Tips for new tech devices

Tech gear is a perennially popular holiday gift. If you’re the proud owner of a new phone, tablet, or computer — or you provide tech support for family and friends with new devices — we’re here to help.

Check out and share these stories, which can help you get the most out of a new Android device, iPhone, iPad, Chromebook, Mac, or Windows PC.

Android devices

The smart way to switch to a new Android phone

Here’s how to transfer data, apps, contacts, and more from your old Android phone to a new one, along with tips for a smooth transition.

The best Android apps for business in 2023

Our Android expert highlights the standout apps in the categories that matter most to busy professionals: office apps, privacy and security apps, email and texting apps, note-taking apps, apps for team collaboration, apps for organizing your life, and more.

24 advanced tips for Android 12

Android 13 may be the talk of the town, but for the vast majority of phones right now, Android 12 is still the most current software available. And it’s not too late to make the most of it.

The best buried Android 13 treasures

Google Pixel owners, listen up: You won’t want to miss these out-of-sight Android 13 gems.

13 easy ways to cut back on data use in Android

Trimming back your Android data use can save you or your employer a bundle on your phone bill — and with little downside. So what are you waiting for?

The ultimate guide to Android contacts management

Your Android phone’s contacts are much more than just a glorified Rolodex. Ready for an unexpected productivity upgrade?

How to print and scan with Android

Handle paper documents like a pro with this simple guide to Android printing and scanning.

10 hidden tricks for making the most of Android gestures

Get around your phone faster than ever with these easy-to-miss advanced shortcuts for Android’s current gesture system.

5 easy ways to make Android more ergonomic

Give your hands a break with these simple yet supremely effective tricks for more optimal ergonomics on Android.

Android security checkup: 16 steps to a safer phone

Android security doesn’t have to be a source of stress. These level-headed steps are all you need to keep the boogeyman at bay.

The ultimate guide to privacy on Android

Take back control and decide exactly how information is used on your Android phone.

How to better separate your work and personal life on Android

With a little creative configuring, you can create totally separate work and personal profiles on any Android phone — and give your brain some actual time off.

iPhone to Android: The ultimate switching guide

Here’s everything you need to successfully switch from an iPhone to a Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, or any other Android device.

13 useful Google apps you should be using on Android

These easily overlooked Android apps are all made by Google — and they’re all worth your while to install.

Android file transfer: How to move data between your phone and computer

Moving files from your Android device to a Windows PC or Mac (and vice versa) doesn’t have to be difficult — or dependent on any cloud services.

How to back up Android devices: The complete guide

Make sure all your important data is always synced and protected with this easy-to-follow Android backup guide.

12 fast fixes for common Android problems

Solve annoying issues and get any phone in tip-top shape with these easy-to-implement, expert-approved solutions.

How to create a complete Microsoft experience on Android

With the right set of software, you can turn any Android device into a Microsoft-centric, PC-syncing machine.

Google Smart Lock: The complete guide

Google Smart Lock can simplify your security and save you time across both Android and ChromeOS. Are you taking advantage of all it has to offer?

Android security: Analysis, advice, and next-level knowledge

Find even more Android security tips and techniques, along with a healthy dose of clear-eyed analysis, at this comprehensive collection of resources.

For even more Android know-how, see 10 Android tips you shouldn’t miss from 2022, The top Google Pixel tips of 2022, and 2022’s top Google Assistant advice for Android. You can keep up with all things Android at our Android Intelligence blog.

iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches

8+ useful iPhone tips for better productivity

A handful of iPhone tips to take some friction out of your day.

10 helpful iPhone tips to use at work

These tips should help you save a little time as we explore the future of work.

How to set up and use Focus modes on iOS 16

Also available on iPads and Macs, Focus mode is Apple’s way to keep you productive while filtering out the noise. This is how it works.

10+ ways iPadOS 16 can make you more productive

Apple’s latest iteration of the iPad OS promises to help you get things done a little more effectively.

Make the most of the Contacts widget for iPhones and iPads

The Home Screen widget turns your device into a powerful contact and communication management system.

iOS Mail alternatives: 5 business-friendly options

The iPhone’s built-in Mail app isn’t the only game in town. These five powerful email apps offer a range of advanced features for business users.

8+ useful tips for Notes on iPhone, iPad, Mac

Do you use Apple’s Notes app? It has become an incredibly useful tool that even boasts some collaboration features to help work in teams.

How Apple Watch can help you get work done

Here’s a short collection of Apple Watch tools and how to use them to be more productive.

How to fix iPhone network coverage and hotspot problems

Poor mobile signals and unreliable personal hotspot coverage on your iPhone are frustrating challenges — especially if you use the phone for work. Here’s how to solve them.

How to make more effective use of Mail on iPhone and iPad

Most iPhone and iPad users want to get more from Apple’s email app. Here’s how.

How to make Spotlight work for you

Are you getting the most out of Spotlight search on your Apple device?

How to use widgets on iPad and iPhone

Home screen widgets on iPads and iPhones could be useful to enterprise professionals.

How to use iCloud Keychain to audit your passwords

It’s never a bad time to double-check password and account security. Here’s how.

16+ iPhone tips to get things done faster

A short collection our Apple blogger’s favorite iPhone tips to get things done a little quicker.

12+ essential iPad productivity tips

These iPad tips should help you get things done more efficiently.

Essential iPad tips to help you work from home

This extensive collection of tips should help you become more productive when using your iPad to get work done.

10+ Siri tips to help you work at home

If you are following the science of pandemics, you’re still working at home. So how can Apple’s Siri help you get your work done?

10+ tips for better iPhone battery life

There’s nothing worse than running out of power when you’re trying to get somewhere or need to get work done. Here’s how to stave off that situation.

How to stay as private as possible on Apple’s iPad and iPhone

Use Apple’s tools to protect your privacy on an iOS device.

How to fix iCloud when it stops working

When iCloud goes wrong, follow this checklist of steps to try to make it better.

Keep up with all things Apple at our Apple Holic blog.

Chromebooks

Chromebook cheat sheet: How to get started

Got a new Chromebook? This guide will help you navigate the ever-expanding world of Chromebook apps and figure out how to make the most of Chrome OS.

50 Chromebook tips for maximum productivity

Supercharge your Chrome OS experience with these time-saving tricks and techniques.

11 smart steps for managing files on a Chromebook 

Working in Chrome OS? These are the efficiency-enhancing file tricks you’ve been missing.

11 tips for wicked-fast Chromebook web browsing

Zoom around your browser like nobody’s business with these easy-to-miss Chrome OS maneuvers.

7 hidden tricks for your Chromebook trackpad

You’d never know it, but your Chromebook’s trackpad holds some of the finest time-saving shortcuts ChromeOS has to offer.

The smart worker’s guide to using a Chromebook offline

Chrome OS may be cloud-centric at its core, but you can get plenty accomplished offline on a Chromebook — if you set things up thoughtfully in advance.

3 smart shortcuts for a curiously hidden Chrome OS command

Chromebook owners, take note: These are the shortcuts you’ve been missing.

How to create your own custom Chrome address bar actions

Google’s Chrome Actions feature is pretty good — but follow these tips to make address bar actions great.

A new Chromebook productivity feature worth finding

Give yourself the gift of efficiency with this 20-second ChromeOS upgrade.

10 easy steps to make Chrome faster and more secure

Looking to speed up Chrome? Give us 10 minutes, and we’ll give you a noticeably better browsing experience.

Android apps for Chromebooks: The essentials

Turn your Chromebook into a uniquely versatile modern computing machine with these Chrome-OS-enhancing apps.

The best progressive web apps for productivity

These standout PWAs are perfect for the Chrome OS environment. They’ll help you get more done without any of the usual baggage.

Linux apps on Chrome OS: An easy-to-follow guide

Linux apps can expand your Chromebook’s capabilities and open up all sorts of interesting options — but first, you have to know where to begin.

The best Linux apps for Chromebooks

Make your Chromebook even more capable with this carefully selected set of Linux apps for expanding Chrome OS’s potential as a business tool.

8 fast fixes for common Chrome OS problems

Solve your Chromebook woes and keep yourself productive with these easy-to-implement, expert-approved solutions.

The 20-minute Chromebook tune-up

Make your Chromebook faster, smarter, and more pleasant to use with these easy-to-follow annual steps.

22 worthwhile ways to use Google Assistant on a Chromebook

Google Assistant is finally working its way into the fabric of Chrome OS, and it’s bringing with it some interesting new possibilities.

Crank up your Chromebook’s cloud-connecting power

With a few simple tweaks, your Chromebook can become an even more connected part of your cloud-centric setup.

How to turn any website into a custom Chrome OS app

A handy hack for customizing your Chromebook and bringing native app-like experiences to your favorite sites and services.

A time-saving typing tool that works anywhere in Chrome

Reclaim wasted time and watch your efficiency soar with this spectacularly useful cross-platform add-on.

Stay up to date with Chromebooks and Chrome OS by keeping an eye on our Chrome OS: Tips, tools, and other Chromebook intelligence page.

Macs

How to migrate to a new Mac

All your files, apps, and settings are on your old computer. Here’s how to move them to your new Macintosh, from either macOS or Windows.

The best way to transfer files to a new Mac

Using a cloud storage service removes the hassle of transferring files to your new computer via utilities or external drives — and it also supports mobile devices.

10 useful Mac tips for busy workers

If you work from home, you’re probably busier than ever these days. These 10 Mac tips should help you get more done faster.

7+ ways macOS Ventura will make you more productive

Here’s a collection of the most useful productivity-enhancing improvements in macOS Ventura.

30 keyboard shortcuts Mac users need to know

This collection of keyboard shortcuts for macOS can help users get the most from their iMacs, MacBook Pro and MacBook laptops.

10 ways to get more out of your Mac

The Mac is festooned with features, some of which are more obvious than others. This collection should help you get things done on your Mac just a little faster.

12 (additional) desktop tips to get more from your Mac

If you use a Mac to get things done, then you should know that there are ways to navigate the desktop more effectively. This short collection of tips will help.

Use Stacks and Search in macOS to get work done

Here’s how to maintain desktop law and order — and find those frequently wanted items fast.

12 ways to reduce data use on your Mac

If you are working remotely and reaching a data cap or in the field using your phone as a hotspot, you may want to cut data use on your Mac. Here are some ideas on how to do so.

How to boost your productivity with Safari for Mac

This small collection of Safari extensions may give your work or research efficiency a boost.

How to make more effective use of Mail in macOS

While we wait for Apple to innovate an application most Mac users rely on daily, here’s a few tips that should help you use Mail more effectively.

How to make Spotlight work for you

Are you getting the most out of Spotlight search on your Apple device?

How to use Shortcuts in macOS

Shortcuts automations are designed to simplify repetitive tasks; here’s what you need to know to begin to use them.

10+ WFH tips for Mac users

This useful collection of tips will help you automate tasks using scheduling and reminder features Apple included in every Mac.

10 ways your Mac can help you be more productive

Here’s a handful of useful Mac tips to help you get things done from wherever you are.

How to stay as private as possible on the Mac

Privacy means vigilance, so make sure your Mac extra-vigilant on your behalf. Here’s how.

How to use FileVault to protect business data on Macs

If you use Macs for business, you should be familiar with FileVault. Apple’s built-in disk encryption system for macOS can help protect corporate data.

Keep up with all things Apple at our Apple Holic blog.

Windows PCs

Editor’s note: Many of the stories listed below were written for Windows 10, but most of the instructions will work in Windows 11 as well.

How to migrate to a new Windows PC

All your files, apps, and settings are on your old computer. Here’s how to move them to your new Windows PC, from either Windows or macOS.

The best way to transfer files to a new Windows PC

Using a cloud storage service removes the hassle of transferring files to your new computer via utilities or external drives — and it also supports mobile devices.

Windows 11 cheat sheet

Got a new PC that runs Windows 11? Get to know the interface, features, and shortcuts in the new OS.

Windows 10 cheat sheet

Does your new PC have Windows 10 instead of 11? Here’s how to make the most of it.

Workarounds for 4 tasks Windows 11 makes harder

Windows 11 may be prettier to look at than Windows 10, but some tasks have become more difficult. Try these tweaks to get around some impediments that Microsoft introduced in Windows 11.

12 classic but essential (and free!) utilities for Windows 10 and 11

You can get more from Windows 10 by adding these useful tools.

How to protect your privacy in Windows 10

Worried about possible privacy problems in Windows 10? This story offers some quick and easy ways to protect your data.

How to share a Windows 10 PC

Need to share a Windows 10 PC among employees or temporary workers at the office, or with family members at home? No problem — here’s how to do it.

How to replace Edge as the default browser in Windows 10 — and why you shouldn’t

Here’s how to make Chrome, Firefox, or another browser the primary one in Windows 10. (But are you sure you want to?)

17 ways to speed up Windows 10

Want Windows 10 to run faster? Take a few minutes to try out these tips, and your machine will be zippier and less prone to performance and system issues.

How to keep your apps up to date in Windows 10 and 11

With dozens of applications installed on the typical Windows PC, keeping them all updated seems like a Herculean task. Automated tools can lighten the load considerably.

How to fix five Windows 10 headaches

Microsoft has made numerous improvements to Windows 10 over the years, but it still has some annoying quirks. We help you solve them.

How to handle Windows 10 and 11 updates

Find out how to defer, pause or stop Windows updates entirely, how to uninstall troublesome updates, and a few other update tricks.

How to protect Windows 10 and 11 PCs from ransomware

Ransomware is running rampant these days, but there are several ways individuals and admins can protect their Windows 10 and 11 PCs. Here’s what to do.

30+ free and cheap apps for Windows 10

From backup to productivity tools, here’s the best of the best for Windows 10. Sometimes good things come in free (or cheap) packages.

5 hidden Windows 10 features you should be using

They may not get much press, but these powerful built-in Windows 10 tools can help you work smarter.

An introduction to Windows 10’s new PowerToys

Like their ‘90s namesakes, the tools in Microsoft’s new PowerToys app are quite useful for power users.

How to make a Windows 10 or 11 image backup

Making a full system image backup preserves not only your files, but Windows and all its settings as well. Here are the best free Windows backup and recovery tools with step-by-step instructions.

Windows troubleshooting tips, tools, and techniques

Microsoft offers numerous useful tools that can help users and admins diagnose problems in Windows 10 and 11. Here’s how to use them for best results.