Skip to main content

Recently active topics

1019 Topics
Keep your phone safe and sound.Blog
We all keep a lot of personal data on our phones nowadays. Whether that’s passwords to social accounts, pics of the family, or sensitive banking info. And you obviously don’t want any of that to fall into the wrong hands. So, what can you do to make sure that your phone stays safe while you’re out and about? We’ve got you covered. Here are a few dos and don’ts when it comes to protecting your phone… Be aware of your surroundings. Just popping to the bar at the pub? Don’t leave your phone out on the table. It only takes a thief a few seconds to walk over and grab it. The same goes for when you’re wandering around, especially in big cities and places where there’s a lot of people. Crowds are the perfect hiding place for pickpockets. If you’re constantly flashing your phone, you’ll make yourself a target. Before you get your phone out to snap a photo of that famous landmark, have a look to see who might be near you. In places like London, bike and moped thieves are unfortunately fairly common now. They can zoom past you and lift your phone straight out of your hands. And you’ll have zero chance of chasing after them. So, keep an eye out. Use a strong password or biometrics. It probably goes without saying, but always lock your phone. A lot of people still leave their phones completely unlocked or use a weak password. If yours is 000000 (or 123456), you’ll want to get that updated sharpish. These are way too easy to guess, and if someone does nick your phone, they’ll be in and rummaging through it without even breaking a sweat. Better yet, if your phone has it, set up facial recognition or a fingerprint lock. They’re a lot harder for a criminal to crack. Plus, they’re super convenient when you want to log into your phone fast. Set up two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication is just a fancy way of saying you need two forms of identification to log into an account. This’ll usually be a standard password and an extra code that gets sent to your phone or another gadget. It’ll add an extra layer of security – meaning that even if someone does get hold of your password, they’d still need that second code to get into your account. Turn on Find My Phone. Losing your phone can be an absolute nightmare. But with modern tech, it doesn’t have to be the end of the world. iPhones and Androids both have a helpful ‘Find My Phone’ feature. If you do end up leaving it on the train or at a local café, you can track its location – and go and get it – or lock it remotely from another device. But if there’s no chance of getting it back, you’ve still got options. You’ll be able to fully wipe all your data with the press of a button, stopping it from ever being stolen. And saving you a lot of stress if your phone does go walkabout! Find your IMEI number. If you type * #06# on your phone’s keypad, you can get your IMEI number. This little number can help you and/or the police to track it down if it’s stolen or gets lost. Just remember to write it down somewhere else so it’s not only on your phone. Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks. When you don’t want to burn through your data, public Wi-Fi is great. But if you’re unlucky, it can also be a hacker’s playground. That’s because these networks are usually unprotected, making it easy for people to snoop on what you’re doing. So, if you do need to go on public Wi-Fi, avoid logging into important accounts like email or your bank. If you really have to use it for the important stuff, it’s worth getting a VPN (virtual private network). These make it a whole lot more difficult for hackers to see whatever you’re up to online. Back up your data regularly. Even if you do everything right, things can still go wrong. That’s why backing up your data every so often is definitely a good idea. Then if you do get pickpocketed on your city break or drop your phone in the river on your run, you won’t lose all of it. iCloud and Google Drive are both great shouts for this, letting you store contacts, photos, and any other important files safely in the cloud. Got any handy tips for keeping your phone and all your data safe? Share them with us down below!
Win a Garmin watch with our top hiking app tips.Blog
With the sun shining, there’s no better time to head out into nature and explore the UK's breathtaking trails. But there’s no need to stuff your backpack with massive OS (Ordnance Survey) maps. The most powerful navigation tool you own is already in your pocket! Forget the old-school maps and pricey GPS devices. Today’s smartphones, with the right apps, can be your guide, safety net, and personal trainer all rolled into one. We’ve rounded up the essential apps that turn your phone into the ultimate hiking companion. Plus, to help you get kitted out for your next trek, we're giving one lucky reader the chance to win a Garmin Venu 3s! Whether you're strolling through the Yorkshire Dales or summiting in Snowdonia, your trusty mobile will help you uncover new routes, stay safe, and track every step. Your guide to navigation apps. Different apps shine in different areas. Here’s our breakdown of the best navigation tools for UK walkers: OS Maps: This one’s the gold standard. It taps into the official, highly detailed Ordnance Survey maps trusted by hikers for generations. If precision and reliability are non-negotiable for you, OS Maps is your go-to. But if you’re going for a stroll around the local common, it’s probably overkill. AllTrails: Think of it as social media meets hiking. With thousands of user-submitted trails, reviews and photos, it’s perfect for discovering walks nearby - including hidden gems you won’t find on a printed map. When it comes to finding great walking routes, you can’t beat local knowledge! Komoot: Planning something longer or more adventurous? Komoot offers turn-by-turn voice navigation, making it feel like a sat-nav for footpaths. It’s brilliant for hikes, bike rides or weekend treks into the unknown. The most important app for your safety: What3Words. If you take one safety app with you, make it What3Words . This ingenious tool divides the world into tiny 3-metre squares and gives each one a unique three-word address. If you ever get lost, injured or stuck in a remote spot, you can use the app to share your location with emergency services - down to the exact metre. Fast, simple, potentially lifesaving. The Golden Rule: Always download offline maps. You can’t rely on mobile signal in the hills, valleys and remote paths of the UK. That’s why downloading your maps before you go is absolutely essential. That way, you’ll always have some means of finding your way if your mobile signal gives up on you. Apps like OS Maps , AllTrails , and Komoot let you save your route directly to your device. Offline access not only gives you peace of mind, but it's also a smart move for your mobile plan. It saves your data and extends your battery life by avoiding the constant search for a signal. Track your trek with a smartwatch. Want to know how far you've walked, how high you've climbed or even how many calories you’ve burned? Pairing your phone with a fitness tracker can turn an everyday walk into a full-on wellness activity. Wearables like the Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch or Fitbit sync with hiking apps and give you real-time updates on distance, elevation gain, heart rate and steps. Looking for a great deal on wearables? Check out the latest smartwatches at Currys. Giveaway time! With a few key apps - like OS Maps for navigation, What3Words for safety and the golden rule of downloading offline maps - your phone becomes the only gadget you’ll need for a successful day out on the trail. So go on: download the apps, choose your route and set off on your next adventure. Happy trails! To enter our Garmin Venu 3s giveaway, let us know in the comments below: What's your favourite hike or walk? We'd love to see your adventures, so feel free to share your photos! The competition closes on Monday, 18th August 2025 at 23:59. The winner will be picked at random, so keep an eye on your inbox or DMs for a message from us. Happy trails!