How is 2021 shaping up so far? January has been eerily quiet so far. That said, we did get Unity 2021.1 beta, which offers a glimpse at the immediate future of mobile game development, along with a smattering of other developments. Read on for the full scoop.
News and features from Android Authority
News and features from the web
Unity 2021.1 beta is available for feedback — The biggest news this month is the beta release of Unity 2021.1. Developers will be able to play around with useful quality-of-life improvements, Point light Shadows via the Universal Render Pipeline, and a faster, more powerful editor. The most transformative update, however, comes in the form of Visual Scripting. This will enable creators from all backgrounds to implement basic logic without writing a line of code, similar to the tool seen in Unreal Engine. Let us know in the comments below if you’d like more of a deep dive into this in the future.
Unreal Engine 4.25 released! — While this is actually news from December, it seems only fair to mention that Unity 2021.1 comes on the heals of Unreal Engine 4.26. While most mobile developers gravitate toward Unity for its ease-of-use, Unreal is still widely used. The new release brought more realistic animated characters with better strand-based hair and fur rendering, a Volumetric Cloud component for a believable atmosphere, and more.
A Performance Heads-Up Display (HUD) for Chrome — Google announced that it will be bringing a “Performance Heads-Up Display” for Chrome. This will let developers see data from the Core Web Vitals extension and will work on Android too. That includes First Input Delay and Largest Contentful Paint to optimize website performance. If it leads to a faster and more efficient internet experience, it can only be a good thing!
After a quiet January, February really kicked things off for developers with the release of Android 12 Developer Preview.
Android 12 DP is a very early version of the new operating system and (presumably) leaves a lot out. That said, there’s still plenty to unpack. Most important are a new copy-paste feature, wider media compatibility, and more consistency in the implementation of gestures.
February also brought us a host of other new tools, reports, and news. You’ll find everything you need to know right here.
News and Features From Android Authority
Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority
News and Features From Around the Web
All the Android development news from January 2021
There are a lot of random errors in macOS. One of them is the inability to verify that an app is free from malware. It’s a fairly common issue, especially when you download apps from websites instead of the Mac Store. Luckily, it’s not terribly difficult to fix, and we’ll explain more about the error, what it means, and when to take it seriously. Here’s how to fix it when macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware.
To bypass “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware”, open Finder and navigate to Applications. Find the app giving you trouble. From there, command+click on the app and select Open. When the next window opens, select Open again to open the application.
JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS
What causes the problem, and is it safe?
Joe Hindy / Android Authority
Every Mac device has something called Gatekeeper installed. Gatekeeper is a security technology that scans and analyzes any app you intend to install on your Mac. You can actually edit Gatekeeper’s settings a little bit by going to System Preferences, then Privacy & Security, and then clicking on the General tab.
In any case, when you see this error, it’s exactly what it says. The software you’re trying to install can’t be verified by Gatekeeper, so Gatekeeper can’t promise you that the app doesn’t contain malware. It’s meant to be a warning more than an error, and it simply means that the developer hasn’t had their app notarized by Apple.
This is a fairly common issue with third-party apps and especially with independent apps. The warning doesn’t necessarily mean the file is actually dangerous, it simply means that the app was never looked over by Apple. It’ll be up to you to decide if you trust the developer enough to ignore the warning and continue the installation.
How to fix “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware”
Joe Hindy / Android Authority
It’s not a difficult task to bypass the verification warning. This should work for all apps on modern macOS.
Open Finder and navigate to the Applications folder.
Once there, find the app you want to open. Click on it using command+click or double click the trackpad if you’re using a Macbook.
Tap Open.
You’ll get another warning box about macOS not being able to verify the developer. This time, however, there is an Open button in the window. Click it.
The app should open normally.
In our testing, we found that simply opening the app a second time from the Launchpad also gave you an Open prompt, but that may be a newer feature. The steps above should work for most.
Bypass the warning with Terminal
Joe Hindy / Android Authority
As with most problems, you can bypass Gatekeeper with a simple Terminal command. However, the command is rather powerful and turning off Gatekeeper can have negative effects. We only recommend you use this method if you turn Gatekeeper back on later.
Open Launchpad and search for Terminal.
Once Terminal is open, type sudo spctl –master-disable and hit enter.
Enter your password and hit enter again.
You may need to reboot your Mac before it’ll work, but that should work.
Pro-tip — When you’re finished, go back into Terminal and type the same command as above, but replace disable with enable and hit enter. Enter your password and hit enter. This will re-enable Gatekeeper to keep your Mac safe.
This should work in scenarios where the official method doesn’t work. Again, make sure you turn Gatekeeper back on eventually since it is a valuable security tool on your Mac.
If you find the new TikTok Now app familiar, you’re not wrong. TikTok has essentially created a clone of another increasingly popular app, BeReal, where users are prompted every day, at a random time, to take a picture with their front and back phone cameras. Aside from a few features, the biggest difference between the two apps is their name. Here’s everything you need to know right now.
In the US, TikTok Now is a new feature of the TikTok app that sends you and your friends a daily notification to capture a video or a photo using both front and back phone cameras to share what you’re doing at the moment quickly. Outside the US, TikTok Now has been rolled out as a standalone mobile app for iOS and Android.
KEY SECTIONS
What is TikTok Now?
To understand TikTok Now, we first need to discuss a different social media app called BeReal. BeReal is a popular French social app that came out in 2020 based on the idea of authenticity. Basically, it prompts users to take an unfiltered photo using the front andback of their camera at a random time of day so people can seewhere they are and what they’re doing. There are no filters and no time to stage a scenic snapshot. Not the best app if you’re having an affair or heading organized crime, but other than that, it gives friends a more realistic window into their day.
They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but it’s hard not to call TikTok a copycat in this case. Seemingly, the main difference is that BeReal is strictly for photos, while TikTok Now allows users to choose between taking a static photo or a 10-second video. Also, TikTok Now gives users three minutes to post versus BeReal’s two minutes, perhaps leaving you a little extra time to ensure your hair is nice.
TikTok is still “experimenting” with the new feature at the moment, meaning TikTok Now can be accessed via the TikTok app in the U.S. In other areas of the world, however, TikTok Now may appear as an entirely separate app. See the next section for how to use TikTok Now, depending on where you live.
How to use TikTok Now
TikTok Now, the feature, is available for US users. With the most recent update, you will find the Now button along the bottom navigation bar, next to the posting button. Tap the Now button (lightning icon) to see an Explore Feed of TikTok Nows — or, as TikTok calls it, “a daily photo and video experience” — from the “people who matter the most.” In plain English, this means Now posts that are trending or those from mutual followers.
Adam Birney / Android Authority
After activating the new feature, you will receive a daily prompt to capture a 10-second video or a static photo to share what you’re up to. Users must be 18 or older to share their TikTok Now posts on the Explore Feed. For users 13 to 15, only your friends (people you follow who follow you back) will be able to see and comment on your posts. See how to change your age on TikTok if your account settings aren’t correct.
The TikTok Now app
In regions outside the US, TikTok Now is available as a standalone app. The app works a lot like the TikTok Now experience currently baked into the TikTok app within the US. But, as a separate mobile app you must download, it allows users to opt-in to receive push notifications for check-ins. This is handy if you prefer your TikTok app notifications silenced but want to be alerted of new Nows.
Whereas BeReal alerts its users via push notification, telling them that “it’s time to BeReal” with alert emojis, TikTok Now’s notification is similar, alerting users its “Time to Now” with lightning emojis. Different window dressings for the same function.
Adam Birney / Android Authority
Since launching the app on September 18th, 2022, TikTok Now has reached the top 100 iPhone Social Networking apps in five markets; Madagascar, Mozambique, Kenya, Malta, and Singapore. BeReal already has nearly three million people using the app daily, so time will tell whether or not TikTok Now can catch up.
It shouldn’t be a surprise that TikTok is attempting to cash in on BeReal’s fame; top companies are always taking inspiration from one another or introducing comparable features. For example, YouTube Shorts imitated TikTok’s short-form portrait-styled videos. TikTok may be the first, but we doubt it will be the last to cash in on BeReal’s trendy feature.
Yes, click on Memories from your profile page and select the calendar date of the post you wish to delete. Tap the three-dot icon above the post and select Delete.
TikTok Now will send you a notification every 24 hrs, but there is no exact time or schedule. If you haven’t opened the app for a while, you will likely receive a reminder notification sooner.
Yes, you will need to log in or sign up with a TikTok account to use TikTok Now. The same account is used for both apps.
Google first showed off the Pixel 7 series back in May at its I/O 2022 conference, revealing two phones that seemed more iterative than revolutionary.
Both devices offer similar designs to the Pixel 6 series, featuring those camera visors, center-mounted punch-hole cutouts, and near-identical camera specs to last year. You’d be forgiven for thinking these were Pixel 6 variants. But there’s a strong argument to be made that this is exactly what the Pixel line needs.
A history of flip-flopping
Robert Triggs / Android Authority
It’s easy to see a historic lack of commitment to consistency when looking at older Pixel hardware. Each successive device often felt like an experimental release rather than part of a cohesive product line and long-term strategy. It’s almost as if the company decided on features by throwing darts at a board.
Perhaps the most prominent example of this was the Pixel 4 series ditching the Pixel 3 line’s rear fingerprint scanner, dual selfie cameras, and single rear camera in favor of 3D face unlock, a single selfie camera, and main/tele dual rear cameras. The move to 3D face unlock meant the phones couldn’t be sold in some markets (such as India), owing to the use of Soli radar tech to start facial recognition as soon as you reached for the phone.
Google has historically taken a scattershot approach to its Pixel phone strategy, making major changes on what seems like a whim.
Then there was the Pixel 5, which ditched the Pixel 4’s flagship power for a mid-range chipset and abandoned a main/telephoto camera setup for a main/ultrawide combination. Google has been a bit more consistent with its software features, but you never really knew what you were getting with Pixel hardware.
This inconsistency is also reflected in the numerous problems we’ve seen with Google phones over the years. Whether it’s the original Pixel’s bootloop and microphone woes or the Pixel 3 and 4’s rear cover coming off, it seemed like every release was accompanied by a serious issue of some kind.
The Pixel line’s lack of focus might also be partially to blame for numerous hardware and software woes.
These defects aren’t a thing of the past either; Google’s current Pixel 6 series suffers from numerous problems. The company’s semi-custom Tensor chipset is prone to heating, while its poor wireless connectivity has also been well-documented. The phones have also suffered from software bugs related to fingerprint scanners, phone calls, Bluetooth, and more.
Why consistency would help the Pixel 7
The looming Pixel 7 series phones, on the other hand, seem to represent a more iterative Google rather than a company starting from scratch once again. And there are plenty of reasons why this is a good thing.
The biggest reason to welcome an evolutionary Pixel series release is that it gives Google an opportunity to focus on fixing these aforementioned problems it encountered with the Pixel 6 family. After all, it’s not starting from zero again, which means it doesn’t need to spend a ton of time on aspects like hardware and the overall design.
The time it would’ve spent on a complete rework will hopefully, therefore, go to addressing software issues, for one, making the bug swarm of the Pixel 6 series launch a thing of the past. It also means Google can theoretically refine its Tensor processor in a bid to reduce the overheating and unreliable connectivity.
Google can focus on solving Pixel 6 pain points as it’s not starting from scratch with the Pixel 7.
An evolutionary approach also means Google can focus on refining what already works, such as the cameras. Google stuck with a 12MP main camera for years, allowing it to polish its image processing with each successive Pixel release until it decided to adopt a 50MP sensor with the Pixel 6 series. All signs point to the 50MP sensor being retained, giving Google a chance to fine-tune its image processing and algorithms once again.
Do you think a more iterative Pixel release is a good thing?
453 votes
Finally, this approach also potentially frees up resources for future Pixel feature drop updates. Plus, the shared hardware DNA between the two Pixel generations could potentially allow for the Pixel 6 to gain Pixel 7 features down the line.
Aside from software fixes and product refinement, there’s also an over-arching potential benefit to taking an evolutionary approach. This strategy could help Google lay the foundation for future growth.
An opportunity to address what the Pixel actually is
Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority
Even if Google isn’t able to address every single major Pixel 6 problem with the Pixel 7 release, a more familiar phone will allow the company to refine its smartphone strategy in general. Although its phones offer great camera processing, years of updates, and some innovative software features (e.g. Call Screening, Recorder), Google hasn’t really done a fantastic job of communicating why people should buy its phones in years gone by. At least not to the mainstream public, which was reflected in its shipment figures for the longest time prior to the Pixel 6 family’s release. But that’s changing.
The switch to semi-custom silicon and a consistent design language suggests Google is finding its Pixel strategy footing.
There are signs that the company is indeed drilling down on a strategy, with the firm’s Tensor processor playing a crucial role. The semi-custom chipset is packing plenty of machine learning power, which Google uses for differentiating features such as offline voice dictation, Magic Eraser, and face unblur. We already know that the Tensor G2 is coming to the Pixel 7 series, so we’re expecting Google to build on this already impressive foundation for more AI-powered features.
Another sign of Google finally adopting a consistent strategy for the Pixel line is simply the Pixel 7’s look. The design is broadly in line with the Pixel 6 series, featuring the distinctive rear camera bar that shows an effort to maintain a cohesive design language across generations. We haven’t seen this from a Pixel flagship line since the Pixel 3 series. That’s really important; you certainly won’t mistake the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series for Samsung or Apple imitators.
A more iterative Pixel 7 allows Google to keep going uphill instead of stopping to change wheels once again.
All of these points suggest that Google and the Pixel team are finally pulling in one direction. A more iterative Pixel 7 release means Google isn’t reinventing the wheel this year, but it does allow the company to keep going uphill instead of stopping to change wheels once again.
Considering we sleep every day, you’d think we’d be better at it. Instead, most people don’t get nearly enough shut-eye. If you find yourself yawning through the afternoon or relying heavily on overcaffeinated beverages, you might be running low on rest. Luckily, a device you’re already wearing can help: that’s right, the best smartwatches can also help you get better sleep.
How do smartwatches help you get better sleep?
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
Smartwatches and fitness trackers measure everything from the steps we take to the calories we burn. With advanced sensors, many even count our heartbeats and monitor our SpO2. Offering apps and smartphone connectivity, they also help us manage calendars, communication, and tasks, and in turn, alleviate stress. In short, smartwatches are powerful tools for handling day-to-day life. But what about the nights between?
Between promoting activity and alleviating stress, wearables can also impact users’ sleep. For starters, your smartwatch can help you build healthy habits. These may include regular workouts, more daily walks, or mindfulness. When its time to sleep, many devices offer overnight tracking as well as advanced sleep analysis. These tools include broad view data about your nighttime behaviors that can garner insight into what’s holding you back from better rest.
In the US, one in three adults doesn’t get enough sleep, with very real health consequences. Not only can inadequate rest have long-term consequences such as obesity, diabetes, and depression, but it can also make you irritable, anxious, or bad at your job. Or anxious about being bad at your job. Follow the tips below to dig deeper into how you can substitute your smartwatch for counting sheep. We’re not saying it will tuck you in or pour a glass of milk, but it might just help you better train to turn down.
Set a sleep schedule
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
When it’s time to power down, humans don’t come with a simple switch. Adults should aim for at least seven hours of sleep per night. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to start another episode, or while away hours scrolling social media. On the back end, jobs, kids, dogs, and other responsibilities often make early mornings unavoidable. You can take control of your downtime by setting up a sleep schedule and your smartwatch can help.
Set a bedtime that allows for seven or more hours of sleep
Set the same wake time every morning, even on weekends
Establish a relaxing wind-down routine
Make Do Not Disturb a mantra
Most smartwatches offer helpful tools like alarms, night modes, and sleep schedules. Others allow you to set a wind-down routine and will ping you when it’s time to get ready for bed. Some apps will prompt you to drink an herbal tea, or put an end to screen time. Smarthome-compatible apps can even help get your environment set by turning down the temperature, or dimming lights. Dig into the offerings on your device to streamline as much of your bedtime routine as possible. A regular sleep schedule, including a consistent wake time, will lead to better quality rest.
Get enough activity
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
The relationship between sleep and fitness is quite symbiotic. Proper rest facilitates better workout sessions. Regular activity helps your brain (and body) prepare for sleep. If you want to get to bed at night, the first step is a healthy, active day. That means maintaining a healthy weight as well, as people who are overweight are more likely to suffer from disorders such as sleep apnea or insomnia.
Track your activity
Establish accountability via apps or challenges
Set a schedule to avoid exercising too close to bedtime
Wearables are nothing if not pushy gym partners. With stand reminders, auto-activity tracking, and motivational elements like Apple’s famous rings, most smartwatches aim to help users get moving. Determine your current fitness level and set realistic activity goals that will keep you accountable (without burning you out). The American Heart Association suggests adults get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week. If you abhor running, test out other sport modes such as HIIT or cycling. If you lack self-discipline, gamify your fitness with on-device challenges. Sign up for a program or training schedule using tools such as Fitbit Premium or Garmin Coach.
If your device doesn’t feature a native health app with charts, challenges, and streak logs, these features are just a download away. The App store and Google Play Store are both loaded with fitness apps.
Eat (and drink) a sleep-conducive diet
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
It is extremely complicated to research the complex relationship between sleep and specific diets. However, it is broadly understood that we should all aim for a healthy diet rich in vitamins and nutrients. And we probably shouldn’t be housing donuts. The best diet for better sleep is a balanced one. According to the Sleep Foundation, avoiding foods and beverages that can make it harder to get to sleep, such as caffeinated drinks or spicy foods, is also an important aspect of sleep hygiene. Alcohol in particular can worsen obstructive sleep apnea.
Log food to determine consumption habits
Use tracking tools to eat a healthy diet
Set a nighttime routine
Closing the kitchen well before bed also plays a part. While you don’t want to hit the hay hungry, eating too close to bedtime can affect your ability to catch Zs. Most importantly, a healthy diet is essential to maintaining a healthy weight, and a healthy weight often results in more restorative rest. (If you’re not catching on yet, this is all very interconnected.)
Smartwatches can help users manage their diets as well as their routines. With calorie tracking apps keeping a food journal has never been easier. Many of us don’t even realize what we’re consuming regularly, especially in the twilight hours of exhaustion. Smartwatch users can also set reminders to stop snacking at a certain hour each night. Perhaps even prompting a thorough tooth brushing. The double benefit being you can get that out of the way before dozing off on the couch.
Manage stress
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
Another cyclical relationship that may be impacting your rest is that of sleep and stress. Anxiety and stress are major contributors to insomnia as well as other sleep conditions. Meanwhile, lack of sleep and exhaustion often causes more stress. Take advantage of stress management tools on your device including mindfulness content and breathing exercises. Offerings will vary depending on the smartwatch ecosystem but most popular companies now have at least basic stress tools incorporated into their devices.
Review stress tracking data and resources
Utilize breath work apps and other stress management tools
Set mindfulness reminders
Don’t lose sleep over sleep tracking data
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
If digging through data gives you anxiety, pull on the reins. Sleep tracking on smartwatches is only useful if it adds value to your experience. While you shouldn’t ignore if your trends show extreme sleep deprivation, you also don’t want to stay up late worrying about perfect REM cycles. Sleep tracking tools are meant to help you get rest, not add to your stress.
Focus on the broad view of your data
Ditch detailed tracking if it becomes overwhelming
Tap into tools that do the work for you
Many companies do the work for you by summing up your data with a single score each morning. Fitbit recently launched Sleep Profile, a new program for analyzing data on a monthly basis. Samsung offers a similar experience on its Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 4 series devices. These features eliminate the guesswork so you can keep tabs on your rest without a ton of effort.
That being said, consumer sleep trackers also aren’t as accurate as a clinical sleep study. Whether you pour over your sleep stages or just glance at your sleep score, sleep tracking shouldn’t cost you any sleep. Don’t get bogged down in the details. Do see a doctor if you have serious concerns.
Android’s Game Dashboard debuted earlier this year for the Pixel 6 series.
It now seems Google is quietly rolling out the feature to more Pixel phones.
It’s possible the feature could find its way to non-Pixel phones.
If you’re someone who likes to play games on your phone and you’re a Pixel 6 owner, then you may be familiar with Android’s Game Dashboard. Originally only available on the Pixel 6 series, the feature is now quietly appearing on other smartphones.
Earlier this year, Android 12 introduced a new feature for mobile gamers called Game Dashboard. The feature appears as a user interface that allows you to quickly take screenshots, keep track of your frames per second (fps), record gameplay, and even stream to YouTube directly. You’ll find it in the top right corner of the screen where a controller icon appears.
According to Sr. Technical Editor of Esper, Mishaal Rahman, the feature was tied to SystemUIGoogle, exclusive to Pixel phones, and only enabled on the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. However, Rahman said that it appeared Google was working on a way to bring it to Google Play Services.
By the time Android 13 came out, Google had accomplished the task of making the dashboard a part of Google Play Services. As a result, Android 13 ended up bringing the feature to the Pixel 6a. Now that Android 13 is more widely available, it appears that the feature is now finding its way to older Pixel devices.
According to Rahman, owners of the Pixel 4 and 5 series have started to find Game Dashboard on their devices. If you want to see if your phone has the feature, all you have to do is go to Settings and scroll down and click on Google. If you have the feature, you’ll see Game Dashboard in the list below and you’ll be able to turn it on.
Ryan McNeal / Android Authority
If you have a non-Pixel device, there’s still hope for you yet. Now that Game Dashboard is essentially an Android 13 feature, it’s possible that Google could eventually enable the feature on other devices.
If you have a Fitbit account, a major change is coming your way. According to the company, it will be ending support for Fitbit accounts and will require a Google account instead.
Fitbit officially became a part of Google back in January 2021. Since then, Google has been finding ways to get its ecosystem and Fitbit’s ecosystem closer together. For example, Google has said that its upcoming Pixel Watch will have deep integration with Fitbit. The latest push toward this united front is Fitbit’s new “Fitbit by Google” branding.
On Fitbit’s help page, the company has a FAQ about this new branding and what is in store for the future. In the list of questions and answers, Fitbit talks about Google accounts on Fitbit. It’s here where the firm announces that it will enable Google accounts on Fitbit in 2023 and will support a number of benefits for Google account users including:
Single logins
Account security
Centralized privacy controls for Fitbit user data
Further down the page, however, it’s revealed that some uses of Fitbit will require a Google account after Google accounts on Fitbit is launched in 2023. It also mentions that Fitbit account support will end in 2025, which will require all users to have a Google account going forward. The company states:
If you have a Fitbit account, after the launch of Google accounts on Fitbit, you’ll have the option to move Fitbit to your Google account or to continue to use your existing Fitbit devices and services with your Fitbit account for as long as it’s supported. Support of Fitbit accounts will continue until at least early 2025. After support of Fitbit accounts ends, a Google account will be required to use Fitbit. We’ll be transparent with our customers about the timeline for ending Fitbit accounts through notices within the Fitbit app, by email, and in help articles.
Although this is an interesting development, it probably shouldn’t come as a surprise. Since Fitbit is now a part of Google, it only makes sense that Google would want to simplify things by replacing Fitbit accounts with Google accounts. At least they’re giving users plenty of time to adjust to the inevitable change.
If you’re on the hunt for a new TV, you may have already noticed that 4K is everywhere. It’s becoming a standard feature, and prices have slowly started to come down. However, it can still be a challenge to decide just what you need on your next TV. We’ve done our best to put in the legwork and gather some of the best 4K TV deals available right now in 2022.
40 to 49-inch 4K TV deals
You’re less likely to notice the 4K difference on a small TV, so we’re starting with 40 inches as a baseline. You should have no problem fitting your new TV into just about any room in the house at this size. These are also the most affordable TVs, thanks to the slightly smaller size, which is perfect if you’re on a budget. However, they may sacrifice an HDMI port or two to make space. Who says you can’t get a great 4K TV for an even better price? Here are our picks:
Once you hit 50-inch 4K TVs, you’re probably starting to look at the centerpiece of your living room. These TVs are no joke, and they often offer smart features and plenty of ports. They start to climb in price as well, but that’s why we’re tracking down deals for you. Take a look at these options:
At 60 or more inches, we’re firmly into home theater territory. These are — most likely — as large as many people will go, and they offer some serious bang for an increasing number of bucks. You won’t find too much difference in functionality, but the larger display will help you feel like you’re in the middle of the action.
If you have the space for a 4K TV larger than 70 inches, we applaud you. This is some serious hardware we’re talking about, and it’s bound to make your wallet hurt most of all. You’ll need some serious space for these top-end TVs, but you won’t regret the incredible picture quality.
A dead smartphone is a scary prospect and one that refuses to accept power from the wall can be similarly unsettling. Luckily, though, most charging-related issues can be resolved without mailing in your device for an expensive repair. If your Samsung Galaxy smartphone doesn’t charge, here are a few things you can try to bring it back to life.
QUICK ANSWER
If your Samsung smartphone doesn’t charge, check the USB-C port for debris or moisture and try charging with a different adapter and cable. If neither of those solutions work, you may have to replace the phone’s charge port.
Possible reasons why your Samsung smartphone doesn’t charge
From moisture to lint, there are plenty of reasons why your Samsung Galaxy smartphone might not charge anymore. Luckily, most of these are short-lived events, which means you should be able to get up and running with a few simple fixes.
That said, repeated plugging and unplugging over time could also irreversibly wear out the charge port. If that’s the case, your only option will be to replace it with a new one. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves — here are a few things you can try if your Samsung smartphone refuses to charge.
6 solutions to make your Galaxy smartphone charge again
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
1. Check your smartphone’s USB port for debris
Over years of regular use, it’s common for sand, lint, and dust to build up in crevices like the USB-C charge port. Needless to say, debris can prevent the port from conducting electricity. In some cases, it can also block the phone from being able to communicate with the adapter, limiting fast charging. Luckily, fixing this issue is rather straightforward.
Use a magnifying glass and flashlight to take a closer look at the insides of your phone’s USB port.
If you see dust or other foreign objects, use a fine toothpick to clear them away. Be as gentle as possible since it’s possible to damage the USB pins permanently. Alternatively, use a can of compressed air if you’re unsure of causing damage.
Plug in your smartphone and check if it charges.
2. Force your Samsung smartphone to restart
If your smartphone worked just fine recently but doesn’t show signs of life anymore, the operating system may have crashed. Simply press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons for 10 to 20 seconds and you should be able to force a shutdown. Release the buttons once the Samsung logo appears. Once the phone boots up successfully, plug it in immediately and check if it charges.
If neither of the above solutions worked for you, the problem might lie in a faulty adapter or cable. Topping up your phone’s battery multiple times a day can chew through the cable’s lifespan pretty quickly. USB-C ports and plugs can only withstand so many insertion cycles, after all. And that’s not even considering any damage or corrosion that could have built up over time.
Simply plug in your smartphone using a different USB-C adapter and cable. And while you’re at it, ensure that there’s nothing wrong with your power outlet either.
4. Try wireless charging if your smartphone supports it
Ryan-Thomas Shaw / Android Authority
If you own a premium Samsung smartphone like one from the Galaxy S22 series, don’t forget that you can also charge your device wirelessly. Any Qi wireless charger should do the trick, even if it’s from a different brand. Simply place the smartphone on the charging pad and wait a few seconds for the charging animation to show up.
5. Dry your smartphone if it was exposed to water
Many modern Samsung Galaxy smartphones sport IP67 or IP68 water resistance. In other words, they can withstand accidental spills and splashes as well as light rain. However, that doesn’t mean your smartphone is immune to water.
If water is detected inside the USB-C port, Samsung’s One UI operating system automatically blocks charging as a precaution. So if your device was recently exposed to water, set it aside to dry out completely before plugging it in again.
As we alluded to earlier, smartphone batteries and charge ports don’t last forever. It’s common for these components to degrade over three or more years of use — especially if you’re a heavy user. But that doesn’t mean you need to buy a new phone.
Most brands, including Samsung, will replace the battery and charge port in short order if you can drop off or mail in your device. The total bill should not exceed $100 including taxes and labor. That’s a good deal when you consider that a new smartphone will cost you several times that amount.
If your Samsung smartphone doesn’t charge, check if the cable or adapter is faulty or if dirt, debris, or lint has made its way inside the USB-C charge port.
USB-C ports don’t last forever, they can only survive a few thousand insertion cycles. If your device no longer fast charges or you’re unable to transfer files via a data cable, you may be dealing with a failing port.
The easiest way to clean your smartphone’s USB-C charge port is using a can of compressed air. Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate in this crevice, which could affect charging performance.
Yes. Most smartphones have their USB-C ports on a separate daughter board that simply connects to the main motherboard via a ribbon cable. This means that replacing the charge port is as simple as replacing the daughter board.
