Got new electronics for the holidays? Whether you’ve unwrapped a shiny new smartphone, tablet or laptop, the first steps you take can set the tone for your entire experience. 

We’ll walk you through essential steps to ensure your devices are secure, functional and ready for your enjoyment. 

From setting strong passwords to enabling tracking features, these tips will help you make the most of your new gadgets.

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A person opening up new tech gifts. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What do I do if I get a new laptop, tablet or smartphone?

Set up strong passwords and PINs

Change default passwords and PINs immediately. Use a combination of letters, numbers and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or names. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

Wherever possible, activate 2FA for added security. This provides an extra layer of protection by requiring a second verification step, such as a text message or authentication app.

Consider privacy screen protectors (for smartphones and laptops)

Privacy screen protectors can prevent others from viewing your screen from the side, enhancing your privacy when using your device in public spaces.

Create a backup system for photos and documents

If your device stores important data (e.g., photos, documents), immediately set up a backup system. This can be done through cloud services or external storage devices to ensure your data is safe.

Install strong antivirus protection on all your new devices

The best way to ensure that your devices are protected and that no one is snooping around on your data or browsing history is by purchasing antivirus software. To protect yourself from having your data breached, have antivirus protection installed on all your new devices. Having good antivirus software actively running on your new devices will alert you of any malware in your system, warn you against clicking on any malicious links in phishing emails, and ultimately protect you from being hacked. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

A woman looking at her new smartphone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Avoid these common mishaps on your new device

Ignoring updates: Don’t skip software updates when setting up your new device. These updates often include critical security patches and new features. Enable automatic updates wherever possible to ensure your device remains up-to-date.

Overloading with apps: It’s tempting to download every app or tool that catches your eye. However, too many apps can slow your device and increase the risk of downloading malicious software. Stick to trusted sources like the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Forgetting about privacy settings: Take time to review and configure privacy settings on your devices. Disable features like location tracking or data tracking if they’re not necessary for your usage.

Neglecting physical protection: A single drop can ruin your brand-new device. In order to protect and enhance them, it’s important that you have some quality accessories, like a laptop bag or backpack, messenger bag, laptop sleeve, portable hard drive, headphones, webcam cover, attachable portable display, portable laptop stand, Bluetooth mouse, a good power strip and surge protector for your devices. You’ll also want a good phone charger. Check out our picks for these five best portable phone chargers. The last thing you’ll want is a device that dies on you all because you didn’t have a decent charging accessory.

5 BEST PORTABLE PHONE CHARGERS FOR ANY OCCASION

Set your new devices to be findable if lost

The best step to take if you have received a new laptop, tablet or smartphone, whether it’s an Apple or Android product, is to turn on any ‘Find My’ settings in case your device ever gets lost or stolen. Here are the steps you can take for the following options:

How to turn on Find My on iPhone

• Open the Settings app.
• Tap your name.
• Select Find My.
• Tap Find My iPhone and toggle it ON.

Steps to turn on Find My on iPhone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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How to turn on Find My on my MacBook

• Go to the Apple menu (the small Apple icon) in the top left corner and select System Settings.
• Then click Privacy & Security in the sidebar (you may need to scroll down).
• Click Location Services on the right.
• Turn ON Location Services, then turn ON Find My in the list of apps.

Note: If you don’t see Find My, go to System Services in the list of apps, click Details, then turn on Find My Mac.

How to turn on Find My Device on Windows 11

• Select the Start button at the bottom left of your PC screen.
• Go to Settings.
• Select Privacy & security.
• Select Find My Device and select ON.
• Go to Location Services and select ON.

How to turn on Find My on iPad

• Go to Settings.
• Tap your Name.
• Click Find My.
• Tap Find My iPad and select ON.

How to turn on Find My Device on Android or Google Tablet

 Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

• Go to your Settings app.
• Select Security.
• Tap Find My Device.
• Enable Find My by toggling the slider on.

LOST OR STOLEN PHONE? THERE’S POTENTIAL TROUBLE ASIDE FROM THE COST OF REPLACING A PHONE

What do I do if I get a new Smart TV?

A boy playing a video game on a Smart TV. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Smart TVs are a great device to receive for the holidays. Not only do they give you access to tons of streaming apps, but they also allow you to browse the internet, stream music and videos, and even look at photos. With all these features comes a certain amount of risk regarding targeted ads and malware. While any Smart device can be infected with malware, Smart TVs are usually not the devices that experience this kind of attack. Although it has happened in the past with both Samsung and Apple TVs, those cases are extremely rare. However, before you begin enjoying your favorite movies and TV shows, take these steps to protect your Smart TV:

Disable ads and tracking

Disabling ads and tracking on your Smart TV will mostly limit your TV from collecting data on you and the content you’re watching. Here’s how to disable that feature on Samsung, LG and Vizio TVs:

LG

Some models may have different settings or options, so you should always check the user manual or the official website of LG for the most updated information.

• Go to Settings > Additional Settings > General.
• Select Live Plus to disable Automated Content Recognition (ACR).
• Select Advertisements and change the setting to “Do Not Sell My Personal Information.“
• Review terms of use and privacy policy and then opt out of Viewing Information, Voice Information, Interest-Based & Cross-Device Advertising, and Live Plus Automatic Content Recognition.

Samsung

Some models may have different settings or options, so you should always check the user manual or the official website of Samsung for the most updated information. For example, some models may have Smart Features instead of Support in the Settings menu.

• Go to Settings > Support > Terms & Privacy > Privacy Choices.
• Select Viewing Information Services to disable Automated Content Recognition (ACR).
• Select Voice Recognition Services to adjust voice data collection.

Vizio

Some models may have different settings or options, so you should always check the user manual or the official website of Vizio for the most updated information.

• Go to Settings>Admin & Privacy.
• Select Viewing Data to turn off Automated Content Recognition (ACR).
• Select Advertising to adjust ad tracking.

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Disable all camera and voice recognition settings

Most Smart TVs do not come with built-in microphones and cameras, but there is a way to turn off those features for the brands that do.

Samsung

Some models may have different settings or options, so you should always check the user manual or the official website of Samsung for the most updated information. For example, Some models may have Smart Features instead of Support in the Settings menu. Some models may have Voice Recognition instead of Voice Recognition Services in the Terms & Policies menu.

• Go to Settings > Support > Terms & Policies.
• Go to Voice Recognition Services and select Off.
• Some Samsung models come with retractable cameras in the middle of the device. Gently push it back without touching the lens until you hear it click to turn it off.

LG

• Go to Settings > All Settings > General.
• Select User Agreements.
• Disable the Voice Information setting.
• Some LG TV models come with retractable cameras. Keep the lens pushed down when you are not using it.

Other Smart TV brands may come with external cameras. Make sure they are unplugged whenever you are not using them.

TOP 10 SOUNDBARS TO ENHANCE YOUR TV AUDIO EXPERIENCE

Sell, donate or recycle your old devices

A woman scrolling on her smartphone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

If you have old devices that you don’t need, you can sell them or recycle them. Some services will pay you even if your devices are not working. To get the best deal for your devices, you need to choose the right service. Here are some services that you can use:

Amazon Trade-In: If you’re a big Amazon shopper, it might be worth it to try trading in your old device with their trade-in company. You can swap your device in exchange for an Amazon gift card, and they accept even non-functional items. This is a convenient way to get rid of your unwanted electronics and get some credit for your future purchases on Amazon. You can also check the trade-in value of your device before sending it in. Before you do get rid of your old device, be sure to follow these steps: How to securely get rid of your old PC or Mac.

More: How to securely get rid of your old cellphone.

Kurt’s key takeaways

As you dive into setting up your new electronics, remember that taking a few moments to secure and personalize them can save you a lot of headaches down the line. By following these initial steps, you’re not just protecting your investment; you’re also enhancing your overall experience.

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Have you encountered any challenges while setting up your new devices? How did you overcome them? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Imagine losing the ability to speak and communicate with your loved ones. It sounds scary, right? What if you could preserve your unique voice and continue expressing yourself, even when speaking becomes challenging?

Apple’s Personal Voice and Live Speech features are groundbreaking accessibility tools designed to do exactly that. These innovative technologies allow you to create a synthesized voice that sounds just like you, giving individuals at risk of losing their speech a powerful way to maintain their personal communication style. 

Whether you’re dealing with a progressive medical condition, recovering from an injury, or simply want a backup communication method, Personal Voice and Live Speech offer an incredible solution.

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Live Speech and Personal Voice features on iPhone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

 How does Personal Voice work?

Personal Voice lets you create a digital version of your own voice by recording a series of phrases. Here’s how it works:

• Personalized voice synthesis: Record your voice using your iPhone, iPad or Mac.
• Privacy-focused: Voices are encrypted and stored securely on your device.
• Compatibility: Works across Apple devices running iOS 17, iPadOS 17 or macOS Sonoma or later.

Personal Voice feature on iPhone.

BEST ANTIVIRUS FOR MAC, PC, IPHONES AND ANDROIDS — CYBERGUY PICKS

Setting up Personal Voice

Personal Voice allows you to create a synthesized voice that sounds like your own. But first, ensure you have a compatible device running iOS 17, iPadOS 17 or macOS Sonoma or later. Choose a quiet room with minimal echo or background noise. You can pause and resume the recording session as needed. Now, here’s how to set it up:

On iPhone or iPad:

• Open the Settings app.
• Go to Accessibility.
• Click Personal Voice.
• Tap “Create a Personal Voice.”
• Authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID or your device passcode.

Steps to set up Personal Voice feature on iPhone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• Click Continue.
• Click the record button at the bottom of the screen.
• Follow the on-screen instructions, which require you to “Read the Phrase” on the screen to record 150 randomly chosen phrases.
• It will tell you once you are done recording. Then click Continue.

Steps to set up Personal Voice feature on iPhone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

On Mac:

Steps to set up Personal Voice feature on Mac. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• Click System Settings.
• Then, select Accessibility.
• Click Personal Voice on the left of the screen.
• Then, click “Create a Personal Voice.”

Steps to set up Personal Voice feature on Mac. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• Authenticate using Touch ID, or your device passcode.
• Then tap Continue, and then Continue again.

Steps to set up Personal Voice feature on Mac. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• Click Continue one more time.
• Click “Continue with Default Phrases.”
• Click the record button at the bottom of the screen to check the sound quality.
• Then tap Done. 

Steps to set up Personal Voice feature on Mac. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• Follow the on-screen instructions, which require you to “Read the Phrase” on the screen to record 150 randomly chosen phrases. In this example, you’d say, “Does he know how to speak Spanish?”
• Make sure it’s set to Continuous recording so that you can go from reading one phrase to the next without stopping.
• It will tell you once you are done recording. Then click Continue.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

Steps to set up Personal Voice feature on Mac. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Note: The device will generate your personal voice after you complete the 150-phrase recording process, which typically takes a few hours to days to fully process. It will process your speech securely on your device overnight while it is charging and connected to Wi-Fi. You can create multiple voices on each device, and the voice generation occurs only when your device is locked and charging.

TALK IN TWO LANGUAGES WITH APPLE WATCH’S REAL-TIME TRANSLATIONS

Using Live Speech

Live Speech allows you to type what you want to say and have it spoken aloud using your Personal Voice or other system voices. Here’s how to set it up and use Live Speech:

On iPhone/iPad: 

• Click Settings.
• Tap Accessibility.
• Click Live Speech.
• Toggle on Live Speech.

Steps to use Live Speech on iPhone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

On Mac: 

• Tap Apple menu.
• Click System Settings.
• Select Accessibility.
• Click Live Speech.

Steps to use Live Speech on Mac. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

On Apple Watch: 

• Go to the Settings app.
• Tap Accessibility.
• Click Live Speech.
• Toggle on Live Speech. 
• Then scroll down and select a voice to use, including your created Personal Voice, if available.

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Steps to use Live Speech on Apple Watch. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

APPLE AIRPODS PRO 2 MAKES HEARING TESTS AS EASY AS A FEW TAPS

How to use Live Speech

On iPhone/iPad:

• Triple-click the side or top button.
• Tap “Live Speech.”
• Type your message.
• Tap “Send” to have it spoken aloud.

On Mac:

• Click the Type to Speak text field in the Live Speech window.
• Type your message.
• Tap the play button to have it spoken aloud.

On Apple Watch:

• Triple-click the Digital Crown.
• Tap Live Speech
• Tap where it says “Type to Speak.”
• Type your message using the letters below it.
• Tap “Send” to have it spoken aloud.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Personal Voice and Live Speech provide a means of communication for those who may lose their ability to speak and offer a deeply personal touch by allowing users to maintain their own voice. The ability to use these features across multiple Apple devices ensures continuity and accessibility in various situations, from phone calls to in-person conversations. It’s important to note that Apple has designed these features with privacy and security in mind. Personal Voice data is encrypted and stored securely on the device, and when shared across devices, it uses end-to-end encryption in iCloud.

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Can you share a personal experience where advanced accessibility tools made a significant difference in your or someone else’s life? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Google is rolling out significant changes to its Maps Timeline feature, which tracks your location history. As part of this update, you will soon receive notifications that your Timeline data will be automatically deleted after a specific deadline unless you take action to back it up. This transition represents a shift towards enhanced privacy as Google plans to store Timeline data locally on your device instead of on its servers. While this change aims to protect your data from unauthorized access, it also means that any unbacked location history may be permanently lost.

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Google Maps (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What’s changing with Google Maps Timeline? 

Google Maps’ location-tracking feature, known as Timeline, is undergoing a major update. Previously, Google announced plans to shift this data to local storage. Now, the company is sending out emails alerting you to this upcoming change.

Google will start deleting the last three months of Timeline data unless you take action. While this shift to local storage offers more privacy for those concerned about sharing location data with Google, it also means that if you don’t act, your past location history may be permanently lost.

After receiving the notification, you will have about six months to save or transfer your Timeline data before it’s deleted. The email will be sent by “Google Location History,” with the subject line: “Keep your Timeline? Decide by [date].”

Keep in mind that not everyone has received these notifications yet, so there’s no immediate rush. But once you get the email, you’ll have a six-month window to decide.

A man using Google Maps on his phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

HOW GOOGLE MAPS IS GIVING YOU MORE POWER OVER YOUR LOCATION DATA

Why save your Timeline data?

There are several compelling reasons why users may want to save their Google Maps Timeline data.

Personal memories: The Timeline feature allows you to revisit past trips and experiences, serving as a digital diary of places visited and routes taken. For many, these memories are valuable and worth preserving.

Travel planning: Accessing historical location data can aid in future travel planning. You can analyze previous trips to make informed decisions about destinations, accommodations and activities based on past experiences.

Safety and security: Keeping a record of locations visited can be beneficial for personal safety. In case of emergencies or disputes, having a detailed history of movements can provide crucial information.

Data ownership: With the shift to local storage, you have greater control over your data. Saving this information ensures that it remains accessible and private without relying on cloud services that may be vulnerable to breaches.

Avoiding loss: Google has indicated that any unbacked location history will be deleted after the transition. Those of you who wish to retain your data must act promptly to prevent permanent loss.

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How to back up your location history 

If you’ve received the above email or simply want to make sure your Timeline data is preserved, here’s what you can do:

1) Google’s Timeline export tool:

• Visit takeout.google.com
• Deselect all options except for Location History (Timeline)
• Click Next Step
• Choose Create Export. You’ll receive a backup of your data and see this note at the bottom of the screen, “Google is creating a copy of data from Location History (Timeline).” This process can take a long time (possibly hours or days) to complete. You’ll receive an email when your export is done.

2) Google is rolling out a feature that allows you to export your Timeline data directly from your devices. To use it:

On your phone or tablet:

• Open the Google Maps app
• Tap your profile picture or initial in the top right corner.
• Select Your Timeline
• Tap the three dots in the top right corner.
• Select Location & privacy setting
• Scroll down and tap Export Timeline data
• You will likely be presented with various options for exporting your data, such as sharing via email, messaging apps or saving to a cloud service. Select the method that suits your needs best. 1) If you choose to share via email, tap on the email option, and it will open your email app with the exported data attached. Enter the recipient’s email address and send it. 2) If you select a messaging app, follow the prompts to send the file through that app.

On your computer:

• Go to Google Maps in your web browser
• Click the three horizontal lines in the upper left corner of the screen
• Select Saved
• Click the Maps tab.
• Scroll down and click Create a map
• Tap Create 
• In the new window, click Import to upload your exported data.

Keep in mind that this backup will be specific to that device, so you may need to repeat the process on other devices you use.

Note: Some users have reported their data being deleted even after they requested not to lose anything. To avoid this, we recommend regularly backing up your Timeline data.

Google reminder email (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

THIS GOOGLE MAPS TRICK CAN SUPERCHARGE YOUR ABILITY TO NAVIGATE DIRECTIONS

More ways to stay private

While this update may help you avoid sharing location data with Google, it’s important to remember that Google collects personal data in other ways as well. Here are some additional steps you can take to protect your privacy.

1) Turn off location data on Google: This prevents Google Photos from estimating where your photo was taken. Here’s how to do it.

On your phone or tablet:

• Open your Google Photos app
• Click your profile icon in the top right corner of the screen
• Select Google Photos settings
• Click Privacy 
• Click Location options 
• Toggle off next to where it says Estimate missing locations. This will prevent Google Photos from estimating where your photos were taken based on location history data.

2) Disable facial recognition: Sharing your facial data with Google puts you at risk of the company collecting information without your consent, potentially sharing it with third parties and using it in ways you may not be aware of. Here’s how to turn it off.

• Open Google Photos on your phone
• Tap your profile icon in the top right corner
• Go to Google Photos settings and select
• Click Privacy
• Disable Face Grouping by toggling off next to where it says Face Groups 

3) Delete your YouTube history: Google tracks your YouTube viewing history and suggests videos based on your past activity. While this can be convenient for discovering similar content, it can also feel like an intrusion on your privacy. Here’s how to end it.

On desktop:

• Go to YouTube.com
• Sign in to your YouTube account
• Click your Profile icon in the top right corner
• Click Your Data in YouTube
• Click Manage your YouTube Seach History
• Click Delete, then click Delete all time
• It will ask you to confirm your decision by clicking Delete
• Then click Got it

On mobile:

• Open the YouTube app on your phone
• Tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner
• Go to Settings in the upper right-hand corner of the screen and give it a tap
• Select History & Privacy
• Tap Clear Watch History
• Confirm your decision by clicking Clear watch history
• You get a pop-up notice that your watch history has been cleared

YouTube history example (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

4) Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) can significantly enhance your privacy when using Google Maps and other online services. Here’s how it helps:

• Masks your IP address: A VPN hides your real IP address, making it harder for Google to track your physical location.
• Encrypts your data: VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, protecting your data from potential eavesdroppers.
• Bypasses geo-restrictions: You can access Google Maps and other services as if you’re in a different location, potentially avoiding location-based tracking.

To use a VPN with Google Maps:

• Choose a reputable VPN service provider
• Install the VPN app on your device
• Connect to a VPN server before opening Google Maps
• Use Google Maps as usual, with added privacy protection

Important caveat: While using a VPN can enhance your privacy, it may interfere with Google Maps’ ability to provide accurate directions. This is because a VPN may route your connection through a server in a different location, causing the app to misidentify your current position. If you need precise navigation or directions from your current location, consider temporarily disabling the VPN while using Google Maps to ensure accurate results.

Pro tip: For maximum privacy, combine the use of a VPN with Google Maps’ incognito mode. This ensures that your searches and location data aren’t tied to your Google account, providing an added layer of anonymity.

Recommended VPN Services: To find the best VPNs that work across devices like Windows, Mac, Android and iOS, check out my expert reviews of top VPN software. These reviews highlight options that prioritize privacy, speed and reliability.

6 WAYS TO TAKE BACK YOUR PRIVACY ON GOOGLE

Kurt’s key takeaways

Google’s decision to delete location history after three months is a big move toward giving you more control over your data and offering improved privacy by storing information locally. As privacy concerns grow, it’s encouraging to see companies like Google take steps toward greater transparency and user choice.

What other Google privacy concerns do you have? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

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Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

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With the release of iOS 18.2, AirTag owners can now enjoy a powerful new feature that enhances their ability to keep track of personal belongings: Share Item Location. This innovative capability allows you to share the location of your AirTag or Find My network accessory with anyone you trust, significantly easing the recovery of lost items. Whether you’re traveling and need to keep track of your luggage or simply want to share the location of a valuable item with a friend or family member, this feature is designed to provide peace of mind and convenience.

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Share Item Location AirTag feature (Apple) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What is Share Item Location?

Share Item Location is a new feature in the Find My app that enables you to create a secure link showing the location of your AirTag or compatible Find My network accessory. This link can be shared with trusted individuals or organizations, such as airlines, to help locate misplaced items.

Share Item Location AirTag feature (Apple) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

ASK KURT: HOW DOES AN APPLE AIRTAG WORK AND HOW FAR CAN YOU TRACK?

How Share Item Location works

When you share an item’s location, the recipient can view it on an interactive map through a web browser. The location updates automatically, and a timestamp shows when it was last refreshed. The shared location expires after seven days or when you’re reunited with your item, whichever comes first.

Share Item Location AirTag feature (Apple) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

IS YOUR AIRTAG ABOUT TO DIE?

How to update your software to iOS 18.2 or later 

First things first, let’s update your software to iOS 18.2 or later:

• Open Settings
• Tap General
• Select Software Update
• Tap Update Now
• Enter your passcode and agree to terms
• Wait for the installation to complete

Steps to update your iPhone’s software (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

BRUSSELS SPROUTS CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTS UP SCIENCE

Steps to share your AirTag’s location

Now, let’s move on to how to share your AirTag’s location:

• Open the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad or Mac
• Tap Continue at the bottom of the screen
• Tap the Items tab at the bottom of the screen
• Select the AirTag or item you want to share

Steps to share your AirTag’s location (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• Scroll down and tap Share Item Location
• Tap Continue to generate a link
• You can now copy the link or use the Share Link option to send it via AirDrop, Messages, email or other apps.

Steps to share your AirTag’s location (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• Click the up arrow to send it as a text message
• A reminder that the shared location expires after seven days

Steps to share your AirTag’s location (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN USE APPLE AIRTAGS WITH YOUR ANDROID PHONE?

Privacy and security

Apple has designed this feature with privacy and safety in mind. The shared location can be disabled by the owner at any time, and it automatically expires after seven days. The item owner can also see how many people have visited the shared link. Here are steps to stop Sharing Item Location:

• Open the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad or Mac
• Tap the Items tab at the bottom of the screen
• Select the AirTag or item for which you want to stop Sharing Item Location
• Scroll down and tap Share Item Location
• Click Stop Sharing Item Location
• Confirm your decision by clicking Continue

Steps to stop Sharing Item Location (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Airline integration

One of the great aspects of this feature is its potential to revolutionize luggage tracking. Over 15 major airlines, including Delta, United, Air Canada, British Airways and Lufthansa, plan to integrate this feature into their customer service processes for locating mishandled or delayed baggage.

Note: While Apple has expanded AirTag location-sharing capabilities to include Android users as recipients, the management of AirTags still requires an iPhone or an Apple device. 

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Kurt’s key takeaways

The Share Item Location feature in iOS 18.2 is a significant upgrade for AirTag users. It addresses a common pain point for travelers and offers a secure, user-friendly solution for sharing item locations with trusted parties. As more airlines and organizations adopt this technology, we may see a future where lost luggage becomes a thing of the past.

How have you used technology to keep track of your belongings while traveling, and what challenges or successes have you experienced? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

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Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

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