PDF files have long been a staple for sharing documents, but when it comes to dynamic presentations that engage audiences, Google Slides offers a wealth of interactive features. Whether you’re repurposing existing content or seeking a more collaborative platform, knowing how to convert PDF files to Google Slide presentations is a valuable skill. In this article, we’ll explore various methods and tips to seamlessly transition your static PDF documents into dynamic presentations that captivate your audience.

Why Convert PDF Files into Google Slides?

Google Slides allows you to create an interactive presentation with embedded videos, transition effects, and animations. If you already have material in PDF form, you don’t want to waste time creating the same or similar material in Google Slides. Instead, you can just implement your PDF file into the Google Slide presentation.

Another reason why you might want to convert PDF into a Google Slide is the ease of sharing. PDF files can be large and it can take quite some time to send them as an attachment via email. But if you create a Google Slide presentation you can simply share a link to it.

Google Slides also allows other people to join your work, or leave notes and feedback directly in the presentation you’re making. This way ideas can be shared in real time, in a dynamic way. Although PDF files allow you to leave comments, it’s a more static environment not suitable for collaboration.

If you’re looking to convert PDF files into Google Slide presentations, you should understand that you’ll be working with two different file formats. That’s what makes it difficult to convert PDFs to Google Slides. Essentially, they’re not compatible. So what you need to do is convert your PDF file into a file format that can be easily implemented into Google Slides Presentation such as PowerPoint or Jpeg files. Let’s see all the ways in which you can convert your PDF to Google Slide Presentations.

1. Convert PDF to PowerPoint With Adobe Acrobat

Adobe Acrobat is a PDF editor which contains some very powerful tools. You can use it to create new PDF files, edit the existing ones, convert them to different file formats, sign, and share your PDFs. The best part is that it supports both native and scanned PDF files.

You can use Adobe Acrobat to convert your PDF files to PowerPoint which can then easily be implemented into your Google Slide presentation. Here’s how:

1. Open your PDF file in Adobe Acrobat.
   
2. In the Tools section of the Ribbon located at the top left corner of the screen, select Convert.
   

3. Select Microsoft PowerPoint from the offered file extensions.
   

4. Finally, click the blue Convert button and wait until Adobe Acrobat finishes the task.
   

Now you can upload this newly made PowerPoint file into your Google Slides. Here’s how:

1. Open Google Slides and create a blank presentation, or open the one you previously worked on.
   
2. Select Files in the top left corner, and then select Import Slides.
   

3. In the Import dialog box, select the Upload tab.
   

4. Click the Browse button to select the PowerPoint file you previously created and import it. Alternatively, you can just drag and drop it into the import dialog box.
   

5. Select all the slides you want to import, and then click on the Import Slides button.
   

And that’s it. You can now continue making your Google Slides Presentation with converted PDF files.

2. Convert PDF to PowerPoint With a Free Online Tool

If you don’t use Adobe Acrobat, some free online tools can convert your PDF into a PowerPoint file. The most popular ones are Zamzar and ilovePDF. Both these websites will convert your PDF files to high quality.

Another great thing about Zamzar and ilovePDF is that they don’t have a bunch of distracting advertisements on their web pages. Instead, they’re pretty straightforward online converters. Let’s see how online converters work taking Zamzar as an example:

1. Go to the Zamzar website.
   
2. Select the Choose Files button and select the PDF file you want to convert. This will upload the file to the website.
   

3. In the Convert To drop-down menu, select PPT or PPTX as an output.
   

4. Select the Convert Now button to start the conversion process.
   

5. Once the process is finished, Download the converted file to your device.
   

You can import converted PPT files into Google Slides by using the same method as described in the previous section.

3. Convert PDF to an Image

You can convert your PDF files into images and then implement them into the Google Slides presentations. There are several ways you can convert a PDF into an image. Let’s check them out

1. Use Adobe Acrobat to Convert PDF to JPEG

If you decide to use Adobe Acrobat to convert your PDF into an image:

1. Open your PDF file in Adobe Acrobat and go to Convert in the Tools menu.
   

2. Select the Image Format and then choose JPEG from the drop-down menu. Select the Convert button.
   

2. Use an Online Tool to Convert PDF to JPEG

Zamzar and ilovePDF let you convert your PDF files into multiple file extensions, not just PowerPoint. Instead of selecting PPT or PPTX, you’ll just need to select the JPEG file format to convert to. Here’s how:

1. Go to Zamzar.com.
   
2. Upload the PDF file you want to convert to an image by selecting the Choose Files option.
   

3. From the Convert To drop-down menu, select JPEG under the Image File section.
   

4. Select Convert Now.
   

5. Download the converted file to your device.
   

3. Take Screenshots of Your PDF to Convert to Images

If you don’t want to use Adobe Acrobat, or you prefer not to use the conversion websites, you can take screenshots of your PDF file to convert them to images. This will require some manual work on your part, but it’ll get the job done. The images you create by screenshotting your PDF file can then be used in Google Slides just like any other images.

1. Open your PDF file in the Web Browser or in the PDF viewer application.
   
2. Take a screenshot of each PDF page (or part of the page you want to use in the Google Slides presentation) by pressing the Print Screen button on your keyboard. Make sure you know where your device will save the screenshots you just took.
   
3. If using Windows 11, pressing the Print Screen button will open up the Snipping Tool which you can use to modify the screenshot and decide where to save it on your device.
   

4. Insert the newly created images into your Google Slide presentation.
   

5. Share Your PDF as a Link Within Google Slides Presentation

Google Slides lets you implement clickable links within the presentation. This can be a great way of sharing your PDF file with the audience without converting it. However, you’ll have to upload your PDF file into Google Drive first, and then share it as a link in Google Slides. But the process is very simple. Here’s how:

1. Go to Google Drive and Sign in with your Google account.
   
2. Select New from the Tools Menu in the top left corner.
   

3. Select File Upload.
   

4. Find and Open the PDF file you want to upload to Google Drive.
   

5. Find the uploaded PDF file and right-click it. Select Share from the menu, and then Copy Link.
   

6. Now go to the Google Slides presentation where you want to share the link to this PDF.
   
7. Make sure you click the mouse cursor where you want to implement the link in the presentation. Paste the link by simply pressing Ctrl+V (Cmd + V on Mac) shortcut on your keyboard.
   

Converting PDF files to Google Slide presentations opens up a world of possibilities for sharing information in a more engaging and interactive manner. By following the steps outlined in this article and leveraging the power of Google Slides, you can breathe new life into your presentations, making them more dynamic, visually appealing, and impactful for your audience. So, don’t hesitate to explore the possibilities and elevate your presentation game with the seamless conversion of PDF files to Google Slide presentations.

The post How to Convert PDF to Google Slides Presentations first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Whether you’re recording your first TikTok video or you’re eager to explore trending challenges, encountering the dreaded “no internet connection” error can quickly put a damper on your TikTok experience. But don’t worry, we’ll delve into the underlying causes behind this error to offer you practical solutions and troubleshooting steps to get you back to scrolling, creating, and sharing without interruption.

1. Check Internet Connection

The most obvious, and common reason behind the “No Internet Connection” error on TikTok is an inactive, or unstable internet connection. That’s why before taking any other action, you should check what’s the status of your internet connection. It could be that your internet is slow, or the connection got interrupted.

The quickest way to check if your internet is acting up is to open a web browser on your device and try loading any website. If it loads, your internet is fine and the error is coming from somewhere else. But if the website won’t load, your internet is not working properly. Try connecting to another WiFi network, or reconnect to your mobile network by turning the airplane mode on your phone on and off again.

2. Check if the TikTok Server Is Down

If your internet is working but you still receive a “No Internet Connection” error when you try to load a video on the TikTok app, you should check if the platform’s server is down. If TikTok servers are down they can’t deliver the content to your device.

Visit Downdetector and type TikTok in the search bar. Then hit the enter button on your keyboard, or the search button on the website and wait for the results.

Once you get the results for your search, you’ll see if the TikTok servers are down and if other users are reporting server problems.

If Downdetector shows that the TikTok server is down, you can’t do anything about it. Wait for some time and see if the app will work properly in an hour. Platforms like TikTok or Facebook might shut down their servers due to maintenance, or because they’re experiencing a major glitch.

3. Relaunch the TikTok App

If your app is having technical problems, it could display a “No Internet Connection” error. Various errors and bugs can easily prevent the TikTok app from working properly on your device. If this is the case, the solution is easy. All you have to do is close the app and relaunch it. However, you’ll want to do a hard reboot of the app. It could solve many minor issues your app is experiencing.

To do a TikTok app reboot on an Android device:

1. Press the Recents button to access all the recently opened apps.
2. Scroll to the right until you find TikTok.
3. Swipe up to close the TikTok app.

To reboot it on iPhone:

1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen, but stop in the middle.

2. Find the TikTok app, and swipe up to close it.

Once the app is closed this way, open it as you would normally. Now your app will start afresh and the “No Internet Connection” error might disappear.

4. Restart Your iPhone or Android Phone

Sometimes, it’s not the app that’s experiencing a glitch, but your phone. Whether you’re using an iPhone or an Android, it doesn’t matter. All mobile devices are prone to errors which can influence how your apps are working. Restarting allows your device to start its iOS or Android operating system fresh. Rebooting your phone can resolve many other issues you might be having with your apps.

To restart an Android phone:

1. Press and hold the power button until a menu appears.
2. Select Restart from the menu.

3. Wait until your phone turns off and on again.
4. Once the system is up, open TikTok and see if this resolves your issue.

For iPhone users:

1. Press and hold down the Volume Up + Side button, or Volume Down + Side button, depending on the model.
2. Once the slider shows up on the iPhone’s screen, drag it to turn off your phone.

3. Press and hold the side button to turn on your phone. Release the button once the Apple logo shows up.
4. Launch the TikTok app and see if the “No Internet Connection” message disappeared.

5. Clear TikTok Cache Files

Apps store temporary files on your device that help them load content faster every time you use them. However, these temporary files can get corrupted and prevent the apps from functioning properly. TikTok is no exception. If you suspect a corrupted cache file is causing the “No Internet Connection” error to appear, you can simply clear cache files from your device and see if this fixes the issue.

To clear TikTok cache files on Android and iPhone:

1. Launch the TikTok app and tap the Profile icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.

2. Select the lines menu at the top right corner.

3. Select the Settings & Privacy option from the menu.

4. Scroll down until you find the Cache & Celular section. Tap Free up space.

5. Tap the Clear button next to Cache.

Note that clearing TikTok cache files won’t delete any of your videos or saved app settings. It’s completely safe to clear the cache.

6. Update the TikTok App

If you’re using the old version of the TikTok app, it could be why you’re seeing the “No Internet Connection” error message. The new version of the app comes with fixes for known bugs and glitches that TikTok users reported over time. One of the bugs that the developers fixed could be causing you to experience the error. So go ahead and update your TikTok app. Here’s how:

1. If you’re an Android user, open the Google Play Store and find the TikTok app. Tap the Update button next to the app.

2. If you’re an iPhone user go to the App Store. Find TikTok and tap the Update button next to it.

7. Reinstall the TikTok App on Your Device

If none of the above methods works for you, and you’re still experiencing the “No Internet Connection” every time you try to watch a TikTok video, the issue might be within the app’s system files. These files can also get corrupted, but clearing them is not as easy as clearing the cache. That’s because you’ll have to completely remove the app from your device, and install it again. Reinstalling the app this way will delete all the potential problematic files.

Reinstalling the app won’t delete any videos you might have uploaded on your profile. However, you’ll lose all the draft videos, so make sure you either publish them or save them somewhere else on your device.

To remove the TikTok app from an Android phone:

1. Find TikTok on your home screen, or in the app drawer.
2. Tap and hold the icon of the app until a menu appears.
3. Select Uninstall.

4. Tap OK when prompted.

5. Visit the Play Store and reinstall the TikTok app.

For iPhone users:

1. Find the TikTok app on your Home screen.
2. Tap and hold the app.
3. Select the Remove app option.

4. Tap Delete app to confirm.

5. To reinstall it, visit the App Store, and select the Get button next to the TikTok app.

8. Use a VPN Service

The “No Internet Connection” error might also appear if TikTok finds your geographical location or the IP address conflicting with the app. You can resolve this issue by downloading and installing a VPN.

The VPN services will hide your actual IP address and replace it with a new one. By doing this, you’ll bypass certain internet restrictions set by your provider. Select the country where TikTok is not banned and the app will consider the new IP address appropriate. Now you can proceed to use TikTok normally.

Remember, persistence and patience are key as you work through each step, and don’t hesitate to reach out to TikTok’s support team if needed or leave us a comment in the comment section below.

The post 8 Ways to Fix TikTok “No Internet Connection” Error first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

In the immersive world of gaming, encountering a black screen issue on your PS5 can be frustrating. Whether you’re in the middle of an intense gaming session or gearing up for a cinematic adventure, a sudden loss of visual output can disrupt the gaming experience and ruin your day. But don’t worry, we’ve curated a comprehensive list of basic troubleshooting steps and advanced solutions to help you navigate through the potential causes behind the PS5 black screen issue.

Also, if you have a PS4 console with the same problem, check out our detailed guide on how to fix the Playstation 4 black screen issue.

Why Does the Black Screen Happen on PS5?

Unfortunately, there’s no one cause behind the Black Screen when it comes to PS5 consoles. Fortunately, troubleshooting the problem and fixing it can be quite easy. As soon as you discover what’s the problem with your TV or the console, you can start fixing it.

Here’s a short list of the most common PS5 Black Screen causes:

1. The HDMI connection between the TV and the PS5 console is lost. Typically this happens due to a loose or damaged cable.
2. The console displays games at a higher resolution than your TV model supports.
3. PlayStation 5 software issues can also lead to a Black Screen. The software could be simply outdated, or not compatible with the TV software.
4. Similarly, the device’s hardware issues can lead to a Black Screen. These issues are mostly physical damage to the console or the TV.
5. Sometimes, the PS 5 doesn’t exit the rest mode correctly and will display a black screen.

These are the most common known issues that result in a black screen with PS5 consoles. Now let’s see how to fix them.

1. Check Your TV or Monitor

Before you dive into more complicated fixes, check if your TV or monitor is in working order. This is especially important if the PS5 console displays a black screen but the sound is unaffected. If you saw the PlayStation logo before the screen went dark, your TV or monitor works and you can continue troubleshooting the issue.

But if there was no display of the PS logo, but your console is working (you can see the blinking blue light on it), then you should check if your display device is still working. Plug in another console or a computer, return to the TV mode, or streaming device.

If your display works with other devices, but not with the PlayStation 5, you’ll know the fault is not in your TV or monitor.

2. Check the HDMI Connection

The HDMI connection is one of the top reasons users experience black screen with or without sound, or periodical black screen dropouts. HDMI is responsible for both video and audio output, and that’s why you might hear sound or not when experiencing a black screen.

Improper HDMI connection can be on either console’s or TV’s end. That’s why you’ll need to check both HDMI ports, as well as the cable integrity. First, unplug the HDMI cable from both the TV and console and plug it back in. Make sure it sits in the ports correctly and firmly.

In the meantime, while the cable is out, check it for breakpoints and any physical damage. You can also connect it to other devices to see if it works. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to replace the HDMI cable.

Finally, some TVs have multiple HDMI ports. Try switching the cable from one port to another and see if this helped solve the black screen issue.

3. Unplug Any Other Devices Using the TV’s HDMI Port

Some TVs have been known to display a black screen if there are multiple devices connected to their HDMI ports at the same time. This could be the reason why your PS5 is having trouble displaying the image on your TV or monitor.

The solution is simple, plug out any other devices that are using TV’s HDMI ports, and leave only the PS5 console plugged in. See if this fixed the issue. If not, continue reading.

4. Force Shut Down Your PS5 Console

If your console doesn’t boot properly, it can display a black screen after the logo. In other cases, the black screen can occur when your PS5 enters the rest mode and gets stuck in it. If this is what you’re experiencing, you’ll have to force shut down your PS5. Here’s how:

1. Turn the PS5 console on.
2. While it’s on, press and hold the power button until you hear two beeps. You’ll have to wait for the second sound signal around 7 seconds after the first one.

3. Release the power button on your PS5 after the second beep and wait 5 to 10 minutes for the console to cool down.
4. Turn the console back on and see if it boots properly.

5. Power Cycle the Console and the TV

A power cycle is nothing else but a soft reset. It can fix a lot of issues you may have experienced with your PS5 console, including the display of pitch black screen. Power cycling your console won’t affect your files, apps, and games. Here’s how to do it:

1. Power off your console. Press and hold the power button until the white light stops flashing.
2. Remove the power cable from your console and the wall outlet. Remember that this step is very important. If you skip it, you aren’t power cycling your console.
3. Wait for around a minute or two before returning the cable back to the console and the wall outlet.
4. Turn your PS5 console on.

If you suspect the issue is with your TV instead of your console, you can power cycle your TV too. Turn it off, remove the cable from the power outlet, and wait a minute or two before plugging the cable back in and turning the TV on.

6. Boot and Fix the Console in Safe Mode

Booting the PS5 console in safe mode will allow you to fix various issues you might have. Safe mode is especially useful when the console is unresponsive, and you can’t to its dashboard to change settings and configurations.

To boot your console in Safe Mode:

1. Press the power button on the front panel to turn your PS5 off.
2. When the console powers off, press and hold the power button and release it only after the second beep.
3. Connect the controller with the USB cable. The charging cable is very important here.
4. Press the PS logo button on your controller to enter the safe mode.

Once you’re in the safe mode there are different things you can do to tackle the Black Screen issue. Let’s see them all one by one.

1. Restart PS5 in Safe Mode

Once in the Safe Mode menu select Restart PS5 and wait for the console to boot up.

If you’re still experiencing a black screen, check out what else you can do in safe mode.

2. Change the PS5 Output Resolution

If your TV doesn’t support the video output resolution selected within your PS5 console, it won’t display anything. You can change the output resolution to the proper one for your TV model within Safe Mode.

1. In the Safe Mode Menu select Change Video Output.

2. Select Change Resolution on the next screen.

3. The console will display a message that it’ll restart. Select OK.
4. When the restart finishes you can select a new resolution. Make sure it’s supported by your TV.

3. Restore Default Settings

Sometimes, it’s the software issue or the console settings that are causing the black screen on PS5. Restoring it to the factory typically fixes it. All the settings and configurations you might save will be lost. But all the files, apps, and games will remain on your console.

Once you are in the Safe Mode menu, select Restore Default Settings. The console will do the rest automatically, and you don’t have to do anything else but be patient.

4. Defrag or Rebuild Database

An issue with the PS5 database can also cause a black screen to appear. That’s why you need to defrag, more popularly called Clear Cache and Rebuild Database. To do it:

1. Select the Clear Cache and Rebuild Database from the Safe Mode menu.

2. Select Rebuild Database on the next screen.

Wait until your PS5 console finishes the process. This should fix the black screen problem but also make your gaming console work faster.

5. Update System Software

Software bugs are a common thing on gaming consoles. That’s why you should regularly update the system software on your PS5. It helps get rid of any potential bugs and glitches that could cause various problems.

Follow these steps to update your PS5 system software:

1. Once in the Safe Mode menu, use your controller and select the Update System Software option.

2. Then select to update from a USB drive or the Internet.

3. Once you make this selection, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the updates.

6. Reset PS5 Console in Safe Mode

Many users claim that performing a PS5 reset from the Safe Mode menu helped them get rid of the black screen issue.

But if you do the PS5 Reset, you’ll lose all your files, games, and apps stored on your device. This is why this option should be the last thing you try to fix the Black Screen on the PS5 issue.

To perform a PS5 reset:

1. Once in the Safe Mode menu select the Reset PS5 option. It’s number 6 on the list.

2. On the next screen confirm you want to perform the reset.

Once the reset is done, your Black Screen problem should go away.

7. Use the PS5 Troubleshooting Mode to Fix the Console

If you don’t want to go through the Safe Mode options and troubleshoot the problem yourself, you can force your console to go into the troubleshooting mode and attempt to fix the issue. Here’s how:

1. Turn your PS5 console on.
2. When the PS Logo is displayed, unplug the console from the power outlet.
3. The next time you turn on the device, it’ll go into the forced troubleshooting mode automatically.
4. Wait until the console finds and fixes the problem.

8. Switch Picture Mode on the TV

If your Black Screen issue started after a console update, you should try changing the Picture Mode on your TV. Many users report this method helped them get rid of the black screen.

Different TV models, such as Samsung, LG, Sony, or Vizio offer different picture modes. You can switch between Movie, Sports, Vivid, Dynamic, Game, or Standard mode. Each of these mods has different settings for different features your TV model has to offer.

Switch through the different Picture Modes until you find one that’s compatible with your PS5 Console.

9. Contact Sony Support

If none of the above methods helped you remove the black screen on your PS5 console, it’s time to contact Sony support. You might be dealing with a hardware issue such as a faulty GPU. If this is the case, you’ll need technical support.

Use your warranty to fix your Sony PlayStation console at no cost. But be patient as it could take several weeks for the console to be fixed or replaced. Visit the official PlayStation service web page to get the return authorization and shipping instructions, or call 1-800-345-7669.

The post How to Fix a PS5 Black Screen Issue first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Steam Error 16 is a generic Steam error that pops up while editing your account info or when the game client crashes. Typically, it’s a sign of a problem with the internet connection, graphics drivers, or your device’s memory. In other words, Steam Error 16 is a timeout error that lets you know the Steam app stopped working or that certain Steam features are currently unavailable. This guide will teach you how to troubleshoot the problem if you encounter Steam Error 16 and how to attempt to fix it.

1. Simply Wait for a While

There’s a big possibility that error 16 occurred due to a minor glitch in the Steam app, Steam services, or even your PC. Waiting a few minutes before you retry whatever you were doing in the app should resolve the issue.

In most cases, Error 16 is that simple to resolve. But if Error 16 keeps popping up, you should perform some of the slightly more complicated methods described below.

2. Check Your Network Connection

Another common reason for Steam Error 16 is a slow or disrupted internet connection. If you’re updating your account information and the internet stops working, the Steam app won’t be able to save your details and will display Error 16.

If this is the case, you must check your internet connection and ensure it’s in working order. Restart your router or reconnect to the WiFi network you’re using, and try whatever you were doing on Steam again.

3. Close Conflicting Apps

Some apps you use on your device conflict with Steam, causing error 16. If you suspect this is why you’re experiencing the Steam Error, try closing all the apps and services running in the background and see if this fixes the issue.

You can close all running processes with Task Manager if you’re using Windows OS:

1. Press Shift + Ctrl + Esc on your keyboard to open Task Manager.
2. Go to the Processes tab.

3. Right-click the running process you want to close, and select End Task from the list.

4. Alternatively, select the process you want to end, and then click the End Task button in the lower right corner of the Task Manager window.

5. Repeat the step above for all the running programs.
6. Go back to Steam and see if this fixed the problem.

If you’re using macOS, you can quit the running apps with the Force Quit tool. You’ll find it in the menu bar of the Apple logo in the upper left corner of the screen. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Command + Option + Esc to open this tool.

When the Force Quit window opens, select the apps you want to close and click the Force Quit button.

4. Update Steam, your OS, and Graphic Drivers to the Latest Versions

For game clients such as Steam, you must keep your system up to date. To do this, you’ll need to install its latest version. Check if there are any pending OS updates and install them. This process will depend on which operating system you’re using.

Updating Your OS

For Windows:

1. Open the Settings and Select Windows Update.

2. Select Check for Updates.

3. If there are pending updates select Download & Install.

Once the process is finished, go back to Steam and see if you’re still getting Error 16 message.

For macOS:

1. Click on the Apple logo in the corner of your screen to open up the Apple menu.
2. Select System Settings, or System Preferences if you’re using an older macOS version.

3. Select General from the left sidebar, and then Software Update from the right menu.

4. If there are available updates, select the Update Now button.

Updating Graphics Drivers

The best way to update graphics drivers is to visit the website of the graphic card manufacturer you’re using (such as Intel, NVIDIA, or AMD), and check for the latest versions to download and install on your PC. Just make sure to install the correct version of drivers for the operating system you’re using.

Update the Steam App

Typically, Steam automatically downloads and installs any available updates when you launch the app. But if this doesn’t happen, do it manually. Here’s how:

1. Launch the Steam app on your PC and click on the Steam menu in the top-left corner.

2. Select Check for Steam Client Updates.

And that’s it. Steam will automatically find and install any missing updates. See if this fixed the issue.

5. Re-install Runtime Libraries

Corrupted files associated with Microsoft Visual C++ sometimes cause Steam to display Error 16 or even Error 80. Reinstalling the Visual C++ package on your device should help with this issue. Here’s how:

1. Press Win + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type Appwiz.cpl and hit Enter, or click the OK button to open Programs & Features.

3. Find Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package and right-click on it.
4. Select Uninstall.

5. Restart your PC.
6. Go to Microsoft Download Center and download the latest Visual C++ Redistributable Package.
7. Install the new version and restart your PC again.

Check if this helped with Steam Error 16.

6. Run Disk Cleanup

If you’re still experiencing Steam Error 16, perhaps your device simply doesn’t have enough storage space. Deleting unnecessary files and programs might help with this. Run a disk cleanup to get rid of temporary files. This is a semi-automated process and the Disk Cleanup app will scan your device and decide which files are safe to delete instead of you. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Go to Start and type disk cleanup in the search bar. Double-click the first result.

2. Select your main drive (typically its c:) and hit the OK button.

3. Wait until Disk Cleanup scans your PC and then select the Clean up system files button at the bottom of the window.

Hopefully, this will help with Steam Error 16.

If you’re using macOS, there are several tools available to you that can help you free some storage space. You can use the Optimize Storage function to delete files purchased on iTunes. Empty Trash Automatically feature will permanently delete all items in the trash bin after 30 days. Finally, the Reduce Cluster tool will help you go through your Mac’s files and help you decide which files can be moved to the Cloud or an external drive if you wish.

7. Authenticate The Integrity of Steam Files

If there’s an issue with the integrity of the Steam files, Steam may display Error 16. To tackle this:

1. Type Steam in the Windows search box and right-click the app, then select Run as Administrator. Alternatively, select Run as Administrator from the app’s menu in the Windows search.

2. Click on the Library tab in the Steam window.
3. This is where your games are stored. Right-click on the game which throws Error 16 when you try to run it, and select Properties.

4. Select Installed Files from the left tab.
5. Click the Verify Integrity of Game Files button.

6. Wait until Steam finishes the process. It’ll automatically replace all the files that have integrity issues.

When the process is done, open Task Manager and end all tasks related to Steam. Restart your PC, and once the system is up run Steam to see if the Error 16 problem persists.

8. Check Security Permissions for the Steam Folder

It might be that the wrong security permissions for Steam are causing it to display Error 16 for you. Checking the Steam Folder’s security permissions on Windows is very easy:

1. On your keyboard press Win + E to open File Explorer.
2. Navigate to the Steam folder on your system. By default, it should be located at C:Program Files(x86) if you didn’t change the installation location.
3. Right-click on the Steam folder and select Properties.
4. Uncheck the box next to the Read-only option under the General tab.
5. Click Apply and then the OK button to save changes.

Restart the Steam app and see if this fixes the issue.

9. Clear Steam’s Cache

Steam is using cache files to enhance your experience with the app. However, these files can get corrupted and cause problems such as Steam Error 16. Follow these steps to clear the cache:

1. Launch Steam and go to the Steam tab in the upper left corner of the window.
2. Choose Settings from the drop-down menu.

3. Select Downloads from the left sidebar on the Settings window.
4. On the right pane. Select the Clear Cache button next to the Clear Download Cache option.

5. Finally, select Confirm when prompted.

10. Reinstall the Steam App

If the Steam app core files are corrupted you might get the error 16 message. However, clearing the cache won’t help you if this is the case. You’ll have to uninstall and reinstall the Steam app.

On Windows 11:

Go to Settings, then select Apps, and finally Installed Apps. Click the three dots next to the Steam and select Uninstall. Select Uninstall again in the prompt.

On Windows 10:

Head to the Settings and select Apps. Select Steam from the list and then click on the Uninstall button. Confirm when prompted.

On Mac:

Head to the Finder and then click Applications. Right-click the Steam app and select Move to Trash.

Occasional errors are inevitable, but your ability to troubleshoot and apply these fixes ensures a smoother gaming experience on the Steam platform. Whether you’re an avid gamer or just diving into the gaming world, resolving Error 16 is a crucial step toward uninterrupted gameplay and a hassle-free Steam experience.

The post How to Fix Steam Error 16 first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer eager to expand your network, understanding why you can’t follow someone on TikTok is crucial to unlocking the full social potential of the app.

This tutorial explores the intricacies of TikTok’s follow mechanics to help you seamlessly connect with the vibrant community that makes TikTok an engaging platform.

1. Private Account or You Were Blocked By a User

If you try to follow someone and receive a message, “You can’t follow this account due to privacy settings of the user,” it means that the account is private. Private account owners need to accept your request to follow them. It’s similar to how a friend request on Facebook or other social media platforms works.

Similarly, if the user you’re trying to follow blocks you, you won’t be able to follow them. TikTok doesn’t inform you if you get blocked by someone. There’s no telling if you can’t follow someone because you were blocked or there’s a glitch with your app. If this is the case, you won’t be able to do anything about it. Not even TikTok support will be able to help you. Those are TikTok rules, and you’ll have to abide by them.

2. You Reached Your TikTok Following Limit

New users simply don’t know that TikTok has a daily limit on how many people you can follow. The latest statistic shows you can follow up to 140 accounts daily and only 30 per hour.

If you follow this number of accounts, you’ll be temporarily restricted from following more. There’s no solution to this problem. It’s how the TikTok app works, and you’ll have to wait for the next hour or even the next day to follow more people.

3. TikTok Server is Down

TikTok servers can experience an issue or go through regular maintenance that’ll cause them to go down. If your TikTok app or website is not working properly, it might mean the server has a problem. You can check the server status by going to the Downdetector webpage.

If there’s a problem with the TikTok server and you cannot follow someone, you’ll have to wait until the server is working.

4. Your Account Has Been Shadowbanned

Perhaps you unknowingly broke one of TikTok’s policies and got shadowbanned. If this happens, your account will have less exposure and be restricted. One such restriction is not being able to follow other accounts.

You can quickly get banned for breaking community guidelines. For example, reasons can include promoting illegal products, uploading violent content, or using hate speech.

Did you know you can also get shadow-blocked if you follow and unfollow the same account multiple times? If this is the case, TikTok will consider that you used their features in a wrong manner.

5. TikTok Considers You a Bot

If TikTok’s algorithm categorizes you as a bot, you won’t be able to follow other users anymore. It mostly happens if you connect to a public network and too many people appear with the same IP address, leading to TikTok suspecting bot activity.

To avoid being labeled a bot by TikTok’s algorithm, use a private connection and change your password regularly. Once the doubt about your account is cleared, you’ll no longer be considered a bot and regain the ability to follow TikTok accounts.

6. You’re Following Too Fast

TikTok can restrict you from following accounts if you do it too fast. You shouldn’t follow more than one account every 5 to 15 minutes. If you do, TikTok says, “The following feature has been disabled.”

This issue typically solves itself in several minutes. And you can continue following people as before. However, if you continue following after receiving the message, TikTok will consider you spammy and block your account for considerably longer. Following other TikTok users too fast is regarded as suspicious activity.

7. The App is Experiencing Technical Issues

The TikTok app, just like any other app, can be a buggy mess at times. It could also be that your app needs to be updated. It could restrict you from following, liking, or commenting on other people’s content.

If this is the case, there are several fixes you could try, and we’ll describe them all in the next section of this article.

How to Fix the Can’t Follow Someone on TikTok Issue

As you can see, there are various reasons why TikTok won’t allow you to follow someone. If this happens to you, don’t worry. There are some things you could try to resolve this issue. Which one will work for you depends on why you can’t follow someone. But you can try these fixes even if you’re unsure what’s causing the issue.

1. Try Using the TikTok Website to Follow Someone

Although some users aren’t even aware there’s a TikTok website, it’s also important to know that it has a different code than the mobile or desktop TikTok app. If your app is experiencing issues, simply log into the web version of the TikTok platform and enjoy all the features it has to offer until the app issues are resolved.

2. Be Patient

When you notice you can’t follow someone on TikTok, the best action is to take no action for some time. Wait a few hours, or even one day, and try again. This could be the simplest solution if your account is restricted from following because it reached the daily limit.

However, if you still can’t follow TikTok users after a day or two, look for other solutions.

3. Update the TikTok Application

Like most apps, TikTok uses regular updates to fix known errors and bugs. If you’re experiencing the following restrictions, you could try to fix them by installing the latest app version.

To update TikTok on the iPhone, visit the App Store, and select Update next to the TikTok app.

If you’re using an Android, go to Google Play Store, find TikTok, and tap the Update button.

4. Clear the TikTok App Cache

TikTok stores various temporary files on your device to improve your experience of the app. These temporary files help the app load faster each time you revisit it. However, the build-up of these files can cause issues with the TikTok app. Also, these files can become damaged over time or even corrupted. When this happens, you may experience various problems with the app, including restriction to the following feature.

That’s why you should occasionally clear the TikTok cache, even if you’re not sure if this is what’s causing your problem. To remove cache files directly in the TikTok app (both for iPhone and Android users):

1. Open the TikTok app.
2. Go to Profile at the bottom of the screen.

3. Tap the three horizontal lines and select Settings and privacy from the menu.

4. Tap Free up space under the Cache & Cellular section.

5. On the next page, find Cache and tap Clear next to it.

Android users can also clear TikTok’s system cache. Here’s how:

1. Launch the Settings app.
2. Scroll down to Apps.

3. Select TikTok from the list of installed apps.

4. Find and tap Storage.

5. Tap Clear Cache in the bottom right corner of the screen.

Unfortunately, this option is not available for iOS users.

5. Uninstall and Reinstall the TikTok App

If clearing the cache files from your TikTok app didn’t resolve the issue, it could be that the app’s core files are corrupted. If this is the case and the reason behind the restriction to follow someone, you’ll have to uninstall the TikTok app and install it again on your device.

If you delete the app from your smartphone, you won’t lose any saved TikTok videos, bookmarks, or any of the data related to TikTok. However, if you saved some unpublished videos in drafts, they’ll be lost, and you’ll have to upload them again.

To uninstall the TikTok app from your iPhone, tap and hold the app on your home screen, and then select Remove app. Confirm by tapping Delete.

Then, proceed by installing it again from the App Store. This process is the same as when you first installed it on your iPhone.

If you’re an Android user, find the TikTok app in your app tray, tap and hold it. Select Uninstall, and then tap OK when prompted.

Go to the Google Play Store, find TikTok, and install it again on your Android device.

6. Disable VPN on Your Device

VPNs are a great way to protect your online privacy. However, VPNs sometimes can cause trouble for internet-enabled mobile apps such as TikTok. If you suspect this is causing the issue with following someone on TikTok, simply turn off the VPN installed on your device.

If turning the VPN resolves the issue, you can set up a different location in your VPN app and turn it back on. If this doesn’t fix the problem, it’s possible TikTok banned all the IP addresses your particular VPN is using. You can try installing another VPN service or keep it disabled while using the TikTok app.

7. Contact TikTok Support

If you tried all of the above fixes and still can’t follow people on TikTok, contact their support team via email. Your email address depends on whether you run a personal or a business account.

Private accounts have three options to choose from:

• info@tiktok.com
• legal@tiktok.com
• privacy@tiktok.com

If you’re a business user, you can contact support via:

• business-servicesupport@tiktok.com

By addressing privacy settings, clearing caches, updating the app, and exploring alternative methods, you can quickly resume following other TikTok users.

The post What to Do When You Can’t Follow Someone on TikTok first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

In this article, we’ll discuss why your PlayStation 4 console keeps disconnecting from WiFi, and we’ll show you several potential fixes. However, you’ll have to do some troubleshooting first to discover the reasons behind the constant disconnections. Fortunately, all the proposed fixes are quick to try and you’ll be back playing your favorite PS4 games in no time.

Why Does My PS4 Keep Disconnecting from WiFi?

If your PS4 constantly drops the WiFi connection, it could be due to:

1. Outdated firmware of either the console or the router. If the PS4 or router’s firmware is outdated, they would be incompatible with one another. Your PS4 will keep disconnecting from WiFi.
2. PS4 database corruption. A corrupted or overloaded database table of PS4 can cause PS4 network modules to fail executing their operations and the result would be frequent internet disconnections.
3. Wrong DNS settings. Your WiFi router could forcefully close any PS4’s web requests if the DNS servers are experiencing any issues and fail to respond. This often happens when the DNS servers can’t translate the web addresses of the PS4-related traffic due to wrong settings.
4. Wrong router configuration. It could be that your router is not properly configured and it causes frequent WiFi disconnections.
5. Weak WiFi Signal. WiFi signals can easily weaken if it’s affected by interference. Maybe your router is too far away from the console.

As you can see there are different reasons why your PS4 gaming console keeps disconnecting from WiFi. So try to figure out why you are experiencing this issue or simply apply each fix on our list until one works for you.

1. Perform a Connection Test

If you’re wondering if your PS4 has a stable WiFi connection, you should perform a connection test. It’ll help you get an insight into the network problems that are causing your gaming console to frequently drop the WiFi connection.

1. Start your PS4 console and go to Settings.
2. Select Network from the menu.

3. Select Test Internet Connection.

4. Once the test is over check if the PS4 problem is solved.

If you’re certain your PS4 console has a stable WiFi connection, but you keep getting disconnection errors, you should know that some games, such as Ghost of Tsushima, send false disconnection notifications during the gameplay.

2. Move Your PS4 Console Closer to the WiFi Router

If you notice your WiFi connection is not stable, just moving your PS4 console closer to the router could solve this problem. This will increase the signal strength and reduce the chance of experiencing disconnections. You can also opt for moving the router somewhere where it won’t be physically blocked by anything else. Metal objects that are blocking the router are the main problem, so make sure there are no house appliances, other gadgets, or even walls between your PlayStation 4 and the router.

If you’re not only experiencing frequent WiFi disconnections but also noticed your games are lagging, you should consider switching to an ethernet cable. Don’t rely on a patchy WiFi connection when an ethernet cable ensures optimal connection stability and speed.

3. Power Cycle the PS4 and Restart Your WiFi Router

Your PS4 device might be getting constant WiFi disconnects because there’s a temporary glitch with your console or router, such as a glitch in the communication modules between the PS4 and the router. The best course of action is to perform a cold restart of both devices.

Follow these steps to Power Cycle the PS4 gaming console and the router simultaneously:

1. Open the Quick Menu on your PS4 and select the Power button.
2. Select Turn Off PS4.

3. Once you are sure your console is completely powered down, unplug the power cable.
4. Turn your router off and unplug the power cable.
5. Wait at least 30 seconds before turning both devices on again. This will allow them to fully power down and clear their memory.
6. Plug back the cables in the router and turn it on.
7. Make sure there are no other devices connected to the WiFi.
8. Plug the cable back into your PS4 console and turn it on. Check if the WiFi connection is stable.

If the problem persists, check if other devices work properly when they are connected to the same WiFi.

4. Change the WiFi Frequency Settings

While the old PS4 models support only the 2.4 GHz frequency, PS4 Pro supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. However, the 2.4 GHz frequency is the default one for all PS4 models. If you have PS4 Pro don’t hesitate to change the frequency settings. 5 GHz offers a faster rate of data transmission. This could resolve your issue with the WiFi connection.

Follow these simple steps to change the frequency settings on your PS4 Pro console:

1. Turn your console on and go to settings.
2. Select Network from the menu, and then select Set up Internet Connection.

3. Select Use Wi-Fi from the offered solutions.

4. On the next screen choose Easy.

5. Now press the Options button on the controller and select Wi-Fi Frequency Bands.
6. Now select 5GHz and apply the changes.

Make sure you reboot your PS4 and see if this solves your WiFi issues.

5. Update the PS4 Firmware

Updating the PS4 firmware to the latest version is a great way to deal not only with the WiFi connection issues but also with any glitches and bugs you might be experiencing with your console.

Here’s how you can update PS4 firmware:

1. Go to Settings and select System Software Update.

2. Select Next, and then Update or Update Now, and your console will automatically install the update.

3. The console will reboot after the updates are fully installed. After the system is on again, check if the WiFi problem is still there.

6. Change DNS Settings

DNS stands for Domain Name System and it’s a crucial part of the PS4 network connection settings. Its role is to make the communication between the console and the router seamless. Changing the DNS settings might fix network problems and help your PS4 console establish a stable wireless connection.

Follow these steps to change the DNS settings on a PS4 console:

1. Go to Settings and select Network, then Set Up Internet Connection.

2. Select Use Wi-Fi.

3. Choose Custom.

4. Select Automatic under the IP Address Settings.

5. Select Do Not Specify under the DHCP Host Name.

6. Choose Manual under the DNS Settings.

7. Enter the following Primary and Secondary DNS values:

Google
Primary: 8.8.8.8
Secondary: 8.8.4.4

Cloudflare
Primary: 1.1.1.1
Secondary: 1.0.0.1

8. Next, in the MTU Settings select Automatic, and at the Proxy Server window select Do Not Use.

Finally, select the Test Internet Connection button to check if your Wi-Fi connection works properly.

7. Restore Default PS4 Settings

If your PS4 console settings are improperly configured, you might experience frequent WiFi disconnections. Just resetting them to default might fix the issue for you. If you opt to reset the console’s settings, you should know you might lose some game saves, but no content will be deleted. All your games, screenshots, videos, and apps will remain intact.

Here’s how to reset the PS4 settings to default:

1. Power off your console and press and hold the power button to enter the safe mode.
2. Wait until you hear the second beep sound and only then release the power button.
3. In the safe mode screen select the Restore Default Settings. It’s the fourth option.

4. Once the console’s system is back up, check if your WiFi connection issue is resolved.

8. Rebuild PS4 Database

Maybe your current data table on the PS4 is overloaded, or not optimal, and is causing constant WiFi disconnects. If this is the case, your only option is to rebuild the PS4 database. During the process, the system will scan the storage drive and create a new database of all the content. All the corrupted data discovered during the scan will be automatically deleted. But don’t worry, but that doesn’t mean you’ll lose data from your console. The deleted corrupted files will simply be replaced with fresh versions. This means rebuilding the PS4 database is a safe process. Here’s how to do it:

1. Power off your console and press and hold the power button to enter the safe mode.
2. Wait until you hear the second beep sound and only then release the power button.
3. In the safe mode screen select the fifth option, Rebuild Database.

4. Wait until the system finishes the process. Depending on how big your database is, this could take anywhere from several minutes to several hours.
5. Once the process is done and the database is rebuilt, check if you are still having WiFi connection issues.

If this didn’t solve your issue you might want to try rebuilding the database for the second time. But this time, keep your PlayStation 4 console powered off for a whole day.

Remember that a stable Wi-Fi connection is crucial for an uninterrupted gaming experience, and by following these steps, you can regain control of your gaming destiny. Whether it’s resolving interference issues, optimizing your network settings, or performing a factory reset, these methods can help ensure your PS4 stays connected to the internet, allowing you to immerse yourself in your favorite games without interruption.

The post PS4 Keeps Disconnecting From Wi-Fi? Try These 8 Fixes first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

What Causes the Spotify Error 409?

Error 409 is most commonly caused by a conflict with your account or a Spotify server. That said, it can also be caused by the following reasons:

• Using an incorrect password when updating your Spotify account.
• Trying to update your Spotify account with an email that’s already in use by another account.
• Creating a new account with an already registered email.
• Corrupted registry entries and files.
• Outdated operating system on your device.

Now let’s see what you can do to attempt to fix the Spotify error code 409.

1. Check Your Spotify Login Details for Mistakes

The most common reason why Spotify users experience Error 409 when trying to log in is that they’re using incorrect login credentials. To remedy this, simply try logging in again, but be mindful of what you’re typing. The smallest mistake in the email or password could trigger the error.

Make sure that the caps lock is off and that all the keys on your keyboard are working correctly. If you’re having trouble remembering the password, you can try resetting it and using a new one to log into Spotify.

Finally, if you’re able to log in to the web version of Spotify but can’t log into the app with the same credentials, the problem might be with your device. If this is the case, continue reading.

2. Restart Your Device

If your login issue persists, it could be a sign that your device is experiencing a glitch. A simple restart takes care of all minor glitches on smartphones. So go ahead and try turning your device off and on again.

To restart the iPhone X or later versions, press and hold the Volume Up + Side button or Volume Down + Side button. When a slider appears on the screen, drag it to turn off your iPhone. To turn it on again, press and hold the side button.

If you’re using an Android, press and hold the Power button and select restart.

When your smartphone turns on, try launching the Spotify app and logging into your account.

3. Update the Spotify App

Sometimes, it’s the Spotify app that causes Error 409 to pop up. You can fix this issue if you simply update Spotify to the latest app version.

On an iPhone:

1. Open the App Store.
2. Access the Updates by clicking on your profile picture in the top right corner of the screen.

3. Tap Update next to Spotify.

4. Once the update is done, try logging in and see if the problem persists.

On an Android:

1. Launch the Google Play Store on your phone.
2. Find the Spotify app.
3. Tap the Update button if it’s available. If it’s not, then there is no update to be installed.

4. Reset the Spotify App on Windows

If you’re experiencing login error 409 on your Spotify desktop app, you could try resetting the app and see if this fixes the issue. Windows allows users to reset all the apps downloaded from the Microsoft Store. Here’s how to do it:

1. Type Installed apps in your Windows search bar to access them.

2. Find the Spotify app, and click the three dots menu.

3. Select Advanced Options from the drop-down menu.

4. Scroll down to the bottom and select the Reset button.

5. Click the Reset button to confirm.

Resetting the Spotify app will get rid of all the cache files, including the login information.

5. Clear Spotify App Cache

Corrupted files in the Spotify cache folder can cause the login error 409. Since the cache files are temporary data generated by the apps to reduce their load time, the apps can work just fine without them. They’ll just generate the new cache data the next time you run them.

This section will teach you how to clear the cache on iOS, Android, and Windows operating systems.

Clear Cache on iOS Devices

Unfortunately, there’s no direct way to clear the app cache on iOS devices. You’ll have to do it through the Settings app because you won’t be able to navigate to the Spotify settings due to error 409.

1. Open the Settings app from the home screen and tap General.

2. Scroll down to the bottom and tap iPhone Storage.

3. Find Spotify in the list of installed apps and tap on it to reveal more options.

4. Tap Offload App.

5. Tao Offload App to confirm.

By doing this, you’ll remove all the app data, including the Spotify app itself. Now you’ll have to go to the App Store and reinstall Spotify.

Clear Cache on Android Devices

1. Launch Settings and select Apps.

2. Search for Spotify and tap on it to reveal more options.

3. Select Storage.

4. Tap Clear Cache.
5. Tap Clear Data too.

6. Select Delete from the pop-up window to confirm.

Launch Spotify and try to log in to see if you’ll encounter the 409 error.

Clear Cache on Windows

Although you can clear Spotify cache through the Reset app method, you can also do it manually on a Windows PC. Here’s how:

1. Type Run in the start menu search bar.

2. Press the Enter key on your keyboard to open the Run Window.
3. Type appdata and hit Enter or click the OK button. This will open the appdata folder.

4. Double-click the Local folder to open it. Find and delete the Spotify folder.from there.

5. If you can’t find the Spotify folder you’ll have to do some digging. Go to Packages > SpotifyAB.SpotifyMusic_zpdnekdrzrea0 > LocalCache > Spotify > Data. Then delete all the folders within the Data folder.

Launch Spotify and try logging in with your account credentials to see if this fixed the issue.

6. Reinstall the Spotify App

If updating the Spotify app on your smartphone didn’t help with the issue, nor did deleting the cache files, the problem might be in its core files. If this is the case, the only way to get rid of error 409 is to completely remove the app from your device, and install it again. That way, all the core files will be removed.

Reinstall Spotify on iOS

1. Launch Settings, and go to General.

2. Go to iPhone Storage.

3. Find and select Spotify from the list of installed apps.

4. Tap the Delete app.

5. Press OK to confirm.
6. Go to the App Store and find the Spotify app. Download it.

Reinstall Spotify on Android

1. Launch Settings and go to Apps.

2. Find and select Spotify.

3. Tap Uninstall at the bottom of the screen.

4. Go to the Google Play Store, find Spotify, and tap the green Install button.

Reinstall Spotify on Windows

1. Go to the Installed apps.

2. Find Spotify from the list of apps and click the three dots to open up the menu.

3. Select Uninstall.

4. Select Uninstall again to confirm.

5. Go to the Microsoft Store and install Spotify from there.

7. Update Your Device’s Operating System

Sometimes, it could be that a bug in your device’s operating system is causing the Spotify login error 409. If that’s the case, you can try fixing the issue by updating the OS to the latest version. New versions of OS come with the fixes for the known bugs and typically fix the issues with the apps you might be experiencing.

Update iOS

1. Go to Settings and then select General.

2. Tap Software Update.

3. Tap Download and Install or Install Now, whichever option is available to you.

Update Android

1. Launch Settings and select Software Update.

2. Tap Download and Install.

3. Select Install Now to install the downloaded updates. If your Android is up to date, the phone will let you know with the message.

Update Windows

1. Open up the Settings and click on Windows Update.

2. Select Check for Updates.

3. If any updates are available install them by clicking Install Now button.

8. Check the Firewall Settings on Windows

A firewall sometimes prevents some of the services from functioning properly. It could be causing Spotify Error 409. Try turning the firewall off to see if this will allow Spotify to work without interference. You can also set Spotify as one of the allowed Firewall apps so that the software won’t block Spotify anymore. Here’s how:

1. Launch Control Panel on your Windows PC.
2. Select System and Security.

3. Under the Windows Defender Firewall option click Allow an app through Windows Firewall.

4. Click the Change Settings in the upper right corner, then find Spotify on the list of apps and tick the box next to it. Select the OK button at the bottom of the screen to apply changes.

9. Disable the VPN on Your Device

Finally, if you tried all of the above and none of the offered solutions worked for you, check if you are currently using a VPN service. Due to the nature of VPNs, they can prevent some apps from communicating with Spotify’s servers. The result would be the login fail error 409. Try disabling your VPN to see if this fixed the issue.

Tackling the Spotify “Login Failed” Error 409 can be a head-scratcher, so make your way through our troubleshooting guide to find the solution. By addressing common culprits like login credentials, network configurations, and app updates, you’re now equipped with a comprehensive toolkit to troubleshoot and bid farewell to pesky error messages.

The post How to Fix Spotify “Login Failed” Error 409 first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

But there’s more than one way to zoom in or out in Photoshop. You’ll have to choose the zoom option that will fit your workflow the best.

1. The Zoom Tool

Using the zoom tool is the default way of zooming in and out in Adobe Photoshop. You’ll just have to use the magnifying glass icon near the bottom of the toolbox on the left side of the Photoshop screen.

When you select the zoom tool, your cursor changes into a magnifying glass with a + sign. Use it to click anywhere on your image to zoom in. If you want to zoom out, simply hold the Alt key (Windows) or Option (Mac) on your keyboard and click on the image. You’ll also notice that the plus sign inside your cursor changed into a minus sign.

The keyboard shortcut for activating the magnifying glass icon is the letter Z on your keyboard.

You also don’t have to click on the image each time you want to zoom in or out. There’s an Animated Zoom option that turns zooming in or out into a continuous feature. But first, you’ll have to enable this feature. Here’s how:

1. Go to Edit in the menu bar at the top ribbon.

2. Hover over Preferences in the drop-down menu, and select Tools from the sub-menu that’ll show up.

3. Tick the checkbox next to the Animated Zoom.

Now, you don’t have to click to magnify your image each time. Simply click once and hold until you reach the magnification percentage that you need. However, not all graphics cards will support the Animated Zoom feature. Check if your PC’s graphics card is compatible with the Photoshop version you’re running.

Another way to omit clicking each time to magnify or reduce the image size on your Photoshop screen is to enable the Scrubby Zoom option in the Zoom Tool’s options bar at the top, just under the ribbon. These options will be available only while the Zoom Tool is active. Simply click the checkbox next to Scrubby Zoom to zoom in and out by holding the mouse and dragging it right or left.

2. Using the Keyboard Shortcut

Using Photoshop’s keyboard shortcuts is the quickest way to zoom in or out on your image or canvas. Press CTRL and + (Windows) or Command and + (Mac) to zoom in. If you want to zoom out, press CTRL and – or Command and –.

If you hit CTRL + 0 or Command + 0 on your keyboard, your image will automatically fit on the screen, whether it means zooming in or out.

3. Zoom with the Scroll Wheel on Your Mouse

Another quick way of zooming in and out is using the scroll wheel on your mouse. To enable this feature, you’ll have to:

1. Go to Edit in the ribbon.
2. Hover over Preferences and select Tools in the sub-menu.
3. Tick the checkbox next to Zoom With Scroll Wheel.

4. Scrubby Zoom With the Move Tool

If you’re using the Move tool and need to access Zoom quickly, you can use the Scrubby Zoom feature.

Select the move tool from the left toolbox of your main Photoshop window. Alternatively, hit the V on your keyboard to access it.

While the Move tool is active, you can hold down Spacebar + CTRL (Windows) or Spacebar + Command (macOS), then click and drag the image to zoom in or out. Dragging to the right zooms in, while dragging to the left zooms out the image or canvas.

That way, you don’t have to change the Move tool into a Zoom tool, especially if you know you’ll have to switch between the two often.

6. The 100% Zoom View

Whenever you want to get the most accurate view of an image, you should look at it at 100% zoom. That’s because, at 100%, one monitor pixel will display one image pixel. To quickly jump to 100% view you can select it from the View menu on the ribbon. Simply choose the 100% option from the drop-down menu.

If you want a quick way to jump to the 100% View, you can do it with the keyboard shortcut. Simply press CTRL + 1 on Windows or Command + 1 on macOS.

Viewing an image at 100% is the only way to get the most accurate view. You’ll be able to see all the details in the picture. Of course, you can zoom in even past 100%, but you won’t see more details because the image will be too pixelated.

Viewing an image or a picture at 100% is especially significant if you’re sharpening it. This lets you easily see when sharpening effects affect the image’s details.

7. Navigator Panel

You can also use the Navigator Panel to Zoom in or out of your image or canvas in Photoshop. You’ll find the Navigator Panel on the right side of the Photoshop screen by selecting the icon that looks like a ship steering wheel.

If you don’t see the Navigator Panel in the right-side menu, you’ll need to enable it. Here’s how:

1. Go to the Window option in the ribbon.

2. Select Navigator from the drop-down menu.

Once you’re in Navigator Panel, you can click the big mountains icon to zoom in, and the small ones to zoom out. You can also click and drag the slider between the mountain icons to zoom in and out.

How to Navigate the Image While Using the Zoom Tool

When you zoom in on an image, you’ll notice you can’t see all of it at once. That’s where panning and scrolling the image gets useful. There are several ways to navigate your zoomed-in image. Let’s take a look at what options you have and how to use them.

The Hand Tool

The Photoshop Hand Tool is typically used to pan the image from one area to another. The Hand tool is in the Toolbar just above the Zoom Tool.

Once the Hand Tool is active, your cursor will change into a hand icon. To grab the image simply click it, and while holding the mouse button down, drag the image around. This will allow you to inspect different areas of the zoomed-in photo. To let go, you need only to release the mouse button.

Although the Hand Tool is easily accessible from the Toolbar on the left side of the Photoshop screen, switching between the Zoom and Hand tool can get annoying. Instead, there’s a quicker way to temporarily access the Hand Tool while the Zoom Tool is active. Simply press and hold the space bar on your keyboard. This will turn your cursor into a hand, which you can use to move your zoomed-in image around.

Flick Panning

Flick Panning is not a feature in itself. You can observe it as part of the Hand Tool feature. When you’re in the middle of a drag, you can release the mouse button and toss your image in any direction. It will keep moving and gradually come to a halt. But you can also stop it manually by clicking on the image again.

However, you might need to enable the Flick Panning in your Photoshop. Follow these steps:

1. Go to the Edit option on the ribbon, and hover your mouse over Preferences.
2. Select Tools from the sub-menu.
3. Enable Flick Panning by checking the corresponding box, and clicking the OK button to close the dialog box.

Panning With the Scroll Bars

When you zoom in on an image, you’ll notice a scroll bar on the right side. Use it to pan up or down.

There’s another scroll bar along the bottom edge of your Photoshop window. Use it to scroll left or right.

Panning With the Mouse Wheel

You can also use your mouse scroll wheel to pan the zoomed-in image up, down, or sideways. You don’t have to use the hand tool when you are panning with the scroll wheel. You can use any of the many Photoshop’s tools.

Scrolling the wheel up moves the image up. Scrolling it down moves the image down. But if you want to pan to the right or left, you must hold the CTRL key on Windows or the Command Key on Mac keyboards. While holding the CTRL or Command, scroll the wheel up to pan the image to the left and scroll down to pan the image to the right.

If you need to alternate between panning and zooming with the mouse scroll wheel, you can do it simply by changing the keyboard buttons you’re holding. Use the Alt or Option key on your keyboard to zoom in and out, and CTRL or Command to pan the image.

And that’s it! You now know all the basics of zooming in and out in Photoshop, and you can navigate faster with the panning tools. Photoshop is a complex tool with a bit of a learning curve, so start getting in the habit of using keyboard shortcuts or key + mouse scroll combinations to speed up your workflow.

The post How to Zoom (In and Out) in Photoshop first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Understanding Why Discord User Volume Keeps Resetting

When you join a Discord voice channel, you’ll have access to your audio level setting, independent of other users. This setting is known as Discord user volume. It’s crucial that everyone can set the voice chat volume as they see fit in order to keep effective communication. This is especially true for gaming, where it’s important for all gamers to communicate the gameplay strategies.

Sudden changes in audio levels can be really frustrating, especially during gaming sessions. If you are wondering why your Discord user volume keeps resetting, you should know there could be many different reasons. Some of them are:

• Corrupt User Settings when your Discord audio settings reset due to power surges, malware, or device failures.
• Hardware issues with your headset or microphone.
• Buggy Discord app.
• Voice Activity Detection setting.
• Discord updates. Sometimes, the latest update might interfere with your personal settings.
• Corrupt files in Discord’s dispatch cache.
• Interference by third-party software.

The solution to the Discord user volume resetting issue will depend on what’s causing it. That means you’ll have to do some troubleshooting to find out the root of the problem so you know how to deal with it. However, if you’re not sure what’s behind the constant resetting of your volume settings, it won’t hurt to try these fixes in order until one of them resolves the issue.

1. Clear Discord Cache

The Cache folder contains temporary data that improves Discord’s performance. However, over time, these files can get corrupted, and they can cause the user volume to keep resetting. In fact, they can cause many different bugs that keep your app from working properly. That’s why it’s smart to clear your Discord cache occasionally. Here’s how to do it on your Windows 11 or 10 PC.

1. Click the Start button and type %appdata% in the search bar.

2. Find the Discord folder and double-click to open it.

3. Locate the Cache folder and open it.

4. Select all the files in the cache folder and press the Delete button on your keyboard. Alternatively, right-click the selected files and choose the Delete option from the menu.

Note: Clearing Discord cache files won’t change your personal Discord settings. However, it might help the app perform better.

2. Disable Automatic Gain Control

If your Discord user volume settings keep resetting, you’ll have to make sure that the Automatic Gain Control is disabled. It’s this setting that may initiate the volume reset. Automatic Gain Control is an automatic volume adjustment setting. It’ll increase or decrease the volume during audio calls.

1. Access the Discord User settings by selecting the gear icon in the bottom left corner of the Discord app. It’s next to your username and profile image.

2. Go to the Voice & Video option under the App Settings section. This is where you’ll find various volume options.
3. Make sure that Automatic Gain Control is turned off.

Automatic Gain Control is set in place to keep the audio experience on Discord of high quality. But many users complain it doesn’t work properly, and it’s the reason behind their user volume setting resetting.

3. Disable Audio Enhancements in Sound Settings

Windows audio enhancements can sometimes interfere with how Discord works. If you want to ensure a stable and consistent Discord audio experience, you should consider turning these enhancements off. Follow these steps to disable Windows audio enhancements:

1. Press Win + I on your keyboard to open the System Settings.
2. Select Sound from the menu.

3. Select All Sound Devices.

4. Select the Input and Output audio device you want to disable the Audio Enhancements for.

5. In the Audio Enhancements section, select Off from the drop-down menu.

Once you’re done, close the Settings app, head to Discord, and make a voice call to see if this resolved the issue.

4. Reset Voice Settings to Default

Resetting any Discord voice settings you altered might help with the issues you have with user volume. Any faulty configuration affecting the volume could be eradicated, and your Discord might work properly. To reset voice settings:

1. Launch the Discord app and go to the User Settings icon.

2. Go to the Voice & Video option under the App Settings section.

3. Scroll all the way down and hit the Reset Voice Settings button.

5. Adjust VAD Settings

VAD stands for Voice Activity Detection. The Discord client will start the audio transmission from your end as soon as it detects you are actively speaking. This can help with the reduction of ambient noise, and it’ll enhance the quality of your voice.

However, there is no guarantee that VAD will help with the Discord user volume resetting issue. You’ll have to play with the settings and see what works best for you and your friends. Perhaps the better solution would be to use the push-to-talk option instead of VAD. On the other hand, just changing the VAD’s sensitivity settings can improve your audio experience.

Test various settings during the voice call and see which one ensures that your volume levels are consistent. To find the Voice Activity Detection:

1. Launch Discord and go to User Settings.

2. Select Voice & Video from the left side menu.

3. Find Voice Activity in the main window and activate it.

4. Play with the Input Sensitivity settings and find the right one for you.

6. Uninstall and Reinstall Discord

If you tried all of the previously described fixes and nothing worked, try uninstalling and reinstalling your Discord app. Uninstalling Discord is the same as uninstalling any other app:

1. Go to the Control Panel on your PC.
2. Select Uninstall a program.

3. Find and select Discord, right-click it, and select Uninstall.

To reinstall Discord, head to their official website and download the latest version. Follow the on-screen instructions to install it.

7. Update Your Operating System

Keeping the Operating System up to date is essential if you want all your apps to work properly, Discord included. It’s possible that the interaction between your outdated OS and the DIscord app is causing the user volume to keep resetting.

Check for available updates and install them if necessary. For Windows OS, it’s enough to go to the start menu and type “Check for Updates” in the search bar.

If any are available, they’ll be displayed. Don’t hesitate to hit that Download & Install button.

By taking the time to troubleshoot and resolve the Discord user volume resetting problem, you’ll not only enhance your own communication experience but also contribute to an enjoyable environment for your fellow users. Remember, the solution may vary depending on the root cause of the issue, so it’s essential to follow these steps systematically until you find the one that works for you.

The post Discord User Volume Keeps Resetting? 7 Ways to Fix first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

OpenAI designed the chatbot to interact with people in a natural language. ChatGPT is a large language model capable of learning and developing itself. It uses artificial intelligence to communicate with its users through text chat. It’s so powerful that if you try it, you’ll feel you are talking with another person.

How Does ChatGPT Work?

ChatGPT is an AI chatbot that relies on reinforcement learning with human feedback (RLHF) to work. It can intelligently process its environment and adapt to different situations with what it learned from human interactions. As a result, ChatGPT is incredibly useful for creating written content, translating from one language to another, and even writing code.

It’s owned and developed by OpenAI. Before releasing it, the developers trained ChatGPT with a massive amount of data, but the AI continues to learn and gather the knowledge we, the users, provide. That’s why this AI chatbot can give educated responses on a myriad of topics and can even have a deep conversation with you on many topics. However, how credible these responses are depends on the learning material we feed it.

What Can You Use ChatGPT For?

You can use ChatGPT for everything text-related. Your imagination is the only limit. From writing a screenplay to researching cooking recipes.

Here’s how you can use ChatGPT:

1. Natural Language Understanding: ChatGPT can analyze and interpret text, extract relevant information, and provide meaningful responses. This makes it useful for building chatbots, virtual assistants, and customer support systems.
2. Language Translation: ChatGPT can translate text from one language to another fairly accurately. This can be valuable for individuals, businesses, or organizations that need to communicate across language barriers.
3. Outline Generation: ChatGPT can generate outlines based on prompts or instructions. It can assist in creating articles, blog posts, stories, and other forms of written content.
4. Information Retrieval: ChatGPT can search and retrieve information from large knowledge bases or documents. It can answer questions, provide explanations, or summarize complex information. This can be helpful in research, education, and general knowledge acquisition.
5. Personalized Recommendations: ChatGPT can analyze user preferences and provide personalized recommendations. It can suggest products, movies, food recipes, books, or other items based on individual tastes and interests.
6. Tutoring and Education: ChatGPT can act as a virtual tutor or educational assistant. It can answer students’ questions, explain concepts, and provide additional learning resources.
7. Creative Writing and Storytelling: ChatGPT can assist in creative writing projects, helping authors develop characters, plots, and dialogues. It can also generate unique storylines or contribute to collaborative storytelling efforts.
8. Conversation and Social Interaction: ChatGPT can engage in casual conversation, provide companionship, or simulate social interactions. It can chat about various topics, tell jokes, and engage in light-hearted discussions.

It’s important to note that while ChatGPT is a powerful natural language processing model, it also has limitations. It may generate plausible-sounding responses that are not factually accurate. That’s why it’s crucial to validate and fact-check the information provided by ChatGPT before you use it.

Related: Learn how to hide your chats with Private ChatGPT Mode.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Sign Up for ChatGPT

ChatGPT has a very intuitive design. Its interface is easy to use for both tech-savvy people and beginners. What’s best is that during the ChatGPT sign-up process, ChatGPT won’t ask you for too much personal information. Follow these steps and finish the sign-up process for ChatGPT in no time:

1. Go to the ChatGPT login page. You can use any web browser to access it. Once there, you can log in to your existing OpenAI account, or create a new one.
2. Click the Sign up button to create an OpenAI account.

3. You have a choice now. You can either enter your email or use a single sign-on via your Google, Microsoft, or Apple account.

• By entering your email address you’ll create a stand-alone OpenAI account.
• If you choose to sign up with your Google Gmail or Microsoft account, follow the on-screen instructions for SSO.

4. After you type your email, click Continue and create a password for your new account. Click Continue again.

5. You’ll receive an on-screen message to go to your email and click the account verification link the platform sent you. You’ll need to do this in order to finish the process.

6. When you click the verification link, the ChatGPT platform will open a Tell us about you page. Here you’ll type your full name and your birthdate. When you’re done, click Continue.

7. The next page will ask you to verify your phone number. Simply input it and click Send Code.

8. Once the code arrives on your smartphone, copy it or type it in the designated place on the website.

And that’s it! You successfully created your ChatGPT account. You can start using it immediately. The first ChatGPT screen you see will teach you some examples of how you can use it, and explain the capabilities of the platform and its limitations.

After creating your OpenAI account, you can easily log in to ChatGPT at any time. Head over to the Login page, select Log in, and enter your ChatGPT login credentials.

Optional Upgrade to ChatGPT Plus

ChatGPT is 100% free, but it comes with some downsides. For example, the platform will be available to you only at times when the demand for ChatGPT is low. That means that users who opted for a paid subscription have priority over you. With the free account, your ChatGPT has a standard response speed and regular updates, while ChatGPT Plus users benefit from a faster response speed and priority access to updates and new features.

All in all, paid members have access to GPT-4, a larger and more advanced language learning model. Free plan users have access to the older, GPT-3.5 version.

If you want to upgrade to the Plus membership simply click on the Plus button on the lower-left side of the menu. A Plus membership costs $20 per month, and you’ll have to provide the payment information in order to finish the process.

How to Access ChatGPT Without Logging In

You don’t have to log in every time you want to use ChatGPT. Instead, you can use Bing Chat. It’s also free, and it’s built with the newest OpenAI product, GPT-4. But in order to have long conversations without a ChatGPT account, you’ll need to use your Microsoft account to log into Bing.

A Quick Guide on How to Use ChatGPT

After you sign up, you’ll arrive at the ChatGPT main screen. This is where you can start using it. As mentioned before, OpenAI gives some examples of how you can use their language model. But this will give you only a general idea of what you can do with this AI-powered tool.

What you need to do is formulate a question or a task for ChatGTP and type it in the designated text bar. You’ll find the chat bar at the bottom of the screen. Your entries are called prompts. To submit them simply press enter. ChatGPT will take a bit of time to generate an answer for you. Besides the basic questions such as “What’s Quantum Mechanics?” you can develop your prompt and give ChatGPT instructions on how to answer it. For Example “Explain what is quantum mechanics as if I’m 5 years old”

Or “Explain what is quantum mechanics in an academic language.”

Adding more information to your prompt can control the tone and style of the answer. That’s how ChatGPT understands the instructions you give it.

Your prompts can range from simple questions to very complex tasks. Did you know ChatGPT can even write code? But that doesn’t necessarily mean AI is dangerous and turn into Skynet… hopefully.

The post How to Sign Up for ChatGPT first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

1. Highlight Cells

Highlighting the entire cell is pretty straightforward. You can choose to highlight only one or a group of cells. Follow these steps:

1. Select the cell or a group of cells you want to highlight.

2. Select the Fill color icon from the toolbar, and choose the highlight color you want.

3. The selected cells will automatically become highlighted with a different fill color than the others.

And that’s all there is to it. Highlighting cells might be the easiest thing to do in Google Sheets.

2. Highlight Text

If you don’t want to highlight the whole cell but only the data inside it, you can do it by changing the text color. It doesn’t matter if it’s a particular value, the whole text, or just a part of the text in a cell you want to highlight; the concept is the same.

1. Select the text within the cell or part of the text you want to highlight. Double-click the cell with your cursor to access the text to do this.

2. Select the Text color icon from the main toolbar, and choose the desired color.

3. The selected text will automatically change to the color you chose from the color palette.

Note: You can use as many colors as you want to highlight your text. But remember that some colors might be difficult to read depending on the cell background color. You can combine cell and text highlight methods to achieve different effects. You can also change the formatting style of your text to Bold, Italic, or Strikethrough to put even more emphasis on the text or a cell.

3. Conditional Formatting

For data analysis, you can format the cells based on their content. For example, you can change the background color of cells with the same value. Conditional formatting will save you time if you need to highlight several different cells with the same value and you don’t want to manually search for them to select and highlight those values.

Let’s see how to automatically highlight cells that begin, end, or contain a specific value, word, or phrase, changing only the conditional formatting rules.

Note: Conditional formatting is less powerful in Google Sheets compared to Microsoft Excel. The former limits you to 50 rules per sheet, while you can create up to 256 rules in Excel to highlight your data.

1. Highlight Text That Begins With a Specific Word

1. Select a cell (or multiple cells) that contains a specific word, phrase, or value.
2. Open the Format menu from the ribbon at the top of the screen.

3. Select Conditional Formatting from the drop-down menu. The Conditional Formatting menu will open on the right side of the Google Sheet.

4. If you want to apply Conditional Formatting to multiple cells that contain the same word, you’ll have to input the range to which the formatting will be applied. Click on the Apply to Range box.

5. When the dialog box opens, type in the range of cells where you want to apply the formatting. Look at the cell numbers and column letters and type in the range— e.g. A2:A16. This will highlight the cells that meet the conditional formatting rule .

6. In the Conditional Formatting menu, under Format Rules (or Conditional format rules), click on the drop-down menu for Format cells if…

7. Select Text starts with from the drop-down menu.

8. In the Value or formula box, type in the specific word (or a custom formula) with which the cell begins.

9. In the Formatting Style section, you can select the text and background color you want added to the text or the whole cell and text formatting options such as Bold, Italic, and Strikethrough.

10. When you select all the desired options in Formatting Style, hit the Done button.

The cells containing a specific word will be highlighted automatically (in our example”, the word is “Best”).

2. Highlight Text That Ends With a Specific Word

You can also highlight all the cells that end with a specific word. The steps are almost the same. However, when you come to the point where you need to select Format rules, You’ll choose Text ends with from the drop-down menu.

All the steps before and after this are the same as described in the previous section. Once you are ready to apply the highlight to all the cells that end with a specific word, phrase, or value, hit the Done button.

3. Highlight Text That Contains a Specific Word

You probably guessed that to highlight text that contains a specific word you have to follow the same steps as previously described in the Conditional Formatting section. But when you reach the point to select Format rules, you’ll choose Text contains from the drop-down menu.

Select the formatting styles you desire and hit the Done button to finish.

Manually highlighting text gives you precise control over the selection process, allowing you to emphasize specific data points, labels, or insights. This hands-on method is ideal for smaller datasets.

On the other hand, automatic highlighting with conditional formatting offers efficiency and scalability. It allows you to set up rules that dynamically highlight cells based on specific criteria, making it perfect for larger datasets. After using conditional formatting, you can also filter your spreadsheet data by color.

Whether you choose the manual or automatic route, highlighting the correct text enhances the clarity and readability of your spreadsheets, so keep experimenting with both methods.

The post How to Highlight Texts in Google Sheets (Manually and Automatically) first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

What’s in the Box

Your 70mai Power Station will be shipped in a compact box designed to protect it from possible transportation damage. It’ll also be covered in protective foam that you must remove to uncover the Tera 1000. Here’s what you’ll find in the box:

• 70mai Power Station Tera 1000
• AC Power Cord
• 12V car adaptor cable
• A bag for storing accessories
• User manual

Specifications and Overview

One of the recent additions to the power station market is the 70mai Power Station Tera 1000. If you have never heard of 70mai before, it’s a subsidiary company of Xiaomi. It’s worth noting that they are well-regarded for producing dash cams and their choice to produce power stations next might seem odd. However, the Tera 1000 is not only a multipurpose power station with tons of features, but it’s also one of the cheapest options in its class even when there are no discounts involved. That said, let’s take a closer look at 70mai Power Station Tera 1000.

With a battery capacity of 1000Wh and ten power outlets, Tera 1000 can power several appliances and devices at once. That means you can be as comfortable while camping or traveling in a remote area as if you were back home. But the versatility that 70mai Power Station offers is also handy at home when you need an alternative power source during a blackout.

Even if you drain it completely, you don’t need to worry about hours spent recharging it. Tera 1000 can fully recharge in just 2 hours. If you don’t have that time available, rest assured your power station will recharge to 80% of its full capacity in just around one hour.

The 70mai Power Station Tera 1000 is portable, handy, and fairly light for its battery capacity. Although 27.5Ib might sound like a lot, it is one of the lightest power stations in the 1000Wh capacity range and the ergonomic silicone handle ensures a comfortable and strong grip for easier handling.

Also, you can use the 70mai App to connect with the Tera remotely. Use this app to turn your portable power station on or off, manage various settings, check its battery status, and more.

Design and Build

70mai Tera 1000 has a somewhat retro look to it, but the design is very well thought for comfort and safety while handling it. The first thing that catches the eye is the big orange handle on the top.

It’s made of sturdy silicone, and it was designed for all hand types and sizes. Anyone can carry this power station with a little bit of effort put into it.

The Exterior Casing

The body of the Tera 1000 boasts a dual-layer plastic enclosure on the outside and a galvanized steel structure on the inside. That means that this power station is well protected from accidental drops or tumbles in your camper van while traveling. You also don’t have to worry about overheating since it has a cooling fan, located on the right side of the device, which will keep your power station cool.

After all, the Tera was designed as an essential device for outdoor adventures.

Also, it has large rectangular rubber stands on the bottom, so it can be safely placed on any surface without sliding off.

AC Outputs

The front of the 70mai Tera 1000 is where all the output sockets and ports are located. There are ten power outlets in total, and they provide users with a variety of connection options. All of them are controlled with a push button. The AC system consists of three sockets that support 1200W in continuous mode and 2400W in surge mode.

For the US market, the AC sockets accept three-prong plugs, while for the European market, there are two outlets that accept two-prong plugs (for this review, we’re using the European version). The sockets are well apart so devices with different plug footprints can be used simultaneously. This is probably why if you go with two-prong plugs, there’s room only for two of them.

Charging Ports

The low voltage section consists of seven ports that include one USB-A port and one USB-A QC port (for powering legacy devices), one Type-C 18W port (powers small devices such as smartphones), one Type-C 60W port (for charging laptops or tools), two 13.6V DC ports, and one car cigarette lighter charging port. To the right of the low voltage section is where you’ll find a 200W Anderson port that allows this unit to connect with a solar panel.

The Display

A bright LCD display is also placed at the front of the Tera 1000 unit, with the main power button.

The small LCD screen displays battery capacity in the center, while features, such as pairing, or fast charge status are represented by smaller icons at the top. Navigating the station’s menu is easy with the four push buttons just to the right of the screen. You can use them to find and activate this power station’s various features.

The Charging Port

At the back of the Tera 1000, there’s a charging port where the AC charging cord needs to be plugged. The elegant design of the built-in AC to DC adapter allows this cord to be very simple and lightweight. What’s even more important is that this design allows Tera 1000 to be charged fully in roughly 2 hours.

The Battery

70mai Power Station Tera 1000 uses lithium-ion batteries designed for smart car electronics and e-bikes. According to the manufacturer, these li-ion batteries have the best-in-class Battery Management System developed by Texas Instruments and are reliable and safe to use. This means that Tera 1000 has no problem with overcharging, over-discharging, or overheating. But it also means that the 70mai Power Station uses clean energy without carbon emissions.

The built-in 2-in-1 inverter allows for a bi-directional flow of electricity, resulting in efficient charging of the devices. It also helps the power station to remain cool while working. The heat dissipation is taken care of by a built-in aluminum heatsink. The fan is working not only fast but also silently. It won’t disturb your sleep if you leave the unit to charge your devices overnight. With that in mind, the Tera 1000 can power your CPAP machine for an entire night and more.

Smartphone Connectivity and App

The most interesting feature for regular users is the 70mai Power Station’s ability to connect to a smartphone through Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). You can use this feature to control the Tera 1000 unit remotely via the app. The control range is around five meters. Even with the BLE enabled, there’s no noticeable drop in the unit’s energy.

The Mobile app is available for both iOS and Android devices and it has a simple and easy-to-use menu. But to install it, the phone needs to have both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled. However, you’ll need to create a 70mai account to pair their power station with the app. Once this is done, just launch the app on your phone and it will immediately display all the necessary information about the portable power station and its performance. The on-screen buttons allow direct control of the AC and DC sections. You can also use the app to set the AC fast charge mode, control the LED light, change display brightness, and more.

70mai Tera 1000 in Use

The power button needs to be pressed and held for around 3 seconds to turn on the 70mai Power Station Tera 1000. The screen lights up and immediately displays the battery capacity percentage. What else will be displayed on the screen depends on personal settings each user can modify. On each side of the LCD display, there are what looks like two smaller square screens. However, they won’t display anything. Instead, they serve as low-power flashlights.

Unfortunately, the light they are emitting is low and very dim. It’s just enough to let you see the control buttons in darkness, but not much more.

This portable power station can handle over 1000 charge cycles before the battery capacity reaches 70%. Tera 1000 supports the DC pass-through charging while itself is being charged. That means the DC section will remain powered and you can use it to charge your devices, while the Tera 1000 unit itself is being charged. But this doesn’t stand for the AC section. It will be turned off completely while you are charging the power station.

As for powering multiple appliances with the 10mai Tera 1000 AC outlets, the 1200W is a hard limit. If you plug in a device that pulls more, let’s say 1350W, the Tera 1000 unit will shut off in around 30 seconds. That means this power station is easily capable of powering up multiple devices simultaneously, as long as they remain within the 1200W range. And the appliances this portable station can power up are various. For example, it can power up a mini fridge in your caravan for around 14 hours depending on the fridge model. Or it can power a fan for around 20 hours, and a power-efficient TV for up to 8 hours. That means you never have to give up comfortable living, even when outdoors.

Charging the Tera 1000 with the 70mai Solar Panels

As Tera 1000 was designed for outdoor living, it’s no wonder 70mai also offers a portable monocrystalline solar panel used to charge the power station. In fact, unlike its competitors, Tera 1000 boasts an Andersen-type connector with a maximum input of 200W. That means you can connect this power station to a wide variety of solar panels. You are not limited to the one produced by 70mai.

Setting it up takes no more than a few seconds. All you have to do is unfold it, place it in the best possible location to capture the sunlight, and plug it into the power station. The 70mai Solar Panel has a peak power of 110W which is enough energy to efficiently charge smart devices. It even comes with 2 USB ports so you can connect mobile devices directly to the panel.

However, it’ll take more than 6 hours to fully charge it with a solar panel if the weather is perfect. Fortunately, the Tera supports two 70mai solar panels or any other 200W solar panel alternative.

Should You Buy the 70mai Tera 1000?

The 70mai Power Station Tera 1000 is undeniably a powerhouse when it comes to portable power solutions. Throughout our review, it demonstrated its ability to keep cameras, smartphones, laptops, power tools, and small house appliances charged.

Whether you’re an avid traveler, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a reliable backup power source, the 70mai Power Station Tera 1000 offers the ample capacity, intelligent features, peace of mind, and convenience you need in a compact package.

The post The 70mai Power Station Tera 1000 Review first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Instagram stories give you a quick insight into other people’s lives through social media. We love them because they are easily accessible, quick to digest, and they are great pass-time options. But it can get really frustrating if Instagram stories don’t load. Instead of enjoying the colorful snippets from people’s lives, all you see is the spinning circle that represents the loading screen.

If Instagram works properly on your phone, you shouldn’t be seeing a loading screen when watching stories. At worst, you should see it for a split second if your internet connection isn’t optimal. But what to do if IG stories are not working, and the only thing you can see is that annoying spinning circle? This article discusses several possible fixes for both Android and iOS devices. Let’s jump straight to it.

1. Check Internet Connection

The most common reason behind Instagram stories and reels not loading properly is poor network connection which makes Instagram lag. Either the Wi-Fi or mobile data signal is weak, or something is wrong with your smartphone or network area. If you notice you have issues loading content on other apps, not just on Instagram, this is a clear sign the root problem is the internet connection. Try opening Facebook or YouTube videos and see if you have trouble loading them.

You can also perform an internet speed test to check if everything is okay with your connection. You can access SpeedTest by Ookla through the web browser or you can download their app. Using the speed test is more accurate than trying to figure out if your internet is okay. That’s because an intermittent internet connection might trick you into believing everything is fine. The speed test will show if there is an intermittent connection.

If there is a problem with your internet connection, you can try fixing it by turning the airplane mode on and off. This will force your phone to disconnect from the internet and reconnect.

If that doesn’t work, you’ll have to reset the network settings on your device. Here’s how to do it both on Android and iOS devices.

Reset Network Settings on Android

1. Open the Settings app and depending on what type of smartphone you have tap on General Management, Connections, or System.

2. If you selected Connections, scroll to the bottom and select More Connection Settings. If not, then select Reset or Reset Options.

3. Tap Reset Network Settings.

Your Android phone will restart, and once the system is up, you can check Instagram and see if the stories load properly.

Reset Network Settings on the iPhone

1. Open the Settings app and select General.

2. Scroll all the way down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.

3. Tap Reset.

4. Select Reset Network Settings from the menu that appears.

The iOS device will ask you to input your screen unlock code. The phone will restart and after the system is up you can try if Instagram stories are loading properly.

2. Restart the Instagram App

If you don’t have internet connection problems, but you can’t see the Instagram stories as they are continuously loading, the problem might be in the app itself. It’s possible it bugged out or it’s glitching. You should try restarting the app.

All you need to do is close the app and reopen it. But make sure to first access the multi-task menu to close all active tasks, among which the Instagram app should be. Both Android and iOS users can access the multi-task menu from the home screen and then swipe up to close the active apps.

Android device users also have the option of force closing an app. Here’s how:

1. Launch Settings and select Apps.

2. Select Instagram from the list of apps.

3. Select Force Stop in the bottom-right corner of the screen.

3. Check If Instagram Is Down

If your internet connection is not causing Instagram stories not to load, perhaps the problem lies with Instagram servers. If IG is down, you should check Twitter to see if there’s an announcement about it. Alternatively, you can go to a website such as Downdetector, type Instagram in the search bar, and wait for the results.

If Instagram servers are down, there’s nothing you can do to fix this. All you can do is wait until Instagram fixes this issue.

4. Restart Your Phone

It’s highly unlikely your phone is causing the problem with Instagram stories but you never know. It could be a system glitch or a background process that’s causing the Instagram app to not work properly. If you suspect this is the case, restarting your phone could help. It doesn’t matter if you have an Android or iOS device, power cycling should reboot and resolve all temporary system errors that could affect the app’s behavior.

5. Update Instagram App

Updating the Instagram app is simple but it could fix various problems you might experience with the app, among which are stories stuck on the loading screen. All you have to do is go to Google Play Store for Android or Apple Store for iOS devices, search for the Instagram app, and see if there’s an update button available. Hit it to download and install the latest version of the Instagram app.

6. Clear Instagram App Cache

Every app has a cache folder in which it stores temporary files that help the app work faster and better. Unfortunately, these files can sometimes get corrupted and cause specific problems. Sometimes it’s Instagram stories not loading. That’s why you should clear the Instagram app cache if you are experiencing this problem. The way to do it will depend on whether you have an Android or iOS device.

On Android

1. Launch Settings and select Apps.

2. Select Instagram from the list of apps.

3. Select Storage.

4. Tap Clear Cache at the bottom-right corner.

Note: You can also tap Clear Data, it won’t affect Instagram stories but you’ll have to log back into your Instagram account. If you have any drafts made they’ll be lost.

On iPhone

1. Open the Settings app and tap General.

2. Select iPhone Storage.

3. Find Instagram and tap it.

4. Select Offload App.

7. Uninstall and Reinstall Instagram

If clearing the Instagram cache doesn’t work, and you are still experiencing issues with the Instagram app, you should uninstall it and install it again on your smartphone. This could get rid of any stubborn bugs and glitches your app was having. However, you should know that reinstalling the Instagram app will delete any saved drafts, and you’ll have to log back into your Instagram account again.

On Android

1. Open Settings and select Apps.

2. Select Instagram from the list of apps.

3. Select Uninstall.

4. Go to Google Play Store and search for the Instagram app.
5. Select Install.

On the iPhone

1. Open Settings and select General.

2. Select iPhone Storage.

3. Select Instagram from the list of apps.

4. Tap Delete App and confirm when prompted.

5. Go to the App Store and search for Instagram. Then select Get to download and install the new version of the app.

8. Check the Date & Time on Your Phone

Although it might seem odd, the Date & Time settings of your device can cause various problems on both Android and iOS devices. Although Date & Time should update automatically, it can glitch, or you could unintentionally change it. This could cause Instagram stories not to load fully. You should check and, if needed, correct the Date and time on your phone.

On Android

1. Go to Settings and select General Management.

2. Tap Date and Time.

3. Reset to Automatic Date and Time by toggling it off and back on. You can also update your Time Zone if needed.

On the iPhone

1. Launch Settings and select General.

2. Tap Date & Time.
3. Make sure that the option to automatically set a date and time is on.

9. Contact Instagram

If you tried all of the above solutions and Instagram stories still won’t work on your iPhone, consider contacting Instagram to report a problem you’re having. Describe your problem in detail and include what phone model you’re using, as well as which version of the app it’s running.

The post Instagram Stories Not Working/Loading? Try These 9 Fixes first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Luckily, when you get a black screen, it means the issue is relatively easy to fix. If you experienced a black screen while playing PS4 games, know you’re not the only one. Because it happens often, the users named it the Black Screen of Death, not because it means your gaming console is dead, but because it interrupts the gameplay. So don’t worry, your console is probably fine. This article will help you troubleshoot your PS4 black screen issue with seven possible fixes.

What Causes PS4 Black Screen of Death?

There are many reasons why the black screen error occurs on the PS4. Although it might be a troubling sign, more often, it’s a simple issue such as a PS4 connection error.

Here are some issues that can cause the PS4 Black Screen of Death:

• Hardware issue within the console.
• Damaged connectivity cable.
• Incompatible or incomplete software update.
• Corrupt system files.
• Power surges and overheating.
• A faulty PS4 HDMI port.

Now that you know why you’re experiencing the black screen let’s see how to fix it.

1. Restart Your PS4 Console

Whenever you encounter the black screen issue, you should try rebooting your PS4 console. There are many random problems your console might experience, and a simple restart can fix or temporarily eliminate them. By restarting the PS4, you won’t just get rid of the black screen but any possible error that could be behind it.

Restarting a PS4 console is simple. However, you can do it only if the black screen is temporary and you can access the menu. If you can’t see the menu, you must power cycle your PS4 console.

1. In the PS4 Home menu, select the Power button.

2. Select Power Options.

3. When the Power Options menu appears, select Restart PS4.

2. Power Cycle the PS4 Console

Power cycling your PlayStation 4 console helps eliminate minor glitches and bugs that can cause a black screen to appear randomly. Power cycle your console to reload the resources. This will refresh your console and remove bugs and glitches that might be causing the issue.

1. Press and hold the power button until you hear a second beep. It’ll take about seven seconds. The location of the power button will depend on the model of the Sony PlayStation 4 console you have:

• PS4 Standard: Front-center of the console, below the power indicator light.
• PS4 Slim: Far left side of the console, under the disc drive.
• PS4 Pro: Far left side of the console, above the power indicator light.

2. Unplug the power cable of the console, monitor, or TV. Wait for about 30 seconds before you plug them back in.
3. Once the power cables are plugged in, turn your PS4 on and see if the Black Screen issue persists.

3. Make Sure the HDMI Cable and Port Are in Working Order

HDMI cables and ports can easily get damaged, resulting in no signal transmission between the console and the display device. If you use an HDMI cable for the video output and experience a PS4 Black Screen, you should check it for wear and tear. Also, check the port while you’re at it.

The HDMI cable can easily be detached from a monitor and console. You can brush the ports gently to remove any dust particles that might cause connection interruptions. After this, you can reattach the cables if you find no obvious physical damage. If you do, you should replace the cable.

Even if you can’t see any apparent damage on ports or the cable, try another port or a cable to see if this fixes your black screen issue. Another thing you could try is to use another display. Perhaps your old one is broken, causing the black screen.

4. Change Resolution (in Safe Mode)

Changing the resolution of your PS4 in safe mode is another effective way to deal with the black screen issue. Safe Mode is a diagnostics mode, so it’ll allow you to access the more advanced features of your PS4 and help you reset the database or upgrade the firmware.

To change resolution in safe mode:

1. Turn off your PS4 console.
2. Long press the power button until you hear the second beep.
3. Use the USB cable to connect a controller to the PS4 console. Press the PlayStation button on the controller to boot it in safe mode.
4. Select the Change Resolution option from the menu and press the X button on the controller.

5. Select the suitable video output resolution and press the OK button.

5. Disable HDCP Feature

High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection is a protocol that helps prevent digital content piracy on PS4. However, your monitor, a TV, or any other display device may be incompatible with the HDCP feature. If so, the result would be a Black Screen. So, you can try turning off the HDCP feature to see if this is the problem. Here’s how:

1. From the Home screen, go to Settings.

2. Select System.

3. Uncheck the Enable HDCP option.

6. Rebuild Database

Sometimes, a corrupted file stored on your PS4 console can cause the Black Screen of Death. In that case, you can rebuild your PlayStation’s database to solve the error.

Follow these steps to rebuild the PS4 database:

1. Press the power button and hold it for 3 seconds. This way, you’ll enter the PS4 Safe Mode.
2. Again, hold the power button and release it only after you hear the second beep. This will start your console in the Safe Mode.
3. Connect your PS4 controller to the PS4 device with a USB cable. Press the PS button on the controller.
4. Press the X button on the controller.
5. Select Rebuild Database from the Safe Mode menu.

6. The process of rebuilding the PS4 database can take a while, so be patient and wait for your console to boot up.

Once the database is rebuilt and your PlayStation 4 is booted, try playing a game and see if the Black Screen issue reappears.

7. Factory Reset the PS4 Console

Performing a factory reset of your Sony PlayStation console should always be your last resort. So, try all the methods described above to fix your black screen issue before trying this out. If you perform the factory reset, you will lose all the data from your console’s system storage. Consider making a backup of all the critical PS4 data before trying this.

To reset the PS4 console:

1. Launch the Settings menu from the Home screen.
2. Select Initialization from the Settings menu.

3. Choose Initialize PS4 option.

4. On the next screen, select the Full option. This will completely delete the PS4 system storage.

5. The next screen will warn you about deleting all the data. Select the Initialize button to proceed.

6. To begin the Initialization process, select the Yes button.

Note: This process can be very long. In some cases, it can even take hours. Be patient, and don’t try to reboot your console.

We hope these troubleshooting methods helped you fix the pesky PlayStation 4 black screen issue. Whether it’s a loose connection, a software glitch, or a simple system hiccup, the problem is easy to fix if you troubleshoot it step by step.

The post Top 7 Ways to Fix Playstation 4 (PS4) Black Screen Issue first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Power stations use larger and more efficient batteries to store and provide electricity, and they are safe to use both outdoors and indoors. They come in different sizes and have different features, so it can be hard to decide which one to invest in. This article will list some of the best portable power stations on the market today, and discuss why they are a top choice depending on your specific needs.

What to Look for When Purchasing a Portable Power Station?

Nowadays, we prefer power stations in most situations over diesel-powered generators, even though the second ones are cheaper. That’s because generators are noisy, and emit toxic carbon monoxide. Not to mention that generators can be a pain to carry on your camping trip, considering they also need fuel.

Power Stations are more expensive, but they have several benefits over generators. They are eco-friendly (and you use solar power to charge them), safe to use, quiet, and very portable. Their efficiency can vary, depending on the size and capacity of the battery. Some are small and easily portable, but their power output is not that great, while others are large and powerful enough to power an AC unit. That said, they can be useful for short trips out in nature when you need to charge your smartphone, laptop, electric grill, or camera battery.

When choosing the right portable power station to meet your needs, you’ll have to consider its size, capacity, time needed to discharge and recharge, as well as its voltage, available outlets, and charging ports. You should also consider what electronic devices you will power up with your power station and how much energy output those devices need.

Finally, you’ll need to consider your budget. Some basic small power stations cost as little as $500, while the big powerful ones can reach a price of several thousands of dollars. It can be hard to achieve the perfect balance between the cost and features, so carefully assess your needs and choose the best power station for your budget.

1. Ecoflow Delta Pro

Best Overall

Price: $3,199

• Runs almost all appliances.
• Multiple recharging options.
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity and app.
• 3.6-25kWh expandable capacity.
• 3600 Watts output.
• Weighs 42.5lbs.

Ecoflow Delta Pro is one of the largest and heaviest power stations out there. That’s because it was designed for indoor use, as an emergency power source for homes, camper vans, and RVs. When it comes to power output, it can easily rival generators. It can power almost all house appliances, tools, and heavy-duty devices as it has an output of 3,600 watts. In fact, it can power up multiple appliances simultaneously.

With the built-in X-Boost technology, Ecoflow Delta Pro can bump the electricity output to an incredible 4,500 watts. This allows it to power up a full-size refrigerator for over 51 hours. That alone makes the Ecoflow Delta Pro a perfect solution for power outages. Once the capacity of its battery is down to 0, this power station can be recharged in two and a half hours. However, the recharge time will depend on the power source you are using. Luckily, you have several options as Ecoflow can be plugged into a standard 120-volt home outlet, EV charging stations, solar panels, or a car power outlet.

2. 70mai Power Station Hiker 400

Best small and budget-friendly

Price: $399

• 8 available ports.
• Quiet design of only 35dB.
• Capacity of 378 Wh.
• 400 Watts output.
• BLE wireless connection and app.
• Weight 8.6lbs.

The 70mai Power Station Hiker 400 is a compact but versatile portable electricity solution designed for everyone who wants some comfort while enjoying outdoor adventures. It doesn’t have a large battery capacity, but 378 Wh is more than enough considering this power station is so light and portable weighing only 8.6 lbs. It can supply multiple small appliances and devices with its 8 ports. It has three USB-A ports, a 100W USB-C port, a DC cigarette lighter port, a DC 5521 port, and finally two 400W AC ports.

This is truly a small yet versatile power station. You can power up a heater, toaster, or coffee maker, or charge your smartphone, laptop, or camera while on the go. This power station has a quick charge option from multiple sources. An AC fast-charging brick is included. It’ll charge this power station from 0% to 100% in just under three hours. You can also use the USB-C port, or solar panels for recharging your Hiker 400.

3. Anker 767 PowerHouse

Best for RV use

Price: $1,999

• Battery Capacity of 2048 Wh.
• 2400 Watts output.
• 1000W Solar Output.
• Durable design.
• 12 ports
• Weighs 67 lbs.

The Anker 767 PowerHouse is primarily intended for outdoor use. It has a high battery capacity and you can use it to power up some of your home appliances too, but keep in mind running it into your main breaker would take some advanced installation knowledge. Although an amazing device for all those who prefer a lifestyle in nature, it is rather a heavy device to carry around. That’s why it has wheels and a retractable handle, so you can pull it or push it into place. This power station is certainly not for hiking but for camping. It’s designed to power up your camper van and the appliances in it. It even has a TT-30R RV outlet.

The battery capacity is large (although not the largest on the market), with 2048 Wh. However, if you invest in an expansion, the capacity jumps to 4096Wh and that’s impressive. This device also has an incredible selection of ports, 12 in total, and it can power up several devices and gadgets simultaneously. You can connect your laptop through one of two USB-C ports, or one of four AC ports. There are also three USB-A-type ports for charging smaller devices, 2 carports, and the already mentioned T-30R RV outlet.

Also, check out the Anker 757 PowerHouse as an alternative.

4. Bluetti AC200MAX Portable Power Station

Best power station with solar power generation.

Price: $2,946

• Battery capacity up to 2048 Wh.
• 2200 Watts output.
• 17 ports.
• LCD touchscreen.
• 900 Watts solar input.
• Weighs 61.9lbs.

Bluetti AC200MAX was the first power station to use the LiFePo4 type of battery. That means its life cycle was upgraded from 500-1000 charges to 3500 charges, making this power station a great investment as it will last you around 9 years or possibly more depending on use. With 4,800 Watts in surge mode, it will keep your household appliances running even during harsh winter blackouts since it can power up to 17 devices simultaneously. The station is also Bluetooth enabled which means you can control it with a smartphone app.

The Bluetti Power Station truly shines when paired with solar charging panels. That’s why you can buy it with a solar generator kit and receive 3 PV200 monocrystalline portable solar panels with a maximum of 900 Watts solar input. That makes the Bluetti AC200MAX a great outdoor solar generator. In fact, you can charge this power station with solar panels and through the AC outlet simultaneously, and all that in just 2 hours.

5. 70mai Tera 1000

Best budget-friendly high-capacity power station.

Price: $1,099

• Battery capacity up to 1000Wh.
• 1200 Watts output.
• 10 ports and sockets.
• BLE smartphone connection.
• Weighs 27.5lbs.

The 70mai Tera 1000 has a battery capacity of 1000Wh that can power up all small and medium household devices in your home, car, or camper van. Also, it’s one of the smallest and lightest power stations with a high-capacity battery, which makes it perfect for traveling and camping where packing space is tight. But the best part of the 70mai power station is the great balance between its price and the features it brings.

You can control the Tera 1000 Power station with your smartphone through the Bluetooth app, but it also sports a large LCD screen and controls on the power station front side. It even has an integrated flashlight so you can see the controls in total darkness. It has 10 ports, including three AC and DC ports. The AC/DC Pure Sine Wave inverter is built into the power station, so no need to carry a brick with you. A 200W Anderson port allows it to be connected with solar panels for charging outdoors.

6. Jackery Explorer 1000

Best durable power station.

Price: $1,099

• 1000 Wh capacity.
• Output of 1000 Watts.
• Power up 8 devices simultaneously.
• Shock and fire resistant.
• BMS, Over Voltage, and short circuit protection.
• Weighs 22.04lbs.

Jackery Explorer 1000 is one of the most popular portable power stations out there because it’s light and easy to use when camping, and organizing outdoor parties or sports events. Explorer 1000 has similar features to the 70mai Tera 1000, but it’s built to take a heavy beating. This makes it a great choice if you are adventurous and you need a power station that can endure rough handling and the elements.

On the other hand, Explorer 1000 has only eight ports. Although this is more than enough for everyday use, it might not be enough if you want to use this power station as an alternative power source for your home during blackouts and emergencies. It also doesn’t have any app connectivity which means it can be controlled only with the controls on the unit itself.

7. GoalZero Yeti 1500X

Most versatile power station.

Price: $1,799

• 1500 Wh capacity.
• 2000 Watts output.
• Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity.
• Built-in cable storage.
• Weighs 45.6lbs.

The Yeti 1500X can be used as an emergency home power source, or as an off-grid power bank for camping, road trips, or partying outdoors. It’s also great for powering up CPAP machines or even power tools due to its 2000W output and high-capacity battery. It has enough power to supply four refrigerators with electricity for up to three hours.

However, the Yeti 1500X has a long charge time when using the wall outlet, up to 13 hours. But if you have access to a 600-watt power supply, that time can be cut down to only 3 hours. Other charging options are also available, such as car or solar power charging. The best feature of GoalZero Yeti 1500X is its multiple connection options. You can use either Bluetooth or WiFi to control the unit remotely.

From the compact and versatile options suitable for camping trips to the robust and high-capacity units that can power essential appliances during emergencies, there is a power station for every need. Moreover, with the integration of solar panels, fast-charging capabilities, and smart features, these devices have become more user-friendly and eco-conscious than ever before.

The post 7 Best Portable Power Stations in 2023 first appeared on Online Tech Tips.