Justin Drake Carroll Gaming Systems

PS4 Repair: Should You Do It Yourself or See a Specialist?

Electronics, big or small, are going to wear down. When your favorite console decides to become a troublesome unit and you are uncertain if it is going to make it to your next gaming session. But a PS4 repair doesn’t have to just be for the pros, as there are plenty of options and fixes you can try at home that can solve most of the issues for little to no cost. 

Arm yourself with the proper toolkit and make sure that your next gaming session goes off without a hitch.

PS4 Repair at Home

There are some fixes that you can attempt on your own before having to enlist the services of a repair specialist.

If you are running into trouble it would be a good idea to try these first and see if the issue can be solved on your own.

Blue Line Light

A serious issue is occurring but this does not immediately spell death for the console. But this is something that needs to be investigated immediately and does at times lead to further repair.

The blue light is signaling that there is no output to the television after this failure the console powers off. 

Power Supply

Hold the power on the front of the console until it beeps twice and completely powers down. Fully disconnect the AC cord from the wall and the console. Inspect this for any damages and reconnect.

HDMI Ports

Inspect the HDMI plugs on the console as well as the television. Make sure there is no damage or blocked pins. This can interfere with any signal. Also, if possible, test different HDMI cables as well.

Resetting the Controller

A complete reset of the controller can help with a system that has been stuck in a boot loop. Hold down the PS button on the controller until the main light turns orange. Press and hold it again until it turns white.

Inspect the Hard Drive

Check the Hard Drive for any damage to the drive itself or the wiring. This is a little more invasive as you do have to open the drive bay itself. The process can be done with relative ease, however.

Disc Auto Eject or Not at All

With the PS4 disc, drive media is loaded and ejected using the aid of an internal rubber mechanism. 

The piece can expand and contract depending on the heat of the console as it operates. If the console is running too hot the piece will grow too large and at various times eject the disc in the drive.

There is a manual disc removal method that can be attempted. The steps slightly differ depending on the exact serial-model PS4 you have.

Sony has provided reference materials concerning each of the methods.

Standing the console upright rather than having it seated horizontally has been shown to aid with this issue. This helps with airflow and how the mechanism operates.

Disc Read or Application Error

This will come up as error CE-34878-0 and can potentially happen for both physical disc games as well as downloaded, although less likely for disc media.

There are a few options to address this problem:

Power Cycle

This involves a few steps. The first is powering down the console and unplugging all cords, hold the power button for 30 seconds. 

Let the system sit for two minutes or more and plug the appropriate cables back in and power the system back on.

Database Rebuild

With the disc removed, power down the system using the power button. Hold it until you hear the two beeps. Then hold it again for five seconds and the system will boot into safe mode.

Using a controller plugged in via USB you should be able to select the rebuild option.

Reinstall of the Software

You have a disc but most of the data is still on the console. Find the game on your main menu, with the disc ejected, and delete the game from your console’s hard drive

Reinsert the disc and restart the install process. Additionally, make sure that there are no updates that need to be applied.

Correcting PS4 Network Issues

Out of all of the complaints surrounding the PS4, and consoles in general, network connectivity tends to appear the most. 

A portion of the time it is due to the Playstation Network and their server issues or maintenance. For the times that it is not, there are steps to take to make sure your network settings are in check.

Forget Your Problems

A simple quick fix tends to work many times. A simple refresh of the network settings. “Forget” the network and reconnect to the same network again should always be the first go to.

Update the Router

This process changes from device to device. Each router has approximately the same process but should be detailed with the instruction manual provided by the maker.

DHCP and DNS Issues

If you are having no other concerns with your home network you are going to want to adjust these settings.

Set AUTOMATIC IP, for DHCP HOSTNAME select “do not use” When prompted for the DNS settings you will want to select “MANUAL” and  place the values of “8.8.8.8” and “8.8.4.4”

The standard connection tests will run and momentarily your network connection should be restored

Time to Go to Pros

The at-home fixes haven’t worked, now what options are there to get the PlayStation back in working order.

If the system is still under warranty the process is fairly simple. It can be sent to Sony under their repair service.

Should your console not be under warranty any longer you may have to turn to a third party service. A quote is available from us, for these services, by phone or on-site if you prefer.

Another Day to Game

No longer will a dreaded blue line or a stuck disc signal the end of your beloved console. You have a full toolkit of your own for PS4 repair and those to turn to if you can’t solve it alone.

Follow our blog for help with your console and other tech gadgets. Make sure to contact us today for any repair needs and assistance with Q&A for your PS4 repair or otherwise!

Justin Drake Carroll Alexa

Alexa, Are You Okay? How to Fix Common Echo Problems

“Hey Alexa, play me a song from the 60s.” The Amazon Alexa is a virtual assistant that can do so many things for you. It can play music. You can adjust your smart lights, turn them off, and control smart devices. You can find the same features on the Amazon echo. You can also ask for the latest news, play any song, and listen to audiobooks as well as stories on the Alexa or Echo. It’s the best virtual assistant for almost anything you need or any question you have about life. But sometimes you have echo problems.

It doesn’t play the song you want. You can’t get it to respond to your requests. It’s becoming a problem. 

So, how you do troubleshoot these problems instead of heading over to the repair shop? Here’s a guide that can offer some troubleshooting solutions. 

What Does the Echo Light Indicate? 

If there is a problem with your Echo, it usually has a light indicator that is trying to tell you something. 

The spinning violet light means your Wi-Fi is not properly connected. If it’s not connected, it’s the reason you can’t listen to songs or hear anything that requires the internet. 

If you see a spinning blue light that ends with a purple flash on your Echo Dot, it means it’s in Do Not Disturb mode. That means you can try to activate it, but it won’t respond to you unless you turn off that mode.

It doesn’t mean your Echo Dot is broken, you just need to switch the settings. 

If you see a flash of purple while you try to speak to the Dot, it still means it’s in Do Not Disturb mode. 

If you see a solid red line around the Echo Dot, it means it’s in silent mode or the microphone has been turned off. Essentially, you can try to talk to it, but it ignores everything you say until you turn off that light. You can do that by pressing a button on the Echo Dot. 

Another light you should be aware of is the continuously spinning white light. It means it’s in away mode. 

Finally, if you see a spinning orange light, it means the Dot is trying to connect to the Wi-Fi. You may see this light if your power was recently out or your Wi-Fi was disconnected for a brief moment. 

Overall, none of these lights mean your Dot is broken. You should, however, be aware of what they do and what is happening to your Dot. 

Can’t Find Smart Home Devices

You may have smart lights, a smart TV, and other smart devices that are connected with your Echo Dot. 

But if your Echo Dot stops working, so do the smart devices, which can be incredibly frustrating. If it does stop working, you can check your Dot or Alexa app on your phone to ensure it is working. 

You may have to reconnect the smart device to your Dot app on your phone. In that case, you should search for smart devices through the Dot app until you see it and it reconnects. 

You can also try unplugging and plugging in the Dot to ensure it’s working again. That also helps with connectivity issues.

The Echo Dot Doesn’t Understand What I’m Saying

A more frustrating problem is when the Echo Dot doesn’t understand what you’re saying. “I’m sorry, I didn’t get that” is the common phrase spoken by the Dot or Alexa when they can’t understand you. 

If you have this problem a lot, it could be that your Alexa is positioned in a noisy room. If you are trying to say something and the dishwasher or some other noise is happening, it could be confusing to the Echo Dot. 

One way to fix this is to use the Voice Training tool that trains Alexa to hear the sounds of your distinct voice. You go through various word exercises so Alexa understands your voice distinctly. 

You Can’t Stream With Spotify

If you really enjoy listening to music on your Echo Dot but suddenly it stops working with Spotify, don’t be alarmed. There’s a way to fix this problem. 

You can start by rebooting the Echo Dot, which can fix the connectivity issues. 

Another troubleshooting solution to try is to sign out of Spotify and sign in again. You should also try unlinking, and then linking again Spotify on your Echo Dot app

The Sound Is Too Loud

The Echo Dot may have pre-settings that make the timers and other sounds go off extremely loud. 

You can quickly fix this by going inside the Echo Dot app and setting the volume control for timers and alarms. 

Overall, any of these problems mentioned in this article can be fixed by fixing the connectivity issues or understanding the features of your Echo Dot. The more you become familiar with it, the more you realize it’s not broken, it just needs some troubleshooting. 

However, if your Alexa or Echo Dot is broken and you can’t fix it, you can visit our website, check out our story, and see how we repair Echo Dots and other forms of technology. 

Why It’s Important to Resolve Echo Problems

It’s important to understand Echo Dot problems and how to fix them so you don’t have to take a trip to the repair shop and realize it’s not actually broken. That’s why it’s important to understand all the features of your Dot. 

However, there are instances where your Dot does break for various reasons. You may have troubleshot everything and it still doesn’t work. In that case, you should see a repair shop. 

We can offer assistance with your Alexa or Dot. Contact us here with any questions. 

Justin Drake Carroll Laptops

Chromecast Not Working? Top Tips for Solving Common Issues

Did you know that Google sold over 55 million Chromecast and Chromecast built-in devices? It’s one of the most popular options for people who don’t have a Smart TV.

Owning this device can be a blessing since you can stream different shows with it. But if your Chromecast keeps disconnecting, it can become problematic. If it keeps happening, your indoor experience becomes unsatisfying.

Don’t give up yet. With Chromecast not working, we put together an article with tips on solving the most common issues for the device:

1. Give the Chromecast a Factory Reset

A guaranteed method of fixing most issues of a Chromecast is to use its factory reset function. Regardless of the model, every Chromecast comes with a factory reset button. It’s often near the power port, and the best part is that the process remains consistent across different models.

To do this, ensure that your Chromecast has power. After that, hold the factory reset button down for about 25 seconds. To know when to let go, look at the LED light on your Chromecast, which will start blinking orange while the reset process is in progress.

Once the light turns into solid white, you can let go of the button. Plug your Chromecast into your television to confirm the reset. If it’s successful, the setup screen will greet you once more.

After resetting the Chromecast, you need the Google Home app. That way, you can finish the setup steps and return your desired settings.

2. Power-Cycling Your Modem or Router

If the factory reset isn’t working and your Chromecast won’t stay connected to Wi-Fi, your Wi-Fi network might be the problem. The next step on your troubleshooting process is to power-cycling your modem and wireless router. Power-cycling the modem is a common fix for most connectivity issues, and it’s easy to do.

First, unplug your modem and wait for 30 seconds. This ensures that your connection undergoes its full reset process. Once done, plug it back in and wait for the entire power-up/reconnection to finish.

Set up and stream using your Chromecast as soon as the Wi-Fi returns. Check whether that fixed the issue. Otherwise, proceed with the other troubleshooting steps.

3. Ensure You’re Using the Right Power Supply

Most TVs come equipped with a USB port, and it’s often near the HDMI inputs on its backside. It might seem logical and time-saving to plug your Chromecast into that port. That way, you’ll use the television as its power supply.

This setup can work in most cases, but it depends on the brand and model of your TV. Sometimes, your Chromecast will turn off on its own since the television has no consistent power output. When you turn your television off, the Chromecast also shuts down.

With this setup, the Chromecast will constantly reboot whenever you turn on your TV. Sometimes, the process takes a few minutes to finish. That’s why Google recommends the original power supply that came with the original package.

If you still have this power supply, plug it into the nearest outlet or power bar. It can add to the cables you’ll manage behind your home’s entertainment center. But the trade-off is that your Chromecast will work and run properly.

4. Prioritize Your Chromecast by Using Your Router’s QoS Settings

If your Chromecast has an inconsistent streaming quality, it might mean other network-connected devices are sucking up the bandwidth. Routers treat data consistently, regardless of the activities by your home devices.

Whether you’re watching a YouTube video with your tablet, playing online games on PCs, or downloading files using torrents, the network gives the same priority. The good news is that most routers manufactured today have Quality of Service (QoS) settings. This enables you to adjust the priority of devices within your network.

Depending on the brand of your modem, the name might vary. Regardless, it will require you to go to your router’s default IP address to access your QoS settings. But if you want a more permanent solution, upgrade to Google Wi-Fi, a mesh system with features that aid in these situations.

5. Check Whether Your Network Operates at 2.4GHz

Another reason for your Chromecast not working is your router’s signal settings. Wi-Fi networks have two frequency bands: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Chromecast will only function on the former.

Having to set a specific frequency can be annoying. The trade-off is that 2.4GHz is superior when used by a streaming gadget. The reason is because of its better ability to go through solid objects.

To set your frequency, go to your router settings and look at its current frequency. Pick the 2.4GHz option for your Chromecast. If you’re unsure how to do this, look at the bottom of the router to see the instructions.

Depending on your router’s capabilities, you can leave your other devices operating using the 5GHz network. To do this, look for the “Enable guest mode” option and check it during your Chromecast’s setup process.

This also applies to mobile phones. Not all of them access the Internet the same way. Check out our guide here to learn more, especially if you own a Google Pixel.

6. Update Your Modem’s Firmware

If your Chromecast isn’t connecting properly, it might be because of your modem’s outdated firmware. To check this, look at your modem’s settings menu and check whether you have a notification concerning a firmware update. Click it and start updating your firmware to its latest version.

This solution is still valuable even if it doesn’t fix your Chromecast problem. With the latest modem firmware updates, your network security will see improvements. That means external threats are less likely to compromise your network and devices.

Chromecast Not Working? Try Our Repair Services Today!

These are some solutions to your Chromecast problems. These are simple fixes since it needs no technical expertise to accomplish. You can do these regardless of the reason for your Chromecast not working. 

Would you rather have professionals fix your Chromecast problems instead? If so, we can help with our repair services. Check out our lowest price guarantee and see how it can make our service cheaper and more manageable for you.

Justin Drake Carroll Android Phone

So Slow: How to Speed up a Samsung Galaxy S7

The Samsung Galaxy S7 first came out in March 2016, and it was an amazing phone for its time. If you haven’t traded it in for an upgrade yet, then you’re probably still trying to get as much use as you can out of this solid phone. Over time, its performance has most likely gone down and your Samsung Galaxy is running slow. What used to take a split millisecond to do now takes 1 or 2 seconds. If you’re wondering about how to speed up a Samsung Galaxy S7, then you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll give you a few fixes to try.

Clear Your App Caches

Do Samsung phones slow down over time? After the release of Android Nougat in 2019, the answer to this question is most definitely “yes.” But the slowdown of your phone may not necessarily be due to the update.

On all devices, there is something called a cache. This is where devices save files from certain apps and programs so that the next time you open it up, it’ll do so faster.

But over time, this function can backfire. When the cache gets fuller and fuller, that can slow down your phone.

One quick way on how to make the Samsung S7 faster is to clear the cache. Go to Settings and then Apps.

From here, you can click on the apps you use the most. Click on Storage and then Clear Cache. Repeat this with all the apps you want and you should see a speedup in your phone’s performance.

Update All Apps

When you’re not running the latest versions of your apps, this can also slow down your phone’s performance. Not to mention, this may also inadvertently cause security issues, as older app versions may have vulnerabilities.

To update all your apps, bring up the Play Store. Tap on the 3 lines on the top left and then My Apps & Games at the top of the list. This should generate a list of apps that need to be updated; click on Update All to get the latest version of everything.

Make Sure You Have the Most Recent Updates

On that note, you should also make sure you’ve installed the most recent updates for the operating system. Not having the most recent ones will also affect your phone’s performance and security.

Go to Settings and then Software Update. Tap on Download Updates Manually and your smartphone will check for anything your phone may have missed on the last scheduled update.

If it finds anything, make sure you download the updates right away. Otherwise, you’re good to go and can try the other methods in this article.

Delete Unnecessary Apps

You may have experienced a slowdown on your computer before when you’ve reached the max amount of memory in it. The same concept goes for an Android phone.

Open up Settings, tap on Device Maintenance, and then Storage. Here, it’ll tell you how much total memory your Samsung S7 has, as well as how much available space is left. If there’s not much space left on your device, then this may be what’s causing your phone to be slow.

Go through your apps list and think about each one. Have you used them recently or are they just gathering digital dust?

If it’s the latter answer, then delete these apps pronto. Not only will this improve your phone’s performance, but it’ll also clean up your Apps screen so everything’s easier to find.

To delete apps, go into Settings and Apps. Select a particular app, then tap on Uninstall. For some, you won’t be able to uninstall them; instead, tap on Disable. This will ensure they don’t use up precious resources while you’re on your phone.

Disable Unnecessary Widgets

Widgets are very similar to apps, but they’re apps that are conveniently located on your home screen so you don’t need to tap on anything to get the information you need. For example, you probably have a weather widget, which shows you the current temperature and weather conditions in your city.

If you have quite a few widgets on your Galaxy S7, then this may affect its performance. This is because they’re constantly using RAM in the background.

Clean up your phone and boost its speed by getting rid of some of these widgets. To do so, tap and hold the widget. A trash can icon with “Remove from Home screen” will pop up. Tap on that, and it’ll get rid of your widget.

Get Rid of Battery Optimizer Apps

An issue many smartphone owners deal with is quick-draining batteries. We look for ways to combat this, such as buying portable chargers and downloading battery optimizer apps.

But the latter can be counter-intuitive, not to mention, they may not even do anything. If you have any battery optimizer apps, you should uninstall them ASAP. They’re most likely the culprit behind the huge slowdown of your phone.

Know How to Speed up a Samsung Galaxy S7

By knowing how to speed up a Samsung Galaxy S7, you can get just a little more out of it before you have to buy a new phone. However, these DIY fixes won’t always work.

If you think your smartphone is broken, don’t throw it out just yet. Instead, bring it to Fruit Fixed. We’re experts at bringing new like to not just cell phones, but also tablets and computers.

Our staff will make sure you never stay disconnected for very long. In fact, most phone repairs take under an hour! You’ll have your precious phone back in no time.

Got Samsung issues that you can’t fix yourself? Then use our repair services now.

Justin Drake Carroll Water Damage

A Step by Step Guide on What to Do When You Spill Water On Your Laptop

Water spills are a common mistake anyone can make. While usually harmless, one moment can have a huge effect and cost you hundreds in computer repairs.

We’re all waiting for the day when every laptop component is waterproof and protected from simple mistakes. While many types of phones are waterproof to help protect against damage, laptops haven’t caught on to the same need.

Until then, find out what to do when you spill water on your laptop.

What to Do When You Spill Water on Your Laptop

You might have moved your hand just slightly and come into contact with a cup. It might not have even been your fault – pets and kids have been known to stumble into full cups of water and leave them crashing onto surfaces.

When it happens, it only takes the blink of an eye. If water spills on your laptop, the first thing to do is remain calm. While it feels like a disaster, it’s a common problem that many laptops have come back from.

Keep in mind that you’ll need to move quickly when your laptop is exposed to any moisture. If you follow these five steps, you may be able to prevent the water from seeping into your laptop’s essential components:

  1. Isolate the spill
  2. Remove as much liquid as possible
  3. Take the laptop apart
  4. Use as much air as possible
  5. Wait patiently

Executing each step quickly and calmly is your best bet toward saving your laptop.

1. Isolate the Spill

When there’s spilled water on a laptop, chances are the puddle is spreading fast around the site of the accident. Immediately unplug your laptop from any components and remove it from the spill area.

The longer your laptop sits in a puddle of water, the more likely it is to retain damage. If you leave your laptop plugged in, the damage can also affect other devices like a mouse or monitor.

Furthermore, water near power sources can lead to electric shock. Turning off your laptop and isolating it from the spill is essential to protecting yourself just as much as the laptop. If you get water near your electrical wiring, you can cause big problems beyond laptop damage.

If you have a case on your laptop or are using any USB drives, remove those as well. The goal is to get your laptop as isolated as possible so you can isolate the spill and deal with the laptop quickly.

2. Remove as Much Liquid as Possible

To prevent as much water in the laptop as possible, grab a clean cloth or towel to immediately start wiping the outside. Focus on your keyboard since it’ll be easy for water to slip through the spaces in between the keys.

Work quickly, but try not to miss any spots. The more water you can remove from the outside, the less damage it might cause on the inside.

As soon as you’re done wiping off the laptop, open it as wide as you can and set it down upside down. By letting the laptop sit in this position, gravity will do its job to pull any water away from the essential internal components.

Let the laptop sit down for at least 15 minutes to let as much water move away from the inside as possible.

3. Take the Laptop Apart

If wiping and holding your laptop upside-down isn’t enough, it’s time to deconstruct your laptop as much as possible and get directly to the inside. The most you may be able to do is pop out your laptop battery, as the rest may be difficult to get to.

If you aren’t sure how to take your laptop apart successfully, hold off on this step. You may cause even more damage to your laptop or may even be left without knowing how to put it back together.

If you can remove your laptop battery or other components, carefully dry these parts with a towel as well.

4. Use as Much Air as Possible

Whether you’ve been able to deconstruct your laptop or you’re still on step two, use air to dry the rest of the laptop. The best method to use is compressed air since you’ll get a powerful, targeted stream.

If you don’t have compressed air, you can also use a hairdryer. Just be sure you’re using the hairdryer on the cool setting so you aren’t overheating any of the laptop’s components.

If all else fails, keep your laptop as open as possible and sitting upside down. Try to bring it as close as possible to a fan or other source of air.

5. Wait Patiently

The last step is the hardest. After you’ve done everything you can, leave the laptop alone in an upside-down position. If there’s any liquid left inside, you’ll need to wait for it to drain out before you can determine the damage (if any).

You might think that there’s more you should be doing, but there’s not much you can do if you’ve already followed the four steps above. 

After at least 24 hours, check your laptop by turning it on and making sure it’s working properly.

Reach Out to Professional Laptop Repair Services

Knowing what to do when you spill water on your laptop is the best way to prevent serious damage. Unfortunately, we can’t always prevent simple mistakes like knocking over a cup of water.

If the water damage immediately seems severe or your laptop isn’t working after following our step-by-step guide, it’s time to reach out to professional services. A professional laptop repair technician is trained to work quickly and protect the key components from water damage.

Contact Fruit Fixed today for comprehensive laptop and computer repair services. Technicians are available to offer quality laptop repair in Virginia.

Justin Drake Carroll Apple, iPad

Troubleshoot First: What to Do With Common iPad Issues

Over the last decade, Apple has sold 360 million iPads. There have been several generations since the tablet hit the market in 2010.

The more things change, though, the more they stay the same. Every generation of iPad has introduced new features. They’ve also introduced new bugs.

There is good news. Many of the common iPad issues you’ll encounter are easy to fix on your own. If you’re having trouble with your iPad, check out this troubleshooting guide.

Fixing Frozen Screens on iPads

One of the most common iPad issues is the screen freezing. If your iPad has stopped working, it could be due to the apps running on it. It may be overloaded, or you may have malicious apps running in the background.

If your iPad freezes, try powering it off and on. This will sometimes clear the screen.

In some cases, you’ll need to force the iPad to restart to clear the frozen screen. Hold the power button and the home button for 10 seconds, or until the Apple logo appears.

Some newer iPads don’t have a home button. To restart them, press and release the volume up button. Then press and quickly release the volume down.

Finally, press and hold the power button until the iPad restarts.

iPad Won’t Power on

Sometimes, an iPad won’t work because its battery is completely drained.

If your iPad won’t power on, try the instructions above for resetting it. This should reboot your iPad.

If it doesn’t work, it may be because the battery is drained. It’s time to plug your iPad in and let it recharge. In about 20 minutes, the iPad should have enough juice to turn on.

Don’t panic if it still doesn’t turn on. Check to make sure the iPad is drawing power. You can try another wall outlet, and you can usually check to see if the iPad is charging.

Using the original adapter can also help. Other adapters and connection wires may not charge your iPad as efficiently.

iPad Issues With Battery Charge

If you plug your iPad in and let it charge for 20 minutes, and it still doesn’t turn on, you may have a battery issue on your hands.

If you’ve plugged your iPad into a computer, it may not be receiving enough power to recharge. This is why you should use the wall adapter instead.

If the iPad isn’t charging with the original adapter and cable, you should check these items. If the adapter or connection wire is damaged, you should replace them. A faulty connector wire is more common than an issue with the iPad itself.

There are cases where the iPad has an electrical issue that’s preventing proper charging. In these cases, it’s best to get in touch with a specialist. It’s possible to fix electrical issues, so don’t rush out to buy a new iPad just yet.

You might be able to get your iPad to charge, but the battery just keeps draining. This is another common issue. The good news is it doesn’t always mean the battery is cooked.

A rapidly depleting battery can be caused by:

  • Apps that are open or running in the background
  • Poor battery and app usage settings
  • Outdated software, including iOS

If your battery is draining quickly, try force closing apps and restarting the iPad. You should also install updates and reset the battery usage management settings.

If the battery is still draining much faster than normal, try restoring the factory or default settings on the iPad. If the problem persists, it’s time to take it to the specialists.

Wi-Fi Connection Issues on iPad

Most people use their iPads to stream music and TV shows, play games, and access social media. All these activities require an internet connection.

If you can’t connect to Wi-Fi, you may need to do some iPad troubleshooting. The first step is always to make sure your iPad has Wi-Fi enabled.

To check this, check Settings -> Wi-Fi. If your Wi-Fi is on and the iPad still won’t connect, you can try a few tricks to get it to work:

  • Power the iPad on and off
  • Restore the device settings
  • Update to the latest iOS software

It’s also a wise idea to try connecting to another Wi-Fi network. Sometimes, your iPad will be able to connect to other networks without issue.

If you’re having issues with a specific network, tell the iPad to “forget” the network. Restart the device, then try connecting to the network again.

If you’re still having trouble, you might want to check in with your internet provider or a specialist. Your iPad may be incompatible with a router or another device.

Issues With AirDrop and iTunes

Although Apple discontinued iTunes in 2019, many people are still running it. iTunes can create a back up for your iPad, among other features.

Sometimes, your iPad won’t connect to an “unrecognized” version of iTunes. This usually happens when you connect the iPad to a new computer or laptop.

You should make sure you have the latest version of iTunes on the computer. Then restart your iPad. Reconnect and make sure the USB connections are good.

If it still won’t connect, restart the computer or try reinstalling iTunes on the computer.

AirDrop is another app that sometimes causes issues. The most common fix is to toggle the AirDrop share settings to “Everyone.”

If that doesn’t work, you can try turning Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on and off on the iPad. If you’re still having issues, try force restarting the two devices you’re connecting.

If it’s still not working, log in to iCloud again on your iPad. You should also check that your iOS is up to date. Finally, you can try resetting networks.

Get an Easy Fix for Your iPad

As you can see, most of these iPad issues also have fairly easy iPad fixes. Sometimes, though, what seems to be a small issue can be a larger one.

If you’re consistently having problems with your iPad, it’s time to get in touch with the experts. They can help with iPad problems of any size, which can save you in the long run.

Justin Drake Carroll iPhone

Broken iPhone? How to Get It Fixed During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Your iPhone is at the center of your life. 

From photos, texts, and other important information, your iPhone carries all of your resources and content. During the coronavirus pandemic, it can seem like the worst time to have a broken iPhone. However, if your iPhone is broken, there is no reason to panic. 

There are ways to get it repaired even if most tech stores are closed. Here is how to get your broken iPhone fixed during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Troubleshoot Your iPhone’s Software

If your iPhone seems to have a software issue, there are ways to troubleshoot it without leaving your home. Say your phone appears to run slower or is glitching, you can perform a hard reset to kick it back into gear. 

How to Perform a Hard Reset: 

– Quickly hit the up and down buttons on the side of your iPhone

– Hold down the power button. 

– Keep holding the power button until an Apple logo appears. 

A hard reset can help boot your phone back; it does not erase any data but can help eliminate any irritating bugs that can happen if your phone has been on and running for a while. 

How to Check Your iPhone’s Battery

Does your iPhone’s Battery ever drain rapidly? There are ways to manage your battery usage and make sure it is functioning correctly. 

There are ways to maximize battery performance. These include going to Settings > Low Power Mode. What Low Power Mode does is that it temporarily reduces background activity. Downloads and mail fetch are disabled until you can fully charge your phone. 

You can also use Low Power Mode even if your Battery is plenty charged. It helps save power if you will be away from a charger for an extended period of time. Additionally, if you feel like there is something mechanically wrong with your Battery, you can also check its health status. 

To check your Battery’s health status, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. What this will show you is how to check your Maximum Capacity, which is the measure of battery capacity relative to when the phone was new. 

Lower capacity means fewer hours between uses and charges. Additionally, this will show you if your Battery may need to be replaced. If your phone seems to be shutting down often, your phone may enable peak performance capability.  

What this means is that your iPhone will maximize the Battery’s usage, but performance can suffer. With this feature, applications may take longer to load, and your iPhone may feel sluggish. 

If this happens, your broken iPhone Battery may need replacing. Don’t fret, as there are many ways to get your iPhone battery replaced conveniently at this time.   

iPhone Will Not Hold a Charge

Say you plug your iPhone in, and you feel looseness. Or, you plug your iPhone in, and nothing happens. There may be an easy fix on how to help your iPhone hold a charge. 

First, check for debris. If your phone has been in and out of a pocket, there could be some lint that is stuck in the charging port. Additionally, with time, the port can just become dirty from dust and debris in the air. 

To check for debris, turn your phone off and use a toothpick to dig out any debris.

Be careful with this. 

The charging port in an iPhone houses many tiny pins that are fragile. Take your time and go slow to clear out any debris, and make sure you are not tugging on any pins. Also, make sure your lightning cable is free from debris. 

Use a microfiber cloth to tidy up your cord. Also, check the cord to make sure it isn’t limp or broken. If any cables inside are broken, it can cause issues for charging. The power adapter is also crucial. 

Make sure your power adapter is the correct one. Most iPhones use a 5W USB adapter. If you have the iPhone 8 or higher, you can use a 29W USB-C adapter for fast charging. Additionally, if you have the iPhone 8 or higher, you can wirelessly charge on a charging pad and avoid cords altogether. 

Broken iPhone Will Not Power On 

If your iPhone does not power on, there can be a multitude of reasons why. 

First is the software. As previously mentioned, you can troubleshoot your software. However, if your iPhone is entirely blank, you may have to go to more extreme measures to get it up and running again. 

Go to iCloud.com on a computer and turn off “Find My iPhone.” From there, plug your device into iTunes. Hold the top left side button and the power button at the same time. iTunes will guide you; sometimes, it will prompt you to update your software or erase the device. 

If it is just a software update, proceed. Your iPhone most likely powered off due to a software update failure. However, if iTunes prompts you to erase all content and settings, then you may have to restore your iPhone. 

This helps your software start fresh. Though it may seem intimidating, as long as you had a valid iCloud backup or have your content saved elsewhere, you will be fine to proceed with the erase and setup. 

Take Charge of Your iPhone

At this moment, it can be a bad time to have a broken iPhone. However, with the right tools and resources, you can quickly get it fixed. If your iPhone is suffering from physical damage like a broken screen, check out some resources that can fix it for you at a reasonable rate.

Check out our blog for more information and to take charge of your technology. 

Justin Drake Carroll Android Phone

7 Major Warning Signs Your Android Has a Phone Virus

On average, one in every five mobile phone users holds onto their smartphones for at least 2.5 years. This recent research by Deloitte on media and telecommunication suggests that people are holding to their mobile phone gadgets for longer.  

This is evident as the available options when it comes to repairs and accessories increase. However, holding on to a phone for longer also means that the extent of personal information stored on such gadgets increases with time.

A virus attack is the last thing you would anticipate. Nonetheless, a phone virus is a common threat to smartphone users, given the growing risk of online vulnerabilities. But what are some of the common phone virus warning signs?  

1. Pop-ups

The total digital ad spending in the U.S. hit a staggering $57.9 billion last year. Mobile ads take up the lion’s share of this budget with at least 60% of the total. The need to push ads has been the reason for the rise in the number of pop-ups on your mobile phones.

While some pop-ups are legitimate, most pop-ups on your mobile are a result of phone viruses. It might mean that your smartphone has adware if you’ve noted overbearing adverts on your phone lately. Such adware can infect your phone with malicious codes, which pose a threat to your personal information.

What adware does is to create ads with links to specific web pages or apps. These ads can cause adverse security breaches on your phone. 

Never click on any link attached to a pop-up. This adware can have adverse effects on the safety of any data on your mobile phone. If you notice an unexplainable surge in the number of pop-ups on your phone, you should seek immediate help.

2. Draining Battery 

If you are wondering how to detect phone virus signs, you should pay attention to your phone’s battery performance. The top 20% of smartphone users spend upwards of four and a half hours on their phones. With such usage, it might be hard to keep track of your battery usage regularly.

If all factors remain constant, your battery should drain systematically for at least 7 hours. Even then, you should be able to undertake typical functionalities such as making calls, texting, or basic surfing through the internet with ease. If you realize that your battery is draining faster than usual lately, it might be a malware attack. 

Your battery runs faster when your phone is under attack from malware. This malware often leaves your device struggling with excessive exhaustion.

Poor battery life might also be an indicator that you’re using a buggy or poorly written app. Most times, however, the unusual discharge of your battery might be because of a phone virus. 

3. Excess Data Consumption 

The average cost of 1 GB data in the United States averages around $ 12.37. Compared to most other countries, this charge is somewhat expensive. Any additional unusual data consumption can cause a massive dent in your pocket.  

If you’ve been noticing a strange increase in your average data consumption and the resultant cost of data, you could be staring at a virus attack. Most malicious applications spend much data sending and receiving information to malicious sources.

Luckily you can keep track of the apps that consume most of your data. If you notice a strange depletion of your phone’s data, then it might be time to uninstall such apps. If you aren’t careful, you might incur a lot of money due to frequent depletion.

4. Crashing Apps

Do you ever experience sudden application crashes when using your phone? Such instances may be an indicator of a more serious internal issue, which might require expert intervention. However, viruses cause most of such cases of sudden app crashes.

Viruses tend to tamper with your phone’s regular operations. Such interruptions often lead to recurrent app-related crashes, which affect your phone’s optimal performance. It might help to consult our team of highly qualified smartphone repair experts in such cases. 

Consulting a professional can help you identify the best android anti-virus programs that best suit your phone. This is possible once the experts run a diagnostic test on the gadget and conduct the necessary cleanup processes.  

5. New Applications

Does your phone have apps you never installed? One of the most common indicators of an apparent virus attack is the presence of apps you never downloaded on your phone. It would help to keep checking your phone for any strange apps you don’t ever remember installing. 

Such apps might be spyware. Malicious entities use illegal means such as fake clicks to entice online users into the trap. Once these apps end up on your phone, they spy for any personal but valuable information for malicious ends.

If you’ve noticed one or two new, yet strange applications, this could be one of the many phone virus warning signs. You might need to consult our team of seasoned techies to fix your android products with guaranteed outcomes.

6. If Your Phone Has Been Sending Strange Texts

Most times, Malware attacks manifest through the constant sending of spam texts to random numbers on your phone. Such instances can lead to virus infections in your contact’s phones if they open such texts. 

If you’re wondering how to detect a phone virus on your phone, you need to pay attention to any strange texts sent to premium numbers. You can do this by keeping track of your text messages charges. Any extra costs might be an indicator of a phone virus. 

7. Poor Performance 

Smartphones are generally fast. The speed with which your phone responds to commands might be subject to many factors. Key among these factors is the invasion of viruses. 

If your phone is under a virus attack, this might have a significant implication on performance. Slow loading speeds could confirm that you have a virus on your phone.  

Before you consider counting your losses and buying a new phone, it would help to consult phone repair professionals on the extent of damage on the phone. Trojan horses are the most notorious viruses for causing performance interference on android phones. 

You No Longer Have to Worry About Phone Virus 

Your phone accesses scores of unverified websites, opens suspicious emails, and receives thousands of texts annually, which could increase the rate of vulnerability to online threats. With such exposures, a phone virus could be an inevitable outcome. 

While phone viruses are rare, this age of technology presents new levels of vulnerabilities. But with our team of seasoned phone and tech products repair experts, you no longer have to worry about having to dispose of your phone due to viruses. We have the solution you need. 

Are you looking for professional technicians for all your phone repair needs? Visit our page today for low price repairs.

Justin Drake Carroll iPhone

Top 8 iPhone Security Tips To Keep Your Information Safe

From pictures to texts to important emails, there are likely a lot of things on your iPhone that you don’t want others to see. When we think of protecting our information from online hackers, we tend to think of our computers. However, your iPhone is just as vulnerable as your computer. So, what can you do to protect it from hackers? Check out this guide on iPhone security to discover the top tips to keep your information safe. 

1. Turn USB Restricted Mode On

USB restricted mode is a relatively new iPhone feature that you may not know about yet. This feature makes it so USB accessories that are plugged into your device can’t make data connections with your iPhone and other Apple devices. 

This helps prevent what is known as “juice jacking“, which is when someone can install malware on your device or information can be stolen from your device via a USB charging port. 

To turn the USB restricted mode on, you first need to go to your Settings. Then, click on Touch ID and Passcode, and from there you’ll need to type in your passcode. Then, scroll down and make sure that the setting that says “USB accessories aren’t permitted on the lock screen” is turned off. 

2. Use the Enable My iPhone Feature 

Apple comes with a built-in tracking software known as Find My iPhone. This software uses GPS to locate a lost or stolen phone. 

In addition to helping you find your phone, this feature also uses built-in security features such as Activation Lock. This feature prevents anyone else from using your iPhone, and to gain access, they’ll need your password and Apple ID.

Without this info, no one will be able to turn off the Find My iPhone feature, erase your device, or turn your device off and reactivate it. 

To make sure this feature is up and running, here’s what you need to do:

  • Go to Settings and click User Name and then iCloud
  • Scroll to the bottom and click Find My iPhone
  • Toggle to “turn on Find My iPhone”
  • If prompted, enter your Apple ID

This is a great way to keep your phone protected in the event someone steals it. 

3. Turn On Automatic iOS Updates 

Apple is constantly coming out with new updates that help ensure the security of your device. To make sure your device has the best security possible, you need to make sure you’re updating your apps and operating systems on a consistent basis. 

Not only does updating add some cool new features, but it also addresses something known as software vulnerability. A software vulnerability is a weakness or hole in security in a software program or operating system. 

Hackers can write a code to target this specific vulnerability. If no action is taken on your part, then you leave your device susceptible to these hackers. 

This is why you need to make sure your iPhone is automatically updating, To do this, you need to go to your Settings and then click General and Software Update. Then, turn on automatic updates and you’ll be good to go. 

4. Disable Lock Screen Options 

The lock screen on your iPhone has something that’s known as widgets. These widgets allow you to quickly access certain features such as your camera, WiFi settings, Bluetooth settings, and wallet. 

While clicking on a widget doesn’t give someone full access to your device, it can allow someone to discover some of your personal information. To prevent this from happening, all you need to do is disable your lock screen. 

To do this, go to your Settings and click on the Control Center. Then, toggle off the widgets that you don’t want to appear on your lock screen. 

5. Set Up Two-Factor Authentication 

Two-factor authentication, also known as 2FA, makes it much harder for someone to gain access to your phone. 

In addition to your passcode, 2FA requires a second form of identity verification. The other method of identification may include a:

  • Form of biometric authentication, such as a fingerprint or voiceprint
  • Credit card, ATM card, or some type of security token such as a key fob
  • Password, pin, or some other pattern

To set up two-factor authentication, go to your Settings and tap your name. Then, click on Password & Security, then click on “Turn on Two Factor Authentication” and follow the prompts. 

6. Use Face ID or Touch ID 

In addition to setting up a strong passcode and two-factor authentication, you can also bolster your protection by enabling both Face ID and Touch ID. 

To set up both of these, go to your Settings and click on Face ID and Passcode. If prompted, enter your passcode. Next, tap “set up face ID” and then follow the on-screen instructions. 

7. Make Sure Your Screen Locks Quickly

The quicker your screen locks, the less time someone will have to grab your phone and access your information. 

To keep your phone as secure as possible, we suggest setting “Require Password” to Immediately. This means that every time you open your phone, you’ll need to enter your password. 

To set it to Immediately, go to your Settings and click on the General button. Then, hit Auto-lock and you’ll be good to go. 

8. Use Additional Encryption When Backing Up Your Device 

You likely have sensitive data on your phone that you want to keep a copy of and protect. 

When backing up your devices, the best thing to do is to connect them to your computer and use iTunes. To keep your data protected, you need to make sure your iTunes is set up to encrypt the data you’re backing up. 

To do this, open your iTunes when connecting your device to your computer. Then, select your device from the iTunes drop-down menu and in the Backups section, check the box that says “Encrypt iPhone Backup”. From there, you’ll be asked to create a passcode. 

iPhone Security: Are You Ready to Protect Your iPhone? 

Now that you’ve read these iPhone security tips, it’s time to put them into action so you can keep your information safe. 

Also, be sure to check out this post on what to do if your iPhone won’t charge. 

Justin Drake Carroll iPhone

5 Common Reasons for Your iPhone Not Sending Texts

Are you have trouble sending text messages on your iPhone?

There’s nothing more frustrating than sending a text message to someone you know, then have a conversation with them later and ask them, “did you get my text?” Their response? “No.” 

Talk about frustrating.

There are many reasons why your iPhone may not be sending messages. Before getting wrapped up on the phone with your carriers customer service hotline, look into these 5 common reasons for your iPhone not sending texts.

Things You Need To Know About Your iPhone Messaging

Your iPhone uses two different methods when it comes to sending messages. The first method is iMessage, which is Apple’s own messaging service that is sent using the internet using your carriers mobile data. 

Messages between iPhones will send this way, and you’ll know when your messages are sent and received in blue bubbles.

The other way to send messages is via SMS or  Short Messaging Service. This is the standard way to send text messages and is usually supported by all cell phone carriers.

So without further ado, let’s get into the reasons why your messaging is working.

1. No Service

One of the most common reasons why your phone isn’t sending messages is there may be no signal or service. 

Make sure you check the top left on your iPhone screen and see how many bars you have. If there are no bars, you may not have any service. If this happens, you may have to relocate to receive a better signal or wait until you get service again.

When you are are in a high traffic area like a busy mall or a big event with lots of people, the bandwidth from your carrier might be congested and weakens your service signal.

Bottom line, check your signal bars, and you might get your answer to why your texts aren’t sending. Once service is restored, the messages that you sent will automatically send.

2. Your Network Settings are Misconfigured

Sometimes you may not be paying attention, and you may click something in the network settings that shouldn’t be clicked.

Check to make sure you’re not in Airplane mode. Airplane mode will kill all wireless network connections – Bluetooth, mobile data, calling, and text messaging. 

If you’re not in airplane mode, go to settings and click on the messages tab. Make sure iMessage is set to ‘ON’, and ‘Send as SMS’ is also set to on. If these two actions are clicked off, your messages won’t send even if you have a good cellular connection.

3. Check the Number

If you’re sending a text message and they aren’t going through, check to make sure that the number you are sending to is the correct number. This is especially important if you haven’t messaged someone in a long time. 

The recipient may have changed their number or possibly have blocked your number. The best way to troubleshoot this is by texting someone you know who will respond. If they do respond, then you know that you’re messaging is working correctly, but not with the intended recipient.

In some cases, the carrier of your recipient may be having problems with their network or messaging platform.

4. Your iPhone May be Glitching

Let’s face it, technology isn’t perfect, and that goes for your iPhone too. There may be a bug that causing the problem with your messages, not sending. If you download a lot of third-party apps, there’s a possibility it may contain malware or spyware that can mess with your phone’s system. 

If you suspect that a third-party app is causing the problem, first try restarting your phone. Start by turning your phone off. Wait 20 seconds, then turn it back on and try sending a text.

You can also find apps that are designed to find any type of malware and spyware and have them removed from your phone.

5. Carrier Settings or iOS Needs to Be Updated

There are settings on your iPhone that help you communicate with a network to make calls, transfer data, and send messages. Wireless carriers may update the settings, and you’ll need to follow suit. Make sure you check with your carrier to see if there are any updates to the carrier settings.

Also, always make sure that your iPhone has the latest iOS update. Check this by going to ‘Settings’ click ‘General’ and check ‘Software Update.’ Making sure these two things are correct may solve your iPhone messaging problems.

iPhone not sending texts and You’ve Tried Everything

iPhone not sending Texts? There is one last resort you can do to resolve the problem possibly. If you’ve checked the 5 tips above and you’re messaging is still not going through, its time to reset your network settings configurations.

Resetting your network settings will get your phone back to its original network settings when you first bought the phone. 

Start by navigating through ‘Settings and click on the ‘General’ Tab. Click ‘Reset’ then click on ‘Reset Network Settings.’

Still No Luck? Time to Contact a Professional

if you’ve gone through the five steps, and have done a network reset are still having problems with the iPhone not sending texts, there could be a hardware issue or problems with your iOS software. 

Luckily there are professional repair services that can help you with your problems. Our technicians are skilled to tackle most problems with your device and get you back to connectivity.

Feel free to contact us, and we’ll help you with your problems in the fastest and most affordable way.