Online Tech Tips https://www.online-tech-tips.com Computer Tips from a Computer Guy Mon, 25 Sep 2023 00:59:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.1 How to React to Messages on Instagram (Mobile and PC) https://www.online-tech-tips.com/fun-stuff/how-to-react-to-messages-on-instagram-mobile-and-pc/ https://www.online-tech-tips.com/fun-stuff/how-to-react-to-messages-on-instagram-mobile-and-pc/#disqus_thread Nicolae Bochis]]> Mon, 25 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=98248

Instagram isn’t only a place where you can show off your pictures. Its messaging system is popular for quick conversations with friends and family and is a great alternative to […]]]>
Instagram isn’t only a place where you can show off your pictures. Its messaging system is popular for quick conversations with friends and family and is a great alternative to Facebook.

But words do not always express what we feel or think about other people’s messages. That’s why you can also react to messages on Instagram using emojis. This article will show you how.

How to React to Messages on Instagram

Reacting to Instagram messages is pretty straightforward. However, if you don’t have the latest version of the Instagram app, you might not even be able to see the option to react to messages. That’s why you’ll first need to update Instagram:

  1. Visit the Google Play Store if you’re an Android user or the App Store if you’re an iPhone user.
  2. Find the Instagram app and tap the Update button.
  1. Wait until the update is finished.

Now that you updated your Instagram app, let’s learn how to react to messages:

  1. Open up a conversation in your Instagram messages. Tap the Messages (paper airplane icon) on the top-right side of the screen and find the DM you want to react to.
  1. Double-tap on a DM to react with a heart emoji. This is the default Instagram reaction.
  2. To react with a different emoji, press and hold a message to bring up the list of emojis. To open the whole emoji list, tap the plus button.
  1. Choose and tap the one that you’d like to react with.

And that’s it! You just reacted to an Instagram message with an emoji that clearly shows your feelings about its content.

How to React to Messages on Instagram from the Web

Reacting to Instagram DMs from your PC is as simple as from the mobile app. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Open your favorite web browser, go to the Instagram web page, and log in to your Instagram account.
  2. Select the Messenger icon from the left side menu to go to Direct Messages. Find the conversation you’ll react to.
  1. Place your cursor over the message you want to react to and select the reaction icon on the right side of the message. It’s represented by a smiley face or a heart icon and contains a list of emojis.
  1. Select the reaction you like the most from the pop-up menu (thumbs up, laughing emoji, fire, heart, or any other available emoji).

As you can see, reacting to Instagram messages on a PC is just as easy.

Customize Default Instagram Emoji Reactions

By default, Instagram offers a list of six emojis to react with. But you can customize this shortlist and put your custom emojis instead. You can even replace the default heart emoji. They will always display first when you want to react to DMs.

Follow these steps to personalize the emoji reaction list:

  1. Open your Instagram app and make sure you are logged in.
  2. Open a DM you want to react to (or any other DM will serve the purpose).
  3. Tap and hold a message. When the emoji list shows up, tap the Plus icon (+) on the right side.
  1. When the emoji list opens, tap Customize.
  1. Select the reaction emojis you want. When done, tap the check mark at the top right corner of the screen.

And there you have it! Three easy methods of reacting to messages on Instagram. Spice up your conversations and tell others how you feel or when you’re using sarcasm.

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Pokemon Sleep: What It Is and How To Play https://www.online-tech-tips.com/fun-stuff/pokemon-sleep-what-it-is-and-how-to-play/ https://www.online-tech-tips.com/fun-stuff/pokemon-sleep-what-it-is-and-how-to-play/#disqus_thread Kayla Dube]]> Sun, 24 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=98236

The Pokemon Company has released a new app called Pokemon Sleep, after announcing it in a Pokemon Presents stream on February 27, 2023. This app is available on iOS and […]]]>
The Pokemon Company has released a new app called Pokemon Sleep, after announcing it in a Pokemon Presents stream on February 27, 2023. This app is available on iOS and Android devices and is mainly a sleep-tracking app. However, it also includes many gameplay elements involving Pokemon.

If you’re a Pokemon fan, Pokemon Sleep is a great way to track your sleep while collecting Pokemon and has some added gameplay. This app can be a great motivator if you have trouble getting enough sleep at night. We’ll show you what Pokemon Sleep is and how to play it to maximize your experience.

What Is Pokemon Sleep?

In Pokemon Sleep, your goal is to research the sleep styles of as many different types of Pokemon as possible. To achieve this, you use the app to track your sleep (which works similarly to other sleep-tracking apps), and when you wake up, Pokemon will gather the data to add to your research.

The gameplay mainly centers around powering up a Snorlax, who attracts Pokemon as you sleep. Throughout the game, you can power up Snorlax by feeding him through food dropped by Pokemon in your party or by cooking recipes.

You can also befriend Pokemon and choose some of them to be in your party, and these will be the Pokemon you have around during the day to feed Snorlax and provide you with recipe ingredients. To befriend a Pokemon, you’ll need to feed them biscuits, raising their friendship level with you until it hits the Max friendship level.

There are also missions you’ll need to complete to move forward in the game, and you can get rewards by completing these.

How Do You Track Your Sleep?

The most crucial aspect of Pokemon Sleep is tracking your sleep. To do this, you’ll select the Sleep button to begin the monitoring. You can also set a typical bedtime to try to fall asleep. When the sleep tracking begins, you can set an alarm and play some music if you wish. Then, you’ll want to plug your phone in to stay on throughout the night and put it face down on your bed. You can also use the Pokemon Go Plus+ device to track your sleep.

While you sleep, Pokemon Sleep will use your sounds and movements to determine what stages of sleep you are in, as well as how long you slept for. You’ll see all of this tracked data when you wake up and end your sleep session.

How to Play Pokemon Sleep

From your tracked sleep, the app will give you a Sleep Score from 0 to 100, depending on how long you slept. You will also be given a sleep type: dozing, snoozing, or slumbering. These factors will determine the Pokemon who show up around Snorlax, who you can add to your record and befriend you. Your sleep score will also be multiplied by the Snorlax’s current strength score to get your Drowsy Power, which will draw more Pokemon to the area.

Each Pokemon has multiple different sleep styles, so even if the same Pokemon appears more than once, you’ll want to see if there’s a new sleep style you can record for it. To befriend Pokemon that show up, you’ll need to feed them biscuits.

Using Biscuits

A few different kinds of biscuits are available to feed Pokemon, and each can raise friendship levels by an additional amount.

A Bonus Biscuit can raise friendship levels by 3 points (you need 5 to max out friendship and befriend the Pokemon.) A Poke Biscuit raises levels by 1, a Great Biscuit by 3, a Premium Bonus Biscuit by 4, and the Master Biscuit, which instantly maximizes friendship.

You can get a Bonus Biscuit for free per each sleep session, and you can buy other biscuits in the shops or earn them through rewards by completing missions, leveling up, etc.

Feeding Snorlax

Another goal of the game is to feed Snorlax as much as possible throughout the day. Doing this increases Snorlax’s strength, which allows more types of Pokemon to appear. Feeding Snorlax can be done in a couple of different ways. First, you can tap on your party Pokemon, which stays around Snorlax during the day to get some berries. Snorlax will eat these, and it will slowly increase its power.

You can also cook full meals for Snorlax. You can feed Snorlax three meals throughout the day: breakfast from 6 AM to 12 PM, lunch from 12 PM to 6 PM, and dinner from 6 PM to 6 AM. These meals boost Snorlax’s power much more quickly. To cook a meal, simply tap on Snorlax and select Get Cooking.

Cooking Meals

To cook meals, you need ingredients. You can get these from the Pokemon in your party when you tap on them. When you cook Snorlax a meal, you can choose Auto Cook or Choose a Recipe. First, you’ll need to use Auto Cook to discover new recipes, and then you can choose to cook from these recipes in the future.

Once the meal is cooked, Snorlax will eat it, and his power will increase by the Dish Strength amount. To improve these amounts, cook meals the specific Snorlax in the area likes.

Pokemon Teams

Once you befriend Pokemon, you can add them to your team. These Pokemon stay around during the day and give you berries and ingredients. You can choose which Pokemon you want in your team by going to Pokemon > Edit Teams.

Here, you can create up to five different teams you can choose from to help you during the day. You can check each Pokemon’s stats and the team’s overall stats. There are a few stats you’ll want to pay attention to the most when creating your teams. These are the RP stat or Research Power and each Pokemon’s specialties.

RP tells you how effective a Pokemon is for strengthening the Snorlax. A higher RP means it can give Snorlax more strength. Pokemon can have a high RP naturally, or you can level them up to increase the stat.

When creating a team, you’ll also want to pay attention to each Pokemon’s specialty. Some Pokemon have an ingredient specialty, so their skill set is geared towards providing more ingredients. A Pokemon can also have a skills specialty, which increases stats for other Pokemon so they can offer more help. A Pokemon can also have a berries specialty, allowing you to collect more from them.

Improve Your Sleep and Have Fun With Pokemon Sleep

Sleeping on time can be difficult, but a gamification app like Pokemon Sleep can make it more enticing. This app provides plenty of reasons to keep coming back, especially for Pokemon fans or anyone looking to add some fun to their daily lives.

Have you tried Pokemon Sleep yet? Let us know your thoughts below!

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How to Reset a SIM Card https://www.online-tech-tips.com/smartphones/how-to-reset-a-sim-card/ https://www.online-tech-tips.com/smartphones/how-to-reset-a-sim-card/#disqus_thread Anya Zhukova]]> Sat, 23 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=98227

Are you facing issues with your SIM card on your Android or iPhone? You may be experiencing poor network connectivity, SIM card errors, or you have a new phone or […]]]>
Are you facing issues with your SIM card on your Android or iPhone? You may be experiencing poor network connectivity, SIM card errors, or you have a new phone or SIM card and need to switch it out. Resetting the SIM card can often help resolve the problem and get your device back on track.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through resetting a SIM card on Android and iPhone devices. We’ll cover various methods and troubleshooting tips to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Whether you have a Samsung Galaxy, an iPad, or any other mobile phone, we’ve got you covered.

Why Reset a SIM Card

SIM card’s an essential component in your mobile phones. It stores crucial information, such as your phone number, network data, and contacts. Without a properly functioning SIM card, your phone won’t be able to make calls, send texts, or connect to mobile data networks.

There are several situations when you may decide to reset your SIM card.

  • Poor network connectivity. If you’re experiencing constant drops in network signals or slow data speeds, a reset might help re-establish a connection with the mobile network.
  • SIM card errors. Sometimes, your phone may display messages like SIM card not detected or SIM card error. A reset can resolve these issues.
  • Switching to a new SIM card. When you replace an old SIM card with a new one from your service provider, you’ll need to reset your device to use the new SIM card’s data and phone number.
  • Troubleshooting other issues with your smartphone. If you’re facing any other unexplained issues related to your SIM card, resetting it can be a helpful troubleshooting step.

Back Up Your Data Before Resetting Your SIM

Before resetting your phone’s SIM card on either Android or iOS, back up your data to avoid losing critical information. Backing up your data will keep your contacts, text messages, photos, and other valuable data safe and easily restorable after the reset.

Here’s how to back up your Android and iPhone data.

For Android:

  1. To save your contacts, follow the path Settings > System or Accounts. Then enable the Back up my data option.
  2. For text messages, download a backup app from the Google Play Store and follow the instructions.
  3. Use Google Photos to back up your photos and videos. To do that, open the Google Photos app, go to Settings, and enable Backup & sync.
  4. Most apps and data will be backed up automatically, but double-check if any app needs specific settings.

For iPhone:

  1. Back up your contacts by going to the device’s Settings, then select your name, and enable Contacts under iCloud.
  2. iPhone automatically backs up your text messages to iCloud. Check if iCloud Backup is on in Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud Backup.
  3. Use iCloud Photo Library to back up your photos and videos. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Photos and enable it.
  4. Apps and app data are included in iCloud Backup by default. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud Backup to ensure iCloud Backup is turned on.

Once you finish backing up, you can reset the SIM card without losing your important data. Regularly backing up your data is a good practice to keep it safe.

How to Reset a SIM Card on Android

You can use several methods to erase all data on a SIM card on your Android device. They include a factory reset, erasing all the data manually, and using a SIM card reader.

Method 1: Perform a Factory Reset

If you want to remove any connection between your SIM card and your phone, consider doing a factory reset. Please note that a factory reset will erase all data on your Android device. Make sure to back up your data before proceeding with this method.

To factory reset your Android phone, follow the steps below. The exact steps may differ depending on the model of your Android phone.

  1. On your smartphone, go to Settings.
  2. Scroll down and select System settings.
  3. Select Reset options / System reset / Back up and reset.
  4. Select Erase all data (factory reset) or Reset phone.
  5. Confirm your decision when prompted.

Your Android device will restart and then reset to its factory settings.

Method 2: Clear Your SIM Card Manually

After the factory reset, your SIM card’s data will remain there. You can manually erase the data from your SIM card by clearing the call logs and contacts from your cell phone.

To delete contacts and call logs stored on the SIM card, follow these steps:

  1. On your Android phone, open the Messages app.
  2. Tap the 3-dot menu icon in the top right corner.
  1. Select Settings.
  2. Select Advanced settings.
  1. Go to SIM card SMS messages.
  2. You’ll see a list of all SMS stored on your SIM card. Delete them one by one or in bulk by choosing Delete all.

Next, here’s how to delete call logs:

  1. Open the Calls or Phone app on your Android smartphone.
  2. Tap the three-dot menu icon in the upper right corner.
  3. Select Call History.
  4. Open the same menu and select Clear call history.

Some Android phones may also have a separate option to Erase contacts and call logs stored on this phone in the phone’s Settings app, which allows you to clear the SIM card memory quickly.

Method 3: Reset SIM Card Using USB Card Reader

If you want more control over erasing data from your SIM card, consider using a SIM card reader/writer. This affordable and portable device allows you to directly access the storage of your SIM card on your computer.

Note that the exact steps may vary depending on the specific SIM card reader/writer device and the software it uses. Be cautious while using this method, as it directly accesses and modifies the data on your SIM card. Make sure you have a backup of any important data before proceeding.

To erase the entire SIM card data using a SIM card reader, follow the steps below.

  1. Open the SD card drawer on the reader/writer device and place your SIM card in it. Alternatively, insert the SIM card into a designated slot on the device (similar to a USB stick).
  2. Connect the reader device to your computer using a USB cable.
  3. Install any third-party software and necessary drivers for the device.
  4. Once connected, you can see your SIM card’s content on your computer, just like a USB drive or external HDD.
  5. Select all the data and use the Delete button on your keyboard or the corresponding option in the software’s menu.
  6. Give necessary permissions, and double-check to ensure the data is completely erased. Then empty your Recycle Bin or Trash Bin on your computer.

How to Reset a SIM Card on iPhone

Unlike other phones, the iPhone doesn’t store any data on a SIM. So if you need to wipe your data from the phone, you can use the factory reset method like you would on Android.

The steps may vary depending on the version of iOS you have. The following steps apply to some iOS versions, but you should explore your specific device settings to confirm.

Here’s how to erase your data on iOS:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Scroll down and select General.
  1. Find and select Transfer or Reset iPhone.
  1. Select Erase all content and settings.
  1. Then select Erase iPhone. You may need to enter your password to confirm.

By following these steps, you can remove all data from your iPhone. You can also use a third-party app to delete your personal information from your iPhone, like Dr.Fone or iMyPhone.

Tips to Troubleshoot a Faulty SIM Card

If you have trouble making a call or get an error message on your phone saying your SIM card is not working, there are several ways to troubleshoot the problem. While resetting your SIM may solve the issues, the error may not be related to your SIM card. For example, the problem could be with your carrier settings.

Before resetting your SIM card, we recommend performing the following troubleshooting steps to see if they fix the problem.

  • Toggle Airplane Mode. If you encounter SIM card errors, try turning on Airplane mode, wait for a few seconds, and then turn it off again. This simple trick can resolve some software-related issues.
  • Update Carrier Settings. Check for carrier updates on your iPhone under General and About. For Android, search for Carrier Settings and tap Update Profile if available.
  • Reset Network Settings. As a last resort, reset your phone’s network settings or reset all settings, but be aware that it will also reset Bluetooth pairings and Wi-Fi passwords.
  • Restart Your Phone. Reboot your phone to clear out temporary glitches. Turn off your iPhone and wait a minute before turning it back on. On Android, swipe down from the top of the screen and select the Power icon.
  • Clean Your SIM Card. Ensure the card is clean and the SIM card contacts are clear. Gently wipe the card with a microfiber cloth, and use compressed air to remove debris. Make sure to keep your SIM card dry.
  • Remove and Reinstall the SIM Card. If the issue persists, reset your SIM card. Turn off your phone. Use the SIM card removal tool or a paperclip to pop out the SIM card tray, remove the card, and then carefully place the SIM card back into the SIM card slot. Then turn the back cover on if necessary and turn on the phone.
  • Test SIM Card in Another Device. Try the SIM card in another compatible device to see if it works. If it does, the problem may be with your phone, not the SIM card.

Reset Your SIM Card for a Fresh Start

Resetting your SIM card on Android and iPhone is vital for resolving issues and maintaining a smooth mobile experience. Whether you reset network settings, perform a factory reset, or use other methods, follow the steps carefully to avoid data loss.

Remember to back up your data before any reset, and consider contacting your service provider if you encounter persistent problems. By taking these actions, you can troubleshoot any SIM card-related issues effectively.

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How to Fix the “Invalid SIM Card” Error on Android https://www.online-tech-tips.com/smartphones/how-to-fix-the-invalid-sim-card-error-on-android/ https://www.online-tech-tips.com/smartphones/how-to-fix-the-invalid-sim-card-error-on-android/#disqus_thread Sydney Butler]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=98213

If your Samsung or other Android device hits you with an “Invalid SIM Card” error, you’re probably having a bad day, unable to make calls or access the internet. However, […]]]>
If your Samsung or other Android device hits you with an “Invalid SIM Card” error, you’re probably having a bad day, unable to make calls or access the internet.

However, before you start thinking about ordering a new SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card or — heaven forbid — begin shopping for a new mobile phone, know that this error is more often than not a result of software glitches rather than a hardware problem. That’s some good news, at least!

1. Reboot Your Android Phone

When confronted with this error on your Android device, the first line of defense is a simple reboot. Powering off and restarting can often clear minor glitches that cause this and other similar errors.

In most cases, it’s as simple as pressing and holding your phone’s power button until the reboot option appears, then selecting it. However, the exact details of how to power off or restart your phone can vary based on your Android version or phone model.

If you need help with how to proceed, check out How to Turn Off Your Android Phone, and you’ll know more ways to shut your phone down than you need or ever wanted to know. You’re welcome!

2. Turn Airplane Mode On and Off

Airplane mode is a one-touch solution for turning Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile services off and on. As the name suggests, it’s meant to make it easy to comply with Airline regulations around radio signals, but it’s also become a great troubleshooting tool.

Sometimes, toggling the airplane mode can resolve network-related issues. Navigate to your phone’s settings menu and turn on Airplane Mode. You can usually access Airplane Mode by swiping the shade from the top of the phone’s screen and tapping the airplane icon.

Please wait a few moments, then switch it back off. This gives your mobile network a mini “reboot,” which can fix minor connectivity issues.

3. Remove and Reinsert Your SIM Card

A quick way to solve the SIM card problem is to remove the SIM card from your Android phone and reinsert it.

Power off your phone, open the back cover, and gently slide out the SIM card tray. Inspect your phone’s SIM card and its slot for any visible damage. If everything seems fine, reinsert your device’s SIM card and power.

Many newer phones no longer have a removable back, and the SIM card is accessed by ejecting a SIM tray using a SIM ejection tool. One should have been included with your phone, but if you’ve lost it, they are pretty cheap to buy online or from a mobile phone store. You can use a paperclip or other blunt metal pin in a pinch, but you risk damaging your phone if you’re not careful.

4. Correct Network Mode

Another common cause of the ‘Invalid SIM card’ error could be that your Android phone is set to the wrong network mode. Most phones offer GSM, LTE, or automatic options. Choosing the wrong one could lead to an invalid SIM error.

To rectify this, head to your settings menu, select Mobile Networks/Connections (or similar), then Network mode, and finally, pick the right option for your network provider.

If you’re roaming in another country, your phone may not support the local network mode. Sometimes, buying a local SIM card is necessary to use temporarily. Keep your old card in a zip lock bag to avoid losing it. Roaming charges can be steep, so it makes sense to use a local SIM, which will only affect your phone number and text messages. Data-based apps like Telegram or Whatsapp use internet data rather than cellular calling services.

5. Manual Network Selection

If your phone struggles to connect to the correct network automatically, manually choosing your network operator can clear up the issue.

Under Mobile Networks, select Network Operators, then Search Networks or uncheck Select Automatically, which will initialize a search.

Once the available networks appear, choose the correct one. Remember that menu locations and names differ between Android versions and phone brands, so you may have to improvise a little.

6. Reset Network Settings

Another potential solution is to reset your network settings. This action won’t delete your data but will remove any Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular network settings, including your saved networks and passwords.

While it’s a pain to have to enter all those passwords again, it may be necessary, and ultimately, this is a harmless fix. Ensure you know the passwords or connection settings for critical networks, such as your work Wi-Fi.

Navigate to Settings > System > Reset > Reset network settings, and confirm your choice. On our Samsung S22 Ultra test device, this setting was under System > General Management.

7. Boot Your Device Into Safe Mode

By booting your Android device into safe mode, you can determine if a third-party app might be causing your SIM card issue.

In safe mode, all third-party apps are disabled. If your SIM card works correctly in this mode, an app is likely the culprit. You can then remove recently installed apps to find the problem app.

For detailed instructions, head over to How to Start Your Android Phone in Safe Mode.

8. Clear Your Phone’s Cache

If you’ve used your Android device for a while, it’s accumulated a substantial cache. These temporary files can sometimes interfere with system operations, causing errors like the ‘Invalid SIM Card’ one.

The exact steps to clear your phone’s cache may differ from one handset to the next, but for an example of how it’s done, look at How to Clear Cache on Samsung Phones.

9. Factory Reset Your Phone

As a last resort, consider a factory reset. This step should only be taken after backing up all your essential data, as it will erase everything on your device and return it to its original settings.

Before proceeding, ensure your data is safely backed up on a cloud service like Google Drive, iCloud, or an external storage device.

Read How To Hard Reset a Frozen Apple iPhone or Android Device for detailed instructions and information on factory resetting your Android phone.

10. Buy a New SIM Card

If nothing has worked, and your SIM card fails to work on another device, you should buy a new one. SIM cards are only a few cents usually, and with a phone call (on another phone, obviously) or a visit to your network provider, you can have your mobile account ported to your new SIM.

If you have a newer handset with an embedded eSIM, you might be able to ditch physical SIM cards altogether. Contact your service provider and ask them if they support eSIMS on their network. If they do, follow their instructions.

And What If All Else Fails?

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the ‘Invalid SIM Card’ error still needs to be fixed. In such instances, it’s worth checking if your device is under a network lock or has an issue with your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity).

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Why Are You Not Getting Snapchat Notifications? (And How to Fix It) https://www.online-tech-tips.com/smartphones/why-are-you-not-getting-snapchat-notifications-and-how-to-fix-it/ https://www.online-tech-tips.com/smartphones/why-are-you-not-getting-snapchat-notifications-and-how-to-fix-it/#disqus_thread Mahesh Makvana]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=98139

Are you missing notifications from Snapchat on your iPhone or Android phone? Is this causing you to miss out on essential app announcements? Many items can cause Snapchat not to […]]]>
Are you missing notifications from Snapchat on your iPhone or Android phone? Is this causing you to miss out on essential app announcements? Many items can cause Snapchat not to send you alerts. Luckily, you can resolve the issue with ease in most cases, and we’ll show you how.

You aren’t getting Snapchat notifications because you’ve enabled your phone’s DND mode, your Snapchat alerts are disabled, Snapchat’s app cache is faulty, your app version is old, and more.

Fix Your Internet Connection Problems

As you know, Snapchat relies on your phone’s internet connection to send alerts about various items. If your phone’s internet connection isn’t working, that can cause Snapchat not to trigger any notifications.

You can check if your internet connection is faulty by opening a web browser on your phone and accessing a site. Your site won’t load if your connection is faulty. In this case, apply various internet troubleshooting tips to your iPhone or Android phone. This can include rebooting your router, enabling and disabling your phone’s flight mode, re-joining your Wi-Fi network, and more.

Turn Off Your Phone’s Do Not Disturb or Focus Mode

Focus mode on iPhone and Do Not Disturb mode on Android allow you to turn off all the notifications on your phone. This is to prevent your apps from distracting you when you’re working on something important.

You may have enabled the above mode on your phone, causing Snapchat not to send you any alerts. So, you can fix the issue by turning off your phone’s DND mode.

On Android

  1. Pull down twice from the top of your phone’s screen.
  2. Tap Do Not Disturb to turn off the mode.

On iPhone

  1. Open the Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of your phone’s screen.
  2. Tap the Focus mode option to see various Focuses you’ve created.
  3. Disable all Focuses on the list to turn off the mode.

Enable Snapchat’s Notifications in Your iPhone or Android Settings

iPhone and Android allow you to control your app notifications from the system level. This means you can turn off any app’s notifications on your phone, and that app can’t send you alerts no matter what.

That may be the case with Snapchat on your phone. You or someone else may have toggled off Snaphat’s notifications in your phone’s settings menu, preventing the app from sending you any alerts.

You can fix that by re-enabling the app’s alerts from your phone’s Settings app.

On Android

  1. Access the app drawer, tap and hold on Snapchat, and select App info.
  2. Choose Manage notifications on the following screen.
  3. Enable the Allow notifications toggle.

On iPhone

  1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Select Notifications and choose Snapchat.
  3. Turn on the Allow Notifications toggle to re-activate the app’s alerts.

Activate Various Notifications in the Snapchat App

In addition to controlling Snapchat’s notifications from your phone’s Settings app, you can enable and disable various alerts from within the app. These in-app alerts may be disabled, causing you to miss your Snapchat notifications.

You can fix that by re-enabling all the alert options in your app.

  1. Open Snapchat on your phone.
  2. Select your profile icon or Bitmoji in the top-left corner.
  3. Choose Settings (a gear icon) in the top-right corner.
  1. Select Notifications in the open menu.
  2. Enable the alerts you’d like to receive from the app on your phone.

Clear Snapchat’s App Cache on Your Smartphone

Snapchat can fail to send notifications because the app’s cache files are corrupted. Such corruption can cause your app to malfunction and create many other problems.

But you can resolve your issue by clearing your app’s faulty cache files. Doing so doesn’t delete your account data.

  1. Launch Snapchat on your phone.
  2. Select your profile icon or Bitmoji in the top-left corner and Settings (a gear icon) in the top-right corner.
  3. Choose Clear Cache in the open menu.
  1. Select Continue (Android) or Clear All (iPhone) to delete your app’s cached data.
  2. Close and relaunch your app.

Update Snapchat on Your iPhone or Android Phone

An outdated app version often causes many issues. You may be running an old app version with many bugs and issues.

You can resolve that issue by updating your app to the latest version.

On Android

  1. Open Google Play Store on your phone.
  2. Search for Snapchat.
  3. Tap Update next to the app to update the app.

On iPhone

  1. Launch the App Store on your iPhone.
  2. Select Updates in the bottom bar.
  3. Choose Update next to Snapchat on the list.

Restart Your iPhone or Android Phone

Sometimes, the issue isn’t with your apps but with your phone. Your iPhone or Android phone may have a minor glitch, causing Snapchat not to function as expected. In this case, you can resolve those minor problems by restarting your devices.

Restarting your iPhone or Android phone turns off and back on all your system features, possibly fixing issues with those items.

On Android

  1. Press and hold down the Power button on your phone.
  2. Select Restart in the menu.
  1. Launch Snapchat when your phone turns on.

On iPhone

  1. Press and hold down Volume Up + Side or Volume Down + Side on your phone.
  2. Drag the slider to turn off your phone.
  1. Turn on your phone by pressing and holding down the Side button.
  2. Open the Snapchat app.

Log Out and Back Into Your Account on Snapchat

If you still aren’t receiving notifications from Snapchat, your login session with the app may have a problem. The app may be experiencing issues authenticating your user details with the company’s servers, causing your issue.

You can fix that by signing out and back into your account in the app. Keep your login details handy.

  1. Open Snapchat and access the Settings menu.
  2. Scroll the menu to the bottom and choose Log Out.
  1. Select Log Out in the prompt.
  2. Close and reopen the app.
  3. Log back into your account in the app.

Remove and Reinstall Snapchat on Your Phone

If none of the above methods fixes your issue, your last option is to uninstall and reinstall the Snapchat app on your phone. Your problem may be due to the app’s faulty core files, which you can resolve by deleting the current app files and bringing working files.

On Android

  1. Open the app drawer, tap and hold on Snapchat, and select Uninstall.
  2. Choose Uninstall in the prompt.
  1. Launch Google Play Store, find Snapchat, and select Install.

On iPhone

  1. Tap and hold on Snapchat on your iPhone’s home screen.
  2. Choose Remove App > Delete App in the menu.
  3. Reinstall the app by opening the App Store, finding Snapchat, and tapping the download icon.

Get Timely Alerts From Snapchat

Snapchat fails to send you account alerts for various reasons. Not receiving notifications can be a big deal if you use this app exclusively to chat with your friends and family.

Follow the methods outlined above, hopefully resolving your Snapchat alert issue on your iPhone or Android device.

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What Is “Other” Storage on Android (And How to Clean It Up)? https://www.online-tech-tips.com/smartphones/what-is-other-storage-on-android-and-how-to-clean-it-up/ https://www.online-tech-tips.com/smartphones/what-is-other-storage-on-android-and-how-to-clean-it-up/#disqus_thread Anya Zhukova]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=98150

Android has made big improvements in its file management system and app efficiency. However, with larger operating system files, heavier apps, and resource-consuming games, Android devices can quickly fill up […]]]>
Android has made big improvements in its file management system and app efficiency. However, with larger operating system files, heavier apps, and resource-consuming games, Android devices can quickly fill up despite having large storage capacities. Apart from easily identifiable files like photos, videos, apps, and games, there’s a category called “Other” that includes unidentified storage files.

In this article, we’ll show you how to get rid of the files from the “Other” category and free up more storage space on your Android.

What Is “Other” Storage on Android?

In Android devices, the “Other” category refers to the storage space that is not specifically categorized under identifiable files like photos, videos, apps, or games. It includes various types of files that are not easily recognized by the system and fall into a miscellaneous or uncategorized group.

These files might include:

  • Private App Data. Some Android apps and games create data that doesn’t fit into the standard categories, such as additional downloaded files, cloud sync data, and temporary files from streaming services.
  • Failed Backups. Cloud backup services may encounter issues during backup, resulting in incomplete or failed backups, which end up in the “Other” section.
  • Failed OTA Updates. Over-the-air updates can sometimes fail due to poor network conditions or other reasons, leaving behind temporary installer files in the “Other” storage.
  • Hidden Cache Files & Temporary Data. Apps and games download temporary data files like images, videos, and text, which might not always get cleared properly, leading to their accumulation in the “Other” category.
  • Miscellaneous System Files. Some system files and data that don’t fit into standard categories may also contribute to the “Other” storage.

The “Other” storage is often a mix of various files that don’t have a clear distinction, making it challenging to identify and manage them individually. As a result, this category may grow over time, taking up valuable storage space on the device. Cleaning up the “Other” storage can help free up space and improve the overall performance of your Android device.

How to Clean Up Other Storage and Free Up Storage Space on Android

There are different methods you can use to clean up the “Other” section in your Android device’s internal memory. You can try the following techniques one by one until you’re happy with the freed-up internal storage on your Android phone.

1. Use the Clean-Up Feature on Your Android

Most Android devices now offer a convenient Clean up feature within the Settings app, allowing you to easily free up your phone’s internal storage.

To use the Clean up feature on your smartphone, follow the steps below. Please note that the appearance and location of the Clean up feature might vary slightly depending on your device’s manufacturer and Android version.

  1. On your smartphone, open Settings.
  2. Inside the Settings app, scroll down until you find the Storage option. For Samsung devices, phone storage may be labeled as Device Care. If you have difficulty finding it, simply use the search bar at the top and type in Storage.
  3. Select Storage, and you’ll be presented with a breakdown of different categories, such as Photos, Videos, Other Media Files, Apps, Games, and more. You can select any of these categories to see more information about its contents.
  1. Within each category, you can identify files that are consuming space and decide which ones to delete. Tap on individual files or select multiple files to remove them from your device.
  2. While the Clean Up feature doesn’t allow you to remove the files from the Other category specifically, you can use it to perform a deep cleanup of your phone and free up a lot of space on your Android.

The Clean Up option helps you efficiently manage your Android storage by identifying and removing unnecessary files.

Some Android phone models also have the Clean storage option, which you can access by swiping down on the home screen. You’ll see the feature in the drop-down menu above the notification bar.

2. Clean Up Data Used by Proprietary Apps

Your Android device’s storage may be filling up due to app data, like hidden cached data, temporary files, as well as additional downloaded files. Luckily, Android devices have another built-in function to help you manage these large files – a memory scanner that can help you clean up the cache.

To clean up this data, follow the steps below.

  1. Open the phone’s Settings app.
  2. Navigate to the Storage Options section if applicable, or go to Storage > Apps.
  3. If your device allows, sort the apps based on their size. If not, manually check each app to find the ones with large data sizes.
  1. Open the app you want to manage (one that’s taking up a lot of storage space) and select the Clear Cache option.

If clearing the app cache doesn’t free up enough space, you can try tapping Clear Data.

Please note that selecting Clear Data will remove all app data, and you may need to log in again and download additional data that was needed during the initial installation. This option should be used with caution, as it may result in loss of app settings and preferences.

3. Clean Up Android/obb & Android/data Directories

When you uninstall apps from your device, sometimes their files are not completely removed from the system. This can happen because of certain issues with updates that are not compatible with the app, or it can be caused by third-party launchers that are not fully optimized for your specific device. As a result, some app files may remain in your device’s storage even after you have deleted the app.

If you have already tried the previous methods to clear the Other storage and it didn’t work, you can try this method to manually clean up leftover app files from deleted apps in your local storage.

Here’s how you can do it.

  1. Open your preferred File Manager app.
  2. Go to the Settings section of the File Manager and enable the option to Show System Files & Folders or Display hidden files.
  1. Navigate to the /Android/obb directory in your file manager. In this directory, most files will have names like com.ABC.XYZ, where ABC represents the developer name, and XYZ represents the app name.
  2. Look through this section to find names of apps that you have previously deleted. If you find any, go ahead and delete them.
  3. After you’re done with the /Android/obb directory, navigate to the /Android/data directory.
  1. Follow the same steps as before to identify leftover data from deleted apps. Delete any files related to apps you no longer use.

Finally, check your Other storage to see if the space has been freed up.

By manually cleaning up these directories, you may be able to clear up some storage space that was occupied by leftover files from previously deleted apps.

4. Clear Android Cache in Recovery Mode

You can also attempt to clear the Other storage category by clearing your user interface (UI) cache in Recovery Mode. You can use our comprehensive guide on How to Boot Into & Use Recovery Mode on Android to learn how to do it.

Please note that Recovery Mode is a sensitive menu, and making the wrong changes can potentially harm your Android device. Be cautious and proceed only if you feel confident in your technical abilities. If you are unsure, consider trying the next solution instead.

5. Return to the Original Stock ROM

If you have installed a custom ROM on your rooted device, there is a possibility that the custom ROM might have some glitches. Some major custom ROMs like Lineage OS, Pixel OS, and others have experienced issues where the file system duplicates itself, leading to storage space clogs and unidentified files in the Other section of the memory scanner.

If the previously mentioned solutions do not work, a good option to fix this problem is to go back to the stock ROM, which is the original operating system that came with your device. You can wait for an update from the developer of the custom ROM to fix the issue.

Additionally, you can also reach out for help by submitting a request on the developer’s Github account, especially if they are actively involved and responsive to bug reports.

6. Factory Reset Your Android Smartphone

If all else fails, consider resetting your device to its original factory settings. This can help improve the phone’s speed and give you a fresh start by clearing up storage issues.

Before proceeding with the reset, make sure to back up your device properly. You can back up your data to Google Drive, and Samsung devices have a feature called Smart Switch for backup.

Here’s how to perform a factory reset on your Android.

  1. Open the Settings app on your device.
  2. Use the search bar at the top to find the Factory reset or Reset phone option.
  3. Select this option to confirm.

Follow the on-screen instructions to perform the factory reset, which may vary depending on your phone’s user interface. After the reset, selectively restore your data back to your device and keep an eye on your device storage.

7. Use an External Storage Device

If the previous methods did not work to clear the Other storage section on your device, you may need to take more drastic measures to solve the issue. One option is to move your data to an SD card and then reset your phone.

Before you do that, we recommend backing up your data to Google Drive or other cloud storage to avoid losing any important information.

To move your data to an SD card, follow the steps below.

  1. Insert a high-capacity SD card into your device. If your device doesn’t have an SD card slot, you can use an OTG card reader.
  2. Create a manual backup of all your important data files.
  3. Back up your contacts and saved passwords onto the SD card.
  4. Reset your device to its factory settings.

Set up your device as new and restore your files and local contacts backup from the SD card. By following these steps, your Other storage should be cleared, and your device should return to normal.

8. Use a Third-Party App to Clean Up Your Other Storage

Finally, if you don’t want to go through the hassle of trying different methods to clean up your storage, try using a Storage Analyzer or File Manager app to gain a better understanding of your storage and disk usage. With an efficient file manager, you can easily examine the larger files stored on your device.

These apps allow you to sort files by size, making it easier to identify large files that may be contributing to the Other data. Additionally, you can view system files and hidden files on your local storage, which could be the main cause of the large amount of Other data. You can consult our comparison piece on the Best File Manager Apps for Android and take your pick of the app on Google Play Store.

Take a Smart Approach to Managing Your Android Storage

Managing Other storage on your Android device is crucial for optimizing performance and freeing up space. By regularly clearing cache, app data and using storage analyzer apps, you can identify and remove unnecessary files.

Be cautious when using more drastic measures like factory resetting, as they may lead to data loss. Taking proactive steps to clean up Other storage will result in a smoother and more efficient Android experience, with more available storage for your needs.

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PS5 Performance Mode: What It Is and How to Turn It On https://www.online-tech-tips.com/gaming/ps5-performance-mode-what-it-is-and-how-to-turn-it-on/ https://www.online-tech-tips.com/gaming/ps5-performance-mode-what-it-is-and-how-to-turn-it-on/#disqus_thread Sydney Butler]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=98165

The PlayStation 5, or PS5 as it’s more commonly known, is Sony’s latest entry in the console wars. It’s a powerhouse, boasting impressive specs that promise to deliver a new […]]]>
The PlayStation 5, or PS5 as it’s more commonly known, is Sony’s latest entry in the console wars. It’s a powerhouse, boasting impressive specs that promise to deliver a new level of immersion for gamers.

One of the key features that Sony has introduced with the new PS5 is the Performance Mode. But what exactly is this mode, and how does it affect your gameplay? Let’s dive in.

Understanding Performance Mode

Performance Mode is a graphics setting on the PS5 that prioritizes framerate over resolution. In other words, when you enable this mode, your PS5 will aim to deliver a smooth 60 frames per second (fps) gameplay experience, even if it means dialing back on the graphical quality a bit. This is a significant step up from the 30fps gamers have grown accustomed to on consoles like the PS4 Pro.

The higher frame rates offered by the PS5 Performance Mode can make a world of difference in your gaming experience. Whether you’re swinging through the skyscrapers of New York in “Spider-Man: Miles Morales” or battling it out in the galaxy far, far away in a new “Star Wars” game, the smoothness offered by 60fps can make your gameplay feel more responsive and immersive.

Note: This setting only tells the PS5 what you generally prefer; it doesn’t prevent you from manually switching to a different mode within a game’s menus. So you can override this on a per-game basis.

Resolution Mode vs. Performance Mode

But how does this compare to the PS5’s Resolution Mode? Also known as Quality Mode, the graphics setting prioritizes image quality and resolution over framerate. When you enable this mode, your PS5 will aim to deliver gameplay at a (targeted) 4K resolution, even if it means the framerate might drop to 30fps. This mode is perfect for games with beautiful graphics and slower-paced gameplay, where you can take the time to appreciate the high level of detail in the game world.

However, remember that there are many situations where you won’t see the difference between the image quality in Resolution or Performance mode. If you’re still using a 1080p (AKA “Full HD”) TV, you won’t see much benefit from running in resolution mode. The PS5 still targets 4K but then “downsamples” that image to 1080p. This does result in a better 1080p image, but even in Performance mode, most games render above 1080p, so you’re still getting a better picture either way.

Also, if you sit too far from your 4K TV set, you may not see the detail offered by 4K. Most people underestimate how close they have to sit to their 4K set to see 4K detail. For example, the standard 55″ screen size requires you to sit closer than 6ft from the TV.

But, some aspects of resolution mode may be visible at any distance since you can set other settings (such as lighting quality or foliage density) to higher levels in quality mode. However, higher frame rates are always visible at any distance and affect other aspects besides visuals, specifically how snappy the game feels in response to your input.

How to Enable Performance Mode

Turning on the PS5 Performance Mode is a breeze. Here’s how to do it.

  1. Turn on your PlayStation 5 console.
  2. From the main dashboard, navigate to the top-right corner of the screen and select the Settings icon (represented by a cog).
  1. In the Settings menu, select Saved Data and Game/App Setting.
  1. Within this menu, find and select Game Presets.
  1. You’ll see an option for Game Default, Performance Mode, or Resolution Mode in the Game Presets menu.
  1. You will now have the option to choose between Performance Mode or Resolution Mode. Select Performance Mode to prioritize higher frame rates.

And that’s it! Your PS5 will prioritize performance, offering smoother gameplay at higher frame rates. Remember, you can always return to this menu to switch back to Resolution Mode if you prefer to prioritize graphical quality and resolution.

How to Get 120FPS in PS5 Games

A few select PS5 games, such as “Gran Turismo 7,” support frame rates above 60fps. However, this is only possible on televisions or computer monitors with refresh rates of 120Hz or above. Whether your TV can do this can be tricky since you may have to dig into some technical specifications. Still, the PS5 makes it easy to figure out in a few seconds if the option to activate this mode is unavailable, it means your current TV setup does not support it.

Here are the steps to turn 120Hz output on or off on your PS5:

  1. Start from the PS5’s home screen.
  2. Navigate to the top right-hand corner and select Settings.
  1. Within the Settings menu, select Screen and Video.
  1. In the Screen and Video menu, go to Video Output.
  1. Here, you will find an option called 120Hz Output. Select Automatic to turn 120Hz output on or off as per your preference.

Games that support 120Hz output will render at more than 60 fps if this option is activated. Not all games will reach or sustain this number, but you will get more than the normal performance mode.

There’s even more to the 120Hz mode beyond this. Some games, such as “Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart” and “Horizon Forbidden West” have 40fps modes that only work in 120Hz mode. That’s because 40 divides evenly into 120Hz (but not 60Hz), which allows this frame rate to work without visual artifacts. This 40fps mode offers a nice middle ground between quality and performance modes.

There’s no harm in activating 120Hz mode all the time since you can still manually set individual games to 60fps or even 30fps in their menus, both of which work perfectly at 120Hz.

Note: If your 120Hz television or monitor does not support HDMI VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), running in 120Hz mode may lead to screen tearing when the game can’t quite hit that 120fps mark.

Special In-Game Settings

The 40fps mode we just discussed is an example of a special in-game graphics mode that you will only see within the menus of a given game. The game presets of the PS5 system itself are binary, with only two options. Some games, such as “Ghostwire Tokyo,” have many different graphics modes, with Ghostwire sporting ten!

These modes can be anything the game developer chooses, but usually boil down to the following:

  1. 30fps Fidelity mode
  2. 60fps Performance mode
  3. 40fps balanced mode (if supported and the 120Hz output enabled)
  4. 120fps High Frame Rate Mode (if supported and the 120Hz output enabled)
  5. Ray tracing features activated (at a frame rate specified by the developer)

Ray tracing, a feature previously exclusive to high-end PC gaming GPUs such as the NVIDIA RTX series, is a rendering technique that simulates how light interacts with objects in a video game. It can make lighting and reflections look incredibly realistic, adding another layer of immersion to your gaming experience. However, ray tracing can be demanding on the console’s hardware, which might lead to some stuttering or low frame rates if your game is particularly graphics-intensive.

What About PS4 Games?

The PS5 is backward compatible with nearly every game ever released for the PS4. Your preset choice for PS5 games generally does not affect PS4 games, which run at their PS4 Pro settings by default on PS5.

Some PS4 games have been patched by their developers to take advantage of the extra horsepower in the PS5, which usually means there will be a menu option (or a default state) where the game runs at 4K60, or perhaps even over 60fps if 120Hz output is enabled.

In some cases where an unpatched PS4 game has a 60fps mode, it will limit its resolution to 1080p or even less since these were the PS4 Pro performance mode settings.

Unpatched PS4 games with unlocked frame rates and dynamic resolution scaling can often reach 4K60fps without special patching by the developer.

The bottom line is that with PS4 games, you’ll have to deal with performance and quality on a case-by-case basis when you play them on your PS5. Some PS4 games have been remastered into native PS5 games, and often you can get a free upgrade to this version (e.g., Cyberpunk 2077) or pay a small fee, such as with Grand Theft Auto V.

What About Other Consoles?

It’s also worth noting that the PS5 Performance Mode is one of many options for gamers seeking higher frame rates. The Xbox Series X and S, the PS5’s main competitors, also offer a similar feature. When it comes to playing Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One games on the latest Xbox consoles, Microsoft has found a way to boost frame rate and resolution in some older games without any help from the developer.

Try Performance Mode in a Fast Paced Game

The PS5 Performance Mode is a game-changer for console gamers. It offers a smoother, more responsive gameplay experience, making it a great choice for fast-paced action games. However, if you’re a gamer who values graphical quality and high resolution over framerate, the PS5’s Resolution Mode might be more up your alley. Either way, the choice is yours, and the PS5’s game presets make it easy to switch between these modes as you see fit.

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5 Ways to Uninstall Games on the PS5 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/gaming/5-ways-to-uninstall-games-on-the-ps5/ https://www.online-tech-tips.com/gaming/5-ways-to-uninstall-games-on-the-ps5/#disqus_thread Dilum Senevirathne]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=98180

As the complexity and depth of video games increase, so does their demand for storage space—some titles already exceed 100GB! If you own a Sony PlayStation 5, routine storage management […]]]>
As the complexity and depth of video games increase, so does their demand for storage space—some titles already exceed 100GB! If you own a Sony PlayStation 5, routine storage management is necessary, given its low-capacity 825GB SSD. Deleting games you no longer play is the most straightforward way to reclaim space.

The PS5 console offers multiple approaches to removing games from its SSD (and extended storage drive if you have one). This guide walks you through each technique, making it easy to free up storage and accommodate new games.

Will Uninstalling a Game Delete Its Save Data?

Your PS5 stores save files separately from game data, so you don’t lose your progress even if you delete a video game. You can reinstall the game later, and it should automatically detect the save files.

If you want to delete or backup your save data, visit your console’s Storage management panel (more on that later).

1. Uninstall Video Games From the Home Screen

The fastest way to delete a video game on your PS5 is through the Home Screen. Just highlight the game’s thumbnail, press the DualSense controller’s Options button, and select Delete.

Tip: Select Information on the context menu to check how much space the game occupies on the console’s storage before deleting it.

2. Uninstall Video Games via the Game Library

If a video game does not appear on your PS5’s Home Screen (it only shows nine of your most recently-played games), you can delete it via the Game Library. Here’s how:

  1. Scroll to the right of the Home Screen and select Game Library.
  1. Highlight the game you want to uninstall and press Options.
  1. Select Delete.

3. Uninstall Video Games via Storage Management

Another way to uninstall PS5 games is through the console’s Storage management panel. This method is ideal if you want to delete multiple games simultaneously while having a clearer picture of how much space you can free up.

Here’s how:

  1. Select the Gear icon on the top left of the screen.
  1. Scroll down the Settings menu and choose Storage.
  1. Select Console Storage > Games and Apps to view a list of installed games on the internal storage drive.
  1. Check the boxes next to the video games you want to uninstall—you should see the size of each game, including the amount of potential free space you can gain if you delete your selections.
  1. Select Delete.

4. Uninstall Games via the PlayStation App

If you’ve set up the PS App to work on your iPhone or Android, you can remotely delete games from your PS5. Like with the Storage management console on your PS5, it lets you delete multiple games at once while allowing you to figure out how much space you get to free up. Just:

  1. Open the PS App.
  2. Tap the Settings icon (top right of the screen) within the Play tab.
  3. Tap PS5 Storage at the top of the screen.
  4. Select the games you want to delete.
  5. Tap Delete Game(s).

Your PS5 should automatically delete the game in Rest Mode or when you next turn on the console.

If you don’t have the PS App on your mobile device:

  1. Download and install the PS App from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
  2. Open the PS App and sign in with your PlayStation Account.
  3. Tap the Gear icon (top right of the screen) within the Play tab.
  4. Tap Link Console to App.
  5. Select your PS5 and tap Confirm.

You can now delete games on your PS5.

5. Uninstall Games on the Extended Storage Device

If you’ve set up an external hard drive or SSD to work as extended storage on your PS5, you can delete video games from it through the Home Screen, Game Library (make sure to scroll down to the Extended storage section), or the PS App (switch to the USB tab within PS Storage). The steps are identical to removing games from the console’s internal storage drive.

Additionally, you can uninstall games from the extended drive through the PS5’s Storage management panel, but the process is somewhat different. Begin by connecting the storage device to a SuperSpeed USB port on your PS5—the USB-C port on the front or one of the two USB-A ports on the back. Then:

  1. Open the PS5’s Settings menu and select Storage.
  1. Go to USB Extended Storage > Games and Apps.
  1. Highlight any game within the list, press Options, and choose the Select Items to Delete option.
  1. Mark the games you want to remove—you should see the size of each game, including the amount of free space you can free up if you delete your selections.
  1. Select Delete.

Delete Saved Game Data on Your PS5

If you’d like to delete the saved data for a video game after you’re done uninstalling it:

  1. Open the PS5’s Settings menu.
  2. Select Storage.
  3. Go to Console Storage > Save Data.
  4. Select the save data for the game.
  5. Select Delete.

Optionally, you can back up your saved data to PlayStation Plus or a flash drive (PS4 games only) before deleting them. Just switch to the Upload to PS Plus or Copy to USB Drive tabs to upload or copy the files.

Remove PS5 Games You No Longer Play

As you just learned, you’ve got multiple ways to delete games on the PS5. You can do that via the Home Screen, Game Library, Console management screen, or the PS App. If you want to reinstall a game, just redownload it via the PlayStation Store (you should find a list of your purchases within the Game Library) or copy the game content via its Blu-ray disc.

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Links Not Working/Opening In Instagram? 8 Fixes to Try https://www.online-tech-tips.com/computer-tips/links-not-working-opening-in-instagram-8-fixes-to-try/ https://www.online-tech-tips.com/computer-tips/links-not-working-opening-in-instagram-8-fixes-to-try/#disqus_thread Sodiq Olanrewaju]]> Sun, 17 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=98200

The Instagram app for Android and iOS has a built-in web browser. Without leaving the app, you can open links in Instagram stories, bios, DMs, and sponsored posts. However, issues […]]]>
The Instagram app for Android and iOS has a built-in web browser. Without leaving the app, you can open links in Instagram stories, bios, DMs, and sponsored posts. However, issues with your internet connection or the Instagram app can prevent links from opening in the in-app browser.

Try the troubleshooting tips below if Instagram fails to open web links on your Android or iOS device.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

Instagram might fail to open website links on a slow, unstable, or weak internet connection. Switch to a Wi-Fi network if you’re using cellular data and open the link again.

Reboot your router or contact your internet service provider if the issue persists. Refresh your cellular and Wi-Fi connection by putting your phone in and out of airplane mode.

Swipe up from the top of your Android device’s screen and tap the airplane icon to enable airplane mode. Wait 3-5 seconds and tap the icon again to turn off airplane mode.

Alternatively, head to Settings > Network & internet (or Connections), toggle Airplane mode on, and turn it back off.

If you use an iPhone, open the Settings app, toggle on Airplane Mode, and turn it back on after a few seconds.

Reconnect your phone to the internet via cellular data or Wi-Fi, open Instagram, and check if the app opens web links.

If you’re using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), turn it off, and try opening the link again. Also, check your router, firewall, or proxy app settings for website restriction—especially if Instagram won’t open links to specific websites.

2. Clear Instagram’s Browser Cookies and Data

Instagram saves data from websites or links you visit in the in-app browser. Instagram might fail to open links if the browser’s data over-accumulates or gets corrupted. Clear Instagram’s browser data might get the app opening website links again.

Clear Instagram’s Browser Data (Android)

Open any website link on Instagram and follow the steps below.

  1. Tap the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner and select Browser settings.
  2. Tap Clear on the “Browsing data” row to clear Instagram’s in-app browser data.

Close the browser, reopen the link, and check if Instagram loads the website. Restart Instagram and open the link again if the issue persists.

Clear Instagram’s Browser Data (iOS)

Open any link in the Instagram app and follow the steps below.

  1. Tap the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner and select Browser settings.
  2. Tap Clear cookies and cache in the “Browsing Data” section.
  1. Select Clear browsing data on the confirmation pop-up to continue.

Close the browser and revisit the web link. Close and reopen Instagram if the browser still doesn’t load the website.

3. Force Close and Restart Instagram

Force close Instagram on your phone if the app doesn’t respond when you tap website links.

Force Close Instagram on Android

  1. Tap and hold the Instagram app icon on your device’s homepage or app library.
  2. Tap the Info (i) icon to open the Instagram app info page.
  3. Tap Force stop and select OK on the pop-up.
  1. Tap Open to restart Instagram and check if you can open links in the app.

Force Close Instagram on iPhone

If your iPhone has Face ID, swipe up from the bottom of your screen and stop in the middle of the screen. Locate Instagram in the App Switcher and swipe up the app to close it.

Double-click the Home button to open the App Switcher on iPhone SE, iPhone 8, or earlier models. Swipe up Instagram’s preview to close the app.

4. Use Your Phone’s Default Browser

Instagram blocks certain types of links—e.g., shortened links and links to platforms sharing explicit content or spam. You might also encounter trouble accessing links to other social media platforms like Telegram and Snapchat through Instagram.

If Instagram doesn’t open specific websites, try opening the links in your phone’s default browser or any external web browser.

On Instagram for Android, tap the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner, and select Open in [Browser Name].

Alternatively, tap the menu icon, select Share via…, choose your browser in the share menu, and select Open in [Browser Name].

You can also copy Instagram links and open them in your preferred (external) browser. Tap the menu icon in the Instagram browser and select Copy link. Paste the copied link in your preferred browser to visit the website.

In the iOS Instagram app, tap the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner, and select Open in system browser.

Want to change your phone’s default browser? See our tutorial on changing default browsers on iPhone and Android devices.

5. Update the Instagram App

Instagram might malfunction if you’re running an outdated version of the app on your device. Updating Instagram to the latest version can restore broken functionalities to normal.

Open the Play Store (Android) or App Store (iPhone), search for “Instagram,” and tap Update to update Instagram.

6. Clear Instagram App Cache and Data (Android)

Delete Instagram’s cache or data if you still can’t open web links after updating the app.

  1. Press the Instagram app icon on your home screen or app library. Select the Info (i) icon on the pop-up menu.
  2. Select Storage.
  3. Tap the Clear cache icon to delete Instagram’s cache files on your device.

Restart Instagram and check if the app opens website links. Clear Instagram’s app data (see step #4) if the issue persists.

  1. Return to Instagram’s storage info page (see steps #1 and #2) and tap Clear data.
  2. Select Delete or OK on the pop-up to proceed.

Reopen the app, sign into your Instagram account, and try opening website links in DMs, bios, or stories.

7. Contact the Instagram User or Page Admin

Web links won’t open in Instagram (or any browser) if broken or expired. If someone shared the link via direct message (DM), ask if they can access the webpage in their Instagram app or web browser.

If they can, you likely have the wrong URL/link. Request a new link from the sender/user or report the glitch to the website administrator. If an Instagram bio link isn’t clickable, text the user or page admin to send the link via DM.

8. Report the Problem to Instagram

If Instagram still won’t open links, there’s likely an unresolved bug or technical problem with the app. Report the issue to Instagram through the app’s settings menu. Open your Instagram profile and follow the steps to send a bug report.

  1. Tap the hamburger menu icon in the top-right corner and select Settings and privacy.
  2. Scroll to the “More info and support” section and tap Help.
  1. Select Report a Problem.
  2. Select Report problem without shaking.
  3. Tap Include and continue to include information about your device, account activity, and network logs in the report. Otherwise, select Don’t include and continue to proceed.
  1. Describe the issue you’re experiencing or type details of the link in the dialog box. If you’re getting a specific error when opening a link, attach a screenshot of the error in your report.
  2. Tap Send in the top-right corner to post your report to Instagram.

Access Webpages on Instagram

Uninstall and reinstall Instagram if the app still won’t open web links. Also, watch the Instagram page in your device’s app store for an update.

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How to Change Tick Speed in Minecraft https://www.online-tech-tips.com/gaming/how-to-change-tick-speed-in-minecraft/ https://www.online-tech-tips.com/gaming/how-to-change-tick-speed-in-minecraft/#disqus_thread Ben Stockton]]> Sat, 16 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=98123

Minecraft is a popular sandbox game that allows players to build and explore virtual worlds. One aspect of the game that you can customize is the tick speed. Changing the […]]]>
Minecraft is a popular sandbox game that allows players to build and explore virtual worlds. One aspect of the game that you can customize is the tick speed. Changing the tick speed can affect how random processes, such as crop growth and block updates, occur while you’re playing the game.

By adjusting the tick speed, players can influence the game’s pace to suit their preferences. If you’re a Minecraft beginner, we’ll explain how to change the tick speed in Minecraft below.

What Is Tick Speed in Minecraft?

Your Minecraft tick speed refers to the rate at which the game processes various events and updates, such as block updates, mob movements, and random events like crop growth and weather changes.

The default tick speed is set to a reasonable pace for most players, but you may want to change the tick speed for various reasons, such as speeding up farming processes or making the game more challenging.

Remember that the higher the tick speed, the faster various events and updates will occur in the game. Setting it too high may cause performance issues or create an overly chaotic gameplay experience. Finding a balance that works best for you and your specific gameplay objectives is crucial.

How to Change Tick Speed in Minecraft Using Commands

In Minecraft, the tick speed determines how often random events occur, such as crop and tree growth. In the Java edition of Minecraft, the default tick speed value is 3, while the Bedrock edition of Minecraft has the tick speed set to 1.

Tip: If you’re running Bedrock, enable ray tracing in Minecraft (as long as your GPU supports it).

You can use the randomTickSpeed command in the chat window to alter your tick speed. This is typically only possible on an online or LAN-hosted server.

Again, remember that increasing the tick speed may result in game lag or server lag if you set it too high. To change the tick speed in Minecraft, follow the steps below.

  1. Open your Minecraft world and ensure you have the required permissions to use commands. If you run the Minecraft server, enable cheats by setting the Allow Cheats value to On. If you don’t run the server, ensure that the server operator has enabled them and allows you to make changes.
  1. Press either the T or / (forward slash) keys to open the chat window.
  2. In the chat window, type /gamerule randomTickSpeed <value> in the chat window, where <value> is replaced with the number you’d like to set the tick speed to.
  1. Press Enter to execute the command—the tick speed will be changed accordingly.

Note that setting the tick speed too high or too low might affect the game’s performance and cause unintended side effects. Stay within reasonable limits when altering the tick speed—setting it too high could cause your game to crash.

Managing Your Minecraft Experience

The easiest way to change your tick speed in Minecraft is to use the in-game commands we’ve explored above. If you want greater control over the Minecraft gaming experience, you can also use the MultiMC launcher instead, which allows you to customize your game before you launch it.

Are you having any other issues with Minecraft? If you encounter a black screen issue with Minecraft or need to fix Minecraft exit codes, you’ll need to troubleshoot the problem further.

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Disney Plus Not Working on Fire TV? Try These 8 Fixes https://www.online-tech-tips.com/computer-tips/disney-plus-not-working-on-fire-tv-try-these-8-fixes/ https://www.online-tech-tips.com/computer-tips/disney-plus-not-working-on-fire-tv-try-these-8-fixes/#disqus_thread Sodiq Olanrewaju]]> Fri, 15 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=98117

Is Disney+ crashing or freezing on your Amazon Fire TV? Does the Disney+ app display error messages when you attempt to stream movies and shows? Do you experience audio/video lags […]]]>
Is Disney+ crashing or freezing on your Amazon Fire TV? Does the Disney+ app display error messages when you attempt to stream movies and shows? Do you experience audio/video lags when streaming Disney+? The troubleshooting steps in this tutorial should get Disney+ working smoothly on your Fire TV.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

Your connection speed has a direct impact on Disney+ streaming quality and performance. Unstable, slow, or inconsistent internet connection can cause video buffering, audio lag, and other streaming issues. Connectivity issues can also trigger several Disney+ error codes, preventing you from streaming movies or shows.

Disney+ recommends a 5.0 Mbps download speed for High Definition (HD) content and 25.0 Mbps for 4K content. Visit fast.com or speetest.net on your Fire TV web browser or any device connected to your network.

Restart or reset your Wi-Fi router if your download speed falls below Disney+ recommendation for the content quality you’re streaming. Switch to a lower video quality or contact your internet service provider if your connection speed still doesn’t meet the recommendation.

Switch to a different Wi-Fi network with a faster download speed that meets Disney+ recommendations.

2. Check for Server Downtime

There’s likely an issue with Disney Plus servers if the streaming app doesn’t work on your Fire TV and other supported devices. Check the Disney+ status page on Downdetector for possible server downtime or outage.

Server downtimes are often resolved quickly, so Disney+ should be back working on your Fire TV in no time. Contact Disney+ Help Center if the server downtime persists for hours.

Disney+ can also temporarily restrict access to the streaming service if it detects suspicious activities (e.g., repeated failed login attempts) from your IP address. Likewise, the streaming service sometimes displays specific error codes if it receives unusually high traffic from your IP address or to a specific movie title.

Restart your Fire TV and your router if you keep getting any of the following error messages:

  • Due to a high number of requests, we have temporarily throttled traffic from your IP address. Please try again later (Error Code 91).
  • Due to a high number of requests, we have temporarily throttled traffic from your IP address. Please try again later (Error Code 92).
  • We’re sorry, but we cannot play the video you requested. Please try again. If the problem persists, contact Disney+ Support (Error Code 41).

3. Force Close and Relaunch Disney Plus

Force closing a malfunctioning app can get it working correctly again. Force close Disney+ if the app occasionally or constantly freezes or crashes on your Fire TV.

  1. Select the gear icon in the top-right corner of your Fire TV home screen.
  2. Select Applications in the Settings menu.
  1. Choose Manage Installed Applications.
  1. Select Disney+.
  1. Select Force stop to terminate the Disney Plus application.
  1. Wait 5-10 seconds and select Launch application to reopen Disney+ Plus.

4. Restart Your Fire TV

Rebooting your Fire TV can resolve temporary system glitches and app malfunctions. Performing a device reboot also frees up memory for applications to run smoothly without issues.

Head to Settings > My Fire TV > Restart and select Restart on the confirmation screen.

You can also initiate a system reboot using a remote shortcut. Press and hold the Select and Play/Pause buttons on your Fire TV Remote for 3-5 seconds.

Release both buttons when you see a “Your Amazon Fire TV is Powering Off” on your screen.

Perform a hard reboot if you can’t find your Fire TV Remote or if you have a faulty remote. Unplug your Fire TV device from its power source and wait 10-30 seconds.

Reconnect the streaming device to its power source, wait for it to boot, and check if Disney+ works without issues.

5. Clear Disney+ Cache and Data

Disney+ app might malfunction if its cache files get corrupted. Force-close Disney+, clear its cache file, and restart the app. If the malfunction persists, delete the Disney+ data, and relaunch the application.

Note: Deleting Disney+ data removes the application’s settings, files, and account info from your Fire TV.

  1. Head to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications and select Disney+.
  1. Select Clear Cache.

Reopen Disney Plus and try streaming a movie or show. Clear the app’s data (see step #3) if the issue persists.

  1. Select Clear data.
  1. Select Clear data again on the confirmation screen.

Reopen Disney+, sign in to your Disney Plus account, and check if the app works without issue.

6. Update the Disney+ App

You might encounter issues streaming Disney+ if you have an outdated app version. Follow the steps below to update Disney Plus to the latest version in the Fire TV App Store.

  1. Open the App Store app on your Fire TV home screen.
  1. Head to the App Library tab and open the Installed on this TV category.
  1. Navigate to the Disney+ app icon and press the Menu button on your Fire TV Remote.
  1. You’ll see an “Update” option on the menu if a new Disney+ version is available for your Fire TV. Select Update to install the latest Disney+ version on your device.

We recommend enabling “Automatic Updates” on your Fire TV so it automatically updates Disney+ and any outdated app.

Head to Settings > Applications > App Store and set Automatic Updates to “ON.”

7. Update Your Fire TV

Fire TV devices running an outdated or buggy software version might encounter issues running certain applications. Amazon often releases Fire OS updates that resolve system failures and app malfunctions. Head to your Fire TV settings menu and install any update available for your Fire TV.

Connect your Fire TV to the internet and go to Settings > My Fire TV > About. Select Check for Updates and wait while your Fire TV downloads any available update.

If your Fire TV downloaded an update in the background, select Install Update to start the update.

The software update could take up to 30 minutes, depending on the update size, Fire TV model, and internet speed. Open Disney+ after the update and check if updating your Fire TV resolved the issue.

Are you having trouble updating the software on your Fire TV devices? Check out the troubleshooting recommendations in this article—Top 7 Fixes to Try If Your Fire TV Isn’t Updating.

8. Reinstall Disney Plus

Remove Disney+ from your Fire TV and reinstall the application if the app malfunctions after trying the fixes above.

Head to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications > Disney+ and select Uninstall.

Select Confirm on the confirmation screen to uninstall the app.

Restart your Fire TV and reinstall Disney+ from the Amazon App Store or sideload the APK from third-party sources.

Get Disney+ Working Again

You should also consider factory resetting your Fire TV if Disney+ (and other streaming apps) doesn’t work after trying the troubleshooting steps above.

Go to Settings > My Fire TV > Reset to Factory Defaults and select Reset on the confirmation screen.

Resetting your Fire TV deletes everything (apps, settings, saved networks, downloaded files, etc.) on the streaming device and unlinks it from your Amazon account.

Set up your device after the reset (see: How to Set Up Amazon Fire TV) and install Disney+. Contact Disney+ Help Center or Amazon Device Support if the Disney+ app still malfunctions.

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How to Unsubscribe From a YouTube Channel https://www.online-tech-tips.com/google-softwaretips/how-to-unsubscribe-from-a-youtube-channel/ https://www.online-tech-tips.com/google-softwaretips/how-to-unsubscribe-from-a-youtube-channel/#disqus_thread Ben Stockton]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2023 22:00:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=98087

YouTube is a great platform to watch videos on various topics, from entertainment to education. If a channel you’ve loved in the past has lost its charm, however, it might […]]]>
YouTube is a great platform to watch videos on various topics, from entertainment to education. If a channel you’ve loved in the past has lost its charm, however, it might be time to unsubscribe.

You may want to unsubscribe from a YouTube channel that you no longer find useful, subscribed to by mistake, or that you’ve simply lost interest in. Unsubscribing from a YouTube channel will stop you from being notified when new videos are released and can help to clean up your YouTube recommendations.

Whatever the reason, you can easily unsubscribe from a YouTube channel using your web browser or by using the YouTube mobile app using the steps below.

How to Unsubscribe from a YouTube Channel on a Web Browser

The easiest way to remove a YouTube subscription from your account is to use your web browser. You can control your account preferences (such as your current channel subscriptions) from the YouTube website on your PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

  1. From your web browser, open YouTube, sign in with your Google account, and select the Subscriptions tab from the sidebar on the left.
  1. You’ll see a list of channels that you’re subscribed to and their latest videos. Select the Manage button in the top-right.
  1. To unsubscribe from a channel, click the Subscribed button next to it, then choose Unsubscribe from the drop-down menu.
  1. Alternatively, open a channel’s home page via your Subscriptions tab or YouTube’s search tool and press the Subscribed button in the top-right, then choose Unsubscribe from the drop-down menu.
  1. When prompted, press Unsubscribe in the pop-up to confirm your choice.
  1. Once you’ve unsubscribed from the channel, the button will change to Subscribe—this will confirm that you’re no longer subscribed to the channel.

You can also unsubscribe from a channel while watching one of its videos—just click on the Subscribed button below the video and confirm your action to remove the subscription.

How to Unsubscribe From a YouTube Channel on the YouTube Mobile App

If you prefer to use YouTube on your mobile device, you can control your subscriptions using the app. To remove a YouTube subscription on mobile, follow these steps.

  1. Open the YouTube app on your mobile device and sign in with your Google account.
  2. Tap the Subscriptions icon from the menu at the bottom of the screen. You’ll see a list of channels that you’re subscribed to at the top and their latest videos.
  1. Tap on a channel name, channel icon, or search for it manually using the YouTube search tool to go to its homepage.
  2. On the channel’s homepage, tap the Subscribed button below the channel’s name.
  1. A pop-up window will ask you to confirm your action—tap Unsubscribe to confirm.
  1. Once you’ve confirmed the removal of the subscription, the button below the channel’s name will change to Subscribe again. This is confirmation that you’re no longer subscribed to the channel.

Like PC users, you can also unsubscribe from a channel while you’re watching one of its videos. Below the playing video (outside of fullscreen mode), tap the Subscribed button to remove the subscription—you’ll need to confirm that you want to unsubscribe when you do this.

Managing Your YouTube Account

Thanks to the steps above, unsubscribing from YouTube channels is a quick and easy process that you can complete from a PC, Mac, or mobile device. Removing channels you don’t watch anymore from your subscription list will limit the notification spam, but you can always disable your YouTube notifications to help this further.

Struggling with the amount of ads you’re seeing while a video is playing? You can always look at different ways to block YouTube ads, from a YouTube Premium subscription to other methods, such as using a VPN.

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5 Best Team Management Apps (For Small and Large Teams) https://www.online-tech-tips.com/software-reviews/5-best-team-management-apps-for-small-and-large-teams/ https://www.online-tech-tips.com/software-reviews/5-best-team-management-apps-for-small-and-large-teams/#disqus_thread Jake Harfield]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=98072

Team management apps provide you with the tools you need to manage your team, collaborate effectively, and improve productivity. They let you track performance, assign and monitor tasks, message team […]]]>
Team management apps provide you with the tools you need to manage your team, collaborate effectively, and improve productivity. They let you track performance, assign and monitor tasks, message team members, and more.

In this article, we’ll discuss the best team management apps on the market today for both small and large teams.

The 5 Best Team Management Apps

Here are the 5 best team management apps:

1. Trello: Simple Task Management for Small Teams

Trello is one of the best-known project management tools for small businesses and startups. It uses a Kanban board system to enable teams to create and organize tasks. Users can add due dates, descriptions, attachments, and checklists to each card and get notifications when team members complete tasks.

Some of Trellos’ key features include:

  • Boards and cards. Create multiple boards for different projects, departments, and teams. Then, create a card for each task and customize these with labels, due dates, descriptions, and checklists. Organize cards into lists like “To Do”, “In Progress”, and “Completed” to track progress. Create checklists within cards to break down tasks into smaller, actionable items.
  • Comments and attachments. Leave comments on cards to provide your team with updates, ask questions, or collaborate on tasks. Also attach files, documents, or links to cards to provide additional information or resources.
  • Notifications. Receive notifications and updates after key milestones to stay informed on projects.
  • Integrations. Trello integrates with various third-party apps and tools, like Google Drive.

Trello Pros:

  • Very easy-to-use drag-and-drop functionality and a stack of useful features.
  • Excellent customer service.
  • Workflow automation helps streamline projects and reduce manual work.
  • Templates can be used to speed up board creation.
  • Can be used as a basic customer relationship management (CRM) tool.

Trello Cons:

  • Limited customizability
  • No built-in time-tracking capabilities
  • Limited analytics

Trello Pricing:

Trello offers four plans:

  • Free: Unlimited cards, 10 boards per workspace, and all key features.
  • Standard: $5 per user per month (billed annually). Unlimited boards and more advanced features for small teams.
  • Premium: $10 per user per month. Everything in Standard, plus features targeted at larger teams with multiple ongoing projects.
  • Enterprise: Starts at $17.50 per user per month. For organizations with multiple large teams.

2. Asana: Scalable Management for Teams of All Sizes

Asana is another well-known web-based project management tool that helps teams organize, track, and manage their projects. Asana provides a stack of features that improve collaboration, like task allocation and tracking.

Some of Asana’s key features include:

  • Project organization. Easily create project plans and break them down into tasks and subtasks to organize work and track progress at different levels.
  • Task management. Create, assign, and prioritize tasks within different projects. Set due dates, add descriptions, attach files, and ensure all necessary information is included where it should be.
  • Collaboration tools. Comment on tasks, mention team members, and hold conversations within individual tasks. Asana also provides virtual meeting management tools to improve collaboration.
  • Timeline and calendar view. Visualize your projects on a timeline or view them in a calendar to get a clear overview of deadlines and team availability.
  • Integrations. Asana integrates with a wide range of third-party tools and services, including Google Drive, Slack, Microsoft Office, and Dropbox.

Asana Pros:

  • Regular updates
  • Intuitive interface
  • Robust communication tools
  • Easy customization and cross-platform availability

Asana Cons:

  • Many advanced features are locked behind a paywall
  • Limited reporting and analytics features
  • Can have overwhelming notifications for every activity

Asana Pricing:

Asana offers a free plan and three paid plans:

  • Free plan: Up to 15 team members with unlimited tasks, projects, and conversations.
  • Premium: $10.99 per user per month (billed annually). Includes Workflow Builder and various advanced features, including Gantt chart view.
  • Business: $24.99 per user per month. Adds interdepartmental control features for managing multiple teams.
  • Enterprise: Contact Asana for a quote. Includes the most advanced enterprise-tier features.

3. Slack: Best for Team Communication

Slack is a fantastic tool for promoting teamwork through real-time communication. It enables team members to send direct messages, create channels for different projects, share files, and conduct video calls and meetings. It also integrates with dozens of other tools and applications to facilitate effective team management.

Here are Slack’s main features:

  • Channels. Easily create channels for different teams or projects and enable focused discussions. Channels can be public or private, giving users control over who can join and participate. Within Channels, people can share attachments and documents and tag other team members for immediate feedback.
  • Notifications and alerts. Your team can easily stay updated on important messages and activities by receiving real-time notifications for specific channels, keywords, or mentions.
  • Workflow automation. Slack lets you automate repetitive tasks, create custom workflows, and streamline your overall work processes. And this works not just for Slack, but its app integration platform, too.
  • Mobile and desktop apps. Your team can easily access Slack from wherever they are with a desktop and mobile app.

Slack pros:

  • Real-time messaging and notifications make collaboration easy between team members or entire departments
  • Easy customization
  • Integration with dozens of other tools
  • Mobile accessibility, making work-from-home arrangements a breeze

Slack cons:

  • Information overload and a lack of context can occur because of the constant stream of messages, especially with a larger team
  • It can be difficult to find key information, even with Slack’s search feature
  • The free version lacks some key features
  • Constant messaging can be distracting for some team members

Slack Pricing:

Slack offers four subscription tiers:

  • Free: One-on-one video conversations, 90 days of message history, and up to 10 integrations.
  • Pro: $7.25 per month per user. Adds full message history, unlimited apps, video conversations with up to 50 people, and advanced security features.
  • Business+: $12.50 per month per user. Includes everything in Pro, as well as advanced identity management and compliance features.
  • Enterprise Grid: Slack’s enterprise-grade plan — contact Slack’s sales department to learn more.

4. Basecamp: Best for Development Teams

Basecamp is another project management and team collaboration app. It acts as a centralized platform for teams to collaborate on projects and communicate with each other.

Basecamp’s main features include:

  • Projects. Create individual projects with their own set of tasks, discussions, and attached files. These serve as the central hub for collaboration in Basecamp.
  • To-do lists. Create to-do lists inside each project. For each, assign tasks and set due dates. You can also organize to-do task lists into categories with sub-tasks and dependencies.
  • Messaging. Basecamp has a real-time communication feature called Campfire which lets team members have group chats about projects. Your team can also leave messages and share updates on a message board for each project.
  • Client collaboration. Add clients as external users so that they can weigh in on project discussions and access files.
  • Integrations. Basecamp offers several third-party integrations that expand the app’s capabilities.

Basecamp pros:

  • Adding clients as external users is helpful for development teams
  • Strong privacy and security protocols
  • Desktop and mobile app
  • Great price structure for large teams and businesses

Basecamp cons:

  • Limited customizability
  • Can be more confusing to use than some of the alternatives
  • Limited time tracking capabilities
  • Lacks more advanced features found in Trello and Asana

Basecamp Pricing:

Basecamp is $15 per user per month and includes 500 GB of cloud storage and every feature. Basecamp Pro Unlimited is $299 per month and allows unlimited users, additional cloud storage, and priority support. Basecamp also offers a free trial.

5. ClickUp: Most Comprehensive

ClickUp is a team management and productivity tool that helps organize projects and tasks. It has a wide range of features that improve collaboration, communication, and time management.

These features include:

  • Task and project management. Create projects, tasks, and sub-tasks in ClickUp. Organize these into lists and folders for better clarity and assign tasks to individual team members easily.
  • Collaboration and communication. Tag your team in comments and mentions or converse with them using the real-time chat feature.
  • Workflow automation. Create rules based on triggers to automate repetitive manual tasks and processes.
  • Time tracking. Track the amount of time spent on tasks to improve productivity and work management.
  • Document management. ClickUp supports file uploads, version control, and document collaboration to improve file management on the platform.
  • Dashboards and reports. Use ClickUp’s reporting features to get visual insights into your task and project progress.

ClickUp pros:

  • Easily customizable workspaces
  • A broad range of integrations
  • Accessibility across multiple devices including web, desktop, Android, and iOS
  • Powerful document management and file-sharing tools
  • Excellent customer support

ClickUp cons:

  • Steeper learning curve than some of the alternatives
  • Lacks an offline mode meaning you need a constant internet connection
  • Complex pricing structure

ClickUp Pricing:

ClickUp offers five plans:

  • Free: 100MB storage for docs and files, unlimited tasks and members, real-time chat, calendar view, and many more features.
  • Unlimited: $7 per month per user. Everything in the free version plus unlimited everything (storage, dashboards, integrations, and so on).
  • Business: $12 per month per user. Everything in the Unlimited plan, plus a stack of advanced features like time tracking, automations, public sharing, and more.
  • Business Plus: $19 per month per user. Everything in the Business plan, plus a stack of features focused on managing multiple teams at once (like custom permissions and role creation).
  • Enterprise: Contact the sales team for prices. Offers enterprise-level features.

What’s the Best Team Management App?

At the end of the day, the best team management app is the one that meets your team’s needs. For example, ClickUp may have the most features, but it could be overkill if all you need is a communication platform with some basic functionalities.

We recommend using the free trial for the apps we’ve listed here to get a feeling for which app is best for your team and management style.

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Top 15 Ways to Fix Steam Error Code E20 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/computer-tips/top-15-ways-to-fix-steam-error-code-e20/ https://www.online-tech-tips.com/computer-tips/top-15-ways-to-fix-steam-error-code-e20/#disqus_thread Sydney Butler]]> Wed, 13 Sep 2023 22:00:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=98057

Steam, the go-to platform for video game enthusiasts, sometimes throws nasty curveballs when you want to get into your games. The infamous “Steam Error Code E20” is one such fly […]]]>
Steam, the go-to platform for video game enthusiasts, sometimes throws nasty curveballs when you want to get into your games. The infamous “Steam Error Code E20” is one such fly in the ointment, but most of the time, you can work around it quickly.

Understanding Steam Error Code E20

Before heading into the troubleshooting process, let’s understand why this error occurs in the first place.

The E20 error usually appears when there’s a problem with your internet connection, such as a firewall or antivirus software interfering with your connection to the Steam server. You’ll likely see the message, “Something went wrong. There was a problem communicating with Steam. Please try again later.”

However, other issues might also trigger this error, including problems with your router, VPN, or network settings. If a timeout occurs while the Steam client tries to connect to the server, it might also result in an E20 error.

Before Fixing Steam Error Code E20 – Is Steam Down?

We know you’re raring to go and fix this issue, but before you spend any time on the troubleshooting steps, it’s a good idea to see if the problem isn’t on Steam’s end.

Refrain from assuming the connection problem is something you have control over. If there are issues with Steam’s servers, that’s an essential diagnostic fact.

Head over to a site like SteamStat or DownDetector and check if there are known issues with Steam. If there are, you can skip any of the tips below that try to fix the problems at your end.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

First, you must ensure your internet connection is stable. Disconnect from your current network and reconnect. You could also try switching to another Wi-Fi or wired network to see if that resolves the issue. Check your router’s configuration, as this could contribute to the problem.

Troubleshooting general internet connectivity issues can be tricky, and we can’t cover it in depth here, so you may want to check out our internet connection troubleshooting guide for in-depth tips and tricks.

2. Review Your Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Windows Defender or other antivirus or firewall software on your computer can sometimes interfere with Steam, resulting in the E20 error.

  1. Navigate to your firewall settings by clicking the Start Button, then search for “Windows Defender Firewall.” and select it from the results.
  1. On the left side, you’ll see a list of options; choose Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
  1. Look for Steam in the list of allowed apps and features. If it’s not there, click Change Settings,
  1. Next, select Allow another app.
  1. Browse to Steam’s location. The default patch is C:\ Program Files\(x86)\Steam\Steam.exe.
  1. Highlight Steam.exe and then select Open.
  1. Now select Add.

Make sure both private and public boxes are checked, so that Steam is allowed through private networks and public networks. Also, check your antivirus software. Ensure it isn’t blocking Steam by adding it to the list of permitted applications.

3. Check Your Router Settings

Routers are small self-contained network computers and have their firewalls and antivirus or malware settings, depending on the model you currently have.

Usually, when you can access a blocked site through a web browser, your router will redirect you to an in-browser warning page letting you know that it was the router blocking access. However, if this happens through a client like Steam, all you’ll get is the generic E20 error.

Every router has a different method to access its internal settings. The most common practice is to enter an IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.1) into a browser, which will take you to the router’s login page. The address, default username, and password are usually on the bottom of the router or in the user manual.

Modern routers also have smartphone apps; if you’ve already set that up, it can be a friendlier way of getting to the settings.

However, you get into your router settings and check the list of blocked sites and IP addresses under firewall settings and any locations labeled anti-malware or antivirus.

4. Flush Steam Cache

The E20 error could result from a corrupt Steam cache. To reset that cache, you have to execute a special command. Here’s how to flush it:

  1. Completely close Steam. You may have to open the Task Manager and manually end all Steam processes.
  2. Press the Windows key + R, type ‘steam://flushconfig,’ and press Enter.

This command will clear the Steam cache, and you won’t get any confirmation, but you will see Steam start up from scratch. If not, you probably did not kill all Steam processes correctly and will have to try again.

5. Use Command Prompt to Reset IP Address and DNS

In some cases, resetting your IP address and DNS might help fix the E20 error.

To do this, open the command prompt by typing “cmd” into the search bar. After that, you should right-click Command Prompt, choose Run as administrator, or select the same from the app’s info pane in the Start Menu.

Type in the following commands one after the other, pressing Enter after each one:

  1. ipconfig /release
  2. ipconfig /renew
  3. ipconfig /flushdns

After running these commands, try connecting to Steam again.

6. Update or Reinstall Steam Client

Sometimes, updating your Steam client could fix the issue. To check for updates, open Steam and click Steam in the top left corner, then Check for Steam Client Updates. If an update is available, install it and try to reconnect.

If updating doesn’t work, consider uninstalling and reinstalling the Steam client. Before you do this, remember that uninstalling will remove all your game files, but your data, including game progress, will be safe on the Steam server.

To uninstall Steam, search for “Add or remove programs” in the Start Menu and then select it. Then search for Steam, and uninstall it via the right-hand drop-down menu.

7. Check Compatibility and Run as Administrator

Running Steam in compatibility mode or as an administrator can sometimes solve the issue.

Find the Steam shortcut, right-click it, select Properties, then Compatibility.

Check Run this program in compatibility mode and choose your version of Windows from the drop-down list.

You can run Steam as an administrator by selecting “Run as administrator” in the same menu you selected “Properties” above.

8. Verify the Integrity of Game Files

Sometimes, the error could be due to a problem with the game files. Steam has a built-in feature that lets you check and repair the integrity of these files.

To do this, open the Steam client and go to your library—Right-click on the game causing trouble and select Properties. In the window that appears, click on the Installed Files tab and Verify the integrity of the game files.

Steam will then check all the files and download any missing or damaged ones.

9. Disable VPN or Proxy Servers

If you’re using a VPN or a proxy server, it could be why you’re seeing the E20 error. While a VPN can help protect your data, it can sometimes interfere with your connection to the Steam server. Disable your VPN or proxy and try connecting to Steam again.

Note: Using a VPN is against Steam’s terms of service, especially if trying to circumvent geographical restrictions. In extreme cases, your account may even be banned or closed. So we strongly recommend avoiding using a VPN with the software. If your VPN supports “split tunnelling,” you can use this to exclude Steam from your VPN traffic.

10 Update Network Driver

Outdated network drivers could cause connection issues leading to the E20 error. To update your driver:

  1. Search for “Device Manager” from the Start Menu and select it when it appears.
  1. Expand the Network adapters section in the Device Manager window, right-click on your network device, and select Update driver.
  1. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software and follow the prompts.

11. Change Steam Server Region

Sometimes, the server you’re connected to might be overloaded or experiencing issues.

Changing your server region could resolve this problem. In your Steam app, click on Steam in the top left corner, select Settings, then select Downloads.

You’ll see a drop-down menu under Download Region. Select a different region and try reconnecting.

Note: Changing these settings does not change your Steam store region, only which server your games are downloaded from.

12. Disable or Remove Conflicting Software

Some software can conflict with Steam, leading to the E20 error. This can include malware or specific other applications running on your computer. Run a malware scan to ensure your computer is clean, and try closing any non-essential applications before you run Steam. Do an internet search for applications known to interfere with Steam.

13. Reset Network Connections and Settings

If none of the above solutions work, reset your network settings to their defaults:

  1. In the Start Menu, search for “Network & Internet” and select it.
  2. Select Advanced network settings.
  1. Select Network reset.
  1. Next, select Reset now after reading the warning about everything that will be reset.

After resetting, you’ll need to restart your computer.

14. Consult the Community

If you’re still having trouble, remember that you’re not alone! The Steam community is a great place to find advice and solutions. Check the discussion boards for tips from other users who have encountered the same problem.

15. Contact Steam Support

If all else fails, it might be time to contact Steam Support. Their FAQs section has a wealth of information. Or, you can directly contact their customer support.

Remember, each computer system is unique, and what works for one user may not work for another. Finding the solution that works for you may take some time and patience. With these tips, you’ll have a good starting point to tackle Steam Error Code E20 and get back to gaming in no time.

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Microsoft Editor vs Grammarly: Which is Better and Which Should You Use? https://www.online-tech-tips.com/software-reviews/microsoft-editor-vs-grammarly-which-is-better-and-which-should-you-use/ https://www.online-tech-tips.com/software-reviews/microsoft-editor-vs-grammarly-which-is-better-and-which-should-you-use/#disqus_thread Jake Harfield]]> Wed, 13 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=98027

Grammarly has long been the most popular, web-based grammar checker – and it’s only gotten better over the years. However, Windows just released the Microsoft Editor as a competing writing […]]]>
Grammarly has long been the most popular, web-based grammar checker – and it’s only gotten better over the years. However, Windows just released the Microsoft Editor as a competing writing assistant tool, and it’s starting to make waves.

In this article, we’ll compare Grammarly vs Microsoft Editor and help you decide which editor to go with.

Grammarly vs. Microsoft Editor: Accessibility

Grammarly’s writing tool has been around for a lot longer than Microsoft Editor, and because of that, it’s available on far more platforms. You can access Grammarly through:

  1. Web browser extensions on Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, and other Chromium browsers (these work for apps like Microsoft Word Online and Google Docs)
  2. The standalone Grammarly web and desktop apps
  3. An add-on for Microsoft Word
  4. A plug-in for Android and iOS keyboards

In comparison, Microsoft Editor is primarily available through Windows apps. You can access Microsoft Editor via web browser extensions (for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari), Microsoft Word (both the online and desktop app versions), and Microsoft Outlook.

Winner: Grammarly

Grammarly vs. Microsoft Editor: Functionality

The main thing that matters when comparing two grammar-checking apps is how well they spot errors and what additional features they offer their users. Below, we’ll discuss the features offered by each app, starting with Grammarly.

When you open the Grammarly editor, it will ask you to set goals based on the type of text you want to write and the audience that you’re targeting. Based on this, it’ll offer grammatical suggestions that will align your text more with your goals.

Here are some of Grammarly’s key features:

  1. Spelling and grammar corrections. Grammarly will check your spelling and grammar and offer corrections. Any spelling mistakes or typos will be underlined in red with a suggested alternative word to replace it with.
  1. Target audience corrections. Grammarly will offer suggestions based on four categories (other than correctness): Clarity, engagement, delivery, and style. Imperfect sentences will be underlined in either blue, green, purple, or gray. For each, Grammarly will explain why it’s underlined and suggest changes to improve sentence structure, writing style, and delivery.
  2. Detailed reports. Grammarly’s premium version provides detailed proofreading reports based on your selected target audience. For example, it scans for advanced grammar issues like conciseness, repetitive language, and readability, and offers variations to spice up your sentences.
  1. Language support. Grammarly supports British, American, Canadian, and Australian English.
  2. Plagiarism checker. Grammarly offers a plagiarism tool that compares your article against other content on the internet to see whether it’s copied or not.
  3. Weekly statistics. Grammarly lets you know your vocabulary score, productivity, and mastery of the English language. It also lets you know what your most frequent writing mistakes are so that you can correct them and improve your writing skills.

As a Grammarly alternative, Microsoft Editor is a lot more bare-bones. Rather than setting goals based on your target audience, it simply offers a basic grammar and spell check tool. Here are its main features:

  1. Spelling and grammar error corrections. Like Grammarly, Microsoft Editor checks for spelling errors and grammatical mistakes, offering corrections as you go.
  1. Refinements. Microsoft Editor also suggests changes to your text based on sentence structure, conciseness, formality, uncertainty, tone, and more. It isn’t as deep as Grammarly’s four categories, but it offers more than just simple grammar and spelling corrections.
  2. Language support. Microsoft Editor is available in over 60 languages.
  3. Similarity checker. Microsoft Editor provides a tool to check for originality against other sources online. This is only available in the advanced version of the web app and isn’t available in Microsoft Word.
  4. Document stats. Microsoft Editor provides you with basic statistics on your document, like word count, time to read, readability, and an overall score.

Winner: Grammarly

Microsoft Editor vs. Grammarly: Pricing

Grammarly and Microsoft Editor both offer free and paid versions. However, to access the free version of Microsoft Editor, you need a Microsoft 365 subscription.

Grammarly offers three subscription tiers:

  • The free version of Grammarly. Checks for basic spelling and grammar mistakes (like misplaced commas and double spaces), and detects issues with writing tone.
  • Grammarly Premium Plan. $12.00 per month (when paid annually) or $30 per month (paid monthly). Generative AI assistance, more advanced writing, delivery, and tone suggestions, and a plagiarism checker.
  • Grammarly Business Plan. $15.00 per month (paid annually). Everything in the Premium version, with added features for teams like style guides.

Microsoft Editor is available through a Microsoft 365 subscription, which gives you access to all Office apps as well as 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage.

  • Microsoft 365. $6.99 per month or $69.99 per year.
  • Microsoft 365 Family. $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually.

Winner: Microsoft Editor

Which Grammar Checking Tool is Best for You?

Choosing between these writing assistant tools can be difficult, so we recommend giving both free versions a go before you make your final decision. Simply start a Word Online document, write a few sentences with a bunch of mistakes, and see which one works best for you.

Microsoft Editor is more cost-effective, but only if you’re going to use the rest of the Microsoft Office suite. Otherwise, it’s probably better to go with Grammarly. Grammarly is more widely available, offers more advanced features, and is generally the better option for professional writers.

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