Exit and Relaunch Steam via the Steam App

If the Steam app is responsive on your PC or Mac, you can exit it directly through the app before relaunching it. To do this, follow these steps.

1. Bring up the Steam client interface and select Steam in the upper left corner of the window.
   
2. Choose Exit from the dropdown menu. Steam will close.
   

3. Re-launch Steam via its desktop icon or the Start menu on your PC. If you’re on a Mac, select the icon on the Dock, Launchpad, or the Applications folder.
   

If you’re experiencing connectivity issues with Steam, you might want to toggle Offline Mode—select the Go Offline option in the Steam menu—before exiting the application. After restarting Steam, re-open the Steam menu and choose Go Online to reconnect to Steam’s online services.

Force-Quit and Relaunch Steam

If Steam is unresponsive, forcibly closing and relaunching the application might get it working correctly again. The method you’ll need to follow differs depending on whether you’re on a Windows PC or an Apple Mac.

Force-Quit and Relaunch Steam—Windows

If you’re on a Windows PC, use the Task Manager to shut down the Steam client. Here’s how:

1. Press Control + Shift + Escape to open the Task Manager.
   
2. Locate and highlight the Steam process under the default Processes tab.
   
3. Select the End Task button to force-close the process.
   

4. Close any other Steam-related processes that continue to appear within the list of processes, such as Steam Client Service and Steam Client WebHelper.
   
5. Exit the Task Manager.
   
6. Re-launch Steam from the desktop or Start menu.
   

Force-Quit and Relaunch Steam—macOS

If you’re on a Mac, use the Force Quit Applications dialog to force-close Steam. Just:

1. Press Option + Command + Escape to open the Force Quit Applications dialog.
   
2. Select Steam within the list of open programs.
   
3. Select the Force Quit button.
   

4. Select Force Quit again on the confirmation pop-up.
   
5. Relaunch Steam via the Dock, Launchpad, or Applications folder.
   

An alternative method is to use the Activity Monitor on your Mac to force-quit Steam. Start by opening the Launchpad and selecting Other > Activity Monitor. Next, highlight Steam under the CPU tab, select the X button on the top of the window, and choose Force Quit.

Restart Steam via Command Line

Suppose you have trouble quitting an unresponsive instance of Steam through the Windows Task Manager or the Force Quit Applications dialog on a Mac (or the Activity Monitor). In that case, you can resort to your computer’s command line to end and relaunch the Steam process.

Restart Steam via Command Line—Windows

On Windows, use the Command Prompt console to shut down and re-open Steam. Here’s how:

1. Open the Start menu, type cmd, and select Open as administrator on the search results.
   
2. Type taskkill /F /IM steam.exe and press Enter to force Steam to close.
   

3. Run the cd C:Program Files (x86)Steam and start Steam.exe commands one after the other to re-launch Steam. Or, exit the Command Prompt console and reopen Steam from the desktop or Start menu.
   

Restart Steam via Command Line—macOS

You can use Terminal on a Mac to quit and re-open Steam. Just:

1. Open the Launchpad and select Other > Terminal.
   
2. Type killall Steam and press Enter to force Steam to close.
   

3. Type open -a Steam to relaunch Steam. Or, exit the Terminal and re-open Steam via the Dock, Launchpad, or Applications folder.
   

Clear Steam Download Cache

Another way to force-restart Steam is by deleting its download cache. Unlike the standard and force-restart techniques mentioned above, this method can address various issues related to downloading or updating video games.

The most straightforward way to clear the Steam download cache is through the Steam app’s Settings console. Just:

1. Open Steam and select Steam > Settings on the menu bar.
   
2. Select the Downloads tab on the sidebar.
   
3. Select the Clear Cache button next to Clear Download Cache.
   

4. Select Confirm—Steam should turn off and reboot automatically.
   
5. Log in to your Steam account again.
   

Clear Steam Download Cache—Alternative Method

If you have trouble accessing Steam’s Settings console, use the following workarounds to clear the Steam download cache.

Clear Steam Download Cache—PC

You can use a Run command to clear the Steam download cache on the PC. Just:

1. Press Windows + R to open a Run dialog.
   
2. Type steam://flushconfig and select OK.
   

3. The Steam client should launch and display a confirmation pop-up—select Confirm.
   
4. Wait until the Steam client clears its cache and relaunches itself.
   
5. Sign in to Steam with your Steam account credentials.
   

Clear Steam Download Cache—Mac

On the Mac, you must run a command through a browser to clear Steam’s download cache. Just:

1. Open Safari or another web browser.
   
2. Type steam://flushconfig into the address bar of a new tab and press Enter.
   

3. Select Open Steam. The Steam client should launch and display a confirmation pop-up—select Confirm.
   
4. Wait for Steam to relaunch itself.
   
5. Sign in to Steam.
   

Start Fresh

Restarting the Steam app on a PC or Mac can resolve many issues and is also a great starting point for more advanced fixes. Try quitting and relaunching Steam normally first. If that doesn’t work, force-closing the Steam processes, using your computer’s command line, or clearing its download cache should help.

The post How to Restart the Steam App first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Sony’s social features on the PlayStation 5 enable you to text or voice chat with other people, share gaming sessions via Share Play, see what others are up to, and much more. But before you do all of that, you must build up your friends list.

This tutorial will show how to add and interact with friends on PSN through your PS5 console and the PS App for Android and iOS. Additionally, if your friends list becomes overcrowded, you’ll learn how to manage it by blocking or removing people.

Send Friend Requests on PS5 & PS App

Creating a network of gamers who share your interests is critical to the PlayStation experience. Whether you’ve encountered someone during online gaming or want to reconnect with an old buddy, sending out friend requests on PSN (PlayStation Network) is the starting point. You can do that via the PlayStation 5 or the PS App.

Send Friend Requests on PS5

1. Visit the Home Screen of your PS5, press the PS button on the DualSense controller, and select the Game Base control center option.

2. Switch to the Friends tab and select Search for Players.

3. Players whom you’ve played with recently in multiplayer should automatically show up. Type their PSN ID in the search field to search for a specific person. You can also type the person’s real name if you believe they have their real name and profile picture set to be public.

4. Select the player ID or real name on the search results and select Add Friend.

5. Check the box next to Become Close Friends if you’d like to share your real name and profile picture (you can always do that later) and select Send to send out a request.

Send Friend Requests on the PS App

1. Open the PS App on your smartphone. You can get the PS App via the Play Store or App Store if you don’t have it.
2. Tap the Friends icon at the top right corner of the app, followed by the Add Friends icon (represented by a figure and a plus sign).
3. Enter the PSN ID or the real name of a person and tap the name on the search results.

4. Tap the Add button on the player’s profile page.
5. Enable the switch next to Share Your Real Name and Picture if you want to share your real name and profile picture, and tap Send Request.

Manage Friend Requests on PSN

You can accept friend requests from other players and manage pending requests you’ve sent to other people on PSN via your PS5 or the PS App.

Manage Friend Requests on PS5

1. Press the PlayStation button and select Game Base.
2. Under the default Friends tab, select the Friend Requests icon.

3. You can then:

• View requests you’ve received under the Received tab—press the Options button to accept or decline.
• View requests you’ve sent under the Sent tab—press Options to cancel.

Manage Friend Requests on Mobile

1. Open the PS App on your Android or iPhone.
2. Select the Friends icon.
3. You can then:

• Switch to the Requests tab and accept or decline received requests.
• Tap the Add Friends icon, search for a person’s ID or real name, and visit their profile to cancel a sent request.

View Friends List on PSN (PS5 & Mobile App)

Players who accept your friend requests appear within the friends list on the PS5 and PS App. Visit it to perform various actions like sending messages, starting party chats, and initiating Share Screen and Share Play sessions.

View Friends List on PS5

1. Press the PS button on the PS5 controller and select Game Base.
2. Your friends’ list will be displayed by default—scroll through to view all friends. You should see their current statuses underneath their IDs—online, last online, in a game, etc.
3. Select a new friend.

4. Use the following options to interact with the player:

• Start Party: Start an open or closed party chat. You can add multiple people to the discussion.
• Send Message: Send a message or view an existing messages thread.
• Share Screen: Share your screen or game in Share Screen or Share Play. Both you and the other person must have active PlayStation Plus subscriptions to the features.
• Invite to Game: Invite the player to a multiplayer game.
• View Profile: View the player’s profile, such as trophies, video games, and their friends.
• Become Close Friends: Share your real name and profile picture with the player. They must also share their real name and profile picture in return.

View Friends List on Mobile App

1. Open the PS App.
2. Tap on the Friends icon.
3. You should find your friends list under the All tab, including their status and the games they are actively playing. Tap on a friend’s name to view their profile. You can then:

• Tap Party to start an open or closed party chat.
• Tap Messages to start or continue a text conversation.
• Select Friends and tap Send Request to become close friends by sharing real names and profile pictures.
• Tap the More icon (three dots) and enable the switch next to Notify When Online to be notified whenever the player comes online.
• Check their trophies list, friends list, and recently played games.

Delete or Block Friends on Block PS5 & Mobile App

As time goes by, you may need to trim your friends list on your PS5 for any number of reasons. For example, it could be that you don’t game together anymore or just want to organize your connections.

Additionally, you have the option to block friends in scenarios like harassment. Blocking a person ensures you cannot view each other’s online statuses, hear each other in party chats, or see texts in group conversations.

Delete or Block Friends on PS5

1. Press the PS button and select Game Base.
2. Find the player you wish to remove from your friends list and select their profile.
3. Select Options (represented by three dots).
4. From the dropdown menu, select Remove as Friend or Block.
5. Confirm your decision.

Delete and Block Friends on the PS App

1. Open the PS App.
2. Tap on the Friends icon.
3. Tap the player you intend to delete.
4. Tap the Friends option within the person’s profile page.
5. Select Remove as Friend and confirm your choice. Alternatively, tap the More icon on the top right of the screen and select Block to block the person.

Keep Managing Your Friends on PS5

You now understand how to add, manage, and remove friends on the PlayStation 5 and through the PS App. Remember to explore and use the various ways to connect with other players to enjoy your time on the PS5 gaming console fully.

The post How to Add and Remove Friends on PlayStation 5 (PS5) first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

This troubleshooting tutorial will walk you through multiple techniques to fix the “Conversation not found” error in ChatGPT’s web and mobile applications.

1. Refresh ChatGPT

Refreshing ChatGPT is often the quickest way to eliminate random technical glitches preventing the AI chatbot from working correctly. Select the Reload icon next to the address bar and re-open the conversation if you’re on a web browser.

If you use the ChatGPT app on your iPhone or Android, you must force-quit the app to refresh the current session. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen, swipe away the ChatGPT card, and relaunch ChatGPT from the Home Screen.

2. Check Your Internet

ChatGPT requires a stable internet connection to its web servers to function. Before you dive into more complex solutions, perform a quick check on your Wi-Fi or cellular network. Run a speed test, load other websites, stream a video—you know the drill.

If your internet appears slow, try restarting or resetting your router. On mobile devices, you can also enable and disable Airplane mode. If the problem persists, contact your internet service provider or learn how to troubleshoot a cellular data connection.

3. Check the ChatGPT Server Status

OpenAI’s servers frequently go offline due to high traffic and stop ChatGPT from processing previous interactions within a conversation.

Visit the OpenAI Status page and ensure all ChatGPT systems are operational. You can also check for reports of outages from other ChatGPT users on social media sites like Reddit.

4. Disable VPNs

Virtual private networks, or VPNs, are great for increasing privacy and getting around geographical restrictions. However, VPNs also create regional mismatches between online tools—like ChatGGPT—and their web servers. If you’re using a VPN, try turning it off to see if that resolves the issue.

5. Update the ChatGPT App

OpenAI frequently releases updates to fix bugs and improve performance in the ChatGPT app for mobile devices. If you don’t have automatic app updates on your iPhone or Android:

1. Go to the App Store on iOS or the Google Play Store on Android.
2. Search for ChatGPT.
3. If an update is available, tap Update.

6. Check the Guidelines and Parameters

When you use ChatGPT, your prompts must align with OpenAI’s guidelines and parameters. For example, queries that exceed the token limit can overload the LLM (language learning model), leading to errors like “Conversation not found.” For more information, check OpenAI’s prompt engineering support documentation.

7. Log Out and Back In

Logging out and then back into your ChatGPT account can help resolve the “Conversation not found” error by refreshing your access permissions.

To log out, select your profile picture at the bottom left of the window and choose Sign Out. For the mobile app, open the conversations menu (tap the two lines on the top left) to reveal the option to log out.

After that, select Sign In and log back in with your ChatGPT credentials.

8. Clear Browser Cookies and Cache

The ChatGPT web app stores data from OpenAI’s servers to improve performance. However, if there’s a problem with this stored data, it can cause errors like “Conversation not found.” To eliminate this possibility, you should clear your browser’s cache.

Most browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge follow a similar process for deleting the cookies and cache. Take Chrome as an example:

1. Open the Chrome menu and go to Settings > Privacy & security > Clear browsing data.
2. Set Time range to All time and check the boxes next to Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
3. Select Clear data.
4. Refresh the ChatGPT tab and sign back in.

If you need additional help, check our complete guide to clearing the cache on any desktop browser.

9. Clear the Cache on the Mobile App

ChatGPT’s mobile app on Android and iPhone stores data in the device’s internal cache, similar to its web counterpart. To clear the ChatGPT cache on Android:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to Apps > ChatGPT.
3. Tap Force Quit.
4. Tap Storage.
5. Tap Clear Cache.

The iPhone version of ChatGPT does not offer a straightforward way to clear the app cache. Instead, your only option is to offload and reinstall the app. To do that:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to General > iPhone Storage > ChatGPT.
3. Tap Offload App, and then again to confirm.
4. Tap Reinstall App.
5. Open ChatGPT and sign in with your OpenAI credentials.

Note: If you have a subscription to ChatGPT Plus, open the app’s conversations menu, tap your profile picture, and select Restore Purchases.

10. Clear the DNS Cache

A corrupt or obsolete DNS (Domain Name Server) cache can lead to random connectivity issues with various websites and servers, especially on desktop devices. To clear the DNS cache:

Windows

1. Open the Start menu, type cmd, and select Run as administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

ipconfig /flushdns

Mac

1. Open the Launchpad and select Other > Terminal.
2. Execute the following command:

sudo dscacheutil -flushcache;sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

11. Disable Browser Extensions

Browser extensions—notably content and ad blockers—can interfere with ChatGPT. To confirm:

1. Disable all extensions by accessing the Extensions management screen in your browser. E.g., in Chrome, select Extensions > Manage Extensions on the top right of any window.
2. Quit the browser. If you’re on a Mac, Control-click the browser icon on the Dock and select Quit.
3. Re-open the browser and access ChatGPT again.

If that works, re-enable the extensions individually to identify the problematic browser add-on.

12. Open a New ChatGPT Conversation

Older conversations in ChatGPT might not function properly due to recent changes to language learning models. If the problem recurs, regardless of what you do, the best solution is to start a new chat from scratch.

13. Contact OpenAI Support

If all else fails and the “Conversation Not Found” error pops up intermittently with both old and new conversations, it’s time to get support from OpenAI.

Visit the OpenAI Help Center, select Chat > Messages in the lower-right corner, and choose ChatGPT > Other > Report a Bug or Error as responses. Explain your problem, attach a screenshot of the “Conversation not found” error, and wait until you hear back from OpenAI.

Conversation Found

ChatGPT’s “Conversation not found” error occurs for several reasons. Start with straightforward solutions like refreshing the AI tool or checking your internet connection, then move on to advanced fixes such as clearing your DNS cache or identifying conflicting browser add-ons. If the problem persists, contact the ChatGPT support team for assistance.

The post 13 Ways to Fix “Conversation Not Found” Error in ChatGPT first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

This troubleshooting guide will walk you through multiple suggestions and solutions for a PS5 console that keeps automatically shutting down.

1. Disable PS5’s Sleep Mode

If you’re new to the PS5, it’s easy to confuse Rest Mode with unexpected shutdowns. Rest Mode is a low-power state that suspends the console, allowing you to boot it up and resume games faster.

By default, the PS5 automatically enters Rest Mode after 20 minutes of inactivity—the casing’s light turns amber when that happens. If you’d like to disable Rest Mode or lengthen the duration before it kicks in:

1. Select the Gear icon on the top right of the Home Screen.
2. Scroll down the Settings menu and select System.
3. Go to Power Saving > Set Time Until PS5 Enters Rest Mode.
4. Set During Media Playback and While Playing Games to Don’t Put in Rest Mode or pick an extended period—e.g., 1, 2, or 3 hours.

2. Check the HDMI Link

HDMI Device Link on the PS5 allows the console to power on when you switch on your TV. However, a particular sub-setting within this feature also forces the console into Rest Mode when you turn off the TV. If that seems to be the issue you’re facing:

1. Visit the Settings menu on your PS5.
2. Go to System > HDMI.
3. Under Enable HDMI Device Link, deactivate the switch next to Enable Power Off Link.

3. Check the Power Cables

If the PS5’s shutdowns aren’t related to Rest Mode, it’s best to confirm there’s nothing wrong with the power strip or extension cord supplying power to the console.

Just connect the PS5 directly to a wall outlet and check if it continues to turn off randomly. If it doesn’t, consider replacing the power strip or extension cord to ensure stable power delivery.

While at it, check the power cable leading into the console’s casing for signs of fraying or damage and replace it if needed.

4. Rebuild the PS5 Database

A corrupted PS5 database can lead to system failures and unexpected shutdowns, so the next logical fix is to rebuild it in Safe Mode. The procedure takes several minutes to complete and depends on the amount of data within the SSD and any extended storage drives you’ve connected to the console. If you’d like to go ahead:

1. Turn off your PS5 and hold the Power button until you hear two beeps.
2. Connect your DualSense controller to the PS5 via USB.
3. Press the PS button to enter Safe Mode.
4. Select the Rebuild Database option.
5. Wait for the console to rebuild its database.

5. Power Cycle Your PS5

Power-cycling a PS5 is an effective way to deal with random firmware-related issues that crop up with the hardware components inside the console. Unlike a standard shutdown and reboot, a power cycle requires you to:

1. Turn off the PS5.
2. Disconnect the console from the power outlet and wait. Sony’s recommendation is 20 minutes.
3. Reconnect and turn on the console.

6. Install the Latest Firmware Updates

Up-to-date system software and firmware play an essential role in ensuring the stability of the PS5. The standard method to update the console is to:

1. Open the PS5’s Settings menu.
2. Go to System > System Software Update and Settings.
3. Select Update System Software.

If your PS5 keeps shutting down repeatedly before it can download and install newer updates, try updating the console in Safe Mode.

7. Check for Video Game Updates

If the PS5 shuts down only while playing a specific video game, it’s worth checking if any updates from the developer could rectify the issue. To do that, highlight the game’s Home Screen thumbnail and select Check for Update.

If there are no new updates, you must wait until the next update hits the PlayStation Network. Unfortunately, older games typically don’t receive updates—e.g., that can be problematic when running PS4 games via backward compatibility.

8. Reset the PS5’s Settings

Resetting your PS5 preferences to factory defaults addresses shutdowns caused by corrupt, broken, or misconfigured settings. The process doesn’t result in data loss, so here’s what you must do:

1. Open the PS5’s Settings menu.
2. Select System > Reset Options.
3. Choose Restore Default Settings.

9. Stop Console From Overheating

Over time, dust and debris build up on your PS5, blocking its vents and causing the internal components to overheat. Since that can lead to protective shutdowns, clean the console to airflow and check if that makes a difference. Here’s how:

1. Disconnect the PS5 from its power source.
2. Unscrew the stand from the casing.
3. Use compressed air to blow out dust from the PS5’s air vents. Hold the can upright and keep the nozzle a few inches away to avoid moisture contact.
4. Wipe the exterior of the casing with a microfiber cloth.
5. Re-attach the stand in vertical or horizontal alignment and reconnect the console to its power source.

Check our guide to resolving overheating issues on the PS5 for additional tips and tricks.

10. Factory Reset Your PS5

Factory resetting your PS5 is a last-resort measure to resolve random shutdowns. However, unlike a standard settings reset, the procedure erases all data, so back up games, apps, and save files before proceeding. Once you’ve done that:

1. Boot your console into Safe Mode.
2. Select the Reset PS5 option.
3. Wait until the console resets the system software.

If the reset procedure fails, select the Reset PS5 (Reinstall System Software) option, download the PS5’s system software to a USB flash drive via a PC or Mac, and use that to reset and reinstall the PS5’s software. For comprehensive step-by-step instructions, refer to our complete guide to factory resetting the PS5.

Contact Sony Customer Support

If your PS5 continues to shut down despite trying all the above solutions, the problem’s likely due to a severe hardware issue, possibly with the power supply unit inside. In that case, you must reach out to PlayStation Support for further troubleshooting advice. If your game console is within its warranty period, you should qualify for a free repair or replacement.

The post PlayStation 5 (PS5) Keeps Turning Off Randomly? Try These 10 Fixes first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

If you’re currently staring at a stubborn Gmail attachment that refuses to save to local storage or Google Drive, don’t worry. This troubleshooting tutorial will walk you through multiple solutions to the problem.

Note: The instructions below are from a Google Pixel running Android 13. Steps may differ slightly depending on your device’s model and system software version.

1. Quit and Relaunch Gmail

It’s best to kick things off by closing and re-opening Gmail. This action helps refresh the app and quickly fix unexpected issues preventing you from downloading attachments.

1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to bring up the app switcher.
2. Locate and drag the Gmail card up and out of the screen.
3. Re-open Gmail via the Home Screen or App Drawer.

2. Restart Your Android Phone

Another relatively simple fix involves restarting your Android phone. It resolves random system-related problems, causing apps like Gmail to malfunction. Just hold the Power and Volume Up buttons simultaneously and tap Restart.

3. Check Your Internet Connection

Before diving into more advanced solutions, it’s a good idea to ensure there’s nothing wrong with the internet. You can test this by browsing a website or checking another app.

If there are connectivity issues, you may need to restart your router, switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data, or get closer to the Wi-Fi source. Learn more about fixing a slow Wi-Fi or mobile data connection on Android.

4. Clear Data in the Gmail Cache

When you attempt to preview a supported attachment type, like a PDF file, Gmail begins caching its contents locally. Rarely, however, this process can fail, and the partial download continually blocks access to the attachment. Clearing Gmail’s app cache is a feasible way to resolve the issue, including many others that stem from cache corruption. Here’s how:

1. Open Android’s Settings app.
2. Tap Apps and choose Gmail within the list of Android apps.

3. Select the Force stop button.
4. Tap OK on the confirmation prompt.

5. Select Storage & cache.
6. Tap the Clear cache button.

7. Exit to the Home Screen and relaunch Gmail.

5. Check the Gmail Servers

Gmail attachment download issues could also crop up because of complications on Google’s end. To confirm, open Google Chrome or any other browser on your Android phone and visit the Google Workspace Status Dashboard. If any ongoing issues are listed next to Gmail, wait until Google resolves them.

6. Ask the Sender to Resend the Attachment

An incorrectly attached file is another reason that prevents Gmail from consistently failing to download it. If the issue is isolated to a single item, try asking the person who sent it to you to re-send it.

Password-protected files might also lead to download issues. If that’s the case, request a copy without a password.

7. Update the Gmail App to Its Latest Version

If the download problem persists with multiple attachments, it’s likely due to a fault with the Gmail app. Check the Google Play Store for updates since these often contain bug fixes and performance improvements. Here’s how:

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Search for Gmail.
3. Tap Update if the option is available to update Gmail.

If Gmail is up-to-date, try reapplying any recent updates to ensure everything is correctly installed. Just tap the Uninstall button on Gmail’s store page—this does not uninstall the app—and Update afterward.

8. Allow Unrestricted Access to the Internet

The following fix involves ensuring Gmail has adequate permissions to use mobile data and Wi-Fi, even when Android’s data-saving features are active. If not, you might be restricted to reading emails only. To do that:

1. Enter the Android Settings.
2. Go to Apps > All apps.
3. Tap Gmail.
4. Tap Mobile data & Wi-Fi.
5. Enable the switches next to Background data and Unrestricted data usage.

9. Disable Battery Saver

The Battery Saver mode on Android curtails app functionality to conserve power, so briefly disable it and check if that fixes Gmail’s attachment downloading issues. Here’s how:

1. Open the Settings app and tap Battery.
2. Tap Battery Saver.
3. Disable the switch next to Use Battery Saver.

10. Resync Google Account With Gmail

Gmail may not work correctly if it’s not in sync with your Google Account, so the following fix involves refreshing the connection between the app and the account. To do that:

1. Open the Settings app and tap Passwords & accounts. Alternatively, tap your profile portrait on the top right corner of the Gmail app and select Manage accounts on this device.
2. Tap your Gmail account under the Accounts for [Your Name] section.

3. Tap Account sync.
4. Disable the switch next to Gmail.
5. Wait 10 seconds and re-enable Gmail.

11. Reset Android’s Network Settings

Persistent Gmail attachment download issues can originate from a corrupt Android network configuration, so another way to fix the problem is to factory reset your Wi-Fi and mobile data settings. Here’s how:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap System.
3. Tap Reset options.

4. Tap Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.
5. Tap Reset settings.

After the network reset, your phone won’t auto-join previously remembered Wi-Fi networks—you must re-enter their passwords and connect to them from scratch. On the other hand, your cellular settings should update automatically—if they don’t, contact your wireless carrier for assistance.

Get Those Gmail Attachments Downloading Again

When you encounter issues downloading attachments in Gmail on your Android device, there’s a structured approach you can follow. Begin with basic solutions like restarting the app and checking your internet. If these don’t yield results, delve into app-specific fixes or consider external factors like server outages.

For persistent problems, tweaking specific device settings that conflict with Gmail or restoring Android’s network preferences to factory defaults can make a difference. With persistence, you should be able to download attachments normally again.

The post Gmail Won’t Download Attachments in Android? 11 Fixes to Try first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Don’t worry, though. A simple solution is to export your presentation to a widely compatible file format and check the word count using alternative applications and tools. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process.

Method 1: Download the Presentation as a Text File

The most straightforward way to check the word count of a Google Slides presentation is to download it as a text file. You can paste the words into a text editing application or an online word count tool to get the exact figure.

To download a Google Slides presentation in the .TXT format:

1. Open the presentation in Google Slides.
2. Select File on the top menu and point to Download.
3. On the list of available formats, choose Plain Text (.TXT).

4. Wait until Google Slides converts and downloads the presentation in the .TXT format. You should find the text file within the Downloads folder of your PC or Mac.

Now that you have the presentation as a text file, it’s time to check the word count. The native Notepad (PC) and TextEdit (Mac) applications are incapable of showing word counts, so you must:

1. Open the .TXT file—double-clicking it should automatically open it in Notepad or TextEdit.

2. Press Ctrl + A (PC) or Cmd + A (Mac) to highlight all text within the file, and then Ctrl + C (PC) or Cmd + C (Mac) copy the selected text to the clipboard. You can also use the Select All and Copy options on the Edit menu if you do not prefer keyboard shortcuts.

3. Paste the contents into a word processor like Microsoft Word (you should see the word count on the bottom left corner of the screen) or Google Docs (select Tools > Word Count on the menu bar). However, a much easier alternative is to copy everything to a site like Word Count.

If you’re a Mac user, there’s also a relatively straightforward TextEdit-based workaround you can use to determine the word count of a TXT file. It can be slightly inaccurate, however.

Just open the .TXT file in TextEdit, and Press Cmd + F (or select Edit > Find on the menu bar) to invoke the Search tool. Then, select the Search icon on the left corner of the Search field and choose Insert Pattern > Any Word Characters. The word count should appear in the right corner of the Search field.

Method 2: Convert to PPTX and Display Word Count in PowerPoint

If you have Microsoft PowerPoint installed on your PC or Mac, you can convert the Google Slides presentation as a .PPTX file, import the document to PowerPoint, and check the word count that way.

To download a Google Slides presentation as a .PPTX file:

1. Open the presentation in Google Slides.
2. Select File on the top menu and point to Download.
3. Select Microsoft PowerPoint (.PPTX) on the drop-down menu.

To check the word count in Microsoft PowerPoint:

1. Open the exported .PPTX file in PowerPoint.

2. Go to File > Info (Windows)/Properties (macOS) on the menu bar.

3. Select Show All Properties (Windows) or Statistics (macOS). You should see the word count of the presentation next to Words.

You Don’t Have to Guess Anymore

Although Google Slides has no built-in word count feature, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. With the methods above, you can quickly determine the number of words in your presentations. Whether you prefer downloading your slides as a text file or using the word count capabilities of Microsoft PowerPoint, you won’t have to guess the length of presentations anymore.

Sadly, there’s no way to keep track of your word count in real-time like in Google Docs. But until Google implements such a feature, it’s a hassle you must put up with for the time being.

The post How to Check Word Count in Google Slides Presentations first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Beyond just enabling Live Caption, Android also offers multiple options to tailor how it works. You can hide explicit language, add sound labels to non-speech audio, and translate words to other languages. This tutorial will show you how to enable and make the most of Live Caption for Android.

How Live Caption Works

Live Caption transcribes words from video and audio sources into readable captions simultaneously as you play them. It’s perfect if you have trouble hearing, are in a noisy area, or just don’t want to raise the volume. It’s also fast, doesn’t require an internet connection, and keeps your data private.

On the flip side, though, Live Caption requires a decent amount of processing power, which will drain your phone’s battery faster. To conserve battery life, you should turn it off when you don’t need it or use built-in captioning on streaming apps—for example, YouTube videos can generate their own closed captions.

Additionally, only devices running Android 10 or a newer operating system version support Live Caption, and even then, it depends on the model and manufacturer. A cursory search online will help you determine compatibility. Still, if you own a Google Pixel or a newer OnePlus or Samsung phone, it’s safe to assume you already have it.

How to Access Live Caption Settings

Before beginning to use Live Caption, it’s a good idea to check if the feature is set up to work the way you want on your Android phone. This is possible via the device’s Accessibility settings pane. For example, on a Google Pixel, OnePlus, or Samsung Galaxy:

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Scroll down and tap Accessibility or Sound & vibration. On a Samsung device, follow this step by tapping Hearing enhancements.

3. Tap the Live Caption option to access the following settings.

• Languages & translation: Add extra languages—French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish—for caption generation and translation. It requires a Wi-Fi or cellular data connection to download associated language packs and is available for the Pixel 6/6 Pro and later only.
• Caption preferences: Change the font size, style, and caption window color.
• Hide profanity: Filter out explicit language in speech.
• Show sound labels: Generate descriptions for non-speech audio, like laughter and applause.
• Caption calls: Generate captions during phone calls. Available for the Pixel 2 and later only.
• Type responses during calls: Type out your replies in phone calls, and Live Caption converts the text to speech using Speech Services by Google.

Note: If you have trouble locating the Live Caption preferences on a compatible Android phone, install the latest system software updates, ensure you’re running an up-to-date version of Android System Intelligence, and try again.

How to Use Live Caption

You must turn on Live Caption to generate real-time captions on your Android phone. Although it’s possible to visit the Live Caption preferences pane in the Settings app and enable the switch next to Use Live Caption, a significantly faster method is to:

1. Press the Volume Up or Down button.
2. Tap the Live Caption icon underneath the Volume Slider.
3. If this is your first time turning on the feature, tap Got it.

Alternatively, you can add Live Caption as a shortcut to your Android’s Quick Settings pane. Swipe down from the top of the screen, tap the Edit icon, and drag and drop Live Caption to the list of enabled tiles. Then, tap Live Caption whenever you want to turn the feature on.

Live Caption in Action on Android

After enabling Live Caption, play any form of media containing speech (e.g., a movie clip or voice memo) or initiate/answer a phone call, and a caption box should automatically pop up on the screen with a live transcription. You can drag the box around the screen and double-tap to expand and contract the viewing area.

If you use a Google Pixel 6/6 Pro, you can generate captions in French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish from audio sources containing the language. Just tap any area of the box, select English, and pick the language. You can tap Add a language if you’ve yet to add it to your phone.

Live Caption also lets you translate languages on compatible Pixel phones in real-time. Tap the More icon (three dots) at the top right of the box, turn on the switch next to Translate captions, and set the From and To languages.

How to Disable Live Captions

Live Caption increases battery usage on your Android phone. To disable the feature, press any of the Volume buttons and tap the Live Caption icon. If you have a Live Caption tile on the Quick Settings pane, you can also tap to disable it.

Alternatively, go to Settings > Accessibility/Sound & vibration > Hearing enhancements (Samsung phones only) > Live Caption and turn off the switch next to Use Live Caption.

Anyone Can Take Advantage of Live Caption

Android’s Live Caption feature is suitable for anyone, hard of hearing or not, and you’ll likely find plenty of use cases. It’s easy to turn on and off, conveniently customizable, and does a bang-up job transcribing speech. Most importantly, it safeguards your privacy by processing everything on-device. Remember to disable the feature to avoid battery drain when you don’t need it.

The post How to Enable or Turn Off Live Caption on Android Devices first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Whether you’re a serial tab opener who loses track or someone who just wants a cleaner browsing experience, knowing how to close browser tabs on Android can be a game changer.

This tutorial will help you cut down your list of open tabs in Google Chrome and other browsers like Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Opera.

Close Browser Tabs via the Tab Switcher

Every Android-based browser lets you delete browser tabs through its tab-switching interface. Just:

1. Tap the icon that denotes the number of open tabs to invoke the tab switcher. For example, Google Chrome features this on the top-right corner next to the address bar, while Mozilla Firefox has it on the bottom right.
2. Tap the X button next to a tab preview to close the relevant tab.

Another—and faster—way to close tabs involves swiping the preview cards within the tab switcher to the left. Opera is an exception, where you must swipe them up.

Delete All Browser Tabs at Once

If you have dozens of browser tabs and want to start over, you can trash all of them at once. Just:

1. Look for a three-dot icon or a stack of horizontal lines within the tab switcher.
2. Tap the Close all tabs menu option.

If you use Microsoft Edge, you should find an option to close all tabs on the tab switcher’s bottom left corner.

Shut Down the Current Browser Tab

You do not have to visit the tab switcher on your browser to close the tab you’re currently on. Instead, there’s a hidden gesture you can use. Just:

1. Long-press the tab number indicator.
2. Tap Close tab.

This method does not work on some browsers. For example, long-pressing the tab indicator in the Samsung Internet Browser opens up a new tab. In that case, use the tab switcher to close the tab.

Close Tabs in Chrome’s Tab Groups

Google Chrome supports tab groups, and closing individual tabs within them is even more convenient. Just:

1. Load a tab group.
2. Tap the site favicon of a tab on the bottom bar, and then tap the X icon to close it.

Alternatively, you can head over to Chrome’s tab switcher, tap a group, and select the X button next to a tab preview to close it. Tap X next to the group within the main tab switching area to close everything inside quickly.

Tabs Closed

Web browsing on an Android phone becomes a vastly improved experience when you know how to manage those ever-multiplying tabs. The instructions above also work when browsing anonymously in your browser—e.g., while using Incognito Mode in Chrome.

The post How to Close Tabs in Web Browsers on Android Devices first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

But what if there are moments when you’d prefer not to have Android Auto start up? Perhaps you’re merely aiming to charge your phone, or you’ve chosen to take a break from Android Auto.

Your phone does not offer a direct off-switch, but there are several options and workarounds you can rely on to stop Android Auto from launching automatically.

Disable Android Auto On Your Phone

The most straightforward method to prevent Android Auto from loading automatically over USB or wirelessly is to disable it via your Android device’s Settings app.

Note: The steps below are from a Google Pixel running Android 13—they may vary slightly depending on your device model and system software version.

1. Open the Settings app on your phone.

2. Tap Apps and select See all apps.
3. Locate and tap the Android Auto app—it’s at the top of the list.

4. Tap the option labeled Disable.
5. Tap Disable app on the confirmation pop-up.

Revisit the above screen and tap Enable the next time you want to use Android Auto.

Note: Android Auto may not remain disabled for extended periods. For example, a system software or Google Play update may automatically re-enable it.

Disable Your Android Phone’s Bluetooth

If you’d prefer to prevent Android Auto from launching wirelessly but still work via USB, a simple solution is to turn off your phone’s Bluetooth. However, this will also disconnect your phone from other devices that rely on Bluetooth, such as wireless earphones or a smartwatch.

To disable Bluetooth connectivity, just swipe down from your screen’s top and tap on the Bluetooth tile.

Stop Android Auto From Auto-Launching

It’s possible to configure Android Auto to show up on your car’s head unit only if it was active during your last journey. That way, you have more control over when it launches.

1. Visit your phone’s Android Auto configuration pane—open Settings and tap Apps > See all apps > Android Auto.
2. Tap Additional settings in the app.
3. Scroll down and tap Start Android Auto automatically.
4. Select the If used on the last drive option.
5. Restart your Android phone—hold down the Power button (or the Power and Volume Up buttons, depending on the model) and select Restart.

Alternatively, you can make the adjustment by interacting with Android Auto through the vehicle infotainment system. Just:

1. Tap the Gear icon on the lower-left corner of the Android Auto window.
2. Tap Start Android Auto automatically.
3. Tap the circle next to If used on the last drive.
4. Tap the Gear icon again to go back to the previous screen.
5. Unplug and restart your phone.

Once you’ve done that, exit Android Auto to the head unit’s home screen the next time you start the car. This action should prevent it from kicking in automatically on subsequent drives. Android Auto will continue to appear as an option, but it won’t activate unless you tap on it.

Disable Android Auto From Your Car

Your car’s stock or aftermarket infotainment system may have an integrated option to disable Android Auto. You must check its instructions manual for the correct steps, but basically, it involves the following:

1. Access the head unit’s built-in Settings menu.
2. Look for an option like User Interfaces or Connection Settings.
3. Tap Android Auto. If there’s an option such as Disable or Turn Off, select it.

Repeat the steps and re-enable Android Auto the next time you want to use it while driving.

Use a Charge-Only USB Adapter

Another way to prevent Android Auto from activating is by connecting your phone to a USB port that doesn’t transfer data. If your car doesn’t have one, consider purchasing a charge-only USB cable or adapter. Of course, this approach won’t work if you’re dealing with an Android Auto wireless connection.

Forget Your Car in Android Auto

If you want to stop using Android Auto on your car altogether, you can forget or unpair the vehicle. Here’s how:

1. Visit your Android Auto configurations pane via your phone’s Settings app.
2. Tap the Previously connected cars option.
3. Select the vehicle under the Accepted cars section and tap Forget.

If you want to forget all cars, tap the More icon (three dots) at the top right of the screen and select Forget all cars. Tap OK on the Confirmation prompt.

Optionally, turn off the switch next to Add new cars to Android Auto to stop your phone from prompting you to set up Android Auto each time you connect it to a car charger.

If you disable the option above, select the Connect A Car button within the main Android Auto settings screen whenever you want to set up Android Auto later.

Uninstall Android Auto On Your Phone

On phones running Android 9 and earlier, you can delete Android Auto if you no longer wish to use it. Here’s how:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to Apps & notifications.
3. Find and tap on Android Auto.
4. Tap Uninstall.
5. Confirm your action.

You can always re-download Android Auto from the Google Play Store if you want to use it later.

Android Auto Is Now Disabled

As you just discovered, you’ve got various techniques to stop or turn off Android Auto. You can deactivate it through your Android device, use a workaround to prevent it from auto-launching, turn off the feature directly in your car, or forget the paired vehicle. If your phone runs an older version of Android, you can also delete Android Auto.

Any changes you make aren’t permanent—you can always return to using Android Auto if you begin to miss Google Maps, Spotify, and the dozens of other apps it supports.

The post How to Stop or Turn Off Android Auto first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

The PS5 console offers multiple approaches to removing games from its SSD (and extended storage drive if you have one). This guide walks you through each technique, making it easy to free up storage and accommodate new games.

Will Uninstalling a Game Delete Its Save Data?

Your PS5 stores save files separately from game data, so you don’t lose your progress even if you delete a video game. You can reinstall the game later, and it should automatically detect the save files.

If you want to delete or backup your save data, visit your console’s Storage management panel (more on that later).

1. Uninstall Video Games From the Home Screen

The fastest way to delete a video game on your PS5 is through the Home Screen. Just highlight the game’s thumbnail, press the DualSense controller’s Options button, and select Delete.

Tip: Select Information on the context menu to check how much space the game occupies on the console’s storage before deleting it.

2. Uninstall Video Games via the Game Library

If a video game does not appear on your PS5’s Home Screen (it only shows nine of your most recently-played games), you can delete it via the Game Library. Here’s how:

1. Scroll to the right of the Home Screen and select Game Library.

2. Highlight the game you want to uninstall and press Options.

3. Select Delete.

3. Uninstall Video Games via Storage Management

Another way to uninstall PS5 games is through the console’s Storage management panel. This method is ideal if you want to delete multiple games simultaneously while having a clearer picture of how much space you can free up.

Here’s how:

1. Select the Gear icon on the top left of the screen.

2. Scroll down the Settings menu and choose Storage.

3. Select Console Storage > Games and Apps to view a list of installed games on the internal storage drive.

4. Check the boxes next to the video games you want to uninstall—you should see the size of each game, including the amount of potential free space you can gain if you delete your selections.

5. Select Delete.

4. Uninstall Games via the PlayStation App

If you’ve set up the PS App to work on your iPhone or Android, you can remotely delete games from your PS5. Like with the Storage management console on your PS5, it lets you delete multiple games at once while allowing you to figure out how much space you get to free up. Just:

1. Open the PS App.
2. Tap the Settings icon (top right of the screen) within the Play tab.
3. Tap PS5 Storage at the top of the screen.
4. Select the games you want to delete.
5. Tap Delete Game(s).

Your PS5 should automatically delete the game in Rest Mode or when you next turn on the console.

If you don’t have the PS App on your mobile device:

1. Download and install the PS App from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
2. Open the PS App and sign in with your PlayStation Account.
3. Tap the Gear icon (top right of the screen) within the Play tab.
4. Tap Link Console to App.
5. Select your PS5 and tap Confirm.

You can now delete games on your PS5.

5. Uninstall Games on the Extended Storage Device

If you’ve set up an external hard drive or SSD to work as extended storage on your PS5, you can delete video games from it through the Home Screen, Game Library (make sure to scroll down to the Extended storage section), or the PS App (switch to the USB tab within PS Storage). The steps are identical to removing games from the console’s internal storage drive.

Additionally, you can uninstall games from the extended drive through the PS5’s Storage management panel, but the process is somewhat different. Begin by connecting the storage device to a SuperSpeed USB port on your PS5—the USB-C port on the front or one of the two USB-A ports on the back. Then:

1. Open the PS5’s Settings menu and select Storage.

2. Go to USB Extended Storage > Games and Apps.

3. Highlight any game within the list, press Options, and choose the Select Items to Delete option.

4. Mark the games you want to remove—you should see the size of each game, including the amount of free space you can free up if you delete your selections.

5. Select Delete.

Delete Saved Game Data on Your PS5

If you’d like to delete the saved data for a video game after you’re done uninstalling it:

1. Open the PS5’s Settings menu.
2. Select Storage.
3. Go to Console Storage > Save Data.
4. Select the save data for the game.
5. Select Delete.

Optionally, you can back up your saved data to PlayStation Plus or a flash drive (PS4 games only) before deleting them. Just switch to the Upload to PS Plus or Copy to USB Drive tabs to upload or copy the files.

Remove PS5 Games You No Longer Play

As you just learned, you’ve got multiple ways to delete games on the PS5. You can do that via the Home Screen, Game Library, Console management screen, or the PS App. If you want to reinstall a game, just redownload it via the PlayStation Store (you should find a list of your purchases within the Game Library) or copy the game content via its Blu-ray disc.

The post 5 Ways to Uninstall Games on the PS5 first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

That’s where rebuilding the database on your PlayStation 5 can make a difference, and this tutorial will provide step-by-step instructions to help you with that.

Why You Should Rebuild the PS5 Database

The database on your PS5 is where the console stores essential information, including data about installed games, saved game files, and media gallery items. However, over time, it can get cluttered with redundant, broken, and obsolete data.

Suppose you’re experiencing slower loading times, game crashes, or other unexpected behaviors—e.g., game and app icons remaining on the Home Screen long after uninstalling them. In that case, these can often be signs that the database needs rebuilding.

A PS5 database rebuild reorganizes your data, cleans up loose ends, and enhances how your PS5 functions, leading to smoother interactions and gaming experiences. Don’t worry—nothing gets deleted.

The problem? This procedure can take anywhere from just minutes to several hours, depending on the data on your console. Expect the time to substantially increase if you have an NVMe SSD in the expansion bay or an external drive for copying and moving data.

Because of the potentially time-consuming nature, it’s a good idea to rebuild the PS5 database after working on other applicable fixes related to the issue you’re encountering. For example, have you tried updating the PS5’s system software?

How to Rebuild the PS5 Database

Rebuilding the PS5 database is a straightforward process that can be done after booting the console into Safe Mode. But what is Safe Mode? It’s a separate startup environment where you can perform maintenance and troubleshooting activities, including database rebuilding.

Before you begin, you must completely shut down the console—press the PS button on the DualSense wireless controller, select Power, and choose Turn Off PS5. You must also connect the expanded storage drive if one is set up. Then:

1. Hold down the Power button on your console beeps for the second time—this boots the PS5 in Safe Mode.
2. Connect your PS5’s DualSense controller via its charging cable to any USB port on the console and press the PS button—you’ll see a list of Safe Mode options on the screen.
3. Use the D-pad buttons to navigate to Clear Cache and Rebuild Database—press X to select it.

Note: Depending on the make and model of your PS5, you might see the option simply labeled as Rebuild Database.

4. You should now see two sub-options—Clear System Software Cache and Rebuild Database. We recommend you select Clear System Software Cache and clear the cache on your PS5 before rebuilding the database—it’s faster, removes temporary system data, and could resolve your issue. If the problem persists, re-enter Safe Mode and select Rebuild Database sub-option.

5. Wait until your PS5 rebuilds the database on your PS5—a progress bar indicator reveals the estimated amount of time remaining. The console should exit Safe Mode and boot normally after the procedure.

Warning: Do not disconnect your PS5 from its power source during the database rebuilding phase since that can severely corrupt the console’s system software.

Your PS5’s Database Has Been Rebuilt

A healthy PS5 database is crucial for a smoother experience with the console, and a complete rebuild can play a significant role in getting it out of a rut.

The process takes a while to complete, but with luck, you’ll only have to do that a handful of times over the years. If time is not an issue, there’s no harm in repeating the action once every few months as a maintenance measure.

Just remember—rebuilding the PS5’s database is not the ultimate solution to all issues. If you continue encountering problems, other advanced troubleshooting techniques exist, like resetting the PS5 to factory defaults.

The post How to Rebuild Your Playstation 5 (PS5) Database first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Your PS5 automatically enters Rest Mode after 20 minutes of inactivity. However, if you’d like to manually put the console into Rest Mode or adjust the automatic activation time, this tutorial will show you how.

How to Put Your PS5 in Rest Mode

You can put your PS5 into Rest Mode whenever you want. If you have a game running, just pause or exit to the Home Screen, and then:

1. Press the PS button on your DualSense wireless controller to bring up the Control Center.
2. Use the right thumbstick or D-pad button to highlight the Power icon.
3. Press the X button and select the Enter Rest Mode menu option.

Your TV or monitor screen goes black and the power indicator lights on the PS5’s casing flashes amber to confirm it’s in Rest Mode. Do not disconnect the power cable since the console still needs power—around 0.36 to 3.2 watts per hour—to remain in this state.

How to Get Your PS5 Out of Rest Mode

You have a couple of ways to get a PS5 console out of Rest Mode. Just press the PS button on the DualSense controller. Or, press the Power button on the console’s casing. The PS5 should beep and start up.

If you entered Rest Mode with a game running in the background, select its icon on the Home Screen to resume playing immediately.

How to Change Rest Mode’s Automatic Timer

If you’d like to change how quickly the PS5 enters Safe Mode on its own:

1. Select the Gear icon on the top left corner of the Home Screen.

2. Scroll down the Settings menu and select System.

3. Go to Power Saving > Set Time Until PS5 Enters Rest Mode.

4. Select the While Playing Games option.

5. Pick your preferred duration before entering Rest Mode while idling on the Home Screen or a video game or app—the shortest (and default) is After 20 Minutes, and you can increase that to After 1 Hour, After 2 Hours, After 3 Hours, and so on.

6. Select During Media Playback to adjust the Rest Mode timer during media playback—the shortest (and default) is After 1 Hour.

Rest Your PS5 Console

Entering Rest Mode on your PlayStation 5 is not only useful from a power management perspective—it also increases the longevity of the console by preventing it from working extra hard to load everything from scratch for each new gaming session. Sure—it’s not ideal for every scenario. For example, if you’re troubleshooting the gaming console, looking to boot into Safe Mode, or plan not to game for days, shut down your PS5 instead.

The post How to Put Your PS5 in Rest Mode first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Error code 102630 can pop up due to several factors, such as your browser being incompatible with the video, an outdated graphics driver acting up, or a browser extension causing conflicts.

Don’t worry, though. This guide is all about troubleshooting and resolving error code 102630. We’ll explore multiple solutions to help you return to watching videos as usual.

Update Your Web Browser

It’s best to kick things off by updating your web browser to its latest version. Newer updates improve compatibility with web-based video formats and patch known issues behind streaming errors.

Your browser should automatically update itself, but you can always double-check by visiting its Settings panel.

For example, if you use Google Chrome, open the Chrome menu, select Settings, and choose About Chrome on the sidebar. Then, wait until Chrome updates itself to its latest version.

An exception is Apple Safari, where browser updates are tied to Mac system software updates. To update macOS, open the Apple menu and select System Settings > General > Software Update.

Enable Google Widevine

Many video hosting sites rely on Google Widevine (a decryption module) to enforce digital rights management (DRM) on digital media content. This isn’t an issue with Chrome and Safari, where the module is permanently active.

However, if error code 102630 occurs on another browser like Microsoft Edge and Mozilla Firefox, it’s best to check and enable Google Widevine if it’s inactive.

Microsoft Edge: Type edge://flags into the address bar and press Enter. On the Experiments screen that appears, type Widevine DRM into the Search box. Then, open the pull-down menu next to Widevine DRM and select Default or Enabled.

Mozilla Firefox: Open the Firefox menu and choose Add-ons and themes. Once the Add-ons Manager shows up, select Plugins on the sidebar. Then, select the More icon (three dots) next to Widevine Content Decryption Module provided by Google Inc. and choose Always Activate.

Disable Virtual Private Networks

Virtual private networks (VPNs) improve online privacy but tend to cause communication issues with video streaming services. If you have one set up on your computer, briefly turn it off and confirm if it’s the reason behind the error.

Clear the Browser Cache

An obsolete web browser cache can conflict with websites, prevent videos from loading, and trigger playback errors. If error code 102630 persists, clear all cached data and try again.

Google Chrome: Open the Chrome menu, point to More Tools, and select Clear Browsing Data. On the Clear Browser Data pop-up, set Time range to All time, check the boxes next to Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files, and select Clear data.

Microsoft Edge: Open the Edge menu and select Settings. On the Settings screen, select Privacy, Search, and Services on the sidebar, and Choose What to Clear under the Clear browsing data section. Then, set Time range to All time, check the boxes next to Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files, and select Clear Now.

Mozilla Firefox: Open the Firefox menu and select Settings. On the Settings screen, choose Privacy & Security on the sidebar, scroll to the Cookies and Site Data section, and select Clear Data. Then, check the boxes next to Cookies and Site Data and Cached Web Content and choose Clear.

Apple Safari: Select Safari > Clear History on the menu bar, set Clear to all history, and select Clear History.

Flush the DNS Cache

The DNS (Domain Name Service) cache can contain obsolete URLs (or web addresses), preventing your browser from fetching video file data. Delete the cached DNS data to force the system to resolve everything from scratch.

Microsoft Windows: Right-click the Start button, select Windows PowerShell/Terminal (Admin), and execute the following command:

Clear-DnsClientCache

Apple macOS: Open the Launchpad, select Other > Terminal, and execute the command below:

sudo dscacheutil -flushcache;sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

Disable Third-Party Extensions

Browser extensions ramp up what you can do online but occasionally interfere with web elements like embedded media players. Visit your browser’s add-ons management console and turn everything off.

• Google Chrome: Open the Chrome menu, select Extensions, and disable the switches next to all extensions.
• Microsoft Edge: Open the Edge menu, choose Extensions, and deactivate all extensions.
• Mozilla Firefox: Open the Firefox menu, select Add-ons and themes, and disable all switches under Extensions.
• Apple Safari: Select Safari > Settings on the menu bar, switch to the Extensions tab, and uncheck the boxes next to all extensions.

If that helps, re-enable your extensions one by one until you identify the add-ons causing error code 102630. If you do, remember to disable it the next time the error pops up.

Disable Hardware Acceleration

Desktop browsers like Chrome, Edge, and Firefox offload resource-intensive tasks like video decoding to the graphics processing unit or GPU. However, although that improves performance, it can lead to playback errors due to driver incompatibilities and conflicts with other hardware components.

Disable hardware acceleration on your browser and check if that fixes error 102630.

Google Chrome: Open the Chrome menu, select Settings, and choose System on the sidebar. Then, turn off the switch next to Use hardware acceleration when available and select Relaunch.

Microsoft Edge: Open the Edge menu, select Settings, and choose System and Performance on the sidebar. Then, toggle the switch next to Use hardware acceleration when available and select Restart.

Mozilla Firefox: Open the Firefox menu and select Settings. On the Settings screen, scroll to the Performance section, uncheck the box next to Use recommended performance settings, and turn off Use hardware acceleration when available.

Apple Safari: Safari does not provide an option to disable hardware acceleration.

Update Your Video Card Drivers

The error can disappear after turning off hardware acceleration. But if it’s at the cost of choppy video performance, check if newer updates for your graphics card address the issue.

On a PC, just visit your graphics card manufacturer’s website—NVIDIA, AMD, Intel, etc.—and download and install the latest video card drivers. Optionally, check Windows Update for additional updates to video hardware—right-click the Start button and go to Settings > Windows Update.

On a Mac, updating the system software to its latest version should automatically update the video drivers—open the System Settings app and select General > Software Update.

Try a Different Web Browser

Different browsers have different capabilities—some handle video files and streaming protocols better than others. Try a different browser if none of the above solutions work. This approach can also help determine if the problem is with your browser or the video source.

If you need ideas, check out these alternative browsers you’ve never heard of.

Contact the Site’s Support Service

Lastly, error code 102630 can result from corrupt or missing video files on the hosting site servers. If the error occurs on multiple browsers and devices, your only option is to contact the site’s support service.

Back to Watching Videos Error-Free

Error code 102630 can dampen your video streaming experience, but fortunately, there are many techniques to combat this issue. Whether it’s updating your browser, disabling VPNs or browser extensions, or updating your video card drivers, one of these methods is bound to get rid of it. Switch browsers or contact the site if all else fails.

The post How to Fix “This Video File Cannot Be Played (Error Code: 102630)” first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Fortunately, the PS5’s system software allows for a seamless backup process and offers the flexibility to choose the types of data you want to secure. Restoring your game data is just as convenient. This tutorial will show you how to back up and restore the data on a PS5 console.

What Can You Back Up On Your PS5?

Backing up your PS5 involves creating a copy of your data and settings that you can restore later. The internal storage drive consists of the following data types:

• Downloaded apps and video games.
• Save files.
• The media gallery—video clips and screenshots.
• Your system settings.

The good news—you can back up all the above data on your game console to an external hard drive or SSD. If you have a PlayStation Plus subscription, you also have the option to upload your game saves—arguably the most vital data—to the PSN servers.

Additionally, you can copy individual save files—limited to PS4 games only—and media gallery items to a standard USB flash stick.

Back-Up Data to External USB Storage

An external HDD or SSD is a simple and effective way to back up your PS5 data. With this method, you create a tangible duplicate of your data that you can quickly restore at any time. This method is ideal if you favor direct control over your backup data or don’t have a PlayStation Plus subscription for cloud-based game save backups.

The external drive must have adequate space for your backup. Since the PS5 comes with an 825GB internal storage drive, a 1TB USB drive is more than enough. However, a larger drive might be necessary if you have an NVMe M.2 SSD in the expansion bay.

Interestingly, the PS5 supports selective backups, where you can focus on specific data categories, allowing you to use a smaller drive for backup purposes. For instance, if your only concern is saved data and the media gallery and you’re willing to re-download games, a USB flash stick with 8-16GB capacity should cut it.

To back up the data on a PS5 to an external storage device, connect the drive to your PS5, and then:

1. Select the Settings icon on the top-right of the Home Screen.

2. Enter the System category.

3. Go to System Software > Back Up and Restore.

4. Select Back Up Your PS5.

5. Choose the types of data you want to back up—games and apps, save data, and media gallery. The backup always includes a copy of your PS5’s settings, so you can’t deselect it. Select Next to continue.

Note: The indicator on the top left projects the amount of used and free space on the external drive if you copy the selected data.

6. Name the backup within the Description box (or keep the default label intact) and select Back Up.

7. Wait until your PS5 backs up your data to the external drive. The console should reboot automatically a couple of times during the process.

If your PS5 indicates the connected drive is unsupported, use a PC or Mac to format it in the FAT32 or exFAT file system and retry.

If you use a Windows PC:

1. Open File Explorer, right-click the external drive, and select Format.

2. Set File system to FAT32 or exFAT and select Start.

3. Select OK on the confirmation pop-up.

If you use an Apple Mac:

1. Open the Launchpad and select Other > Disk Utility.
2. Select the external drive on the sidebar and choose Erase.
3. Set the Format to exFAT or MS-DOS (FAT) and select Erase.

Back-Up Data to PS Plus Cloud Storage

You can upload up to 100 GB of PS5 save data and 100 GB of PS4 save data to the PSN servers if you’re a PlayStation Plus subscriber. By default, automatic PS Plus uploads are enabled for PS5 and PS4 games, so you don’t have to do anything. If not, here’s how to turn it on:

1. Open your PS5’s Settings menu and select Saved Data and Game/App Settings.

2. Go to Saved Data (PS5) > Sync Saved Data.

3. Enable the Auto-Sync Saved Data option.

4. Return to the Save Data and Game/App Settings screen and select Saved Data (PS4) > Auto-Upload.

5. Turn on the switch next to Enable Auto-Upload.

Alternatively, you can keep automatic updates disabled and upload saved data manually. Here’s how:

1. Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings.

2. Go to Saved Data (PS5)/Saved Data (PS4) > Console Storage.

3. Switch to the Upload to Cloud Storage tab, mark the games you want to upload, and select Upload.

Back-Up Game Saves and Media Gallery to Flash Drive

Instead of using the PS5’s external drive backup function, you can manually copy all or specific amounts of saved data from PS4 games to a USB flash stick. You can also back up media gallery items (screenshots and video clips) to it.

To copy PS4 save files to a compatible flash stick, connect it to your console, and then:

1. Visit the PS5’s Settings menu and select Storage.

2. Go to Console Storage > Saved Data.

3. Select PS4 Games.

4. Switch to the Copy to USB Drive tab, mark the games you want to copy, and select Copy.

To copy media gallery items to the USB drive:

1. Visit the PS5’s Settings menu and select Storage.

2. Go to Console Storage > Media Gallery.

3. Enable the Select Multiple toggle on the left corner of the screen.

4. Mark the items you want to copy to the drive, select the More icon (three dots) to the right of the screen, and select Copy to USB Drive.

Restore PS5 From an External Drive Backup

If you have to factory reset your PS5, replace its internal storage drive, or upgrade to a new console, you can choose to restore the contents of your external backup drive. Assuming you made a complete backup, the process ensures you return to your games with all your progress, settings, and profiles intact.

Warning: Restoring a PS5 backup will permanently wipe any existing data from the console’s internal storage.

To restore PS5 data from an external drive backup, connect the storage device to your PS5, and then:

1. Visit the PS5’s Settings menu and select System.

2. Go to System Software > Back Up and Restore.

3. Select Restore Your PS5.

4. Pick the backup you want to restore.

5. Select Restore.

Note: If the restoration process fails, update the PS5’s system software to its latest version and try again.

Restore Cloud Saves From PS Plus

If you have saved games backed up online thanks to PS Plus, they should auto-sync with the internal storage when you sign in to a PS5 with your PSN account. If they don’t, you can restore game saves manually. Here’s how:

1. Visit the PS5’s Settings menu and select Saved Data and Game/App Settings.

2. Go to Saved Data (PS5)/Saved Data (PS4) > Cloud Storage.

3. Under the Download to Console Storage tab, mark the games you want to download, and select Download.

Restore Game Saves From Flash Drive

If you copied your PS4 save files to a USB flash drive, you can copy them back to the console’s internal storage. Here’s how:

1. Visit the PS5’s Settings menu and select Saved Data and Game/App Settings.

2. Go to Saved Data (PS4) > USB Drive.

3. Under the Copy to Console Storage tab, mark the games you want to copy, and select Copy.

View Media Gallery Items on Flash Drive

You can’t copy back any media gallery items on a flash stick, but you can access and view them. To do that, connect the drive to your console, and then:

1. Visit the PS5’s Settings menu and select Storage.

2. Go to Console Storage > Media Gallery.

3. Under the USB tab, select the PS4 or PS5 folder.

4. Select Create.

5. Select Screenshots.

6. Select a screenshot thumbnail to enlarge it.

You Now Know How to Back Up and Restore the PS5

Backing up your PS5 is crucial, and it’s not just about saving your games—it’s about safeguarding everything on your console. With this guide, you now know how to do it. Whether it’s copying everything to an external drive, uploading game saves to the cloud, or copying save files and gallery items to a flash stick, you’ve got multiple methods to protect your data. It’s always good to know all of your important data is safe and sound, and that you can restore them quickly if needed.

The post How to Back Up and Restore Your PS5 first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

An external hard drive or SSD is a practical and cost-effective solution. It ramps up available storage space, allowing you to fit more games and helping the console run smoothly and efficiently.

This tutorial will provide a straightforward approach to setting up an external hard drive on the Sony PS5 and using it to move, install, and copy games.

Prepare for the Initial Setup

To extend the storage on your PS5, you must have an external hard drive or SSD that’s USB 3.0-compatible with a capacity of at least 250GB. Don’t worry if the drive is too big—the console handles sizes up to 8TB.

Additionally, you need a USB-3.0-compliant cable to connect the external drive to your PS5. If you’re unsure, just use the cable that came with the drive’s packaging.

It’s also necessary to free up the SuperSpeed USB-C port at the front or one of the USB-A ports at the rear of the console, depending on the cable your external drive uses. The forward-facing USB-A port is not compatible with extended storage media.

As a final step, ensure your PS5’s system software is up-to-date. That improves hardware compatibility and resolves known issues with the extended storage setup process. Navigate to Settings > System > Software Update to update the system software.

Related: Want to learn more about how the PS5 and extended storage devices work? Check our PS5 external storage drive explainer.

Format the External USB Drive

Assuming you have everything ready, it’s time to set up the external drive to work as an extended storage device with your PlayStation 5.

Warning: Back up any data on the external hard drive, as the PS5 requires erasing it before setup.

Begin by connecting the USB drive to the USB-C port on the front or a USB-A port on the rear of the console (there are two of them). Do not connect the drive through a USB hub. Then:

1. Select the Settings icon on the top right of the screen.

2. Scroll down the Settings menu and select Storage.

3. Go to USB Extended Storage > Format as USB Extended Storage.

4. Select Yes and wait until the console formats the drive.

5. Select OK to finish the setup process.

Move Games to the Extended Storage

With the hard drive set up as an extended storage device on the PS5, you can start moving games to it immediately. Here’s how:

1. Highlight the game you want to move on the Home Screen or Game Library.

2. Press the Options button and select Move Games and Apps.

3. Check the boxes next to any other games you want to move and select Move.

4. Select OK.

5. Wait until the console moves the games from its internal drive to the extended storage. It could take a while, depending on the latter’s writing speed.

Install Games on the Extended Storage

It’s possible to configure your PS5 to install games directly to its extended storage, but the functionality is restricted to PS4 versions of video games only. To set that up:

1. Visit the PS5’s Settings menu and select Storage.

2. Go to Installation Location > PS4 Games and Apps.

3. Press the Options button and select USB Extended Storage.

Digital and disc-based PS4 games should automatically copy data to the external drive from now onward.

Copy Back Games to Internal Storage

Developers design PS5 games to take advantage of the internal drive’s blazing-fast performance, so the console restricts you from playing them via extended storage. Hence, if you want to play a transferred PS5 game, you must copy it back. To do that:

1. Highlight the game on the Home Screen or Game Library and choose Copy.

2. Wait until your console finishes moving back the game.

Unlike PS5 games, you can play PS4 games from the external storage drive. Just select Play on the Home Screen or Game Library. However, if you want to benefit from the internal storage’s enhanced read speed, here’s how to move them back:

1. Highlight the game on the Home Screen, press the Options button, and choose Move Games and Apps.

2. Select any other games you’d like to copy back and select Move.

3. Select OK and wait until the console copies the selected item or items back.

Delete Games on the Extended Storage

If your USB extended storage device begins filling up, you can delete games to free up space. Here’s how:

1. Open the PS5’s Settings menu and select Storage.

2. Select USB Extended Storage > Games and Apps.

3. Pick a game and select the Options button.

4. Pick the Select Items to Delete option.

5. Enable the boxes next to any other games you want to remove and select Delete.

Remove the Extended Storage

You must only unplug a USB extended storage drive after safely unmounting it first. To do that:

1. Go to Settings > Storage.

2. Select USB Extended Storage > Safely Remove from PS5.

3. Disconnect the USB extended storage drive from your PS5 console.

Remember to plug the external drive back in whenever you want to move or copy back games.

You’ve Extended Your PS5’s Storage

That wraps it up! Boosting the PlayStation 5’s storage with an external hard drive or SSD is a smart move for any hardcore gamer. Granted, it doesn’t pack the same punch as slotting in an NVMe M.2 SSD, but it provides ample space for an expanding collection of games and puts the hassle of PS5 storage management in the backseat.

The post How to Install or Move PS5 Games to an External Hard Drive first appeared on Online Tech Tips.