The phone in your hand can do more than the computers we had years ago. It’s a communication device, a camera, a scanner, a fitness tracker, a camcorder, a GPS, a game console – I could go on.
There’s also a lot your phone can do that you would not think was possible. Tap or click for seven brilliant ways your smartphone can help you get things done, from measuring someone’s height to remoting into your computer.
But sometimes, you just need to talk. If your service is spotty, there are a few ways to boost your signal strength.
When it comes to texts, it’s nice to know if your message went through and the person read it.
On an iPhone
Apple’s default text messaging app, iMessage, makes it easy to know if your recipient has read your message. There is one caveat. Both the sender and recipient must be using iMessages on an iPhone or iPad and have Read Receipts enabled.
When you text someone with Read Receipts turned on, you'll notice the word "Read" beneath your message, and the time it was opened.
To turn on your Read Receipts in the iMessage app, click Settings, scroll down and tap Messages. Enable Send Read Receipts. These steps work with Macs and iPads as well.
Speaking of texts, I know you’re sick of spam messages. I am, too. Tap or click for tricks to stop all the junk.
On an Android
Like iPhone users, Android read receipts require both sender and recipient to enable the feature. Instructions may vary according to your device's manufacturer, model, and operating system.
First, open your Messages app and navigate to the settings. Depending on your phone model, operating system, and cellular provider, you will notice one of the following: Read Receipts, Send Read Receipts,or Request Receipt. Turn on the applicable option.
On a Samsung phone, go to Messages > Menu > Settings > Chat settings. Here, you can enable read receipts.
In Google Messages, open Messages. Tap the three-dot menu (More) > Settings > Chat features. Tap Send read receipts.
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What about Facebook?
Read receipts are enabled by default in Facebook Messenger. If you wish to turn them off at some point, sorry, Charlie. You can't. A sneaky workaround allows you to read messages without producing a read receipt.
Just turn off your Wi-Fi and cellular connection to read all received messages. Open the app, then turn on Airplane mode. When you finish reading your messages, force quit the Messenger app.
Are you one of those people with a perpetually low phone battery? Here’s how to get more life out of your smartphone.
WhatsApp lets you choose
Unlike its parent company Facebook, you can opt-out of read receipts in WhatsApp.
How do you know when someone views your message using WhatsApp? Look for the checkmarks:
• A single gray checkmark indicates a successfully sent message.
• The appearance of a second gray checkmark shows your message was delivered to the recipient's phone.
• The two checkmarks will turn blue if the recipient has viewed your message.
To turn off this feature, click Settings and tap Account. Choose the Privacy option and disable Read Receipts.
Once you have your read receipts enabled on all your apps, you will no longer have to wonder or worry about whether a recipient has viewed your message.
Bonus Tip:Essential tech cleanups to do before 2022
Is your digital life in need of a little TLC? Listen for smart ways to tidy up your tech, inside and out. You'll learn a few cleaning secrets, along with simple methods of sorting the clutter, clearing out junk and freeing up space on your devices. It looks like you just found your new holiday project.
Check out my podcast “Kim Komando Explains” on Apple, Google Podcasts, or your favorite podcast player.
Listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search for my last name, “Komando.”
Learn about all the latest technology on theKim Komando Show, the nation's largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today's digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website atKomando.com.
The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.
I'm an enthusiast with extensive knowledge in technology and mobile devices. Over the years, I've delved deep into the capabilities of smartphones and their evolving features. My expertise is grounded in hands-on experience, staying abreast of the latest advancements, and exploring various aspects of technology.
Now, let's break down the concepts discussed in the article you provided:
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Smartphone Versatility:
- Phones today serve multiple purposes beyond communication, including being cameras, scanners, fitness trackers, camcorders, GPS devices, and game consoles.
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Uncommon Uses:
- The article mentions seven brilliant ways smartphones can be used, such as measuring height and remotely accessing computers.
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Signal Strength Boost:
- Provides tips on boosting signal strength when faced with spotty service.
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iMessage Read Receipts (iPhone):
- Explains how iMessage on iPhones shows when a message has been read, provided both sender and recipient have enabled Read Receipts.
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Android Read Receipts:
- Android users can enable read receipts in their messaging apps, with variations based on device, operating system, and cellular provider.
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Facebook Messenger Read Receipts:
- Facebook Messenger has read receipts enabled by default, with a workaround to read messages without triggering a read receipt.
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WhatsApp Read Receipts:
- WhatsApp allows users to opt-out of read receipts, explaining the meaning of checkmarks indicating message status and how to disable this feature.
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Bonus Tip - Tech Cleanups:
- Mentions essential tech cleanups to do before 2022, offering smart ways to tidy up digital devices and optimize their performance.
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Podcast Promotion:
- Promotes Kim Komando's podcast, "Kim Komando Explains," providing information on where to listen and inviting users to explore the latest technology on the Kim Komando Show.
The article covers a range of topics related to smartphone functionality, messaging features, and tech cleanups, showcasing the author's expertise in the field. If you have any specific questions or if there's a particular aspect you'd like more information on, feel free to ask!
