This method combines the understanding of messaging with the immediacy of notetaking, creating an all-in-one way to remember and revisit important pieces of information. Whether trying to remember a grocery list, save an interesting article, or even share a document, texting yourself can be an incredibly multipurpose and handy tool.

In this guide, we explore the various platforms on which you can text yourself with a step-by-step guide for each.

Why text yourself?

There can be several reasons why someone might text oneself. You could have chosen to send yourself messages for whatever reason suits you. At the primary level, that can be to remind yourself of things you need to buy from a store, songs and movies you need to explore, places you have planned to visit with your family, or something related to work.  

Texting yourself doesn’t only relate to written words. It can include media like photos, videos, audio messages, and documents. You might want to keep some important work documents, digital tickets, and boarding passes within quick access. This will save you the hassle of finding them from email or hundreds of documents on your file manager.

You can also use self-texting to save links to important web pages. You can quickly grab a URL and send it to yourself to have a look later.

How to text Yourself on iMessage

Whatever the reason is for texting yourself, if you own an iOS device, here’s how you can send a text to yourself on iMessage:

1. From the Settings app, open the “Messages.”
   

   

2. Look for the “iMessage” option and tap on the toggle next to it. Make sure it turns green, which means it is on.
   

   

   After this, you need to add your contact on your phone to appear in the list of people you can text. Add your contact information here if not already added. Once it is done, you can send a text to yourself easily.
3. From your “Messages” app, tap the new message icon.
   
   
4. In the “To” box, write your name and select yourself as the recipient.
   

   

5. Type or paste whatever you want to send in the box below and tap “Send.”
   

   

You will receive a text message from your own number, and the conversation will be created. You can use it whenever you want in the future, just like conversation with others.

How to text yourself on WhatsApp?

WhatsApp is one of the top messaging apps around the globe. With its easy-to-use interface, universal accessibility, and several other features, WhatsApp has been a go-to texting tool for millions. WhatsApp recently introduced a feature of texting yourself, and it has become a handy tool for people who know its importance.

A contact is created with your number by default, and you can send text, images, videos, audio files, and anything you can share with others on the platform to yourself. It is displayed as “Me (You)” at the top of your WhatsApp contact list. To text yourself using WhatsApp:

1. Open the app and tap on the new message icon.
   

   

2. You will see a contact labeled “You” at the top of the contact list. Select it.
   

   

3. A conversation with yourself will open. You can send and share anything here.
   

   

How to text yourself on Facebook Messenger?

Facebook Messenger is another famous and commonly used messaging platform. It is one of the pioneers to introduce the ability to send a text message to oneself. Whether using the web version or the app, messaging yourself on Facebook Messenger is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

On the Facebook Messenger desktop app

1. Navigate to the Facebook Messenger desktop app and click on the “New Message.
   

   

2. In the “To” field, type your name, and then your profile will appear at the top, and click your profile.
   

   

3. Type your message or attach an image and click “Send.”
   

   

On the smartphone App

1. Open the Facebook Messenger app and tap the “New Message” icon (pencil shaped) at the top right.
   

   

2. Type your name in the search bar and select your profile from the dropdown list.
   

   

3. Enter your text message or choose an image from your camera roll. You can send everything to yourself here.
   

   

Now, you can easily send notes or reminders to yourself on Messenger!

How do you text yourself using Discord?

While Discord doesn’t natively support self-messaging, there’s a workaround method to do it. Here’s how you can message yourself using both Discord’s desktop and mobile platforms:

For Desktop Users (Windows and Mac)

1. Launch Discord and sign into your profile. Now click on the “Friends” tab on the left-hand menu.
   

   

2. Find and click the “+” sign next to “Direct Messages” to initiate a new group message.
   

   

3. Your contact list will appear for group inclusion. Proceed by clicking “Create DM” at the screen’s base.
   

   

4. With your new group (of just you) in place, you can type and send messages. You can revisit this space anytime via the “Direct Messages” section.
   

   

For Mobile Users (Android and iOS)

1. Open the Discord app and tap on the chat bubble with a “+” sign to craft a new group message.
   

   

2. You’ll see a group created with your own name. It is visible under “Direct Messages.” Pop in anytime to drop a note to yourself.
   

   

Using this method, you can have a personal chatroom on Discord for notes, links, or anything else you’d want to revisit.

Tips and Tricks for Texting Yourself

Make the most of texting yourself with these simple tips. Turn your messages into helpful reminders and easy-to-find notes.

• Keyword Consistency: Begin messages with specific keywords (e.g., “Reminder,” “Article,” “Idea”) to categorize and search them more easily later.
• Timestamps: Add dates or times to important reminders. This can be especially useful for tracking when you save specific information.
• Utilize Voice Messages: Most platforms allow for voice messaging if typing is inconvenient. Dictate your thoughts or reminders for quicker notetaking.
• Backup Regularly: Ensure you enable backups, especially using self-texting for essential notes and information. This ensures data safety even if the original messages are lost.

Conclusion

The post How to Text Yourself in iMessage, WhatsApp, Discord & More appeared first on Appuals.com.

What causes this Messenger problem?

The main cause of this issue is that the connection is not working properly. When it comes to connection, it could be about the connection of your network or the connection between the people on the call.

Besides this, another cause could be a bug or glitch that is happening to your Messenger app. These bugs can happen due to random inconveniences but will disappear with the new updates.

The cause can also be related to the permission of the camera or microphone because the video call won’t work without the permission needed. You should be also careful with your Bluetooth connection because it might recognize other devices as headsets.

How to fix this issue?

There are a few methods that you can do to fix this issue. These methods contain both the instructions for Android and Apple phones. Here are the methods:

1. Allow Camera permission

The first thing you need to do is to ensure that the permission for the Camera is enabled. You need to do this because the video call won’t work if the Camera is unusable.

Messenger should ask for permission automatically when you try to use the video call, but in some cases, the permission is denied and you don’t even know it. This is why you should access Settings and enable the permission for the Camera in case it is turned off.

You can also check the Microphone to see if the permission is enabled.

All you need to do is to go to the Settings of your phone and check for Permission. Here is a guide for Android, as well as for iPhone:

1.1 Allowing Camera Permissions on Android

You can easily check if the Camera has the permission needed from Settings. Here are the steps:

1. Go to the Settings of your phone and open them.

   

2. Now you need to access the Apps section.
3. Through the list of apps, search for the Messenger app and select it.

   

4. Select the Permissions button. You should be able to see it in the Privacy section.

   

5. Now you should be able to select the Camera section.

   

6. You need to select the Allow only while using the app option to enable it.

   

7. You can repeat this process with the Microphone as well to ensure that it is working.
8. Once you are done, test Messenger to see if the Voice Call works now.

1.2 Allowing Camera Permissions on iPhone

The instructions for allowing camera permissions on iPhone are very easy to follow. Here are the steps:

1. Look for the Settings and open them.
2. Scroll down until you find the Privacy & Security tab, then select it.

   

3. Now you need to access the Camera settings.

   

4. You will be able to see all the apps that use your Camera. Make sure that the toggle next to is enabled.

   

5. You can also check the Microphone to see if the permission is allowed.
6. Once you are done with that, test the Messenger to see if not it works.

2. Clear Camera cache

Another thing you can try is to clear the cache that your Camera app has. This cache consists of temporary files which are not needed for the app to work. In some cases, these cache files become corrupted and can affect your app.

By deleting the Camera cache, you will free up some intern space which can improve the performance of the app and might actually make the video call work.

This method is only available for Android users because you can’t delete the cache memory on iPhones.

You can clean the cache memory from the Settings of your phone. Here is a guide that will show you how to do it:

1. Open the Settings of your Phone.

   

2. Look for the Apps section, then select it.
3. Now through the list of apps, you need to find Camera. Access it when you see it.

   

4. Go to the Storage menu of the Camera app.

   

5. Now you will be able to see the Clear cache option. Select it and wait until the cleaning is complete.

   

6. When the cache has been cleaned, all that’s left to do is to check if the Messenger video call works now.

3. Check for connected Bluetooth devices

The Messenger not working issue might be also caused by your phone connecting automatically to other devices through Bluetooth. The problem is not the connection itself, but the fact that your phone recognizes other devices like SmartWatch as communication-related.

This affects the app because it is using the audio and microphone of the connected device, causing you to not hear the sound from the video call.

Note: This can happen on both the Android and iPhone.

All you need to do is to check if the Bluetooth is on. If the Bluetooth is on, check to see if there are any devices connected at that time.

Try to disconnect the connected device to see if you are able to use the Video Call properly.

The post Video Call Not Working in Messenger? Don’t worry, Try this! appeared first on Appuals.com.

Moreover, you will not be able to see who viewed your WhatsApp story, nor will your views be shown on other people’s stories. If none of these issues bother you, there is no harm in turning off the blue ticks; this might be for privacy reasons, or simply because you don’t want others to know when you have seen their messages.

How do I Hide the Blue Tick on WhatsApp?

Hiding the blue tick is a very easy process, and you’ll just have to turn off the read receipts. The steps are slightly different for Android and iPhone, so I’ll list both of them below.

On Android

1. Tap the three-vertical-dotted menu and select Settings.

2. Tap on Privacy.

3. Now toggle OFF the Read receipts option.

On iPhone

1. Tap Settings on the bottom right.
2. Go to Privacy.

3. Turn off the Read receipts option.

And that’s how simple it is to hide the blue ticks on WhatsApp. Incase you want to enable the Blue Ticks again, simple toggle on the Read Receipts option.

Even though the steps are straightforward, if you’re unable to perform one, let us know in the comments below and we’ll suggest a solution.

The post How to turn Blue Ticks ON or OFF in WhatsApp? appeared first on Appuals.com.

However, there may be times when you need to record important WhatsApp calls for future reference, such as interviews, meetings, or legal conversations. Let’s explore some of the easiest ways to record WhatsApp calls.

Can You Record WhatsApp Calls?

The answer is both YES and NO – it all depends on your intention and location. WhatsApp itself does not allow for any kind of call recording option meaning you cannot directly record WhatsApp calls. However, one can easily record WhatsApp calls using a range of third-party applications.

Recording a WhatsApp call without consent is not only unethical but can also have legal consequences. In countries such as Germany and Sweden, recording a conversation without the other person’s consent is considered a criminal offense that carries legal penalties. Additionally, recording calls without consent can damage your reputation and lead to a loss of trust with the people you communicate with.

So before you decide to record a WhatsApp call, make sure to ask for permission and respect the other person’s privacy. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

In the following sections, we will provide step-by-step guides on how to record WhatsApp calls using third-party apps and software, but please remember to do so legally and ethically.

How to Record WhatsApp Calls on Android?

If you’re an Android user and want to record a WhatsApp call, you’re in luck – there are several third-party apps that can help you do so. If you want to record both audio and video, you can use a screen recorder app. Otherwise, any voice recorder app will do.

Let’s explore both methods in detail:

Method 1: Record Video Calls Via a Screen Recorder App

A screen recorder app basically records everything occurring on your screen. It also offers the option to record the audio generated by the smartphone. Before we begin, keep in mind that this method can only record the video and not the audio over a video call.

1. Download a screen recorder app with a microphone option: There are several screen recorder apps available on the Google Play Store, but not all allow you to record call audio. Some of the applications we recommend include XRecorder, Vidma Screen Recorder, and AZ Recorder. For this guide, we will use XRecorder.
2. Download the application from Google Play Store. Upon opening the application, you will be asked for granting certain permissions. Firstly, give the permission for storage. This will allow the screen recorder to save the recorded videos to your phone’s storage.
   

   

3. Next, also give the access for microphone so that it can record audios, although this is not going to make any difference since the WhatsApp Calls’ audio will not be recorded. It will just record any music, or videos being played on your device. To do so, head to the “Settings” option on the bottom right of the application. Here, you will see the audio set to “Mute“. Click “Microphone” and then click “Allow” when the pop-up appears.
   

   

4. Also allow the app to “Show on Top of Other Apps”. This will allow it to record the screen and gain access over other apps as well. For example, enabling this setting will allow you to record the screen even while on another application such as WhatsApp, Facebook, or any game like Call of Duty.
5. You have to click the “Allow” button where it says “Show on Top” to enable this feature. This will also provide you with a widget of the app that will be hovering on your screen. 
   

   

6. Start the Screen Recording: To start recording the WhatsApp call, open the app and tap on the “+” button. This will offer you the option to take a screenshot or begin screen recording. Once you press “Record Video“, a countdown will begin, and the screen recording will start in 3 seconds. It’s crucial to first start recording and then make the call or the call may get disconnected.
7. Make the WhatsApp call: Open WhatsApp and make the call that you want to record. Once the call has started, you can switch back to the screen recording app.
8. Stop the Recording: Once the call is over, go back to the screen recording app and stop the recording with the “■” button to stop the recording. The video file will be saved in your phone’s gallery or in the app’s designated folder.
   

   

It’s important to remember that screen recording apps may not work on all Android devices and not all can record calls, so make sure to check your device’s compatibility before downloading the app.

Pro-Tip: If a screen recording app advertises that it can be used for call recording in the app description, it most likely can. However, this also depends on your device’s compatibility.

Method 2: Record a WhatsApp Audio Call Via a Voice Recorder App

Recording an audio call on WhatsApp is tricky, and not everyone seems to find luck with it. After testing several applications on several devices, we came up with the following method.

1. Download and install a voice recorder app on your Android device. Some popular options are Call Recorder – Cube ACR, Automatic Call Recorder, and Boldbeast Call Recorder. For this guide, we will consider the example of Cube ACR.
2. Open the app and grant the necessary permissions. This includes access to contacts, access to microphone, access to storage, and App Connector in Accessibility Settings (It will pop up automatically, simply press “Allow“). As you open the application for the first time, it will ask you to grant all these permissions. Simply click “Allow” on each pop up. From this point, by default, the application will automatically record your upcoming calls.
   

   

3. Launch WhatsApp and initiate a call with the person you want to record.
4. The recorded audio file will now be saved on your device.

This is the fastest way to record WhatsApp calls on Android and voice recorder apps are usually smoother than screen recorder apps. So, if you only need the call audio, a screen recorder app is ideal. Ideally, try to use your device’s default audio recorder so you don’t have to download any third-party apps.

Method 3: Use a Different Phone

Next up is one of the easiest ways to record WhatsApp calls. You can simply use another person’s phone and use their video recorder to record video and audio calls both. For regular calls, the audio call recorder will be fine too. This is by-far the easiest method, requires least interference with any high technology, and gives you a quick fix to the problem.

How to Record WhatsApp Calls on iOS?

In a nutshell, it is next to impossible to record WhatsApp audio calls on iOS. Be it third-party applications or in-built software, the WhatsApp audio calls cannot be recorded. iOS has a strong and secure interface that disallows any type of audio recording that compromises the integrity of a conversation.

Keep in mind that screen recording is allowed on Apple devices. However, if you are on a video call and try to record it, only the video will be recorded but not the audio.

Nonetheless, as stated above, the best option is to use another phone to record audio calls as well as video calls, and this method works for Apple devices too!

Final Thoughts

Recording WhatsApp calls can be a useful tool for both personal and professional reasons. Whether you’re preserving memories, conducting business calls, or just want to keep a record of important conversations, there are a variety of methods available for recording both audio and video calls on WhatsApp.

With the step-by-step guides provided in this article, you can easily record WhatsApp calls on your device of choice and take advantage of this powerful feature. So go ahead, hit that record button, and never miss an important conversation again!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Recording WhatsApp Calls on Any Device appeared first on Appuals.com.

Also, there might be some glitches in the app, including some other minor issues, which can be corrected instantly. You may also need to check your phone settings and see if it has any network restrictions.

Now if your device is compatible with the app and there are no network restrictions, follow the methods mentioned in this post, as they will help restore the network connection on Textnow.

1. Make Sure Your Sim is Activated

If you are using Textnow for the first time, and it does not show any network connection, possibly your sim is not activated. Sometimes people try to activate their sim; however, they do not use the correct method, or there is some glitch in the app. Thus, if your sim is not activated, follow the below-mentioned steps

For Apple devices:

1. Eject the nano-sized Textnow SIM card on your device.
2. Go to the Textnow app and sign in.

   

3. Tap on the Hamburger Menu.

   

4. Next, tap on Activate Data Plan.

   

5. Select I have a Sim to Activate and follow all the instructions that are shown on your screen.

   

6. Now, enter the last 4 digits of your MEID that are present on your Textnow SIM on the back side.

   

   As your SIM is already inside your device, you can go to your phone’s Settings > General > About. You can check the MEID number when you scroll down.

7. After this, follow these steps to set up your APN
   

• • Go to Settings and tap on Cellular.
  • Now click on Cellular Data Network, and in the APN field, add Textnow static.
  • In another APN Filed below the LTE Setup, add Textnow static.
  • Turn on the Airplane Mode, and turn it off after 10 seconds. Then open the Textnow app.

8. Go to your network connection and reset it.
9. Turn on the Airplane Mode and turn it off after 10 seconds.
10. Lastly, turn off your Wifi and by using the Textnow app, make calls or send a text to see if it works. With this, the activation is completed.

For Android devices:

1. Insert your Textnow SIM into your mobile.
2. Go to the Textnow app and open your account.
3. With this, your SIM activation will start. You will get a notification when the activation is completed.
4. Turn off Wi-Fi on your device and send a text or make a call using Textnow, which will help you check the network connection.

2. Force Stop the App

If the Textnow app on your phone is having some underlying issues and facing malfunctioning, a force stop will help solve the problem. It will eventually restart the Textnow app without losing any essential data or conversation.

Therefore, if you were using the app before and have data in it, you can simply do a force stop and see if it restores the network connection.

Another thing that you need to know is that if your data was not saved in the app, you might lose it if you do a force stop immediately after that.

1. Go to Settings > Apps.

   

2. Scroll down and select Textnow.

   

3. Tap on Clear Cache.

   

4. Finally, tap on Force Stop.

   

5. Go to the app, log back in, and re–enter your MEID number.

   

6. Restart your phone and check if the network connection is restored.

3. Restart Your Wi-Fi Router

If you are connected with your Wi-Fi, but the Textnow app on your device says that there is no network connection, there might be some problems with your Wi-Fi router. You may face this problem often if you do not reboot your Wi-Fi device frequently. Doing a restart will fix network issues or if there is a slow connection.

1. You can restart your Wifi device by unplugging the power and Ethernet cables.
2. You also have to remove the battery if your device uses one.
3. The process of shutting down may take up to 3 minutes.
4. Wait for 5 to 8 minutes, then turn on the device by connecting the power and Ethernet cables.
5. After this, force stop the app (follow the 2nd method), restart your phone, and send a text message or place a call to see if this solved the problem.

4. Check Your Account Details

If you brought a SIM, and it only works on Wi-Fi, you may have activated your SIM under a different account and used another account on the Textnow app. Thus, you may need to check your account details for this. Follow the below guide to review and change any of your account information:

1. Go to your TextNow app and enter your account information.

   

2. Tap on the menu in the upper–left and open the main menu.

   

3. Next, go to Settings.

   

4. After this, select Account. Through this, you will see all the information related to your account.

   

If you are not using the Textnow app, but using it on your browser, do the following steps:

1. In the top right corner, select My Account.
2. Click on the menu and then on Settings.
3. Go to Personal Info. By doing this, you can check all your account information.

If you have tried all the above methods, and there is still no network connection on your TextNow app, there is an issue with the SIM. Thus, you need to replace it. However, before any such step, ensure to contact Textnow support and tell them about the issue that you are facing.

The post Troubleshoot SIM Network Connection Issues in TextNow appeared first on Appuals.com.

Messenger is integrated deep into a user’s Facebook account and currently, it is not possible to deactivate Messenger without deactivating the Facebook account. If a user does not want to deactivate his Facebook account, then he may change Messenger’s online status (discussed later).

Also, there can be cases, where a user deactivated his Facebook account but is astonished to find that Messenger is still active and he may want to deactivate Messenger as well. Although, there may be some users who may think uninstalling the Messenger app may do the trick but as the user is trying to deactivate, not delete his account, means that the user may return to Messenger, and if his Messenger account is not deactivated, he may be bombarded with messages when reinstalling the Messenger app.

Effects of Deactivating Messenger

Once a user’s Messenger is deactivated, his profile will not be shown in the search results of Messenger or Facebook and other users will not be able to send him messages. However, the user’s messages, comments, chats, pictures, videos, etc. will still be visible to other users.

Deactivate Facebook Account

So, the first step in deactivating Messenger, a user must deactivate his Facebook account (if already deactivated, a user may skip the part). The process to deactivate the Facebook account on an Android phone and iPhone is nearly identical (as discussed below). Keep in mind in the case of a business Facebook account, admin-level access would be required to deactivate the Facebook account and Messenger.

1. Launch the Facebook app and open Menu by tapping the three horizontal bars.
2. Now expand Settings & Privacy and select Settings.

   

3. Then open Personal and Account Information and tap on Account Ownership and Control.

   

4. Now select Deactivation and Deletion and when asked to, enter the account’s password.
5. Then select Deactivate Account and tap on Continue to Account Deactivation.

   

6. Now select a reason for the account deactivation (like This is Temporary. I’ll be Back) and tap Continue.

   

7. Then select the time duration of the deactivation or may select Don’t Reactivate Automatically.
8. Afterward, tap on Deactivate My Account, and the Facebook account will be deactivated.

Deactivate Messenger

Once the Facebook account is deactivated, the user may continue to deactivate Messenger.

1. Launch the Messenger app and in the top left, tap on the user’s profile icon.

   

2. Now open Legal and Policies (or Privacy & Terms) and tap on Deactivate Messenger.

   

3. Then enter the account’s password and tap on Continue.

   

4. Now tap on Deactivate and Messenger will be deactivated.

   

If the Messenger’s deactivate button is not shown or working, make sure the Facebook account is deactivated and if so, you may reinstall the Messenger app to enable the deactivate button. Afterward, a user may follow the steps outlined above.

If the Deactivate button is not shown or working even after reinstalling the Messenger app, then a user may use a PC browser and head to the Settings page of Facebook. Now steer to the devices tab and make sure to disconnect everything (phone, PC, etc.) except the device used to access the Facebook website. Then deactivate the Facebook account through the website and make sure to deactivate Messenger as well by unchecking Keep Using Messenger in the process.

If a user only used his phone number to create a Messenger account, he must first create a Facebook account with the same phone number and then follow the instructions above to deactivate Messenger.

In the case of Messenger Lite, a user may deactivate it through the website.

Disable Active Status in Messenger

Some users may not be comfortable deactivating their Facebook account to just deactivate Messenger. These users may disable Show When You Are Active.

1. Launch the Messenger app and tap on the user profile picture.

   

2. Now open Active Status and disable Show When You’re Active.

   

3. Afterward, confirm to disable the Active Status.

Also, these users may limit their time (if time consumed on Messenger is an issue) on Messenger by using Screen Time (iOS) or Digital Wellbeing (Android).

The post How do I Deactivate Facebook Messenger? appeared first on Appuals.com.

In some instances, the error is reported on all the contacts, whereas, in others, only a particular contact or contacts from a particular carrier (like AT&T) were affected. Under some circumstances, the error only occurred occasionally.

The following can be easily considered as the main factors leading to the 2112 error on Sprint.

1. Enable and Then Disable the Phone’s Airplane Mode

A temporary glitch in the network modules of your phone can cause error 2112 on Sprint. Here, enabling/disabling the phone’s airplane mode may reinitiate the phone’s communication modules, thus clearing the Sprint error.

1. Open your iPhone’ Settings and locate the Airplane Mode.
2. Now enable the Airplane Mode by toggling its switch to on (green color shown in the switch) and then wait for a minute (the Sprint or T-Mobile notification should disappear near the signals bar).

   

3. Then, again, head to the Airplane Mode feature in the Apple phone Settings and disable your phone’s Airplane Mode by toggling its switch to off (grey color shown in the switch) and then wait till the iPhone properly receives the network signals (T-Mobile or Sprint may be shown near the signals bar).
4. Now resend the problematic SMS and check if it sends messages fine without showing the error 2112.
5. If the issue persists, check if disabling and enabling the phone’s Mobile Data clears the error.

2. Restart the Phone and Reinsert the SIM Card

You may encounter error 2112 on Sprint due to a glitch in the phone’s communication modules. Restarting your phone and reinserting the SIM card may clear the Sprint error under discussion.

1. Power off your phone and remove your SIM card from the phone.

   

2. Now power on the phone (without the SIM card inserted) and wait for a minute once powered on.
3. Then power off the phone and insert back your SIM card.
4. Now power on the phone (with the SIM card inserted) and check if its messaging error 2112 is cleared once fully powered on.
5. If not, remove the SIM card from the phone (while the phone is powered on, if your phone model supports doing so) and wait for a minute.
6. Now insert back the SIM card into the phone and once the signal bar shows Sprint or T-Mobile, check if the problematic SMS can be sent without the error 2112.

3. Refresh Your Phone’s PRL

Preferred Roaming List or PRL is a CDMA database used by Sprint (and Verizon) phones. PRL is provided and built by your carrier (here Sprint) and is essential for the phone to connect to the proper tower by searching for service provider IDs, radio bands, and sub-bands. If your phone’s PRL is corrupt, outdated, or invalid, then the phone may fail to perform certain network-related operations (like sending a message), resulting in the error 2112. Refreshing your phone’s PRL may resolve the Sprint error under discussion in this scenario. Keep in mind that steps 6 and onwards may not apply to non-Sprint phones. 

1. Open your phone’s dialer and dial the following code (the last # will not appear on the screen but the phone will restart):

   ##72786#

   

2. Now the phone will restart and will initiate the hands-free activation.
3. Once done, tap on OK and wait till the PRL is updated.
4. Once completed, tap on OK and again tap on OK to restart the phone.
5. Wait until the phone is properly powered on; hopefully, it will be clear of the error 2112 on Sprint.
6. If not, navigate to the Sprint phone’s Settings>> Phone Info >> Version>> PRL and tap on Updates.
7. Then navigate to the Settings>> General and tap on Update PRL.
8. Now head to the phone’s Applications>> Preferences menu and tap on Update PRL.

   

9. Once done, tap on the End key and check if the Sprint error 2112 is cleared.

4. Reset Network Settings of Your Phone to the Factory Defaults

This issue might also occur if your phone’s network settings are corrupt or incompatible with Sprint network requirements. In such a case, resetting your phone’s network settings to the phone’s defaults may clear the Sprint issue at hand. Do not forget to back up essential network info like Wi-Fi credentials or APNs. For illustration, we will go through resetting the iPhone’s network settings to their defaults.

1. Firstly, power off your iPhone and remove your SIM from the phone.
2. Now power on the iPhone and wait till it is properly powered on.
3. Then launch your iPhone’s Settings (from the Home screen or Control Center) and open General.

   

4. Now locate the Reset option in the General settings of the iPhone and open it by tapping on it.

   

5. Then press on Reset Network Settings and afterward, confirm to reset your iPhone’s Network-related settings to the phone’s defaults.

   

6. Once done, power off your iPhone and insert back the SIM into the iPhone.
7. Then power on the phone and set up the network on your iPhone.
8. Afterward, check if the problematic SMS can be sent without triggering the error 2112.
9. If the issue persists, reset network settings on the iPhone again but this time keep the SIM in the phone and then check if the phone is clear of the error 2112.

If that did not work, you may contact Sprint (or currently, T-Mobile) support to clear the 2112 error.

The post How to Fix “Error 2112” on a Sprint Network? appeared first on Appuals.com.

Unfortunately, scammers have started to capitalize on this reliance by targeting customers through text. If you’ve been hit by the US9514961195221 text scam or something similar, read on to figure out what your next steps should be so your hard-earned money does not fall into the wrong hands.

What is a Text Message Scam?

A text message scam (also referred to as “smishing”) is a type of fraudulent scheme carried out by scam artists via text message, similar to vishing. Scammers send out unsolicited messages that appear to be from a credible source (in this case, the United States Postal Service or USPS) asking them to visit a link redirecting them to a website.

Once a user clicks on the link, they are directed to a website that appears legitimate but is actually fraudulently designed to steal customers’ personal information. Details like a user’s name, address, date of birth, passwords, and credit card information can all be extracted. Scammers then capitalize on this information, using it to steal hundreds of dollars while customers remain entirely unaware.

Breaking down the “US9514961195221” scam

Recently many users have reported receiving text messages from what appears to be the United States Postal Service telling them that there has been a problem with delivering their order. The message claims that in order to receive their package, they will need to provide some more information about themselves, so their parcel can be redelivered and reach their home in time.

The tracking number written on the message is stated as US9514961195221, which, in actuality, is a fake number. 

The text message is written in a manner which conveys a sense of urgency—manipulating users to think that this is a grave problem which must be addressed immediately. Because of this, many may mindlessly click on the provided link which will lead them to a website impersonating that of USPS.

On the surface, it may look perfectly valid- using the same logo and design style as the actual USPS website. However, on closer inspection you may notice some flaws which set it apart.

Once a user has opened the website, it will begin to demand personal information and credit card information from the customer in order to pay for redelivery. This information may be sold to criminals on the dark web, used for identity fraud, make fraudulent purchases, or for other bad intentions.

Sometimes, the message may ask a customer to phone a specific number in order to get their issue resolved. Scammers may attempt to dupe users into paying for fictitious support services or installing a remote control tool that they represent as a computer diagnostics application.

It’s crucial to realize that once scammers gain access to a computer, they can install malware such as spyware, ransomware or Trojan horses, steal personal data, as well as compromise sensitive information.

In this particular scheme, scammers are impersonating USPS, operated by the US Federal Government- which is about as credible as it gets. Hence, most users receiving such a message will trust that the information being asked for will be safeguarded- allowing scammers to pull off a money-making scheme with little difficulty.

How to avoid falling prey to the US9514961195221 text scam

In the end, evading a text scam like the US9514961195221 boils down to observation. Below are a few elements to be on the lookout for when faced with a suspicious text message.

Tracking Number

By now, the tracking number US9514961195221 has been noted and marked as suspicious due to victims that have previously reported it. Hence, any message mentioning this number is most definitely a scam and should not be believed.

However, it is also possible that scammers employ the use of a different tracking number which is also fake to fool their victims. To ensure this is not the case, visit USPS’ tracker tool at https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction_input and paste the suspicious tracking number there. If the number is invalid, a message stating “Status Not Available” will be displayed on the screen.

Spelling and Grammar

Professional organizations like USPS are very thorough in their service, working with many employees at their disposal. If a message which claims to be from a reputable source contains technical errors like poor grammar and spelling mistakes, it may hint towards something more sinister.

Be sure to read through any messages received very carefully to avoid overlooking any technical mistake made by a rushed scammer.

Generic Greeting

If the text message you have received begins with a generic greeting referring to you as a “user” or “customer”, it may be a sign of deceit. Most corporations have access to your full name based on the details provided at the time of sign up, using it in all correspondence with their customers.

Although this is not a concrete reason to mark a text message as smishing, it may be part of a bigger picture so proceeding with caution is ideal.

Directing towards a shortened link

The biggest trap laid out by scammers is to provide users with a link where they are told their problem can be fixed. These urls may lead to fake websites which are impersonating legitimate ones. Even if you open the link and then later decide not divulge any information, you may still be affected, with malware like trojan horses and spyware being downloaded in the background.

Avoid clicking on links in general, instead choosing to go to the website directly and searching for your desired page. This way you can be sure your interaction is legitimate. In case you run into any issues, you can call a customer representative and fix any issue on the spot.

Sense of Urgency

Many times statements in text message scams are written in a way which encourages rapid, emotional reactions. The goal is for the recipient to respond to the communication right away, so that they don’t take too much time thinking about the logic behind it.

Fear is the most common emotion used by scammers, scaring users into thinking they have done something wrong which, if not rectified immediately, will result in major loss.

If you receive a text message containing the keywords “urgent”, or “hurry”, it may be wise to still take some time to examine the message further before immediately springing into action. This way, you can be sure of your next steps and avoid a disastrous situation.

Steps to take if I receive a fraudulent message

Smishing attempts are far too common, so the chances of you being faced with a text message scam are pretty high. If you’ve gone through the steps above and have concluded that the message you received looks fake, here are a few steps you can carry out to ensure your data and finances are safe from harm.

1. Never click on any links.
2. Delete the message from your Inbox and then subsequently from the Recently Deleted folder in your phone.
3. Block the phone number you received the text message from.
4. Run a security check on your phone to make sure no malware was installed.
5. Update your phone to the latest version of Android or iOS to ensure maximum security.
6. File a complaint to USPS so the source of such scam messages is targeted. Email a screenshot of the text message as well as the number it was sent from to spam@uspis.gov to ensure others do not fall victim to this trap.

Final Thoughts

In the age of smartphones and texting, every interaction is judged by its rapidness and convenience. The fast-paced nature of our lives has created an opportunity for scammers, capitalizing on users’ reliance on technology to swindle hundreds of dollars with very little effort. At this time, it is important to be on your toes regarding online communication in order to avoid becoming a victim. 

The post The “US9514961195221” USPS Text Message Scam & How to Avoid It appeared first on Appuals.com.

Now that we know the potential causes of this issue. Let’s get straight into fixing it.

1. Manually Sync the Contacts Saved in the Phone

WhatsApp syncs the contacts saved in your phone to show their names correctly. If contact sync fails for some reason, you won’t see the contact names in WhatsApp. However, manually syncing the contacts with WhatsApp can fix this problem. Follow these steps to sync contacts with WhatsApp:

1. Open the Settings app on your android phone
2. Swipe down until you find settings called ‘Accounts‘ and open it

   

3. Once the account settings open, you will find different accounts, there click on WhatsApp
   

   

4. Now inside the sync settings of WhatsApp, enable the ‘Sync Contact‘ button.

   

After the synchronization process is complete, get back to your main page of WhatsApp and check the contacts’ name, the issue should be resolved but if it’s not, follow along.

2. Allow Access to Contacts

If WhatsApp is unable to access the contacts due to a permission issue, you won’t be able to see contact names in WhatsApp. This can be fixed by allowing access to contacts manually. Follow these steps to allow WhatsApp to access contacts:

1. Open the Settings app again.
2. Navigate to ‘Apps‘ Settings (the name of this setting might be different for your phone.)

   

3. In the App settings, find WhatsApp and click on it to open its settings.

   

4. In these settings, find ‘App Permissions‘ and click on it.
5. In these permissions settings, find ‘Contacts‘ and allow its permission.

   

If this solution also doesn’t work, try reinstalling WhatsApp.

3. Reinstall Whatsapp

If you still can’t see the contact names on WhatsApp, you can reinstall Whatsapp, which will reset its permission and corrupted sync settings that are mainly causing this issue.

However, you will have to back up your chat and media data to ensure you don’t lose any data. You can quickly backup your data by following these steps:

1. Open WhatsApp
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner.
3. Now navigate to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
4. Press the green ‘Back Up‘ button.

   

5. Now, wait for the Back Up process to complete.

Once it’s completed simply uninstall the Whatsapp and install it again from Playstore.

The post Fix: WhatsApp Contacts Appearing as Phone Numbers in Android appeared first on Appuals.com.

So, the fact that malware and spam have made their way onto the platform is hardly surprising. This guide to delves deep into the logistics of how safe WhatsApp really is, and how you can avoid its most frequent fraud and security issues.

Is WhatsApp safe?

WhatsApp is more secure than other messaging apps since its data is encrypted from beginning to end. Therefore, it’s in the same bracket as other end-to-end encrypted services like iMessage, Facebook Messenger, Instagram Messages, Snapchat, and more. However, it’s not completely reliable either.

It’s important to remember that WhatsApp still needs your contact information even when your data is encrypted. Your privacy is still at risk, though to a lesser extent than without encryption.

Additionally, WhatsApp analyzes how much time you spend using the service. So, while WhatsApp can protect your privacy by encrypting your files, it still needs to gather certain information about how you use the app. Well, we guess that could be said of any app because almost all the apps gather your information in several ways.

Why WhatsApp security is in the spotlight

As several individuals purchase goods via messaging apps, conversing effectively in the commercial world is becoming increasingly important. Conversational marketing has been shown to boost brand loyalty, revenue, and productivity.

With over 2 billion monthly active users, WhatsApp is the obvious choice for organizations looking to initiate client messaging campaigns. Also, WhatsApp is releasing new commercial goods and services, making it an increasingly popular platform for companies to experiment with and develop chat-based apps.

More than five million companies are currently utilizing WhatsApp Business. In addition, 85% of satisfied WhatsApp clients never contact the brand via any other medium after receiving positive service. But you must ensure it’s secure and your clients are safe before you step on board. Here, we’ll eliminate those security fears so you can focus on confidently developing your approach to communication.

Is WhatsApp private?

WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption makes it so that all chats between the sender and the recipient are truly “private,” as no one but those two people can read the messages or access the transferred files. WhatsApp stores your chat history on its server for a maximum of up to 30 days, but it still cannot read those messages due to the encryption.

Because it relies on Wi-Fi rather than your mobile operator, sending a message using WhatsApp is free, no matter how far it needs to go. But if the message couldn’t be sent for some reason, WhatsApp would keep it stored in its server until it was properly sent. This means that, within that time being, WhatsApp can access your message.

Moreover, users of WhatsApp can adjust their own privacy settings. For example, you can set your profile’s visibility to let people know whether you’re online. In any case, keep in mind that Facebook now owns WhatsApp. When you use WhatsApp, the app keeps track of how often and for how long you use it and then shares that data with Facebook.

Why would WhatsApp not be safe?

WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption safeguards your messages from being intercepted and read while they travel from your device to their intended recipient. But it does not safeguard consumers from scamming and other forms of online fraud.

For instance, a typical WhatsApp scam involves the fraudster posing as a victim’s friend to get financial assistance. Most con artists pretend to be friends or family members to solicit money.

Users of WhatsApp should also exercise caution when it comes to anything delivered to them via the app. Malware can be downloaded into a phone if the user visits fishy websites or opens unknown attachments.

Scammers and con artists can use any means of contact they can get their hands on. Users should use caution while communicating with unknown numbers and refrain from giving out personal information to somebody they haven’t met in person.

What is End-to-End Encryption?

There have been instant messaging programs since the early days of the internet, but they were not particularly secure. One distinguishing feature was the use of plain text for all user chats. This implies that any third party or bad actor in the chain with access to the company’s servers may potentially read your chats.

Although encryption-in-transit became commonplace amongst services in the late 2000s, the service providers typically kept the decryption keys for user chats under lock and key. However, in recent years, several services have begun using end-to-end encryption (E2EE) to protect their users’ privacy and the secrecy of their chats.

If both the sender and the receiver use an end-to-end encrypted channel, only they will have access to the keys needed to decrypt the messages sent between them. Your chats are private and cannot be interpreted by the platform, your internet service provider, or any hacker who gains access to the encrypted data.

How Safe are WhatsApp Video Calls?

Video calls via WhatsApp are encrypted similarly to text messaging (more secure than other platforms, at least). WhatsApp uses an encrypted message as a “handshake” between call participants before a video call can begin.

You should feel comfortable confiding to the other person over a video conference. Though, keep in mind that your talk can still be secretly recorded on a screen and shared with the world. Malicious devices can also record audio and video by spying on the screen, speakers, camera, and microphone, but all this is quite rare.

How Does the Company use Your Data?

WhatsApp sends user information to Facebook Inc., now known as Meta, which shares it with various other companies. When a user contacts a business via WhatsApp, the Facebook-owned messaging app may share the user’s profile information with Facebook.

“Our Services are operated, provided, improved, understood, customized, supported, and marketed in part by third-party service suppliers and other Facebook Companies,” as stated in their privacy policy. All of the Facebook Company’s products may use this data to serve you in the future better.

For example, making recommendations tailored to your interests, displaying content and ads that are more relevant to you, and facilitating the completion of transactions and purchases. Just think of how whatever you search on Google always seems to pop up in your Facebook feed right after. That’s those cookies at work, and WhatsApp is part of the equation here.

Facebook insists it does not sell user information. Still, it does provide access to information to a wide variety of third parties who utilize its analytics services, advertising companies, measurement partners, partners who sell goods and services related to Facebook products, vendors and service providers, researchers and academics, law enforcement agencies and others who have legitimate requests for such information.

Encrypted Backups

You now know that WhatsApp secures your messages from your smartphone to the recipients. Simply put, when you send a message, your device encrypts it before sending it, and only the recipient’s device can decode it. Even WhatsApp’s own staff is unable to read the encrypted messages.

But are the messages still safe if your gadget decrypts them? The WhatsApp messages you send from your smartphone are safe. This is since WhatsApp’s encrypted backups of your messages and media files on your Android or iOS device.

Here is something that you probably don’t know:

WhatsApp can back up data locally or to the cloud. Messages are secure whether your cellphone stores them locally or on the cloud. WhatsApp chats can be backed up to either Google Drive or iCloud, depending on whether you use an Android or iOS smartphone.

Unfortunately, your WhatsApp chats are not protected with end-to-end encryption on either the Google or Apple platforms. A keen hacker might just be able to break through and steal important data, however, security measures on their servers make it more difficult for attackers to access your information.

How to Keep your WhatsApp Data Secure

Your conversations and phone calls are encrypted and safe within the WhatsApp chat platform. App data can be backed up on Android and iOS devices, which is helpful if you need to restore your data to a different device.

Data stored in WhatsApp could be compromised if your iCloud or Google Drive backup is accessed, as mentioned above. Nonetheless, there is an answer: Backup encryption is supported but is turned off by default. Encrypting your WhatsApp backups is a must if you care about the safety of your data. Here is how to do so:

• Open the WhatsApp application
• On an iPhone, go to General > Settings. To access Android‘s settings, click the menu button (three dots) in the upper right
• Tap Chats
• Choose “Chat Backup” from the menu
• Turn on “End-to-end Encrypted Backup” option by selecting it from the menu

Install and Update WhatsApp from Reliable Source

The importance of downloading WhatsApp from a secure location should never be ignored. The official release is the safest option, while APKs from third-parties could be a bit dicey. You may get WhatsApp and its updates through their official website or the app store for your smartphone or computer, such as the Apple App Store, Google Play, or the Microsoft Store.

1. Do Not Open Unknown Files

When people download and open files, specifically from unknown senders, they risk being the victim of a cyberattack or other security issues. Though you have no control over receiving such materials, you can protect yourself from infection by keeping them sealed and not opening them.

2. Be Cautious to Add Strangers as Friends

Accepting a message request from someone you don’t know is risky. Additionally, you are strongly advised not to add random people as friends. Even if you’re a largely reclusive person, you will receive the odd message from an unknown WhatsApp contact every once in a while, simply ignore it and delete the conversation. You can chose to block and report the person if you’re sure that they have malicious intents.

3. Avoid Connecting to Open Wi-Fi 

You may connect to many Wi-Fi networks while traveling, some of which do not require a password, especially if you’re in a public place. Stay away from the free or open Wi-Fi networks; do not connect to them. Hackers often use these networks to get into their victims’ computers or smartphones.

4. Log Out of WhatsApp Web

WhatsApp Web was released so customers could send and receive messages from their personal computers, when away from their phones. Connecting your mobile device to WhatsApp Web enables you to do much more than just send and receive messages, it unlocks the full feature-set of WhatsApp on any Chromium-based browser.

Many users don’t log out of WhatsApp Web after they’ve closed out the conversation, leaving themselves open to surveillance and hacking. Even though it’s on your laptop and protected by a password, that doesn’t guarantee it’s safe. If your laptop or desktop computer is online and not password-protected, hackers can easily gain access to it.

The Final Thoughts

WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption makes it more secure than most messaging services and puts it on an industry-standard pedestal. WhatsApp does not have access to your chats, only you and the person intended to receive your message can actually read it.

Nevertheless, WhatsApp has several security flaws and issues creep through the cracks just like in any other social media platform. It is up to you to exercise the best security practices and to stay vigilant in case of spam attacks. As long as you avoid suspicious links, unknown accounts, and keep encryption on, you are in the safe.

The post Is WhatsApp Safe? All You Need to Know About WhatsApp’s Security appeared first on Appuals.com.