Category: Tech Trend

  • What you can do when your Android battery is draining

    We love our phones, Androids and more, so it’s imperative that we push the batteries to their limits. Especially in moments when we’re lost, so we’re looking at a GPS app while texting a friend, and also playing soothing music to help put ourselves together while forgetting to turn off Twitter. Maybe this is more of a personal experience, but still, the phone battery should be reliable so that our phones can be reliable too.

    So it is worst when your phone battery suddenly starts draining.

    Android operating systems like Oreo are designed to reduce the amount of power background apps use on the phone, and older operating systems like Marshmallow and Nougat use less battery when in Doze mode, your screen is locked. The mode the phone enters. But what if you can’t update to an OS that does this automatically? Or what if your Android phone is expiring regardless? Does this mean you have to buy a new battery?

    It really isn’t. There are many things you can do to keep your Android battery from draining, and most of them are built right into your phone. So before you assume the worst and spend money on a new battery, try some of the suggestions below, and see if you can’t improve your current battery life with a few changes.

    Check which apps drain your battery
    Android has a great built-in feature that tracks how much battery power each of your apps uses. Simply go to Settings >> Device >> Battery or Settings >> Power >> Battery usage, or Settings >> Devices >> Battery, depending on your version of Android OS, to see a list of all your apps, and Approximately how much battery power each is using. See which apps get the most use, and think about how often you use them.

    Uninstall unused/rarely used apps and widgets

    Think of it as spring cleaning for your phone; Periodically look at all your apps and all the widgets on your Android home screen, and decide which widgets you rarely use are worth keeping installed. Some apps run in the background when you’re not using them, and all widgets do to stay updated, so if you’re not using them, get rid of them.

    Or, upgrade or convert them to create less drainage; Don’t let apps that use location services access your location except with the app open, and let the weather widget only track local cities, so your phone uses less power to report the temperature for you .

    Also, if an app runs ads, consider buying the premium version—ads use up battery life, so premium can save you on battery costs, even if it only costs you a few dollars at the moment Why should this not happen. You can see all your apps under Settings >> Apps >> All, where you can also uninstall them all in one menu, and you can uninstall any widgets you don’t need by pressing and holding, and Drag it to the trash can icon. Your Android battery will thank you for this.

    Don’t close apps unless you need to

    Android devices come with a handy feature for when apps get a little buggy, and they need to be closed; You can forcefully leave them. This feature works just like Task Manager does on your computer. You can see all programs running, and quickly close problematic programs, saving your device some effort, and possibly battery life.

    However, this feature should not be used regularly. This may seem like a convenient way to close multiple apps at once, but doing so messes up the memory algorithms that keep your phone working. Force quitting can often damage battery life rather than save it. So close apps the normal way, and avoid force quitting when it’s really necessary.

    Use Airplane Mode Strategically
    Airplane Mode can be your best friend when it comes to battery conservation. In low-signal locations, your phone will drain power trying to stay connected and on. Going into Airplane Mode stops your phone trying to connect, and allows it to access Wi-Fi if you encounter it. (Pro tip: turning off Wi-Fi connectivity doesn’t always save battery, as your phone uses more power connecting for data than wireless!)

    Therefore, Airplane Mode can be useful even when you are not actively using your phone. Try turning it on when you’re sleeping, or when you’re not looking at it for long periods of time, like at a conference or on a road trip when you don’t need GPS. This will help you not look at your phone before bedtime, or when you must focus on something other than helping your battery.

  • How to make Alexa call 911

    If you have a device connected to Amazon Alexa, you already know how helpful they can be. You may also have some around the house, including in your family room, kitchen, and your home office.

    The voice-activated assistant connects to the Internet and is a great resource. It can be used to control smart devices, listen to music, learn when on the go, and more.

    These are just some of the fun and helpful ways Alexa can help you save time and be entertained. But can Alexa help with more serious tasks, like in an emergency? The answer is yes, now there is a skill in this that can really come to the rescue.

    That’s why you need to know how to get Alexa to call 911. Keep reading to find out how it could one day save your life.

    How to use this life saving technique
    To take advantage of Alexa’s life-saving technology, you’ll need a few items you probably already have and a new one. Let’s start with items you may already have.

    Obviously, you’ll need a device connected to Alexa. All of the following will work: Echo (1st and 2nd generation), Echo Dot (1st and 2nd generation), Echo Show, Echo Spot and Echo Plus.

    Next, you’ll need home phone service. You can either use an existing landline or VoIP service.

    VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. Basically, this means you can make phone calls over the Internet without a landline.

    Lastly, all you need is a smartphone for set up. You will need a smartphone with iOS 9.0 or higher, or Android 5.0 or higher. Then simply download the Alexa app on your smartphone and set up Alexa calling and messaging by verifying your mobile phone number.

    Those are things you may already have. Now, let’s talk about the new gadget that you’ll need to use Alexa to call emergency services.

    Making phone calls with Alexa made easy

    Amazon has a gadget called Echo Connect. With it, you can use your compatible Echo device to make calls to any number supported by your home phone service provider. including 911.

    Once you have an Echo connected, you can sync contacts from your smartphone in the Alexa app so you never have to look up a number. Simply say “Alexa call 911,” and it will call emergency services for you.

    That’s all, that’s all it takes for Alexa to make hands-free calls for you. It’s not just a great tool for emergency situations. It is also helpful for making regular calls to friends and family.

    Because the Echo Connect uses your home phone number, family and friends will be able to recognize the call. You can even answer your home phone on your Echo from across the room, so you can easily talk to anyone hands-free when you’re busy or away from the phone.

    You can buy an Echo Connect from Amazon for less than $35. It is the perfect addition to your home. While you’re thinking about it, click the link below to place your order today, you’ll be glad you did.

    Here are 5 reasons even smart TV users should have a streaming box when it comes to internet-connected gadgets

    With so many streaming services available these days, paying around $200 per month for cable just isn’t worth it. These services provide a less expensive way to watch TV that can help you save hundreds of dollars over the course of a year. However, if you’re only streaming with the Smart TV app, you’re missing out on some really amazing features.

  • How to check for hidden cameras on Lyft or Uber

    A disturbing story broke this week in which Uber and Lyft passengers second-guess their use of ride-sharing services. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch posted news that a local Uber and Lyft driver was live-streaming video of their customers without their knowledge or consent.

    Some drivers use cameras (something often found in taxi company cars) as a safety measure, but the St. Louis driver shared the video online for onlookers to comment. His actions were legal in Missouri, a party recording consent state, but passengers were horrified to learn his every word and the actions inside the car were live-streamed to strangers.

    While Lyft announced that it has disabled the driver and Uber said it has ended its relationship with him, we are all now very aware of the potential privacy issues surrounding cameras in ride-sharing cars. . The St. Louis driver is no different. Other Uber and Lyft drivers have done the same, though some had a practice of letting their passengers know first.

    Hidden cameras can still be a problem, but there are some steps you can take to identify cameras used in an Uber or Lyft vehicle.

    what to see
    The now-suspended St. Louis driver had a small sticker on his car warning passengers of the security cameras on board and telling them they were consenting to be recorded by entering the vehicle. The sticker didn’t mention the online broadcast aspect of the system, and passengers who spoke to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch said they didn’t notice the sticker. Look for similar notices on any Uber or Lyft vehicle you plan to ride.

    The next place to check is the Dashboard. Most of the camera systems will be mounted on the dash for the driver and the occupants to see. Don’t hesitate to talk to your driver before going inside and ask if there are any cameras operating in the car.

    Uber’s official policy is to allow its drivers to install and use video cameras to “record riders for the purposes of safety”. It also warns drivers that local regulations may require them to fully disclose this and obtain consent. Lyft tells its drivers to follow the rules of their city and state when it comes to recording equipment. It says some locations may not allow recording devices, while others may require signage.

    Read this before taking another Uber.

    What to do
    You can ask the driver if the cameras are for security use only or if the video is being transmitted for other purposes. If you feel comfortable with the reaction, you can choose to ride. Keep in mind that Uber or Lyft does not guarantee privacy and behave accordingly. This is not the time to spill personal secrets or vent about your boss.

    Tap or click here to learn how Uber and Lyft can help you get to the doctor for free.

    You can also ask the driver to turn off any camera. The driver may or may not choose to honor this request. Some drivers insist on cameras to protect themselves in the event of disputes or unruly passengers. If you are not comfortable, request another driver.

    The live-streaming incident should make Uber and Lyft users more careful about ride-share use. Just remember that you can refuse a ride in an Uber or Lyft if you have privacy concerns about the cameras in the vehicle.

  • Try this trick if your Android phone keeps losing its data

    Have you ever had this problem with your Android when you’re out and about? Let’s say you’re walking down a sidewalk as you pass McDonald’s or Starbucks. You check your phone and see and see – your data connection has apparently dropped!

    It can be extra frustrating but most of the time it is not your cellular connection that is acting funny. Chances are your phone automatically connected to a free Wi-Fi hotspot (like the one provided for free by carriers like AT&T) but it’s too weak or slow to do any work.

    To prevent this from happening, here are some tweaks that you can try on both Android and iPhone.

    Android
    Samsung phones have an option called “Smart Network Switch” that can prevent your device from connecting to bad Wi-Fi networks, however, this setting can also lead to similar issues.

    To turn it on or off go to Settings >> Connections >> Wi-Fi >> Advanced >> and then toggle “Smart Network Switch”.

    Similar to the iPhone, if your Android phone keeps connecting to hotspots in certain areas, you can try to turn on your Android phone’s Wi-Fi radio by swiping down from the top of the screen for the quick access menu. Huh.

    Again, I know this will sound like the most obvious advice – if all else fails, just turn off your Wi-Fi.

    iPhone:

    1. Turn off Auto-Join on Specific Networks
    Introduced in iOS 11, this welcome option can prevent your iPhone from automatically connecting to Wi-Fi networks with poor signal.

    More importantly, it allows you to not auto-join your iPhone to specific networks, for example, those dreaded AT&T and Xfinity hotspots that seem to be everywhere.

    Don’t get me wrong, these hotspots can be useful when you’re in a pinch but I’ll decide for myself whether I want to use them or not.

    2. Quickly Toggle Your Wi-Fi
    Sometimes even with auto-join off, these free Wi-Fi hotspots can still get in. Instead of manually turning off auto-join for each one you encounter, try this obvious step – turn off your Wi-Fi.

    One trick you can try is to quickly turn your iPhone’s Wi-Fi off and then on again immediately. Most of the time, this is enough to force your iPhone to prioritize your cellular data connection instead of a bad Wi-Fi network.

    You can do this quickly from the Control Panel (swipe down from top-right on the iPhone X, swipe up from the bottom on other iPhones) then tap the Wi-Fi icon to turn it off (color turns white).

    If your iPhone still keeps connecting to a bad Wi-Fi hotspot, simply turn off its Wi-Fi while it is in range. IMPORTANT: Remember to turn it back on when you’re back in range of your preferred Wi-Fi network!

    3. Turn on “Ask to Join Network”
    If you are traveling and are in an area that is saturated with these Wi-Fi hotspots, here is a temporary solution you can try – turn on “Ask to connect to network”.

    Setting this option to On will prevent your iPhone from automatically connecting to any new Wi-Fi networks and instead prompt you with an alert.

    However, the big downside with this approach is that you’ll get a popup every time your iPhone senses that a new Wi-Fi network is in range. It’s incredibly annoying when you’re out and about since you’ll be constantly bombarded with popups from your iPhone.

    However, combined with iOS’s auto-join tweaks, which automatically clean up networks with bad connections and those you specify, these popups can be greatly reduced.

    I’d rather set “Ask to Join Network” to Off, but this is a viable temporary fix if your cellular data connection keeps dropping in a certain area and you don’t want to turn off your Wi-Fi every time. Huh.

  • SimpliSafe’s new home security system is even smarter

    Nothing is more precious to you than your family. He is the one greeting you at the door after a long day’s work.

    When life lets you down, your children and grandchildren have a strange way of turning things around. That’s why you’ve been working so hard for so many years, right?

    Everything you do is for your family to make sure they are happy, healthy and of course safe! But how do you keep them safe while you’re sleeping, at work, running errands or visiting family on the other side of the country?

    Our sponsor SimplySafe has been redefining home safety for years. His approach is simple but extremely effective.

    SimplySafe provides a multi-layered, wireless home security system that does much more than sound an alarm when an intruder enters. It does so with a super-loud siren, but it goes even deeper with the SimplyCam, a panic button, motion sensor, and more. Too much.

    Still, as powerful as the SimplySafe home security system is, it’s sleek, beautiful, and has a compact design. In fact, SimplySafe is known for the cool, sophisticated look of its base stations and sensors.

    Bonus: Courtesy of Komando.com Click Here for an Exclusive SimplySafe Deal!

    good design

    Incredibly, the new SimplySafe is even more beautiful and compact than before. Keep reading: Home security systems are getting smarter!

    SimplySafe has partnered with design firm IDEO, which is best known for working with Apple, to make each component smaller, more powerful, and modern-looking. Each component will complement your home.

    Its sensors are about half the size of the previous version. Still, they are more powerful with almost twice the range of those previous versions.

    The most noticeable change is in the SimplySafe base station. The design is already a showstopper with its blue LED light ring letting you know it’s on.

    The Base Station interacts with you, including guiding you through the home installation process.

    Home Security Work When Wi-Fi Is Off
    It is natural to be worried. When it comes to home security systems, you may have worried years ago that thieves were cutting your telephone wires. Snap – No longer home security!

    That was then. Now, you may be worried that your wireless home security system will shut down when your Internet is not working.

    What happens if Wi-Fi is turned off? That’s a great question that SimplySafe has a great way to answer.

    SimplySafe uses both Wi-Fi and cellular connections, so your home is secure, even if your Wi-Fi is turned off. Plus, 24-hour battery backup is available in case your home’s power goes out.

    layered security

    SimplySafe is a multi-layered home security system that protects your home from intruders. But it does much more than that.

    Think of SimplySafe as covering your bases. It starts with a super-loud 85db and a 105db siren.

    There are door and window sensors. SimplySafe has tools to alert you to fires, carbon monoxide, freezing pipes, floods, and more, including a panic button (photo above).

    SimplySafe has sensors to alert you even with broken windows or a broken keypad. What’s more, SimplySafe alerts you almost immediately when your system is started.

    The best thing that can happen is that you are never far from home, no matter where you are. Use your smartphone to receive text message alerts or livestream video to watch inside your home.

    SimplySafe will give you peace of mind knowing that you are protecting your family. Now, you can get a 60-day guarantee with free shipping and free returns! Courtesy of Komando.com Click Here for an Exclusive SimplySafe Deal!

    “Alexa, protect my house”

    We’ve all become accustomed to smart-home technology and voice-activated assistants like Amazon’s Alexa. You’re always making requests like, “Alexa, how’s the traffic?” or “Alexa, close the garage door.”

    Soon, you’ll be able to use your voice to activate your SimplySafe home security system. SimplySafe plans to integrate the system with Alexa in the near future.

    Other plans include smart locks for your exterior doors (photo below). Plus, you’ll soon be able to get video doorbells and more from SimplySafe.

  • Consumer tech helps those going back to school

    The feel of a freshly sharpened pencil. Stack of notebooks in backpack. The latest superhero or cartoon character to grace the lunchbox.

    As millions of people go back to classes, think of the hundreds of rituals passed from school to school—all of which were once America’s stables. Many things are required from every parent.

    But thanks to everyday technology, these pieces of our lives are gone forever.

    Even the most advanced calculus or math instructor today would not know how to use a slide rule. Just no different from the moms of 35 years ago.

    They’ll be stunned to learn that there’s no more traditional back-to-school shopping.

    It’s all online, and home delivery is done from Wal-Mart and Amazon.

    Forget pencils and pens; Note talking and homework are done on laptops and iPads—except for first to fourth graders, where you still need a standard notebook, glue, and crayons.

    Still, even then, with a keystroke and standard two-day delivery, everything is only a few hours away.

    It may be back to school, but this year, it’s with far less trauma, thanks to consumer tech.

    Hear my thoughts on going back to school in this consumer tech update. Tap or click here to listen.

    Globally, 1.2 billion students are currently affected by nationwide school closures. According to a recent UNICEF study, more than 70 countries recently announced plans to reopen schools for in-person learning, while other schools will offer distance learning options or hybrid models.

    School administrators, teachers, staff, parents and students are faced with the daunting task of adhering to current recommendations to reduce the spread of COVID-19 while meeting worldwide education standards.

    The spread of COVID-19 in the school setting is still largely unknown. However, institutions will learn and develop best practices as the school year progresses.

    For schools looking to reopen, experts recommend a number of practical and important measures to improve school safety during the pandemic, such as physical distancing, mask requirements, staggering school start and end times, Staggering meal times, reducing class sizes through hybrid classes, holding classes in temporary locations or outdoors, providing handwashing and sanitizing stations throughout schools, improving safe food preparation, and more. Implementing these measures requires additional time and resources, potentially shifting the focus away from learning.

    In other areas where it is not yet safe to reopen, or districts are unable to invest the time and money for the above measures, distance learning can fill the void. Online learning now offers increased opportunities for both students and schools at all educational levels. COVID-19 has accelerated online learning, which is ripe for growth in recent years. Global edtech investment reached $18.66 billion in 2019, and the total market is projected to reach $350 billion by 2025.

    According to new research, institutions with adequate remote environments and technology access can offer online courses that enhance retention of information. Based on improved learning outcomes, e-learning technologies such as live streaming, online learning software and AI solutions will become the cornerstone of the global education system post-pandemic.

    Whether a school is returning to the online classroom or in-person, investing in the right technology solutions will not only address this critical moment, but help build a new foundation for future learning experiences. Let us explore the five major challenges the education sector is now facing and the technology solutions that can help mitigate them.

  • List of Alexa commands you’re not using but should be

    Are you like the millions of people who are turning their space into a “smart home”? This, of course, is a home that is equipped with electronic devices that can be controlled remotely by computer or phone.

    This practice is becoming so common that the world of virtual assistants has opened up. Instead of tapping one app to play your music, then another app to turn on your lights, and another to turn down the thermostat, you can do all of that from just a single Home Hub.

    One of the most popular virtual assistants is Amazon’s Alexa. You can find Alexa in many Amazon products such as the Echo, Dot, and Tap.

    Amazon is constantly updating the performance of Alexa. The virtual assistant is now able to assist you with over 15,000 skills.

    Alexa is also making its way into non-Amazon products. We recently told you about the Lenovo Smart Assistant, which looks similar to the Amazon Echo but has some subtle differences.

    Now that Alexa won’t be limited to Amazon products, it’s bound to come to many more homes. If you don’t have an Alexa enabled gadget right now, maybe you will someday.

    That’s why we are going to tell you about some such useful commands of Alexa that you may not know about.

    assistant alexa commands
    It’s easy enough to get the attention of Amazon’s virtual assistant when using a connected speaker. All you need to do is say “Alexa” and she is ready to execute your command. Let’s start with the basics.

    flash briefing
    Flash Briefing is a quick overview of news and other content that you can find and enable in the Skills section of the Alexa app. Alexa reads text or plays audio content provided by each enabled skill. Flash briefings usually become a regular part of your day.

  • Android power tips you’ll wish you’d known all along

    Do you want to take your Android expertise to the next level? If you read our everyday essential tricks for your Android, you might feel like you have everything you need to know about your daily Android life.

    But think again. From blocking calls to naming a song that’s playing, maybe a few more advanced tricks will have you saying “I wish I knew it all.”

    These five tips will definitely power your Android experience.

    1. Set Your Phone to Unlock Automatically

    Do you find it too cumbersome to keep unlocking your phone in trusted places like your home? Well, here is a tip that you can try.

    Introduced in Android 5.0 Lollipop, Smart Lock is a feature that lets you automatically unlock your Android phone under certain conditions without having to enter your passcode, pattern lock or password.

    2. Plug in Mouse or Keyboard

    Did you know that you can connect an external wired mouse, keyboard or game controller to your Android gadget?

    All you need is a USB On The Go (OTG) cable like the one on Amazon.

    An OTG cable is an adapter that converts a regular Micro-USB port to a standard size so you can connect a variety of peripherals.

    Connecting an external peripheral to your Android gadget has its advantages because the mouse will display a cursor and a keyboard, in addition to precise typing, will let you perform keyboard shortcuts.

    However, not all Android gadgets support this setup, so make sure you check beforehand.

    3. Zoom in on anything on your screen

    With all the high pixel density displays that Android phones are rocking these days, text can be hard to read at times. To remedy this, you can use Android’s built-in magnification feature.

    Turn it on by going to Settings >> Accessibility >> Magnification Gestures and then toggle it to “On”.

    To quickly enlarge a portion of the screen, just tap it three times quickly. Pinch with two or more fingers to adjust the zoom level. You can also move around the screen by holding down your finger on the third tap.

    4. Set priority interruptions to only accept calls from “starred” contacts

    On occasions when you don’t want to be disturbed, you can filter text and call notifications to show only the contacts you consider important.

    To set your “Do Not Disturb” preference setting, go to Settings >> Sounds >> Do Not Disturb. Here you can choose your messages and notifications for calls and messages.

    Note: To set your “Starred Contacts,” open Contacts, search for the contact you want to favorite, then tap the star in the top left.

    You can also turn on “repeat callers” in this section. If this feature is turned on, you will always receive a notification if a caller attempts to call you within a 15-minute period, regardless of your priority setting.

    If these options are not enough, you can also set your own custom notification rules under “Automatic rules”.

    5. Access Quick Settings

    Here’s a quick trick that might come in handy.

    You’re probably used to swiping down from the status bar to view your notifications by now. But did you know that you can access your Android device’s quick settings by swiping down with two fingers instead?

    Try. It’s a convenient way to tweak Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplane Mode, and rotation settings.

    Bonus: Ask Google to find out what song is currently playing.

    Ever been compelled to know the title of an unknown song playing? Instead of using a third party app like Shazam or SoundHound, you can just ask Google.

    Do this by opening the Google app, tapping Mic on the search bar, and then asking “What’s this song?” Your phone will then listen and it will try to show you the song title, artist and album information.

    5 tricks only Android pros know
    Smartphones have become an integral part of our lives and our identity. Are you an Android owner? I am sure you will enjoy the flexibility of the apps and the huge amount of features that comes with your device. Android phones are known for versatility and customization. Click here for 5 Tricks Only Android Professionals Know.

  • Borrow free audiobooks using your phone

    If you’re a busy person, you probably already love audio books. You can listen to them on your way to work, in your car or on the train. You can listen to them while doing various hobbies like knitting or painting. If you do data entry at work, they can make the monotony you have at the office a little more bearable. And you can hear them while you exercise or walk around.

    In other words, audio books are great for people who have a lot to do because they make reading an activity that you can do while multitasking. If you have time for music, you have time for audiobooks, and therefore time for reading. This is no small feat in the world of literature, considering how much attention it takes to sit and read a page.

    By removing the visual component, and wonderful storytelling, audiobooks give people who may not have the time, time to read. It is a valuable thing to give to people, especially to and for those who are passionate about literacy and literature.

    It should come as no surprise that libraries, fantastic resources for many things but especially books and reading, have had audiobooks in their collections for quite some time now. Absolutely, you must be thinking. You’ve probably seen those giant cassette tapes or those CD box sets when you’ve been to the library.

    But audiobooks from the library aren’t just physical anymore—you can get them digitally, just like you can get eBooks. And you can get them without ever leaving your home!

    How do you get access to thousands of audio books from your local library? All you have to do is download the Libby app by Overdrive.

    Libby can access your library’s catalog anywhere without a library, and its excellent audiobook player allows you to listen to books to your heart’s content. Want to try Libby yourself? Just follow the instructions below, and you’ll be enjoying audiobooks in no time!

    1. Get a Library Card

    Well, full disclosure, Libby works remotely, but you need a library card to use the app. So if you don’t already have a card, or if your library card has expired, you will need to visit the library one more time to get the card or to renew your old card.

    Typically, a local library requires some sort of photo ID that confirms your local address. If you don’t have your address on your ID (such as having an out-of-state license), you can usually get a library card by bringing what ID you have, and proof of address, such as a utility bill, or a copy. of your lease.

    From there, you’ll fill out a little paperwork for the library, and you’ll be all set to borrow books in person and on Libby!

    2. Download Libby

    Logically, of course, you’ll need to download the Libby app to use it. Libby works on tablets and phones and can be found in the Apple and Microsoft app stores as well as on Google Play.

    You can find links to download directly on the Libby website, which can be accessed from your favorite audiobook or e-reading device. Libby can send books directly to your Kindle or any other Adobe-compatible e-reader if you prefer that device—you need the app on the phone or tablet to make it work.

    3. Find your library and sign in

    Once you have the Libby app downloaded and opened, and after you’ve confirmed that you have a library card for Step 1, you’ll need to use Libby (in circles) to find your local library in the app. adorable girl).

    You can let it guess Libby based on your location (which requires you to allow the app to use location services), or by searching within the app itself.

    Type the name of the library, or search for your city or zip code, and select your library from the list.

    If your local library is part of a connected system throughout your state, expect to find the name of the library system in this part rather than your specific branch.

    With your library located, if your library system has a lot of Kindle downloads available, you can confirm that you’ll be doing most of your reading on your Kindle, or on Libby itself. Select the one you like, and you’ll be asked to sign in with your library card right after.

    Type your library card number, and, if your library system has it, your library card PIN number. Your library PIN should have been set while you were in the library—contact the branch you visited if you do not remember the number to reset it.

    Tap “Sign In” and Libby will show you your account; You’ll be able to see how many books you have with Libby, and how many you’ve held, as well as how many loans and holds you’re allowed from the library.