Justin Drake Carroll Android Phone

Android 10 Hidden Features: What Are They and Why Use Them?

Did you know that there are 2.5 billion active Android users across 190 countries? Despite this operating system being so popular, most of us actually don’t know how to take full advantage of everything it has to offer! While you might think you know your phone inside and out, we’re willing to bet that there are some hidden features you aren’t aware of. Once you learn them, it’ll make life so much easier! So read on, as here are some Android 10 hidden features you should know about.

Fast App-Switching

You might already know that you can switch between apps by bringing up the app screen, scrolling through them, and picking the one you want. But if you’re using just a few apps and you’re switching between them often, this can get annoying.

You can quickly switch between your last 2 apps by double-tapping the Overview key. It’s very handy if say, you’re on a call and need to look at information to give the other person!

Smart Reply

As the name implies, Smart Reply will allow you to respond quickly to messages with preset replies.

This might sound familiar, as the tech’s been around for years now. However, Smart Reply takes it a step further: with its AI, it’ll learn which responses you usually send, and it’ll generate those as quick options so you can just tap them and go.

For those who are concerned about data privacy, get peace of mind knowing that the Smart Reply options all deal with local data. None of this will be sent to Android, so don’t worry!

Family Link

Family Link is actually made by Google and it allows you to supervise your children’s phone activity! What’s great about Family Link is you won’t have to download another app; you can already find it on Android 10 phones.

Just go to the Digital Wellbeing app, which you’ll use to link your kids’ phones to yours. From here, you can control which apps they can see or download. Not only that, but you can also see what apps they’re using and for how long, so it can be an excellent way to tell if they’re actually doing their homework or not.

Another cool feature of Family Link is you can control their in-app purchases remotely. So if you need to leave for a business trip, you can still supervise your kids’ phone activities!

Family Link grows with you as well. As your kids become older and more responsible, you can customize the app approvals so they can make their own app purchases while still allowing you to manage them.

Focus Mode

Are you guilty of picking up your phone and scrolling through it whenever you’re bored or procrastinating? Do you want to reduce your screen time and spend more time in the real world? Then you should consider using Focus Mode.

You can also find this feature in the Digital Wellbeing app for Android 10. From there, you can select the particular apps you want to lock away while Focus Mode is on. This means you won’t be able to open them, which can help you focus.

The app will also hide any push notifications from the app. If you’d rather have these on, thankfully, you can set Focus Mode to allow important notifications to come through.

Should you get tempted and click on any of the selected apps, your phone will tell you that Focus Mode is on and bar you from opening up those apps. 

Do Not Disturb

You might already know about this feature, but did you know you can customize it? Not only can you toggle this feature on when you don’t want to be disturbed, but you can also set it so it allows certain people to get through this barrier.

In addition, you can also set rules for how this app behaves at different times, as well as conditions. For example, you can set it so that if the phone detects that you’re driving, Do Not Disturb automatically turns on.

Live Captions

Do you have a hearing impairment? Or do you just find it hard to understand people when you’re on video chats or watching videos on your phone, which might have subpar speakers?

One of the best hidden Android features is something called Live Caption. Basically, anything you play on your phone will become captioned, even live calls!

This app actually first came out on Pixel phones only. However, Live Caption is now available on all Android 10 phones!

Not only can you get all audio captioned, but you can also change the font size if the default’s hard to read. Just double-tap the caption box and it’ll get bigger. You can also press and hold the caption box, then drag it anywhere you want on the screen in case it’s blocking key visual information.

Guest Mode

Let’s say you’re very particular about your phone and you don’t like it when others mess around with it. You also don’t want them being nosy and investigating what you’ve been using and/or browsing on your phone.

This is where Guest Mode comes in. Go into the System app and then select “Multiple users” under “Advanced”. You can then toggle Guest Mode onto “on”.

Now, whoever you hand your phone to will get a very basic screen to work with. Whatever they do while Guest Mode is on won’t impact your actual account.

Do note that this feature isn’t available on Samsung phones. But for all other Android 10 phones, you’ll enjoy this hidden feature!

Use These Android 10 Hidden Features for a Better Time

As you can see, there are plenty of Android 10 hidden features to explore. You might’ve already been aware of some, but we’ll bet there are at least a few features you weren’t aware of!

From Smart Reply and Family Link, to Live Captions and Guest Mode, you’ll have plenty of hidden phone features to customize your phone for better convenience.

If your Android phone isn’t working properly, then have us repair it. We have several locations for your convenience!

Justin Drake Carroll Phone FAQs

How to Clean Your Phone: A Step-By-Step Guide

Did you know that cell phones have over 17,000 bacterial gene copies on them? This might have you feeling a bit grossed out. Even prior to the pandemic this is cause for concern, as the bacteria has the potential to make you sick.

But before you go dunking your phone in water and bleach, think again. While chemicals like bleach can definitely be heavy-duty germ killers, they can damage your phone!

So how can you clean your phone so you don’t have to worry about those germs anymore?

Read on to find out how to clean your phone in a safe and efficient way.

Turn Off Your Phone

Before you start cleaning your phone, you need to turn it off first. This ensures that if any liquid accidentally gets inside the ports, it won’t malfunction.

This is true for all smartphones, even those that are water-resistant. To decrease the risk of damage, it’s best if you avoid getting liquids in your phone, period.

You’ll also want to remove it from its case and unplug all the attachments so you can completely clean all surfaces on your phone.

Wash Your Hands

Another thing you’ll want to do is wash your hands thoroughly before cleaning your phone. Otherwise, you’ll just get more germs on it after cleaning, which will defeat the purpose of even doing so in the first place!

While most of us know how to wash our hands, it never hurts to have a refresher. You’ll want to wet your hands, lather them with soap, and scrub for at least 20 seconds (hum the birthday song; its length is around 20 seconds long). Then rinse off the soap and dry your hands off completely.

Use Antibacterial Wipes

If you’ve got something like Lysol wipes in your house, these are perfect for cleaning your phone! Grab a sheet and wipe down the entire outside of your smartphone.

If you’re wondering how to clean your phone screen, you can use the wipes still. Make sure to wipe gently to ensure you don’t accidentally scratch the surfaces and/or screen.

If you have a cracked screen, you might want to get that repaired first before you start cleaning your phone. The liquids can get in the cracks and possibly damage your phone further!

Now let your phone air dry for at least 15 minutes. Not only does this give the antibacterial wipes more time to work their magic, but it also ensures that you’re not putting your phone back into its case wet, which can cause it to grow mold or mildew.

Use an Alcohol-Based Disinfectant Cleaner

If you don’t have antibacterial wipes, then you can use an alcohol-based disinfectant cleaner instead. Make sure it has at least 70% isopropyl, as this is the strength needed to kill germs effectively.

Get a microfiber cloth and spray it with the cleaner. Now wipe your phone thoroughly with the cloth.

Like with the antibacterial wipes, you’ll want to allow your phone to dry for at least 15 minutes before you touch it again.

How to Clean Your Accessories

In addition to cleaning your phone, you’ll want to clean your accessories as well. Here’s some advice on how to get a completely clean phone!

How to Clean the Case

The way to clean your case will depend on what material it’s made of.

Plastic is more durable, so it’ll be easier to clean. Simply make a bleach or dish soap solution, soak your case for 5-10 minutes, and then scrub it with a sponge or toothbrush to get rid of dirt and grime. Then rinse it off completely.

For all other materials, you’ll want to use a dish soap or vinegar solution. These are gentler!

You can clean your case thoroughly once a month and then use things like antibacterial wipes once a week for maintenance.

How to Clean Your Earbuds

First, pop off the silicone covers if there are any. Soak them in a dish soap solution for at least 30 minutes. After that, dip a Q-tip in the solution and scrub them to get rid of excess dirt and grime.

You can then rinse the covers and leave them to air-dry overnight.

To clean the earbud mesh cover, dip a Q-tip in isopropyl alcohol and rub it over the mesh. Make sure you don’t use too much alcohol since it can drip in and damage your earbuds.

Now dip a microfiber cloth in the isopropyl and wipe the outer surfaces of your earbuds. You should also clean the cords if you don’t have wireless earbuds.

Lastly, let your earbuds air-dry for at least 15 minutes.

How Often to Clean Your Phone

Now that you know how to clean your phone, you might be wondering how often you should do so.

In general, you’ll want to clean your phone and its accessories once a week. However, if you use your phone quite a bit, you’ll want to bump it up to a few times a week, or even every day if you’re out and about daily. On the other hand, if your phone’s pretty neglected, you can get away with a less frequent cleaning schedule.

The important thing is that you clean it on a regular basis so the bacteria doesn’t get a chance to multiply and thrive, which can make you sick.

Know How to Clean Your Phone Right

After reading this article, you should now know how to clean your phone in the correct fashion, as well as your case and accessories.

Make sure you clean them on a regular basis since your phone is a hot touchpoint. Considering we’re in the middle of a serious pandemic, it wouldn’t hurt to step up your cleaning schedule so you can get peace of mind about staying healthy!

If you’ve already tried some ways to clean your phone prior to reading this post, then it might not be functioning correctly. In that case, we’re here to help! Start a smartphone repair with us now and we’ll get you back up and running again!

Justin Drake Carroll Phone FAQs

Slow Mobile Data: The Cause and How to Fix It

Whether it’s patching up a cracked screen or dealing with a faulty OS, sometimes having a smartphone can feel like more hassle than it’s worth. One problem that many end up tangling with that complicates this matter is slow mobile data. And when data controls things like your ability to navigate or communicate, slow data can prove much more than an inconvenience. 

So what can you do to alleviate this problem and help your phone run a bit smoother?

Well, we’re glad you asked. It’s time to take a look at the causes of slow mobile data and how to fix them! Now let’s not waste any more time and get right into things!

Poor Signal Causes Slow Mobile Data

The first big culprit when it comes to slow mobile data is not having a good signal in whatever area you’re in. Rural areas tend to have fewer towers to access than urban areas, and some buildings with high concentrations of metal or concrete dull or cancel out cell signals.

In some cases, your data will roam, or give you a weaker signal from a different provider than you have. This happens when your phone cannot find a signal from your provider. This will also give you slower data, with the added downside that you’ll usually get charged extra on your phone bill for any data you use while roaming.

The easiest way to fix both issues is to move to a different area, preferably an open one in a more urban environment. You may also want to look into switching to a network provider with better coverage in your area. 

Outdated SIM Card

If you’re using an older model of phone, an outdated SIM card could prove responsible for your lethargic data speed. This is because older SIM cards are designed to work with the network of their era (like 3G or 4G) and thus cannot connect to newer networks like 5G to gain a faster connection.

That said, swapping the SIM card out for a newer model should do the trick. You’ll just need to find a SIM card of the correct size to fit your model of phone. 

Crowded Network

Sometimes, you’ll experience slower mobile speeds due to the fact that there are too many people using the network at once for it to handle.  As a result, the network slows the connection to compensate for the added load. The most common network jam times tend to sit around first thing in the morning and the evening, though you may experience different high-traffic times. 

To get around this, figure out which times your network is under the most duress and try to schedule your data use away from those times. You can also use Wi-Fi to circumvent the clog in the mobile provider’s network. 

Issues with Mobile Provider

Another frequent cause of slow data speeds on smartphones comes courtesy of the data limit imposed by your mobile provider. Some providers impose data limits on plans (even “unlimited” ones), meaning that you get unlimited data but will experience reduced speed once your usage hits a certain number. It’s important to note that your speeds will also go down if someone else on your plan goes past the limit.

This saves the provider money, as it reduces the strain on their network and saves them from having to buff it up more to meet demand.

Of course, if you have a limited data plan, you could also experience slow speeds (or no speed at all) once you’ve used up all your data for the month. You’ll want to upgrade to a bigger data plan or swap providers to help turn those speeds around. If that’s out of your price range, you can also try spacing out your data usage more across the month to avoid hitting that cap. 

VPN Use and Other Settings

While VPN’s (or virtual private networks) are great for adding extra security to your data and spoofing different locations, it’s not so great at bringing your reliable data speed. This is because a VPN works by taking all the data you send and filtering it through a private network before it hits the Internet. Even though this happens in less than a second, the delay between networks still means that your data speed gets slashed down.

So, if you don’t plan on handling sensitive data, try switching off your VPN the next time you use mobile data.

While we’re on the subject of network settings, it’s also worth looking to see if you have the data saver option turned on. Disabling this option will increase your data consumption, but also give a slight speed boost.

Your Phone is Clogged Up

How many data-using apps do you have open at one time? Having too many of these apps open at once divides your speed into small pieces to give each app something, meaning you’ll end up with a lot of slow apps. Close any apps that aren’t in use and try to only keep one or two open at a time to maintain peak data speed.

That said, sometimes the data clog comes from your phone’s memory getting overstuffed, which saps speed for all tasks your phone runs (even those that don’t require data). Get rid of old files, or clear your Internet browser cache. This removes temporary files your phone uses to recall information you’ve entered on websites.

Finally, sometimes your phone needs a quick restart. Whether it’s an OS update you missed that needs a restart to finish or a chance to purge some more temporary files, a restart can do wonders for data speed. 

Back to Lightning-Fast Speeds

And that’s all there is to it! Now that you know about the different causes of slow mobile data and how to fix them, you’re equipped to bring your phone back up to lighting-fast data speed! 

But what if your phone needs fixing or a tune-up to get back to its former glory? In that case, reach out to us and check out the wide variety of repair services we offer!

Justin Drake Carroll iPhone

Where to Go For iPhone Repair + Near Me: A Brief Guide

Did you know that there are almost 2 billion Apple devices in use around the globe?

While they’re one of the most popular and respected brands, sometimes it’s necessary to get an iPhone battery replacement or some other kind of repair. After all, nothing lasts forever.

Are you wondering where you can get your phone repaired? Keep reading to learn all about where to go for iPhone repair + near me.

Read Online Reviews

Simply put, everyone’s phones have a bunch of sensitive data on them. From personal pictures and passwords to emails and credit card info, you should be very careful about where you get your phone serviced.

As you search for iPhone screen repair + near me, you can get a quick first impression by checking out the online reviews that have been left by previous customers. Not only should the business have a bunch of reviews, but most of those should be positive. Some negatives ones are always inevitable, but those should be the exception and not the rule.

Did you find a great place that has no negative reviews at all? Don’t get too excited because this can often be a red flag. This either means they haven’t been in business for very long, or it could mean that the positive reviews come from hired bots.

Compare Prices

If you’re on a tight budget, then it’s worth taking the time to compare iPhone screen repair + costs across various businesses. Some vendors list their prices on their website but, in other cases, you may need to make some phone calls.

Be sure to make a list that you can refer to as you conduct further research. Just don’t fall for the trap of choosing the lowest price you find. Aside from hidden fees, a really cheap quote could result in subpar service.

The phrase “you get what you pay for” is relevant to getting tech repairs done.

Ask Your Loved Ones

Aside from comparing iPhone screen repair costs, you could resort to asking friends and family members for recommendations. With so many people in possession of tech devices, chances are you know at least one person who has gotten repairs done.

They’ll be able to tell you which iPhone repair shop + near me is worth your time and which you should avoid. Even if they only have negative stories to share with you, then you can at least save your time and money by crossing those places off of your list. Once you find a great business, you can be the one to give them the helpful tip.

Check Their Warranties

If you’re still on the fence about where to get your iPad screen repair done, then you should take a look at their warranties and guarantees. Some places will allow you to return the phone for further repairs if it wasn’t done right the first time, for instance.

If they don’t give you that kind of courtesy, then you can end up spending a fortune by getting the same devices repaired again and again. At that point, it would be better to buy a whole new device. Of course, you can always save money on repairs when you go to a place that has a highly-train team running the show.

Once you find a reliable mac repair + store, the good news is that you can visit them for repairing other devices in the future instead of doing a bunch more research.

Consider Customer Service

Some places that do iPhone cracked screen repair have better customer service than others. You can gauge the quality of their customer service just by making a phone call and speaking with one of their representatives. If you get a good vibe from that person, then chances are everyone else who works there has the same amount of positive energy.

Another great way to gauge this is by going in person. Do they greet you with enthusiasm or do they ignore you until you go out of your way to get their attention? This may seem like small potatoes but the reality of the situation is that the smallest things can make the biggest differences when choosing between businesses.

Everyone wants to feel like a valued customer rather than an annoyance or a non-entity.

See How Busy They Are

The most reliable businesses will get a lot of customers, of course, but it’s crucial that they know how to handle the logistics of this. Even the best business for phone repairs isn’t going to be worth waiting weeks or longer.

Some places will allow you to pop in with your broken phone but there’s never a guarantee that they’ll be able to deal with your issue right away. In that case, you should see if they have appointments available on their website.

Aside from actually booking an appointment, there’s also the wait time for getting your tech repaired. Sometimes they can do it within half an hour to an hour but there are instances when it can take longer.

Changing a phone battery is one of the simplest repairs that can be done, so they shouldn’t have you waiting for very long. If you need more complicated repairs, then it’s understandable when the wait times are longer. In such situations, you should either bring a book or have plans to go run other errands that are in the nearby area.

Are You Ready for iPhone Repair + Near Me?

Now that you’ve learned all about where to go for iPhone repair + near me, you can make sure that your phone is working like a charm. The last thing you’d want is for your phone to go kaput when you need it most.

Fruit Fixed can repair just about any piece of technology you have, from iPhones and iPads to Macs and even game consoles. We also sell a wide range of tech pieces that we’ve made sure are fast and reliable.

We have seven convenient locations where you can meet with our knowledgeable experts, including the beautiful city of Charlottesville.

Justin Drake Carroll iPad

What to Do With a Cracked iPad Screen? An iPad Screen Repair Guide

iPads are prone to scratches, denting, and sadly cracks. If your iPad screen is cracked, it likely needs to be repaired. Now, you’re probably wondering, “how can I get it fixed?” Don’t worry with this guide; we go over what to do when your iPad screen is cracked. From using your extended warranty to accessing the damage, you can learn the steps to take next. Now, are you ready to get started? Here’s an in-depth look at iPad screen repair:

Do You Have AppleCare+? 

First thing first, do you have AppleCare+? Because if you do, then you may be in luck. One of the best features of the extended warranty is that it includes accidental damage like scratches and even a cracked screen. 

For an affordable service price of only $49, you can get the screen replaced. Not to mention if the touch ID no longer works due to the crack, you can get a second replacement that’s completely free.  

All you have to do is set up an appointment at your closest Apple store or mail in your iPad to Apple, and you’ll be good to go. 

Assessing the Damage of Your iPad Screen Repair

However, if you don’t have an extended warranty, don’t fret; there are other ways to fix your iPad’s cracked screen. But to determine the best to fix your iPad, you first need to assess the damage. 

If it’s a Small Crack 

Does your iPad have only a small crack? Is it thin and almost goes unnoticed? Well, then you have a plethora of options at your disposal. First, you can choose to ignore it. 

After all, tiny cracks typically won’t affect what you can or cannot do on your iPad. You may just have to be conscious of where you swipe with your finger. 

However, if you think the crack is spreading, don’t wait; take it to a repair shop. There a technician can repair the crack or replace the screen altogether. 

While most repair shops will suggest adding a better case or screen protector, thankfully, there are plenty of options to choose from these days. 

If you use your iPad for work, perhaps purchase an OtterBox case along with a screen protector. That way, the screen will be protected from further cracks, scratches, and other bumps. 

Another option would be if you dislike the crack on the screen so much you can always sell your iPad. Selling your iPad is a good choice at this stage. 

After all, if the crack gets bigger, people may not want it or be willing to pay much for it. Thus, it’s better to sell your iPad when it has only a few cracks. 

However, keep in mind, since it’s used and does have a crack, you probably won’t receive the retail price, although you’ll get at least some money for the item. With that money, you can save up to purchase a newer and improved iPad.

If it’s a Large Crack 

Now, is your iPad screen shattered or at least has a large crack that travels from the top to the bottom of the screen? If so, you have limited options. 

First things first, take your iPad to a repair shop. The technician will look over it and determine if the whole screen needs to be replaced or if there is something that can be done to salvage the remaining screen. 

Just understand it won’t be cheap. It can cost anywhere from $100 to close to $500 to repair a cracked screen depending on the year and model of your iPad. However, once it’s replaced, it will be good as new.  

Another option you can choose, although you may not like it, is to downsize your iPad. This works only if you have a larger iPad with a 9.7 inch or a 12.9-inch screen. 

Now, if you don’t care that much about size, this might be the option for you. Since it will cost less to purchase a smaller iPad than it will to repair your cracked one, you might as well purchase a brand new iPad. After all, the larger the iPad is, the more expensive it will be to repair. 

So if you’re tight on money, downsizing your iPad may be the best choice for you. Now, you can try selling it; however, due to the extensive crack, you’ll unlikely get many interested buyers unless you’re willing to break it up and sell it for parts. However, if you like your current iPad and want to keep it for its features or dislike the idea of transferring all your data onto a new iPad, then your best bet is to go to a repair shop. 

Get Your iPad Screen Repaired Today 

Does your iPad screen need to be repaired? Don’t worry; there are plenty of options to choose from to get it fixed. First, see if you have AppleCare+; if you do, you can get your crack screen replaced for only $50. 

However, if you don’t have an extended warranty, take your iPad to a repair shop. Here at FruitFix, we will help you through every turn of the repair process. 

With our knowledgeable technicians, we will repair your phone, tablet, computer, or game console within the proposed timeline. With affordable prices and the best customer service, you can expect FruitFix to be trustworthy and reliable.   

So what are you waiting for? Repair your iPad today!

Now, for more information about iPad screen repair, contact us today. We look forward to helping you!