Your Tech Story

tips and hacks

Top 5 Easy Ways to Fix ‘AirPods Pro Microphone Not Working

Top 5 Easy Ways to Fix ‘AirPods Pro Microphone Not Working

The AirPods Pro, known for their seamless connectivity and impressive sound quality, are a go-to choice for many seeking a wireless audio experience. However, like any technological marvel, they aren’t immune to glitches. One common issue users encounter is the microphone malfunction.

If you’re facing this snag, fret not! Here are five easy solutions to get your AirPods Pro microphone back on track:

1. Check for Firmware Updates

Apple regularly releases firmware updates to improve device performance and address issues. Ensure your AirPods Pro have the latest firmware installed. To check and update:

  • Connect your AirPods Pro to your iOS device.
  • Go to “Settings” > “General” > “About” > “AirPods.”
  • If an update is available, you’ll see an option to install it.

2. Clean the Microphone and Mesh

Top 5 Easy Ways to Fix ‘AirPods Pro Microphone Not Working

Image Source: businessinsider.com

Dust and debris can obstruct the microphone and cause disruptions in audio quality. Gently clean the microphone area and mesh with a soft-bristled brush or a clean, dry toothbrush. Be cautious not to apply excessive pressure to avoid damaging the delicate components.

3. Reset AirPods Pro Settings

Resetting your AirPods Pro settings can resolve various connectivity and functionality issues. To do this:

  • Place your AirPods Pro in their case and keep the lid open.
  • Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the status light flashes amber, then white.
  • Reconnect the AirPods Pro to your device and check if the microphone works.

4. Adjust Bluetooth Settings

Sometimes, connectivity settings can hinder the microphone’s functionality. Try disconnecting and reconnecting your AirPods Pro:

  • Open “Settings” on your device.
  • Navigate to “Bluetooth” and locate your AirPods Pro in the list of devices.
  • Tap the (i) icon next to your AirPods Pro and select “Forget This Device.”
  • Reconnect your AirPods Pro by placing them near your device and following the pairing instructions.

5. Update iOS or Device Software

An outdated operating system can lead to compatibility issues with your AirPods Pro. Ensure your iOS or device software is up to date:

  • For iOS devices: Go to “Settings” > “General” > “Software Update.”
  • For other devices: Check the respective system settings for software updates and install any available updates.

If these troubleshooting steps don’t resolve the microphone problem with your AirPods Pro, consider contacting Apple Support or visiting an authorized service center for further assistance. Additionally, if your AirPods Pro are under warranty, you may be eligible for a replacement if the issue persists.

Remember, maintaining your AirPods Pro by keeping them clean and updated can prevent many issues from occurring. Hopefully, these tips will help you quickly resolve the microphone problem and get back to enjoying the fantastic audio experience that AirPods Pro offer!

Is Your Printer Offline? Tips and Tricks to Connected it to Wi-Fi

Is Your Printer Offline? Tips and Tricks to Connected it to Wi-Fi

Experiencing an ‘offline’ status on your printer can be frustrating, especially when you need to print urgently. This article explains effective tricks to reconnect your printer to Wi-Fi and get it back online.

Understanding Printer Offline Status

Is Your Printer Offline? Tips and Tricks to Connected it to Wi-Fi

Image Source: pcmag.com

When your printer is offline, it is not able to communicate with your computer over a Wi-Fi network. This could be due to a variety of reasons ranging from network issues to outdated software.

Check Your Wi-Fi Connection

The first step is to ensure your Wi-Fi network is active and stable. Check other devices to confirm network functionality.

Restart Your Printer and Router

Often, simply restarting your printer and Wi-Fi router can resolve connectivity issues. This resets the network settings and may help you reconnect your printer.

Update Printer Drivers

Outdated printer drivers can prevent your printer from connecting to Wi-Fi. Updating these drivers can often resolve this issue.

Reconfigure the Wi-Fi Settings on the Printer

Sometimes, it is necessary to reconfigure your printer’s Wi-Fi settings. This involves resetting the network settings on your printer and connecting it to your Wi-Fi network again.

Check for IP Address Conflicts

Your printer may be offline due to an IP address conflict in your network. Resolving these conflicts can restore connectivity.

Use Static IP Address for Printer

Assigning a static IP address to your printer ensures it consistently connects to the same network address, improving stability.

Disable VPN Services Temporarily

Active VPN services may interfere with printer connectivity. Disabling them temporarily may help establish a stable connection.

Check Printer's Firmware

Outdated firmware can also cause connectivity issues. Update the firmware and install them if available.

Consider Using a Wired Connection

If Wi-Fi connectivity issues persist, consider using a wired connection for reliable printing.

When to Seek Professional Help

If these steps do not resolve the problem, it is time to seek professional technical support.

Maintaining Your Printer for the Future

Regular maintenance, such as software updates and network checks, can prevent future connectivity problems.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve Wi-Fi connectivity issues with your printer.

Recover Your Old Hotmail Account: Top 3 Methods

Recover Your Old Hotmail Account: Top 3 Methods

If you’re a sentimentalist who used to subscribe to Hotmail in the early 2000s, going back to your old mailbox may help you remember the good old days. Even though Hotmail as a stand-alone service was discontinued in 2013 and replaced with Outlook, it may still be feasible to retrieve your old emails. These are the best three methods for getting back into and using your former Hotmail account.

What Happened to Hotmail?

Recover Your Old Hotmail Account: Top 3 Methods

Image Source: guidingtech.com

In 2013, Hotmail changed its name and became Outlook. While email addresses of current users were kept private, new registrations on the hotmail.com domain were not permitted. Since then, Outlook—now equipped with many more features—has become Microsoft’s main email client.

Using Microsoft’s recovery form, integrating with Outlook, or importing to Gmail are some of the ways to save a bit of online history while taking you back to your old Hotmail communications.

Microsoft's Account Recovery Form:

Make sure your account is enabled for two-step authentication before using this approach.

  • Step 1: Go to the Microsoft Account Recovery Form by opening your web browser.
  • Step 2: Type your present email address in the second field and your Hotmail email in the first.
  • Step 3: Hit Next after entering the CAPTCHA.

Once submitted, Microsoft will guide you through the recovery process within the next 24 hours.

Use Outlook to Log into Your Hotmail Account:

It’s simple to connect your previous Hotmail account to Outlook.

  • Step 1: turn on Microsoft Outlook on your computer.
  • Step 2: Under Account Information, go to File and choose Add Account.
  • Step 3: Type your password and email address into Hotmail.

Outlook will automatically link with your Hotmail account, which you may access from the sidebar.

Log into Your Hotmail Account Using Gmail:

You may combine your Hotmail accounts into Gmail if that’s how you choose to communicate.

  • Step 1: Use your computer to log into your Gmail account.
  • Step 2: Choose See all settings by clicking the gear icon in the upper right corner.
  • Step 3: Select the Import tab under Accounts.
  • Steo 4: Select Import from another address.
  • Step 5: To import your emails, sign in to your Hotmail account and follow the on-screen directions.
  • All of your Hotmail emails will take some time to load, but once they do, you can easily access them from Gmail’s sidebar.
How to Keep Your Kids off Wi-Fi and Take Control of Your Internet

How to Keep Your Kids off Wi-Fi and Take Control of Your Internet

How to Keep Your Kids off Wi-Fi and Take Control of Your Internet

Image Source: pcmag.com

As our kids become more and more engrossed in the digital world, worries about improper content exposure, cyberbullying, and online threats have intensified. Only 23% of parents, nonetheless, proactively keep an eye on their kids’ internet use. This may be addressed by following this brief advice, which explains how to take charge of your home internet and give your children a safer online experience.

Router for Parental Control

Put web filters on every device: Invest in a parental control router to act as your house internet’s choke point and impose online filters on all of your children’s gadgets.

Control via your router: To reduce tampering, deactivate wireless remote administration, put the router away from children, and enable site prohibitions.

Plan Outtime for Internet Blackouts:

Encourage balance by establishing clear guidelines and planning regular internet blackout times to promote family time and offline activities.

Personalise downtime: Choose the best times to limit internet usage to improve family time and sleeping patterns.

Ban Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks:

Perform a Wi-Fi search to find and ban networks that might be dangerous for your kids.

Engage in conversation with your neighbours: Bring up the significance of internet safety and ask them to protect their Wi-Fi networks.

Parental Controls for Mobile Devices:

Aura is a family safety software that lets you set time restrictions, monitor and block particular websites and applications, and get notifications concerning cyberbullying.

iOS devices: To manage access and schedule downtime, use Apple’s Screen Time settings.

Android devices: Use Google Family Link to monitor and manage use online.

Game Console Parental Controls:

Set deadlines: Establish time limits for gaming under the American Academy of Paediatrics’ recommendations.

Make use of safe gaming resources: Turn on parental controls on game consoles to keep an eye out for offensive and cyberbullying content.

Don't Leave Devices in Common Areas:

Establish ground rules for the home: No electronics in the bedrooms during certain hours, unless used for homework.

Shared workspace: To provide a regulated atmosphere, set up a shared study room for family activities and gadget charging.

Promote Social Media Conduct That Is Responsible:

Determine maturity: Before giving your child access to social media, determine whether they are ready.

Privacy awareness: To reduce hazards, teach kids how to share personal information online responsibly.

To combat cyberbullying: teach kids the consequences of their actions online, encourage compassion, and provide them with the resources they need to file reports.

While parental controls are useful tools, developing an open line of communication with your children on safe internet usage is just as important if you want to earn their trust. Parents may actively participate in creating a safe and responsible internet environment for their children by putting these strategies into practice.

How to Start a YouTube Channel for Vlogging Like a Pro

How to Start a YouTube Channel for Vlogging Like a Pro

Starting a YouTube channel for vlogging can be an exciting venture. Be it a hobby or a career path, these tips will guide you in creating a successful and professional vlogging channel.

Defining Your Niche

Identify what you’re passionate about and what you can consistently create content on. A specific niche helps attract a dedicated audience

Understanding Your Audience

Know who your target audience is. It is important to understand their interests and preferences to create relevant and engaging content.

Creating High-Quality Content

Quality is important in vlogging. Focus on creating clear, entertaining, and informative content that adds value to your audience.

Investing in the Right Equipment

How to Start a YouTube Channel for Vlogging Like a Pro

Image Source: amberscript.com

Although you don’t need high-end gear to start with, investing in a good camera, microphone, and lighting setup can significantly improve video quality.

Mastering Video Editing

Learning basic video editing skills can greatly improve your content. Use editing software to add effects, music, and graphics to your video.

Optimizing for SEO

Use relevant keywords, catchy titles, and descriptions to make your videos more discoverable on YouTube.

Building an Online Presence

Promote your channel on social media platforms and join online communities. This helps in building a wider audience base.

Engaging with Your Audience

Respond to comments, solicit feedback, and engage your audience in your content. Engagement increases audience loyalty and channel growth.

Consistency and Scheduling

Maintain a consistent posting schedule. Regular video uploads keep your audience engaged and also attract new viewers.

Monetizing Your Channel

Once your channel meets YouTube’s eligibility criteria, explore different monetization options like ads, sponsorships, and merchandise.

Analyzing Performance Metrics

Use YouTube Analytics to analyze metrics like views, watch time, and subscriber growth to refine your strategy.

Collaborating with Other YouTubers

Collaboration can bring your channel to a wider audience. Partner with other YouTubers to create joint content.

Staying Updated with YouTube Trends

Stay informed about the latest trends and updates on YouTube. Adapting to changes can help keep your content relevant.

Conclusion

Starting a YouTube channel requires passion, dedication, and strategy. By following these tips, you can start a successful vlogging journey.