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How to Buy A Used iPhone 4: Safe Shopping Tips

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Buying a used iPhone 4 is a great way to save some money while getting the phone that you want. However, the used market can be full of traps where one wrong turn can cost you dearly a number of different ways. 

With that being said, that’s why we decided to make this article for you where we explain some things that you need to know before buying a used iPhone or any used electronic for that matter. So, let’s get right into it!

Used iPhone 4 Buying Guide

Used iPhone 4

Amidst all the chaos in the used market, there are primarily 5 things that you need to know before buying a used iPhone 4 or any used electronics: 

  1. Your seller
  2. Payment methods
  3. Extra fees and charges
  4. Condition of the item
  5. Locked and unlocked devices

1: Know Your Seller

First of all, knowing that you’re buying from a trustworthy seller is very important. And when we say trustworthy we don’t just mean a big name like Amazon or eBay, but also their individual sub-sellers – the ones that use the platform to sell their products. 

Buying from the wrong guy can put you into a lot of trouble. Things like: 

  1. Broken products that can’t be returned
  2. Misinformation about the product and its condition (More on that later)
  3. Hidden fees (Also more on that later)
  4. And possibly more

To find the right seller, the first thing that you can do is to look only at reputable platforms like Amazon, eBay, Swappa, Newegg, or anything like that.

When it comes to used iPhones, we generally prefer Swappa because they are the pros of selling used phones. Not only they are extremely reputable and trustworthy, but they also mention every detail that you might need like the condition of the phone, its carrier, and more. 

Speaking of information, that’s another important thing that you want to look out for. More on that further below. 

2: Choose a Safe Payment Method

Finding a good seller is one thing. How about finding a good payment option as well? There are many people out there who are still shopping online with their credit/debit card without knowing that this poses two big risks: 

  1. Identity and banking information theft
  2. Lack of buyer protection

If you got a reputable seller, then you obviously don’t need to worry about identity theft or anything like that. Amazon, Swappa, Newegg, eBay, all these big names can’t potentially risk scamming you. 

However, we’re talking about the used market here and there’s no guarantee that someone will not at least try to. For example, take a look at this item. A graphics card that normally costs 300+ euros for 63? And it’s also brand new? Boy oh boy what a crazy bargain this is, right? Except it’s clearly a scam attempt. 

And mind you, this is on one of the world’s biggest shopping websites. So, if there are people who are willing to try and scam you on the big platforms, imagine how bad things can get when we’re walking on thin ice with unknown sellers. 

A secure payment method like PayPal can help you protect yourself from both scams and identity theft. That’s because if you buy something by using PayPal and you realize that you were scammed, you can always reach out to them, provide proof that this happened, and the seller will be forced to issue a refund. In most cases, it works. 

Even when things don’t go according to plan, having a small layer of protection instead is always better than nothing. Because let’s be honest, chances are that our banks are not going to lift a finger in case we buy the wrong item. 

3: Watch Out For Extra Fees And Charges

One thing that lots of people don’t know is that you can end up paying extra money upon delivery. So, you basically buy whatever you want, pay for it while thinking that you’re done, and only once your used iPhone 4 arrives at your doorstep you are asked to pay the extra fees and charges. 

Not all regions do this. But, the EU is definitely a continent that has this law. It doesn’t apply for every single item. After all, those who check for imports can’t possibly have the time to go through the process of taxing every little thing. And for this reason, only items that have a specific price and above will be checked and will have to be paid for import fees. 

Unfortunately, a used iPhone 4 usually costs more than enough to be placed on this range and unless you get lucky, chances are that you’ll have to pay the extra fees for it upon delivery. Of course, that is unless you buy it from a seller who is within your country. That, or someone who is living outside of your country but offers a warehouse that’s inside. 

American buyers don’t really have to worry too much about this as the major platforms like Swappa and Amazon all have warehouses within the USA. Just do make your research for the individual states. Just in case. 

Apart from that, watch out for the obvious stuff. Shipping costs, standard taxes, anything like this that commonly appears only after you’ve inserted the payment and delivery details. So, don’t be in a massive hurry to press that “buy” button. 

4: Watch Out For The Condition Of Your Used iPhone 4

Used iPhone 4

This is another thing that lots of people forget to check out. Sometimes, it’s not even mentioned in the details – in which, case, maybe you should look for another website/platform/seller. 

The condition of your used iPhone 4, or any used phone for that matter, reflects the overall shape of the device. Scratches, cracks, broken things, anything like that. 

Generally speaking, the more flaws that a phone has, the cheaper that you can get it. And remember: If something looks too good to be true, then it most likely is!

Now, different sellers may use different terms to describe the condition of a device. But, generally speaking, this is what you can expect: 

  1. Good/Refurbished/Like New: These terms are often used to describe a phone that’s almost brand new without scratches or marks
  2. Mint/Fair: Scratches and other signs of wear/use may be present, but the device works normally
  3. Bad/Damaged/Parts and Repairs only: The phone is damaged to the point where normal operation is tough or impossible. 

Again, don’t forget to read the individual descriptions of your particular seller. He/she may have different conditions in mind when using each and every one of these terms. 

5: Watch Out For Carrier Locked Devices

There are numerous countries that offer carrier-locked devices. A carrier-locked phone will basically refuse to work with any other carrier apart from the one that it is locked down to. 

For example, if you get a used iPhone 4 that’s locked to AT&T, then it doesn’t matter what you want to use. That phone will only work with AT&T. Period. 

And if you happen to do the mistake of falling into that trap, then your only choice is to either use the carrier that you’re locked to or pay for unlocking services to get yourself out of that situation. The last thing that anyone would want after getting a new/used device is to pay extra money just to be able to use his phone. 

Thankfully, most reputable sellers always mention if their phones are locked or unlocked and they also mention exactly what carrier they are locked down to. So, keep an eye out for that. 

Check out Used iPhone 4 Devices on Swappa

 

Safely Buying a Used iPhone 4: Wrapping Up

That’s all for now. Hopefully, our little guide helped you out and you’ll be able to buy a used iPhone 4 without anything going wrong. To wrap things up, this is all we talked about and that you need to remember: 

  1. Buy from a reputable seller
  2. Choose a safe payment method
  3. Watch out for extra fees and charges
  4. Keep an eye on the condition of the device
  5. Careful with the carrier-locked devices

 

Proxy Vs VPN – What’s the Difference?

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Can’t decide between proxy vs VPN when it comes to choosing the tool to safeguard your online browsing experience? Here’s everything you need to know about these two services and the uses both of them have to offer.

The inception of virtual private networks took place to fulfil the necessity of securing online activity for corporate and business entities. Over the years, improved infrastructure, faster internet technology, and the growing interest of public has led to widespread demand for VPNs all across the globe. Not only have VPN services become popular for accessing geo-restricted websites and web-based services, but also as a means to protect the user’s data and keep the prying eyes of the federal authorities at bay.

Generally speaking, a VPN service allows you to connect to a remote server, which changes your IP address, thus effectively hiding your location and user activity. However, there is yet another networking technology that allows you to do the same, which is called proxy server. Since proxy servers also allow you to mask your IP address, it would be safe to assume that the two security options are the same. However, taking a closer with proxy vs VPN reveals some key differences between the two, which every user should be aware before they choose either of these services to safeguard their internet browsing experience.

What is a VPN Service?

Imagine your IP address to be a fingerprint through which your ISP, and even government authorities can track your geological location on the map. The way a virtual private network is designed to work is that it allows you to hide the IP address of your device, effectively hiding your location of access as well. A VPN works as a software for your computer, mobile phone, or can even be installed on your wireless router.

A dependable VPN service not only changes your IP address, but secures the network connection as well. The data that is sent out and received by your computer or mobile device when using a VPN service, is first routed to a remote server, which encrypts it. The encrypted data is then rerouted, thus spoofing your location, while ensuring that the browsing data cannot be identified and traced back to you.

Pros of using a VPN:

  • Premium VPN services offer end-to-end encryption along with a slew of security features that allow you to keep your browsing data on a lockdown.
  • The ability to change your IP address gives you a way to get past geo-restrictions set by web-based services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
  • A dependable VPN service would be available not just for the computer, but for mobile phones and media streaming devices as well.
  • ISP throttling can be bypassed when using a VPN service.

Cons of using a VPN:

  • Premium VPN services, although worth the added cost, can be expensive to use at times.
  • VPN services are generally frowned upon by banking and legal authorities due to their close association with hackers.
  • Data encryption does offer protection, but the time it takes for the data to reach the remote servers and then be encrypted before being transferred, can slow down your connection in certain cases.

What is a Proxy Server?

A means to effectively make your browsing experience anonymous, proxy servers take a simplified approach in comparison to VPN services. Generally speaking, proxy servers were introduced as a means to facilitate browsing privacy by simply acting as an extended bridge between devices and the network. Unlike VPN services which have an entire framework of remote servers that are tied together using a web-based software, proxy servers are fairly lightweight and do not require a software platform to be established.

A proxy server serves just one purpose, which is hiding your IP address, and unlike VPN which requires connecting to a remote server, a proxy can be set up on a local server as well. Proxy servers, being feasible and fairly easy to establish, are large available for free all over the internet, allowing you to access a website or online service outside of your country, with no security protocol in place whatsoever.

Pros of using a Proxy Server:

  • Public proxy servers, which are easy to obtain online, are free to use and can be accessed at anytime from anywhere.
  • Simplified setup allows users to bypass geo-restrictions and gain access to regional websites and online services.

Cons of a Proxy Server:

  • Proxy servers can be run by any entity, who can easily gain access to the data that you’re transferring while using their proxy server.
  • Most public proxy servers have no form of encryption in place, while leaves you vulnerable to phishing and federal surveillance.
  • Proxy servers are barely ever established permanently, and can be blocked by websites when flagged.

Proxy Vs VPN – Which one should you choose?

The end-user who is looking for a way to bypass the regional restrictions put forth by their ISP or the government agencies is just looking for a solution that works. In theory, when you compare proxy vs VPN in terms of functionality, both of these services are able to deliver the ability to hide your IP address.

What makes VPNs better

If basic browsing is not your only purpose, and you need more than just anonymity online, a VPN service is required. Apart from barring access of your personal browsing information from prying eyes when you’re connect to a public Wi-Fi network, a VPN service also helps you encrypt every kilobyte of data that is transferred to and from your devices. Whether you want to access your financial information securely, or need multiple layers of security that is enabled at all times, a virtual private network service is what you need.

What makes Proxy better

If you’re looking for a simple and straightforward way to access a website that has been blocked in your region, proxy servers can help you with it. You can turn towards the basic options for a free proxy server that lets you connect instantaneously, regardless of the computer or mobile device you use it from. The process involves no software installation, and can be done for most of your regular browsing needs, such as watching Netflix from another region, or just browsing through regional websites on a public domain.

We Recommend ExpressVPN

If you don’t mind shelling out a few bucks for a VPN service rather than depending on an unreliable public proxy server to mask your IP address, there are plenty of service providers to choose from. We’ve sieved through the market and hand-picked ExpressVPN, not just based on its longstanding reputation in the online web security market, but the number of security and functionality features that it has to offer.

Bypassing Geo-restrictions – Depending on where you live, you won’t be able to access the services online, but ExpressVPN offer you a way around this. Allowing you to connect to hundreds of remote servers across the world, you can choose to log in from more than 60 different locations.

Avoid ISP Logging – Even if a website or service is not barred in your region, the ISP (internet service provider) can still keep an on-file record of the user data. The online activity that you perform on your devices can be logged, which poses not only a privacy treat, but the problem of being fined for unauthorized usage as well.

High-speed Streaming –When you choose a mediocre VPN service that helps you get past the ISP but underperforms in terms of connectivity, you could end up with minutes of buffering, which can impact the browsing experience. With ExpressVPN and its smart filtering of servers that rank highest on the Speed Index, you can choose a network server with the fastest speeds on your computer and mobile devices.

Native Support – The sheer popularity of ExpressVPN not only makes it a viable solution for desktop and mobile devices, but for computers, streaming devices, and even wireless routers. Easily choose your service location, and even monitor your streaming speeds for a surreal viewing experience, all from the official ExpressVPN app.

Final Words

As the treat to privacy grows, and the malicious activities of phishing and data breaches become a common sight, even the end-user is looking to find ways to secure their online browsing experience. The purpose of hiding the IP address of a device is resolved by proxy servers as well as VPNs, but the two technologies perform differently, whereas as one only offer anonymity (proxy), and the other offering you encrypted data transmission as well (VPN).

At the end of the day, the competition between proxy vs VPN boils down to the what serves your need the best. So are you going to choose the affordability and ease of use that comes with setting up a proxy server, even if it does not push forth high-level security? Or would you rather spend a few more dollars but secure your network connection with the best in the business? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section right down below.

How to Safely Buy a Used iPhone SE

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Looking for a used iPhone SE? You should know that buying stuff from the used market requires a lot of attention. It can be a risky procedure in a number of different ways. 

You may get a different phone, something damaged, or not anything at all. Worst case scenario, you may even get robbed. The odds of that last one happening are rather slim, but, still, buying used electronics is without a doubt a process that has its risks. And that’s why you need to know where to look. Without any further ado, let’s get right into it!

Used iPhone SE Buying Guide

Used iPhone SE

There are primarily 4 things to keep in mind when buying a used phone, or any used electronic for that matter: 

  1. Seller
  2. Condition
  3. Locked and unlocked devices
  4. Extra fees, taxes, anything like that

So, let’s start with the first big issue, the seller. 

1: Only Buy From Trustworthy And Reputable Sellers

Buying from someone who you know that you can trust is extremely important. And finding reputable sellers is seriously tougher than you may think. If you know where to look, even huge websites like eBay are full of scams.

There are a number of ways that the seller himself can harm your buying experience. Particularly: 

  1. You may get a defective phone with no RMA support
  2. The website or seller may claim that they offer RMA in case that something goes wrong. But, when you mention that the phone was dead on arrival they’ll say that you broke it
  3. False information about the state of the phone. Condition, locked or unlocked, etc
  4. You may have to pay extra fees on arrival
  5. And more

This certainly sounds scary, so, what can we do about it? Well, our best advice is to always buy from places and people who you know that you can absolutely trust. 

There is a chance that you’ll find better offers on questionable websites and contacts. But, do you truly want to take the risk? It’s your call. We’d recommend only buying from known sellers like Swappa and Amazon. 

While Amazon is one of the biggest websites, their individual sellers are often not the best. Just look at the reviews of used products there. That’s why we often prefer Swappa as it offers a more controlled environment for used products. 

Get a used or refurbished iPhone SE from Swappa

Get a Used or Refurbished iPhone SE from Amazon

 

2: Condition

The second thing to keep in mind when buying a used iPhone SE, or any phone for that matter, is the condition of the device. When it comes to used devices, every listing should mention the condition of the product. 

If you’re on a website that lists used phones but it doesn’t mention the condition of the devices everywhere, then do seriously consider staying away from it. Every decent seller should accurately report what you’re looking at. 

used iphone se

After all, nobody wants to pay a hundred bucks or more for a broken phone. So, firstly, as mentioned above, always buy your used products from reputable sellers to avoid things like that. Secondly, understand what the used terms mean and you’ll be able to avoid a lot of misunderstandings: 

  1. Good/Refurbished/Like New: These terms are often used to describe a phone that’s almost brand new without scratches or marks
  2. Mint/Fair: Scratches and other signs of wear/use may be present, but the device works normally
  3. Bad/Damaged/Parts and Repairs only: The phone is damaged to the point where normal operation is tough or impossible. 

Do keep in mind that every website may use slightly different terms to describe the condition of their products. Mint/Fair can sometimes mean that the phone is damaged while “Good” can still mean that there are a few scratches. It comes down to the seller. 

If you can get photos of the phone, then that would be best. But, more often than not, we don’t have that luxury. 

3: Carriers And Locked Devices

Many phones, especially in the US, come locked out of the box. This means that they’ll only work with a specific carrier unless you pay someone to unlock it for you. 

If you want to avoid that, then you need to either: 

  1. Buy an unlocked device
  2. Or at least buy a phone that is locked down to your preferred carrier

Do keep in mind that there are times where certain carriers/SIMs will refuse to work with an unlocked device. Maybe out of stubbornness. Especially the ones that were officially locked down to that one specific carrier. 

So, do keep an eye out for this. There are a lot of sellers which mention the carrier state of a device – including Swappa. 

4: Extra Fees And Taxes

This is something that a lot of people don’t know about. Let’s start with the standard fees: 

  1. Shipping
  2. Tax

When you’re checking out a used device, always assume that the final price is going to be a bit higher due to the added costs of shipping and taxes. Shipping costs can wildly vary even on the same website. Especially those like Amazon, Swappa, and eBay because they are mostly relying on individual sellers. 

Then there are the import fees and taxes. That’s one thing that most people don’t know and they only find out when it’s too late and they already need to pay upwards of 200 bucks on delivery. 

See, there are a lot of countries that ask you to pay taxes and import fees for goods that have been imported from another region. And when you buy something that’s from another region, you’re being treated as an importer. 

That mostly happens because the taxes for a product that’s out of the country haven’t been paid yet. And well, they do need to be paid. So, if not the buyer, then who else is going to do it? 

To solve this, try not to buy anything that’s out of your country. The rules generally differ from region to region. So, you’ll have to make your own research on that. 

Europe generally allows you to buy anything from European countries without having to deal with things like that. But, for other continents, we can’t vouch for anything. 

Why Buy a Used iPhone SE? 

So, when everything is said and done, buying used devices can be a bit of a pain in the butt. There’s a bit of a learning curve and until you go over it, things do definitely look a bit tough. Then why would we want to buy used devices at all? Mainly two reasons: 

  1. Used iPhones are much cheaper
  2. Some models come unlocked without any extra costs

First, to state the obvious, used phones are cheaper. Buying a used iPhone SE is a great way to get a decent device and save a lot of money in the process. Just make sure you do it right and you’ll end up being a winner. 

Secondly, as we mentioned above, there are a lot of locked phones out in the market. Finding brand new devices in the US that are unlocked out of the box is a challenging task, to say the least. But, finding unlocked devices on the used market? Piece of cake. 

The latter one is particularly useful if you don’t feel like being tied to any carriers. And that’s about it for now. Let us know if you’ve got any questions in the comments down below and we’ll try to help!

 

How to Jailbreak FireStick TV – The Complete Guide

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Want to find out how to jailbreak FireStick TV and unleash the streaming capabilities of the portable entertainment system? Here’s everything to know about jailbreak the Amazon Fire TV Stick, how you can do it, and the benefits that it has to offer.

The modern age of entertainment is a cord cutter’s dream come true, with the biggest names in the business moving towards online streaming. Google may have started the online push after taking over YouTube and making it the largest database of videos online, but a list of names has followed since. The entertainment industry has flourished upon the arrival of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and other premium subscription-based services, but bringing the streaming services to the big screen has been the effort put in through devices such as Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and many others.

In order to make premium content available to the masses on various streaming platforms, Amazon introduced the Fire TV Stick. Offered as a compact and affordable solution to connect your home entertainment system to the internet and enjoy online streamed content along with live TV channels over the web, the Amazon Fire TV Stick has been revered by users all across the world. However, users have been buzzing the support forums all over the internet to discover different methods on how to jailbreak FireStick TV and unlock its true potential.

What Does Jailbreaking FireStick TV Mean?

The term jailbreaking is usually associated with Apple’s iOS devices, where a user is able to enjoy unprecedented software and hardware access by modifying the system files. Unlike the iPhone or the iPad, the system installed on the Amazon Fire TV Stick is actually based on Android 5.0 Lollipop, although it does not include the traditionally preinstalled suite of Google apps and services. Amazon offers its very own App Store, with thousands of offerings that are tailored to work best with the Fire TV on the big screen with navigation support from the Alexa Remote.

When we speak about learning how to jailbreak Amazon Fire Stick, it refers to the ability to install apps on the device while bypassing the App Store. The ability to so has existed natively on all Android devices right from the get-go, which is offered as a feature embedded in the Developer Options menu. Jailbreaking the Fire TV Stick allows you to “Install from Unknown Sources”, which essentially means that you can install apps in their raw format (APK) directly on the device, without requiring the permission of the Amazon App Store, and is generally referred to as “sideloading”.

Why Jailbreak Amazon Fire Stick TV?

Generally speaking, the reason Google Play Store has been put in place is to act as an inspector, ensuring that all apps are put through a screening process before being installed on your phone. While you would wish for the same on your Amazon Fire TV Stick, but the exclusion of the Google Play Store in lieu of the Amazon App Store limits the number of available apps for use significantly. Thanks to the ability to sideload apps to the Fire TV Stick, you get the ability to install thousands of big-screen apps to your TV.

Additionally, the popularity of Android streaming devices has led to the release of third-party app stores built for simplified navigation. For instance, the Aptoide TV App Store allows you to find some of the best Android TV apps and install them to your Amazon Fire TV device. These third-party app stores and app repositories also allow you to install apps such as Showbox for Android, that aren’t officially available neither on the Amazon App Store, nor the Google Play Store.

Once you jailbreak the Fire TV Stick, you can also install the Kodi media player app on it, which unlocks the doors to entertainment heaven for you. From enjoying live TV shows, to having the latest and greatest movies and TV shows at the click of a button, Kodi media player on your Amazon Fire TV devices brings a whole new dimension to your entertainment experience on the big screen.

How to Jailbreak FireStick TV

Now that you you’ve understood what jailbreaking Amazon Fire Stick means and how you can use it to your advantage, it’s time to understand how you can start using it. You need to start by enabling the ability to sideload apps to the Amazon Fire TV Stick, which comes by switching on the “Unknown Sources” feature in the Developer Options menu.

  1. Right from the main screen on your Amazon Fire device, head over to the Settings
  2. Head over to Device tab and then navigate to the Developer Options
  3. You will find the tab that reads Apps from Unknown Sources and click on it to turn the feature ON.

Now that you have enabled the “Unknown Sources” option from the Settings, you can begin to sideload apps on your Amazon Fire TV Stick.

How to Sideload Apps on FireStick TV

Once you have the Unknown Sources features enabled on your Fire TV Stick, you will now be able to bypass the Amazon App Store and install apps directly. But before you can start doing this, you will need the App Store on your Fire TV one last time, to fetch the Downloader app. This app essentially works as a web browser and download manager, allowing you to get APK files online and then directly install them to your streaming device.

apps unknown warning

  1. From the main menu screen, look out for the Apps
  2. Using the search bar, find the Downloader
  3. Press the Install button and wait for the app to be installed on the Amazon Fire TV.

Bonus: Install the Aptoide TV App

A third-party app store that is designed especially for the Android TV platform, Aptoide TV brings you access to thousands of apps. Apart from apps that are available on the Google Play Store, you can find a bunch of independent apps as well.

  1. Open the Downloader app and go to the Home section to enter the URL.
  2. Type in the following URL in the empty box – http://m.aptoid.com/installer-aptoid-tv/ and hit the Go
  3. Select OK when the app asks to you to enable JavaScript, which is essential for webpages to load within the Aptoide TV app.
  4. Wait for the Aptoide TV APK file to be downloaded, and then press the Install button and once again to confirm.

The Aptoide TV app will now be installed on your Amazon Fire TV Stick, so you can press the Done button to exit, or choose to launch it by pressing the Open button.

Use ExpressVPN When You Jailbreak FireStick TV

One of the primary reasons to jailbreak your Amazon Fire Stick TV is to be able to enjoy video streaming content from apps that are aren’t originally available. This may include regional apps which are not supported officially by the Amazon App Store, but there may be other barriers in the way too. Geo-restrictions are put in place by several big names in the online streaming business, and the only way to get around these restrictions is to put a VPN service such as ExpressVPN to use.

Bypassing Geo-restrictions – Depending on where you live, you won’t be able to access the services online even with a jailbroken Fire TV, but ExpressVPN offer you a way around this. Allowing you to connect to hundreds of remote servers across the world, you can choose to log in from more than 60 different locations.

Avoid ISP Logging – Even if a streaming service is not barred in your region, the ISP (internet service provider) can still keep an on-file record of the user data. The online activity that you perform on the Fire TV Stick can be logged, which poses not only a privacy treat, but the problem of being fined for unauthorized usage as well.

High-speed Streaming –When you choose a mediocre VPN service that helps you get past the ISP but underperforms in terms of connectivity, you could end up with minutes of buffering, which can impact the entertainment experience. With ExpressVPN and its smart filtering of servers that rank highest on the Speed Index, you can choose a network server with the best streaming speeds on the Fire TV Stick.

Native Support – The sheer popularity of ExpressVPN not only makes it a viable solution for desktop and mobile devices, but for streaming devices such as the Amazon Fire TV Stick as well. The Amazon App Store officially supports the ExpressVPN app, allowing you to hook up to a proxy server, easily choose your service location, and even monitor your streaming speeds for a surreal viewing experience.

Get ExpressVPN to protect your viewing behavior

Final Words

With the massive improvements in the communication infrastructure, there is high-speed wireless connectivity across not just the United States, but the entire world. This evolution in the communications industry has bolstered the efforts to cut the cord when it comes to entertainment and ditch the local cable companies in favor of premium streaming services. Bringing the ability to stream content online directly to the big screen has been made possible for the masses, thanks to budget streamers such as the Amazon Fire TV Stick.

Since people are always looking to make the most of the capabilities of what their gadgets can do, the ability to jailbreak FireStick TV has become a popular trend. We’ve highlighted the reasons why an individual would be inclined to take up the process steps and get their device enabled for sideloading apps. If you have any questions regarding how sideloading works on the Fire TV, or have any other queries, just reach out to us in the comments.

Guide to Buy a Used Google Pixel 3 – Everything You Need to Know

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Looking to grab a used Google Pixel 3 and enjoy the best of Android straight from the company that has built it? Here’s a definitive buyer’s guide to purchase a second hand Google Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL smartphone, and how you can fetch one without overpaying or settling for a subpar device.

How to buy a Used Google Pixel 3?

Back in the early 2000s when Android OS was first developed, the intention was to create a software platform for digital cameras. Google Inc. was quick to notice the potential behind this mobile operating system and acquired Android OS, along with the team that worked on it in the year 2005. Just a couple of years later, Google, in partnership with Taiwanese tech company HTC, released the very first Android OS powered smartphone – the HTC Desire. In the beginning, Google needed to support of big names in the tech manufacturing space, thus creating the Nexus series of devices.

Over the years, the Mountain View company collaborated with brands such as HTC, Samsung, LG and Motorola to release different iterations of the Nexus series of smartphones and tablets. However, in the year 2016, the very first Google Pixel was unveiled, which officially kick started Google’s bidding in the premium smartphone wars. Deemed as the flagship Android smartphone straight from Google, the Pixel series has become a benchmark by which all other Android flagship phones are measured, and the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are no different.

With the premium hardware specs that the flagship mobile phone from Google, you also get a hefty price tag. Each year, the Google Pixel gets updated with design refinements and significant hardware upgrades, so are you willing to shell out nearly a thousand dollars for the high-end variant of the flagship phone? If you’re among the power users who want the best of Android straight from Google, but don’t want to put a serious dent in your budget, buying a used Google Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL is your best option.

There is no shortage of second hand Google Pixel sellers in the market and online, so how do you find an affordable one that’s in the best possible condition? Purchasing a used electronic device can be an unnerving experience, but only if you don’t know what to look for and do the due diligence to find out that device you’re about to buy is worth the ask. We’ve rolled up our sleeves and done the work of understanding how you can buy a used Google Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL in the best condition possible, without making any compromises, and pay considerably less than what you would for a new one.

For our highest rated refurbished iPhone reseller, use Swappa. All their used iphones are unlocked and tested for quality and function.
 Our Second Highly Rated Option is Amazon.com. There are lots of certified vendors who offer iPhones and more price options.  Plus Amazon provides a solid return policy and fast delivery with Amazon Prime. .

Why buy a used Google Pixel 3?

Reason #1 – Premium hardware and software

Google has designed its official phone to be a flagship device that is the measurement standard for all other Android smartphones. Google Pixel devices almost always beat every other Android OEM phone on benchmark scores, all thanks to the latest and great hardware configuration, and the Google Pixel 3 lives up to this promise. Packing the Snapdragon 845 processor that is paired with 4GB of RAM capacity, the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL have the highest DxOMark score among all Android phones.

Thanks to the combination of the camera hardware and software optimizations done for the Google Camera, you get to capture fleeting moments better than ever. Additionally, each and every software update that is rolled out for the device, comes straight from Google, which means reduced wait times. So when you get yourself a Google Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL, you can expect nothing less than the best of Android OS, with support for two years of major software updates right out of the box.

Reason #2 – Great value for money

The Google Pixel is built up to be the iPhone among Android devices, being the go-to choice for users who want the most from their smartphone. Back in the day, upgrading to the latest mobile phone seemed like a justifiable act, since each and every update came with significant hardware improvements. However, the Pixel series of devices from Google, just like many other premium Android smartphones, packs a powerful punch in terms of hardware processing.

Since you get seamless software support for 2 years and additional security update for a year more, your phone is far from being outdated within a year of use. Even if you choose to buy a used Google Pixel device, you still get the latest software updates straight from Google, before all other Android OEMs. Getting yourself a second hand Google Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL instead of a new one can mean big savings, since any electronic device loses value once it is out of the original packaging.

Reason #3 – Free of contracts

Purchasing a brand new Google Pixel on easy installments may require you to be restricted to a particular carrier, or you might have to select a carrier-locked variant to enjoy some rebates. However, when you choose to buy a used smartphone, you have the ability to go for an unlocked variant of the Google Pixel. Since most of the used Pixel devices that you find online are either in factory unlocked, or carrier unlocked state, you don’t have to worry about being bogged down to a single network.

You might not require the need to have network unlocked capabilities if you have been linked to a specific network carrier for years. However, the ability to use your phone with any SIM card comes in handy, especially if you’re traveling and want to save up on international roaming costs.

How much does it cost?

Just as you would expect and hope for, the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are offered at a far more affordable price when purchased in used condition. The actual price of the device is evaluated based on the physical condition of the phone, how long it has been used, whether or not the phone comes carrier unlocked or not, and the accessories that are being offered by the seller with the device. Either way, you can expect to save up big when buying a second hand Google Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL instead of a brand new one.

  • 64GB Google Pixel 3  – Starts at $422
  • 128GB Google Pixel 3 – Starts at $566
  • 64GB Google Pixel 3 XL – Starts at $476
  • 128GB Google Pixel 3 XL – Starts at $630

Where can I buy a used Google Pixel 3 online?

Being able to take a look at the device that you’re about to buy, especially if it’s a used one, certainly has its benefits. While it helps you make your purchase confidently, getting a phone from a reseller means that you end up paying more than you would have to if you chose to buy directly from the seller themselves. All thanks to the online marketplaces at facilitate the buying and selling of used electronics, you can get a wider variety of devices to check out and competitive pricing as well, which makes the following ways to buy a used Google Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL ideal.

OUR TOP RECOMMENDED CHOICES ARE AMAZON AND SWAPPA

Swappa – Top Recommendation

Designed to be your one-stop shop for all of your used electronics needs and wants, Swappa offers everything from mobile phones and tablets, to gaming consoles and home tech. A platform by the users, for the users, Swappa has become the face of second hand tech marketplaces online ever since its inception back in the year 2010. Hosting a gargantuan listing of mobile devices categorized based on the brand manufacturer and sorted out into unlocked and carrier-locked variants, the simplified user interface that is put in place by Swappa makes sorting through thousands of devices easier than ever.

When taking a deeper look at the products that are sold on Swappa, you will realize the depth of how this marketplace performs. Each and every product listing is first verified by moderators before being made public, and these listing must adhere to the strict guidelines put in place. Pictures from all angles are mandatory when selling a product on Swappa, and you need to do so while displaying a verification code provided, which ensures that the used product that you’re displaying in the images is the one that’s up for selling on the used

The listings are separated based not just on the network carrier status of the device, but the condition too. You can choose a product based on its evaluated physical state, which can be determined by choosing between Good, Fair, Mint, and even New state. Additionally, each of the seller is given a star rating, which helps you determine how trustworthy they are before you go ahead and spend your hard-earned money on a used gadget. Additionally, Swappa comes with PayPal Protection, which means that your money is always in safe hands.

Pros:

  • Online marketplace that is dedicated to selling only used and refurbished electronic items, guaranteeing a cheaper price.
  • The platform is designed to be intuitive and categorized for ease of use, based on type of product, brand, network carrier status, and more.
  • Mandatory visual inspection with images and full disclosure about any damage or defects in the device.
  • Users can communicate directly with the sellers, clear any queries they may have regarding the device, and even negotiate prices in the comments section.

Amazon

Shop Google Pixel 3 on Amazon

With potentially millions of products sold each day all across the world, Amazon certainly is the giant among e-commerce platforms. While the e-retailer is not exactly known for being a dedicated reseller of used and refurbished products, you can find a wide variety of it on its website. Whether you’re looking for used devices, refurbished products sold by the brand manufacturer, or open box products which have been returned by unsatisfied buyers, Amazon can help you cut a good deal on your second hand electronics purchase. The sheer size of this e-commerce giant is what attracts thousands of sellers to it, which also help you, the buyer, enjoys plenty of choices to pick from.

Similar to the way Swappa dictates that the buyer maintains complete transparency, Amazon also mandates that the seller mentions details regarding the condition of the device being sold. However, Amazon does not make it compulsory to add images of the product with a verification code for assurance like Swappa does. However, most of the used devices that sold, are secured through Amazon Purchase Protection, so you don’t have to worry about losing your money in case the product fails to meet your expectations.

Since Amazon is not an exclusive store just for used products, you might have to do more digging in comparison to Swappa. However, you can expect the general price point to be somewhat lower on Amazon, along with a larger selection of products to choose from. However, you do not get a direct channel of communication that helps you easily communicate with the seller, although you do get to send out messages. Additionally, if you do have an Amazon Prime subscription, you can even enjoy one-day delivery if your chosen product qualifies for it.

Pros:

  • Almost every major electronics item on Amazon is available in multiple buying options, giving you a larger selection of second hand devices to choose from.
  • Prices of the used products is highly competitive among the sellers, which enables you to find the right device for a cheaper price.
  • Amazon Purchase Protection secures your investment when buying a used device, while Prime service guarantees quicker delivery to your doorstep.

Cons:

  • Product details are not as descriptive as you would be able to view over at Swappa.

eBay

If you’ve been shopping online long enough, the eBay brand should not seem unknown, since it is one of the oldest one in the business. The guidelines to start listing products on eBay are fairly simple, which is why you can expect to find a higher density of used Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL phones on this platform. Additionally, you can expect the prices of the phone to be lower on eBay compared to other used device marketplaces, since the commission charged by eBay to the sellers is lower. You don’t have to worry about your money either, since eBay also comes with PayPal Protection in place, so you can always take things up with PayPal if you aren’t satisfied with your purchase.

The loose guidelines might make the task easier for the sellers, but at a buyer, not being able to verify the physical condition of the device through pictures may be a deal-breaker for some. You don’t get a dedicated shipping service from eBay, and the entire process has to be done by the seller themselves, which means that you’re at their mercy when it comes to having the product shipped out on time and delivered to you. eBay also has a single-dimensional rating system for its sellers, where a seller in any category of products can go ahead and put up a second-hand device on sale, while their high rating might fool customers into thinking that their purchase is coming from a top-rated electronics seller.

eBay certainly has its merits apart from the competitive pricing, which is apparent through the filtering system that allows you to find the cheaper device right away. One unique feature of this e-commerce platform is the auction system, which allows you to bid for the product you want to buy. This way, you can compete with other buyers to bag the item, while being assured that you did not end up paying a cent more than what the device is worth. Most of the reputed sellers on eBay are responsive and even offer a return policy with 100% refund if you aren’t satisfied with the product You will, however, have to manage the return process yourself and have the product shipped back, which can be quite the ordeal.

Pros:

  • The number of listings available are higher in number since any user is allowed to create a private listing and start selling.
  • The auction system that is put in place allows the buyer to find the most suited price to buy the item and make big savings.

Cons:

  • Moderation of the products sold through the listings is subpar, which may result in a poor buying experience.

Social Media/Craigslist

Users all across the world have been using online classifieds such as Craigslist to buy and sell products such as furniture, cars, and even rent out places. It should come as no surprise that Craigslist is also effectively used for buying and selling of used electronics such as mobile phones, and the ability to create listings for free right away, makes it more accessible to the masses. You can expect significantly lower prices when buying products off Craigslist, since there is no middleman with commission fees.

However, the freedom of being able to buy directly from the seller comes at its own risks, especially without a moderator in place. When purchasing a used Google Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL from a seller on Craigslist, you need to make a judgement call. You can do so based on the description that the seller provides, pictures of the actual device, and how responsive they are to your queries regarding the listing. Either way, there is a certain amount of risk that comes with buying something from a complete stranger, so the price of the phone should be able to justify it.

If you are willing to go out into the open and look for someone who wants to sell their used phone, why not look into your social circle first? Ask friends and family around if someone they know is looking to sell their used mobile phone, and with a direct connection, you can fetch one for the right price. Asking as many questions as possible when buying a used phone directly through the seller is always a smart practice, so don’t hold back on any queries you may have. Albeit there is no protection in place that can safeguard your money, but that’s the price you have to pay for a cheaper smartphone.

Evaluate a used Google Pixel 3 before buying

Once you’ve decided where you want to buy the second hand Google Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL from, the work isn’t done just yet. Purchasing a phone that you are most likely going to be using for a year or two should be a well-informed decision that you feel confident about. Covering the basics such as looking closely at the cosmetic condition of the phone is just the first step to qualifying a device for purchase. However, you need to look deeper into whether the device that you have your eyes on is worth your money and the effort you put into buying it.

Step 1: Verify the IMEI Number

The very reason device manufacturers assign the unique IMEI Number to mobile phones and tablets is to curb the illegal trading of phones. Additionally, stolen devices can also easily be tracked using the IMEI Number, and when it comes to purchasing a used Google Pixel 3, you need to be sure about the fact that the device you’re purchasing is neither stolen or blacklisted. Before you go ahead and make the purchase, it is essential to ask the seller for the IMEI Number of the phone for verification purposes.

One of the first things you need to ask the seller is the IMEI Number, and if they fail to provide it, you might want to steer clear of the purchase. A blacklisted IMEI phone will not only be rendered useless, but using one can get you into legal trouble, so regardless of the enticing price tag that it comes with, avoid such products at all costs. If you are able to get your hands on the device, here’s what you need to do to find out the IMEI of the used Google Pixel phone that you’re looking to buy:

  1. From the home screen of the device, head over to the Settings
  2. Scroll down to find the System tab and open it.
  3. Now head over to the About phone
  4. Access the MEID menu, which should give you a view of the IMEI Number of the device.
  5. You can also choose to dial *#06# from the Phone app to find out the IMEI Number.

Step 2: Network unlock the device

If you’re choosing to get yourself a factory unlocked Pixel 3, you don’t need to worry about this particular step. However, if you’re planning to save a few bucks by getting a network locked variant, you might want to consider having it unlocked. Not only is the 15-digit IMEI Number the signaling factor that validates the legitimacy of the seller, but is also essential for unlocking the phone from the network carrier. If the phone does not come unlocked right out of the box, you will need to verify if the phone is unlockable, for which you will need to provide the IMEI Number of the device to the unlocking service provider.

Even if you’re planning to use the Google Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL with the same network carrier that the phone is locked to, we recommend that you have it network unlocked. Down the road if you decide to change your network carrier for better coverage or cheaper service plans, having an unlocked phone would give you plenty of options to choose from. Additionally, if you travel abroad often and need to stay connected on the go, swapping your SIM card with a local one would help you save big on international roaming costs. This is why we especially like the feature of Swappa that allows you to choose a device which is carrier-specific or unlocked right out of the box.

Step 3: Ensure that Google FRP is disabled

Apple devices come with a security feature called iCloud Activation Lock, which restricts the user from accessing a newly formatted iDevice without entering the owner’s Apple ID and password first. This straightforward security feature works as a deterrent of mobile theft, since it effectively makes the device useless without accessing the iCloud account. Google has adopted a similar security protocol in the form of Google Account Verification, which is also known as FRP (Factory Reset Protection).

There is no apparent way of knowing whether the FRP feature is enabled or disabled on a used Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL. This is what makes it crucial that you ensure that the feature has been disabled by the seller before they send over the device to you. Since reaching out to the seller after the point of sale may not always be possible, or they may be hesitant to share their Google account username and password with you, this is a process that you need to complete before making the purchase.

To disable the FRP feature on any Android phone, all that you need to do is remove the Google account that is associated with the device.

  1. From the home screen of your Google Pixel device, head over to the Settings
  2. In the Settings app, scroll down to find the Accounts
  3. Tap on the Google icon and find the associated Google account and select it.
  4. Select the Remove account button and confirm your action.

Step 4: Perform a general inspection

Once you have the phone arrive to you in the mail, or you are able to get a hold of the device before making the purchase, a general inspection is in order. Since you will be able to either turn down the seller or send the phone back within the first few days, it is essential that you get to testing things out about the used Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL right away.

Physical condition – With the phone’s display being the main concern, the first thing you should start observing is the wear and tear on the housing of the Google Pixel. If you notice any chips on the side of the screen or hairline cracks that run all the way, that could mean hundreds of dollars in screen repair. While a broken screen is unacceptable, other oddities such as dents on the corner of the phone or abrasions on the back might just help you negotiate for a better price. Additionally, taking a look at the accessories that are provided with the phone, along with any damage in the charging cable should also be considered.

Verify the battery life – The amount out screen on time that you get from your mobile phone is a crucial aspect that you must consider. Since the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are not even a year old, you should expect the battery to be in healthy condition and give you hours of performance for communication, entertainment, and everything in between. You can start off by performing an entire battery cycle, by charging the phone all the way up to 100% and then letting it drain down to 0% until it shuts off. This process should help cleanse the battery and also give you an estimate of how many hours of screen-on time to expect.

Conclusion

The speed with which technology is evolving is mesmerizing, with personal tech devices getting faster, smarter, and more expensive with each iteration. Back in 2016 when Google released the very first Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones, it did not hold back on the hardware specs and premium build quality, and that hasn’t changed now either. If you’re a power user who appreciates the pure stock Android experience that Google offers with its Pixel line of devices, but don’t feel that the premium price tag is justified, then saving hundreds of bucks on a used Google Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL is the way to go.

We’ve closely examined the marketplaces that offer a healthy range of mobile devices and other electronics, and shortlisted the best options for you. If you have any questions regarding how an e-commerce platform such as Swappa works, or need any assistance related to how you can unlock your Google Pixel phone the easy way, just reach out to us in the comments section right down below, and you’ll hear back from us soon.

How to Install Kodi on Xbox One Console – The Complete Guide

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Do you want to learn how to install Kodi on Xbox One and gear up your gaming console for some entertainment streaming as well? Here’s everything you need to know about installing Kodi media player on an Xbox One, and how you can supercharge it with the help of ExpressVPN.

Back in the early 2000s, the gaming industry was dominated by the Japanese tech brands such as Nintendo, Atari, and Sony. The American computer company Microsoft decided to take a jab at it, introducing the very first Xbox console, which may not have been able to compete with the PlayStation One in terms of sales, but certainly overpowered it with the hardware specs that it boasted. Soon enough after its launch, the community support for Microsoft Xbox looked for ways to run multimedia files on the console, which led to the inception of the XBMC (Xbox Media Center).

Fast forward to 2019, and XBMC has evolved into the Kodi media player, possibly the most versatile streamer software available today. The widespread popularity of Kodi has helped it spread across the desktop and mobile platform, but it continues to have a home on the Xbox One console. Thanks to the introduction of the Kodi media player app on the Microsoft Store as well as the Xbox App Store, you now have an official method on how to install Kodi on Xbox One. But with the built-in multimedia capabilities that are included with the latest generation of Xbox One consoles, why do you need to hook up Kodi media player to it?

Why use Kodi on Xbox One?

The very first Xbox console may have had the hardware that allowed the installation of XBMC, despite the software limitations. The Xbox One console is designed to be a multimedia hub, allowing you to not only enjoy high-graphics game titles, but also act as a streaming device with support for all the top names in the entertainment streaming business. While the ability to install the Kodi media player on your Xbox gaming console may not seem essential to the cause anymore, but there are plenty of reasons to do it.

Multi-format media support – Kodi has been built from the ground up to support every media format there is available, covering the basics such as AAC, MP3, OGG, MP4, and many others. But the ability to support content in unconventional formats such as ISO, 3D, H.264, etc., along with the ability to import additional details such as posters trailers, video extras, and more, is what makes Kodi one of a kind.

Live TV Streaming – Unless you have a dedicated streaming service that offers live TV coverage and is supported by the Xbox One, the only way to enjoy live TV is through the Kodi media player. Supported services such as MythTV, NextPVR, MediaPortal, and others are integrated with Kodi, allowing you stream thousands of channels on the Xbox One, along with the ability to double up as a recorder too.

Kodi Add-Ons – Just when you thought that a multimedia player could not get any better, Kodi changes the game with the add-ons. With a massive library of official Kodi add-ons that bring a slew of features related to video, audio, weather, productivity, and more, there is also a community driven to offer unofficial add-ons for the media platform, some of which are even known to offer free movies and TV shows.

How to Install Kodi on Xbox One

The original Xbox, as well as the previous generation Xbox 360 were built on a different software operating system, which required a lengthy process to install Kodi on the console. However, the Xbox One has been integrated with the Windows 10 operating system, which makes it an ideal home entertainment system. This also makes it easier to install Kodi on Xbox One, since the media player is available officially on the Xbox App Store.

  1. Turn on the Xbox One console and access the Main Menu
  2. Make sure that the Xbox One is connected to the internet and you’re logged into your Live account.
  3. Tap on the Search button and type in “Kodi” and select the Kodi icon when it appears.
  4. Press the Get button and wait while the Kodi app is installed on your Xbox One console.
  5. Once the app has been installed, you can hit the Launch button to start the Kodi app on your Xbox One console.

You can also choose to install the Kodi app on your Xbox One remotely from your desktop using the Microsoft Store app.

  1. On the desktop or laptop screen, press the Start icon and search for the Microsoft Store app.
  2. In the Microsoft Store app, use the Search bar to find the Kodi
  3. Press the button that says “Install on Xbox One” to begin.
  4. After a few minutes, the Kodi app should be downloaded and installed on your console, so do make sure that it is turned on.

Now that you have the Kodi media player installed on your Xbox One, you can start using it just the way you would on the desktop or mobile phone. Installing official Kodi add-ons, along with add-ons from community repositories is also possible on the Xbox One.

Use ExpressVPN with Xbox One

If you’ve been using Kodi media player for streaming and watch movies and TV shows using the numerous add-ons available, you already know how crucial it is to get a VPN up and running. But any free or cheap VPN service just won’t cut it, which is why we recommend that using ExpressVPN when using Kodi on Xbox One. Built with features that are streamlined for online viewing, ExpressVPN allows you to choose the fastest servers from more than 60 different regions across the world.

Apart from making your browsing experience anonymous and hiding your user activity from the ISP, ExpressVPN is the only way for you to enjoy some of the most popular Kodi add-ons. Regional restrictions may either affect your streaming experience with Kodi, or make certain add-ons completely redundant, and the only way around it is using a service such as ExpressVPN. But when it comes to using Kodi on Xbox One, the compatibility of ExpressVPN with Xbox One makes it one of the more versatile services to use.

Read our article about the best VPNs for Kodi.

Final Words

There is no question about the fact that cord cutting is taking over the entertainment industry, and at the current rate of growth, cable entertainment will be a thing of the past. For the gamers among us, making a sizeable investment behind a powerful gaming console should entitle to you not just some graphics-packed action, but ease of use when it comes to entertainment streaming too. The Xbox One has taken a step in the right direction, thanks to Microsoft bringing about Windows 10 for it, which opens doors to compatibility for all kinds of apps, which includes Netflix, Hulu, and many other.

But the introduction of Kodi on Xbox One is what is reshaping the use of the gaming console for entertainment purpose. Now you no longer need to spend more money getting your hands on a streaming device to run Kodi media player, since the Xbox One can do it for you. Are you going to among those who will double up their Xbox One console as an entertainment hub with the help of Kodi media player? Be sure to share your thoughts about it in the comments section right down below.

My iPhone Won’t Turn On! – Don’t Panic. Let’s Save It!

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iPhone Wont Turn OnIt can be frustrating when you try to use your phone and all you get is a black screen. Phones have come a long way from being just a simple flip phone. Unfortunately, technology still has its limitation.

You might not always be able to fix the issue on your own, but there are a few tips to try before taking it to a professional.

My iPhone Won’t Turn On – Reset Your Phone

This may seem pretty silly, but your phone can sometimes overheat. Also, it just may need a moment to be turned off. When you constantly have your phone turned on and never give it a break, it could start to lag or have issues.

iPhone Not Turning OnYou can easily restart your phone by pressing the power button.

Once you press and hold the button, the option to power off your screen will pop up. Then, just slide your finger over and your phone will turn off.

Leave your phone off for a few minutes and then turn it back on. If your phone turns on when you first try the power button, that might have been your issue. Your phone may have crashed and turned itself off.

iPhone Screen Went Black – Charge Your Phone

This may seem like another easy tip, but a phone’s battery can sometimes drain quickly. Running apps in the background of your phone typically is a battery drainer. Plug your phone into the charger and leave it for about 15-20 minutes.

Some iPhones will turn on automatically once they start charging. You may need to turn your phone on by using the power button though, depending on which iPhone you have.

When you plug your phone in, a small icon should show up on the bottom of your phone by the charging port. If the icon is not there or your phone doesn’t turn on once plugged in, you may need to try a different charger.

Try different charging cords and wall ports as well, or try a different wall outlet. If no charger is working, you may need to take it to a phone tech. Also, if no chargers are working, try to charge another iPhone with your charger.

If that phone works while yours doesn’t, that means your phone is having issues. There is some talk about some iPhones charging while hooked up to a computer but not when they are plugged into a wall. If you’re desperate and have a computer, also try this as well.

Factory Reset If iPhone Will Not Turn On

Why Wont My iPhone Turn On - Factory ResetIf you’ve tried multiple methods and nothing works, you may need to factory reset your phone. In order to do this, connect your iPhone to a laptop or desktop computer.

The computer needs to have an updated version of iTunes on it though. You’ll also want to save everything from your phone onto the computer. A factory reset will delete any and all data you currently have on your phone. If you don’t download your content onto the computer, you may lose it all.

If the computer doesn’t recognize that your phone is plugged in, do a hard reset while it is plugged in. If you do a hard reset and iTunes tells you there is an error, it’ll tell you to restore your phone. Follow the prompts on iTunes and make sure you save your data.

If a hard reset doesn’t work, there’s a good chance that all your content is gone. Unless you have all your recent data and info backed up on the Cloud, there might be no easy way to restore everything on your phone.

iPhone Doesn’t Turn On – Hard Reset

As stated above, a factory reset can sometimes help your phone. A hard reset does a little more than just restarting your phone though – it will clear a little bit more memory on your phone. Don’t worry, it doesn’t erase any data that is on your device.

To do a hard reset, press and hold the home button and power button simultaneously for at least 10 seconds. If you have the iPhone 7, hold the volume down button and the power button simultaneously.

Once the white apple logo appears on your screen, let the buttons go and the phone should turn on. Then, just give your phone a few minutes to reboot itself.

Check for Damage

One reason why your phone doesn’t turn on may be because it has sustained some damage. While some iPhones are very tough and water resistant, others have had bad luck with durability.

You could drop your phone in water today and problems might not arise until a few days later. Check for any cracks or physical as well as water damage. You may have unknowingly spilled liquid near the charging port and that can cause issues.

My iPhone Wont Turn On at All – Restore iOS

How To Turn On iPhone - Restore iOS

Lastly, you may need to restore your iOS operating system. This may sound difficult, but it is actually fairly easy to do. The best way to know if you need to do this is to look at your screen.

If the iTunes logo shows on your screen with the charging logo when you try to turn your phone on, that means it is time to restore iOS. This needs to be done because the operating system has frozen.

To perform this restoration, you’ll need to plug your phone into a computer that has iTunes downloaded onto it. When you plug the USB into the computer, hold down the home button on your phone at the same time.

A message telling you to connect to iTunes will show up on your screen when you hold the home button down. Your phone should then go into recovery mode on its own.

Restoring the operating system will be another way of losing all the data on your phone. Because of that, it’s always a good idea to back up everything onto the Cloud.

Conclusion

There are many ways you can try to fix the issue that your iPhone is having. Definitely try the above tips, but if they do not work, take your phone to an Apple store. Other than that, try taking your phone to your mobile carrier as well.

Best Rainmeter Skins to Get in 2019

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Finding the best Rainmeter skins is not an easy task. There are hundreds or even thousands of choices out there with most of them being completely free. 

That being said, skins are mostly a matter of personal preference. The look, feel, and functionality that each skin provides will greatly differ and what separates the good from the bad comes down to the person who is using the said skin. So, do keep that in mind. 

Without any further ado, let’s get right into it!

What is Rainmeter And How To Install it

So, for those of you who just happened to come across this article and don’t know what Rainmeter is, it’s basically a program to modify you Windows desktop. In order to accomplish that, it uses skins. 

Skins can be made by pretty much everyone which means that you can either create your own or rely on those that others have made and shared. Thankfully, there are tons of options out there which means that you most likely won’t have to lift a finger. 

A skin can provide anything from shortcuts to moderation tools and anything in between. So, it’s not all about making your desktop pretty – it’s also about giving it more utility. 

You can install Rainmeter from its original website and skins from websites like Deviant Art, Visual Skins, Rainmeter Hub, and more! 

This program isn’t exactly a resource hog. But, if you’ve got a rather weak build, say, a dual-core i3 or something like that, then you probably don’t wanna install it. Still, it’s free! So, you can always give it a try. 

1: Circle Launcher

Best rainmeter skins

This is the skin that I’m currently using and I’m loving it. It’s simple, gets the job done, and looks beautiful as well. Furthermore, it needs little to no adjustments at all. Most of the icons work out of the box as they are. 

In my case, the only thing I had to change was Discord as it wouldn’t launch by its own. If that’s the case for you as well, click on the starter skin that is included, find the name of the app that doesn’t launch for you, find its location, then paste it where the skin tells you to. 

This certainly sounds tough for someone who is not into computer stuff. But, again, chances are that you won’t have to touch anything. 99% of the shortcuts work by default. And if you are only using one drive then everything should be fine (I’ve got at least 3). 

The screenshot that you look at above isn’t the stock skin. The clock and the interactive wallpaper are part of Wallpaper Engine while the CPU and RAM usage is part of the stock Rainmeter skin. If you wish to know more about that, check out our guide on how to customize Windows 10. 

Pros: 

  • Free
  • Fine balance between simplicity and fanciness
  • Easy to use
  • Numerous icon choices (Depending on the program)
  • Almost everything works right out of the box

Cons: 

  • If a shortcut doesn’t work, you’ll have to adjust it on your own and despite how much the creator has simplified it, the process can still be a little bit tough for non-tech-savvy users. 
  • May need 3rd party apps or other skins to feel complete

Get Circle Launcher From Deviant Art

 

2: GameBanner Collection V.2

Don’t be scared by the screenshot. This skin may look a bit messy at first glance. But, it’s not. That’s because it’s fully customizable and it can also be used alongside any other skins that you may be running at that point. 

I’d honestly prefer something like Gameview as it looks and feels objectively better. However, the options that it gives you are so limited that it’s pretty much worthless for most of us. 

So, when it comes to gaming skins, GameBanners wins its rightful place as one of the best Rainmeter skins that you can get right now. Mostly because it gives you so many options that it’s very hard to not find your games. 

And in the rare occasion that you don’t find what you’re looking for, multiple people keep on working on this. So, chances are that sooner or later everything will be there. 

If you’re feeling a bit brave, you can also try creating your own banners. That’s a bit time-consuming in the first time and it does take a little bit of experience. So, good luck with it. 

Pros: 

  • Great for gamers
  • Offers a wide variety of games – more than most skins out there
  • Relatively easy to use. Just read the instructions
  • Works great alongside other skins without messing up anything

Cons: 

  • Not the most beautiful skin out there but it gets the job done

Get GameBanners From Deviant Art

 

3: Elegant Clock

Elegant Click doesn’t offer shortcuts, doesn’t monitor anything, and is generally not fancy in any way. So, why choose it as one of the best Rainmeter skins? Because a lot of people want nothing more but a simple, beautiful clock with a nice wallpaper and that’s about it. 

If you’re one of these people, then this is definitely the best choice for you. It literally offers nothing else but a clock that you can add in combination with any wallpaper you want. Simple as that. 

No need to bother with shortcuts, monitor tools, editing stuff, or anything. Just install it, select the dark or the light theme, and you’re good to go. Just do keep in mind that the wallpaper that you can see above is not included. So, you’ll have to find something on your own. 

Nothing more to say about this one. You either love it or hate it. 

Pros: 

  • Doesn’t get any more simplistic than that
  • Easiest skin to use ever
  • Looks awesome if you combine it with an appropriate wallpaper
  • Extremely lightweight
  • Can be used with other skins (But it’s hard to pair it without ruining the sort of dark vibe)

Cons: 

  • It’s just a clock. If you want anything else you’re looking at the wrong skin

Get Elegant Clock From The Rainmeter Hub

 

Best Rainmeter Skins: Wrapping up

Remember, I choose these skins with evergreen content in mind – which means I’m only showing what most people would like and nothing else. If you’re willing to search for more, you’ll find limitless options. 

That being said, to be more specific, this is how I look at it: 

  1. Circle Launcher: Simple and beautiful launcher that will work for almost everyone
  2. Game Banners: A great choice for gamers who mainly use their PC for gaming
  3. Elegant Clock: Awesome for casual users who want to make their desktop more beautiful

Let us know about your skin preferences down in the comments. 

How to Check iCloud Mail on PC, Mac, And Phone

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How to Check iCloud Mail on PC, Mac, And Phone

Learning how to check iCloud Mail on any device is a one-step process. Once you go through it, then it basically becomes a walk in the park really. That being said, let’s get right into it. 

A Small Note

While you can you freely use iCloud by itself in any device, certain services are locked down to Apple devices only. And you guessed it, the iCloud Mail is one of them. 

Here’s the deal: 

  1. Using iCloud Mail should technically be possible on any device
  2. But the creation of an iCloud Mail account is restricted only to those who own either an iPhone or Mac

In other words, if you only have a Windows or Android device and you tried logging in without spotting the Mail, then that’s normal. Apple won’t let you get a mail account unless you already have one of their devices and you need to create it from there. 

You can still use iCloud normally with the use of a web browser – anything will do. But, the iCloud Mail isn’t going to be available. Again, that is unless you already own an Apple device which you used to create your iCloud Mail. 

Now that we cleared this out of the way, let us move on with the guide. 

How to Create an iCloud Mail Account

If you already have an account, then feel free to skip through this step. You can primarily use two kinds of devices to get an iCloud Mail account: 

  1. Your iPhone
  2. And your Mac

The setup process is extremely easy in both cases. So, just go with whatever you feel most comfortable with. Just do keep in mind that the steps are slightly different for phones that are running iOS 10.3 or earlier and VS iOS 10.2 earlier devices. 

For 10.3 and higher: 

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Select your name/Apple ID
  3. Go to iCloud
  4. Enable Mail
  5. Follow any instructions that your phone will give you
  6. And you’ll be good to go

The process on iOS 10.2 devices and earlier is the same with the main difference that instead of clicking on your name, you go straight to the option which says “iCloud”. After that, simply enable your Mail, follow any instructions that your device will give you, and you’ll be set in no time. 

If you don’t get any instructions after enabling the Mail, then chances are that you already went through the necessary steps before and just forgotten about it or something. 

How to Check iCloud Mail Through a Browser

How to check iCloud Mail

This is how iCloud looks through a web browser. The reason that you can’t see Mail on this screenshot is because it wasn’t enabled through an Apple device. But, if you’ve followed our previous steps or you’ve enabled it before, then you should be able to see it and get access to it.

It doesn’t really matter what device or browser that you’re using. You only need to make sure that: 

  1. You are running the latest version of your browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc)
  2. And that you’ve completed the Mail setup

After that, all you have to do is head over to the home page of iCloud right over here, then insert your login credentials (Apple ID, Password, and potentially the security questions.) and you’ll be good to go. 

Once you’re in, all you need to do is select the Mail icon and you’ll be taken to your inbox. Again, this should work with all devices. All you need is a normal web browser and that’s about it. 

How to Check iCloud Mail on Windows

Alright, so, getting access to your mail through a web browser is cool and everything. But, what if you want to do it the old fashioned way? Some of us just don’t feel comfortable without our dedicated programs. Well, Apple has you covered. 

If you’ve got a Windows PC, you can check your iCloud Mail with mainly 3 ways: 

  1. Web browser
  2. Windows app
  3. Universal Windows app

We already talked about the web browser method which works pretty much universally. So, let’s move on to the Windows app. This one should technically work with pretty much any version of Windows including Windows 7 and 8. 

All you have to do is head over to this page, click on the “Download icon”, wait for the download to finish, and install the program. Simple as that. After that, all you need to do is log in with your Apple ID and password, select what services you want (Including Mail), and you’ll be good to go!

How to check iCloud Mail

If you’ve got a Windows 10 machine and you want to use UWP version which is exclusively made for Windows 10, then you can do so by heading over to the MS Store and installing it from there. 

How to Check iCloud Mail on Android

It’s not uncommon for some people to own both an Android and an iPhone or at least a Mac and an Android. So, what if you are on the road with your Android phone and you wanna check on your mail? 

Well, while there’s not a dedicated app for you, you can still use Gmail to access your iCloud related emails. In most cases, it comes pre-installed with your phone. If you don’t have it, you can easily get it on the Google Play Store. 

After that, all you need to do is: 

  1. Head over to your Apple ID settings through any browser
  2. Log in
  3. Go to your security tab
  4. Add an app-specific password
  5. Use something that you’ll remember as you’ll need it for Gmail
  6. Now open your Gmail app on your Android phone
  7. Click on your account on the upper right corner
  8. Select: “Add another account”
  9. Select: “Other”
  10. Insert your Apple ID/Mail and the app-specific password that you just created
  11. And you should be good to go

Gmail allows you to use multiple emails on the same app. So, no need to worry about that. Just try not to get confused with your different Inboxes. 

By the way, the same process applies and can be used with the Windows’ Mail app. But, there’s no reason to go through this rather troublesome process when you can just use the official program for it, right? 

How to To Use The Mail on iPhone And Mac Devices

The Mail service is already pre-installed on your Mac and iPhone device. So, as long as you went through the setup process, you can launch it from your home-screen/apps list and that’s all there is to it. Just make sure that you’ve got it enabled through the settings. 

That’s all for now. If you’ve got any questions or in case that something went wrong, do let us know about it in the comments and we’ll get back to you. 

 

 

How to Install Showbox on FireStick TV – Free Movies & TV Shows

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How to Install Showbox on FireStick TV – Free Movies & TV Shows

Are you looking for a way to install Showbox on FireStick TV and get a hold of thousands of movies and TV shows free to stream all day and night? Here’s everything you need to know about Showbox, what you can do with it, and how to get it running on the big screen.We’ve come a long way from being enslaved to the tyrants over at our local cable company, who held an iron grip on the content we could have access to. From annoying and lengthy advertisements, to expensive add-on premium channel packages, there are plenty of reasons for one to frown upon cable entertainment. As the infrastructure for wireless networking has improved across the world, the entertainment industry has taken a sharp turn towards cable-free services, with service providers such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video leading the pack.You can’t deny the fact that the online streaming service business has also become quite crowded as of late, with even the traditional cable companies such as Comcast joining the party. Additionally, you can’t always find the content that you wish to watch online on a single subscription service, so you could end up having to pay for multiple premium streaming services. All of this can certainly drive up the cost of entertainment each month significantly, which is something that none of us are willing pay up. This is where services like Showbox come into play, giving you the best of movies and TV shows for free.

What is Showbox?

For as long as the internet has existed, so has the ability to watch entertaining content, and this ability has boomed after the introduction of smartphones. Android OS offers plenty of freedom to the users, which includes the ability to install apps that may lie in the legally gray area, containing content that may violate copyright laws in certain regions. One such popular on-demand entertainment service for Android mobile phones and tablets has been Showbox.Although there have been a bunch of entertainment streaming apps for Android over the years, Showbox is among the ones that has been around for years and actively supported by a team of developers. Allowing you to playback movies and TV shows in different languages, Showbox supports SD, HD, and Full-HD quality content from the app itself. However, Showbox on FireStick TV is not officially supported, so you cannot find it neither on the Amazon App Store, nor the Google Play Store.NOTE: The guide has been established for educational purposes only and we do not promote or endorse illegal activity of any sorts that may be linked to streaming or downloading copyrighted content online. It is important that you take complete responsibility for accessing any form of media online using the Showbox app.  Reminder:  You need to install Kodi on your Firestick, Fire TV or other device.  We have some installation articles for you to follow to install Kodi.
ATTENTION:
ATTENTION: USE A VPN TO PROTECT YOUR VIEWING BEHAVIOR: ISPs and governments monitor their users’ online behavior. If the users are found streaming copyrighted content on your Fire TV device, you could potentially get into a trouble. Your IP is visible to everyone unless you use a solid VPN service. I strongly recommend you to get the best VPN for FireTV devices and mask your identity/IP so that your streaming and viewing experience isn’t tracked by your ISP. Using a VPN is perfectly legal and safe. I use ExpressVPN which is the fastest and most secure VPN in the industry. It is very easy to install on any device including Amazon Fire TV Stick. Also, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you don’t like their service, you can always ask for a refund. ExpressVPN also has a special deal where you can get 3 months free and save 49% on their annual plan.

 

How to Install Showbox on FireStick TV

Since streaming devices like the Amazon Fire TV Stick have become the gold standard in big screen entertainment, it makes sense that you would want to enjoy Showbox onto it. Since Amazon Fire TV is based on an altered version of Android OS, you can manually install apps to it that come in APK format. To go ahead and unlock a world of unrestricted entertainment on the big screen with Showbox and Amazon Fire TV Stick, here’s everything that you need to do:

Step 1: Enable Unknown Sources on the Fire TV Stick

The Unknown Sources feature of the Developer Options in Android is designed to allow sideloading of apps. This essentially means that you can directly select an APK file and install it manually to your device without the requirement of Google Play Services. Since Amazon Fire TV Stick also runs on a variant of Android OS, you can enable this option from the Settings:
  1. Right from the main screen on your Amazon Fire TV Stick, head over to the Settings
  2. Head over to Device tab and then make your way to the Developer Options
  3. Here you will find the tab that reads Apps from Unknown Sources and click on it to turn the feature ON.
With the Unknown Sources option enabled, you can go ahead and move on to the next step of downloading the Showbox app to your Fire TV Stick.

Step 2: Install Aptoide TV

Aptoide is well-known third-party App Store for Android that offers the latest updated versions of apps from the Google Play Store and others sources. To make the big screen entertainment experience more pleasurable, the Aptoide TV platform has been launched, which makes it easier for you install Android apps on streaming device such as Amazon Fire TV.Note: The reason we recommend you install the Showbox app through Aptoide TV is because this is among the reliable third-party Android App Stores out there, and will be able to offer you the latest and malware-free version of apps.
  1. Head back to the main menu and then look for the Apps
  2. Using the search menu, find the app called Downloader and install it to your Amazon Fire TV Stick.
  3. Open the Downloader app and go to the Home section to enter the URL.
  4. Type in the following URL in the empty box – http://m.aptoid.com/installer-aptoid-tv/ and hit the Go
  5. Select OK when the app asks to you to enable JavaScript, which is essential for webpages to load within the Aptoide TV app.
  6. Wait for the Aptoide TV APK file to be downloaded, and then press the Install button and once again to confirm.
  7. The Aptoide TV app will now be installed on your Amazon Fire TV Stick, so you can press the Done button to exit, or choose to launch it by pressing the Open

Step 3: Install Showbox App

The Aptoide TV App Store for your home entertainment system gives you access to hundreds of Android apps that aren’t originally made available by Google and other Android OEMs. Fortunately, you can so find independent apps such as Showbox here, which are not available even on the Play Store.
  1. Open the Aptoide TV app on your Fire TV that you recently installed.
  2. Browse through the list of available names to find the Showbox app and select it.
  3. Press the Install button to begin downloading the app, which will automatically be installed by Aptoide TV to your streaming device.
  4. Once the process of installation is complete, you can press the Open button right then and there to launch Showbox.
With the Showbox on FireStick TV, you can now enjoy thousands of movies and TV shows in high-definition on the big screen. However, you must remember that the Showbox app is designed for Android phones and tablets, and not Android TV, so you may experience certain kinks in the user interface. Additionally, we recommend using a wireless mouse and keyboard, or the Mouse Toggle app for a better user experience.

Use Showbox with ExpressVPN

As we mentioned earlier, Showbox is not among the legal streaming platforms, since it offers legally copyrighted content to watch for free without licensing it. Even if you are not morally deterred from it, using such a service can land you into legal trouble based on the regional laws and regulations. Since your ISP can track your usage and internet browsing history, using Showbox with a VPN service such as ExpressVPN is highly recommend.ExpressVPNBypassing Geo-restrictions – Federal authorities have blockaded access to Showbox and the dozens of different servers from where the app sources its content. Depending on where you reside, you won’t be able to access the service through Showbox, but there is a way around this. ExpressVPN allows you connect to hundreds of remote servers across the world, so you never have to worry about geo-restrictions ever again.Avoid ISP Logging – Even if Showbox is not explicitly banned in your region, the ISP (internet service provider) can still keep a compete on-file record of your usage. The online activity that you perform with Showbox can be logged, which poses not only a privacy breach, but the problem of being fined for unauthorized usage too. With ExpressVPN and its military-grade encryption to secure your browsing activity, you can rest assured knowing that your online browsing experience is 100% secure.High-speed Streaming – Showbox streams content for free, and includes several different sources from where the content is streamed. When you choose a VPN service that helps you get past the ISP but underperforms in terms of connectivity, you could end up with long cycles of buffering, which can ruin the entertainment streaming experience. Thanks to ExpressVPN and its filtering of servers that rank highest on the Speed Index, you can choose a network server with the best streaming speeds.Get ExpressVPN Now

Final Words

Premium streaming services are a great way to cut the cord and make TV entertainment enjoyable again. But the race to become the best, and with services like Netflix increases their monthly subscription charges, you might be considering the free alternatives for watching movies and TV shows out there. Showbox for FireStick TV is one such offering that has been around for years, and despite being taken down multiple times, the developers and community support keeps bringing it back.We hope that this guide will help you hook up your home entertainment system to one of the best sources to find free content for viewing online. Once again, we advise you to make an informative decision when using Showbox, and always connect to a reliable VPN service such as ExpressVPN before you begin to unleash the best of free streaming entertainment with your Amazon Fire TV Stick. If you have any questions regarding this guide on how to install Showbox on FireStick TV, or have something to add to it, be sure to reach out to us in the comments section down below.