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Flight Canceled or Changed? How to Get a Cash Refund, Not Just a Voucher

Federal rules say when an airline owes you a cash refund for a canceled or significantly changed flight. Here is what counts, how fast the money must arrive and the steps to take.

How to Turn On Automatic Updates on Your iPhone, Android, Windows PC and Mac

Updates patch the security holes attackers use. Here is where to switch on automatic updates on an iPhone, Android phone, Windows 11 PC and Mac, using the companies’ own instructions.

Veterans Day Is Nov. 11: How to Request a Free Copy of Your DD-214 and Military Records

Lost your DD-214, or need a late parent’s service records? Here’s how to request them free from the National Archives online, by mail or through milConnect, and how long it takes.

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How to Check Whether an Unknown Tracker Is Following You (iPhone and Android)

Item trackers like AirTags can be misused to follow people. Here is how to turn on alerts, scan manually and handle a warning on iPhone and Android.

How to Turn Down Personalized Ads on Your iPhone, Android and Google Account

A few settings on your phone and Google account limit how much of your activity is used to target ads. Here are the exact steps, with what each one does and doesn’t do.

How to Lock Your Phone Number Against SIM Swap Scams (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile)

Scammers who hijack your phone number can get your login codes. Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile all offer free locks that block SIM swaps and number transfers. Here’s where to find them.

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How to Protect Holiday Packages From Porch Theft (and What to Do if One Goes Missing)

Free USPS and UPS tools can cut the odds of a stolen package. Here’s what to do if one still disappears.

How to Download Offline Maps on Your Phone Before Holiday Road Trips

No signal on the highway? Here’s how to download Google Maps and Apple Maps areas ahead of time, what still works offline, and how to keep them updated.

How to Shop Online Safely on Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Black Friday is Nov. 27 and Cyber Monday is Nov. 30. Here is a short routine for paying safely, spotting fake shops and knowing what to do if something goes wrong.

How to Set Up a Legacy Contact on Your Apple and Google Accounts

Both Apple and Google let you name someone to reach your account data after you die, but only if you set it up first. Here are the steps, limits and gaps.

Flight Canceled or Changed? How to Get a Cash Refund, Not Just a Voucher

Federal rules say when an airline owes you a cash refund for a canceled or significantly changed flight. Here is what counts, how fast the money must arrive and the steps to take.

How to Dispute a Credit Card Charge: Deadlines, Steps and Your Rights

Found a charge you don’t recognize or never received? Here’s how the federal dispute process works, including the 60-day deadline and what your card issuer must do.

How to Turn On Automatic Updates on Your iPhone, Android, Windows PC and Mac

Updates patch the security holes attackers use. Here is where to switch on automatic updates on an iPhone, Android phone, Windows 11 PC and Mac, using the companies’ own instructions.

How to Freeze Your Credit for Free at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion

A credit freeze blocks new accounts in your name and costs nothing. Here’s how to place, lift and refreeze one at all three bureaus, per the FTC and each bureau.

Veterans Day Is Nov. 11: How to Request a Free Copy of Your DD-214 and Military Records

Lost your DD-214, or need a late parent’s service records? Here’s how to request them free from the National Archives online, by mail or through milConnect, and how long it takes.

How to Check Whether an Unknown Tracker Is Following You (iPhone and Android)

Item trackers like AirTags can be misused to follow people. Here is how to turn on alerts, scan manually and handle a warning on iPhone and Android.

How to Turn Down Personalized Ads on Your iPhone, Android and Google Account

A few settings on your phone and Google account limit how much of your activity is used to target ads. Here are the exact steps, with what each one does and doesn’t do.

How to Lock Your Phone Number Against SIM Swap Scams (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile)

Scammers who hijack your phone number can get your login codes. Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile all offer free locks that block SIM swaps and number transfers. Here’s where to find them.