Tag: phone

9 Tips to Avoid Phone Addiction and Reduce Unnecessary Stress

If you find yourself constantly reaching for your phone, it might be time to implement some mindful phone usage habits.

Our phones provide instant access to information, communication, and entertainment. But with this constant connection comes the risk of phone addiction and the negative impact it can have on our mental and physical well-being. Studies have shown that excessive phone usage can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as sleep disturbances and poor physical health.

So, how can we avoid phone addiction and reduce stress while still being able to enjoy the benefits of our devices?

Here are some tips to help you practice mindful phone usage and create a healthy balance:

1. Set boundaries for phone usage and stick to them. It’s easy to get caught up in the endless scrolling and notifications, but it’s important to set limits for ourselves. This can mean turning off notifications during certain times of the day, or setting aside specific times for phone usage. By creating these boundaries, we can prevent our phones from taking over our lives.

2. Use apps to track and limit phone usage. There are several apps available that can help you track and limit your phone usage. By seeing the data on your phone usage, you can become more aware of your habits and make changes to create a healthier balance.

3. Take breaks from your phone regularly. It’s important to give ourselves a break from the constant stimulation of our phones. This can be as simple as leaving your phone in another room for a few hours, or going for a walk without it. Taking a break from our phones can help us to relax, be more present in the moment, and engage in other activities that bring us joy and relaxation.

4. Create phone-free zones in your home. Choose certain areas in your home as phone-free zones, such as the bedroom or dining room. This will allow you to create boundaries and have designated times and places to disconnect from your phone.

5. Practice mindfulness when using your phone. Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and fully engaging with what you’re doing. This can be difficult when using our phones, as we tend to multitask and constantly switch between apps and notifications. By practicing mindfulness while using our phones, we can focus on one task at a time and be more present in our interactions with others.

6. Unfollow accounts that cause stress or anxiety. Social media can be a great source of connection and inspiration, but it can also be a source of stress and anxiety. It’s important to curate our feeds to create a positive and stress-free environment. This can mean unfollowing accounts that make us feel negative or inadequate. Follow accounts that bring us joy and positivity.

7. Use your phone for self-care. Instead of using your phone as a constant source of distraction or entertainment, try using it as a tool for self-care. There are many apps and resources available for mindfulness and relaxation, such as meditation and yoga apps.

8. Disconnect from social media before bedtime. The blue light emitted by our phone screens can disrupt our sleep patterns and make it harder to fall asleep. To ensure a good night’s rest, it’s a good idea to disconnect from social media and other stimulating activities at least an hour before bedtime. Instead, try reading a book or listening to calming music to help you wind down.

9. Remember that it’s okay to disconnect sometimes. It’s important to give ourselves a break from technology and disconnect from our phones and other devices. This can be as simple as turning off our phones for a few hours, or going on a digital detox for a day or more. Taking a break from technology can be incredibly refreshing and help us recharge both physically and mentally.

Do you recharge yourself as much as you recharge your phone?

It’s easy to get caught up in the constant connectedness of our devices. Remember that our own well-being is as important as the well-being of our phones.

In conclusion, it’s important to use our phones mindfully to avoid causing unnecessary stress or disruption in our lives. By implementing mindful phone usage habits, we can reduce stress and live more balanced lives. Take breaks from your phone, unplug, and recharge yourself to enjoy a stress-free life.

Myths About Cell Phone Battery Life vs Truths

As phone technology has advanced over the years, so have the myths surrounding phone battery life. From the belief that charging your phone to 100% will ruin the battery, to the idea that using your phone while it’s charging will cause it to explode, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction when it comes to phone battery life. In this post, we’ll debunk some of the most common myths about phone battery life.

Myth #1: Leaving your phone plugged in overnight will damage the battery.

Truth: It’s actually safe to leave your phone plugged in overnight, as long as you’re using a reputable charger and a surge protector. Most modern smartphones are designed to stop charging once the battery is full, so there’s no need to worry about overcharging. In fact, it’s better to charge your phone overnight rather than letting it run completely out of battery, as this can help prolong the battery‘s overall lifespan.

Myth #2: You should let your phone’s battery drain completely before charging it.

Truth: This is actually a myth that dates back to the early days of phone batteries. Today’s phone batteries are much more advanced and don’t suffer from the “memory effect” that older batteries did. In fact, it’s actually better to charge your phone before the battery is completely drained, as this can help prolong the battery‘s overall lifespan.

Myth #3: Closing apps will extend your phone’s battery life.

Truth: While it’s true that apps can use up your phone’s battery, closing them won’t necessarily extend the battery life. In fact, most modern smartphones are designed to manage apps efficiently, so closing them may actually use more battery power in the long run. If you want to extend your phone’s battery life, it’s better to focus on adjusting your phone’s settings and turning off features that you’re not using, such as GPS or Bluetooth.

Myth #4: Your phone’s battery will last longer if you keep it in airplane mode.

Truth: While it’s true that airplane mode can help extend your phone’s battery life by turning off features such as GPS and Bluetooth, it’s not always practical to use airplane mode all the time. Most modern smartphones are designed to manage power consumption efficiently. So turning on airplane mode may not make a significant difference in the battery life. If you want to extend your phone’s battery life, it’s better to focus on adjusting your phone‘s settings and using power-saving mode when you’re running low on battery.

Myth #5: Your phone’s battery will wear out faster if you charge it multiple times a day.

Truth: This is a myth that is often spread online, but it’s not true. In fact, most modern smartphones are designed to handle multiple charging cycles without any issues. The key to prolonging the lifespan of your phone’s battery is to use a reputable charger and avoid charging your phone to 100% every time. It’s also important to avoid letting your phone’s battery drain completely, as this can put strain on the battery and shorten its lifespan.

Myth #6: Using a phone’s fast-charging feature will damage the battery.

Truth: Fast-charging features are designed to quickly charge your phone’s battery without damaging it. In fact, using these features can actually be more convenient and efficient than charging your phone at a slower rate. However, it’s important to use a reputable charger and avoid using fast-charging features excessively, as this can put strain on the battery and shorten its lifespan.

Myth #7: Charging your phone in cold weather will damage the battery.

Truth: It’s actually safe to charge your phone in cold weather, as long as the battery isn’t completely drained. In fact, phone batteries are designed to work in a wide range of temperatures, so there’s no need to worry about charging your phone in cold weather. However, it’s important to note that extremely cold temperatures can still affect your phone’s battery performance, so it’s best to keep your phone in a warm place if possible.

In conclusion, there are many myths about phone battery life that circulate online. By understanding the truths behind these myths, you can make informed decisions about how to care for your phone’s battery and extend its lifespan.

5 bad habits that are ruining your expensive tech

There’s something special about taking a new phone, tablet, or laptop out of the box. That shiny, clean device will soon be managing your schedule, saving your memories, and connecting you with friends and family—all important tasks.

These days, we rely on technology to do so much—for work, for school, for play—and we want our devices to work like new for as long as possible. But it doesn’t always happen, in part, because of bad habits that can shorten the life of our tech.

The good news is that those habits are easy to change. We’ll walk you through them and offer five simple tips from our experts about how to keep your devices working like new for longer.

1. Using chargers and cords that aren’t made for your device

Cheap, off-brand chargers may seem appealing, especially when your battery is running low and you’re away from home. But many of these knockoffs haven’t gone through the same testing process that, say, Apple® requires. These off-brand chargers are not only less efficient for charging your battery but also dangerous: They can install viruses on your devices or cause them to overheat and even catch fire.

2. Cleaning your devices with harsh disinfectant wipes—or not cleaning them at all.

Your phone, your laptop, your tablet, your gaming system—they’re all filthy. So filthy that one study from the University of Michigan found 10 times more bacteria on the average phone than on the average toilet seat. Yuck. It makes sense if you think about it. We pick up our phones more than 300 times a day, and we use them almost everywhere, including in the bathroom.

The importance of keeping your tech clean goes well beyond germs. Regularly wiping off dust and debris keeps them out of your device’s ports and away from their internal components. Doing so will extend the life of your tech and keep it working like new. But there’s a right way and a wrong way to clean your devices. The wrong way involves ordinary household cleaning agents, like harsh disinfectant wipes, which can damage your device’s screen. The right way involves spraying a microfiber cloth with a 50/50 solution of alcohol and water, then wiping down your phone or laptop screen.

Want a deeper clean? Let an expert handle it, so you don’t accidentally harm your devices. On your own, you can get rid of germs and the superficial crust and gunk that accumulates over time. But an expert can safely use precision tools to clean the most important parts and ports—like the microphone, speaker, and charging ports—from the inside out to keep your tech in top shape.

3. Charging your device overnight

It may seem like a reasonable thing to do, but studies on lithium-ion batteries have shown that frequently letting a battery drain, then charging it up to 100% leads to a shorter battery lifespan. Leaving a full battery plugged in can also lead to overcharging, which wastes energy and adds to your utility bills.

Instead, try keeping your device somewhere between 40% to 80% charged, or charging it 2 to 3 hours before you go to bed. This will keep your battery working like new for much longer. Many newer smartphones have charge-delay features that prevent your battery from overcharging, but if you’re trying to get the most out of an older device, stick to the 40% to 80% rule.

4. Forgetting to restart your devices

We all need a break sometimes, and the same goes for your devices. Restarting once a week can help clear your device’s memory, refresh your software, and reboot any apps that may be malfunctioning.

Restarting can also help reduce charging issues by closing battery-draining programs and applications as well as clearing out any bugs.

5. Neglecting to buy a case, a cover, or a protection plan

It always seems to happen in slow motion: that moment when your tablet slips from your grip and falls to the ground. Cracked screens, spills, and accidental drops happen to all of us. Buying a sturdy case—even better if it’s waterproof—and a screen protector will help to keep your device and all its ports protected and working as they should.

What is a Refurbished Phone?

Virtually everyone has a cell phone these days. But as new models become more and more sophisticated, the price of new cell phones continues to rise.

Instead of buying a new phone, many people will turn to recycled or refurbished devices to save money.

In this article, find out what a refurbished phone is and learn a whole bunch of tips to help you make an informed decision if you’re thinking of buying one.What is a refurbished phone?

Generally speaking, refurbished phones are devices that were once owned by someone for a short period of time and then returned to the seller or a wireless service provider when the device was replaced. They are therefore resold at a lower price than an equivalent new smartphone.

Before they are sold, these phones are inspected and may even be repaired to ensure they meet various requirements. Tests and repairs include making sure the battery charges and that the buttons and cameras work properly. Audio quality, screen responsiveness and how well the phone connects to Wi-Fi and other cellular networks are also checked.

However, the definition of a refurbished phone may differ for some companies. For example, refurbished smartphones sold by Apple and Samsung come with a new battery, a new outer shell, new cables and accessories, and even a new box.

Refurbished phones offered by other retailers do not always include new batteries and all the cell phone accessories originally supplied.The different grades of refurbished phones

When it comes to refurbished phones, but also used phones, many sellers will grade their devices. A grade is a rating that tells you about the condition of a refurbished device. The evaluation criteria for awarding a grade may include, but are not limited to:

The number of cosmetic imperfections the phone has (e.g., scratches, scuffs and other marks)

How the phone has been used by its previous owner The condition of the phone’s packaging

The most common systems used to grade refurbished phones are to give a grade out of ten or a letter grade on a scale (from A to D for example). It is important to know this information because it will have an impact on the price of the phone. For example, you might want to look for a phone with a rating of 7/10 rather than 10/10 if you want to save money on a refurbished phone and you don’t mind small signs of wear and tear.

Refurbished phone vs. used phone

Compared to a used version of the same model that you might find on Kijiji or eBay, refurbished phones are generally a little more expensive. However, when you buy a used phone from a private individual, it is your responsibility to make sure that everything works properly before buying it.

Unless the used phone store you’re dealing with offers protection, you could end up with a phone that no longer charges properly or has features that are no longer usable. Refurbished phones eliminate this concern.

Not to mention that most refurbished phone sellers also make sure that they aren’t selling lost or stolen phones.Are refurbished phones worth it?

There are many reasons to choose a refurbished phone over a new or used device sold by a private individual.

Here are the main reasons:

You save money!

Buying a reconditioned cell phone instead of a new one can save you several hundred dollars.

Not to mention that you’ll probably pay less for your monthly phone plan if you already have an unlocked phone.Eco-friendly

When you buy a refurbished phone, you prevent a phone from ending up in the landfill.

When a smartphone is discarded, there are considerable negative impacts on the environment. Most models have parts, such as lithium-ion batteries, that contain products that are harmful to ecosystems.Peace of mind

Since reconditioned phones are inspected and refurbished following strict procedures, you have peace of mind when you purchase them.

In addition, since refurbished devices usually come with a warranty, you can simply return the device to the seller if you notice any problems after a few days of use.What to check when buying a refurbished phone

To protect yourself from dishonest sellers, there are certain things to check when buying a refurbished device.Guarantees

If the refurbished cell phone you wish to purchase has actually been inspected and refurbished, the retailer will not hesitate to offer some sort of guarantee with the purchase.

On the other hand, if the seller insists on terms like “as seen” and offers no warranty, you should pass. Caution is advised when dealing with such offers, unless the price is extremely attractive.Return policy

Sometimes the return policy for refurbished phones is designed to discourage the buyer from returning the device.

Try to deal with a seller whose return policy includes shipping the defective device at their expense.Where to get a refurbished phone

When buying a refurbished device, we recommend that you use a retailer with a good reputation. You’ll have no trouble finding one online if you read buyer reviews.

That said, there are even manufacturers like Apple and Samsung that offer refurbished devices in their own facilities with original parts. However, their prices are less attractive.

What is E-Waste and How Can You Reduce It?

With the astonishing pace at which technology is advancing, we have all lived through generations of models and entire categories of devices becoming obsolete. Technology that was considered cutting edge just a few years ago can’t keep pace with modern updates.

What happens to these devices when they have outlived their usefulness? Many sit in houses for years collecting dust, their owners unsure what to do with them. Eventually, most end up in the trash, which can have serious and unintended consequences.

In this article, the experts at Recycell present an overview of e-waste, its dangers, and how it can be mitigated.What is e-waste?

E-waste, also known as waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), refers to electronics that are discarded because they are unwanted, not working, or no longer considered useful. The term includes almost any item that contains circuitry or electrical components powered by electricity or a battery. Examples include microwaves, fans, smartphones, computers, DVD and Blu-Ray players, video game consoles, TVs, fax machines and printers.

E-waste is increasing exponentially, with a record 53.6 million metric tonnes generated globally in 2019, according to the Global E-waste Monitor 2020. This presents a major problem, as e-waste leaches toxic materials when disposed of in landfills. Electronics contain valuable raw materials that could be reused, but only 17.4% of the e-waste generated in 2019 was recycled, leaving the grand majority of the US$57 billion worth of raw materials in landfills.Planned obsolescence

The truth is that many of the electronics being sent to landfills don’t even need to be discarded—a lot of them still work! Technology is just evolving so fast that devices become outdated before they even have a chance to wear out. How many of us have anxiously awaited the end of our two-year plan before rushing out to buy the latest flagship phone from Samsung or Apple?

The issue of technological advances fuelling e-waste is further exacerbated by manufacturers using strategies such as software updates and ending support for older models to push consumers to buy new devices. Repair is portrayed as expensive, inconvenient, and less advantageous than buying a replacement with updated features.Consequences of e-waste disposalHealth and the environment

While electronics are safe to use and be around, most contain toxic materials such as beryllium, cadmium, mercury, arsenic and lead. When the electronics are buried in a landfill, the toxins leach into the soil and can contaminate the groundwater. While each device only releases trace amounts of toxins, the amount of e-waste now being discarded results in significant accumulation.

In Canada, it’s illegal to export e-waste to developing countries. However, other nations are in the habit of shipping their e-waste to developing countries that lack the capacity to handle it appropriately, endangering the local environment and public health. Exposure to such toxic contaminants can have irreversible health consequences such as cancer, miscarriage and neurological damage.

Furthermore, mining for the raw materials to manufacture new electronics also releases contaminants into the environment.Cybersecurity

The consequences of e-waste disposal on the environment are evident, but fewer people are aware that throwing electronics away can also pose dangers to data security and privacy. It might seem improbable, but hackers and identity thieves are perfectly willing to dumpster dive to acquire the treasure troves of data stored on old, discarded devices.

Even if you erase all of your sensitive personal information before throwing your old phone or laptop in the trash, the data is not completely eliminated from the hard drive and can be retrieved by skilled hackers. The resulting leaks can be financially and legally catastrophic for businesses and individuals alike.

Professional e-waste recycling companies have the expertise necessary to ensure that none of your sensitive data remains in the components of your device. In the end, recycling your old devices may prove just as important as securing your phone while it’s still in use!How to reduce e-waste

Materials such as steel, glass, copper, aluminum, iron, plastic and precious metals can be recovered from obsolete electronics and reused to manufacture new ones. Companies like Samsung are starting to make environmentally-friendly phones out of recycled materials. Recycling has the double benefit of keeping e-waste out of landfills and reducing the need to mine new materials.

Recycling your old electronics may seem more complicated than simply throwing them in the trash, but there are many resources available to help you recycle your phone and other devices. Most phone vendors can take care of recycling your old phone when you purchase a new one. Canada has a free program called Recycle My Cell for recycling mobile devices and accessories. They can even provide you with a pre-paid shipping label to mail your device in for recycling! The Recycle My Electronics program provides drop off points for e-waste in nine provinces across the country.

Governments also have a role to play in creating incentives to reduce e-waste. They can push companies to offer buy-back systems for old devices and encourage repair as a viable option.Help reduce e-waste by buying a used phone!

Another way for consumers to help reduce e-waste and minimize their ecological footprint is to buy a used phone. Buying a used phone reduces the demand for mining new raw materials and gives a second life to a device that might otherwise become e-waste.

Businesses that are looking to upgrade their cell phone fleets can also sell their old devices to a used phone retailer to prevent them from ending up in a landfill or in the hands of a cybercriminal. 

Why Does My iPhone Brightness Keep Changing or Dimming?

iPhone features that can affect brightness

If you find that your iPhone brightness keeps changing or dimming unexpectedly, don’t panic! It doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s something wrong with your phone. There are a variety of features that can affect screen brightness. It’s a good idea to check them all before jumping to conclusions.Auto-Brightness

Generally, if your iPhone screen keeps dimming, it’s because Auto-Brightness is turned on. This feature automatically adjusts the brightness of your phone screen based on the surrounding lighting.

If you want to stop your phone from dimming automatically due to this feature, go to Settings –> Accessibility –> Display & Text Size and toggle off Auto-Brightness. You’ll see a warning that turning off Auto-Brightness can affect battery life. This is because leaving your phone on maximum brightness all day will drain the battery faster than allowing it to adjust automatically to the ambient light.Night Shift

If your iPhone screen seems dimmer at night, it may be because you have Night Shift turned on. This feature shifts to warmer tones after sunset (using the clock and geolocation of your phone to ascertain when the sun will set) to help you fall asleep.

Go to Settings –> Display & Brightness –> Night Shift. There, you’ll be able to adjust the settings or turn Night Shift off entirely. You can also turn Night Shift on or off from the Control Center if your iPhone is running iOS 11 or later. Open Control Center by swiping down from the upper right-hand corner if your phone has Face ID, or swiping up from the bottom of your screen if not. Simply press and hold the brightness slider in the Control Center to access the Night Shift button.True Tone

True Tone is a feature that automatically adjusts the colour of your phone’s display based on the ambient light, just like Auto-Brightness does for screen brightness. The colour shift may sometimes make your screen appear dimmer. Go to Settings –> Display & Brightness and check to see whether True Tone is on!Low Power Mode

Low Power Mode is a feature that adjusts a variety of settings, including screen brightness, in order to conserve battery life. You can easily check whether your iPhone is in Low Power Mode by taking a look at the battery icon in the top right-hand corner. If it’s yellow, that means that Low Power Mode is on.

Low Power Mode will automatically turn off when your iPhone is charged to 80% or more, but if you’d like to turn it off manually, go to Settings –> Battery and toggle it off.Reduce White Point

Reduce White Point is a feature that lowers the intensity of bright colours on your screen, making the display easier on the eyes. Go to Settings –> Accessibility –> Display & Text Size to access Reduce White Point. If you don’t want to turn it off completely, you can drag the slider further to the left to lessen its effect.Common iPhone problems that can affect screen brightness

If none of the features listed above are causing your screen dimming problem, your iPhone may be experiencing a software or hardware issue. If that’s the case, there are a few simple fixes you can try before taking your phone to a professional for repair. If none of these solutions work, it may be a sign that you need a new phone.Software glitches

Whenever we’re having trouble with a device, the first piece of advice we usually hear is “try turning it off and on again.” While it may seem silly, a simple restart can actually resolve many common phone problems! Your screen brightness issues may be caused by a temporary glitch that can be resolved by restarting your iPhone.

If that doesn’t work, try updating your phone. If a software glitch is the culprit, there may be a fix for it in the latest update.Overheating

iPhones are programmed to dim automatically when they get too hot. This is a built-in feature from Apple that is designed to protect the phone’s internal components and prevent hardware damage, because the brighter a display is, the more heat it generates.

If your phone is getting too hot, it’s important to cool it down and figure out why it’s overheating. Possible causes include running power-intensive apps like mobile games or video players, having too many apps running in the background, downloads and installations and leaving your phone out in the sun. Try putting your phone in a cool place out of the sun, taking off the case and letting it rest for a while. You can even turn it off to try to speed up the cooling process.

How to Unlock Android Phone Password Without Factory Reset

These days, it seems like more and more of our lives are contained in our smartphones. These devices are incredibly versatile tools that we use for everything from social media and work emails to GPS and fitness tracking.
The more we use our phones for, the more important it becomes to ensure the security of the information they contain. To that end, manufacturers have come up with various and ever-evolving ways of checking users’ identity and locking out intruders.
Unfortunately, these vital safety measures can become a hassle if we forget our password, PIN or the pattern we use to unlock our phones. In such situations, there are a few things you can try before resorting to a full-scale factory reset.
The Android Smart Lock featureAndroid phones have a Smart Lock feature that gives you the ability to set certain conditions that will cause your device to unlock automatically. Possible conditions include:
On-body detection: Once you’ve entered your PIN or password once, your phone will stay unlocked while you’re carrying it around.

Trusted devices: Select devices you trust that have Bluetooth connectivity (e.g. your car, laptop, fitness tracker, etc.). Your phone will remain unlocked while connected to these devices.Trusted places: Select locations you trust (e.g. your home or office) and your phone will remain unlocked while there.

Voice match and trusted face: Voice and facial recognition used to be Smart Lock options, but they were discontinued with Android 8. Facial recognition is still available as a separate option.Of course, there are drawbacks to the Smart Lock feature. First of all, it needs to be set up in advance, so if you forget your password before you get the chance to activate it, you’re out of luck. Furthermore, you need to enter your current password in order to change the Smart Lock and password settings, so if you’ve forgotten it, there’s a limit to what you can do.
How to unlock a Samsung phone People who own a Samsung phone will be glad to know that the manufacturer provides an easy, effective way for you to change your password. As long as you’re signed into your Samsung account on your device, you can use the Samsung Find My Mobile website to sign in and unlock your phone, which will delete all previous unlocking methods (password, PIN, pattern, biometrics) and allow you to create new ones.
Solutions for older versions of AndroidThere are a few ways to unlock your device that have been discontinued but will still work for older versions of Android.
Google’s ‘Find My Device’ serviceLike the Samsung-specific method explained above, there are services meant for lost or stolen phones that you can use to unlock your device in some cases. If your phone is running Android 7.1.1 or lower, you can use Google’s ‘Find My Device’ service to unlock it, as long as it’s logged into a Google account.
Simply go to the website, sign into your Google account and select your device. You’ll see ‘Ring’, ‘Lock’ and ‘Erase’ options. Select ‘Lock’, and you will be prompted to enter a temporary password that you can then use to unlock your phone.
The ‘Forgot Password’ optionPhones running Android 4.4 and older come equipped with an easy way to bypass your password, PIN or pattern. Once you’ve entered an incorrect passcode 5 times on the lock screen, a ‘forgot password’ prompt will appear. If you tap it, you will be able to get in by entering the username and password of the Google account associated with your device.
How to avoid getting locked out of your phoneWhen it comes to forgetting your phone password, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It’s best to take preventive measures to ensure that you never find yourself completely locked out of your phone. Here are some strategies you can implement to avoid the situation:
Set up biometric identification on your device for a reliable, forgetfulness-proof way of getting in.Have multiple ways of logging into your device.Enable at least one Smart Lock option.Keep a physical copy of your passcode in a secure place.Make sure you’re signed into your Google account (and Samsung account if applicable).Always back up your device so that you can recover your data if a factory reset ends up being your only option.