12 Useful Telegram Features You Should Be Using

Whatever your reasons for using Telegram, it’s a solid messaging app. It makes for a great alternative to WhatsApp and SMS messaging, and if you can persuade your friends to join, Telegram is well worth using.

However, if you haven’t moved beyond the basics, you’re missing out on a lot of the best Telegram features. So in the article we details some lesser-known features of Telegram that you may have overlooked until now.

1. Use More Than One Phone Number

Have you ever needed to change your phone number but worried about transferring all of your contacts and other information to the new number? While this can be a lot of work, Telegram does it all for you. You can easily change the phone number attached to your account without losing any of your chats or contacts.

To change the number you use with Telegram, slide out the left menu, open Settings, and tap on your phone number under Account. Then choose Change Number and follow the instructions.

This will move all messages, clients, and media to your new mobile number. Plus, Telegram will automatically add your new number for all your previous contacts.

If you want to add a second number instead of migrating, Telegram also lets you use multiple accounts at once. On the left sidebar, tap your contact info to expand the account switcher and choose Add Account. You can use this to, for example, keep your personal and professional lives separate without having to use another messenger app.

2. Upload Multiple Profile Pictures

Speaking of multiples, Telegram allows you to upload additional profile photos. While the latest photo is the profile picture your contacts will see, they can swipe to see the rest of your pictures.

To upload new profile images, open Settings and tap on the camera icon. You can take a photo, upload an existing one, search the web for a new image, or remove your current photo. Tap your profile picture here to see everything you’ve uploaded.

3. Try Secret Chats

While all Telegram chats are encrypted, default chats are still stored on Telegram’s servers. This conveniently allows you to access your messages on multiple devices, but it might raise security concerns.

For maximum privacy, you can create secret chats that use client-to-client end encryption. These aren’t stored on Telegram’s servers, so you can only access them with your specific phone. If one party deletes a message, it disappears on both devices. And you can specify a self-destruct period for all media if you like.

Simply slide out the left menu to start a new secret chat.

4. Customize the Look of Telegram

In Telegram, you can adjust the default look’s colors and background. If you like, you can even set up your own custom theme to make your Telegram look exactly the way you want it to look.

To adjust the theme, go to Settings > Chat Settings on Android, or Settings > Appearance on iOS. Here you can change the text size, bubble colors, night mode settings, and similar options. Choose Change Chat Background to set a new wallpaper for your groups.

To create your own theme, tap the three-dot (Android) or plus (iOS) button at the top-right and choose Create new theme. Here, you can create your own theme to get the perfect look. For inspiration, you can download a Telegram theme file someone else has created and import that.

To find these, Android users can try the Themes for Telegram app. If you use an iPhone, have a look at the Telegram Themes subreddit.

5. Utilize Telegram Bots

Like many forms of digital communication, Telegram includes chatbots. Bots add useful functions both on their own and into your chats; they can do everything from checking the weather to playing games.

There are thousands of bots available on Telegram. We sorted through them and picked the best Telegram bots you should be using.

6. Enable Auto-Night Mode

Do you enjoy using both light and dark modes? Telegram has an auto-night feature so that the app doesn’t blind you at night. To use it, go back to to Settings > Chat Settings (Android) or Settings > Appearance (iOS). Select Auto-Night Mode to choose how it works.

You’ll have three options to choose from:

• System Default (Android) or System (iOS): Matches the theme to your operating system’s current mode.
• Scheduled: Night mode will start when the sun goes down and turn off when the sun rises again. If you like, you can instead set your own times for it to turn off and on.
• Adaptive (Android) or Automatic (iOS): The mode will automatically switch based on the light level around you; you can define the threshold.

7. Mute Contacts and Groups

If you’re part of many Telegram chats—maybe you read our list of the best Telegram channels and joined a few too many—they can quickly become annoying. When this happens, you can always mute a chat without leaving it. This way, you can check it on your own terms instead of getting a ping for every new message.

On Android, tap the three-dot Menu button in the top-right of any Telegram chat and choose Mute notifications. On iOS, tap the contact or group name at the top of the screen and choose Mute. Then you can choose to mute the chat for an hour, eight hours, two days, or forever.

8. Share Your Live Location

Sharing your location lets others keep an eye on your progress to a destination or look out for your safety. In Telegram, open a chat, tap the paper clip button, and choose Location to share it.

You can choose to share either your current or your live location. Tap Send selected location for a one-time update about where you are. As you can see above, the app lets you manually change this before sending, so don’t trust locations blindly.

Share My Live Location continually updates for the period you specify: 15 minutes, an hour, or eight hours.

9. Connect With a Proxy Server

If you want to use Telegram in a region where it’s blocked, you’ll appreciate the Telegram function that allows you to connect via a proxy server. Most of the time, it’s better to use a VPN on your phone, but a proxy can still help you get around regional restrictions.

To use a proxy server in Telegram, open Settings > Data and Storage > Proxy Settings. Enable Use Proxy and you’ll need to fill in all the required information to add it. You can find server info online if needed.

10. Take Advantage of Chat Tools

Telegram offers a few other handy options in chats. You can delete any message by tapping it, then hitting the Trash icon at the top-right. The app lets you delete messages at any time—even messages that the other person sent in a chat.

Telegram also supports hashtags. If you tap a hashtag, you can search across Telegram for it. And using a hashtag lets all Telegram users find your group by searching for it.

Another great option in groups or channels is being able to pin messages. Tap a message and choose Pin to keep it at the top of the chat, where everyone can easily reference it.

There’s also a hidden menu that appears when you long-press on the Send button. Choose Schedule message to delay sending until a time in the future. You can also tap Send When Online (hidden under the three-dot menu on Android) to send the message when the other person is next active on Telegram.

Finally, if you don’t want to disturb the other person, choose Send without sound to silently deliver the message to the other party.

The cool features aren’t all so serious, though. Check out how to make your own Telegram stickers if emojis aren’t enough.

11. Take Control of Privacy and Security

Because Telegram lets you interact with people even if you aren’t in each other’s contacts, you may wish to make your account more private. To change privacy options, head to Settings > Privacy and Security. Here, you can change who can see your phone number, active status, and more.

Telegram also includes useful security options in this menu. Use Passcode Lock to keep people from reading your chats. You can review all Active Sessions and terminate any logins that you no longer use. And under Advanced, you can change how much time must pass with no activity from you before Telegram will automatically delete your account.

12. Save Messages You Want to Access Anywhere

Next time you want to quickly move a piece of media from one device to another, Telegram has you covered. The Saved Messages chat is your own personal cloud scratchpad for keeping a record of information that you can access on any device where you’re logged into Telegram.

To save a message from elsewhere in Telegram, tap it, choose Forward, and select Saved Messages to add it instantly. You can also paste text, links, images, and anything else you’d like from other sources.

This is incredibly useful for keeping track of an important URL, getting an image to another device without cloud storage, or keeping a record of important information. Tap the title bar at the top to browse by media type.

Use These Telegram Features to Become a Pro!

With these features, you’re ready to become an advanced Telegram user and take full advantage of the app. Telegram is a great all-around messenger, especially when you start using its best features and know everything it’s capable of.

If you’re not convinced yet, find out what Telegram is and why people love it. And if you also use Telegram on your computer, consider using one of the best Telegram desktop clients to gain access to even more features.

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GTA V Is Now Free on the Epic Games Store

You can now get Grand Theft Auto V for free from the Epic Games Store. However, the offer is available for a limited time only, so you’ll have to be quick to grab a copy of the game. Still, even seven years after it was released, GTA V is well worth playing.

Since launching the Epic Games Store in 2018, Epic Games has given away dozens of games for free. However, none quite as big as GTA V, which is available to download for free until May 21st, 2020. And this is Grand Theft Auto V: Premium Edition, no less.

How to Get GTA V for Free

To grab a copy of GTA V for free, all you need is a Epic Games account, which is also completely free. Once you have set one up, sign in and head over to the Grand Theft Auto: Premium Edition page on the Epic Games Store, where it should be listed as Free.

Grand Theft Auto V: Premium Edition includes the Story mode, access to GTA Online, and “all existing gameplay upgrades and content including The Doomsday Heist, Gunrunning, Smuggler’s Run, Bikers.” You’ll also get the Criminal Enterprise Starter Pack.

Imagine having bought GTA V on a PS3/360, then buying it on the next gen consoles, then deciding to switch to PC full time, and buying it on Steam… pic.twitter.com/SV79BXyvJR

— *placeholder name* (@CanoTheMonkey) May 15, 2020

GTA V may be seven years old (having been released on consoles in 2013) but it’s still a fantastic game. The story will take you hours to complete, while Grand Theft Auto Online adds even more ways to make money, spend money, and generally cause chaos.

The chances are most people have already played GTA V by now. However, so many people tried to grab a free copy of the game on Thursday (May 14) that the Epic Games Store suffered an eight-hour outage. Thankfully, it’s now up and running once again.

Is the Epic Games Store Better Than Steam?

For years Steam was the only digital storefront for PC gamers. However, Epic Games Store is now a serious contender, and giving away GTA V will only help it compete. With that in mind, be sure to read our article pitting Steam vs. the Epic Games Store.

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Dongles vs. Portable Hotspots: Mobile Internet Devices Explained

Gone are the days when most of us connected via phone lines. Gone, too, are the days when Ethernet cables were necessary to achieve high speeds. We go online wirelessly, and we’re not limited by the range of our routers. Mobile internet devices can bring us online anywhere with a strong connection to a cellular tower.

Do you connect everything via a portable wireless hotspot or your smartphone? Should you invest in a USB dongle or a WWAN card? Each has their own pros and cons. Let’s take a look.

Portable Mobile Hotspots

Image Credit: Coolpad

Portable mobile hotspots access the same cellular network as your smartphone. You can add them as another device on your shared data plan, or you can get one with its own data-only plan. Data plan prices tend to be similar to the amount you spend on phones.

These mobile internet devices tend to have between 10 and 20 hours of battery life. Some models serve as portable battery packs that can charge your phone or offer shared storage via a microSD card slot. Many have screens that show how much data you’ve used out of your monthly allotment. The specifics change depending on which model you buy.

With the rollout of 5G, portable wireless hotspots can better function as your home’s primary internet connection. That’s because 5G has lower latency, allowing devices to communicate more quickly with one another. This is key for gaming and VR.

Some hotspots, such as 2019’s HTC 5G Hub, can support up to 20 devices and provide enough battery life to cover a day’s usage. But since 5G networks have been slow to roll out, most areas will still rely on 4G LTE.

One downside to a portable mobile hotspot is having to lug it around in addition to your phone, tablet, or laptop. The cost of a data plan can also add up. If you’re merely adding one to your shared data plan, you may be able to get by with tethering your smartphone instead.

Pros

• Reasonably long battery life
• Supports more devices
• The right unit could serve as your home’s primary source of Wi-Fi
• Added features such as an informative display, shared storage, Ethernet port, or back-up battery power
• If used exclusively for work, can be helpful for tracking internet usage

Cons

• Cost
• Having to carry around another device

Dongles

Image Credit: Amazon

Like portable wireless hotspots, dongles tend to come straight from a carrier. Many look like flash drives, while some look like small modems that you plug into your computer via a USB cable. Sticking one in your laptop has the effect of giving your computer a cellular radio. It’s now able to hop online via Wi-Fi or cellular data, just like your smartphone. It can also share that connection with other devices.

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One big difference between dongles and mobile hotspots is that dongles don’t take up as much space. Nor do they drain on your battery quite like smartphone tethering does. That said, you have to keep the dongle plugged in for it to work, which means giving up a USB port. This probably is not all that big a deal on most laptops, but there are many sleeker models out there that skimp on the number of ports. Some have even done away with full-sized USB ports entirely.

Dongles aren’t limited to USB ports or even PCs. Some plug into a car’s OBDII port, providing passengers with Wi-Fi on the go.

A dongle doesn’t get you out of a data plan. You still need one, and they’re not going to be cheaper than buying one for a portable wireless hotspot. Another downside: dongles often require special software. Setup can be slow or annoying. If you’re a Linux user like me, this may mean you have to jump through additional hurdles, or you may be out of luck entirely.

Pros

• Cheap upfront cost
• Less drain on battery
• Takes up less space than a portable wireless hotspot

Cons

• Typically requires a USB port
• May need special software

Mobile Tethering

Don’t want to buy another device? That smartphone you probably have in your pocket may just be all the internet you need. Sounds great, I’m sure. Before you get too excited, the drawbacks are substantial. Here’s the situation.

Smartphones can provide internet access to other devices by turning into hotspots. Tell your phone to start sharing its data, and give the temporary network a name. Your laptop or tablet can connect the same way they would to Wi-Fi. Alternatively, you can connect your phone to a computer using a cable. Regardless of which method you choose, this is called tethering. Wherever you have your phone, you have internet.

If you can even connect a 4G phone to a 5G phone’s hotspot to experience fast speeds on both, if for someone reason you find yourself in that situation.

Doesn’t this mean everyone who buys a dedicated hotspot is being duped? No. Smartphones aren’t designed to serve as hotspots, so they don’t broadcast as far or handle as many devices as dedicated units. Plus, tethering is a huge drain on battery. If you use your phone to provide internet for a few hours, expect to need a charger before the end of the day. Also don’t be surprised if your handset becomes a little hot to the touch.

Pros

• Convenience
• Doesn’t need a separate bill
• Only one device to carry around

Cons

• Puts a strain on your smartphone
• Often comes with a smaller monthly limit
• Isn’t intended to support many devices at once
• Phone calls happen, making sharing internet with others awkward

WWAN

Wireless wide area networks, or WWAN, are something you’re more likely to interact with while working than in your own time. These are wide area networks that utilize a cellular network to keep corporate computers connected. These can be employee laptops, kiosks, point of sale machines, or vehicles.

A WWAN card gives your PC the ability to connect to a wide area network using a cellular connection. This enables you to connect to a corporate network wherever you’re in range of your company’s WWAN. Typically a traditional carrier provides and manages the infrastructure.

WWAN is offered straight to businesses, not general consumers. For that reason, it’s hard to make a comparison to the options listed above. Don’t think of this as your personal solution to get online. But keep in mind that if you do want to access a wireless wide area network, you will need specific hardware, such as a WWAN card, in order to do so. Some laptops come with this functionality built in.

Which Is Better: Dongle or Hotspot?

You might not be surprised to hear that there is no single best answer. For lightweight, occasional use, smartphone tethering is just fine. Work away from home often and need to connect multiple devices? A portable wireless hotspot can come in handy. Have only limited space to work with? A USB dongle can fit in your pocket.

Or if you’re not particularly interested in another monthly bill, you could stick to Wi-Fi hotspots instead.

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The Kindle App for Android and iPhone: As Good as a Real Kindle?

Forget carrying books around in your bag. Don’t worry about ereaders. You don’t need a Kindle when you have a smartphone in your pocket. Because the Kindle app works extremely well.

With that in mind, here’s how to read books with the Kindle app for Android and iOS.

How Can You Use Kindle on Your Phone?

The Kindle ebook reading service has been around since 2007. Initially launched for dedicated ebook readers, access to the platform was then opened to PCs and smartphones. While Amazon launches a new Kindle ereader every year, you can also read Kindle books on other devices.

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Do you want to keep your favorite books and comics in your pocket for easy reading? The Kindle app makes it easy, and using Kindle on any iPhone or Android is simple…

Where Can You Get the Kindle App for Your Phone?

You’ll find the Kindle app for Android in the Play Store and Kindle for iOS in the App Store.

Download: Kindle for Android | iOS

Before opening the Kindle app, ensure you have an Amazon account set up. Note that if you have already signed into an Amazon service on your phone, the credentials should be accessible to Kindle.

Finding Books for the Kindle App for Android and iOS

With the Kindle app loaded up on your phone, you should be able to access your existing library of titles.

Simply launch the app and sign in when prompted. To purchase a book, either open the Store or check the list of recommendations. You’ll typically see things based on your previous physical book purchases if you’re new to Kindle.

Before purchasing a book, you can read the first chapter as a free sample to see if you’re going to like it. To do this, open the Store, browse for a book, then tap Download Sample to see if it suits you.

These screenshots from the iPhone version of the Kindle app show slightly different screens, demonstrating the book suggestion and library screens.

Free content is also available through the Kindle store. Mostly this consists of public domain works, such as classics released many years ago, and now out of copyright. You might also sign up to BookBub, a daily newsletter recommending free ebooks and heavy discounts currently listed on the Kindle store.

Read Magazines, Newspapers, and Comics on Your Phone

The Kindle app for Android and iOS is not just for books. You can also use it to read magazines and newspapers.

This makes it the go-to app for reading material on your smartphone.

In the Kindle Store you will find a Search feature. Use this to search for magazines and newspapers. Note that in most cases you will need to purchase a subscription to read them on Kindle.

You can also read comics on the Kindle app. Tap Store then scroll to the bottom of the list of categories. Tap More Categories > Comics and Graphic Novels. Here you will find a vast library of thousands of comics, graphic novels, and books about the industry.

Manga titles, plus books from DC, Marvel, and many other big publishers are available. You can either own comics or “borrow” them with Kindle Unlimited or Prime Reading.

Kindle Benefits for Amazon Prime Subscribers

Using a Kindle device or reading app as an Amazon Prime subscriber gives you a supercharged ereading experience. Note that different Amazon Prime subscriptions are available.

In 2020, Amazon launched Prime Reading, which is similar to Kindle Unlimited (see below). Both services let you “borrow” books; that is, download and have access to titles for a short time.

Titles on the Prime Reading list includes top-rated books which you can read for free. Some of these can be found in Amazon’s Top 20 list. To read a book with Prime Reading, browse to the Prime Reading section of the Kindle app (under Home).

Tap the book, then Read for $0.00 with Prime Reading. You’ll receive notification that the book will appear in your library once downloaded.

Get Books With Kindle Unlimited

If you don’t have an Amazon Prime subscription, don’t worry. Amazon also offers the Kindle Unlimited service.

Offering a huge range of books and magazines for $9.99/month, Kindle Unlimited lets you read pretty much anything you want. The range of titles available with Kindle Unlimited makes this good value for money. Better still, where available, Audible versions of your chosen books can be downloaded.

Imagine having an entire library of books in your pocket! Once added to your Kindle account, you’ll find Kindle Unlimited titles on your phone ready to read.

Useful Features to Enhance Reading in the Kindle App

The Kindle app for Android and iPhone isn’t all about buying and downloading books. Once you have actually started reading, the app offers a selection of features to improve the experience.

The Android Kindle app allows you to set the screen brightness, preferred screen orientation (landscape or portrait), font size, and background color. Line spacing, alignment, and page color can also be set.

With these options you can set your reading environment to make sure it’s just right for you. Just tap the center of the screen on your current book to display these options.

With the Kindle app, it’s possible to use the built-in dictionary to look up words as you’re reading. You can also use Google or Wikipedia to research a topic further. All you need to do is tap and hold a word to see the options available to you. Other options include making notes or even reporting an error.

Further settings let you toggle animated page turns, give you the option to turn pages with your phone’s volume buttons, and more.

If you have a Kindle or use the Kindle app for another device, you can sync reading across devices. This means you can read on your phone while commuting, then continue from the same page when you later switch to your Kindle device.

The Kindle app will sync bookmarks, furthest point read, highlights, and notes.

Forget the Kindle and Use the App Instead

Most smartphones have screens smaller than Kindle eReaders. So, while a Kindle will fit in your bag with ease, it will not necessarily fit in your pocket. Unlike your phone.

The argument for reading books with the Kindle app on Android or iPhone is clearly strong. Admittedly, the backlight might not be as kind on the eyes as the adjustable light of a dedicated Kindle ereader. However, despite this, reading an ebook on your phone is a great alternative to using a Kindle.

If you do own a Kindle, here’s how to use IFTTT to supercharge your Kindle.

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5 Creative Hobbies for Adults That’ll Make You a Happier Person

In today’s productivity-driven culture, many of us suffer from stress. Too many people are stressed at work, at home, or when we’re running errands. And if this stress seeps into our personal lives, we can become depressed.

Research has shown that creative hobbies have the power to improve your mental health. There are also plenty of creative pastimes that can help fight off stress. So, in this article, we list a handful of creative hobbies that will make you happy.

1. Learn Photography

Photography is one of many artistic hobbies that you can pick up. Instead of creating something out of nothing, photography is all about capturing the beauty that already exists around us, either in nature, at home, or on the streets.

One of the most important reasons why you should learn photography is that it can change the way you see the world, often for the better. Not only does it train you to see things from multiple perspectives, it helps you see things that you would normally overlook.

More relevantly, photography can also invoke happiness. According to a 2016 study by the American Psychological Association, taking photographs can make you more mentally engaged.

That said, like all creative hobbies, there is a learning curve to it. So don’t expect yourself to be an expert photographer right away. Once you get a handle on the basics, however, it’s one of the most satisfying and fulfilling skills you’ll ever learn.

To get started, we recommend thee online photography courses for beginners.

2. Learn How to Garden

After 8-10 hours stuck in an office or otherwise trapped indoors, it’s easy to feel like you don’t have much connection with the earth. However, what if we told you that gardening has been scientifically proven to lift your mood?

Would that make you more likely to step outside and get down in the dirt?

Consider this Preventive Medicine Reports study from 2016, where researchers reported that the correlated mental health effects of gardening are overwhelmingly positive.

Additionally, an article by the BBC goes on to explain how gardening can assist you in achieving a longer, healthier life.

Speaking from personal experience, I can definitely say that gardening has improved my mood, allowed me to get more exercise, and be creative, too.

Additionally, by planting a vegetable garden, it has eased my anxiety over food security. Nothing makes you feel better than knowing that you can grow everything at home.

Overall, gardening is one of the best creative hobbies that can make you happy. Learning how to garden can be a scary prospect, but there are applications designed to make it easier. Here are some helpful gardening apps to help you get started.

3. Start a Journal

Learning how to write is often associated with creative blocks. It’s not unheard of for famous authors to be so tormented by their psyches that they end up depressed.

However, many people actually write for fun. In fact, certain kinds of writing are incredibly therapeutic. An article by Ian Sample of The Guardian explains that “writing about your feelings can help the brain overcome emotions and leave you feeling happier.”

Overall, this expressive writing could mean the difference between you being stressed out and feeling relaxed. Fortunately, expressive writing is one of the easiest creative hobbies to get into. All you need is a word processing program, or some paper and a pen or pencil.

From there, you can begin writing about anything you want. And we recommend just letting it flow from your brain to the page and seeing what happens.

4. Learn How to Draw and Paint

Are you looking for more artsy creative hobbies? Drawing and painting can be used as an expressive tool to help you cope with stress and trauma.

The term “art therapy” was coined in 1942, and in simple terms it’s the use of visual mediums to help you ease anxious feelings by expressing yourself with lines, shapes, and colors. Since its emergence in the 1940s, art therapy has been one of the many tools that therapists use to treat psychological distress.

In an article on Psychology Today, Dr. Cathy Malchiodi explains that “art expression helped them to put their emotions and non-verbal experiences into words,” in reference to a study’s participants.

Even if you don’t attend official art therapy sessions, you can still reap the benefits by drawing or painting your own. These days, most art is done digitally, and because it’s digital you can learn how to draw online, too.

We recommend starting with these websites that will teach you how to draw, to learn the basics. Once again, arty hobbies can make you happy, too.

5. Learn How to Cook and/or Bake

One of the most reliable hobbies to make you happy is cooking and baking. Time spent in the kitchen might be a nightmare for some, but once you get past your kitchen fears you’ll realize it’s a wonderful skill to have.

According to a comprehensive, well-researched article by The Huffington Post, the creative aspects of cooking and baking can help us express our innermost thoughts during a stressful time when words do not seem to be enough.

“When baking for other people, baking can also be a helpful way to communicate one’s feelings. Susan Whitbourne, professor of psychology and brain sciences at the University of Massachusetts, points to the cultural norm of bringing food to someone when a loved one has passed.”

Cooking can wash away your stress, and it does this by allowing you to channel undesirable or unhealthy energy into something productive or beautiful. This is also evidenced by people using baking as a way to cure manic depression, according to a fascinating article by the BBC.

Essentially, like art therapy, cooking and baking are happy hobbies that can have a positive effect on the brain.

Plus, cooking your own meals from scratch is often healthier than eating out, and can help slash your household expenses. These two things can help reduce stress, and thus improve your mental wellbeing.

To get started, check out the best online cooking guides for beginners.

Creative Hobbies Can Make You Happy

Being able to explore your creative potential can make you a happier person. And there are millions of people out there who can attest to this.

While these creative hobbies are fun, they aren’t just for fun. Creativity can have real, positive benefits on your mental wellbeing, and we think it’s important that this distinction should be made.

If you want to live a happier life, here’s how to check your stress levels and relax your mind.

Image Credits: Andrei Mayatnik/Shutterstock, Miski/Shutterstock

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How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication on Your Social Accounts

With the increasing popularity of social media platforms, security is of paramount importance. While choosing a strong password helps, 2FA improves your security further.

To add an extra layer of protection, you should enable two-factor authentication on all of your social media accounts. And in this article, we’ll show you how to do just that.

What Is Two-Factor Authentication?

Two-factor authentication (also known as 2FA) is a security method that uses two different ways to verify your identity.

Instead of only entering a password to log in, two-factor authentication requires you to also use a code sent via text message to your phone or generated via an app. This verification helps make sure that only you can access your account.

How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication on Facebook

To enable two-factor authentication on Facebook, head over to Facebook’s Settings. Select the Security and Login tab and scroll down to Use two-factor authentication. After clicking Edit, you can choose to pick an authentication app or text message (SMS) as your security method.

By default, Facebook recommends using an authentication app. If you do choose to use a text message (SMS) instead, select your country code then enter your phone number. As a note of caution, phone numbers used for two-factor authentication no longer work for password recovery.

If you choose to go with an authentication app, you can simply scan a QR code or enter a code into your authentication app to start generating your verification codes. While Facebook suggests Google Authenticator or Duo Mobile, there are many options. Check out the best alternatives to Google Authenticator for added security.

After choosing one security method, Facebook allows you to select additional security methods as a back-up. In addition to the default security methods, you can now use recovery codes and a security key. To learn more about security keys, head over to Facebook’s support page.

How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication on Twitter

For Twitter, you need to go to your account settings to set-up two-factor authentication. This route slightly differs depending on how you’re using Twitter.

• On the web, click More on Twitter’s side menu. Then click Settings and privacy.
• On the Twitter app, tap your profile icon in the upper-left. Scroll down and select Settings and privacy.

Under Settings, go to Account then select Security. Select Two-factor authentication, then follow the prompts to set-up 2FA by text message or an authentication app. You’ll need to enter your password for confirmation of either method.

After you add one method for two-factor authentication, you can add the other authentication type or a security key while logged into Twitter on a supported web browser.

However, the Twitter mobile app won’t allow you to add a security key. In case you don’t have access to your phone, Twitter also supports a single-use backup code and a temporary password.

How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication on Instagram

Unlike the previous social accounts, it’s best to set-up Instagram’s two-factor authentication on a mobile device. With your browser, Instagram only supports two-factor authentication via text. If you’ve examined the pros and cons of 2FA types and methods, you should reconsider using text messages (SMS) alone for the sake of security.

Once you’re on your Instagram app, go to your Profile and click the menu icon at the top-right. Press the Settings icon then choose Security. Under Login Security, scroll down and tap Two-Factor Authentication.

Instagram then provides you with a quick explanation of two-factor authentication. To continue, press Get Started to choose your security method. If you choose to set up two-factor authentication by text message, you’ll enter your phone number and then the Instagram code sent via text to complete the process.

If you choose to use the authentication app, Instagram recommends Duo Mobile and will offer to install it. However, you can choose to set it up manually if you have your own app. Instagram doesn’t provide a QR code, but you can copy your Instagram key to your authentication app to finish setting it up manually.

Once you’ve selected a method, you’ll receive recovery codes in case your phone isn’t available.

How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication on LinkedIn

Like with Twitter, setting up two-factor authentication on LinkedIn slightly differs between your browser and app.

• On your browser, go to your LinkedIn account’s Login and security settings. Scroll down to Two-step verification and click Turn on.
• On the LinkedIn app, tap your profile icon in the upper-left. Select Settings and press Two-step verification. Finally, select Set up.

Once you’ve completed either route, you’ll be able to choose either an authenticator app or phone number (SMS). Choose one, click Continue, and enter your password to confirm. If you choose to receive your code via SMS, enter your phone number and LinkedIn password once more. Complete the process by entering your six-digit PIN.

If using an authentication app, you can either add your account to the app via a hyperlink or by entering a secret key manually. To complete the process, verify with your six-digit code. With either of the two-step verification methods enabled, you can change your verification method or generate your recovery codes.

How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication on Pinterest

Pinterest only allows you to set up two-factor authentication by using your browser. Once you’ve logged in, click the pull-down menu icon next to your profile icon and select Settings. On the side menu that appears, click on Security.

Under Two-factor authentication, tick the box next to Require code at login. Enter your password and click Next. Select your country/region code if the default isn’t correct, and enter your phone number.

Check your phone for a security code via text or your authentication app. Enter your code and click Verify to finish enabling two-factor authentication.

Pinterest will provide you a backup code afterwards. While two-factor authentication will help you protect your account, you should be aware of Pinterest’s security issues and what you can do about them.

How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication on Snapchat

From the Snapchat app, click on your profile icon in the upper-left. Once on your profile, click the red gear icon to open Settings. Press Two-Factor Authentication, and you’ll be given a quick summary of what it is.

Tap Continue, and you’ll be able to choose a way to receive your verification code. If you use SMS verification, you’ll receive a text with your code. Enter it to complete two-factor authentication via SMS.

If you choose to go with an authentication app, you can set it up either automatically or manually. Snapchat also offers to find you an app. Once you’ve generated a verification code via the app, Snapchat suggests you set up SMS verification if you haven’t already.

After you’ve set up two-factor authentication, Snapchat will ask you to generate a recovery code.

Use Two-Factor Authentication for Your Security

With online security and its vulnerabilities constantly evolving, two-factor authentication provides an additional safety net. So, to protect your account and all of its history, it’s worth considering adding another layer of security.

Two-factor authentication goes beyond your social accounts as well, so don’t forget to protect other types of accounts too. As a start, we recommend enabling two-factor authentication on your gaming accounts.

Read the full article: How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication on Your Social Accounts

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