Why The Lucky Stiff

One man's journey to be more just a lucky stiff

Apple

How to Pair Xbox One, PS4, and Gamesir Controllers With iOS

Last updated on

Now that Apple Arcade is out, we have one more reason to grab our console or mobile controllers and pair them with our iPhone. It’s an easy way to enhance your overall gaming experience. 

That being said, the process of pairing a controller to iOS devices can differ from gamepad to gamepad. It’s no surprise that so many people don’t know how. 

So, here’s how to pair an Xbox, PS4, or Gamesir controller with your iPhone!

1: Inventory

First things first, let’s see what we need to have. 

  1. An Xbox One, PS4, or GameSir controller
  2. An iPhone
  3. And if possible, the latest version of iOS

But, one thing that may not be so obvious is that your controller needs to support Bluetooth and iOS compatibility. Some older wireless controllers like the Dualshock 3 may or may not work while there is no hope for wired ones. 

For example, the older Xbox 360 controller won’t work with our guide. The same thing goes for the Gamesir  G3W, Xbox 360, etc.  

With that out of the way, let us move on with the guide. 

2: How to Pair Xbox One and PS4 Controllers With iOS

To pair an Xbox One controller, all you need to do is: 

  1. Turn it on
  2. Press the “Sync” button
  3. Go to the Bluetooth settings of your iPhone
  4. Once there, the controller should appear on the list of available devices
  5. Tap on your Xbox One controller’s name
  6. And that should be it

As for a PS4 controller: 

  1. Hold down the PS icon along with the “Share” button until the lights start blinking
  2. Go to your Bluetooth settings
  3. And connect with the PS4 controller that should appear on the list

3: How to Pair A GameSir Controller With iOS

GameSir controllers are designed to work with numerous operating systems. For that reason, you need to know the various combinations that your model uses to connect with each different OS. 

For example, if you own the GameSir G3S, you need to: 

  1. Hold down the power + Y button
  2. Wait until the Apple icon starts flashing
  3. Head over to your Bluetooth settings
  4. Then connect with the controller

If you see nothing but a serious of numbers with letters, then wait for a few seconds and the name should eventually change to “GameSir G3S”. That being said, the controller doesn’t officially support Apple devices. But, if you own one, you can always give it a try. 

Wrapping Up

That’s all for now. If you’ve got any questions, let us and everyone else know about them in the comments section down below! Do keep in mind that not all games support controllers and that not all controllers play well with iOS. 

Even some options that are kinda optimized for iOS, like the GameSir G3S, may still not work at all in the end. Still, give it a try and let us know how that worked out for you. 

How to Uninstall iTunes (Windows and Mac)

Last updated on

Learning how to uninstall iTunes is quite simple. Why do it? Well, that’s up to you to decide, really. But, the truth is that as music streaming apps like Spotify are becoming more and more popular, other apps like iTunes are becoming more and more obsolete. So, we can’t really blame you for wanting to get rid of it. 

Other than that, you may also want to simply re-install it or have one less thing to worry about. In any case, here’s how to uninstall iTunes on Windows and Mac!

How to Uninstall iTunes on Windows 10

Uninstalling apps in older versions of Windows was quite a bit tiresome, to say the least. Thankfully, Microsoft heard our pleas and made it much easier to do so in Windows 10. 

Here’s how to remove iTunes in the latest version of Windows: 

  1. Click on the Windows icon (lower left part of the screen) or hit the Windows icon on your keyboard
  2. Go to settings by clicking on the gear icon
  3. Go to Apps
  4. Scroll down until you find iTunes
  5. Click on “Uninstall” 
  6. Confirm and follow any on-screen instructions
  7. Done

How to uninstall iTunes

In case that there are other Apple apps that you don’t need, you can remove them with the exact same method. Just repeat the uninstallation process and you should be good to go.

If you wish to install iTunes again, all you have to do is head over to its official website, download it, follow the installation instructions (Mostly just pressing on “Next”) and you should be good to go in no time. Just do keep in mind that you’ll need your log-in credentials (Apple ID and password). 

How to Uninstall iTunes on Mac

Mac computers come with iTunes pre-installed. It’s considered a vital part of the operating system, so, do not uninstall it unless you absolutely have to. Obviously, that doesn’t apply for Windows. 

That being said, if you simply wish to fix something that went wrong and re-install it, try running the installer first and see if that fixes the issue. In case you insist on uninstalling it, keep on reading, but don’t blame us in case that certain functionalities start breaking apart. 

So, to uninstall iTunes on Mac, go to: 

  1. Finder
  2. Applications
  3. iTunes
  4. Drag it to “Trash”
  5. Click on “Trash” while holding down the “CTRL” key
  6. And click on “Empty trash”

Chances are that you don’t have the required permissions to get rid of iTunes. And in that case, you’ll probably get a warning that looks like this: 

In order to bypass that, we need to change iTune’s permissions. And in order to change the permissions, you’ll have to be an administrator (One who knows the password as well). 

In order to do that: 

  1. Hold down CTRL while selecting iTunes
  2. Click on “Sharing and permissions” 
  3. Click on the lock icon
  4. Type in your password (Admin)
  5. Set the read and write permissions to “Everyone” 

And now you should be able to uninstall iTunes.

How to uninstall itunes

If you’re still unable to uninstall it to system restrictions, then it’s for the best to stop right here. Tinkering with system files is not for the faint of heart. Preferably, only for those who know what they are doing. 

Wrapping Up

That’s all for now. Quite simple really. But, again, do be careful with Mac. If you’ve got any questions, let us know about them in the comments section down below and we’ll try to get back to you. 

Used iPhone 11 Buying Guide

Last updated on

There are many advantages to buying a used iPhone 11 as opposed to a new one. You can get it for much cheaper and unlocked out of the box without it being necessarily damaged. In fact, many people sell used phones that are in a brand-new-like condition. 

However, buying used electronics also brings a few risks. You may not get what you asked for, you may get scammed, or even worse; you may fall a victim of a cyber-criminal. 

This guide aims to explain how to buy a used iPhone 11 while avoiding such things. Let’s get right into it!

Buying Guide: How to Safely Buy A Used iPhone 11

Overall, this is the main guideline that we generally follow regardless of what we want to buy online: 

  1. Choose a trustworthy website and seller
  2. Try avoiding credit and debit cards
  3. Keep an eye out for extra import fees and charges
  4. Pay attention to the condition of the phone
  5. Prefer unlocked models when possible

That’s all in a nutshell. If you want the details, then keep on reading!

1: Choose Trustworthy Websites

Used iPhone 7

It’s very important that you’ll only shop from websites that have been known to be trustworthy and reliable for a long time now. That’s because such websites have a significantly lower chance of attempting to scam you or selling something of inferior quality. 

Not to mention that the services that popular websites offer are often much better compared to other less known solutions. You get things like insurance, return policy, tracking, refunds in case that something goes wrong, and more. 

However, do keep in mind that websites and sellers are often not the same thing. For example, eBay is a popular and trustworthy platform, but that doesn’t mean that all of its sellers are trustworthy as well. In fact, we’ve seen numerous scammers on it before. 

So, with that being said, don’t just choose a popular and trustworthy website, choose a good seller as well. Look at his past reviews and remember, if a deal is too good to be true, then it most likely is. 

As for the websites, some very popular and trustworthy ones to choose from are: 

  1. Amazon
  2. Swappa (Highly recommended and trust-worthy)
  3. eBay

And there a few others to choose from. But, those are some of the most well-known ones. In the case of buying a used iPhone 11, Swappa is a particularly good choice since they are specializing in the specific task of selling used phones and laptops. 

2: Try Avoiding Debit and Credit Cards

Credit and debit cards were once traditionally used as the standard online payment method. But, that doesn’t mean that they are safe to use. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. 

As mentioned above, even if the website is reputable, the same can’t be said for their individual sellers. And that’s especially true for websites like eBay where more or less everyone can sell. 

For this reason, it’s highly recommended to rely on PayPal instead of just providing your credit card information. Because when things go wrong, chances are that you’ll be able to request a refund or found a solution with the seller, even if the website of your choice doesn’t allow for anything like that. 

That’s especially useful in cases where you may fall victim to a scam or anything similar. PayPal offers a layer of security that you just don’t get with traditional payment methods. So, do keep that in mind!

3: Keep an Eye Out for Extra Import Fees and Charges

Most people don’t seem to know about this. But, if you’re importing a product from outside of your country, there is a good chance that you’ll have to pay extra fees upon delivery. That’s extra money that you weren’t intending on giving in the beginning. 

In the worst-case scenario, you may end up having to pay more than the product’s original price. Best case scenario, all the extra costs are mentioned in the checkout page. 

The thing is that in both cases, you’ll end up having to pay extra money and nobody wants that. Now, there are a couple of ways to avoid that. But, in the end, it comes down to your country’s regulations. So, do make your research on that. 

Ideally, you should always order items only from websites that are based on your country. For example, those who live in the US may can use Amazon.com while the British can rely on Amazon.co.uk. 

Do also keep in mind that as long as a website has warehouses in your country, then chances are that it doesn’t matter where it’s based. For example, Gearbest is based in China, but it also has numerous European warehouses. This allows Europeans to purchase specific items without having to pay anything extra. 

There are also some other shady methods like Priority shipping, but let’s not go there since that’s not a reliable solution anyway. 

4: Pay Attention to the Condition of Your Used iPhone 11

Another common mistake is that people buy a phone that’s offered in a good price without taking a second to look at the condition that it’s in. This often results in unpleasant experiences where you may get something that’s in terrible shape or outrightly broken. 

So, with that being said, it’s terribly important that you pay attention to the condition of the used iPhone 11 that you’re going to buy! After all, every reputable website like Swappa is going to mention the condition of each device. 

Now, each website may use slightly different terms to describe the overall condition of a device. But, still, here is our general descriptions that apply on most options out there: 

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

Again, always look for the individual description of a phone on the specific website that you’re shopping from because they may be using slightly different terms. 

5: Prefer Unlocked Used iPhone 11 Devices

If you’re going to buy a used iPhone 11, then try getting your hands on an unlocked version. Unlocked phones can work with all carriers and you also won’t have to worry about paying extra for an unlocking service down the line. 

iphone is unlocked

In case you don’t know about it, phones that are locked down to a specific carrier will only work with it. For example, if you get a phone that’s locked down to Sprint, then you’ll only be able to use it with a Sprint SIM card as the phone will refuse to “cooperate” with anything else. 

So, if you’re going to buy a locked device, then at the very least make sure that it’s locked to the carrier of your preference. Otherwise, this may end up turning into a painful buy. 

Again, most reputable sellers will mention if a phone is locked or not. So, keep an eye out for that!

Get your used iPhone 11 from Swappa

 

 

iPhone 11 Series Revealed: All You Need to Know About it

Last updated on

So, we’ve all been reading rumors about the upcoming iPhone 11 series for a while now. Some of them talked about a square camera design with 4 lenses, some talked about a triple-camera setup, others mentioned a zero-bezel design, and more. 

Some of these rumors were wrong. But, some of them also turned out to be true. That being said, now that the news come straight from the source, we don’t have to keep on guessing anymore. Here’s the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max!

Design

Here is where the first big rumors are proven to be false. The iPhone 11 series isn’t bezel-less. In fact, it shares more or less the same notch that we’ve seen on the iPhone XR. 

Some of the biggest changes include the camera housing, which is indeed square, just like the rumors suggested. But, more on that later on in the camera section. 

Another somewhat big change is the building materials. The iPhone 11 series made from 100% recyclable stainless steel. So, if you like living green, then that’s definitely something to brag about with your new phone. 

Speaking of build quality, Apple claims that the iPhone 11 comes with the toughest glass that we’ve ever seen on an iPhone. Of course, the amount of endurance that this adds in day to day usage remains to be seen. 

Regarding the new colors, as you can see in the image above, we’re looking at: 

  1. Black
  2. White/Grey
  3. Red
  4. Green
  5. Pink
  6. Yellow

And then there’s also the iPhone 11 Pro which, for some reason, offers a slightly different color palette. 

This time, we’re looking at: 

  1. A darker green
  2. Grey
  3. Black
  4. Gold

And that’s about it for the design. 

Specs

Every new generation of iPhones is expected to be faster and more power-efficient than the last one and the iPhone 11 series is no exception to that rule. Let’s start with something basic: the phone’s display. 

This year, we’re looking at a 6.1-inch display which, according to Apple, can reach a 2-million to 1 contrast ratio. Now, let us not forget that even some of the best displays in the market struggle to reach a 5,000/1 contrast ratio. So, take that info with a grain of salt. 

Still, that being said, the display is without a doubt an improvement over the last generation. And for that reason, Apple is now calling it the “Super Retina XDR Display. 

Moving on to the CPU, the new iPhone 11 series is rocking the A13 chip. Yes, that includes the iPhone 11 Pro as well. 

Apple claims that this chip offers not only the fastest CPU that there is for a smartphone – but also the fastest GPU. That makes for a phone that’s not just great for working and browsing social media, but also for gaming. 

One of the features that make this possible is extensive machine learning. Thanks to AI, the iPhone 11 is capable of a trillion operations per second. 

That sounds like a phone that needs a lot of power, for sure. However, thanks to the 7nm process and the low power design of the CPU cores, the new iPhones can actually last 4 to 5 hours longer compared to the older generation. 

Features

Apart from everything that we’ve mentioned until now and excluding the camera features that we’ll shortly mention afterward, one of the biggest new features for the iPhone 11, which is also going to be available for all Apple products is Apple Arcade. 

Apple Arcade is a subscription-based service which offers a ton of games that are exclusive to Apple devices only. That includes the iPhone 11 and, hopefully, our older iPhones as well. 

Apart from gaming, Apple has also focused on enhancing the audio experience. All of the new iPhone 11 variants come with spatial audio and Dolby Atmos. 

In case you’ve never heard about it, that kind of audio technology is designed to give us more spatial awareness. It makes it easier to understand where sounds are coming from. 

This is extremely useful. Not only for immersing ourselves in movies and shows, but also for gaming. Actually, especially for gaming. That’s one of the reasons that gaming headsets will every so often advertise their surround audio tech. 

Camera

The camera is one of the things that Apple likes to focus on. And you can tell not just from the time that they’ve spent talking about it in the presentation, but also due to the new features that it brings to the table. 

The base model comes with a dual-camera setup with one wide lens and another ultra-wide camera. And as you can see above, the Pro variant also offers an additional telephoto lens. 

In case you don’t know about it, ultra-wide lenses are used to capture a higher/wider field of view while telephoto lenses can zoom in on a subject without sacrificing image quality. 

That being said, the iPhone 11 Pro is able to zoom up to 4x without introducing any blurriness or pixelation while the base variant can only reach up to 2x. 

As per usual, Apple didn’t just add an extra camera and called it a day. The new iPhone series also offers: 

  1. Improved image processing
  2. Better depth of field control and effects
  3. Night Mode improvements
  4. Very good video image stabilization
  5. Live transitioning between wide and ultra-wide mode while capturing a video
  6. Video recording of up to 4K 60FPS
  7. Slow-mo video capture in selfie mode
  8. Deep fusion
  9. And more

Night mode is without a doubt one of the features that are really impressive. It can change a scene from “Almost pitch Black” to “Acceptable/Good” with the press of a button. 

Other than that, there is also deep fusion which takes numerous pictures in a row in less than a second and combines them to create an image that’s vastly more detailed than a normal shot. 

Pricing and Availability

iPhones have only been getting more and more expensive through the years. So, many of us were afraid that the bar would only get higher. But, thankfully, that’s not the case. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. 

The base model starts at just about $699 while the iPhone 11 Pro comes in at $999 with the iPhone 11 Pro Max asking for $1099. Obviously, do keep in mind that pricing may vary from region to region. 

Regarding availability, the iPhone 11 series will go on sale starting on September 20. We assume that Apple is referring to the US launch and that the release will become globally available shortly afterward. 

That’s all for now. If we got anything wrong or if there are any questions, then let us know all about that in the comments section down below!

How to Backup iPhone (Locally or in Cloud)

Last updated on

Learning how to backup iPhone data is one of the most important things to know. Not only because it’s extremely useful when switching phones, but also because it’s a great way to keep your files safe. 

That includes pictures, songs, documents, videos, anything like that. There are multiple effective ways of backing up data both locally and on the cloud, so, keep on reading and choose whatever fits you best!

1: How to Backup iPhone With iCloud

One of the easiest ways of keeping backups with iPhones is by using Apple’s iCloud. However, do keep in mind that all the points that it earns in ease of use, it loses in terms of effectiveness. 

That’s because the free plan only gives us 5 GB of data while the backup options are kinda limited. Upgrading to a plan with more data is relatively cheap, but it’s a subscription nonetheless. 

Still, the least that you can do is use the free plan – just in case. 

To backup your data by using the iCloud, all you need to do is: 

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Select your name “Or iCloud; depending on the version of iOS that you’re running” 
  3. Enable”iCloud Backup”
  4. And if you think that you’re not going to be using your Wi-Fi for a while, select “Back Up Now” 

How to backup iPhone

Depending on how much stuff there is to backup, the process may end up taking a while. So, the best idea is to probably do this before going to sleep. 

Just leave that option enabled, stay connected to the Wi-Fi, and the phone should automatically start backing up everything on the cloud. If it doesn’t, you always have the option of selecting the “Back Up Now” option. 

Pros: 

  • Very easy to use
  • Works well with other Apple products
  • Extremely reliable

Cons: 

  • Not a whole lot of control over what to backup or not
  • Those with a slow Internet connection may have to wait for a while before a backup finishes
  • Limited storage for free

2: How to Backup iPhone With Google Drive

Unlike iCloud, Google Drive gives you 15 gigabytes of storage for free while also offering more a few more options on what to backup or not. The catch, however, is that it doesn’t cooperate as “Smoothly” with other Apple products like iCloud does. 

That being said, it does work very well with Android devices and other Google services like Google docs. So, if you’re planning on moving from an iPhone to an Android device any time soon, do seriously consider this option. 

To backup your iPhone with Google Drive: 

  1. Go to the App Store 
  2. Download and install it
  3. Log in to your Google account; or create one if you haven’t already
  4. Open the menu by clicking on the icon that resides on the upper left corner of the screen
  5. Go to “Settings” 
  6. Select “Backup” 
  7. And select “Start Backup” 

How to backup iPhone

This is a general backup that will backup contacts, the calendar, and any photos or videos. After that, you can get more control through the navigational menu and selectively backup anything you want. 

And in case that 15 gigabytes of storage isn’t enough for you, just like with iCloud, there is always the option of upgrading to a premium subscription with more storage. 

By the way, do keep in mind that depending on your Internet connection, the first backup may end up taking a while. Leaving the phone to update and make the backups while you’re sleeping is probably the best course of action here. 

Pros: 

  • Still relatively easy to use
  • Works well with Google services and products
  • Very reliable
  • Gives a lot of control over backup options
  • Offers 3 times the storage that iCloud does for free

Cons: 

  • Those with a slow connection will have to wait for a while
  • Still need to pay for more storage
  • Subscriptions seem to be more expensive compared to iCloud (Depends on the region, though)

3: How to Backup iPhone With iTunes (Locally)

Cloud solutions have two big disadvantages: 

  1. They rely a lot on Internet speeds
  2. They don’t offer a whole lot of storage for free

So, if that’s an issue for you and you already have a computer sitting at home, why not use it to make a local backup? Just do keep in mind that local backups are generally not as safe as cloud solutions. 

After all, if something happens to the computer/drive, everything that’s stored there will be gone as well. As for the whole hacker breach that happened with iCloud accounts a few years ago, well, that’s a different story. 

With that being said, here’s how to make a local backup by using iTunes: 

  1. In case you have a Windows PC, download and install iTunes first
  2. Connect the iPhone with your computer
  3. A message may come up on the phone which will ask if you trust this device/computer, select “Yes/Trust” 
  4. Open iTunes
  5. Select your phone which should have appeared at this point
  6. Then select “Backup now” 

As the data transfer happens locally, this method is much faster compared to the cloud. So, chances are that leaving the phone sitting there for the rest of the night is going to be unnecessary.

Just like with iCloud, this option doesn’t give us a lot of options. But, for the most part, it gets the job done. 

Pros: 

  • Completely free to use
  • Very fast; regardless of the Internet connection

Cons: 

  • The process is a tiny bit more complicated to other options
  • Not a whole lot of choices over the backup

4: How to Backup Locally (Manual Method-Photos Only) 

Most of the backup options that we’ve checked out don’t give us a whole lot of options. In most cases, you just press a button and let the software do its thing. 

But, as mentioned above, this can turn out to be a time-consuming process. Especially if you got lots of files. In such cases, manually selecting what is desired or not is usually the best course of action. 

Overall, if you own a Windows PC and want to make manual photo backups, this is quite possibly one of the best solutions: 

  1. Connect the iPhone to the PC with the lightning cable 
  2. If a prompt comes up on the phone, select “Trust” 
  3. Open the Windows file explorer (Resides on the dock bar of Windows with a folder icon)
  4. Select “This PC” 
  5. Click on your phone
  6. Open DCIM
  7. Select the photos that you wish to copy
  8. And move them whenever you want

As far as we know, Apple doesn’t allow you to copy anything else apart from photos with this method. So, if you wish to make backups of songs, videos, or anything like that, then take a look at one of our other methods. 

And while we are at it, in case you don’t know about it, multiple individual photos can be selected by holding down the CTRL button while clicking.

Pros:

  • Allows you to choose individual pictures
  • Very fast

Cons: 

  • Can’t be used for other file types (Thanks, Apple)
  • Some pictures do not appear with the correct rotation

Summary

That’s all for now. If you got any other backup methods/recommendations, let us and everyone else know about it in the comments section down below!

iTunes Won’t Open? Here’s How to Fix it

Last updated on

The “iTunes won’t open” issue has been getting more and more popular lately. Especially on Windows computers and often after big updates. Sounds familiar? 

That’s not to say that the same issue is non-existent for Mac computers either. So, we’ll be mentioning how to fix it for both Operating Systems and on iPhones as well. That being said, let’s get right into it!

iTunes Won’t Open: Various Fixes

1: How to Fix “iTunes Won’t Open” on Windows Computers

Windows computers are the ones that most commonly face this issue. So, let’s start with that. There are various things that can go wrong and “brake” an application like iTunes. One of the most common ones is big updates that change the “structure” of the OS and sometimes, this messes up a few programs.

At this point, you can either try to repair or re-install iTunes to fix the above-mentioned issue. To repair it, go to: 

  1. Settings
  2. Apps
  3. iTunes
  4. Modify
  5. Repair

iTunes won't open

And while it says “repair”, this is more of an automatic re-installation process. Still, it should fix your issue and work just fine. If not, give it another try with the old, traditional method by going to: 

  1. Settings
  2. Apps
  3. iTunes
  4. Uninstall

iTunes won't open

This uninstalls iTunes. To install them again, simply head over to the official website, download the app again, install it, log in, and pray that everything will work just fine. 

If iTunes still refuses to cooperate, your best bet is to uninstall the update which messed up everything in the first place. This can be done by going to: 

  1. Settings
  2. Update & Security
  3. View update history
  4. Uninstall updates
  5. Then look for the most recent updates that were installed and remove them

After that, reboot your system and try running iTunes again. And if it still refuses to work, then your last two options are either running it in safe mode or taking it one step further and resetting your whole system. 

How to Launch iTunes in Safe Mode and/or Reset Windows 10

Opening iTunes in safe mode is as easy as: 

  1. Holding down CTRL + Shift
  2. Open iTunes while still holding down these buttons
  3. And that’s it

iTunes won't open

If you’ve tried everything and iTunes still refuses to work, then your last line of defense is performing a factory reset. In order to do that, you must go to: 

  1. Settings
  2. Update & recovery
  3. Reset this PC
  4. Get started

And here you can select to either keep your files or delete everything. Do keep in mind that no matter which way you go, all of your 3rd party apps will be deleted. 

It would be for the best if you could actually perform a clean install. But, this requires Windows installation media, a valid Windows key, and secondary drives or the cloud for backups. It’s basically a whole new process. So, maybe just stick with a simple Windows reset for now. 

That’s about all we got for Windows right now. And there a few other minor things that you may try like: 

  • Restarting your system
  • Checking out the firewall and ensuring that it doesn’t block iTunes
  • Updating your drivers

And things like that. But, if you’ve tried everything that we mentioned above and it didn’t work out for you, then I highly doubt that such steps will be any more useful. 

So, time to move on to Mac now. 

2: How to Fix The “iTunes Won’t Open” Issue on Mac Computers

This problem is definitely a rarity for Mac users. But, if you were unfortunate enough to be one of the unlucky few, well, there’s not that much that we can really do. 

The first thing that you always wanna try out in such cases is the updates. Always make sure that your system and apps are running their latest versions. 

To check for updates on Mac, select the:

  1. Apple icon
  2. Software update

And if any updates are available, then click on the “Update now” button, wait for the installation to finish, reboot your computer, and then try opening iTunes again. 

You could also try signing in with a different user account and then logging in back to your own. Alternatively, logging out and back in is worth a try if possible. 

Other than that, you can also try some of the more standard fixes like rebooting your PC. But, reinstalling iTunes isn’t an option here. That’s mostly because it’s a core app for Macs and thus we’re not allowed to meddle with it like we can on Windows. 

There are a few tricks to bypass that, but they sometimes lead into issues. Not to mention that the newest versions of Mac OS will not allow you to do anything anyway. You could try temporarily renaming the iTunes library folder, though. But, I doubt this will be of much help. 

How to Repair Disk Permissions

One thing that may be helpful is repairing the disk permissions. To do that, you must first go into safe mode by: 

  1. Restart your Mac and upon boot, hold down the “Shift” key until you see the log-in screen
  2. Log in
  3. Open the Finder
  4. Go to Application 
  5. Select “Utilities” 
  6. Disk utility
  7. First aid
  8. Then select “Repair Disc Permissions” 

Depending on the version of Mac that you’re using, this option may not be available.

3: How to Fix “iTunes Won’t Open” on iPhone

An iPhone gives us even fewer options to work with. Still, let’s take our chances. The first thing you wanna try is restarting the phone. It poses zero risks and it’s something that may be able to fix your issue. 

So, to restart an iPhone: 

  1. Hold down the power/sleep button
  2. Slide to power off
  3. Hold down the power/sleep button again until the phones powers on
  4. Wait till it’s fully booted
  5. Then give iTunes one more try

If that fails, make sure that you’re running the latest version of the app be heading over to the App Store. You could also try uninstalling and installing iTunes as you would do with any other app. 

And if nothing seems to work, the only thing that remains is a factory reset. Of all the things that we’ve mentioned, this is the only one that will delete your data. So, make sure to keep backups on your PC or iCloud. 

To factory reset an iPhone: 

  1. Go to Settings
  2. General 
  3. Reset
  4. Erase all content and settings

iTunes won't open

After that, simply follow the on-screen instructions. If memory serves right, you’ll need to double confirm your decision and insert your Apple ID for safety reasons. 

This will turn your iPhone into a brand-new like state. But, it’ll also delete everything stored in the device. 

That’s all for now. If you’ve got any questions or if you feel like there’s a good solution that we didn’t add, you can let us know about it in the comments section down below. 

How to Switch iPhones (5-10 Minute Read)

Last updated on

Looking for how to switch iPhones? Once you learn about it, the process is really easy. And just in case it wasn’t clear when we say “switching” iPhones, we’re talking about the process of moving over your previous data like contacts and media from the old iPhone to the new one. 

So, if that’s what you’re looking for, then keep on reading!

How to Switch iPhones

Setting Up

When it comes to ease of use in the mobile world, Apple is without a doubt one of the best. Moving from your old iPhone to a new one is remarkably easy. However, there are a few things that must do before moving on with the process. 

If you’ve got an Apple Watch, now is the time to unpair it from your smartphone. The watch will automatically backup everything after unpairing, which means that reconnecting it with your new phone will restore everything as it was. 

After that, you also want to make sure that you have backups from your last iPhone. This can be done in a number of ways, but the easiest and most effective one is using either the iCloud or iTunes. 

Backups are useful not only for moving our files to a new phone but also for security. For example, if something bad happens to the phone, all of your photos, documents, contacts, videos, and anything else will be safely stored on the cloud. 

If you haven’t made your backups yet, we’ll explain how further down below in this article. You also want to have your password and Apple ID ready at hand. That’s assuming that you don’t remember them, of course. 

And last, but not least, check out the SIM card slot of your new iPhone. It may be using a different format (Mini-SIM, Micro-SIM, e-SIM, etc). In which case, you’ll want to head over to your carrier and replace your SIM card with the appropriate size for your new phone. 

Most carriers will do that for free. But, some of them may charge you a few bucks for the service. So, do keep that in mind. 

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

1: How to Switch iPhones With iCloud

This is by far one of the easiest and quickest ways of switching iPhones. The only thing to remember is that you need to do this while setting up your new phone for the first time. 

If your new phone is already logged in and you haven’t gone through this process, then you may have to wipe it and start from zero again. In any case, just keep on reading and we’ll figure it out. 

The Whole Backup and Restore Process

The first thing you wanna do is backup everything to the iCloud with your old phone. If you’ve already done it, then feel free to skip these steps. If not, now is your chance: 

  1. Make sure you’re connected to the Wi-Fi
  2. Go to your settings
  3. Tap on your name (iCloud for those who are running an older version of iOS)
  4. Select “iCloud”
  5. Enable “iCloud backup”
  6. If the phone doesn’t start backing up automatically at that point, select “Backup now” 

 

After the old phone finishes backing up, you need to log in with the new one, log in to your account, and then restore everything that was backed up with the old iPhone. To do that: 

  1. Power up the phone and erase it if you went through the setup before without bringing your old data to it
  2. Keep on going through the on-screen instruction texts until you reach the “Set up your iPhone screen” 
  3. Once there, select “Restore from iCloud Backup” 
  4. Now is the time to bring up your Apple ID and password. Again, no need to do that if you remember everything
  5. Choose the backup that you previously made
  6. Wait for the download to finish

How to switch iPhones

Now, do keep in mind that the loading times will greatly vary depending on how you much stuff you backed up and also your internet connection. You may have to wait anywhere from a few minutes to even hours. 

So, if you notice that the restore process is taking a while, consider leaving the phone plugged in and connected to the Internet. It’s not uncommon for those with slow Internet to leave the phone downloading through the night. 

2: How to Switch iPhones With Quick Start

Quick Start is a little bit easier to use, but it also requires you to have at least iOS 11 for a simple setup and at least iOS 12.4 if you wish to transfer files as well. For those who can’t transfer their files due to outdated software, relying on iCloud is pretty much necessary. 

Now, do keep in mind that this process may end up taking a while and it will keep both of your phones busy. So, don’t do it until you’re sure that you won’t need the phones for a while; just to be safe. 

Now that this is out of the way, here is how to use Quick Start: 

  1. Make sure that Bluetooth is enabled on both devices
  2. Put your new phone right next to the old one and Quick Start should appear (Both phones need to be running at least iOS 11)
  3. Insert your Apple ID
  4. Use your camera to authenticate or do it manually if, for any reason, you can’t rely on the camera
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions
  6. Select anything that you want to keep/restore

How to switch iPhones

If you wish to restore anything that was backed up over to iCloud, then an Internet connection is required. Wi-Fi is recommended; otherwise; data charges may apply. 

3: How to Switch iPhones With iTunes

This is a very good solution for those who own a computer and are using a very slow internet connection. That’s because you’ll essentially be backing up everything from your phone to the computer and then back to the new phone. The only thing that you’ll need is an iTunes account/Apple ID.

In order to backup your old data to the computer: 

  1. Open iTunes on the PC
  2. Select the phone
  3. On the summary tab, go to where it says “Automatically Back Up” and select “Back up Now” 
  4. Select the “Encrypt iPhone Backup” box if you want to backup passwords and health-related data as well
  5. Hit apply
  6. And wait for the process to finish

How to switch iPhones

Now that we finished backing up your data to the computer, it’s time to restore them on the new iPhone. To do that :

  1. Grab your new iPhone
  2. If you’ve set it up before without restoring your data then you need to erase it
  3. Follow the instructions until you reach the part where you select what to do with the new device
  4. Select “Restore from iTunes Backup” 
  5. Connect the phone to the PC 
  6. Launch iTunes
  7. On the phone summary tab, click on the “Restore Backup” button to the right
  8. Enter the password if you are asked to

And that’s about it. Now you just wait and everything should be good to go after the last few steps. Just follow the on-screen instructions until the end. 

 

 

 

Surfshark VPN For iPhone Review

Last updated on

Surfshark VPN for iPhone is an app that can increase your privacy, give you access to blocked websites, and even increase your security. And if you think that’s good, we’re just getting started!

This is one of the best deals that are out there right now as you’re getting a ton of features at a good price point. With that being said, let’s take a closer look into it!

Surfshark VPN For iPhone Review

Main Functionality

Surfshark VPN for iPhone

As mentioned above, Surfshark is a VPN. And the main purpose of a VPN is to increase your overall privacy while also allowing you to access regional blocked content. If you want more details on how that works, head to the bottom of this page.

Now, with that being said, different VPNs will offer a different set of features and functionality. So, let’s take a quick look at what Surfshark VPN for iPhone brings to the table!

1: Identity Protection And Data Theft

Your IP address can unveil a great deal of information about you from your location to even your name and address, depending on who gets his hands on it. An like it or not, our IP is visible to every single website that we visit.

As if that wasn’t enough, our connection is also not encrypted. So, basically, anyone who has the knowledge on how to steal information can almost freely do so.

That information may include anything from social media passwords to even login information on banking accounts. Needless to say that you definitely don’t want that.

Thankfully, Surfshark protects both your identity and information by concealing your IP and encrypting incoming and outcoming data/information.

2: Phishing Protection and Ad-Blocking

Phishing is a method that cyber criminals use to fool you into providing every bit of information that they need. There is a wide variety of methods to do that, but what matters is that more often than not, you won’t realize that you fell victim of a phishing scam until it’s too late.

For example, the scammer may create a fake copy of a banking website which looks and feels exactly the same. However, every bit of info that insert there will be sent over to the criminal instead of the bank.

So, you open an email which says that you need to log-in to your online bank account in order to check something out, you do, and without realizing, you end up giving all the information that the hacker needs.

That’s why Surfshark has implemented a phishing detection mechanism to protect us from such occurrences. Not to mention malware and intrusive ads.

3: Data Encryption

Surfshark VPN for iPhone

Encrypting outcoming and incoming information offers some massive benefits for both protection and privacy.

This single feature allows you to safely use public Wi-Fi, your banking account, crypto walled, and anything else that is normally prone to cyber criminal attacks.

4: No Borders

Many websites and even individual shows on Netflix are regionally blocked. That means that depending on where you live, you may not be able to access YouTube, Supernatural, or anything else that is regionally blocked.

Surfshark gives you the ability to bypass that by making it look as if you’re browsing through another country. Websites often look at the IP to determine the location of the one who is browsing.

So, if the VPN gives you an American IP, then the website that you’re browsing will think that you’re browsing from the USA regardless of where you really are.

Surfshark VPN for iPhone: Features and Pricing

Surfshark VPN for iPhone

Surfshark VPN for iPhone comes as cheap as $1.99 per month. That’s without a doubt one of the cheapest VPN apps we’ve ever seen and is definitely worth considering for the price alone.

But, obviously, there’s more to it than that! Apart from everything we’ve mentioned above, one thing that Surfshark offers that most VPNs don’t is the ability to use it on as many devices as you want.

That’s right! No restrictions! All you need to do is buy one subscription and then you are free to install it on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Firefox, and Chrome!

Then there’s also CleanWeb. This is one of the main functionalities that we mentioned above. It blocks all intrusive ads and malware/phishing attempts. And if you’re browsing through your phone, it can also save some data!

Now, with all of that being said, don’t forget that there is always the option of whitelisting specific apps and/or websites. For example, if you want to browse YouTube or your banking account without them going through the VPN and slowing you down, you can do it.

Surfshark VPN for iPhone: Security

Our information is only as secure as the VPN that we’re using. That’s why many popular reviewers often recommend not using any free VPN apps. Because, after all, nothing is free. What we don’t pay in money is often paid by other means – like private information!

For this reason, Surfshark has a strict no logs policy. Nobody is going to know what you’re doing online, including the ones that protect that information.

Then there is the other side of the wall that want to spy on you. That includes anything from cyber criminals to even the government.

And for that reason, Surfshark used camouflage mode, encryption, and MultiHop to protect you from prying eyes. Multi-Hop can be particularly useful for privacy as it goes through multiple connection points before finally reaching the main destination. Much like Tor, just in case you’re familiar with it.

What is a VPN? How Does it Work?

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. There are numerous VPN apps out there with Surfshark being one of them.

The main purpose of a VPN is to conceal the IP address and encrypt any online information that the user is sending or receiving.

There are multiple ways of doing that. But, the most common one is without a doubt a sort of relay system.

Normally, when you’re browsing without a VPN, all the information goes from your computer to the ISP and then to the main server. However, a VPN will first send the data through the company’s servers and then towards the destination server.

So, if the company’s server is in the US and you’re browsing the web through France, then it’s going to appear as if you’re browsing through the US. Even if you’re not remotely close to it.

The best VPN apps have multiple servers all over the world which helps increasing privacy and also bypassing regional locks. That being said, Surfshark is not an exception to that rule.

Truth be told, the actual technical description is a tiny bit more complicated than that. But, that’s basically all you need to know as fast as possible.

Surfshark VPN for iPhone Review: Wrapping Up

Surfshark is overall a strong, secure, and trustworthy VPN that’s available for the very low price of $1.99 per month. It’s really hard to go wrong with it and that’s why we give it our seal of approval.

You can get it for most available platforms that are out there, including iOS. Check it out in the link down below!

 

Best iPhone 7 Plus Cases To Get in 2019

Last updated on

Best iPhone 7 Plus Cases To Get in 2019

The best iPhone 7 Plus cases can make your phone tougher, prettier, and more stylish. It all comes down to personal needs and preferences. That’s why we decided to list some of the best cases that you can get for your phone right now. 

And with that being said, let’s get right into it!

1: Best Case For Everyone: Torras Slim Fit

This is the case that we most commonly recommend on reviews like this one. And what more can you ask? It’s slim, beautiful, cheap, all while offering the basic protection that you’re expecting to find in a phone case. 

It’s all-around a great option for your average person since it plays it safe. You can tell that it’s not too serious, too fancy, or anything like that. 

One very good thing that slim cases offer that rugged ones often don’t is wireless charging – if you’re into this sort of thing. Speaking of rugged cases, the Torras slim fit may be slightly lacking in terms of protection compared to them. But, with more than 3,800 positive reviews? It’s kinda hard to go wrong with it. 

Pros: 

  • Cheap
  • Slim
  • Suitable for most people
  • Very lightweight
  • Almost counting 4,000 positive reviews at this point
  • Compatible with wireless charging (Depends on the charger)

Cons: 

  • Protection may be lacking a tiny bit due to the lack of thickness
  • Doesn’t offer a lot of personality and style

Overall, this is the jack of all trades, but master of none. You get a bit of beauty and a bit of protection, but not the best version of either. 

2: Best Stylistic Case: iCare Wallet Case

iPhone 7 plus cases

As good as the Torras Slim may be, there is no doubt that some people may consider it a bit dull and lifeless. For this reason, we thought that adding a more stylistic case with more personality to it is a good idea. Thus, meet the iCare wallet case. 

As the name suggests, this one doubles as both a case and a wallet. And it may not be large enough to replace your actual wallet, but it can still be used for storing enough cash or a credit card for a night out or anything like that. 

Other than that, it also acts as a kickstand which allows you to just place it on a flat surface and watch a movie, a YouTube video, etc. 

Some of our female readers may find it to be a bit too “gentleman” oriented. For this reason, we’re also going to include a similar more lady-like case down below. So, do keep on reading!

Pros: 

  • Adds personality to the phone
  • Seems to offer a decent amount of protection
  • Acts as a wallet as well
  • Can be used as a stand

Cons: 

  • May be a bit too thick for some wireless chargers
  • Some people may find it a bit too male oriented

3: Best Stylistic Case For Women: Velvet Caviar Butterfly

iPhone 7 Plus cases

This is another brand that we regularly recommend. Velvet Caviar offers some of the most beautiful cases around – especially for those that are mostly targeted towards women. 

And if the particular pattern is not to your liking, there are tons of others to choose from. All of them are high-quality and we highly doubt that you’ll be able to erase the colors and drawings from the case. 

Adding to the list of positives is the fact that wireless charging is supported while the case also offers decent protection against falls. This is definitely one of the best iPhone 7 Plus cases that you can get.

If we have to mention one downside, then that’s definitely going to be the price. One Velvet Caviar case can cost you as much as three “regular” ones. So, do keep that in mind. 

Pros: 

  • Adds a lot of personality to the phone
  • Stylistic
  • Beautiful
  • Lots of patterns to choose from
  • Decent protection
  • Compatible with wireless charging (Check thickness compatibility on your charger just to be safe)

Cons: 

  • Obviously way too “girly” for most guys
  • The expensive price tag makes it a tough buy
  • Doesn’t have as many reviews as other cases and that makes it tough to judge reliability

Overall, if you want something on the cute side, do definitely consider this one!

4: Best Rugged Case: Silk Armor

iPhone 7 plus cases

As far as protection is concerned, this is one of the best iPhone 7 Plus cases that you can get! Not only it’s tough, but the rubber covers on the side should also help a lot with damage absorption. 

Pair that tank with a decent screen protector and you’ll be basically holding a multi-tasking rock in your hands. Don’t try to throw it, though. Just to be safe. 

Speaking of screen protectors, this case actually comes with two. However, do keep in mind that they do not cover the entire screen. Wireless charging is supported. But, as per usual, check out how much thickness your charger supports before you buy the case. 

If there’s one bad thing about it, then that’s probably the price and looks of it. You can usually get it for twice the money that you’d need for a slim case. But, as for the appearance, the weird aesthetics seem to be a recurring theme with rugged cases. 

Pros: 

  • Very tough
  • Includes two screen protectors
  • Wireless charging support 

Cons: 

  • Maybe not the most elegant choice
  • A little bit pricy

5: Best Transparent Case: Torras Crystal Clear

Some people just want to enjoy the natural beauty of their phone. Others simply love the transparent look. Regardless of the group that you belong to, chances are that you’ll love the Torras Crystal Clear as we believe that it’s one of the best iPhone 7 Plus Cases that you can get!

Much like the Torras Slim Fit, this is a slim case that doesn’t add a lot of bulk to the device. The main difference between this one and most of the other transparent cases is that it doesn’t look like a cheap piece of plastic. 

And of course, thanks to its slimness, wireless charging support is a given! Sure. It’s not the fanciest case out there. But, it’s elegant, simple, and it gets the job done. 2,000 Amazon reviewers can’t possibly be wrong. 

Pros: 

  • Slim
  • Simple
  • Offers basic protection
  • Compatible with wireless charging
  • More than 2,000 positive Amazon reviews
  • Elegant

Cons: 

  • Doesn’t add a lot of character
  • Not the toughest choice out there

Overall, if you want something simple, but transparent as well, this is probably your best bet. 

Best iPhone 7 Plus Cases: Wrapping Up

That’s all we’ve got for now. If you have any other recommendations, then let us and everyone else know about them in the comments section down below!

How To Safely Buy A Used or Refurbished iPhone 6

Last updated on

A used iPhone 6 can be much cheaper while still working like brand new. Obviously, though, despite all the advantages that used products deliver, there are many associated risks as well. 

You may get scammed, you may have to pay extra money, or you may get a defective product. If you’re new to buying used electronics online, then there a few stuff that you need to know first. With that being said, let’s get right into it!

Used iPhone 6 Buying Guide

Following these steps should provide you with a safe buying experience: 

  1. Only buy from reputable and trustworthy sellers/websites
  2. When possible, prefer PayPal over credit/debit cards
  3. Take into consideration any extra charges that may apply
  4. Keep an eye out on the condition of the phone or you may end up getting something defective
  5. Don’t buy a locked device unless you absolutely have to

And that’s all there is to mention as fast as possible. If you want the details, keep on reading!  If not, Swappa is our recommended place to purchase a used iPhone.

1: Only Buy From Trustworthy Websites And Sellers 

Places to buy a used iPhone 6

When buying a used iPhone 6 or any iPhone for that matter, you should always only look in trustworthy and reputable websites. And don’t forget to keep an eye out on the ratings of each individual seller under those websites. 

The reason is pretty obvious. A very popular platform is much more likely to provide you with a pleasant shopping experience while a less reputable website is more likely to scam you, provide false information about their product, or anything like that. 

Do keep in mind that the platform and the individual seller are not the same thing. eBay is a reputable platform, but the guy who uses it to sell a $10 iPhone with no positive ratings isn’t. So, do keep an eye out for that well. 

With that being said, some very popular platforms that we recommend are: 

  1. Swappa (Highly recommended and trust-worthy)
  2. Amazon
  3. eBay

From all these choices, Swappa is most likely the best one for buying a used iPhone since their quality control is top-notch. Not to mention that their whole platform is focused on selling used devices. So, kinda hard to go wrong with it. 

2: Prefer PayPal When You Can

 

There are a ton of payment methods out there. But, most websites commonly offer either PayPal or credit card as the two main methods of paying. 

When possible, prefer PayPal. Not only it’s safer and easier to use, but it also allows you to get a refund in case that something goes wrong. And if you’re right, the seller can rarely do anything about it!

Creating an account and linking it to your bank or card is fairly easy. So, if you haven’t already, do seriously consider making a PayPal account and start using it as your primary payment solution. 

And if you don’t feel threatened, do keep in mind that even some of the most popular websites like Wish and eBay are hosting scams.

Take this and this as an example. The GTX 1060, a card that normally costs at least 300 euros, is being sold brand new for 65 and 55. Under the hood, it’s obviously something much, much worse, and this has actually been tested by numerous YouTubers. 

If something like that happens on two of the most popular shopping websites in the whole world, imagine how bad the situation can get with less popular platforms that nobody knows. 

So, again, when buying something relatively expensive like a used iPhone 6, do try to use PayPal. And if something goes wrong, you’ll at least be able to make a refund claim. 

3: Keep An Eye Out For Any Extra (Sometimes Hidden) Charges

Depending on the region that you currently live in and the website’s location, you may have to pay extra charges. Sometimes they show up on the checkout page and sometimes they don’t. 

Amazon does that really well. As you can see in the image above, it almost always tells you how much extra money you need to pay for import fees and shipping charges. 

However, other websites like eBay almost never do that. So, if you don’t know about it, you may end up having to pay quite a lot of extra money when your used iPhone 6 gets delivered. 

More often than not, these extra charges are just import taxes that need to be paid when you buy something from outside of your country. For example, if you’re living in Europe and you buy something expensive from the US, there’s a good chance that you’ll have to pay import fees upon delivery. 

Again, some websites like Amazon will recognize that and will allow you to pay everything upon checkout. The only issue is that it doesn’t work with all of them. 

Chinese-based websites like Gearbest, Wish, and Ali-Express are often the ones that are most prone to this. The solution? Look for websites that have warehouses on your region. 

Do keep in mind that Swappa is based in the US.  

4: Don’t Forget About The Condition Of Your Used iPhone 6

Used iPhone 6

When shopping for a used iPhone 6 or any used electronic, always keep an eye out for its condition. It can make the difference between receiving something that’s almost brand new and a broken phone. 

First things first, it’s best to look in places where the seller is forced to mention the exact condition of the device. Platforms like Amazon are supposedly only listing items that have passed certain tests and are like brand new, but there are lots of times where this hasn’t exactly worked well. 

Platforms like eBay, on the other hand, completely leave everything up to the seller to decide. So, again, look for someone who is trustworthy and mentions the exact condition of the phone. 

Swappa is one of the very few websites that actually force all of their sellers to be very specific about the product’s condition. So, they win this round as well. 

Now, the exact description differs from website to website. But, generally, this is what you can expect: 

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

5: Prefer Unlocked Devices 

A locked iPhone will only work with the carrier that it has been locked down too. For example, if you get a used iPhone 6 that’s locked to Verizon, then you can only use it with a Verizon SIM. Period. 

In order to avoid that, either look for an unlocked model or at least get one which is locked down to the carrier of your choice. You can always unlock it later on. But, that costs extra money. So, choose carefully. 

Most reputable sellers, including Swappa, clearly mention if a phone is unlocked or not, and which carrier it is locked down to. All you have to do is keep an eye out for that. 

Get Refurbished iPhone from Swappa

 

Safely Buying A Used iPhone 6: Wrapping Up

Overall, when buying a used iPhone 6, look for reputable sellers, prefer PayPal when you can, be careful with extra fees, charges, and taxes, careful with the condition of your phone, and make sure to either choose an unlocked model or one that is locked down to the carrier of your choice.