backup, or large download.

Battery use also varies by chipset, operating system, phone maker, network quality, and background activity. That is why a universal claim such as “turning off Wi-Fi saves a specific percentage” is not reliable.

A useful rule is to leave Wi-Fi on when a trusted, strong network is available. If your phone spends hours searching where there are no useful networks, or keeps reconnecting to a weak access point, turning it off for that period may help.

Enabled, scanning, connected, and transferring are different states

Having Wi-Fi turned on can mean several very different things. When Wi-Fi is enabled but your phone is not connected to a network, power use is usually low, although the device may occasionally scan for nearby access points.

Battery use can increase when the phone repeatedly searches for networks, especially if a setting or app is triggering frequent background scans. When the phone is connected to a stable network and exchanging very little data, however, Wi-Fi power use is typically low.

That changes during activities such as streaming, downloads, and cloud backups because the phone is transferring much more data. In those situations, the activity itself has a greater impact on battery life than simply leaving the Wi-Fi toggle on.

A weak connection can also require more power. If the phone frequently loses the network, reconnects, or retries transmissions, battery use may rise. Moving closer to the router or switching to a stronger network can be more useful than simply disabling Wi-Fi.

The Android documentation for Wi-Fi scanning explains that modern Android versions limit scan frequency. Android also tracks excessive background scanning because repeated scans can wake the processor and shorten battery life.

When Wi-Fi can use more battery

Wi-Fi power use tends to grow when the phone must work harder to maintain or use the connection. Common examples include:

• a weak signal that causes retries or reconnections;
• apps downloading, syncing, or backing up in the background;
• video, gaming, calls, or large file transfers;
• frequent scans triggered by settings or apps;
• constant switching between Wi-Fi and cellular service.

This does not mean every weak network causes dramatic drain. During a video call, for example, the display, camera, processor, and network transfer all use power. Blaming the entire drop on the Wi-Fi icon would miss most of the story.

Related: What can public Wi-Fi see on your phone?

Wi-Fi vs. cellular data: which uses less power?

With similarly strong signals, Wi-Fi is generally more efficient for data transfer than a cellular network. Apple’s battery guidance recommends using Wi-Fi when it is available because a Wi-Fi connection uses less power than a cellular network.

Signal quality can reverse the practical choice. A distant, unstable access point may be less efficient than strong cellular coverage. A phone in a no-service or low-service area may also spend extra energy searching for a cellular signal even when you are not actively browsing.

At home or work with a nearby router, Wi-Fi is often the efficient choice. During a road trip or commute with no trusted networks nearby, cellular service may be simpler, and temporarily disabling Wi-Fi can reduce unhelpful connection attempts.

How Wi-Fi scanning helps location on Android

Wi-Fi scanning and joining a Wi-Fi network are not the same action. A phone can use information about nearby access points to improve location without connecting to them. Android Help explains Location Accuracy as a combination of Wi-Fi, cellular networks, GPS, and sensors.

Turning scanning off may reduce some background searches, but it can also make location slower or less precise. The result is not a guaranteed battery win, because the phone may rely more heavily on another positioning method.

Before changing this setting, consider how often you use navigation, rideshare apps, device finding, or location-based automations. A setting is useful only when the tradeoff fits your routine.

How to check what is draining your phone battery

Your phone’s battery panel offers better evidence than a blanket rule.

On Android

Open Battery settings and review usage since the last full charge. Menu names vary across Pixel, Samsung, Motorola, and other devices. Compare screen time, background activity, and periods with poor signal. If one app shows unusual activity, review that app before blaming the wireless connection.

On iPhone

Open Settings, then Battery, and compare usage by app and activity. Check whether a steep drop matches screen-on time, background activity, low signal, or heavy network use.

You can also compare two similar days. Keep screen time, travel, and app use as consistent as practical. This is not a controlled lab test, but it may reveal whether Wi-Fi status makes a meaningful difference on your phone.

When turning Wi-Fi off makes sense

Temporarily switching Wi-Fi off can help when you will be away from known networks for hours, when a poor connection causes constant handoffs, or while diagnosing an unusual problem. Airplane Mode can be useful in a true no-coverage area, as long as you do not need calls or cellular data.

For routine use, you do not need to treat Wi-Fi as the main battery villain. Display brightness, heavy apps, background activity, and weak cellular coverage often deserve more attention.

Before leaving Wi-Fi off all day, check Battery Usage and compare signal, screen time, and background activity. The best answer comes from how your phone behaves, not from a one-size-fits-all myth.

Keep reading

• How to use your Android as a Wi-Fi hotspot
• Google Drive Stopped Photos Backup: What Changed
• Does Incognito Mode Hide Everything You Do Online? Myth vs. Fact
• Everything you need to know about Wi-Fi calling

Sources

• Android Developers: Wi-Fi scanning
• Android Developers: excessive background Wi-Fi scans
• Android Help: Location Accuracy
• Apple Support: maximizing battery life and lifespan

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That does not mean Google Photos ended, existing cloud items were deleted, or regular Android phone backup stopped. The change affects one specific desktop path. Here is how to tell whether it applied to you and what to check before changing your setup.

What changed in Google Photos backup

Google’s help documentation says Drive for desktop no longer offers the option to back up photos and videos to Google Photos. Support for that workflow ended August 10, 2026.

The change matters if you used Drive for desktop on Windows or macOS and selected local folders to send media to Google Photos. If that describes your setup, do not assume new files are protected simply because the old configuration is still familiar.

The supported path now starts in Google Photos. Google’s official backup instructions direct users to open Google Photos on a computer and choose the folders they want backed up.

Four parts of this setup are often confused:

• Local folder: stored on the PC or Mac.
• Drive for desktop: connects local files with Google Drive.
• Google Photos: the cloud library for photos and videos.
• Google Photos on Android: can back up selected folders from the phone.

The change removes the second item as a bridge to the third. It does not automatically change the other backup paths.

What did not change for existing photos

Items already saved in Google Photos remain in the library, according to Google. Ending the Drive for desktop feature is not a deletion command for cloud items.

Backup from the Google Photos app on a phone is also a separate process. Someone who only uses Android to save photos from the device may not need to change anything because of the desktop cutoff.

At the same time, do not assume every file on a PC already reached the cloud. Seeing a folder in an old desktop configuration does not prove that every item completed its upload. The safer check is to open Google Photos and look for a recent, recognizable file.

This distinction can prevent two unnecessary reactions: deleting local originals because you assume a cloud copy exists, or uploading an entire library again before understanding what is already stored.

Read next: Does Uninstalling an App Delete Your Account and Data?

How to keep computer folders backed up

Set up the new path carefully and verify it with a test file. Button names may vary by operating system, language, account, or rollout, so the help content shown for your own account remains the final reference.

1. Open photos.google.com on the computer and sign in to the correct Google Account.
2. Find the option to add or back up folders from the computer.
3. Select only the folders you intend to save.
4. Review available Google Account storage, which is shared across Photos, Drive, and Gmail.
5. Add one test photo to the selected folder.
6. Confirm that the item appears in Google Photos and shows as backed up.

Keep the local file while you test. First confirm that the cloud copy is present and understand how the new workflow behaves for your account.

Google’s canonical pages do not describe every duplicate scenario or promise an identical interface for every user. If a folder was backed up before, start with a small set of files and observe the result before selecting a large archive.

How to verify that a photo was saved

A quick verification lowers the chance of discovering a gap months later. Choose a recent photo with a recognizable name or date, then search for it in Google Photos.

Check that:

• the open Google Account is the one intended for backup;
• the item appears in Google Photos, not only in the local folder;
• its date and file match the original you selected;
• its details show that backup completed;
• the account still has available storage.

Google’s advanced Drive for desktop guide can help distinguish features that remain connected to Drive from those controlled in Google Photos.

If the item does not appear, do not immediately conclude it was lost. Check the connection, selected folder, signed-in account, and available storage. Then repeat the test with a small file. Interface changes or a gradual rollout may also mean you need to follow the guidance displayed for your account.

Does this affect Android phone backup?

Not directly. The retired feature was the bridge from computer folders to Google Photos through Drive for desktop. The Google Photos Android app has its own backup settings.

Still, this is a useful time to review the phone. Open Google Photos, confirm the active account, and check which device folders are included. Screenshots, messaging images, and downloads may follow different rules from the camera folder.

Do not confuse access with backup. A photo visible in the app may exist only in the cloud, only on the device, or in both places, depending on its history and settings. Before freeing space or deleting files, open the item’s details and confirm the state reported by Google Photos.

Checks to make before reorganizing your library

The change does not call for panic, but it does call for confirmation. Preserve original files while testing the new workflow, and avoid changing many folders at once.

A careful sequence is:

1. identify folders that used the old workflow;
2. confirm what already exists in Google Photos;
3. configure one small folder through the new path;
4. test with a recent file;
5. expand backup only after confirmation.

If other family members use the account or you manage a shared archive, record which folder connects to which Google Account. That can prevent a fragmented library and make files easier to find later.

dfndr is not recommended for this task because this is a backup migration inside Google’s services. The appropriate action is to use Google’s official settings and documentation.

Frequently asked questions

Did Google delete my old photos?

Ending backup through Drive for desktop does not delete items already stored in Google Photos. For important files, verify them directly in the library and keep the local originals while you configure and test the new folder-backup workflow.

Do I need to change anything on my Android phone?

Not because of this specific change. Backup in the Google Photos Android app is separate. It is still sensible to check the active account and selected device folders, but the desktop feature ending does not mean phone backup was discontinued.

Could selecting the same folder create duplicates?

The canonical documentation reviewed does not explain every duplicate scenario. Reduce uncertainty by choosing a small folder, testing a few files, and observing how your account behaves before adding a full photo archive.

How can I tell whether the new backup works?

Add a recent photo to the selected folder, find it in Google Photos, and review its backup status. Also confirm that you are using the intended Google Account and that storage is still available.

Continue reading

• 3 ways to recover deleted photos on Android
• The Major Threats That Target Your Backed Up Data
• Ensure That Your Data is Being Securely Stored
• Google Account Hacked? 7 Signs Someone Is Using Your Profile Right Now
• The Best Photo Storage Apps for Your Device

Sources

• Sync with Google Drive and Google Photos — Google Drive Help
• Back up photos and videos — Google Photos Help
• Manage Google Drive for desktop: Advanced guide

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On July 20, 2026, the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) issued a new warning about criminals impersonating FBI and IC3 employees. According to the alert, scammers may offer to recover stolen funds, send malicious links, create fake profiles, and, in some cases, use AI-generated videos to make the scheme look more convincing.

The most important detail is simple: the IC3 does not charge people to recover stolen money and does not offer fund-recovery services through Facebook, Telegram, or other social media platforms. If someone unexpectedly contacts you with that kind of offer, treat it as a major red flag.

What Is an IC3 Scam and Why Is the FBI Warning About It?

This scam takes advantage of an especially vulnerable moment: you have already lost money and are actively looking for a way to get it back.

That is when the scammer steps in, claiming to be an FBI agent, an IC3 employee, an investigator, or a recovery specialist who can help locate the criminals or recover the stolen funds.

This type of fraud is commonly known as a recovery scam or double-dip scam because the victim of one scam is targeted a second time by someone promising to recover what was lost.

The scale of cybercrime makes that promise especially tempting. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Report, the IC3 received 1,008,597 complaints in 2025, while reported cybercrime losses reached nearly $21 billion.

How the Fake FBI Recovery Scam Works

The first contact may come through a phone call, email, social media account, online forum, or messaging platform.

In one example described by the FBI, a person who had already been scammed said they planned to file a complaint with the IC3. Soon afterward, they received a message from someone pretending to be an FBI agent.

The conversation moved from Facebook Messenger to Telegram. The fake agent then sent the victim a link claiming that the person needed to “update” their IC3 complaint.

That kind of approach can feel legitimate because it appears to continue a process the victim has already started. The scammer may know details about the previous fraud, use government branding, mention the FBI or IC3 by name, or send the victim to a website designed to look official.

The goal is to make you believe you are dealing with a real government representative.

The Biggest Warning Signs of a Fake FBI or IC3 Recovery Offer

A legitimate-looking profile, badge, logo, or government-style website does not prove that the person contacting you actually works for the FBI.

The FBI warning highlights several tactics that can make these scams harder to spot, including fake social media profiles, spoofed websites, malicious links, and AI-generated content.

Watch for these red flags:

• Someone contacts you unexpectedly and claims to be an FBI or IC3 employee.
• They promise to recover money you lost in a previous scam.
• They ask you to continue the conversation through Telegram, Facebook, or another social platform.
• They send a link and tell you to update, verify, or continue an IC3 complaint.
• They request a payment or fee before your money can supposedly be recovered.
• The website looks official but uses a suspicious or unfamiliar domain.
• The person creates urgency and pressures you to act quickly.

A convincing logo or professional message is not enough. Always verify the organization and website independently before sharing personal or financial information.

Read more: How to Check If a Link Is Safe Before You Click

Why Recovery Scams Can Be So Convincing

A recovery scam works because the criminal already knows what you want: your money back.

After losing money, people may search online for government agencies, investigators, attorneys, cybersecurity companies, or services that claim they can help. Scammers can position themselves directly in that path.

The promise becomes even more convincing when the criminal presents information connected to the original fraud.

That creates a dangerous sense of legitimacy. Instead of looking like a random scam message, the contact can appear to be part of an investigation that is already underway.

AI-generated content can add another layer of credibility. The FBI alert says criminals may use artificial intelligence to create videos that appear to show government representatives or other trusted figures.

The technology may look convincing, but the verification process should remain the same: do not trust a person simply because their face, voice, profile, or video appears legitimate.

How to Verify Whether an FBI or IC3 Contact Is Real

If someone claims to represent the FBI or IC3, do not verify that person using the phone number, link, website, or account they sent you.

Instead, independently visit the official FBI website or the Internet Crime Complaint Center by typing the address directly into your browser.

That removes one of the scammer’s biggest advantages: controlling the path you use to “verify” their identity.

The same rule applies to links that appear in emails, messages, advertisements, or social media posts. A page can copy government colors, logos, layouts, and wording without actually belonging to a government agency.

Before trusting a website, look carefully at the domain name.

The FBI also makes one point especially clear: the IC3 does not charge a fee to recover money and does not offer recovery services through social media.

If someone says otherwise, the claim conflicts with the agency’s own guidance.

What to Do If You Receive a Fake FBI Recovery Offer

Do not continue the conversation simply to find out what the scammer wants.

Avoid clicking links, downloading files, sending identification documents, or sharing banking information.

If you already clicked a suspicious link but did not enter information, close the page and avoid returning through the same address.

If you provided passwords or other account credentials, change them using the legitimate website or app associated with the account.

You should also report suspicious activity through the official IC3 complaint portal.

When reporting the incident, keep relevant details such as email addresses, phone numbers, usernames, website addresses, messages, and payment information. Those details may help investigators understand how the scam was carried out.

How to Protect Yourself From Government Impersonation Scams

The safest habit is to treat unexpected recovery offers with skepticism, especially when someone claims to represent law enforcement.

Do not assume that a message is legitimate because it contains your name, information about a previous scam, or details about money you lost.

Criminals may already have access to information from earlier interactions, leaked data, public posts, or the original fraud.

Avoid using links provided by the person contacting you. Open official government websites separately and confirm the information yourself.

You can also use Google Safe Browsing as an additional way to check whether a website has been identified as dangerous.

Most importantly, remember the core warning from the FBI: IC3 does not charge victims to recover funds and does not conduct recovery services through social media.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the IC3 recovery scam real?

Yes. The FBI issued an official warning about criminals impersonating FBI and IC3 personnel and offering fraudulent fund-recovery services to people who have already been victims of scams.

Does the FBI contact scam victims through Telegram or Facebook?

The IC3 says it does not offer fund-recovery services through social media platforms. An unexpected message on Telegram, Facebook, or another platform claiming to recover money on behalf of the IC3 should be treated as suspicious.

Does the IC3 charge a fee to recover stolen money?

No. According to the FBI, the IC3 does not charge victims a fee to recover funds.

How can I tell if an FBI website is fake?

Check the domain carefully and avoid relying on links sent by the person contacting you. Visit the FBI or IC3 website independently by typing the official address into your browser.

What should I do if a fake FBI agent contacts me?

Do not send money or personal information, avoid clicking links, save evidence of the interaction, and report the incident through the official IC3 website.

Conclusion

A fake FBI recovery offer can be especially effective because it targets people who are already dealing with the financial and emotional consequences of another scam.

The message may look professional. The profile may appear legitimate. The person may know details about what happened to you. They may even use an AI-generated video or a website that closely copies a government page.

None of those details prove the contact is real.

If someone claims to represent the FBI or IC3 and promises to recover your money, verify the claim independently. Do not use the links, phone numbers, or accounts the person provides.

And keep the FBI’s warning in mind: the IC3 does not charge fees to recover stolen funds and does not offer recovery services through social media.

Read More

• How to Check If a Link Is Safe Before You Click
• Latest Cybersecurity and Online Safety Articles from PSafe

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Also known as quishing, short for QR code phishing, this type of scam can send you to a fake website, redirect a payment through Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App, or lead to a page designed to steal passwords and personal information. Researchers at Unit 42 report an average of more than 11,000 malicious QR code detections per day in their telemetry.

The good news is that there are warning signs that can help you spot a fake QR code before you open the site or send money.

How Do QR Code Scams and QR Code Phishing Work?

A fake QR code can arrive by email, SMS, or iMessage, appear on a payment request, or even be physically placed over a legitimate code on a restaurant table, poster, parking meter, or payment station.

The problem is that you can’t tell where a QR code leads just by looking at the pattern. Once scanned, it may take you to a page that impersonates a bank, retailer, delivery service, or login screen.

This is a form of QR code phishing, or quishing: the scammer tries to convince you to take an action or hand over information while the QR code hides the destination until you scan it.

The Federal Trade Commission warns about QR code phishing scams, including fake codes placed over legitimate ones at parking meters and QR codes sent by text or email with urgent requests. The FTC recommends checking the URL before opening it.

How to Spot a Fake QR Code Before You Scan It

There isn’t one visual detail that proves a QR code is malicious. Context matters.

Watch for:

• stickers placed over another QR code;
• codes that look crooked, damaged, or different from others nearby;
• QR codes attached to unexpected payment requests;
• promises of prizes, discounts, or immediate rewards;
• pressure to pay or update an account right away;
• a strange URL displayed after scanning;
• domains with swapped letters or extra words.

The FTC specifically warns that scammers can cover legitimate QR codes with their own. Before sending money, make sure you know exactly who will receive the payment.

Read more: Could You Spot a Fake Login Page in 5 Seconds? Take the Phishing Test. This PSafe guide focuses on fake login pages, look-alike domains, phishing, and the same URL checks that matter after scanning a QR code.

QR Code Payment Scams: How to Avoid Fake Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App Payments

If a QR code opens a payment screen, don’t approve the transaction just because your payment app recognized the code.

Check the recipient’s name, payment service or bank, account or contact details when shown, and transaction amount. If anything looks different from what you expected, stop the payment.

The FTC’s guidance for mobile payment apps recommends checking recipient information carefully before sending money through payment apps.

Google’s online security guidance also recommends checking unfamiliar URLs and watching for look-alike domains used in phishing attacks.

How to Tell If a QR Code Link Is Safe Before You Open It

After pointing your camera at the code, don’t immediately tap the URL that appears. Read the domain first.

Scammers can swap letters, add extra words, or use shortened URLs to hide the real destination. Even a page using “https” can still be fraudulent: encryption protects the connection, but it doesn’t prove that the company behind the website is legitimate.

At this point, a second check can help. The Dangerous Link Detector in dfndr security can analyze the address revealed by the QR code for signs associated with dangerous websites before you decide to visit it. It works as an extra layer alongside checking the domain and verifying where the code came from.

Similar phishing links can arrive through SMS, iMessage, and email. Learning to recognize suspicious URLs and fake login pages helps you spot the same patterns after scanning a QR code.

How QR Code Phishing Scams Can Impersonate Government Agencies

An official-looking logo does not make a QR code legitimate.

The IRS has warned about phishing and impersonation scams that direct people to fake websites and pressure them into providing personal information.

Received a payment request claiming to come from a company, bank, or government agency? Instead of using the QR code in the message, open the official app or type the official website directly into your browser.

What to Do If You Scanned a Suspicious or Malicious QR Code

If you only previewed the address but didn’t open the page, stop there.

If you opened the site, avoid filling out forms, downloading files, or installing apps. If you entered a password, change it through the official service and turn on two-factor authentication.

If you sent money through Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App or shared banking information, contact your financial institution or payment provider immediately through its official channels and save any messages, receipts, or other evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions About QR Code Scams and Quishing

How Can You Tell If a QR Code Is Fake?

Look for signs that the physical code has been tampered with, confirm where it came from, and review the URL displayed by your phone before opening it. For payments, verify the recipient details before sending money.

Can Scanning a Fake QR Code Install Malware?

Simply scanning the code usually reveals a link or action. The risk increases when you open a malicious page, download a file, install an app, or enter personal information.

What Is Quishing or QR Code Phishing?

Quishing is phishing carried out through a QR code. The scammer uses the code to hide a malicious address or action and trick you into visiting a fake website, entering login credentials, or making a payment.

Conclusion

A fake QR code scam works because scanning a code has become almost automatic: you point your camera, tap, and keep going without checking the destination.

Before opening any address, inspect the code, check the URL, and verify the recipient before sending a payment. A few seconds of verification can make the difference between opening a legitimate service and landing on a phishing page.

Read More on the PSafe Blog

• Could You Spot a Fake Login Page in 5 Seconds? Take the Phishing Test
• Fake CAPTCHA Is Installing Malware on Your Phone — How to Spot It Before You Tap
• Google Account Hacked? 7 Signs Someone Is Using Your Profile Right Now
• 24 Billion Passwords Exposed? How to Check If You’re Affected

O post QR Code Scam: How to Spot a Fake QR Code Before You Scan It apareceu primeiro em PSafe Blog.

You can also use a dedicated app-lock tool when your phone does not include the type of protection you need. Here are the three main approaches.

How to lock apps on Android with built-in App Lock

Some Android manufacturers include a dedicated App Lock feature that protects individual apps without locking the entire phone again.

On compatible Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO devices, for example, you can usually open Settings > Apps > App Lock, choose the apps you want to protect, and configure an authentication method. Xiaomi says its Application Lock supports passwords and can also use fingerprint or face unlock on compatible devices. See Xiaomi’s official Application Lock instructions

This is useful for banking apps, messaging services, email, photo galleries, or social networks. Someone may know your phone’s screen PIN or temporarily have your unlocked device, but the protected app still requires another authentication step.

Menu names vary by manufacturer and software version, so search your Settings app for terms such as App Lock, Privacy, or Security if the option is not immediately visible.

Lock apps with Samsung Secure Folder

Samsung Galaxy phones take a slightly different approach. Instead of putting a lock directly over an existing app, Secure Folder creates a separate protected environment where you can keep apps, photos, files, and other private information.

Samsung says Secure Folder can be protected with a PIN, pattern, password, or fingerprint. Apps placed inside remain separated from the phone’s regular storage and require authentication before the protected environment can be accessed. Learn how Samsung Secure Folder protects apps

On supported Galaxy devices, look under Settings > Security and privacy > More security settings > Secure Folder. Availability and menu paths can vary by model and software version.

If you only want to hand someone your phone temporarily, Samsung and Android also support screen pinning. This keeps one app on screen until the device is unpinned with your PIN, pattern, or password. It is useful when lending your phone, but it is not the same as permanently password-protecting individual apps. See Google’s guide to app pinning

Read more: What Happens When You Tap “Allow” on an Android App?

Use Android Private Space for sensitive apps

Starting with Android 15, Google added Private Space, which creates a separate area for apps you do not want accessible from your main profile.

Private Space can use a dedicated lock, and Google describes it as a locked area that requires a password or biometric authentication to open. When the space is locked, its apps can also be hidden from several parts of the operating system. Read Google’s Private Space guidance

This makes Private Space particularly useful for banking, healthcare, work, dating, or social apps containing personal information.

If your phone does not provide the app-lock setup you want, a dedicated security tool can add another barrier. dfndr security’s Applock lets you choose specific apps to protect with an additional password or pattern, with biometric authentication available where supported by the device and version. That means someone using your unlocked phone still encounters another verification step before opening protected apps. PSafe’s current support documentation explains how to select individual apps and activate Applock protection. See how dfndr security Applock worksCan you lock apps with a fingerprint on Android?

Yes, but fingerprint app lock depends on the device and the method you use.

Xiaomi supports fingerprint unlocking for its Application Lock on compatible devices, while Samsung Secure Folder can also use registered fingerprints. Private Space can use biometric authentication on supported Android devices.

Some individual apps, especially banking and payment apps, also include their own biometric login. Motorola notes that third-party apps must specifically support fingerprint recognition before the phone’s fingerprint sensor can be used to sign in to them. Read Motorola’s fingerprint security guidance

Which Android apps should you lock?

Prioritize apps that contain information you would not want another person to access if your unlocked phone were briefly out of your hands.

That may include messaging and social media apps, banking and payment apps, email, cloud storage, password managers, photo galleries, healthcare apps, or work accounts.

An app lock should complement—not replace—a strong screen lock. Keep your Android device protected with a good PIN or password, register only trusted fingerprints, keep the system updated, and review app permissions periodically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I lock individual apps on Android?

Yes. Depending on your device, you can use a manufacturer’s App Lock, Samsung Secure Folder, Android Private Space, an app’s own biometric security, or a trusted app-lock tool.

Does Android have a built-in App Lock?

Not every Android phone has the same built-in App Lock feature. Some manufacturers provide one directly, while Android 15 and later offer Private Space as a broader privacy option.

How do I lock apps with a fingerprint?

First register your fingerprint under your phone’s security settings. Then enable fingerprint authentication inside a supported App Lock feature, Secure Folder, Private Space, or individual app.

Is Private Space the same as App Lock?

No. App Lock generally places authentication directly in front of selected apps. Private Space creates a separate protected environment where sensitive apps can be installed and hidden.

Conclusion

The best way to lock apps on Android depends on your phone. Built-in App Lock is usually the simplest option when available, Samsung users can rely on Secure Folder, and Android 15 or later offers Private Space for a separate protected environment.

Whichever method you choose, combine app locking with a strong device PIN or password, fingerprint security, software updates, and regular privacy checks.

Read Also

• 5-Minute Monthly Phone Check: What to Review on Android
• What Happens to Your Data After You Close an App?
• Does Changing Your Password Every Week Make Your Account Safer?

O post How to Lock Apps on Android With a PIN, Password, or Fingerprint apareceu primeiro em PSafe Blog.

Private browsing is mainly designed to reduce the traces left behind on your device. It does not fully hide your IP address, approximate location, or online activity from every company involved in your connection.

So, does Incognito mode hide everything you do online? The answer is myth. Here’s what it actually keeps private—and what can still be seen.

Why Incognito Mode Causes So Much Confusion

The dark screen and “Incognito” label can make the feature feel like complete anonymity. In reality, it creates a temporary browsing session that is separate from your regular browser activity.

Google’s official Incognito mode guide explains that websites you visit, your employer or school, and your internet service provider may still be able to observe your activity.

The confusion is common. A University of Chicago study found that 27% of participants incorrectly believed private browsing protected them from viruses and malware.

What Does Incognito Mode Actually Hide?

After you close every Incognito window, Chrome generally does not keep a local record of the websites you visited, searches you entered, or cookies created during that session.

That can be useful when you’re using a shared computer, signing into an account on someone else’s device, or shopping for a gift without leaving the search in your browser history.

Mozilla’s Private Browsing guide describes a similar process: browsing history and session cookies are not saved after the private window is closed.

However, downloads and bookmarks stay on the device. Signing into an account may also allow that service to connect your activity to your profile.

What Does Incognito Mode Not Hide?

Incognito mode does not hide your IP address. Websites can still use it to recognize your connection and estimate information such as your city or general region.

Your internet service provider also remains responsible for routing your connection. On workplace or school networks, administrators may use monitoring tools to see which domains are accessed, depending on the organization’s policies.

Websites may still collect technical information, identify your browser, and use tracking technologies. The Federal Trade Commission explains how websites and apps use cookies, pixels, and device fingerprinting to recognize users and monitor online activity.

Incognito mode also does not block phishing sites, fake pages, malware, or dangerous downloads. It only limits how certain information is stored locally.

How to Improve Your Online Privacy and Security

Use Incognito mode when you want to keep searches and account activity out of the browser history on that specific device. On a shared computer, close every private window before leaving and never allow the browser to save your password.

Review browser permissions, block third-party cookies when possible, and be cautious when a website asks for information it does not need. You should also confirm that the address uses HTTPS, although the padlock icon alone does not prove a website is legitimate.

Before opening a URL sent by text message or email, it helps to keep another security layer active. Anti-Hacking in dfndr security can analyze suspicious pages and warn you about possible threats before you visit them, adding protection alongside careful browsing habits.

Read more: How to Check If a Link Is Safe Before You Click.

Myth vs. Fact: Does Incognito Mode Make You Invisible?

Myth.

Incognito mode improves privacy on your device because it prevents some browsing history and session cookies from remaining after you close the window. It does not stop websites, ISPs, employers, schools, or services you sign into from recognizing your activity.

Think of Incognito mode as a curtain that hides activity from the next person using your device—not an invisibility cloak for the internet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Incognito Mode Save Your Browsing History?

The browser normally does not keep the session in its local history after every Incognito window is closed. Downloads, bookmarks, and records stored outside the browser may remain.

Can Your Internet Provider See Incognito Browsing?

Incognito mode does not prevent your ISP from routing your connection or accessing information related to that traffic under its policies and applicable rules.

Does Incognito Mode Protect You From Viruses?

No. Private browsing is not antivirus protection and does not automatically block fake websites, phishing attempts, malicious files, or dangerous downloads.

Conclusion

Incognito mode is useful for reducing traces on your device, but it does not provide complete online anonymity. For stronger online privacy, combine private browsing with careful permission settings, strong passwords, cautious link handling, and protection against malicious websites.

Read More on the PSafe Blog

Recent English-language articles published in June and July:

• Can Your Phone Be Tracked in Airplane Mode? Myth vs. Fact
• Why Updating Android Helps Protect Your Phone, Even When Nothing Looks Different
• Your Phone Knows Where You’ve Been. Here’s Why That Matters More Than Ever
• How to Share Photos on Android Without Revealing Your Location

O post Does Incognito Mode Hide Everything You Do Online? Myth vs. Fact apareceu primeiro em PSafe Blog.

Google provides a device activity page that shows phones, computers, browsers, apps, and other sessions associated with your account. The list may include devices currently signed in and devices that accessed the account recently.

Why You Should Check Your Google Account Devices

Your Google Account may connect Gmail, Google Photos, Drive, YouTube, saved passwords, contacts, and other personal information. An unfamiliar session does not automatically mean someone hacked your account, but it should always be reviewed.

Google’s Your devices page can display devices active on your account within the past 28 days. Activity may appear more recent than expected because apps and Google services can sync in the background.

How to See Which Devices Are Signed In to Your Google Account

You can review your Google Account devices from a phone, tablet, or computer:

1. Open your Google Account.
2. Select Security & sign-in.
3. Scroll to Your devices.
4. Choose Manage all devices.
5. Select a device or session to view its details.

Google may show the device type, browser, approximate location, and the last time it communicated with the company’s systems. You may also see several sessions with the same device name. This can happen when you sign in through different browsers, apps, services, or private browsing windows.

Read more: Does Changing Your Password Every Week Make Your Account Safer? Myth or Fact

How to Sign Out of Your Google Account Remotely

Select the device you want to remove, then choose Sign out. When several sessions appear under the same device name, review each one. Google recommends signing out of every session with that name when you cannot confirm that they all belong to you.

Remote sign-out is especially useful after selling a phone, using a shared computer, losing a device, or forgetting to log out at a hotel, school, library, or workplace.

Before entering account credentials on an unfamiliar device, it also helps to keep a mobile security layer active. A tool such as dfndr security can support safer browsing and help identify digital risks, but it should be combined with careful account reviews and secure sign-in habits.

What to Do If You See an Unknown Device

First, check the details. An unfamiliar location can sometimes be a nearby city identified from an internet connection rather than your exact physical location. A recently reset phone or a session created through an app may also look unfamiliar.

When the device still does not make sense:

1. Sign out of every related session.
2. Change your Google Account password.
3. Run Google’s Security Checkup.
4. Review recent security events and recovery information.
5. Turn on two-step verification.

The Federal Trade Commission explains that two-factor authentication requires an additional credential beyond a password, making account access harder for someone who only has stolen login information.

Your new password should also be unique. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency recommends long passwords—at least 16 characters—and advises against reusing them across accounts.

Make Device Reviews Part of Your Security Routine

Check your Google Account device activity every few months and after travel, device upgrades, repairs, or account security alerts. Remove sessions you no longer need, update your recovery email and phone number, and never approve a sign-in prompt you did not initiate.

These small checks provide a clearer picture of where your account is active and help you respond before an unknown session becomes a larger security problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see every device that has used my Google Account?

Google shows devices and sessions that are currently signed in or were active recently. Older devices may disappear from the activity list after a period of inactivity.

Does signing out remove my Google Account from the device?

Remote sign-out ends the selected Google Account session. Some locally stored information may remain on the device, so a lost or stolen phone should also be locked or erased through Google’s device-finding tools.

Why does the same device appear more than once?

One device can create multiple sessions through different browsers, apps, services, or private windows. Review each session and sign out when you cannot confirm it is yours.

Conclusion

Reviewing which devices are signed in to your Google Account takes only a few minutes. Remove old or unfamiliar sessions, strengthen your password, enable two-step verification, and repeat the check regularly to maintain control of your account.

Read More on the PSafe Blog

• Does Changing Your Password Every Week Make Your Account Safer? Myth or Fact
• Your Phone Knows Where You’ve Been. Here’s Why That Matters More Than Ever
• Why Updating Android Helps Protect Your Phone, Even When Nothing Looks Different

O post How to See Which Devices Are Signed In to Your Google Account apareceu primeiro em PSafe Blog.

A suspicious link can send you to a fake website, trigger a malicious download, or open a form designed to steal passwords and financial information. That is why checking a URL before clicking is safer than opening the page just to see what is there.

Why a Malicious Link Can Look Legitimate

Scammers can copy logos, colors, wording, and even the layout of real login pages. They may also register lookalike domains by changing one letter, adding extra words, or using subdomains to hide the real website address.

The padlock icon in your browser does not prove that the company behind the page is legitimate. It only means the connection is encrypted. A fake website can still use a valid security certificate.

Google Chrome’s security guidance warns that dangerous websites may use addresses that look almost identical to familiar sites.

How dfndr Scans Suspicious Links

The Dangerous Link Detector lets you enter a URL and check for possible signs of a threat before visiting the page. The scan can help identify addresses connected to dangerous websites, fraud attempts, and other risks already recognized by security systems.

This type of technology looks for patterns that may suggest malicious behavior. A URL that closely imitates a well-known company’s domain, for example, deserves extra scrutiny, especially when it arrives in a message demanding immediate action.

Before opening a URL received through SMS, iMessage, or email, the Dangerous Link Detector in dfndr security can provide an extra layer of verification. If the system detects signs of a threat, it may warn you before you continue.

No tool can replace your judgment entirely. Always combine the scan result with a careful review of the domain, the sender, and the reason the link was sent.

Read more: Could You Spot a Fake Login Page in 5 Seconds? Take the Phishing Test

How to Check a Link Without Clicking

Start by reading the full URL. Focus on the actual registered domain before the first slash.

In chase.account-alert.com/login, for example, the domain belongs to account-alert.com, not Chase.

Before opening the link:

1. Compare the URL with the company’s official website.
2. Look for switched letters, numbers, or extra words.
3. Be cautious with shortened links that hide the destination.
4. Confirm the charge or offer through the official app.
5. Never enter passwords, verification codes, or banking details.
6. Run the address through a URL checker.

Google Safe Browsing also helps browsers and other services recognize dangerous pages and display security warnings.

Warning Signs of a Malicious Link

One warning sign alone does not always confirm a scam. The risk increases when several appear together:

• pressure to click, pay, or update information immediately;
• a domain that does not match the official website;
• misspellings in the company name;
• an offer that sounds too good to be true;
• a request for a password or verification code;
• an unexpected download;
• a message that arrives without context;
• a threat that your account will be locked right away.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency warns that phishing messages often rely on urgent language, unexpected requests, and suspicious links to push people into acting before they verify the message.

What to Do If You Clicked a Suspicious Link

If the page opened but you did not enter any information, close it and do not download anything. Check whether any unfamiliar app or file was installed without your permission.

If you entered a password, change it immediately through the official app or website. If you use the same password on other accounts, update those passwords too.

The Federal Trade Commission’s phishing guidance recommends taking immediate action if a scammer may have received your password, credit card number, or bank account information. You can also use IdentityTheft.gov for recovery steps based on the information that was exposed.

Save the message, sender information, timestamps, receipts, and screenshots. These records may help your bank, credit card company, or investigators review the incident.

How to Protect Yourself From Malicious Links

When you receive an unexpected charge or account notice, do not use the link in the message. Open the official app or type the website address directly into your browser.

Keep your phone and apps updated, turn on two-factor authentication, and avoid reusing the same password across multiple services. Links sent by people you know should still be verified because compromised accounts can be used to spread scams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Website With HTTPS Always Safe?

No. HTTPS protects information while it travels between your device and the website, but it does not confirm that the page belongs to the company it claims to represent.

Is a Shortened Link Dangerous?

Not necessarily. The problem is that shortened URLs hide the final destination. Check the full address before opening one.

How Can You Tell If a Website Is Legitimate?

Review the domain, find the company’s official contact channel, and be suspicious of urgent requests for payments, passwords, or verification codes.

Can dfndr Confirm That a Charge Is Legitimate?

No. The tool analyzes the URL for possible threats. You still need to confirm the charge directly with the company.

Conclusion

Knowing how to check if a link is safe means paying attention to the address, the context, and the message itself. Do not treat the padlock icon as proof that a website is legitimate, and never enter information when you cannot verify where the page came from.

Checking the URL before clicking, using official company channels, and scanning suspicious links can help prevent the theft of passwords, personal information, and financial data.

Read More on the PSafe Blog

• Why Updating Android Helps Protect Your Phone, Even When Nothing Looks Different
• Your Phone Knows Where You’ve Been. Here’s Why That Matters More Than Ever
• Does Your Phone Listen to You for Ads? Myth vs. Reality

O post How to Check If a Link Is Safe: How dfndr Scans Suspicious URLs apareceu primeiro em PSafe Blog.

That happens because deleting photos from your phone can lead to different results depending on the app and command you use. Deleting a picture through Google Photos is not the same as selecting “Delete from device” or using “Free up space on this device.”

Does deleting photos from your phone delete them from Google Photos?

It depends on where and how you delete them.

When you delete a backed-up photo using the trash button inside Google Photos, the deletion is synced with your Google Account and other connected devices that have backup turned on.

According to Google’s official instructions for deleting photos and videos, deleting an item through Google Photos removes both the cloud copy and the copy stored on your device. Backed-up content is also removed from other devices connected to the same account.

So, assuming every photo will automatically stay in the cloud after you delete it from your phone is a mistake.

Why deleting photos from your gallery can affect your backup

Google Photos uses synchronization. Once the backup is complete, the image displayed in the app is connected to the copy saved in your Google Account.

That means tapping the regular trash icon can tell Google Photos to remove the file from your entire library—not just from your phone.

The result may also depend on your phone’s gallery app, the permissions you granted, and which folders are included in the backup. Before deleting anything, use Google’s guide to check whether your Google Photos backup is complete and confirm that you’re viewing the correct Google Account.

How to delete photos from your phone without deleting them from Google Photos

To remove only the copy stored on your phone, open the image in Google Photos, tap the three-dot menu, and select “Delete from device.”

This option removes the local file while preserving the version that has already been backed up to the cloud.

Don’t use the regular trash button for this purpose. You should also confirm that the image shows a completed backup status. Photos from text messages, screenshots, and downloaded files may be stored in folders that were never selected for backup.

Read more: Does Uninstalling an App Delete Your Account and Data?

How to free up phone storage without losing photos

When hundreds of photos and videos are taking up space, the easiest option may be “Free up space on this device.”

The feature identifies photos and videos that have already been backed up and removes their local copies. You can still view those files in the Google Photos app or at the Google Photos website.

Google recommends confirming that your files are backed up before using the tool. Its official Free up space instructions explain that removed items may no longer appear in your phone’s built-in gallery or while you’re offline.

If sorting through all this manually feels like too much, Gallery Assistant in dfndr security can help. It shows how much space photos, videos, and other files are taking up on your phone, and automatically flags blurry, duplicate, or low-quality images worth deleting — without touching anything already safely backed up to the cloud. You can also schedule these suggestions to run daily or weekly. 

What to do if the photo has already been deleted

Open Google Photos, tap Collections, and select Trash.

Backed-up photos and videos usually remain there for up to 60 days. Items that were not backed up may be permanently removed after 30 days.

If the file is still available, select it and tap “Restore.” Google’s official guide explains how to recover recently deleted photos and videos. Once an item has been permanently deleted or the recovery period has ended, it may no longer be recoverable.

Keep reading on the PSafe Blog

• 9 Phone Settings to Check Before Traveling
• Does Your Phone Listen to You for Ads? Myth vs. Reality
• Can Your Phone Be Tracked in Airplane Mode? Myth vs. Fact
• 5-Minute Monthly Phone Check: What to Review on Android

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete every photo from my phone after backing them up?

Use “Delete from device” or “Free up space on this device.” Before removing anything, confirm that the backup is complete and that the files are stored in the correct Google Account.

Does turning off backup prevent my photos from being deleted?

Not necessarily. Files synchronized earlier may still be affected by certain actions. Check where the image is stored and which deletion command you’re using.

So, is it a myth or a fact?

It’s partly true. Deleting a photo with the regular Google Photos trash button can remove it from both your phone and the cloud. Choosing “Delete from device” preserves the backup and removes only the local copy.

O post Does Deleting Photos From Your Phone Delete Them From Google Photos? Myth vs. Fact apareceu primeiro em PSafe Blog.

The good news is that you do not need to understand advanced settings. In about 10 minutes, you can review location tracking, Android backup, and emergency contacts. Menu names may vary depending on your phone manufacturer and Android version.

Why prepare your phone before something goes wrong?

Once a phone is missing or no longer working, some security settings cannot be turned on remotely. That is why you need to set them up while the device is still in your hands.

These settings cannot prevent every problem, but they give you more options. You may be able to locate the device, lock access, recover your data on another phone, or let someone view an emergency contact without unlocking the rest of your information.

How to use Find My Phone tools on Android

Use the first three minutes to check your location settings. Open Android Settings, search for Location, and make sure it is turned on.

Next, open Google Find Hub from another phone or web browser. Find Hub is Google’s official service for anyone searching for a way to find my phone after an Android device goes missing.

Confirm that your phone appears under the correct Google Account. Find Hub can show an available location, play a sound, secure the device, mark it as lost, and erase its data remotely when recovery is unlikely.

Test the feature right now instead of waiting until your phone is gone. You should also protect the lock screen with a strong PIN or password.

Read more: Can Your Phone Be Tracked in Airplane Mode? Myth vs. Fact

How to turn on Android backup

Use the next four minutes to review your Android backup. Open Settings, tap Google or Google Services, and look for Backup.

Google’s Android backup guide explains that a backup may include apps, contacts, call history, device settings, and text messages, depending on the phone and services you use.

A standard Google Account includes up to 15 GB of storage shared across Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos.

Check the date of the latest backup and tap Back up now when that option is available. Setting it up takes only a few minutes, although the initial upload may take longer on a slow connection.

Photos, conversations, and individual apps may use separate backup systems. Open the services that matter most and confirm that syncing is active inside each one.

Add emergency contacts to your Android

For the final three minutes, open Settings and search for Safety & emergency, Emergency information, or a similar option.

Add at least two people you trust. Choose contacts who will know what to do and can reach your family or emergency services. When available, include only medical information that would actually be useful during an emergency.

Android lets you configure emergency contacts, location sharing, and SOS features on compatible phones. This information may be available from the lock screen without exposing the rest of your device.

Google provides the setup instructions in its official Android emergency help guide.

Protect the account that controls location and backup

Your location and backup settings depend on your Google Account. If someone steals your password through a fake login page, they may try to access your files, change recovery settings, or interfere with your ability to control the phone remotely.

Do not sign in through links sent in unexpected emails or text messages. In this situation, dfndr security’s Anti-Hacking adds another layer of protection by warning you about phishing links and malicious pages designed to steal passwords and personal data.

Security software should still be combined with checking the website address and turning on two-factor authentication. The Federal Trade Commission’s phishing guidance also recommends avoiding links in unexpected messages and contacting a company through a website or phone number you already know is legitimate.

You should also review the FCC’s guidance for protecting a mobile device. If you have a stolen phone or cannot locate your device, contact your carrier, such as AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile, to suspend service and ask about available device-blocking options.

10-minute phone safety checklist

• Turn on Location and test Google Find Hub.
• Confirm which Google Account is linked to the phone.
• Check when the last Android backup was completed.
• Turn on photo and contact syncing.
• Add two trusted emergency contacts.
• Use a PIN, password, or biometrics on the lock screen.
• Turn on two-factor authentication for important accounts.
• Save your carrier’s lost-or-stolen-device instructions.

Completing these settings now gives you a clearer answer when you need to know how to find a lost phone, recover your data, or protect your accounts.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find my phone if I lose it?

Open Google Find Hub from another phone or browser and sign in with the Google Account linked to your device. You may be able to view its location, play a sound, secure it, mark it as lost, or erase its data remotely.

Can I use Find My Phone when the device is turned off?

Real-time location may not be available while the phone is powered off. Depending on the model and settings, Google Find Hub may show its last recorded location or use supported offline-finding features.

Does Android backup save everything on your phone?

Not always. Some apps do not include all their data in the main Android backup. Photos, documents, and conversations may require separate syncing or in-app backup settings.

What should you do first if your phone is stolen?

Do not try to recover it yourself. Use Google Find Hub to secure the device, contact your carrier and banks, change important passwords, and file a police report when necessary.

Read More on the PSafe Blog

• 5-Minute Monthly Phone Check: What to Review on Android
• Why Updating Android Helps Protect Your Phone, Even When Nothing Looks Different
• Your Phone Knows Where You’ve Been. Here’s Why That Matters More Than Ever
• How to Remove Location Data From Photos on Android

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You’ll use your phone to show boarding passes, request rides, open maps, make payments, and take photos. Getting it travel-ready means more than clearing storage. You should also limit unnecessary access and make sure recovery tools are ready before you leave.

Why review your phone settings before traveling?

During a trip, your phone moves through airports, hotels, beaches, restaurants, and public transportation. It also connects to unfamiliar networks and may be more exposed to loss, theft, or people looking over your shoulder.

A preventive review can reduce the damage if something goes wrong. The goal isn’t to turn your vacation into a security operation. It’s to make sure a lost phone doesn’t immediately give someone access to your accounts, documents, and text conversations.

Phone settings 1 through 3: Protect access to your device

1. Update your operating system and apps

Before leaving, check for Android or iOS updates, along with updates for your most important apps. Security patches fix vulnerabilities that malicious apps or dangerous websites could exploit.

Do this at home while connected to a trusted network. You’ll avoid unexpected cellular data use and have time to restart your phone and confirm that everything still works.

2. Review your screen lock

Use a passcode, PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition. Avoid simple combinations such as birthdays, number sequences, or easy-to-guess patterns.

You should also shorten the automatic lock time. Leaving the screen unlocked for several minutes could make it easier for someone to get in if you forget your phone on a table, in a rental car, or at a counter.

3. Turn on location and remote locking

Android users should set up Google Find Hub. On an iPhone, the equivalent is Apple Find My. These tools can help you locate, lock, or remotely erase your phone.

The Federal Communications Commission also recommends knowing how to report a lost or stolen phone to your wireless carrier. Your carrier may be able to suspend service or block the device from its network.

Phone settings 4 through 6: Protect your data

4. Make sure your backup is current

Photos, contacts, documents, and important conversations shouldn’t exist only on your phone. Confirm that automatic backup is enabled, and make a manual backup before leaving.

Google notes that an Android backup may take up to 24 hours, so don’t wait until you’re already heading to the airport.

5. Review app permissions

Open your privacy dashboard and check which apps can access your location, camera, microphone, contacts, and files. A navigation app needs your location while giving directions. A game you installed months ago probably doesn’t.

Android lets you change permissions for individual apps. Use this review to remove old travel apps, unfamiliar tools, and services you no longer use.

At this point, keeping an additional layer of protection active can also help you identify risks and take better care of your device while traveling. dfndr security can be part of that routine when combined with updates, strong passwords, and careful phone use away from home.

6. Run a security review on your accounts

Check the devices connected to your email, social media accounts, and messaging apps. Sign out of sessions you don’t recognize, and confirm that your recovery phone number and email address are current.

Google Security Checkup provides recommendations for passwords, software updates, and apps connected to your account. Turn on two-factor authentication whenever a service offers it.

Read more: 5-Minute Monthly Phone Check: What to Review on Android

How to protect yourself while traveling: Settings 7 through 9

7. Turn off automatic Wi-Fi connections

Delete old networks and stop your phone from automatically joining open Wi-Fi hotspots. At hotels, airports, and coffee shops, confirm the network name with an employee before connecting.

CISA recommends extra care when using public Wi-Fi while traveling. When you need to access your bank or make a payment, use cellular data if you aren’t sure the network is legitimate.

8. Turn off Bluetooth and NFC when you aren’t using them

Bluetooth and NFC are useful for headphones, smartwatches, and contactless payments, but they don’t need to stay active all the time.

After using an accessory or completing a payment, turn the feature off. Besides reducing unnecessary connections, this may help stretch your battery during long days away from a charger.

9. Set up emergency contacts and battery-saving features

Add an emergency contact that can be viewed from your lock screen without exposing too much personal information. Choose someone who can help if your phone is found or you face an emergency.

Turn on battery saver mode and download maps, boarding passes, and reservations for offline use. That way, your phone remains useful even when you don’t have cellular service, Wi-Fi, or a nearby outlet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to update my phone before or during the trip?

Update it before you leave. You can use a trusted network, restart the device, and give yourself time to deal with any compatibility issues.

Should I leave location services on throughout the trip?

Location may be necessary for maps and for finding a lost phone. The safer approach is to control which apps have access and allow location only when it’s needed.

Is hotel Wi-Fi always safe?

No. Confirm the network name, avoid duplicate networks, and don’t ignore browser security warnings. For banking, Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, or sending documents, switch to cellular data whenever you have doubts.

More from the PSafe Blog

Explore more recent articles published in June and July:

• Can Your Phone Be Tracked in Airplane Mode? Myth vs. Fact
• Why Updating Android Helps Protect Your Phone, Even When Nothing Looks Different
• Your Phone Knows Where You’ve Been. Here’s Why That Matters More Than Ever
• 2026 World Cup Final on Your Phone: How to Save Battery and Mobile Data

O post Going on Vacation? 9 Phone Settings to Check Before You Leave apareceu primeiro em PSafe Blog.

But the real answer depends on where your information is stored. Removing an app usually deletes local files from your phone, but it does not automatically close the account you created with the service.

Why uninstalling an app does not delete your account

When you uninstall an app, your phone removes the software and many of the files stored locally. This can free up storage and stop the app from accessing your camera, microphone, location, and other phone features.

Your account, however, usually exists on the company’s servers. Your email address, name, order history, posts, preferences, and payment information may remain connected to your profile.

That is why your information can reappear when you reinstall the app and sign back in.

What actually gets removed from your phone

Temporary files, local settings, and information used only by the app may be deleted during the uninstall process. Backups, synced content, and information stored in the cloud follow different rules.

On an iPhone, for example, some apps may continue storing information in iCloud. Apple explains how to review which apps sync and store data with iCloud, confirming that removing an app and deleting its cloud data are separate actions.

What data may remain stored

Before installing an Android app, you can review its Google Play Data safety section. It shows what the developer says the app collects, shares, protects, or allows you to delete.

Information that remains stored may include your account details, messages, purchases, photos, location data sent to company servers, and records kept for fraud prevention or legal compliance.

While reviewing your apps, keeping an extra layer of protection active on your phone can help. dfndr security can help identify risks and strengthen your device’s security while you decide which apps should stay installed.

Read more: What Happens When You Tap “Allow” on an Android App?

How to delete your account and request data removal

Look inside the app for options such as “Account,” “Privacy,” “Manage Data,” or “Delete My Account.” If you cannot find one, check the developer’s website, privacy policy, or customer support page.

Google Play requires apps that let users create accounts to provide a way to request deletion of the account and its associated data. Some information may still be retained for legal, regulatory, or security reasons. You can review Google’s official app account deletion requirements.

Apple also requires apps that support account creation to let users begin the deletion process inside the app. That rule has applied to App Store submissions since June 30, 2022. Apple explains the requirement in its account deletion guidance for developers.

In the United States, privacy rights vary by state. California’s Consumer Privacy Act, for example, gives consumers the right to request deletion of personal information, with certain exceptions.

What to check before uninstalling an app

Before you tap “Uninstall,” run through this checklist:

1. Cancel subscriptions or recurring charges.
2. Save any files you want to keep.
3. Find the “Delete Account” option.
4. Request removal of your personal data.
5. Review services connected through Google, Apple, or social media.
6. Save confirmation of your request.

If the company does not respond, use its privacy or support channels. Depending on the situation and your state, you may also contact a consumer protection agency or your state attorney general.

Frequently asked questions

Does uninstalling an app cancel a subscription?

Not necessarily. Subscriptions purchased through an app store or directly from the service may remain active. Cancel the subscription before removing the app.

Can my data come back if I reinstall the app?

Yes. If the information is connected to your account or stored in the cloud, it may return after you sign in again.

Is a company required to delete all my data?

Not always. Some records may be kept to comply with laws, prevent fraud, or meet regulatory obligations. The company should explain what it is retaining and why.

Verdict: Myth. Uninstalling an app removes the software from your phone, but deleting your account and personal data requires a separate request.

Read More on the PSafe Blog

• What Happens to Your Data After You Close an App?
• Your Phone Knows Where You’ve Been. Here’s Why That Matters More Than Ever
• Does Changing Your Password Every Week Make Your Account Safer? Myth or Fact
• Can Your Phone Be Tracked in Airplane Mode? Myth vs. Fact

O post Does Uninstalling an App Delete Your Account and Data? Myth vs. Fact apareceu primeiro em PSafe Blog.

Learning how to share photos on Android without revealing your location can help protect your address, routine, and the places you visit. This matters especially when posting images on social media, online marketplace listings, or in groups that include people you do not know.

What a photo can reveal about your location

When your camera takes a picture, it may add metadata to the file. This technical information can include the phone model, date, time, and GPS coordinates.

Phone location data can reveal personal habits or connect you to a specific place. The Federal Trade Commission identifies precise geolocation as sensitive personal information, since it can expose a person’s movements and routines.

Google also explains that a photo may have a location saved by the camera, added manually, or estimated by Google Photos.

How to share photos on Android without revealing your location

Start by checking whether the image contains location information. Open the picture in Google Photos, swipe up, or tap the information menu. Look for a map, place name, or GPS coordinates.

When a location has been added or estimated by Google Photos, you may be able to edit or remove it. Google provides the complete process in its official guide to finding, editing, and removing photo locations.

Before sharing an album, open its sharing options and check whether location details are included. Google lets you control location sharing for albums, links, and conversations. However, downloaded files sent through other apps may still contain location data originally saved by the camera.

Read more: What Happens When You Tap “Allow” on an Android App?

How to stop new photos from saving your location

Open your camera app and go to its settings. Look for options such as “Save location,” “Location tags,” or “Geo-tag photos,” then turn the setting off. The wording may vary depending on your phone’s manufacturer.

You should also review the camera’s permissions. Go to Settings > Apps > Camera > Permissions > Location. Google’s official Android app permissions guide explains that location access may be allowed while using the app, requested each time, or blocked completely.

Before sending personal images, an extra layer of mobile protection can help you identify risky settings and suspicious apps. dfndr security can be part of this preventive review, along with manually checking permissions and the information stored in each photo.

Does removing location data eliminate every risk?

Not necessarily. Even without GPS coordinates, a photo may show a street sign, storefront, school uniform, employee badge, house number, or nearby business.

Google warns that other people may still guess the location by recognizing visible landmarks. The company also explains how Google Photos protects location data and what users can control before sharing.

Before posting or sending a picture, zoom in and inspect the background. Cropping the image or covering identifying details can be just as important as removing the metadata.

How to protect your photos before sharing

Run through this three-step check:

1. Confirm whether the image contains a location or GPS coordinates.
2. Look for addresses, signs, documents, and identifying details in reflections.
3. Check who will receive the file and whether it will be posted publicly.

Avoid sharing photos of your home in real time or images that reveal the routines of children and family members. For more guidance on controlling access to personal information, review the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s recommendations for managing app permissions.

Frequently asked questions

Does every photo taken on Android record your location?

No. It depends on the camera’s location permission and the app’s settings. The behavior may also vary between phone manufacturers.

Do SMS or iMessage remove location data from photos?

Metadata handling may change depending on the file format and how the image is sent. Do not rely on the messaging app alone. Review or remove the location before sharing.

Does a screenshot keep the original photo’s location?

Usually, a screenshot creates a new file and does not copy the original image’s GPS coordinates. However, details visible on the screen may still reveal the location.

Read more on the PSafe Blog

A selection of recent posts published in June and July:

• Your Phone Knows Where You’ve Been. Here’s Why That Matters More Than Ever
• Can Your Phone Be Tracked in Airplane Mode? Myth vs. Fact

O post How to Share Photos on Android Without Revealing Your Location apareceu primeiro em PSafe Blog.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final will take place on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium. If you plan to watch on your phone, prepare the device before opening the stream instead of scrambling to change settings during the match. You can confirm the date and venue on FIFA’s official New York New Jersey page.

Why Does Streaming the Final Use So Much Battery and Data?

Watching a live match requires your phone to keep the screen on, play video continuously, and maintain a network connection. High brightness, maximum resolution, an unstable cellular signal, and other open apps can increase power use even more.

Video quality also directly affects your data usage. The higher the resolution, the more data the stream needs to transfer. On a smaller screen, switching from high definition to a midrange setting can preserve the viewing experience while using less data.

How to Save Battery and Cellular Data Before Kickoff

Charge your phone ahead of time and update the official streaming app while connected to a trusted Wi-Fi network. Pause automatic downloads, photo backups, and system updates as well.

On Android, turn on Battery Saver and lower your screen brightness. Google’s official Android battery guide recommends limiting background activity, reducing brightness, and avoiding extended use of features that keep the screen and network connection active.

How to Use Less Cellular Data During the Final

Open the streaming app’s settings and choose a midrange video resolution. Turn off video autoplay in social media apps, and avoid running multiple score, messaging, and video apps at the same time.

On supported Android phones, Google’s Data Saver limits background data access for most apps. On iPhone, Apple’s Low Data Mode reduces background activity, automatic backups, and the quality of some streamed content.

How to Save Battery Without Missing the Biggest Plays

Lower the brightness to a comfortable level, turn off keyboard vibration, and disable Bluetooth and location services when you do not need them. Avoid opening the camera repeatedly or recording long sections of your screen.

iPhone users can turn on Low Power Mode, which reduces background activity, visual effects, and automatic downloads. On Android, the feature’s name and location may vary depending on the manufacturer.

Avoid Heat and Unreliable Chargers

Long streaming sessions can heat up your phone, especially when it is sitting in direct sunlight, trapped inside a heavy case, or connected to a low-quality charger. Heat can drain the battery faster and temporarily reduce performance.

Place your phone on a ventilated surface and use reliable accessories. If the battery is running very low, a charged power bank can help—just make sure the phone does not stay covered or boxed in while you use it.

How to Stream the Final More Safely

Look for the broadcast through official apps and websites. Links shared in group texts, comments, or ads may lead to fake pages, registration forms, or dangerous downloads. The PSafe Blog explains how to tell legitimate World Cup streams from dangerous links.

Keeping dfndr security active adds another layer of protection while you browse, receive messages, and search for match information. Technology should still be combined with careful link checking and the use of official channels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Lower Video Quality Really Save Cellular Data?

Yes. Lower resolutions require less data transfer. A midrange quality setting is usually enough to follow the match comfortably on a phone screen.

Do Bluetooth Headphones Drain a Lot of Battery?

They use some power to maintain the wireless connection, but the screen and video stream usually have a greater impact. When every percentage point matters, wired headphones may help.

Is It Better to Use Wi-Fi or Cellular Data?

A trusted private Wi-Fi network keeps the stream from using your cellular data plan. On public networks, confirm the network name and avoid opening banking apps, making payments, or entering passwords.

Read More About World Cup Security

• World Cup 2026 Streams: How to Tell Safe Links From Dangerous Ones
• What Can Public Wi-Fi See on Your Phone During the World Cup?
• That QR Code on Your Bar Table During the Game: Would You Scan It Without Thinking?
• Going to Watch the World Cup? Your Phone Knows More About You Than You Think

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The key distinction is that determining your location and transmitting that location are two different things. Your phone may still calculate or store its position even when it can’t immediately send that information over a cellular network.

In short: Airplane mode makes real-time tracking more difficult because it disconnects your phone from your carrier. However, GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, apps, and offline location features may remain active or be turned back on, depending on your device and settings.

What Does Airplane Mode Actually Turn Off?

Airplane mode’s main job is to disconnect your phone from your carrier’s network. Cellular data, standard phone calls, and SMS messages stop working while the setting is active.

A practical example is the U.S. emergency alert system. According to the Federal Communications Commission’s guide to Wireless Emergency Alerts, a phone must be connected to a participating carrier’s network to receive these alerts. A device in airplane mode will not receive them because its cellular connection is disabled.

That cuts off one of your phone’s primary communication channels, but it doesn’t mean every sensor and wireless connection stays off.

Does Airplane Mode Stop GPS Tracking?

Not necessarily. GPS works by receiving signals from satellites to estimate your phone’s position. Because this process doesn’t directly depend on your SIM card or carrier, the device may still determine where it is without cellular data.

The U.S. government’s official GPS website explains that the Global Positioning System provides positioning, navigation, and timing services through satellite signals. Android devices may also combine GPS information with nearby Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth signals, and cell towers to improve location accuracy, according to Google’s official Android location guide.

That doesn’t mean your location is automatically sent to someone. However, an app with location permission may store the information on your phone and sync it later when an internet connection becomes available.

Can Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Stay On?

Yes. On many phones, you can manually turn Wi-Fi and Bluetooth back on after enabling airplane mode.

Apple’s official airplane mode guide explains that iPhone users can reconnect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth without turning off airplane mode. The device may also remember those preferences the next time the setting is enabled.

Android phones offer similar controls. Location services may use nearby Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth devices, depending on the phone’s settings and the permissions granted to individual apps.

That’s why checking only for the airplane icon isn’t enough. You need to review cellular service, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, location settings, and app permissions separately.

Can a Phone Be Tracked in Airplane Mode?

Having your phone tracked in airplane mode is more difficult when every connection is fully disabled. Even so, a recent stored location or an offline-finding feature may still help locate the device.

Google Find Hub can help locate certain Android devices even when they’re offline. Depending on the phone and the settings enabled beforehand, nearby Android devices may securely contribute location information through Google’s offline finding network.

Before relying on this feature, make sure Find Hub is enabled and your phone has a screen lock. It’s also smart to keep a security app such as dfndr security updated and regularly review app permissions. Your phone is better protected when multiple security layers work together.

Read more: Your Phone Knows Where You’ve Been. Here’s Why That Matters More Than Ever

How to Better Control Your Phone’s Location

Start by checking which apps have accessed your location recently. A rideshare or navigation app may need that information, but a basic game or flashlight app probably doesn’t need to follow your movements.

Take these steps:

• Allow location access only while using an app.
• Turn off precise location when it isn’t necessary.
• Check whether Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are still enabled.
• Remove permissions from apps you no longer use.
• Keep your screen lock and Find Hub properly configured.
• Review the location history connected to your accounts.

Turning on airplane mode alone doesn’t replace these checks. Your privacy depends on the combination of active connections, permissions, and location services on your phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Airplane Mode Hide My Location From My Carrier?

It disconnects your phone from your carrier’s cell towers, making it harder to determine your location through the cellular network at that moment. It doesn’t necessarily disable GPS, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth.

Can an App Record My Location Without Internet Access?

Yes. If the app has permission, it may store location data on your phone and upload it when the device reconnects to the internet.

Does Turning Off GPS Prevent All Tracking?

Not necessarily. Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth devices, cell towers, IP addresses, and previously stored locations may still provide approximate location information.

Myth or Fact: Does Airplane Mode Prevent Tracking?

Myth. Airplane mode makes tracking more difficult by disconnecting your phone from the cellular network, but it doesn’t guarantee invisibility. Your device may still calculate, record, or share its location through other features, depending on which connections and permissions remain active.

Keep Reading on the PSafe Blog

• Does Your Phone Listen to You for Ads? Myth vs. Reality
• What Happens When You Tap “Allow” on an Android App?
• What Happens to Your Data After You Close an App?

O post Can Your Phone Be Tracked in Airplane Mode? Myth vs. Fact apareceu primeiro em PSafe Blog.

One built-in protection delays access to one-time passcodes received by SMS for up to three hours for most apps targeting Android 17. That makes it harder for unauthorized apps to intercept codes used to sign in to your accounts.

Why You Should Review Your Android 17 Settings

Updating your phone doesn’t mean every protection is automatically configured for the way you use it. Anti-theft tools may depend on biometrics, a verified phone number, location services, and an active Google Account connection.

You should also review older permissions. An app you installed months ago may still have access to your camera, microphone, contacts, or location—even if it no longer needs that access.

Google’s official Android 17 announcement highlights stronger data controls and new protections for lost or stolen devices.

7 Android 17 Security and Privacy Features to Check

1. Advanced Protection

Advanced Protection combines several security layers in one setting. It blocks app installations from unknown sources, keeps Google Play Protect enabled, and may restrict USB data connections when your phone is locked.

Go to Settings > Security & privacy > Advanced Protection. This is especially useful if you store documents, work accounts, or financial apps on your phone. Google’s Advanced Protection guide explains what’s included.

2. Theft Detection Lock

Theft Detection Lock uses your phone’s sensors to recognize movements that may indicate someone grabbed the device from your hand. When Android detects a possible theft attempt, it automatically locks the screen.

You’ll usually find it under Settings > Google > All services > Theft protection.

3. Remote Lock

Remote Lock lets you secure your phone online using a verified phone number. It can help when you lose your device and can’t immediately sign in to your Google Account.

Check now that your phone number is correct and that screen lock is enabled. Google’s theft protection guide lists the requirements.

4. Find Hub and “Mark as Lost”

On Android 17, “Mark as lost” can require biometric authentication before the device can be unlocked again. It can also hide Quick Settings and prevent new Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connections.

That makes it harder for someone to disable tracking, even if they know your PIN. Make sure Find Hub is enabled before you need it.

Read more: Why Updating Android Helps Protect Your Phone, Even When Nothing Looks Different

5. Temporary Precise Location

Android 17 lets you share your precise location only while a specific app is open. This works well for quick tasks, such as requesting a ride or finding a nearby business, without allowing continuous tracking.

A new indicator also shows when your location is being used and which apps recently accessed it.

6. Selective Contact Sharing

Instead of giving an app access to your entire address book, you can choose only the contacts you want to share.

The new contact picker limits exposure of phone numbers and email addresses. Still, developers must support it. Review each request before tapping “Allow,” and share only the contacts the app actually needs.

7. Google Play Protect and Threat Detection

Android 17 expands detection for apps that hide icons, forward messages, or abuse accessibility permissions.

Open the Play Store, tap your profile picture, and select Play Protect. Keep app scanning enabled and pay attention to system warnings. Google’s Play Protect support page explains how the scans work.

How to Strengthen Protection Against Loss or Theft

Along with Android’s built-in tools, use a strong screen lock, set up biometrics, and keep your phone’s IMEI number somewhere safe.

In the U.S., the FCC recommends immediately reporting a lost or stolen phone to your wireless carrier. Your carrier can suspend service and may use the IMEI to block the device from its network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will every phone get Android 17?

No. Availability depends on the model, manufacturer, and how long the company provides software support for that device.

Are all seven features turned on automatically?

Some may be enabled by default, while others require biometrics, a verified phone number, or manual setup. Review your security menus after updating.

Is installing Android 17 enough to protect your phone?

No. Updates fix vulnerabilities and add new defenses, but they still need to be combined with strong passwords, limited permissions, and careful app installation.

Recent Articles From the PSafe Library

• What Happens When You Tap “Allow” on an Android App?
• Why Updating Android Helps Protect Your Phone, Even When Nothing Looks Different
• 24 Billion Passwords Exposed? How to Check If You’re Affected
• Could You Spot a Fake Login Page in 5 Seconds? Take the Phishing Test

O post Android 17: 7 Security and Privacy Features You Should Turn On apareceu primeiro em PSafe Blog.

You mention a trip, a pair of sneakers, or a restaurant, and soon after, an ad for that exact thing appears. The coincidence feels too specific to be random. That raises the question: does your phone listen to your conversations to show you ads?

The most accurate answer is: myth, but with an important grain of truth. There is no evidence that phones need to record conversations nonstop to deliver personalized ads. What does exist is a highly effective system for collecting signals: searches, approximate location, websites visited, videos watched, purchases, likes, apps used, and interactions with ads.

Bottom line: ads seem to “guess” your conversations because platforms can connect large amounts of behavioral data. Even so, microphone access is sensitive and worth reviewing carefully.

Myth or Reality: The Verdict on Whether Your Phone Listens to Conversations

Verdict: myth. The idea that your phone listens to everything around you and turns conversations into ads is not the most likely explanation.

What actually happens is simpler and, at the same time, impressive. If you searched for a destination, walked past a store, watched videos about a topic, or interacted with someone who showed similar interests, advertising systems may decide that the same topic is relevant to you.

Google explains that personalized ads may use account information, activity across services such as Search and YouTube, choices made in My Ad Center, and interactions on partner websites or apps. In other words, personalization can happen without your microphone being involved.

Why Does It Feel Like the Ad Came From a Conversation?

Digital advertising works with patterns. You do not need to type “I want to buy a couch” to be placed in a group of people interested in home decor.

Simply visiting pages about moving, searching for room dimensions, following architecture or interior design accounts, or living with someone who made similar searches may be enough. From there, an ad can seem like the result of a conversation when it actually came from accumulated digital signals.

Selective attention also plays a role. You talk about a product, see an ad, and notice the coincidence. But you may have seen similar ads before and ignored them. Once the subject is fresh in your mind, it stands out more.

Read more: Why Updating Android Helps Protect Your Phone, Even When Nothing Looks Different

What Microphone Permissions Actually Do on Your Phone

Even though constant listening is not the best explanation for targeted ads, microphone access still deserves attention. Calling apps, voice recorders, voice assistants, and social media apps may need this permission to work.

The key is checking whether the permission makes sense. Android’s Privacy Dashboard lets you see which apps accessed sensitive permissions and adjust anything that seems unnecessary. Android also displays a green indicator when the camera or microphone is in use.

On iPhone, Apple explains that apps cannot access the camera or microphone without permission. Since iOS 14, visual indicators have also appeared when these features are being used.

These indicators do not prove that an app is doing something wrong, but they can help you spot unexpected access.

How Ads Are Personalized Without “Listening” to You

Platforms do not rely on a single piece of information. They combine many small signals.

Examples include:

• Browser searches
• Videos watched
• Pages visited
• Approximate location
• Ad clicks
• Purchases or abandoned carts
• Interests shared by similar profiles
• Information provided during sign-ups

Google’s My Ad Center lets you adjust topics, brands, and ad personalization. Google’s advertising information page also explains how to reset or delete your advertising ID on Android.

In the United States, the discussion also centers on consumer privacy. The Federal Trade Commission has published guidance on online tracking and data protection because browsing activity can influence your online experiences.

How to Review Your Privacy Without Getting Paranoid

Start with the basics: open your phone’s settings and check which apps have access to the microphone. If an app does not need to record audio, make calls, or respond to voice commands, consider removing the permission.

Next, review access to your location, camera, contacts, and files. Older permissions may remain active even in apps you barely use.

It may also be worth turning off ad personalization when it makes sense for you. This will not eliminate every ad, but it reduces the use of certain signals for targeted advertising.

Read More on the PSafe Blog

• What Happens When You Tap “Allow” on an Android App?
• 5-Minute Monthly Phone Check: What to Review on Android
• Can Tap-to-Pay Cards Be Cloned? Myth or Real Risk?

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my phone listen to my conversations to show me ads?

Most likely, no. The feeling that your phone is listening usually comes from a combination of searches, location data, browsing history, interactions, and advertising data.

Should I block microphone access for every app?

Not necessarily. Calling, audio, video, and voice assistant apps may need microphone access. The best approach is to keep only the permissions that make sense.

What Is the Final Verdict: Myth or Reality?

It is a myth that your phone needs to listen to everything to display ads. The true part is that your usage data can reveal a lot about your interests.

O post Does Your Phone Listen to You for Ads? Myth vs. Reality apareceu primeiro em PSafe Blog.