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    Privacy how-to: Secure ways to hide naked photos

    Kim Komando has advice for keeping your most private photos private. (iStock)

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    When you host a national radio show about all things tech, you hear some pretty wild stories. There was the woman who called me because someone stalking her daughter knew when they were eating dinner — and even posted mom’s phone number on a porn site. Tap or click here to find out how I helped track down a stalker and get him arrested. 

    Some folks swear they’re being watched but don’t have the evidence or expertise to prove it. Tap or click for signs you’re being stalked and not just paranoid. 

    Then there’s the renowned professional fashion photographer who reached out recently. He’s taken pictures of all the famous supermodels. At home, he takes beautiful nude photos of his wife. Naturally, he wants to keep them safe. 

    If you have sensitive shots of any kind you want to protect, keep reading. 

    Encryption is the magic word 

    When you’re storing sensitive photos, you need to take extra precautions. I don’t recommend relying on Google Drive or iCloud alone. For one, they’re obvious targets for hackers. If someone gets their hands on your Google login or Apple ID, they get access to all your photos, including those meant for only certain eyes. 

    The most secure option for storing images is cloud storage which allows you to set up your private encryption key. That means only you can unlock the photos, videos, and documents you store there.  

    My pick is IDrive, a sponsor of my national radio show, but any cloud storage with private key encryption will get the job done. 

    One caveat: Make sure you don’t lose or forget encryption key you set up. Any reputable company does not store your private key on their servers; it is yours and yours alone.  

    You can reset your encryption key settings, but that automatically deletes all the data from your account. It may sound intense, but it’s also reassuring. There’s no way a hacker will be able to see the private photos you uploaded since they’ll disappear when the key changes. 

     Photo on the subject of hackers and data security.  (Photo by Thomas Trutschel/Photothek via Getty Images)

    Like what you’re reading? Join over 350,000 people and get more tech smarts with my free newsletters. 

    You can also compress and encrypt images 

    Here’s another solution if you want to stick with the cloud storage option you’re already using, and it doesn’t allow you to set a private encryption key: You can compress and encrypt your sensitive images.  

    On a PC, try a free service like 7-Zip. You’ll add your files to a folder, then compress them into a ZIP file. Bonus: You don’t need to create an account or download anything to use this open-source software. 

    Here’s how it works: Open 7-Zip, select the file or folder you want to compress, and click Add.  

    After you save the folder to your computer, you can encrypt it. To do this on a Windows PC: 

    • Right-click on the file or folder.
    • Click Properties > Advanced.
    • Select the box that says Encrypt contents to secure data.
    • Select OK > Apply > OK.

    To get the job done on a Mac, you can use Disk Utility to password-protect a folder. This works like a ZIP file, using Mac’s encryption method. Here’s how it works: 

    • Click the magnifying glass in the upper right corner and type Disk Utility. Hit enter.
    • In the top menu, click File > New Image. Find the folder you want to encrypt and click Choose.
    • Give the folder a name and choose where you want to save it.
    • Under Encryption, choose 256-bit for the strongest encryption. Click Save, then set a password.

    Give the folder time to process. This could take a bit depending on how large the files are.  

    Note: Just like with the encryption, I talked about above, you need to keep track of the password you use to encrypt a folder. If you lose it, you will not be able to open the folder. 

    How to protect photos on your phone 

    If you want to secure photos stored on your phone, you may feel comfortable relying on a password alone. 

    On an iPhone, the built-in Notes app is an easy way to do this. You just have to use the Lock Note feature. 

    You can even take photos through the Notes app so they don’t appear in your camera roll. Go to Settings > Notes, then slide the toggle next to Save to Photos to the left to disable it. 

    Snapchat logo

    To test it out, open the Notes app. Create a new note and tap the camera icon > Take Photo or Video.  

    Finally, you need to protect the note (and the photo stored there) with a password. Here’s how: 

    • Open Notes and choose the note you want to lock.
    • Tap the More button, then tap Lock.
    • Enter a password, then give yourself a password hint. You can also enable Face ID or Touch ID.
    • Tap Done.

    How to secure private photos on your Android 

    On Android, your best bet is using an app. The Keepsafe photo vault is a good option. It will request permission to encrypt your photos and videos. 

    Select Grant access and create an account. Set up a pin code and tap the + button, then Import photos > Import. Now your private pictures won’t show up in your camera roll. You’ll only be able to view them in the Keepsafe photo vault. 

    There’s a version for iPhone, too, if you want to go the app route. 

    In this photo illustration an Android logo seen displayed on a smartphone. (Photo Illustration by Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

    PODCAST PICK: AirTag travel hack, protect Alexa privacy, texting tricks 

    One man found his lost luggage thanks to an Apple AirTag. I’ll tell you how these trackers can help you and how you can use Apple’s new self-service repair program. Plus, you’ll soon see Prime delivery on all sorts of online stores. Here’s why. You’ll also learn a Google privacy trick, why physical metaverse stores are opening up and more. 

    Check out my podcast “Kim Komando Today” on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player. 

    Listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search for my last name, “Komando.”

    What digital lifestyle questions do you have? Call Kim’s national radio show and tap or click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen to or watch The Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet, television, or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim’s free podcasts. 

    Copyright 2022, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved. By clicking the shopping links, you’re supporting my research. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products I believe in. 

    Learn about all the latest technology on The Kim Komando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters, and more, visit her website at Komando.com. 

    Pro-family group pushes back against ‘pregnant man’ emoji

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    The American Family Association is pushing back against a recent instance of what it is calling “corporate cultural indoctrination.”

    In a statement on Monday, the AFA, based in Tupelo, Mississippi, reacted to news of Apple’s iPhone emojis for IOS 15.4.

    The latest emojis include one for a “third gender” — as well as one representing a “pregnant man.” The “third gender” image shows the face of a seemingly “neutral” person wearing a crown.

    “Companies [are] creating a stir as they promote gender confusion through their products.”

    “Apple also rolled out more than 100 innocuous emojis such as new smiley faces,” the AFA said, in part, in its media statement.

    “Through this seemingly casual introduction of ‘woke’ emojis, Apple joins the ranks of corporate giants such as Disney and Netflix in the list of companies creating a stir as they promote gender confusion through their products.”

    Above right, as shown in this photo illustration, is the “pregnant man” emoji that Apple iOS 15.4 has rolled out.  (Emojipedia blog)

    AFA’s Ed Vitagliano, executive vice president — speaking of Apple’s latest update — said that in his view, the new “woke” emojis foster “even more confusion for those who might already be struggling with their identities.”

    FRANKLIN GRAHAM SPEAKS OUT ABOUT DISNEY’S ‘MORAL FAILURE’

    “We can all hope that the lunacy being exhibited by corporate America in its thirst for woke approval will one day be rejected,” he said, “by the vast majority of people in this country.”

    He added, “This woke pandering is also quite sad, as there really are people who are struggling with their identity and feel lost.” 

    A pregnant woman is shown in this image during a visit to the doctor’s office. (iStock)

    “The answer isn’t to encourage them to continue wandering aimlessly in the darkness of their delusion, because that will only prolong their suffering,” he said. 

    “The answer is the gospel and the love of God,” said Vitagliano. “That is the light that will help the lost find their way home and find the peace they desire.”

    “The pregnant man and pregnant person recognize that ‘pregnancy is possible for some transgender men and non-binary people,’” Emojipedia, a voting member of the Unicode Consortium, said of the move.

    The American Family Association (afa.net) is a nonprofit 501c3 group; it was founded in 1977 and said it “has long been on the front lines of America’s culture war.”

    “The pregnant man and pregnant person recognize that ‘pregnancy is possible for some transgender men and non-binary people,’” Emojipedia, a voting member of the Unicode Consortium — which approves all emojis used in smartphones — said about the move, as FOX Business previously reported.

    A woman uses her iPhone. The “woke pandering is also quite sad, as there really are people who are struggling with their identity and feel lost,” shared one leader of a pro-family group about the new “pregnant man” emoji. (iStock)

    Also, a blog post from the Emojipedia blog noted, “As new human emojis have been released, Unicode has made an effort to be inclusive with gender, especially in recent years. The approach has varied depending on the situation, though the general goal is to standardize inconsistencies in legacy decisions.”

    In a recent opinion piece about the pregnant man emoji and what it signifies, Fox News contributor Tammy Bruce wrote, “The ‘pregnant man’ does not exist. There are biological women who identify as men but still have their reproductive systems intact and, voila, are capable of getting pregnant. Recognizing that is not transphobia, and it also shouldn’t be ‘news.’ It’s a fact,” she said. 

    “But,” Bruce also said in part, “that doesn’t get you a headline or a way to continue to try to pit Americans against each other …” 

    She was sharing her views, she noted in her piece, “as a gay woman and former liberal community organizer in the 1990s.”

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    She also wrote, “Men can’t get pregnant. And everyone knows it. To say otherwise is also an insult to transsexuals who continue to be used like chess pieces by partisan political operatives as their lives are objectified and sensationalized.”

    Andrew Mark Miller of Fox News Digital contributed reporting to this article.

    7 tech gems that make life easier and save you time

    Renderings of the iPhone X, budget iPhone, and iPhone X Plus (left to right) (Ben Geskin)

    NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

    Our everyday devices make life easier, but they can be huge time sucks. 

    Are you constantly checking your phone? You’re not alone. Tap or click for proven settings to help you break your phone addiction. 

    Maybe you’re slowed down and frustrated by an old laptop or desktop computer. Before you give up and buy a new one, you can likely speed yours up and get more life from it. Tap or click for my five-minute tech fix for a faster PC.  

    Doesn’t saving time feel great? Keep going. Here are seven nifty ways tech can help you streamline your life.  

    1. Measure your heart rate with your phone 

    You don’t need a smartwatch to measure your heart rate. Cardiio: Heart Rate Monitor is an iPhone app that uses your phone’s camera to take a reading of your pulse. Place your index finger on the back camera, and the app will measure your heart rate by detecting color changes. Be sure to hold your phone steady and keep still. It works with iPads, too. 

    For Android, Heart Rate Monitor works similarly. Cover the back camera, stay still, and you’ll get a reading. 

    Just remember, apps like this are not a replacement for seeing a medical professional or talking to your doctor if you’re not feeling well. 

    For more smartphone smarts, check out this fantastic list of 10 iPhone tricks I use every day, and you will, too. 

    2. Get more legroom on your next flight 

    Google Flights is terrific for figuring out the best and cheapest way to get from point A to point B. But wouldn’t it be great also to know if you’re going to be scrunched in a little seat the whole time?  

    Get the Chrome browser extension called Legroom for Google Flights. When using Google Flights, you’ll also see how much legroom there is per seat by the flight you selected.  

    Another solid option is SeatGuru.com. Enter your airline and flight number, and you’ll see a map of the best seats with the most legroom, no download required. 

    Hitting the road soon? Here are 10 travel tips even seasoned travelers can benefit from. 

    Airline cabin. (iStock)

    3. Post to all your social media accounts at once  

    Social media is fun, but it can also be a lot of work. You can spend way too long crafting the right tweet, the right Facebook post, an Instagram photo, then … well, you know. 

    Here’s a secret that influencers and marketers have known for years: Social media scheduling apps streamline the process. You can create a draft of a post with text, images, or anything else your heart desires. Then, select the time you want the post to go up. You can create different versions for each social media network, too. 

    I like Buffer because it has a free option. You can manage up to three social media channels at no cost. If you run a small business or have more channels to manage, paid plans start at $60 per year. 

    RELATED: True or false: People can see the embarrassing things you “like” on social media 

    4. Track your tax refund online 

    Expecting your tax refund in the mail? Here’s an insider secret to get the post office to send you an email with pictures of your mail. 

    Your first stop is at the USPS website, USPS.com.  

    Here, you’ll see an option to sign up for Informed Delivery. This free service sends residential and P.O. box customers grayscale images of the mail arriving that day. 

    These images include the front of the envelope, so your envelope will show the IRS as the sender if it’s your tax refund.  

    With Informed Delivery, you can also manage any packages arriving, leave delivery instructions or reschedule a delivery. 

    Pro-tip: The images sent via USPS only show you the first 10 pieces of your mail for that day. To see the rest, sign in to your account at USPS.com or skip the email altogether and use the free USPS app. Download for Android here or get it for iPhone here. 

    A truck carrying more than 100 packages in Maryland was carjacked by five suspects Thursday morning. The packages were unloaded and the two delivery drivers were unharmed, authorities said.  (AP)

    5. Sell your stuff without meeting in a parking lot 

    Craigslist was the go-to way to sell your old stuff online back in the day. These days, there are a lot more options.  

    You can use Decluttr to sell tech gadgets, like old phones, computers, tablets, and smart home gear. There’s no need to create a listing, write a description, upload photos, or negotiate with buyers. Simply upload information about the devices you want to sell, and you get an offer. 

    You won’t need to dig out the old charger, original box, or any accessories. The price you’re offered is for the device only. The payout is pretty good too. Tap or click for a direct link and a walkthrough of how to sell on Decluttr. 

    For local selling, skip the yard sale and list your stuff quickly on OfferUp. The app is free to use, and you can message others, so you don’t need to give your phone number or email address. If you want to extend your range, OfferUp lets you sell nationwide. For a local sale, money changes hands in person. For goods that are shipped, payments are made through the app. 

    Tap or click for download links for OfferUp, along with five other Craigslist alternatives. 

    6. Hide your email address 

    One of the best ways to stop the constant flow of email spam is to not use your primary email address for shopping online, newsletters, and requesting information.  

    A hidden trick when using Gmail is to set up unique email addresses whenever you need one. Just use your primary Gmail email address and put a plus sign after your name and add a word where you’re signing up. Say your email address is bob@gmail.com. When you’re signing up for my free email newsletter, you can create an instant email address that’s bob+komandonewsletters@gmail.com. 

    Yahoo will let you create a disposable address in your settings. 

    Using Apple’s iCloud, you can have three different email addresses. But if you pay for iCloud, you can hide your email wherever you want. 

    7. Get all your email delivered in one place 

    Speaking of email, yours is likely spread across multiple devices. When you send, receive, or delete an email on one device, it’s critical to keep that workflow consistent across others as well. That way, you don’t miss important messages or confuse others. 

    To set up syncing on all your devices, go to your Gmail site on your desktop and click: 

    • Click the gear icon and click Settings.
    • Select Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab.
    • Under IMAP access, Enable Pop for all mail, Enable IMAP.
    • Scroll down and select Save Changes.

    You’ll find a link for configuring mail retrieval through other platforms in that same menu. This is important when trying to access your account through third parties like Thunderbird or the native Mail app on an iPhone. It’s much easier to set up using the official Gmail app. 

    If you use Microsoft Outlook at work, and the mailbox you want to sync is on your company’s Exchange server, it’s best to take the devices to your IT department. They can provide you with the domain name and other information you need to set up the mailbox on other devices. 

    Inbox feeling cluttered? Here are five must-do cleanups for your email inbox, network, and gadgets.  

    Bonus Tip: How advertisers collect your data and target you with ads 

    Male, 38 years old, married, two kids under five, watched a YouTube video about lawn care, visited a home improvement store in the last 10 days, listened to a podcast about lawns, earns $68,000 a year in a management position, and lives in a certain zip code. That’s how specific advertising can be today. In this episode, I sit down with advertising CTO Premesh Purayil from Freestar to learn how it works and how to opt-out of the data tracking. 

    Check out my podcast “Kim Komando Explains” on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player. 

    Listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search for my last name, “Komando.” 

    What digital lifestyle questions do you have? Call Kim’s national radio show and tap or click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen to or watch The Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet, television, or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim’s free podcasts. 

    Copyright 2022, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved. By clicking the shopping links, you’re supporting my research. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products I believe in. 

    Learn about all the latest technology on The Kim Komando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters, and more, visit her website at Komando.com. 

    Every iPhone and Android user should know these genius commands

    Man holds his mobile smart phone. (iStock) (iStock)

    NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

    Look up next time you’re outside and guess where the airplane above you is headed. Los Angeles? New York? Paris? Ask Siri this phrase, “What flights are overhead?” You’ll see the carrier, flight number, and altitude in seconds.  

    I love sharing simple digital life tips that make things easier. Bonus: Most are good for impressing your family and friends. Here are five more useful tech tricks to test. 

    For you Windows users, try this next time you have many programs open. Click on the top bar of one window, hold it down, and shake your mouse. This shake will minimize all other open windows instantly. Shake it again to restore them. Tap or click for hidden features to try now on your Windows PC or Mac. 

    On the usefulness scale, your phone’s smart assistant is high — if you know the correct commands. Here are five I use all the time. 

    1. Turn on the flashlight 

    When it’s dark, and you’re trying to read a menu or make your way down a dark hallway, you don’t want to fumble with your phone to find the flashlight. 

    Simply say, “Turn on the flashlight.” It works for both Siri and Google Assistant. Just say the wake name first to make sure they’re listening. 

    Fun fact: If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you can say “Lumos.” It references the spell Harry and his friends use to light up their wands. Say “Nox” to turn the light off. 

    Don’t lose your precious memories. Here are the best ways to save your phone’s photos before it’s too late. 

    2. Add to my calendar 

    It’s easy to make spur-of-the-moment plans when you’re talking to someone. Then, when the time for the appointment strikes, you forget about it. 

    Instead of wasting a minute or two entering in details manually, tell Siri or Google Assistant what your plan is, along with a date and time. For example, you could say, “Hey Siri, set up a lunch meeting with Bob tomorrow at 1 p.m.” You could also be more specific, like, “Hey Google, add an event called Birthday Dinner on Sunday at 4 p.m.” 

    The Google internet homepage is displayed on a product at a store. (REUTERS/Neil Hall)

    If you have multiple calendars, specify which one or else it will fall into your default calendar.  

    Siri automatically connects to Apple’s Calendar app. If you use the Google Calendar, though, you’ll have to add it to Apple’s default app. Here’s how to get the two apps to play nicely together. 

    Want Apple tips and tricks delivered straight to your inbox? Get my free Apple Updates email twice a week. Sign up here. Android user? Choose Android Updates instead. 

    3. Set a timer 

    You’re just about to set a timer for tonight’s dinner. Then, you hear a loud thud from the other room, and one of the kids starts yelling for you. With a single sentence to your smart assistant, you can put a pin in your current task before running off to put out a fire elsewhere. 

    To set a timer, tell Siri or Google Assistant, “Set a timer for 10 minutes” or however long you need. If you say, “Set a timer for 20 minutes called chicken,” this starts a new timer with the label “chicken.” 

    Amazon Alexa-enabled devices can also help out around the house with timers, quick math, and other things you’d typically whip out your phone for. Tap or click here to make Alexa set up reminders, timers, and alarms. 

    4. Silence my phone 

    Imagine you’re at church. The pastor is sharing an emotional story. It’s so impactful there’s not a dry eye in the house. Situations like this can be flat-out humiliating. Silence your phone before you go into a church, start a meeting, or sit down for a job interview. 

    An easy way to do it is with your voice. Say “Siri, silence my phone” or “Google Assistant, silence my phone.”  

    Young teenager texting on iPhone. (Photo by: Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

    Speaking of distractions, how many buzzes and beeps emit from your phone every single day? Tap or click here for a quick and easy way to stop phone notifications for good. 

    5. That wasn’t for you 

    Big Tech companies will tell you their devices are not always listening — they’re just listening for the wake word. I don’t see the difference. 

    Often, you’ll accidentally trigger your assistant with a word that sounds similar. If you say something that sounds similar to “Siri” or “Hey Google,” it may perk its metaphorical ears. This can be an issue if your assistant is set up to record everything you say to it. 

    I recently went through my Amazon Alexa recordings. I found a few voice clips that didn’t involve Alexa at all — including some private discussions about buying real estate. Tap or click here to find out everything Amazon knows about you. 

    An Amazon warehouse and distribution center located in Shelby Township, Michigan.

    Luckily, Siri and Google Assistant both make distinctive noises when they’ve been activated. If you want to stop Google Assistant from recording the rest of your conversation, say, “That wasn’t for you.” This also deletes whatever it just recorded from your history. 

    You can also tell Siri, “That wasn’t for you,” when it turns on by accident. However, Apple hasn’t officially said whether this phrase wipes your previous recording from its memory. Tap or click here to stop all your smart devices from listening to you and recording what you say. 

    Bonus Tip: An unbelievable story about hackers hitting up a hospital for ransomware 

    Ransomware hackers recently hit a hospital, and everything from the cardiac machines to IV pumps stopped working. Doctors and nurses had to use pen and paper. There were no electronic patient records. But what happened when the hackers found out it was a hospital will undoubtedly surprise you. 

    Check out my podcast “Kim Komando Explains” on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player. 

    Listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search for my last name, “Komando.” 

    What digital lifestyle questions do you have? Call Kim’s national radio show and tap or click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen to or watch The Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet, television, or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim’s free podcasts. 

    Copyright 2022, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved. By clicking the shopping links, you’re supporting my research. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products I believe in. 

    Learn about all the latest technology on The Kim Komando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters, and more, visit her website at Komando.com. 

    The insider pro trick to find any photo on your phone in seconds

    Our phones are jam-packed with photos. Pick 25 at random, and I bet only a handful are decent photos you want to keep around.

    Duplicates and the shot right before the good one make up a lot of that junk. Clearing it is easy with the right tools. Tap or click for simple ways to find and delete all your duplicates.

    Then there’s editing. Most of us don’t have Photoshop skills or want to pay for it. Today’s free software can transform your quick snaps into works of art worthy of printing and hanging. Tap or click for some fantastic, totally free photo editing options.

    But when you’re stuck trying to find one photo in a sea of thousands, what can you do? Turn to some of your phone’s built-in features.

    Find that perfect sunset shot on your iPhone

    Back in the day, sorting through photos was a pain. Not anymore. Facial recognition, scene and object detection, and artificial intelligence give you the power to narrow down what you’re looking for and display only photos that match your search.

    • Open the Photos app and tap on the magnifying glass icon in the lower right-hand corner.
    • Enter the name of a place, a person (if you’ve assigned them in the Photos app), or search terms. Try a place like Phoenix, an event such as a wedding, or an object like pancakes.
    • You can also search by month or year, category, or business name.

    I mentioned assigning a person in the Photos app. That’s easy too, and it makes finding pictures of your husband, a friend, or even your dog easy. Here’s how to set that up:

    • Find a photo of the person you want to add. Swipe up, and you’ll see a thumbnail of that person under People.
    • Tap the image, then choose Add Name. Type in the name or choose it if it auto-fills.
    • Select Next, then Done.

    TECH NEWS THAT MATTERS: The tech world changes by the minute. Stay ahead of the curve with The Current, my smart, twice-a-week newsletter. Try it here.

    If you don’t find what you’re looking for, get creative. Try variations of what you’re looking for, or try putting in multiple keywords to refine.

    Finding a photo on an Android

    Take the same steps in the Android photo app. Again, play around with different names, places, events, and things.

    • Open the Gallery app, then tap the magnifying glass icon near the top.
    • Enter your search term to display matches.

    Search for an image in Google Photos

    If you use Google Photos, you’re in luck. Its search features are as powerful as you’d guess.

    • Open the Google Photos app.
    • From here, you can choose a person or pet, see places or things, or even browse by category, like screenshots, selfies, and videos.
    • To look for something specific, type it in the search bar at the top of the page.
    • Results will pop up, probably before you even finish typing.

    Google Photos has a lot of other nifty ways to see memorable photos. Try out the Spotlight, Recent highlights, and flashback features. Just open the app and click the cards at the top.

    GET YOUR PRIVACY BACK: 5 ways to keep your online searches private

    NEED A HAND WITH A SLOW PC, SMARTPHONE ISSUES OR A SOFTWARE PROBLEM YOU CAN’T CRACK? Post your tech questions for concrete answers from me and other tech pros. Visit my Q&A Forum and get tech help now.

    What digital lifestyle questions do you have? Call Kim’s national radio show and tap or click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen to or watch The Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet, television, or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim’s free podcasts.

    Copyright 2021, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved.

    Learn about all the latest technology on The Kim Komando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website at Komando.com.

    15 tech tips you won’t find in a user manual

    Most gadgets don’t come with a user manual that spells out every single feature. We learn them by doing, when someone spills the beans, or asking, “How’d you do that?”

    For example, no one thinks to dive into a new router’s settings. The more connected devices you have, the more critical is this step. Tap or click here for a few essential steps to ensure your files, data, and network are safe from hackers and snoops.

    Even more important to your safety is your smartphone. In case of emergency, dialing 911 isn’t your only option. Tap or click to set up emergency iPhone and Android features that could one day save your life. Please do it now before you need it.

    Let’s jump into 15 tech tricks and hacks. Knowledge is power. Share your tricks with me here on Twitter.com/KimKomando.

    1. Share a Nest Cam video feed

    The Nest Cam is great to get live video streams, see any past events, and get instant alerts of motion and sound. Many people are unaware that you can easily share a Nest cam’s view. I permitted my sisters to see my mother’s Nest cam in her living room.

    The big gotcha is how you share the video stream. Do not select a public link. That means anyone with the link can see the stream without a password.

    Use the option for a password-protected link. This way, only people you give both the link and password get the video stream, and other people will not have access to your Nest home and the devices connected to it. Up to ten people will be able to view the video stream simultaneously.

    • Sign in to the Nest app with a computer. For some reason, you can’t change the camera’s privacy settings on a phone or tablet.
    • Select the Camera that you want to share > Settings > Camera sharing.
    • You have two options: Share with password or Share publicly. Select Share with password: Click this to let specific people view your camera’s live stream. They’ll need the link to your camera and they’ll need to enter the password you set.

    If you ever want to stop sharing your camera, click on the Stop sharing camera button.

    2. Built-in dictation

    Do you send texts with Siri or Google Assistant? It’s a big time saver. You can use built-in dictation on your computer, too.

    It’s super simple on a Windows PC.

    • Press the Windows key + H to open the dictation toolbar.
    • Note: If this is not already enabled, click the link that pops up to turn it on.

    On a Mac, it requires a bit more setup.

    • Click the Apple logo, then System Preferences.
    • Choose Keyboard > Dictation. Make sure this is set to On. You can set up a shortcut to start dictation here, like hitting the Control key twice.
    • Now, open a document, tap the cursor, then tap your shortcut. You can also select Edit > Start Dictation.
    • A microphone will appear. Hit Done when you’re finished.

    Pro tip: For best results, be sure to speak your desired punctuation. You may start an email with, “Hey there Kim comma I love your radio show period.”

    BE A TECH SUPERSTAR: Did you know you can get my digital life tips right to your inbox? Try out my free Tech Tips & How-tos newsletter.

    3. Turn your phone into a security cam

    Don’t have a security system? No problem. Turn your phone, laptop, desktop computer or tablet into a motion-activated security cam with just a couple clicks using Critter.camera.

    This simple site uses your device’s camera to capture any motion after a 2-minute calibration test. Any motion is captured as images you can then download. No data is sent over the internet; everything is stored locally on your device. Tap or click for a direct link and more info.

    4. Create a secret world of conversation with your iPhone

    Tap into your inner James Bond with secret communication — without messages coming up in your regular text messages. All you have to do is create a note and share it with anyone you want to have a chat.

    • Open the Notes app.
    • From the list of notes, swipe left on the one you want to share and tap on the person icon to add someone. You can also open a note, tap the three dots, then Share Note.
    • Under Share Options, choose Can Make Changes.
    • Send your note via text or email.

    The person you’ve added to the note can make changes, as can you. Now you can communicate privately, and it won’t show up in your text messages.

    The Notes app is full of tricks. Did you know it has a built-in scanner feature? Tap or click for steps to scan a document with your phone.

    5. Use a Post-it for useful reasons

    Keyboards are magnets for dirt and grime, especially if you eat at your desk. If you don’t have any compressed air handy, clean out your keyboard with the sticky side of a Post-it note.

    Run it through each row of your keys. You’ll be both surprised and disgusted to see all the junk it picks up. If dust piles up the corners, use a pair of tweezers to get it out.

    Spring clean your tech on the inside, too. I found seven useful tools you can try.

    6. Open a new tab

    Want to open a tab to read later? Hover over a hyperlink and click the wheel of your mouse. This automatically opens that link in a new tab, keeping you on your current screen.

    Sorry, laptop users. You’ll still need to use the menu to select Open link in a new tab.

    7. Store a digital signature on your Mac

    You don’t need Adobe Acrobat to sign a digital document. It’s easy to create a virtual signature you can use on a Mac using the Preview app.

    • In Preview, hit Tools.
    • Choose Annotate.
    • Select Signature.
    • Select Manage signatures.

    From there, you have two options. Sign using your trackpad or sign your name on a white piece of paper and hold it up to your webcam.

    Use a Windows computer? Tap or click here for the steps to follow to create a digital signature. Scroll down to number 4.

    8. Use your pencil eraser for something useful

    If you own any Apple tech, you probably have quite a few dirty white charging cables lying around. Those things attract scuffs and marks in no time.

    Make them look brand new with a pencil eraser. It takes a little time and patience, but start erasing and the mess will be gone in no time.

    9. Give your webcam a new purpose

    Your webcam is good for more than video meetings. Use it as a scanner when you need to get a document onto your computer and don’t want to go through the steps of taking a photo, sending it to yourself and formatting it.

    On a Mac, open Photo Booth. Your webcam will automatically open. Place your document in front of the webcam and line it up on the screen. Hit the red photo icon to take a picture. It will then appear in the bottom right corner. Drag it onto your desktop for safekeeping.

    On a Windows PC, open the Camera app. Line up your document in front of the webcam, then hit the white camera icon to snap a photo. Your photo will appear in the bottom right corner. Click it to open, then click the three dots in the upper right. Choose Open folder to see where it is stored on your computer, then move it anywhere you like.

    ZOOM AWAY: 11 tips to get more out of the video conferencing service

    10. Stop guessing when to leave

    Google Maps lets you set a departure time or an arrival time. By setting a departure time, you’ll get an estimate of when you should arrive for an appointment. By setting an arrival time, you receive an estimate on when you should leave your current location to make it on time.

    All you have to do is open Google Maps and fill in your location and destination.

    11. Free transcripts of your meetings

    Taking notes is a pain, and transcribing audio takes forever. Otter.ai is a great option if you want AI to do the work for you.

    Otter records and transcribes in real-time. Even better, within a couple of minutes, you get access to searchable transcripts to find whatever you need. You can playback your recording, and highlight or add comments.

    With a free account, you get 600 minutes of transcription per month. After that, plans start at $8.33 a month when billed annually.

    Tap or click for more info on this and other audio transcription options.

    12. Search results without the extra step

    Turn Google into a specific search engine for any website using just the tab button on your computer.

    • Begin typing the address of the site you’d like to search, and Google will automatically complete the URL for you if you’ve visited it in the past. Otherwise, write out the entire URL. For example, you might type Komando.com.
    • Don’t hit enter. Instead, hit press the tab key.
    • The URL will convert to a search engine for that particular website.
    • Now, type in your search term and hit enter.

    This works in Edge and Chrome. For Safari and Firefox, you can use this trick: Enter your search term, along with “site:” followed by the website you want to search. For example, you might put in “tech tips site:komando.com” to search my website for even more tech tips.

    13. Use Siri or Google Assistant to disable weak Wi-Fi

    Before the world of unlimited data, we jumped at the opportunity to tap into free Wi-Fi to avoid overage charges. Now, most of us have unlimited plans, but our phones still search for an open Wi-Fi connection to save data when possible.

    The problem is weak Wi-Fi slows you down and puts you at risk if you’re connecting to an unsecured or untrustworthy network.

    Instead of going through menus, ask Siri or Google Assistant to do it for you. A simple “Hey Siri, turn off my Wi-Fi” will do the trick.

    Speaking of Siri, tap or click for some of my favorite uses.

    14. Use your phone as a level

    If you need to hang a picture, you don’t need to grab a level — your phone can do it for you.

    On an iPhone:

    • Open the Measure app, then tap Level on the bottom right.
    • The level will appear on the screen and is ready to use.

    On an Android:

    • Open the Google app or your browser and search for “bubble level.”
    • Use it just like you would a normal level, placing it on a surface.

    15. Double your internet speed

    When your internet slows down, you go through the mental checklist. Is it the router? The modem? The computer itself? Is a neighbor using your connection to watch 4K movies?

    Here’s a quick way to speed up your connection: Change your Domain Name System or DNS. This system transforms complicated IP addresses into memorable site names. The problem is that some DNSs are more effective than others.

    Tap or click here for all the details you need for faster speeds. It’s not nearly as complicated as you might think.

    NEED A HAND WITH BAD WI-FI, MAKING MONEY ONLINE, OR STOPPING ROBOCALLS? Post your tech questions for concrete answers from me and other tech pros. Visit my Q&A Forum and get tech help now.

    What digital lifestyle questions do you have? Call Kim’s national radio show and tap or click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen to or watch The Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet, television, or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim’s free podcasts.

    Copyright 2021, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved.

    Learn about all the latest technology on The Kim Komando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website at Komando.com.

    Apple sends out invites to likely iPhone 12 launch event

    Apple has sent out invites to an event next week that is expected to be the launch of the new iPhone 12.

    “Hi, speed,” announces the invite, emailed to Fox News on Tuesday, a likely indication that the event will unveil a 5G iPhone at the event.

    APPLE UNVEILS NEW WATCH SERIES 6, APPLE WATCH SE, AND NEW IPAD AIR

    A logo of Apple is seen in this Sept. 23, 2014 illustration photo in Sarajevo.
    (REUTERS/Dado Ruvic)

    The announcement will be held Oct. 13 at Apple’s Apple Park headquarters in Cupertino, Calif.

    Last month, Apple unveiled its new Apple Watch Series 6, Apple Watch SE and a new iPad Air at an event.

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    Apple shares dipped 1.3% to $114.98 during Tuesday trading.

    Fox News’ Chris Ciaccia contributed to this article. Follow James Rogers on Twitter @jamesjrogers

    Privacy alert: Your iPhone is quietly tracking everywhere you go

    A customer checks an iPhone 7 inside the Apple store Saint-Germain during the first opening day on December 03, 2016 in Paris, France – file photo.
    (Photo by Chesnot/Getty Images)

    At this point, digital privacy is long gone. There’s always another device, feature or service tracking what we say, what we look at online and the places we go.

    Some devices are more intrusive than others, and you may be feeding digital assistants more information than you realize. You can fight back. Tap or click here to stop all the smart tech in your home from listening.

    Social media is another big offender. Tap or click for my answers to your most-asked social media privacy questions. No judgment here.

    When it comes to your phone, you can limit app permissions and disable certain features. But there’s still a map hiding deep within the settings of your iPhone that tracks everywhere you go. Here’s how to find it.

    There are no secrets kept from an iPhone

    Ever wonder how your iPhone is able to automatically pull up directions to work when you get in the car? Or when you leave for the day, do you wonder how your phone knows you’re heading home?

    It’s not only part of location services but a separate and more in-depth thing called “Significant Locations.” Prepare yourself for a shock when you look at yours.

    Want to know how to access it and, if you’d like, turn it off? Here are your steps:

    • Open your iPhone’s settings
    • Tap on Privacy
    • Select Location Services
    • Then tap System Services
    • Scroll down until you see Significant Locations and tap on that.

    TECH SMARTS IN YOUR INBOX: The tech world changes by the minute. Keep up with The Current, my smart, funny (and ad-free) newsletter. Tap or click here to try it.

    After entering your password or opening up your phone with FaceID, you’ll see a list of locations you’ve visited. Now, some of them may seem a bit off to you, but that’s because the location is not always precise.

    Tap on a place and it will open up a page with more specifics, including a map. Even if it didn’t peg you exactly right, it will have you in the area.

    RELATED: Your AirPods are capable of a lot more than you think. Tap or click for 9 smart tricks, like listening with a friend or an easy way to find a lost earbud.

    You can turn it off

    Individually, you can edit locations so they will no longer be stored in your phone. To do that, tap on any city it had you in. Then, on the next screen, tap on the “Edit” button in the upper right-hand corner.

    That will bring about a red circle next to the location, which you can then tap on to remove it.

    If you’d like to turn off Significant Locations altogether, you just need to scroll to the top of the page that lists the city locations and tap on the green button on the top-right in the tab.

    STOP TRACKING: If you use Google Maps, you may want to shut down that tracking, too. Tap or click to turn off Google location tracking for good.

    Why does the phone track us like this?

    Apple says this feature exists so that our phones can learn the places that are significant to us and therefore provide personalized services, like predictive traffic routing and improved Photos Memories.

    That said, it certainly feels like an invasion of privacy and you might not be comfortable with it.

    And who else can get their hands on it? According to Apple, no one. The company says the data that goes between your cloud-connected devices is encrypted. Unless someone steals your phone and password, there is nothing they can do to access it.

    BONUS TECH SMARTS TIP: How to turn off political ads on your Facebook and Instagram feed

    You’ve probably already seen a plethora of political ads from local and national candidates on your social media feeds. It’s only going to get more intense as the months drag on.

    But this year, you don’t have to deal with political ads if you don’t want to — on Facebook and Instagram at least. If you’d like your social media feeds to be a bit quieter in the lead-up to Election Day, here’s how you can disable political ads in settings.

    Tap or click to stop political ads in a few simple steps. Do it now while you’re thinking about it.

    What digital lifestyle questions do you have? Call Kim’s national radio show and tap or click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen to or watch The Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet, television or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim’s free podcasts.

    Learn about all the latest technology on The Kim Komando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website at Komando.com.

    Apple tracking iPhones stolen during riots, report says

    Apple is tracking the iPhones that have been stolen from its stores during the recent riots across the U.S., the New York Post reports.

    Citing a message from Twitter, the Post reports the stolen devices show a message on the screen saying the device should be returned to where it was stolen from and that it has been disabled and authorities will be notified.

    A source familiar with the company’s thinking said the messages seen have been in place for some time.

    The tech titan, which had started to reopen some of its U.S.-based stores that were closed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, saw some of its stores attacked in cities across the country.

    MURKY MESSAGING: FACEBOOK ALLOWED ‘DEATH TO AMERICA’ ADVERTISING BUT CENSORS BACK TO WORK

    In the wake of the protests which are happening as a result of the death of George Floyd, Apple CEO Tim Cook told employees the company would make donations to a “number of groups” and would match employee donations as well.

    “Today, Apple is making donations to a number of groups, including the Equal Justice Initiative, a non-profit committed to challenging racial injustice, ending mass incarceration, and protecting the human rights of the most vulnerable people in American society,” Cook wrote in the memo obtained by Bloomberg. “For the month of June, and in honor of the Juneteenth holiday, we’ll also be matching two-for-one all employee donations via Benevity.”

    An Apple spokesperson declined to comment for this story, citing matters of security.

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    Apple tracking iPhones stolen during riots, report says

    Apple is tracking the iPhones that have been stolen from its stores during the recent riots across the U.S., the New York Post reports.

    Citing a message from Twitter, the Post reports the stolen devices show a message on the screen saying the device should be returned to where it was stolen from and that it has been disabled and authorities will be notified.

    A source familiar with the company’s thinking said the messages seen have been in place for some time.

    The tech titan, which had started to reopen some of its U.S.-based stores that were closed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, saw some of its stores attacked in cities across the country.

    MURKY MESSAGING: FACEBOOK ALLOWED ‘DEATH TO AMERICA’ ADVERTISING BUT CENSORS BACK TO WORK

    In the wake of the protests which are happening as a result of the death of George Floyd, Apple CEO Tim Cook told employees the company would make donations to a “number of groups” and would match employee donations as well.

    “Today, Apple is making donations to a number of groups, including the Equal Justice Initiative, a non-profit committed to challenging racial injustice, ending mass incarceration, and protecting the human rights of the most vulnerable people in American society,” Cook wrote in the memo obtained by Bloomberg. “For the month of June, and in honor of the Juneteenth holiday, we’ll also be matching two-for-one all employee donations via Benevity.”

    An Apple spokesperson declined to comment for this story, citing matters of security.

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP