iPhone, Android, Windows Phone, Blackberry, or feature phones.
Mobile Phones
Why Does My iPhone Give Me a NO SIM Warning?
Episode 1721
Jane fromJane says her iPhone 8 gives her a NO SIM warning every few days and she has to take out the SIM and put it back in. But then it'll do it a few days later. Leo says that chances are the SIM is warped and doesn't sit flat in the slot. But the good news is she can request a new SIM from the carrier. Just ask them.
What's the Best Way to Back Up Photos From a Camera Phone?
Episode 1721
Alan fromAlan wants to back up his phone photos. What's the best option? Leo says that for phone pictures, The Google Photos app is the best option because he can get unlimited HiRes photo backups directly from the phone. And it can be done automatically. Once users have them online, if he wants them back, he can use Google Takeout to download them, plus anything else he's done using Google services.
If an Amazon Prime user, back up photos for free in the same way, only they can be full resolution copies.
Then there's an off-site backup option like iDrive.
Why doesn't my phone's GPS work?
Episode 1720
Phil fromPhil did an update from his Samsung mobile phone recently and now he has to reboot his phone to make his GPS work in the maps app. Should he avoid the next update? Leo says that the August update is coming and it's important to keep your phone up to date, But in reality, it probably isn't the updates. Leo recommends uninstalling Google Maps and then reinstall it. Before that, try clearing the cache in the app settings. That'll get rid of any corrupted GPS data that could be causing the issue. Leo suspects that's the issue. If that doesn't work, reinstall Google Maps.
Can a rare earth magnet hurt my iPhone?
Episode 1720
Steven fromSteven has an iPhone 11 with a waterproof case. He got a magnet and a piece of metal to mount it to his car dash. But it doesn't' stick. Will a rare earth magnet help? Leo says they are much stronger than a regular magnet. It won't hurt your phone, but it could throw off your phone's internal compass.
Should I keep FIOS for my internet?
Episode 1718
Dan fromDan's phone contract and his FIOS contract have both expired. So he's thinking what's next. Leo says that if you get good fiber speed, there's nothing faster. It really comes down to how much they charge for the speed you want. And then how much they say it is, vs. how much you are actually getting. $49 for 200MB down is not bad. Gigabit would be even better because it's symmetric (same up/down) for about $60 a month.
Google Announces Pixel 4a, Discontinues Pixel 4. Samsung the Note 20 and Fold 2
Episode 1718
Google has announced the new Pixel 4a and discontinued the Pixel 4. Leo says that at $350, it signals that users are done paying over $1,000 for a mobile phone every two years.
TikTok to be Banned From Revenue in US Starting September
Episode 1717
TikTok will be banned on September 20th in the United States, according to the White House. Leo says that technically, the ban is only on money that is transferred out of the US to China, including ad revenue. The President has also given Microsoft the OK to buy TikTok and they have until Sept 20 to get a deal done. Not only that, but Trump wants the US to receive a cut of the deal if it happens.
How can I find out what cell service supports my phone?
Episode 1716
Gary fromGary uses an MVNO as his phone service. But not all VNMOs will support his phone. Leo says to check out GSMArena for what phones support what ISP. You should be able to find out which MNVO supports your phone's radiofrequency.
Also, Google's Pixel 4a should be out this week.
Leo Uses TikTok
Episode 1716
Leo downloaded and installed TikTok today, to get the experience before the US bans it. Is he worried about his data getting grabbed by the PRC? Not at all. Leo says it's the most creative and fun app going right now. TikTok has been trying to avoid the ban by having a US CEO, hired over 10,000 US jobs, and even courting Microsoft to buy their US operations. But the White House seems in earnest to ban it.
Is Yahoo Mobile a Good Phone Service?
Episode 1715
Esther fromEsther calls in to ask what Leo thinks of the new Yahoo Mobile Phone service. Leo says Yahoo is owned by Verizon, and as such, it's essentially Verizon repackaged as an MVNO. If Verizon is good in Esther's area, it's a good way to get a mobile phone service for a cheaper price. But one has to look at the details. Chances are, the data may be throttled during peak times, as full pay Verizon customers get priority. But for $40 a month for unlimited text, talk, and data, that's a good deal.
