{"id":11030,"date":"2019-10-16T10:18:07","date_gmt":"2019-10-16T09:18:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/192.168.3.178\/?p=11030"},"modified":"2019-11-21T08:59:20","modified_gmt":"2019-11-21T08:59:20","slug":"the-best-tech-hacks-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.musicmagpie.co.uk\/blog\/2019\/10\/16\/the-best-tech-hacks-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Tech Hacks You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Have you ever wanted to improve the way you use a phone or laptop to make life that little bit easier? Tech hacks are a super fun way to speed up your use of technology, curb your boredom and most of all – show off your newfound knowledge!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find out Google\u2019s secrets, get access to all the discount codes and discover music that\u2019s never been played before (ever!) with our must-know tech hacks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proof your writing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Want to know if what you write makes sense? Paste it into Google Translate and click the speaker button to hear it spoken out loud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nearby Wikipedia tool<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Want to discover new places in your local area? The Nearby Wikipedia Tool asks to access your location in order to pull up local attractions, buildings and so much more! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Search Youtube without going on the site<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Simply type the URL for YouTube (youtube.com) and hit the tab button. You\u2019ll then see another address bar appear under the main search tab – you can browse videos using this newly appeared search bar without going on the YouTube site!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Youtube shortcuts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you\u2019re too lazy to use your mouse\/scroller or want to quickly rewind a video. Fortunately, there are numerous ways you can make use of YouTube with a few simple keyboard shortcuts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Press \u201cJ\u201d\u009d to rewinds 10 seconds<\/li>
  2. Press \u201cL\u201d\u009d to fast-forward 10 seconds<\/li>
  3. \u201cF\u201d\u009d puts you into full-screen<\/li>
  4. \u201cM\u201d\u009d mutes the sound<\/li>
  5. \u201cUp\u201d\u009d and \u201cdown\u201d\u009d arrows turn the volume up and down respectively.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Hide people without blocking them<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Most social media platforms now allow you to \u201cmute\u201d\u009d an account without having to block or delete them. Here\u2019s how to mute accounts on different channels:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Facebook<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    1. Visit the profile of the person you want to mute<\/li>
    2. Tap \u201cUnfollow\u201d\u009d<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Instagram<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      1. Tap the \u201c…\u201d\u009d button next to the post by the person you want to mute<\/li>
      2. Tap \u201cMute\u201d\u009d <\/li>
      3. Select an option to mute posts or mute stories and posts. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        Twitter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
        1. Visit the profile of the person you want to mute<\/li>
        2. Tap the \u201c…\u201d\u009d button<\/li>
        3. Tap \u201cMute\u201d\u009d.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          LinkedIn<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
          1. On your feed, tap the \u201c…\u201d\u009d next to the person you want to mute<\/li>
          2. Tap \u201cUnfollow\u201d\u009d.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            Log out from social media remotely<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

            Maybe you bought a new device or you forgot to log out of a friend\u2019s computer or mobile. Here\u2019s how you can log out of your social media accounts remotely:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Facebook<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
            1. Log into Facebook from any device<\/li>
            2. Tap \u201cSettings\u201d\u009d<\/li>
            3. Tap \u201cSecurity & Login\u201d\u009d<\/li>
            4. You will now see where you\u2019re logged in<\/li>
            5. Tap \u201cLog out of all sessions\u201d\u009d to sign from Facebook on every device.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

              Instagram and Twitter don\u2019t offer a setting to log out of all devices, so you\u2019ll have to change your passwords for these channels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              LinkedIn<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
              1. Tap on your profile picture, then tap \u201cSettings & Privacy\u201d\u009d.<\/li>
              2. Under \u201cLogin and security\u201d\u009d tap \u201cChange\u201d\u009d next to \u201cWhere you\u2019re signed in\u201d\u009d.<\/li>
              3. Tap \u201cSign out\u201d\u009d of every session you\u2019re logged into.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                Take a selfie with Apple headphones <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                \"grayscale<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                Some earphones double as a camera remote (especially Apple ones!).
                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Make sure your headphones are plugged into your phone, open your camera then press the \u201c+\u201d\u009d button to take a photo! Want to record a video with your headphones? Press the \u201cPlay\/Pause\u201d\u009d button to start and stop recording.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Use your web browser as a calculator<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                \"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                Save your self the effort of opening up a calculator whilst surfing the web. Just open a new tab (or use your existing one) and enter a calculation as you would on your calculator. The suggested results will give you the answer! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Call someone back quickly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                \"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                Want to redial the last person you called or the number that called you? Just hit the call button on your Smartphone and you\u2019ll immediately call the last number called\/received on your device. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Plug headphones into microphone jack for a cheap microphone!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                \"earphones<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                Don\u2019t want to fork out for a new microphone? Fortunately – you can use your headphones instead! Whilst the quality might not be as great as a microphone, it\u2019s perfect for quick calls or voice notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Reopen a closed tab quickly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                \"black<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                Accidentally closed an important tab? Save the effort of going through your browser history or \u201cRecently closed\u201d\u009d function. Just use one of the following shortcuts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                1. For Mac: Command+Shift+t<\/li>
                2. For PC: Control+Shift+t<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                  Honey coupon codes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                  Finding coupon codes for your online purchases can be a lengthy process. Save time (and money!) by adding the Honey chrome extension to your browser. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Is your email involved in a data breach? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                  Many sites have been caught out on compromising personal data. If you\u2019ve signed up to a blog, social media channel or eCommerce site, HaveIBeenPwned.com can check if your email address was compromised in a data breach. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  You\u2019ll see exactly what data of yours was released, which sites are responsible for releasing your data and advice on how to protect your details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Test how fully charged your phone or battery is <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                  Drop your phone or battery a couple of inches from the ground (be careful not to break the former!). If it bounces, the power is flat. If there\u2019s little to no bounce, it\u2019s fully charged. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Use your phone’s camera to check if your remote is working <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                  \"gold<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                  Check the IR is working by pointing your phone\u2019s camera at the end of the remote control where the IR light should appear. If you see a light, that means it\u2019s working as it should. If there\u2019s no light, replace the battery or get a new controller. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Search \u201cUnsubscribe\u201d\u009d to unsubscribe from useless emails now! <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                  Thanks to new GDPR laws, every email you receive from companies, blogs, and social media must have an unsubscribe buttons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Search \u201cunsubscribe\u201d\u009d and you\u2019ll pull through all emails that contain this word, meaning you can unsubscribe from mailers you no longer want to receive emails from. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Your laptop is overheating? Place 2 forks underneath <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  Place two purely metal forks under your laptop if you feel it overheating. It\u2019s an inexpensive way to keep your laptop cool (just make sure you don\u2019t use forks with plastic on them!). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \"three<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                  Place two purely metal forks under your laptop if you feel it overheating. It\u2019s an inexpensive way to keep your laptop cool (just make sure you don\u2019t use forks with plastic on them!). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Use google.com\/NCR whilst you\u2019re abroad to avoid country URL redirects <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                  \"person<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                  Imagine this: you\u2019re on holiday and want to Google something, but you keep getting directed to the country\u2019s language and\/or location of the site you want to visit. Annoying, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Simply add the Chrome extension NCR (\u201cNo Country Redirect\u201d\u009d) to your Google Chrome browser. Don\u2019t use Chrome? Just use the URL Google.com\/NCR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Hotelwifitest.com tests hotel wifi strength <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                  Need decent Wi-Fi strength on your travels? Of course you do! Before booking your hotel, visit Hotelwifitest.com to assess the Wi-FI speed of your chosen hotel. You can find hotels in your destination with the best (and worst) Wi-FI speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Check username availability on multiple sites <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                  Check if your username is available on other sites with Nameck.com<\/a>! You\u2019ll get a full view of sites where a username is or isn\u2019t available. You can even search for domain names across different countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Set specific characters as your email address to avoid retyping it each time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                  Filling out your email address time and time again on your mobile device can become tedious. Fortunately, Apple and Android\u2019s keyboard functions allow you to set a shortcut (or \u201cmacro\u201d\u009d) to help you enter your email faster:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Android<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                  1. Tap \u201cSettings\u201d\u009d<\/li>
                  2. Tap \u201cLanguage & input\u201d\u009d<\/li>
                  3. Tap \u201cPersonal Dictionary\u201d\u009d<\/li>
                  4. Tap the \u201c+\u201d\u009d then follow the instructions to add your personalised character set.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                    Apple<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                    1. Tap \u201cSettings\u201d\u009d<\/li>
                    2. Tap \u201cLanguage & input\u201d\u009d<\/li>
                    3. Tap \u201cPersonal Dictionary\u201d\u009d<\/li>
                    4. Tap \u201cText Replacement\u201d\u009d<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                      ap on the + in the top right corner then follow the instructions to add your personalised character set.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Google \u201cfind my phone\u201d\u009d to locate your Android <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                      \"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                      Lost your phone or found it it\u2019s been stolen? As long as your device location settings are on, you can find your device using \u201cFind My Phone\u201d\u009d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Plus, you can use Find My Phone to ring (even if it\u2019s on silent), erase your data or lock the phone from a remote location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      An Apple-exclusive \u201cFind My iPhone\u201d\u009d app does the same thing, but you must have had your phone synced and logged into iCloud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Download \u201ctype and walk\u201d\u009d to text safely-ish whilst walking <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                      Typing and walking is a difficult task and exposes you to dangers like walking into an object or person. Download Type and Walk. It actives your back-facing camera and an overlay of your messaging app so you can see what\u2019s in front of you and text at the same time! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Smartphone photography hacks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                      \"woman<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                      Want to take your photos to the next level with little to no budget? The following tips will up your Smartphone photography game:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      1. Spray water on glasses to create an interesting filter<\/li>
                      2. Shoot through tinted sunglasses for an interesting filter<\/li>
                      3. Use flash when shooting on your phone behind certain objects to project interesting shadows<\/li>
                      4. Shoot through binoculars to get a high-quality zoom<\/li>
                      5. Place your phone is an airtight bag to shoot underwater<\/li>
                      6. Create hazy effects using vaseline on your lens<\/li>
                      7. Use inexpensive prisms to create interesting photos<\/li>
                      8. Use coloured gels on your flash for interesting colours on your photos.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                        Call a phone to disable its alarm <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        Have you ever been woken up by a family member\u2019s phone alarm going off super loudly? Disable their alarm by ringing their phone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Find out Google\u2019s secrets <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                        \"person<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        Google is full of fun little gimmicks and Easter Eggs. Find out all of the shortcuts<\/a> to make your Google browser tilt, spin, turn into a game and so much more! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Plays songs that have never been played on Spotify <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        At a loss for new music to listen to? You might be the first person to discover an up and coming artist on Spotify! Forgotify<\/a> is a platform that gives you access to Spotify\u2019s songs that have never even been listened to. Be the first! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Change cases of text fast <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        Don\u2019t delete and retype a sentence on Microsoft word! Use the shortcut shift+f3 to make your text all uppercase. Press the buttons again for the sentence to go lowercase take full stops and capitalisation of letters into account. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Charge your phone faster <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        Running out of black printer ink? Change your text and\/or image colour to #010101 for 99% gray. This will help save on the little black toner you have left for those important documents! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Turn your favourite part of a youtube clip <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        Funny or cool YouTube video you wanna turn into a GIF? Type \u201cGIF\u201d\u009d before \u201cYouTube\u201d\u009d in the URL of the video you want to turn into a GIF! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Find every past exam paper you\u2019ll need <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        Want your children to pass their exams? Find past exam papers easy with the following search string on Google: site:edu [subject] exam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Assess your writing readability <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        Your writing is spelled correctly, but something seems off. Use the Hemingway App<\/a> to assess your writing readability! It checks for use of adverbs, sentence structure, alternative words and so much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Scroll up and down a page fast <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        Speed up workflow or bypass a broken scroller on your mouse by pressing the space bar to scroll down the page you’re viewing. To scroll back up, use the spacebar + shift key together. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Stop someone scrolling through your photos <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        Zoom into the picture you want to show to someone. That way if they scroll it moves the existing image. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Improve sound quality when sharing headphones<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        Don\u2019t deal with missing audio! Turn \u201cmono\u201d\u009d audio on for an equal split in sound when sharing your headphones with someone else. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Save battery whilst using an AMOLED screen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        Use darker wallpapers and colours to save anywhere between 6-8% more battery life. Turn on your AC display for notifications and use apps in \u201cdark mode\u201d\u009d (where applicable).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Find out where most of your mobile data is going <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        Running out of data before the end of the month? View detailed usage of your android phone by selecting network – internet – data usage. In this window, you can find out the apps using the most data and disable\/delete them accordingly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Make your fingerprint scanner super accurate<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        Whether you\u2019re on an Apple or Android device, make your fingerprint password super accurate by scanning your fingerprint at multiple angles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Create custom iMessages for calls you can\u2019t answer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                        \"person<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        To set auto-replies on your iPhone, visit Settings > Phone > Respond with Text. You\u2019ll find three pre-existing messages you can send to a caller. Tap one to amend the message with your own text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Set custom vibration patterns so you know who\u2019s calling <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                        \"person<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        Want to know who\u2019s ringing you so you can pick up straight away (or ignore the call)? Find out how for iPhones and Android devices:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        iPhones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                        Choose a contact you want to change the vibration pattern of<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Tap \u201cEdit\u201d\u009d – \u201cText tone\u201d\u009d – \u201cVibration\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Choose from their default options or \u201cCreate New Vibration\u201d\u009d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Android<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                        1. Tap \u201cSettings <\/li>
                        2. Tap Accessibility.<\/li>
                        3. Tap Vibration & haptic strength.<\/li>
                        4. Review or change the following settings: