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Going on Vacation? 9 Phone Settings to Check Before You Leave

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 16:33:24 +0000

Your bags are packed, your documents are ready, and your itinerary is saved. But in the middle of all that planning, a few phone settings to check before traveling can easily get overlooked.

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.

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

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Smart Devices Could be Connected to 5G, But is it Safe?

Sat, 21 Apr 2018 12:00:54 +0000

Most of us own smart devices that can connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi, but the technology is far from perfect as network shortages can shut down these devices. Tech companies are looking to fix these issues with 5G, which would allow Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices such as smart refrigerators, home security systems, and smart TVs to connect to a network that does not rely on WiFi.

The idea is to allow these devices to stay online at all times via the connection to 5G data, similar to how smartphones remain online without Wi-Fi.

Design Company Is Changing the Game
A company called Arm is developing a new software stack called Kigen that would offer smart devices SIM cards for 5G connectivity. Arm believes that by 2035, there will be more than a trillion connected devices on SIM cards, as good as Wi-Fi connections in most areas of the U.S. There are still plenty of places that are susceptible to blackouts and poor connectivity that would benefit from such technology.

The initiative would also mean that IoT-device owners would not have to set up an individual Wi-Fi network — the SIM cards would connect your device quickly. Arm claims 5G technology adds more security to the home since hacking attacks typically take place through unsecured Wi-Fi networks.

Nevertheless, security experts believe this technology could create a slew of security issues that Arm needs to address before rolling out SIM cards for smart devices.

Do the Benefits Outweigh the Risks?
We’re moving towards a world that will soon see mainstream adoption of autonomous driving technology and healthcare solutions that operate on 5G in order to reduce accidents and save lives. However, if the technology were to misfire, the results could be catastrophic. These networks would operated in a different way than Wi-Fi is and rely on cloud systems and visualization, leaving them open to other vulnerabilities that Wi-Fi networks don’t currently deal with.

Networks running on 5G have low latency and high bandwidth capabilities that could be vulnerable to distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks on larger scale. Cryptocurrency miners aka, hackers could also take advantage the network resources of smart devices connected to 5G to increase processing power and reduce yours.

Cyber Attacks Could Grow Exponentially
Experts believe that hackers will have the opportunity to launch larger attacks than previously seen if they manage to infect IoT devices connected on 5G. One of the most impactful cyber attacks in recent memory was the 2016 Dyn IoT botnet attack, which shut down the East Coast of the U.S. preventing users from loading certain websites.

A threat of this scale targeting a 5G network would be faster and of lower latency, allowing hackers to potentially take down more than just a small geographical area.

Arm and other 5G developers will have to develop iron-clad security measures to prevent such attacks from happening before the technology is rolled out.

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These Are the Top 4 Cities Worldwide for Free Wi-Fi

Mon, 06 Nov 2017 22:00:25 +0000

Traveling abroad is never a smooth process, and locating reliable Wi-Fi — on top of typical travel dilemmas — can often be stressful. However, many cities around the world have taken steps toward installing broadly accessible Wi-Fi networks. When using these Wi-Fi networks, keep in mind that public networks can come with a host of security flaws. Be sure to run a the Wi-Fi Check feature on your phone once you’ve connected to a new network:

The Wi-Fi Check feature will check the download speed, DNS security, and network security of your public network. It’s a great way to see if you’re using a safe and reliable network. Continue reading to find out a few of the world’s top cities with free and reliable Wi-Fi access.

Taipei, Taiwan
After installing nationwide Wi-Fi in 2011, Taiwan became one of the first countries to offer free Wi-Fi to its citizens. A few years later, the nation expanded its “iTaiwan” network to tourists, as well. By visiting a Taiwan Tourism Bureau Center and presenting their passport as an ID, visitors can register their phones to the foreign network. Taiwan offers approximately 5,000 individual hotspots, many of which are located in tourist destinations, transportation hubs, government offices and cultural establishments. Taipei is heavily populated by hotspots, featuring hundreds of locations all easily locatable through the city’s hotspot map.

Tel Aviv, Israel
Also a leader in the installation of citywide Wi-Fi, Tel Aviv offers 80 separate free Wi-Fi locations for tourists and locals. Most major tourist and transportation locations sport hotspots, many of which are concentrated in the city’s center. Tech users wishing to take advantage of this should connect to the “free_tlv” network. The free Wi-Fi imposes no limits on network usage for users.

Kansas City, Missouri
Although this might be an unusual travel destination, Kansas City’s recently installed public Wi-Fi networks are a sure draw for tech users. This installation is part of an initiative to shift the city towards smart infrastructure. Built and managed by the Sprint network, the Wi-Fi hotspots will feature upload speeds of 130 Mbps and download speeds of 150 Mbps. While the network is available to locals and visitors alike, city officials have said that their main reason for the network is to benefit low-income and underprivileged citizens.

Helsinkl, Finland
This Finnish city’s Wi-Fi network requires no account or password, and imposes no usage limits. The public network offers download speeds of 24 Mbps and upload speeds of 21.8 Mbps. These speeds are fast enough to allow for fast and high quality HD streaming and video calling. The network is available for access in most public spaces and government-owned buildings.

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How Can dfndr Help You When Traveling Abroad?

Tue, 24 Oct 2017 00:00:13 +0000

During the summer months, more than nine million Americans will travel outside of the country. With these increased traveling numbers come a heightened number of phone thefts. Even popular vacation destinations such as Spain have reported theft incidents at rates as high as 1,074.9 per 100,000 individuals. Travelers also face dangers when relying on public Wi-Fi networks, which are common in airports, hotels, and other transportation hubs. Click here to quickly check your Wi-Fi’s security:

The danger of simply misplacing a phone or plugging a charger into an unsafe outlet is magnified in an unfamiliar city. Luckily for dfndr users, the service’s built-in anti-theft and advanced protection features can help prevent and remedy these worst-case scenarios. Find out how to take advantage of both features to protect your phone on your next trip abroad.

anti-theft
Thefts in popular tourist locations, such as (but not limited to) Mexico and Costa Rica, specifically target vulnerable foreigners. Some robberies will occur while a thief poses as a plainclothes cop and asks for credentials, which are then stolen along with valuables. Other times, nice cars harboring visible electronics will be targeted and the windows will be smashed.

However, if you activate anti-theft on your phone in advance, then you will be fully protected in the event of loss or theft. This feature allows you to remotely control your Android device and block thieves from accessing apps and media files or delete these files entirely.

anti-theft also allows users to remotely erase all data on the device, track the device’s location, and sound an alarm (to find the phone nearby). Thanks to these protective functions, thieves will not be able to locate sensitive data or access accounts within the phone. Click here to activate anti-theft now:

advanced protection
Public Wi-Fi networks are notoriously unsafe options for mobile users. Unfortunately, the cost of international data plans forces travelers to become almost entirely dependent on such networks for Internet access. In particular, both Russia and China pose significant risks to mobile security thanks to the number of cybersecurity threats. Further, while travel ports and charging stations within airports are tempting for travelers running low on juice, these outlets are often targeted by hackers, as well.

That’s why it’s important to add additional protection on your phone, especially when traveling abroad. The advanced protection feature will prevent thieves and viruses from disabling dfndr’s security, and ensure that your phone stays protected no matter what. Click here to enable advanced protection on your phone:

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How Safe Is It to Use Public, Unprotected Wi-Fi Networks?

Tue, 03 Oct 2017 00:00:02 +0000

Just because public Wi-Fi is free and easy doesn’t mean that it’s safe to use. Whenever you join a public network on your phone, you’re not alone when you’re using it. If a hacker gets access to the public Wi-Fi router then they can use it to access your private information like your credit card numbers, bank passwords, or even social media accounts. You should use the wi-fi check feature to test for speed and security. Click here to check your network:

The Dangers of “Eavesdropping”
When your phone is connected to a public Wi-Fi network, hackers can use a Man-in-the-Middle style attack to eavesdrop on your personal information. With this type of hack, the criminal hacks into the public Wi-Fi router and can “eavesdrop” on your data as it goes from your phone to any website you may be using. So if you log in to your social media accounts on public Wi-Fi the hackers can watch as you put your username and password into the website. This means that the hacker now has that username and password so your account is no longer secure.

Using Virtual Private Network
The only ways to guarantee that your phone will not be hacked is to either stay off of public Wi-Fi altogether or to connect to a virtual private network, or VPN. These virtual private networks encrypt your private information as it goes from your phone to any website you may be using. This means that, even if hackers somehow get into the Wi-Fi router, they will not be able to see your data because it is encrypted and unreadable by others.

Stay Safe Using wi-fi check
wi-fi check is a tool that will verify the download speed and network security of your phone. It can tell you how fast your Internet connection is and whether or not it’s a secure network that your phone is connected to. It’s an important tool to take advantage of when using a public network.

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The Cities to Travel to with the Fastest Internet

Sun, 24 Sep 2017 01:00:43 +0000

There are so many great places you can visit in the United States and all over the world. It’s already tough to leave loved ones and our everyday conveniences behind, so why make it worse by dealing with slower Internet? While you travel you’re already leaving behind so much; you may as well stay connected at the fastest speeds possible.

There are plenty of cities that are restricted and only have access to slow DSL connections or worse, but there are plenty of cities across the country and the world that have access to some of the fastest speeds available.

Check Out London for Speedy Wi-Fi
London is filled with history and plenty of must-see sights. Luckily, its Internet speed is pretty good, too. The average download speed in London is 0.15 Gbps, and while that might not be the fastest on the list, it’s certainly nothing to scoff at.

Top Destinations for Fast Wi-Fi
San Francisco, Mexico City, Berlin, and Dublin stretch across many different and beautiful parts of the world. While you’re visiting all of these wonderful places, you’ll be able to enjoy some great Wi-Fi speeds, too. These cities may not have a lot in common but they do all share an average download speed of 0.2 Gbps. This means you can focus on fun instead of waiting for things to load.

Where to Go for Faster Internet in Canada
Canada is a beautiful place to visit. You’ll find plenty to do and see, and Toronto is a great place to start. Luckily, Toronto enjoys an average download speed of 0.35 Gbps so you can quickly browse the Internet for things to do instead of waiting.

The City with the Fastest Wi-Fi Speeds
Seoul, in South Korea, tops this list with average download speeds at 1 Gbps, while also having a much lower cost than most other countries. You’ll want to make sure to check out all this wonderful city has to offer, though it’ll hard to stop binge-watching and surfing the Internet at these insane speeds!

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What You Should Do if You Lose Your Phone While Traveling

Tue, 12 Sep 2017 01:00:32 +0000

It’s natural to panic when you misplace your smartphone, especially while traveling. These days, practically our whole lives are stored on our devices — important contact information, account information, emails, and valuable mementos such as photos and videos. Luckily, you can minimize the damage of losing your phone while traveling. Click here to enable anti-theft in advance so that your phone is protected in the event of loss or theft while traveling:

With anti-theft activated, you can remotely block thieves from accessing your phone, sound an alarm to find your phone nearby, show you your phone’s location on a map, and erase all of your phone’s data. anti-theft is a great tool to take advantage of on your phone because it’s easy to activate and gives you a crucial layer of additional protection. Find out how to access these features of below.

What to Do When You Lose Your Phone
The first step is to locate your phone from a different device. This step should be taken first to ensure that you didn’t misplace your device at your hotel or leave it at home. This can be done by visiting my.psafe.com and entering your Google account information. Once you’ve logged in, you can view your phone’s location, lock your device, erase all of your data, sound an alarm, or see if your SIM card has been taken out or replaced by clicking the “+” symbol in the bottom right corner.

You can choose which option seems most appropriate based on your situation. If your phone is somewhere in your room, for example, you may choose to play a sound in order to locate it quickly. If you suspect someone has taken your device, you can remove all of your data to prevent identity theft. You can also lock your phone to prevent further access to your device. From here, you can determine whether or not further action should be taken with the police in the event that your phone has been stolen or tampered with.

It’s important to be proactive in the event of misplacing your phone. In order to access the anti-theft features, you should have them activated prior to misplacing your device in order for them to work. The next time you plan to travel, you will experience a safer, worry-free traveling experience because you are prepared.

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Easy Ways to Avoid the $1000 Vacation Mobile Phone Bill

Wed, 16 Aug 2017 01:00:22 +0000

Whether you’re vacationing abroad or on a cruise ship this summer, you can easily and unknowingly rack up your cell phone bill very quickly. Many fees occur without ever making a call. Apps are constantly running in the background of your phone, using up data and draining your phone’s battery. If you want to use your phone abroad, make sure to get a plan with your carrier before you leave, and take advantage of powerpro to save battery life and reduce your data usage:

If you don’t have an international plan, even turning your phone on once while abroad can rack up roaming fees as calls and texts come in. Roaming is when your phone uses data while you’re outside your carrier’s covered area — such as when traveling internationally. Educate yourself below so you can avoid the $1000 (or more) vacation cell phone bill.

Block Apps’ Data Usage to Stop Background Updates

In addition to using PowerPro, go into your phone’s settings to limit which apps run even when they’re closed. This will save your data and limit roaming fees when traveling abroad.

Get a New Sim Card Before You Leave

With a local or international sim card, you’ll get charged as the locals do. You can purchase these cards online for around $40 plus usage fees. This option means that you’ll have a different phone number when abroad.

Talk to Your Carrier About International Packages

Keep your same phone number by purchasing an international package. Each carrier approaches them differently, but most are reasonably priced when compared to the fees you’d rack up from data roaming. The data is usually slower, but you can speed it up for a fee. Some even let you use your domestic plan’s monthly data, text, and call allowance abroad for a daily or monthly fee. Many carriers even offer specific plans for cruise ships. Always read the fine print to know what your package covers.

Say Hello to Airplane Mode

Turning your phone to airplane mode ensures data roaming and cellular data is off. Go to your phone’s settings or swipe down menu and click on the airplane icon. Once enabled, your data and Wi-Fi will automatically turn off. Easily turn Wi-Fi back on to enjoy Internet access without fear of roaming charges.

Switch to an Alternative Messaging App

If you give up data altogether or are limited, use a messaging app to stay in touch. WhatsApp, Telegram, FB Messenger, and Skype all let you make calls and send photos and texts over Wi-Fi. Let your friends and family know before you travel so that they can download the app of your choice.

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Here Are 4 Tips on How to Avoid Phone Hacking

Wed, 26 Jul 2017 23:00:48 +0000

The security of our mobile devices and Wi-Fi networks are a constant source of worry. It seems like hackers are finding new ways to breach our networks and steal our information every day. To protect your phone, activate the Anti-Hacking feature now:

Our phones hold so much personal information that the risk of them being hacked is an intimidating thought. The Anti-Hacking feature protects against malicious sites with warnings and prevents password theft by making sure your login credentials are never found by hackers. Besides a good security app, the following are other ways to protect yourself.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi

It can be tempting to tend to some personal business while sitting in a local coffee shop and taking advantage of their free Wi-Fi network. However, doing so can put your phone’s security at risk. If you’re going to use public Wi-Fi, make sure that you are not entering any sensitive information while doing so, such as your banking information or passwords. These networks are particularly susceptible to being hacked, putting your information at risk.

Use Passcodes

Using a passcode on your phone may be considered a pain, but it’s worth the effort to protect your device. Avoid using passwords that are easy to guess, and stay away from generic passcodes such as “1234” or “0000.” The more numbers or characters, the better, so switch the length of the code to six digits for extra points (and protection).

Limit Bluetooth Usage

Using Bluetooth on your device can make your phone more susceptible to being hacked. While this feature of our smartphones is useful, it gives hackers an easy “in” to record your keystrokes, steal credit card numbers, and even to send scam text messages to your device. To minimize this risk, limit your Bluetooth usage as much as you can, always turning it off when it’s not being used.

Be Cautious When Downloading Apps

Believe it or not, not all apps offered on the Google Play store and beyond are safe for our phones. Before downloading any apps to your device, ensure that they are from a trusted source, such as via the manufacturer’s app store. Do your research, and read reviews and the description of the app so that you’re not unknowingly putting your device at risk.

Even if we’re not always consciously aware of it, our phones are typically at some level of risk of being hacked by a predator. Protect your information and your device by following these simple tips and you’ll be glad you did!

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Tips for Using Wi-Fi Safely When Traveling Abroad

Wed, 19 Jul 2017 23:00:11 +0000

Free Wi-Fi networks are notorious for putting your data at risk and opening your devices to possible hacking attacks. When accessing these networks while traveling abroad, the risks associated with free Wi-Fi become even greater. When connecting to an unknown or public Wi-Fi network, you should take advantage of DFNDR’s Wi-Fi Check feature. This function will verify download speeds, DNS security, and network security, clearing up concerns about which hot spots to trust. Click here to check your Wi-Fi:

While the smartest approach is to rely solely on data, this may not be a viable option for most travelers due to cost. In situations where you feel the need to rely on free hot spots, be sure to use Wi-Fi Check and to follow the safety tips listed below.

The Risk

When targeting tourists through Wi-Fi, hackers typically rely on one of two main tactics. In both cases, sensitive data can be viewed, recorded, and stolen by hackers. These attackers can potentially view your passwords, social networks, important documents, emails, bank account information, and much more through the compromised device.

The first tactic involves tracking users’ movements on unencrypted Wi-Fi channels. In this instance, hackers can capture all data sent to and from your computer and, with websites who don’t use HTTPS, can view your usernames and passwords, as well. In some instances, unprotected networks can enable Man-In-The-Middle attacks, in which traffic sent from your device to another is intercepted, recorded, or adjusted and then passed on.

The other risk Wi-Fi users face when traveling abroad includes fake hot spots offered for free, often mimicking the name of a known and trusted free Wi-Fi network. Oftentimes, these networks will appear to mobile users as Starbucks or Apple Store hot spots, when in fact they are malicious connection points.

Safety Tips

When leaving on a trip, you should change passwords, using a strong combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. In addition, your phone’s Wi-Fi setting should be switched off when not in use to prevent automatic connection to nearby hot spots. Before connecting to a Wi-Fi network, verify that the channel is encrypted and authentic. This can be done by verifying the network name with hotel managers or airport employees. When using these networks, only access encrypted channels (ones where the URL begins with “HTTPS”).

Make sure to turn off sharing settings, program your devices to “forget” Wi-Fi connection, and enable two-factor authentication for all accounts.

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Can a Lack of Storage Space Affect Internet Speed?

Mon, 10 Jul 2017 16:00:19 +0000

The storage space on your phone is almost full, and suddenly your phone’s performance seems like it’s lagging behind. Even your Internet seems to be slower than usual. But are these two related to each other? The answer: your phone’s minimal storage space could be the reason for your slow Internet, if your browser app is storing too many temporary files on your device. Click here to quickly remove all useless files from your device with Quick Cleanup:

The Quick Cleanup feature will allow you to instantly remove all junk files, temporary files, trash files, and cache. These unnecessary files can take up a lot of space on your device because of the way modern apps collect and store them. Clearing these files from your phone will free up space on your device for new apps and files, in addition to improving the performance of your phone and apps. If you’ve never cleared cache from your Internet app before, then clearing these files should help to improve your online experience.

While a lack of storage space and your slow Internet speed may be unrelated, they’re still issues that you shouldn’t ignore. Continue reading to find out how you can tackle these issues on your smartphone.

How to Find Out Why Your Internet is Slow

Your Internet could be slow for a number reasons. It could be the result of an old router, placing your router in an undesirable location, or an issue with your Internet service provider. Click here to use Wi-Fi Check to check the speed of your Internet and your network security:

How to Respond to a Lack of Storage Space

A lack of storage space can be frustrating because you’ll no longer be able to download new apps and files. Your phone may also start to lag behind, because it’s having a harder time performing tasks. In order to free up space on your device, you should evaluate all of the files on your device. Back up any videos, photos, and music that you want to keep, and then delete these files from your phone.

If you don’t have a microSD card for your phone, you should get one to store any media files that you want to keep on your device. Make sure to look up how much external storage space your device can hold before purchasing a microSD card. Some phones can only hold 32GB of storage space, while more powerful phones can hold up to 256GB.

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Why Closing Apps Can Boost Internet Speeds

Wed, 05 Jul 2017 20:00:52 +0000

Let’s be honest, for a minute. The mystery of your phone’s sluggish internet and disappearing data isn’t that difficult to solve. Have you taken a look at how many apps you’ve left running? Background applications are your worst enemy when it comes to conserving data and maximizing your internet speed. If you know that you often forget to close apps, all you need to do is enable the Accelerate Internet feature. With a single click, this feature closes any background apps that you aren’t presently using. Click here to activate Accelerate Internet:

If you keep many extra apps running by accident, you’re spreading your network’s bandwidth over those apps too. So, the megabits that your background apps are devouring every hour? Well, they add up fast! By freeing up your Android’s data, your browser and active apps will run a lot faster with Accelerate Internet’s help. But if your internet connection is still lagging, keep reading to discover other ways to boost its speed.

Other Ways to Kick Start Your Internet:

Always opt for Wifi. At home, make sure that your Android is kept connected to your high-speed internet. This internet source is often faster and more reliable than your cellphone provider’s data network. Public wifi spots tend to vary in speed and some Androids have excellent 3G or 4G networks, so this rule doesn’t consistently apply.

Delete any unused applications. Old apps can slow down your cellphone’s performance levels, including its internet browser, because they take up excess RAM and storage space. So, it’s best to go through your Applications folder and delete any that you no longer use. This is also a great trick for improving an Android’s overall function and usability.

Install an Ad Blocker. Advertisements can consume a shocking amount of data, especially now that many websites are using pop-up video ads. To get rid of these pesky data munchers, try installing an Ad Blocker from the Google Play Store.

Check for viruses. If you’ve tried all of the above steps and your Android’s pace hasn’t changed, it’s time to run a virus sweep. Viruses, malware, and other infected bots can drastically slow down your internet. So, stay safe!

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How Can You Boost Your Wi-Fi Connectivity?

Mon, 26 Jun 2017 20:00:25 +0000

There are few things in modern life more frustrating than a slow Wi-Fi connection. Luckily, there are a few different ways that you can improve your Wi-Fi so that you no longer experience lagging or crashing. Before you try some of the below methods for boosting your Wi-Fi connection, you should first use the Wi-Fi Check feature. Click here to check the status of your Wi-Fi:

Wi-Fi Check will check your network speed, download speed, DNS security, and network security to ensure that your Wi-Fi is behaving normally. You’ll be able to quickly see whether or not your Wi-Fi is working at the speed it should be. If it isn’t, try one of the below methods to boost your Wi-Fi connection.

Move Your Wi-Fi Router

Many people like to keep their routers hidden or on the floor, which can greatly interfere with your’s Wi-Fi’s signal strength. Your Wi-Fi router should be in a central position in your home, preferably on an open, top shelf that doesn’t interfere with the signal. Your router should also be located away from household appliances such as microwaves and telephones.

Reset and Update Your Router

If you want to improve your Wi-Fi connection, then you should make sure that your router’s software is up to date. You should also reset your router now and then, on a daily or weekly basis. This should help to clear up many of your connectivity issues. It’s also usually the first step that customer support asks you to take when you’re having Wi-Fi trouble.

Extend Your Wi-Fi Signal

If you live in a big home, then your router may not be able to reach certain parts of the home, no matter how much you try to find the perfect location. Consider purchasing a Wi-Fi range extender to boost your signal in rooms that are farther from the router. These usually cost anywhere between $20-$80.

Change the Antennas on Your Router

For the strongest Wi-Fi connection for all of your devices, your router’s antennas should be in a perpendicular position. This will help to boost the signal on your PC and mobile devices.

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Is Your Carrier Slowing Down Your Internet Connection?

Thu, 22 Jun 2017 16:00:47 +0000

Lately, your Internet connection has been so slow that you’re not able to access a web page or load an app. What gives? Before blaming your mobile carrier, try boosting your Internet with the Accelerate Internet feature. Accelerate Internet will speed up your Internet connection by closing apps that are running in the background of your phone. This will allow your phone to concentrate on the current task you want to perform, as opposed to a bunch of other tasks that slow down things, such as refreshing your apps. Click here to quickly speed up your connection:

If you are experiencing a prolonged, unusually slow Internet connection whenever you’re not on Wi-Fi, then your mobile carrier could be at fault for your slow Internet speed. The following are some reasons you might be experiencing slower Internet.

You’re Guaranteed Only So Much Full-Speed Data Per Month

Many of the major carriers (such as AT&T and Verizon) offer “unlimited” monthly data — to an extent. For example, Verizon and AT&T offer full-speed data for the first 22GB that you use. After that, they will slow down your connection until the next billing cycle. If your Internet connection has slowed dramatically all of a sudden, then this could be why. Check your monthly data usage to see if your carrier is responsible for your slow Internet.

You’re Using an Alternative Mobile Carrier

Alternative mobile carriers are often cheaper than the mobile carriers that dominate the market. A plan from an alternative mobile carrier may be cheaper, but you’ll likely sacrifice some of the benefits of using one of the big carriers. Alternative mobile carriers typically buy access to one of the three main carriers’ networks, and then resell that network space at a discounted rate to customers. Because of that, service for an AT&T customer, for example, will be a priority over service for a Cricket Wireless customer.

In exchange for a cheaper plan, you may experience poor quality service, especially during peak usage times or an emergency situation. These alternative carriers are also not responsible for the quality of your service — it’s right there in your contract when you sign up. If you’ve been experiencing poor service regularly with your carrier, then it may be time to switch it up. There are plenty of more affordable mobile carriers with better service (like Project Fi or Sprint) — you just need to find one that works best in your area and for your needs.

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Will Clearing Your Phone’s Cache Help Internet Speed?

Tue, 20 Jun 2017 14:00:45 +0000

Your Internet speed has been slower than normal lately, and you’re not sure what you can do to give it a boost. This could be the result of too much activity on your network, an outdated router, or even an issue with your Internet service provider. Before upgrading your service or buying a new router, try performing some simple tricks to boost your Wi-Fi connection. One way that you can boost your Internet speed on your phone is to use the Accelerate Internet feature. Click here to speed up your Wi-Fi in just one click of a button:

Accelerate Internet speeds up your Wi-Fi by closing apps that are running in the background of your phone. Even though these apps aren’t in use, they are constantly updating as they receive new information — a task which can seriously slow down your connection on your phone. Continue reading to find out how removing cache can speed up your Internet connection on your phone.

Removing Cache Can Speed Up Your Internet

If you rarely delete your phone’s cache or temporary files, then that could be why you’re experiencing a slow Internet connection on your phone. Many social networking apps, for example, can perform so many functions that they will quickly bloat in size. This is because they are storing a lot of data (such as images and website information) so that you experience a shorter wait time the next time you load a website or Facebook page. This data that is stored is known as cache. The same thing happens with your web browser on your phone (though they typically store much less data).

If you want to speed up the performance of your device in addition to your Internet connection, try removing all of the junk files, cache, and trash from your phone. Use the Quick Cleanup feature to remove all of these files in one go. That way, you’ll free up your phone’s memory and have more storage space available on your device. Click here to use Quick Cleanup to remove cache and junk files:

It should be noted that removing cache will not always speed up your Internet — but it can help if you rarely delete temporary files. It largely depends on how much space your have on your device, and if your apps are creating too many temporary files. At the very least, deleting cache can remove unnecessary files from your phone that are taking up too much space.

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Things You Didn’t Know Were Making Your Internet Slow

Mon, 19 Jun 2017 13:00:36 +0000

Some users assume that when their Android’s Internet begins running slowly, it must be time to swap in the phone for a newer model. If your phone is a couple of years old and you don’t have any problems with your Internet, then this may be the case. Usually, though, there are many other factors that can negatively affect Internet performance levels. So, you may have to do some troubleshooting first. The first action you should take is to use Wi-Fi Check to test your Internet quality:

Wi-Fi Check is a user-friendly feature that will check your connectivity, download speed, network security, and DNS security. You can use the Wi-Fi Check on both public and private networks. It’s a handy tool for knowing if your phone’s lagging Internet is an internal or an external problem.

Did the Wi-Fi Check show that your Internet is working flawlessly? No problem! Here are the top 3 solutions to an Android’s internal speed problems:

Remove Unused Apps and Widgets

Forgetting to close or disable unnecessary apps and widgets can really affect your Internet speed. If an app exists on your home screen, it can eat up lots and lots of data while running silently in the background. Now, you don’t need to delete any apps to solve this problem. Simply remove the guilty apps from your home screen. They will still be in your apps folder, waiting and ready for when you want to use them.

If you have a lot of apps on your phone that you no longer use, that may be why your Internet is so slow — you have too many apps connected to the Internet! Use App Manager to quickly remove old, unused apps from your smartphone to speed up your device:

The Cache Needs to be Cleared

Have you cleaned out your Android’s cache recently? Over time, apps and widgets can accumulate an impressive amount of stored megabits. The cache’s excess megabits of data actually serve no purpose to you. A full cache only slows everything down, including Internet speeds!

To manually empty out your cache, go into “Settings,” then open “Applications.” Choose any data-heavy app and press the “Clear Cache” button. You’ll have to clean each app individually with this method. To delete junk files and cache more quickly, use the Quick Cleanup feature to remove all useless files at the touch of a button:

You Don’t Have an Ad Blocker

If your Android doesn’t have an ad blocker, certain websites can cause its performance to slow down. Indeed, ads have the potential to drain your monthly data allowance, too. There are several ad blockers available in the Google Play store, which can speed up your phone considerably.

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3 Ways to Ensure Uninterrupted Video-Streaming on Android

Fri, 16 Jun 2017 17:00:26 +0000

If you’re experiencing poor quality video-streaming on your Android, it may be due to a poor Wi-Fi connection or an over-tasked device. If possible, try moving closer to your router in order to get a faster, uninterrupted connection. If that doesn’t help, then the next step you should take to improve video-streaming on your Android is to use the Accelerate Internet feature. Click here to speed up your Wi-Fi on your device:

Accelerate Internet is the easiest way you can quickly improve your video-streaming quality. It helps to combat an over-tasked device by closing apps that are running in the background of your phone. These apps are constantly refreshing as they receive new information, which means that your phone might be trying to perform too many tasks at once. Closing these apps will allow your phone to focus on the current task at hand: uninterrupted video-streaming. If you’re in need of some other methods to try, the following will offer a few other ways you can improve video-streaming on your phone.

Delete Temporary Files and Cache

When was the last time you cleared the temporary files, junk files, and cache from your phone? If it’s been a while, then that might be why your video-streaming has been lagging behind. Use the Quick Cleanup feature to quickly remove these files, free up space on your device, and improve your phone’s overall performance. Click here to remove cache and useless files:

Disconnect Devices That Aren’t in Use

Similarly to closing apps on your smartphone, sometimes you need to disconnect the devices that are connected to your Wi-Fi in order to improve your current device’s performance. Your Wi-Fi could be too overloaded with devices and trying to perform too many tasks at once. This is especially true if you have several people sharing your Wi-Fi — each person may have several smart devices, laptops, and tablets. Disconnecting devices not in use will make a huge difference. You should experience much faster Internet because your Wi-Fi will only have to worry about your device, not a dozen others.

Upgrade Your Wi-Fi

Still, disconnecting devices can become complicated if you have too many people sharing your Wi-Fi who want to use it at the same time as you. If this is the case, then you might want to consider upgrading your Wi-Fi. Doing so will make a huge difference in video quality and ensure that your video-streaming is uninterrupted for everyone in your home.

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How to Get Great Results When Making Wi-Fi Calls

Mon, 12 Jun 2017 16:00:09 +0000

Many mobile carriers are now offer Wi-Fi calling as an alternative way to make and receive phone calls. This first became popular with services like Skype, and then it slowly spread to alternative mobile carriers like Project Fi and Republic Wireless. Now, mobile carriers like Sprint, Verizon, AT&T, and beyond are offering free Wi-Fi calling to U.S. numbers. If you’re able to set up Wi-Fi calling on your device, the first thing you should do is to check your Wi-Fi connection to ensure that you’ll be able to make and receive clear calls. Use Wi-Fi Check to check your connection:

Wi-Fi Check will check your network speed, download speed, DNS security, and network security. That way, if you’re in an area with no cellular service and a poor Wi-Fi connection, you’ll be able to verify whether or not you can make and receive a clear, uninterrupted phone call.

What is Wi-Fi Calling?

Instead of making a phone call through your cellular network, you can make a call through a Wi-Fi network when available. Some carriers seamlessly switch back and forth between cellular and Wi-Fi, while other mobile carriers only offer Wi-Fi calling when cellular calling isn’t available. While Wi-Fi calls are free, making Wi-Fi calls won’t necessarily give you more minutes for the month — many carriers include Wi-Fi calls in your monthly minute allowance.

How to Make the Best Wi-Fi Calls

For the best experience when making a Wi-Fi call, you must have a newer device that supports Wi-Fi calling. For most carriers you’ll have to activate Wi-Fi calling in advance. That way, whenever you’re in an area with poor cellular service, you can simply connect to public or private Wi-Fi to make or receive a phone call.

A faster Wi-Fi connection will always be beneficial for any online activities. Phone calling, however, isn’t too demanding on your network. For most carriers you should have a speed of at least 1Mbps to experience a steady call. If you’re looking for an app that provides great Wi-Fi calling, try Google Hangouts or Google Voice.

Resolving Wi-Fi Calling Issues for Better Service

Many issues with poor Wi-Fi calling are due to your router being incorrectly set up, Wi-Fi interferences, or a poor cellular signal. To combat these issues, it may be helpful to switch channels on your router, reset your router, check for router updates, or make sure your router is configured properly. As for a poor cellular signal, you may experience better Wi-Fi calls by putting your phone in Airplane Mode before making a Wi-Fi call.

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Here Are the Different Wi-Fi Speeds Explained

Sun, 14 May 2017 18:30:48 +0000

There are many different types of Wi-Fi, all of which function at different speeds. Some are no longer in use today; however, several have survived the changes in tech and are keeping up with the times just fine, even if they aren’t commonly used. Most of all, you want your Wi-Fi to be safe and fast. Use Wi-Fi Check to see if your Wi-Fi is safe to use and how it is functioning:

Wi-Fi Check will check your network speed, download speed, DNS security, and network security. It is a great tool to take advantage of, whether you’re using a private or public Wi-Fi network, to ensure that your network is safe and working properly. Nonetheless, not all Wi-Fi functions in the same way or at the same speed. Consider the following to be your guide on the different types of Wi-Fi speeds.

IEEE 802.11

This is the first Wi-Fi speed made way back in 1997. Back then it handled megabits of speed each second. Now, however, it is no longer used. It would never work with today’s devices (or people’s patience).

IEEE 802.11a

Two years after the original, this version of Wi-Fi arrived on the scene. This time, it worked on a 5 GHz band to help do away with interference. It was fast, with data rates maxing at 54 megabits each second. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much of a range to this one, which led to the development of a better Wi-Fi.

IEEE 802.11b

The speed of this 1999 Wi-Fi created the momentum to improve and expand on the idea. It opened up a world of possibilities with its much-improved eleven megabits each second.

IEEE 802.11

This version appeared in 2003 and, believe it or not, it is still in use today due to its decent speed and budget-friendly price.

IEEE 802.11n

Talk about new and improved. Introduced in 2009, this version may have had turtle-speed adoption but it can operate at different GHz with multi-channel use, and it soon became today’s typical option. This is good to know for those with multiple devices that have different needs. The max data rate is a nice 150 megabits each second.

Faster than a Speeding Bullet

It’s hard to believe that it wasn’t so long ago when we were thrilled with dial-up Internet. Now just look how fast our Internet flies: there’s now 802.11ac, with speeds that range from 433 Mbps to several gigabits per second.

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How to Create a Playlist for a Cinco de Mayo Party

Fri, 05 May 2017 13:00:43 +0000

So, you’re planning a party for Cinco de Mayo. In addition to festive decorations and food, you’ll also need a solid music playlist for the occasion. While purchasing CDs and downloading music are still a common practice, many party hosts may choose to stream custom-made or ready-made playlists online. This allows the host to have access to a wider variety of music — which can be great for themed parties, such as a Cinco de Mayo party. However, the last thing you want is for the music to suddenly stop because your Wi-Fi connection is terrible. Click here to check your Wi-Fi speed:

Wi-Fi Check will make sure your network is up to the task at hand. It will also check your DNS and network security, overall connection, and your download speed. If you have any issues playing music before or during the party, Wi-Fi Check will be able to quickly pinpoint if the issue is related to your Wi-Fi connection.

Cinco de Mayo Today

Historically, Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of the Mexican army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Today, though, the holiday is observed in the U.S. primarily as a day to celebrate the history and culture of Mexican-Americans.

Party Prep: Boost Your Device

If you’ll be using your Android to stream some of your favorite tunes, then you should also make sure that your phone is performing efficiently. DFNDR’s Memory Booster feature will close applications that are running in the background of your device in order to improve its performance. Doing so will free up your phone’s RAM and speed up your device. That way, your phone will not crash or freeze during your Cinco de Mayo festivities. Click here to boost your device:

Creating Your Ultimate Party Playlist

Overall, your music should be reliable. Address any hiccups beforehand — such as a slow phone or a poor Wi-Fi connection — so that there are no disruptions to the music. You don’t want the mood of your party to be ruined because of technical difficulties.

When you’re choosing music for your Cinco de Mayo party, you want to make sure that you’re playing music that’s relevant for the occasion. That doesn’t mean that all of the party’s music must be more traditional or festive, but you should should include some mariachi and tejano. You should also include some songs by popular Mexican, Mexican-American, or Latino artists today. Some artists you may want to have on your playlist are: Santana, Selena, Thalía, Juan Gabriel, and Romeo Santos.

Pandora and Spotify are great sources for streaming music for your party. Pandora has lists of specific Cinco de Mayo playlists you can choose from, while you can build your own playlist on Spotify. If you choose to buy CDs from select artists — or if you’re using Spotify, YouTube, or another service — make sure to listen to the songs you’re interested in beforehand, so you can get a feel for the mood they’ll create.

Refrain from putting the music on shuffle, find an order for your playlist that allows the songs to mesh well with one another. This means that you should space out certain genres or artists, so that you’re not playing 10 mariachi songs in a row. You should have enough songs in your playlist to last the duration of the party, as well.

Ultimately, you want your music to be fun and hopefully get people dancing too. If that means three hours of festive songs and two hours of pop songs, go with the flow — you want your guests to have an awesome time. Finally, don’t forget to serve tasty, Mexican food along with that music.

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Wi-Fi May Soon Be Coming to a Tunnel Near You

Thu, 27 Apr 2017 14:00:26 +0000

Cybersecurity is a big deal. You use your smartphone for so much more now than phone calls, reading email, and chatting. You shop with it, you pay bills with it, and you sometimes send personal data, like Social Security numbers, on your device. If you use public Wi-Fi, then you should get in the habit of checking its security. Click here to check your network’s connection speed and security:

DFNDR’s Wi-Fi Check feature is a great way to easily check the safety and strength of your public Wi-Fi signal. After clicking the button, Wi-Fi Check will let you know where your Wi-Fi stands. Take advantage of Wi-Fi Check next time you use Wi-Fi on the subway.

You are busy multitasking: you are making a phone call and getting your schedule set for the day, when you enter a tunnel on the subway and lose your signal from the station altogether. It’s certainly a frustrating experience. But it should soon be a thing of the past in the U.S., if BAI Canada’s recent efforts to install Wi-Fi in Toronto’s subway tunnels are any indication. So far, L.A.’s metro is leading the way for Internet access in subway tunnels.

The First Step: Wi-Fi in Subway Stations

It all began with Wi-Fi and cell service in NYC subway stations. Riders had to take a moment to log in while at the station platform, and while there was a slight annoyance factor there, it was better than nothing. When there was a train delay or you were simply stuck waiting, you could better pass the time and catch up with the endless amounts of email and messages to read, and add items to the day’s to-do list.

Internet Access in Subway Tunnels

Although NYC has far more traffic on their subway system than L.A. does, L.A. is ahead of the game: they are currently offering cell service and Internet access on select lines. The L.A. metro has been slowly rolling out cell service in tunnels, which is currently being offered on the Purple Line and all of downtown. Soon, they will be expanding cell service to all of the Red Line.

While there isn’t Wi-Fi access on all L.A. trains just yet, this move is still promising — it shows that there is an interest in Internet service on the trains, and that U.S. subway stations may be taking tunnel service more seriously in the near future. As for when Wi-Fi or cell service will become available on all NYC subway lines, that is still unknown. Hopefully we can look forward to this service within the next few years.

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Four Ways You Can Speed Up Your Home Wi-Fi

Wed, 12 Apr 2017 20:00:27 +0000

You might already know that you need to be protective of your personal information on public Wi-Fi. But even if your Wi-Fi is locked down tight with a password, you still might not be taking advantage of your Wi-Fi’s full capacity.

Check the Status of Your Wi-Fi

The best way to figure out if your Internet is running at its full capacity is by using DFNDR’s Wi-Fi Check feature. Wi-Fi Check will test your network speed, download speed, connectivity, DNS security, and network security. That way, you’ll be able to easily tell if you’re getting the most out of your Wi-Fi. Click above to check your network speed right now.

Move Your Router

You might not realize that your router’s placement in your house affects how well it works. That means that you don’t want to hide your router behind doors or in cabinets. Instead, place your router out in the open, where it can stand without obstructions. If you can elevate your router, do so. Move it to the highest floor of your house or else put it on a cabinet that’s above all other objects. Also, make sure it is at the center of your home for the best connection. Finally, situate the router’s antennas so they are perpendicular.

Don’t Let Other Appliances Interfere

One of the biggest reasons that routers don’t work as well as they should is because of appliances that interfere with your reception. Things that you might not expect to cause problems are cordless phones and microwaves. These appliances can suck your signal. One way to improve this problem is by buying a dual band router. If that’s not an option for you, simply move the router away from other appliances.

Prioritize Certain Applications Over Others

We bet there’s someone in your house who streams a lot of shows from Netflix or plays online games for hours. Think about all of the smartphones, tablets, game consoles, TVs, appliances, etc. that you have connected to the Internet at all times. Obviously, these activities absorb a lot of bandwidth on communal devices. To stop some of these Internet hogs, you can use a Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize certain applications, like Internet browsers, over others, or specific video chat applications. You can also turn off access to the Internet for certain devices and appliances when you’re not using them.

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These Are the Reasons Your Wi-Fi Might be Slow

Fri, 31 Mar 2017 14:00:50 +0000

Your Wi-Fi network can often be a life-saver — it prevents you from using endless data and driving up your cell phone bill at the end of the month. However, we have all had issues with maintaining optimal Wi-Fi speeds at home. Here are a few reasons why you might be experiencing trouble with your home network, and how to check your current Wi-Fi speed.

Check Your Wi-Fi Speed

Use DFNDR’s Wi-Fi Check feature to check the current speed of your Wi-Fi network. This feature will perform a connectivity test, check your download speed, and check your DNS and network security. This is an easy litmus test to decipher whether or not your Wi-Fi is up to optimal speed. Click here to check the speed of your Wi-Fi:

Wi-Fi Moochers

If you leave your Wi-FI open to the public — i.e. without password protection — then there will be a huge freeloader problem. Too much traffic on your Wi-Fi will significantly reduce its speeds, as there is only a finite amount of bandwidth available for your network. Be sure to make your Wi-Fi network private if it isn’t already, and to closely monitor the amount of traffic you allow access to your network. Further, a private network ensures that your network is more secure, too. It’s safer to access your banking or other sensitive information on a private network.

Old Equipment

Like all other technologies, Wi-Fi routers are continuously evolving as the years go by. Thus, older Wi-Fi equipment is bound to be slower than the new, more developed equipment. Check the model of your Wi-Fi gear to ensure that you have the latest and greatest model; otherwise, your Internet will likely be slower than usual. If your router is more than a few years old, then it might be time to upgrade your device. Doing so will help to increase the security of your network, too.

Out of Range

Proximity is key when it comes to the strength of your Wi-Fi signal. As a result, it is imperative that you are relatively close to the Wi-Fi router. Too much distance from your router can result in incredibly low speeds and lag time. Make sure to move your router around the house a few times to find the optimal spot.

Router’s Security Settings

First of all, make sure that there is a viable security setting present on your Wi-Fi router. Otherwise, your Wi-Fi will likely be slowed down. Open networks make it easy for people to steal your Wi-Fi. According to USA Today, WPA2 with AES is your best security option for your Wi-Fi network.

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How to Find Out Why Your Private Wi-Fi is Lagging

Mon, 27 Mar 2017 16:00:08 +0000

In today’s tech world, your home Wi-Fi network is a life-saver: it prevents you from using endless data on your smartphone and driving up your cell phone bill at the end of the month; it provides you with a secure network for online banking, shopping, and communication; it allows you to look for a new job or home, or to even work from home — the possibilities are endless. However, we have all had issues with maintaining optimal Wi-Fi speeds while at home. Here are a few reasons why you might be experiencing trouble with your network and how you can fix it.

The first step is to officially check your connection speed. Use DFNDR’s Wi-Fi Check feature to check the speed of your network. This feature will perform a connectivity test, allow you to check your download speed, and provide you with information on your DNS security and network security. Click here to test your Wi-Fi connection:

Wi-Fi Moochers

If you leave your Wi-Fi network public — i.e., without password-protection — then there will be a huge freeloader problem. Too much traffic on your Wi-Fi network will significantly reduce its speed, as there is only a finite amount of bandwidth available for your network. Be sure to make your Wi-Fi private, and closely monitor who is using the account. This will also make your network significantly more secure.

To do this, you’ll need to make sure that there is a viable security setting present on your Wi-Fi. Otherwise, your Wi-Fi will likely be slowed down, since open networks make it easy for people to steal your Wi-Fi. According to USA Today, WPA2 with AES is your best security option for Wi-Fi.

Old Equipment

Like all other technologies, Wi-Fi instruments are continuously evolving as the years go by. Thus, older Wi-Fi equipment is bound to be slower than the new, more developed equipment. Check the model of your Wi-Fi router to ensure that you have the latest and greatest version. Otherwise, your Internet will likely be slower than it should be.

Out of Range

Proximity is key when it comes to the strength of your Wi-Fi signal. As a result, it is imperative to ensure that you are relatively close to the Wi-Fi router. Too much distance from your router can result in incredibly low speeds and lag time. Make sure to move your router around the house a few times to find the optimal spot for its range.

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How Safe is it to Use the Wi-Fi at Starbucks?

Wed, 18 Jan 2017 14:00:12 +0000

With over 20,000 locations around the world, Starbucks is a common sighting no matter where you travel. One of the perks of visiting this ubiquitous coffee chain is, without a doubt, its free Wi-Fi. Many of us use Starbucks’ internet to do work on the go. However, hackers can — and do — use unsecured Wi-Fi networks to steal our information.

Hackers will even try to uninstall your DFNDR app if they gain access to your phone, in order to remove the protection around your information. To prevent hackers from disabling your phone’s security system, enable the Advanced Protection feature now:

1) Is Starbucks Wi-Fi safe?

The bottom line is no, since it’s a public network. If they wanted to, hackers could get onto Starbucks’ network and steal your information. However, you can still check the security of your current network by clicking below:

2) Will my information definitely get hacked if I use Starbucks Wi-Fi?

No. Most of the time, when you use public Wi-Fi, your device won’t get hacked. Plus, even if you do get hacked, hackers can’t learn much about you — most of your important data is encrypted. Generally, all hackers can get from you on public networks are which times you logged into various websites. It’s also simple for hackers to get access to anything you type. So, if you type any sensitive emails while on a public network, be careful.

3) How can I keep my information safe while on Starbucks Wi-Fi?

Even if it’s rare, it still makes sense to take precautions. There are lots of ways to keep yourself safe on a public network. The most basic way of keeping your information safe is to make sure you see the lock icon in your URL bar. This means that your data is encrypted — and it will be nearly impossible for a hacker to access it. Further, a virtual private network (VPN) extends your private internet network across a public internet connection.

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