Category: Tech

Wondering what uMobix is and how parents use this parental control app? Are parental control apps legal?

Technology has led to safety risks, especially for young users, as adults can understand internet boundaries and ensure caution.  

Such concerns may not even cross a child’s mind when they are exposed to the internet. In this age of digital media, education, and lifestyle, it may be difficult to bring children up in a phone-free or internet-free life. They are fundamental to most schooling systems, for information to be communicated to parents and children alike. 

Given the circumstances, how can we ensure a child’s safety, if the usage of devices is unavoidable for them? However, is a child’s protection ensured in cases like this, wherein phones are required to be used by them? Such fears and worries may plague the minds of parents who have given their children phones for daily use. With no way of knowing how their kids may be using their mobile devices, parents may wonder what kind of information they are consuming on the internet, whom they may be speaking to, whether they are engaging in activities they shouldn’t be, etc. 

Hence, many kinds of parental spyware software have been released into the market and can be purchased or used for free, depending on the application. uMobix is one such app that can be used by parents to track their children’s phones. Find out more about the app in the section below. 

Read more: 5 Ways to Get Water Out of Charging Port

Table of Contents:

1. What is uMobix?
2. Tracking Apps: Are They Legal?
3. Origin of uMobix
4. How to Use uMobix?
5. uMobix Reviews
6. Alternatives to uMobix

What is uMobix?

Multiple types of parental controls have been released into the market. Some are available on various apps themselves that can be activated by turning on the ‘child’ feature or employing time-limit controls. However, the protective controls provided by these features and apps may prove insufficient for some parents.

uMobix advertises itself as a ‘cell phone tracker for modern parents.’ It is software designed for parents to see, regulate and control the activity on their child’s phone. If parents are worried about what their children are doing on their phones, or whether they are being bothered by strangers or bullies, they can use the app to figure out what or who is behind it. 

To use uMobix, a person needs to buy a subscription plan according to their requirements. There are different subscription plans available, ranging from basic plans to full plans. Before that, a person can use the free demo available in order to see what features are available. 

Here, we see that a person can access the target phone’s or device’s calls, contacts, messages, live location, social media, photos, videos, etc. The target phone’s data is updated timely and backed up onto the cloud storage. Hence, there is backed-up proof and evidence should any concerning or distressing activity be found. 

uMobix is a legitimate app and a safety tool that parents use in order to ensure that their child is safe, protected and using the internet in the right manner. It is available for use on both Android and iOS and they follow slightly different installation patterns, which can be taken from the website. Whether a phone is compatible with the app can be searched for on the website of the app, right down to its model. 

Tracking Apps: Are They Legal?

uMobix is a spyware app that raises the question of whether it is legal to use since it is tracking your child’s every move. 

Nonetheless, it is not typically considered illegal for parents to track their child’s internet and device usage and activities, since they are still a child that is developing, growing and learning how to face the world. 

Therefore, it is almost not considered to be spying when parental control apps are used. Instead, it would be described and considered to be monitoring or protecting one’s child from the dangers of technology. However, it is integral to note here that the state has to recognize your child as a child for the usage of spyware apps to be legal. 

This would typically mean that one can monitor their kids’ activities only until they turn 18 years of age. Even on uMobix specifically, an FAQ mentioned on its home page is the question of whether it is legal to use the app on a child. uMobix has listed two criteria for the usage of the app to be considered legal, which are:

1. The person must be the owner of the device that is being tracked. Therefore, they must legally have bought the phone, which will be the target phone that their child is using.
2. The person who is being tracked must be made aware that they are being tracked through the app. It is not considered legal to secretly spy on your child’s phone. Furthermore, this could cause a strain on your relationship with your child if they find out that you are tracking them without their permission. Written consent is a requirement for the legality of the usage of this app.

It must also be noted that in the creation of such apps, the chance of misuse is unavoidable. It is considered both illegal and unethical to track the devices of anyone over the age of 18. This could be your child or even your partner. It may be considered an infraction, misdemeanor, or in serious cases, a felony. 

Punishments vary from fines to 1-3 years in jail. Although it can be difficult to believe that your child has grown up by the age of 18 and does not require your helpful protection any longer, trust that you’ve taught them well and allow them to explore the world on their own.

Origin of uMobix

The app, as aforementioned, is relatively new compared to other available parental control app options. It was founded in the year 2020, by the company Ersten Group Limited located in London, United Kingdom. 

The primary shareholder of the Ersten Group company is Oleksii Maksymenko, who owns the majority share of the company that is responsible for the uMobix app. uMobix’s IPO status is private, and the company may be unfunded.

How to Use uMobix?

To begin with, you will need two devices, one being your own which you will use to track and monitor your child’s phone and the other being your child’s. It is preferable that you own your child’s phone and have purchased it for them. This phone will be the target device. Before making any purchases, search for uMobix. On their homepage, you may search the model of your device in order to ensure that the app is compatible with the phone, which is a necessary step. 

How to install uMobix?

For Android,

1. Search for the uMobix app login.
2. Login and register an account. 
3. Read the features of each subscription plan carefully and choose the one that fits your requirements. Make your purchase following which you will receive instructions on your device.
4. On the target device, download the uMobix app and set it up according to the instructions received on your device. 
5. Once the app has been set up on both devices, it will take a short while to configure and connect both devices. Following this, data will sync and you will receive it from the target device onto your own.

For iOS,

1. Search for the uMobix app login.
2. Login and register an account. 
3. Read the features of each subscription plan carefully and choose the one that fits your requirements. Make your purchase following which you will receive instructions on your device.
4. On your own device, download the uMobix app and enter the target device’s iOS credentials when prompted to do so. Typically, access to the actual target device is not required if you know their credentials.
5. Once the app has been set up on both devices, it will take a short while to configure and connect both devices. Following this, data will sync and you will receive it from the target device onto your own.

After the installation process has been completed, you can begin monitoring the activity on their device. For this, you can use your own device or any other device. All you need are your user account’s login credentials. However, although you can track from any device using the credentials, you can only track one device per subscription plan. 

The information is gathered from the target device in ‘stealth mode,’ as the app mentions. All data on the target device is recorded almost immediately and backed up onto the cloud storage. On an Android device, the entire process of backing up should not take more than 5 minutes with a secure internet connection. With an iOS device, the rate of data backing may depend on the phone’s backup rate, which can take up to 24 hours. 

The data is sent to a dashboard that can be accessed on the device used by you. The dashboard has separate folders segregated as general, social, media and internet. Selecting each of the folders gives you access to the target device’s data in an orderly manner, including the location of the device. Location tapping also works in real-time, but the updating depends on the backup of data as mentioned above. 

Concerns about the appearance of the app on the phone are addressed easily on iOS devices since app installation isn’t required. However, on Android phones, it can be removed from the app menu after the setup has been completed.

uMobix Reviews

In general, uMobix has received positive reviews across all spaces and with respect to all its features. It is a fairly new spyware app on the market, and therefore, it hasn’t received as many reviews yet. Hence, every review could be taken with a pinch of salt. But from the available reviews, it appears to be a worthy contender in the world of monitoring apps. Listed below are some of the main reviews and questions that have been answered across various outlets.

Positive reviews:

1. Is uMobix legit?

uMobix has been credited to be a legitimate company, selling what they advertise and providing satisfactory results. Their tracking app has successfully monitored activity and backed up data in the given time. 

2. Is the uMobix customer service good and reliable?

Whenever users faced any issues, most people reported that the customer service was reliable and quick to respond to all their issues and complaints.

3. Is the data syncing accurate?

Data syncing on Android phones can be adjusted for frequency and one can use it to receive almost real-time updates of the target phone. Reviews suggest that the syncing has been satisfactory, with the only complaint being the time lag on iOS devices since the backup may take upto 24 hours. 

4. Is the app worth the money paid?

Most reviews have provided satisfactory results as a pro to using the uMobix app for monitoring their child’s phone. 

Negative reviews:

1. Does uMobix drain the device’s battery?

Once installed, the app can be hidden from view quite safely by removing it from the menu. However, the app has a considerable effect on the device’s battery. It may drain more quickly than before. This in turn may also cause the device to heat up a bit more than usual. This has been noted by reviewers as a complaint, since keen children may notice the difference and find the app. 

2. Is the uMobix installation process easy for Android and iOS?

While Android uMobix installation seems to be an uncomplicated affair, it is different for iOS devices. Although it isn’t supposed to require access to the app for the process, this is so only under certain conditions. The user must have the target device’s iCloud credentials. In addition to this, they must also ensure that on the target device, iCloud backup is enabled and 2FA (two-factor authentication) is disabled. Most recent iOS devices come with the 2FA automatically enabled so as to ensure data security, hence, this is an integral step to ensure remote installation. Thus, iOS installation seems like more of a difficult task when compared to Android installation. 

3. Are the features offered by uMobix the same for both Android and iOS?

Reviewers have complained that some of the features are available only to Android users, or common features are very limited in nature on iOS devices. This is a factor to keep in mind when purchasing the app.

Alternatives to uMobix

uMobix is a fairly new spyware app, since it was only released in 2020. While there are a number of tracking apps to be found online, spyware apps with multiple resources are fewer and usually require a subscription so as to ensure the delivery of all its requirements. There are some alternatives to uMobix, listed down below. 

1. mSpy

mSpy is a tracking app that was founded and has been present in the market from 2010. It was eventually also expanded to allow tracking on computers. A number of positive reviews for the app are present online and on the official mSpy website as well. 

However, on close inspection, it may be noted that the difference in number between 5 star and 1 star reviews is halved, which could indicate the poor quality of the app. Since the inception of the app, it has been through at least 2 known scandals. mSpy, in 2015, was involved in a scandal of security breach involving a number of subscribers’ data. 

This was investigated by a security specialist named Brian Krebs. A similar occurrence took place in 2018 as well. However, according to the BBC, mSpy has denied such claims and attributed the claims to ‘blackmailers.’ 

Furthermore, they released an official blog stating that a leak of such numbers did not occur, however accepting that certain lapses may have possibly occurred on their part, which they apologized for and claim to have rectified. It would be worthwhile to thoroughly read through these reports and others before purchasing any spyware apps, as matters of one’s data are highly sensitive and of utmost importance.

2. Kaspersky Safe Kids 

Kaspersky Safe Kids is another popular app that has been suggested as a tracking app for parents. It is a product of Kaspersky Ltd., which has been around for years and distributes cybersecurity software, anti-malware, etc. You may have heard of its anti-virus software that has been used on computers and laptops, along with McAfee. 

The app has a free version, which is obviously limited in its features. Its paid plan is comparatively cheap as well, for a yearly plan. It offers features like location tracking, app information, and also a greater number of devices that can be tracked from a single account. A detailed review of the app has been conducted by PCMag which generally entails positive reviews. 

However, Kaspersky has been on the radar for safety concerns, after the US government attacked the app and accused it of espionage. The company was accused of having provided sensitive data to the Russian intelligence, which has been refuted by the company time and again. This information must be kept in mind before one venture to purchase this app. 

3. Screen Time 

Another suggested parental control app, this app does as the name suggests. Its primary function focuses more on reducing the time children spend on their devices, before anything else. 

It was founded by Steve Vangasse in the year 2013, in order to monitor his kids’ screen time after they too were spending more and more time on their devices like most children in this generation. The app has been reviewed by PCMag, receiving mixed reviews due to its limitations on iOS devices, web control issues, etc. 

4. Norton Family 

Norton Family helps control your child’s web access, including time constraints on apps, geofencing, website trackers, etc. Positive reviews have been noted for the app, which was established in the year 2009 and developed by software company Gen Digital. 

Their yearly subscription plans are priced at $49.99, and Norton is considered to be a safe app for monitoring your child’s device. It also has a high cap on the number of devices being monitored from a single account, which makes it a huge plus for larger families.

Conclusion 

Parental control apps are in high demand, especially considering how active children are online, in the present day and age. It is difficult to avoid a child’s interaction with mobile devices, the internet, and social media, since most information from educational institutions as well, is provided online. Concerns about child safety are normal, but a number of factors must be considered before the usage of parental control apps. 

Having a conversation with children about their device usage is encouraged in order to promote conversation around healthy internet usage. It is preferable to keep them informed of the internet’s vices and reasons to avoid them, rather than them finding them on their own. If the need for a tracking app is unavoidable, keeping one’s children in the loop is always recommended so as to ensure healthy trust and communication. 

As can be seen from the reviews of uMobix and other parental control apps, it is always better to engage with these apps only if utterly necessary. Security and privacy concerns should be kept in mind, since many of these apps possess extremely large amounts of data from their target devices. Due to such cases of security breaches, one must tread with caution when entering the world of tracking apps. 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about uMobix

How to uninstall uMobix?

A simple ‘uninstall’ option will not work, since the app is spyware, after all. In order to uninstall the app, there is a two-part process to follow. 

First, on the target device, find the ‘Settings’ option. From there, find the ‘Accessibility’ option, and scroll to find ‘Play Services.’ Here, find the option to remove tracking permission for the uMobix app. 

Second, find the ‘Settings’ option on the uMobix dashboard. It can be found by clicking your name and searching the drop-down list. At the bottom of the settings page, the option to unlink the target device can be found. Click this to complete the process.

How much is uMobix?

uMobix has two different pricing options for Android and iOS since the options and features offered by both differ to a considerable extent. The Android plan is more expensive owing to its additional features.

For Android, the basic plan is priced at $29.99, which is a one-month plan. In the full plan, there are three options. For one month, it is $59.99, for three months it is $99.99 and for a full year it is $179.88. There are options to pay for the three-month and yearly plans per month, as well.

How to cancel uMobix subscription?

Whether you are unhappy with your subscription or you are done with the usage of the app, you can cancel your subscription. Contact the app’s customer support and ask for a cancellation. You should be eligible for a refund should you choose to cancel within 14 days of purchasing the app. If you meet the refund policy’s conditions, the process should take only 3-5 business days to completion.

How much does uMobix cost?

uMobix has two different pricing options for Android and iOS since the options and features offered by both differ to a considerable extent. The Android plan is more expensive owing to its additional features.

For Android, the basic plan is priced at $29.99, which is a one-month plan. In the full plan, there are three options. For one month, it is $59.99, for three months it is $99.99 and for a full year it is $179.88. There are options to pay for the three-month and yearly plans per month, as well.

How does uMobix work?

In stealth mode, uMobix captures all data on the target device through screenshots and other means. This is then stored and sent to the device which contains the subscription. They will then be available on the app’s dashboard, which can be accessed and read.

How to remove uMobix?

A simple ‘uninstall’ option will not work, since the app is spyware. In order to uninstall the app, there is a two-part process to follow. 

First, on the target device, find the ‘Settings’ option. From there, find the ‘Accessibility’ option, and scroll to find ‘Play Services.’ Here, find the option to remove tracking permission for the uMobix app. 

Second, find the ‘Settings’ option on the uMobix dashboard. It can be found by clicking your name and searching the drop-down list. At the bottom of the settings page, the option to unlink the target device can be found. Click this to complete the process.

How to install uMobix on an iPhone?

1) Search for the uMobix app login on the main page.

2) Login and register an account. 

3) Read the features of each subscription plan carefully and choose the one that fits your requirements. Make your purchase following which you will receive instructions on your device.

4) On your own device, download the uMobix app and enter the target device’s iOS credentials when prompted to do so. Typically, access to the actual target device is not required if you know their credentials. However, it is also essential that iCloud backup is enabled and two-factor authentication is disabled on the target device. These two conditions must be ensured for the smooth installation of the app.

5) Once the app has been set up on both devices, it will take a short while to configure and connect both devices. Following this, data will sync and you will receive it from the target device onto your own.

How to install uMobix on Android?

1) Search for the uMobix app login in the main page.

2) Login and register an account. 

3) Read the features of each subscription plan carefully and choose the one that fits your requirements. Make your purchase following which you will receive instructions on your device.

4) On the target device, download the uMobix app and set it up according to the instructions received on your device. 

5) Once the app has been set up on both devices, it will take a short while to configure and connect both devices. Following this, data will sync and you will receive it from the target device onto your own.

Introduction

Smartphones may be better these days in terms of quality, appearance, storage, and a thousand other things, but water and other liquids can still permanently damage the internal parts of your phone, especially if there is water in charging port. In some cases, just the buildup of moisture in your charging port can lead to serious water damage.

If unchecked and untreated, the damage can even spread to seemingly unrelated components such as the camera or the SIM card slot. If you decide to charge your phone without first drying the charging port properly, the water can completely destroy the connector. This is because of the simple rule, which is that electricity and water do not mix well!

In this article, we shall discuss the many ways to detect the presence of liquid in the charging port of your phone as well as many ways to prevent the damage caused by the water or liquid present and what to do if you have inadvertently gotten your phone’s charging port wet. So keep reading to find out what to do if there is water in charging port (Samsung or Apple), what to do if you see an alert saying “Water Detected in Charging Port” (iPhone 12, iPhone 11, Samsung galaxy S10, Samsung Galaxy S20, etc.) how to get water out of iPhone charging port, and what to avoid in order to dry your phone completely and also learn more about waterproof and water resistant phones.

How to detect water damage?

Even a little bit of water in the charging port of a phone can render your phone useless so it is important to spot any signs of water present in the charging port and any signs of water damage to other parts of the phone to avoid the hassle of replacing your phone. 

Most modern smartphones, both Android and Apple, come with liquid detection indicators or moisture sensors on the charging ports, headphone jacks, etc. that will immediately activate in the presence of water. Thus, in the case of iPhones, when you plug in your charging cable to charge your phone while there is water in the Lightning connector, you will receive a notification or alert saying “Charging Not Available”. The phone will ask you to disconnect the charging cable to allow the Lightning connector to completely dry.

When you connect a non-powered accessory such as wired earphones that does not charge your iPhone, you will get a notification saying “Liquid Detected in Lightning Connector” and ask you to disconnect the device and allow it to dry before reconnecting. 

In the case of Android phones, you may get a similar notification saying “Moisture Detected in Charging Port” and ask you to make sure that both the charging port and cable are dry. A water drop icon will also appear in certain Samsung phones such as Galaxy S10, Galaxy S20, Note 10, etc., which will not go away until the problem is fixed.

8 Signs of Water Damage to Your Phone

If your phone has been in contact with a lot of water and you suspect that there is water damage, there are some signs you can spot before starting to resolve the water and moisture issues with your phone. Some of those signs have been mentioned below:

1. Device Overheating

Most modern smartphones claim to be at least a little water resistant, if not completely waterproof. While this may be true, this is only true for the exterior of the phone and the internal components are still very sensitive and vulnerable to water damage. This includes the motherboard, which is a necessary component that allows the proper functioning of other hardware elements of the phone such as the CPU, RAM, etc.

The charging IC (Integrated Circuit) or any other IC, along with the lithium-ion battery present in most smartphones, are also other components that are essential for the phone to run properly and may become overheated when damaged. If your phone has been in recent contact with water or has been submerged, this may be a sign that water has damaged your phone.

2. Visible Water Droplets on Screen

Sometimes, a few water droplets can go beneath the screen, which is a clear indicator that there is water in your device. The best thing to do in this situation is turn off your phone as the liquid can cause other internal components to short circuit and make the device irreparable. If you suspect that there is water under your screen but it isn’t clearly visible, you can turn off your phone and shine a flashlight on the screen to easily see where the water droplets are. 

3. Foggy Screen

A phone screen can also appear foggy when there is water or moisture underneath it. In this case as well, you should stop using your phone immediately and turn it off to prevent further damage.

4. Damaged Speakers

If water gets inside your speakers, then it is very likely that you will be able to spot it as the sound coming out of your phone will be muffled or full of static.

5. Damaged Microphone

Water droplets can get inside your phone and affect the microphone. Thus, people might not be able to hear your voice on calls because of water damage to the microphone.

6. SIM Card or Slot Malfunctioning

A SIM card is a very delicate chip that allows you to make phone calls, receive text messages, etc. and even a little bit of water can harm it. Similarly, water in the SIM slot of the phone can damage the card itself and prevent it from working properly so if you are having connectivity issues or facing problems while making calls, there is a chance your phone might have sustained water damage.

7. Device Not Powering On

As mentioned above, critical internal components of a phone such as the motherboard, integrated circuits, battery, etc. are very delicate and not waterproof. While a little water might cause the phone to overheat initially, if it is not treated, the phone may eventually turn off and not power back on. 

8. LDIs or LCIs

LDIs (Liquid Damage Indicators) or LCIs (Liquid Contact Indicators) are indicators that most smartphones are equipped with. These indicators are color-coded and activate only if water or a liquid containing water comes in contact with the indicator. They are usually clearly visible from the outside and are used to check if the phone has been exposed to water even if it isn’t obvious.

LDIs are usually used by Android or Samsung phones, in which these indicators are located inside the SIM or SD card tray, depending on the device. LCIs are similar indicators and present in Apple products like iPhones and iPods. They can be located inside the SIM card tray, headphone jack, or the lightning connector, depending on the model you own. To look at the indicator in all kinds of phones, you will need a flashlight.

In iPhones, the LCI strip will be white or silver in color but will turn completely red as soon as it is exposed to water or a liquid containing water. In Samsung phones, the indicator strips tend to be white or white with pink or purple Xs, which turn completely red, pink, or purple if exposed to water.

Dos and Dont’s to follow if your smartphone falls in water

There have been a lot of myths going around the internet regarding what one should do if water gets in their phone’s charging port. So here are some dos and don’ts to help you save your phone if it has sustained water damage:

Dos

The only important thing to do when your phone has been exposed to water is turn off your phone immediately and allow it to dry. As mentioned above, water can seriously harm the phone’s internal components and even make your phone irreparable. Keep reading to find out the many ways to dry and remove water or moisture from your phone. 

Dont’s 

• Putting the phone in rice

On the internet, telling someone to put their electronic devices in uncooked rice to solve any issues with it  has become a running joke. This may have originated from multiple websites recommending people to use uncooked rice to dry their phones and while it is true to some extent as rice works well in removing moisture, it has been proven to be more harmful to the phone.

This is because it is very likely that submerging your phone in a container of uncooked rice will lead to small bits of starch and debris present in it to seep into your phone’s openings such as the charging port and the speakers, causing even more damage.

• Blowing air from your mouth

On seeing that “Water Detected in Charging Port” alert, it is natural to panic and think about the fastest way to dry your phone. In that moment, blowing some air into the charging port may seem like a good idea but by doing so, you might be inadvertently pushing the water droplets even deeper into the port and thus, inside your phone.

This way, when you power up your phone or plug it in, the water could cause even more harm to the phone by risking the internal components to water exposure. 

• Using a hair dryer

Using a hair dryer to dry the charging port of a phone exposed to water is also a way that might seem effective but is the exact opposite. A hair dryer, especially on its hot setting, can be extremely harmful as the metal inside the charging port can become deformed due to the high amount of heat. That being said, many people assume that using a hair dryer in a cold setting might do the trick but unfortunately, that is also not the right way.

Using cold air from a hair dryer is quite similar to blowing air from your mouth as it will push the water further inside your phone and potentially damage it. 

• Inserting q-tips, tissues, etc. in the charging port

Using q-tips or paper towels to remove the moisture out of the charging port of a phone can be counter-productive. This is because small bits of cotton or paper could get stuck in the tiny crevices  and metal pieces in the charging port.

These bits can then go on to block the charging port, thus preventing the cable from charging the phone properly, and create other problems even when the device has completely dried. 

• Using isopropyl alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol is the best choice for cleaning electronics since it evaporates very quickly and leaves no oil residue. However, many people believe that submerging a water-damaged phone in isopropyl alcohol will remove all the moisture from it.

It is best to take this advice with a pinch of salt because every solution of such alcohol will contain at least a little water as well, which is enough to damage the phone even further.

• Leaving the phone under sunlight

When you decide to leave your phone to dry, make sure that the phone is not under direct sunlight as it can seriously damage the phone. Direct sunlight can melt the metal inside the charging port of a phone and make it difficult to function properly even when there’s no water in it.

Additionally, it can also unnecessarily overheat the device, potentially causing heat damage in an attempt to dry the phone faster. It is best to have patience and let the phone completely dry naturally. 

How water usually gets into charging port (and how to avoid these)

Smartphones are often advertised as water-resistant or waterproof but as mentioned above, water can do a lot of damage if it gets inside the phone and reaches the sensitive internal components.

The charging port is one of the ways it could reach the internal parts so it is important to understand how water gets into the charging port of a phone and how you could protect your phone from water damage. Here are some of the ways your phone can sustain water damage and how to prevent them:

• A sure-fire way to get water in your phone’s charging port is jumping in the swimming pool with your phone in your pocket. It is a common mistake and while in some cases the phone is absolutely fine afterwards, it is likely that the phone does not dry properly and some water droplets remain in the charging port, preventing it from working properly. The only way to prevent this is always checking your pockets before going anywhere near a pool.

• Some people tend to leave their phones in the bathroom while they shower. This can cause the steam to seep into the phone’s crevices, which can lead to moisture in the charging port. Even a few splashes can lead to water droplets causing severe water damage to a phone, which can easily happen if you place your phone by the sink while you wash your hands. This is especially so if the water gets inside the phone through the charging port.

• Moisture could build up or water could get inside a phone’s charging port if your phone is in your pocket or if you are using your phone while being out in the rain. Some phones may survive this, depending on the situation, but don’t be surprised if you get the dreaded “Water Detected” alert after you took your phone outside while it was raining. It is always best to leave your phone inside or if you absolutely need your phone, make sure to put it in a ziplock bag or inside a waterproof container to keep it safe from water damage.

• A drink spilt on your phone can also lead to water inside the charging port or a buildup of moisture and cause further water damage. Thus, it is always wise to keep your phone away from the table, in your pocket, or in a bag while you are eating or drinking.

List of Waterproof phones

With all this talk about water damage in phones, you might be wishing for a phone that can be submerged in water and not be harmed. Luckily, a lot of new smartphones now claim to be waterproof or water-resistant to some degree. However, these two terms–waterproof and water-resistant–are often used interchangeably but mean very different things.

Waterproof phones can be fully submerged in water up to a certain depth and for a certain period of time, and not be harmed at all. On the other hand, water-resistant phones can only withstand a few splashes or drops but will probably not survive being submerged in water. Thus, it is very important to know the difference between the two before buying a phone or tablet. 

One thing that measures how waterproof a phone or tablet is its IP or Ingress Protection rating. This rating specifies how effective a device is in keeping out dust or water. It consists of two digits–the first one rating its protection against dust and other solid particles on the scale of 1 to 6 and the second digit rating its protection against water on the scale of 1 to 9. Popular IP ratings are IP67 and IP68 for all the latest smartphones. IP69 or IP69K is one of the rarest ratings in smartphones and would mean that a phone is protected against close-range, high-pressure streams of high temperature water.

The following smartphones have been certified with an IP68 rating. This means that these phones can withstand immersion in water up to at least 3 feet.

• iPhone XS and XS Max
• iPhone 11 series
• iPhone 12 series
• iPhone 13 series
• iPhone 14 series
• Samsung Galaxy S21 series
• Samsung Galaxy S22 series
• Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro
• Google Pixel 7 series
• OnePlus 10 Pro
• Oppo Find X5 Pro

The following smartphones have been certified with an IP67 rating, which means that these phones are protected against immersion in water up to at least 3.3 feet for up to 30 minutes.

• iPhone 7 series
• iPhone 8 series
• iPhone X and XR
• iPhone SE (2nd generation)
• iPhone SE (3rd generation)
• Google Pixel 6a
• Samsung Galaxy A52 series
• Samsung Galaxy A53
• Samsung Galaxy A72
• Samsung Galaxy A73

Despite these high IP ratings, it is best to not treat these phones as if they are completely waterproof as almost none of them are covered under the warranty and the damage, if it occurs, could be irreparable. Moreover, while a phone might be truly protected against water exposure in the beginning when it’s new, its protective seal may weaken or erode over time with wear and any exposure to water or dust may become a serious threat.

5 ways to resolve water and moisture issues (step by step)

Since we are humans, it is only expected that we will make mistakes. So don’t beat yourself up if you accidentally get caught in a downpour or the phone slips from your hand and into a bathtub. Follow these simple steps to dry your phone immediately and remove any water or moisture from the charging port:

1. Turn the phone off

The first thing you should do as soon as you notice water on your phone, especially inside the charging port, is turn it off immediately and not connect it to any accessory or the charging cable. You should also turn your phone off as soon as you get a “Water Detected in Charging Port” or a similar kind of alert.

As mentioned above, this is because your phone functions as a result of small electrical charges inside it between various internal components. If water gets inside a phone, it might short the internal integrated circuit of the phone and make it irreparable. Thus, it is best to turn the device off and dry it completely before turning it on again.

2. Wipe the phone

Use a clean and dry towel to wipe the phone as dry as possible from the outside so that all the visible water is wiped off the phone’s surface and all the ports. A microfiber cloth is preferred for this step as it won’t cause any scratches and is extra absorbent. 

3. Tap the phone to get the water out

This is a very important step that might get most of the water out from the charging port. Hold or place your phone vertically, with the charging port facing downwards, and tap it gently but firmly to use gravity to get the water out. If your phone was completely immersed in water, you may see drops of water fall out. Do this a few times till you are certain that most of the water has come out.

4. Remove the SIM card

The SIM card is a very sensitive and complex chip that is inserted in your phone and allows you to make phone calls, send and receive text messages, connect to the internet, etc. so it only makes sense that even a little bit of water can damage it. The same goes for memory or SD cards so it is best to remove them.

You can also check the color of the LCI or LDI strip of your phone using a flashlight. If it is red or purple in color, that means that the phone has incurred water damage but if it is solid white in color or is white with red or purple X’s, then your phone should be fine after it dries.

5. Let the phone dry

This is perhaps the most difficult step despite being the simplest because now, you will have to leave your phone and let it dry for a while before turning it on again. Make sure to leave your phone in a room where air is freely circulating so that the water can naturally evaporate out of the phone.

Wait at least 30 minutes before turning the phone on again. Connect the charging cable again and it is likely that you won’t see the alert again as the water will have dried off. However, if you do see the “Water Detected” alert, disconnect the phone from the cable, turn it off, and let it dry in a well-circulated room for 2 to 4 days. You can also try the tapping technique again to get some excess water out.

Alternate Ways to Solve Water/Moisture Issues

1. Some people believe that using a hair dryer on the cold setting can help the water or moisture inside the charging port of the phone dry faster. It is also better to use it on the lowest setting possible in terms of speed so the metal parts inside the port aren’t damaged.

2. Using a vacuum cleaner with its hose attached to the exhaust side can also help the water or moisture to dry faster as it will remove most of the water out of the phone. Remember to never place the phone very close to the vacuum cleaner while it is on as it might damage the tiny parts of the charging port or speakers. It may help to place your hand over the end so that only a little bit of air is passed.

3. To take it a step further, you could place your phone in a sock with a hair dryer or vacuum cleaner attached to the opening. The sock will absorb all the moisture while the hair dryer does its job.

4. A lot of people suggest that placing your phone in a bag of silica crystals or silica gel packets will remove all the water or moisture from it as silica gel is an absorbent. However, this method is not any better than other methods as it will probably not dry your phone faster. In fact, it may even take longer to dry your phone using silica crystals than simply leaving it in a well-circulated room.

Conclusion

The phones we use are undoubtedly smart but unfortunately, they still remain largely susceptible to water damage. One of the most common problems that users face is getting water inside their phone’s charging ports. This can happen even with a few splashes or if the phone has been in a room with a lot of steam. 

There is a lot of bad advice on the internet regarding water exposure issues. This includes the infamous “rice trick”, drying the water using a hair dryer or compressed air, cleaning the charging port with isopropyl alcohol, etc. but these methods can often go wrong and damage your device even more. One of the only ways to remove water from the charging port is to let it naturally dry or evaporate but first, the phone should be turned off to prevent the water from shorting the internal circuits of the device. Removing the SIM or SD card and battery (if possible) is also recommended.

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FAQs

What do I do when my Samsung says “Moisture Detected”?

Samsung phones will give you an alert saying “Moisture Detected in Charging Port” if there is some water in the charging port as it can damage the port and the phone too. They may also show an icon of a water drop in the notification bar or near the charging port with a battery sign if there is water in charging port (S10, S21, S22, etc.). 

The only way to get rid of this alert is to dry your phone. To do that, you should first clean and wipe the phone with a clean and dry towel, preferably with a microfiber cloth as it will absorb moisture better. Do not use a q-tip or tissue paper because tiny pieces of cotton or paper can get stuck in the charging port and damage it. Next, hold the phone with the charging port facing down and tap it gently but firmly to let all the water get out of the phone. Now you will want to leave your phone in a well-circulated room for at least a few hours before checking on it again. It is likely that your phone will have dried off by then.

How do I get rid of “Moisture Detected” notification?

If you are certain that your phone is completely dry but you still see the “Moisture Detected” notification, it could be because of a malfunction in the system or the sensors located in the charging port to detect water. You can try a few different methods to solve this problem. One of the most popular methods is force rebooting the phone. To do this, you will first need to make sure that the phone is charged to at least 5%. Next, press and hold the power, volume up, and volume down buttons together for at least 15-20 seconds. Your phone will turn off and power back on by itself and the notification should be gone. Another method is signing out of your Samsung or Apple account and signing in again.

Will the water in my charging port go away?

It is normal to panic and worry about your phone when you realize that there is moisture or water in your phone’s charging port but the good news is that this water is very likely to evaporate or dry off naturally within a few hours. During this time, it is advised that you turn off your phone and keep it in a well-circulated room, preferably with a fan. After 30 minutes or so, you can turn the phone on again and try to charge it. If you still get the “Water Detected in Charging Port” (iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, etc.) or “Moisture Detected” (Samsung Galaxy S10, S21, S22, etc.), you should turn the phone off again and let it dry for up to 24 hours. You would now be able to charge your phone again and in some Android phones, you may even get a notification saying that the phone no longer detects any moisture.

Does the rice trick work?

The “rice trick” refers to how some people believe that putting a phone that has been exposed to water in a container or bag of uncooked rice will dry the phone completely and it will work normally again. There is some truth to this theory as rice can actually soak up some moisture but not all of it. Moreover, some people on the internet have claimed that this method solved their issues with getting water or moisture alerts. 

However, in reality, this trick will do more harm than good. Many experts agree that leaving your phone in a bag of uncooked rice can lead to little bits of rice and starch, which are not easily visible to the naked eye, to get stuck in the charging port or speakers of the phone. These may then prevent the charging port from working properly, whether completely dry or not. Furthermore, it can also damage the metal on the charging cable so the “rice trick” is not recommended at all.

How long does it take for water damage to affect a phone?

Water damage can be mild or severe, reparable or irreparable, and it may also affect a phone instantly or weeks after it has been exposed to water. It all depends on many factors such as the amount of liquid it has been exposed to, for how long, etc. Even then, it can take some time for the water to really damage the phone because the components inside your phone might take some time to corrode before malfunctioning. This can be days, weeks, or even months.

If some components such as the battery or charging port are impacted, these can easily be dried out or replaced but if components of the motherboard of the phone have been affected by water, the phone usually becomes irreparable and even if it can be repaired, it is expensive and does not last for long. 

Why does my phone keep saying liquid detected?

If your phone has been exposed to water or steam recently, some of it might have entered your phone’s charging port or internal components. You can check the Liquid Contact Indicator of your phone to confirm if there is truly some water damage inside your phone. However, in some cases, a phone will continue to display the “Liquid Detected” alert even after the device has dried completely because of a software or sensor malfunction. In this case, a forced reboot of the phone should solve the problem. To do this, you have to hold down the power, volume up, and volume down buttons simultaneously for 15-20 seconds and your phone will turn off and turn back on automatically. If you still see the alert, try signing out of your Apple or Samsung account from the device and signing in again. 

Creative Professionals need to constantly promote their work. Using tools like Adobe Portfolio is a great way to build your online presence! 

You can choose any of their pre-made templates, use their live editor, and get a portfolio ready in no time! Moreover, you require little to no coding knowledge to get started with Portfolio.

In this article, we will discuss everything under the sun about Adobe Portfolio. We will cover how to use Portfolio, its features, pros and cons, pricing, and alternatives. 

What Is Adobe Portfolio?

As the name suggests, it is a platform to showcase your creative portfolio. For creatives, projects are the new resume. Creating a website, hosting it, and uploading content is quite a task. But Adobe Portfolio makes it easy for you.

You can build a no-code portfolio website. Adobe’s Creative Cloud subscribers get free access to the portfolio platform and other Adobe applications. 

What makes the platform unique is its unlimited storage capacity. This allows you to upload as much content as you want. Additionally, you can choose between twelve free portfolio templates. This will make creating a portfolio website a piece of cake.

You also don’t have to rely on third-party platforms to host your site. Adobe allows you to host and create a custom domain. Your portfolio looks all the more professional! 

This makes Portfolio an ideal tool for graphic designers, photographers, and other creatives.

How Did Adobe Portfolio Start?

We know that Adobe has a monopoly in the design world. It has more than 20+ applications and is a popular choice among content creators. Portfolio is just the cherry on the cake! The platform was launched during the Adobe Max Conference 2015.

The company’s reasoning for launching the tool was simple. They stated that Creative Cloud subscribers could take care of their entire creative process on Adobe. From design to publishing their final work, subscribers can access various tools for all their needs.

What Are the Features of Adobe Portfolio? 

So, what sets Adobe’s tool apart from others? Here are six reasons why the Adobe Portfolio Website is ideal for creatives! These are:

1. No-Code Website Builder 

Building a website could get complicated if you don’t know much about HTML and CSS. You could save yourself the trouble by using Portfolio. This platform allows you to see how your design pans out and lets you live-edit the site.

2. Full Portfolio and Welcome Page Themes

For creatives, showcasing their work in a professional portfolio is essential. With Adobe Portfolio Themes, you can choose a pre-made theme to make a great impression. 

You don’t have to spend hours creating a site from scratch. Moreover, updating and adding content to your portfolio is extremely easy.

3. Custom Domain & Registration

Portfolio lets you host your website by using a free custom sub-domain. Also, you could purchase a custom domain directly from Adobe. This will help you look more professional and position yourself as a brand.

4. Behance & Lightroom Integration  

For Behance & Lightroom users, Portfolio is a time saver. You can auto-add your Behance projects to your site. This will help you streamline all your projects in one place. Similarly, Lightroom users too can import their images straight to Portfolio. 

5. Responsive & Customizable Design

Portfolio has a great live editor that allows you to customize your website. The platform caters to all your needs – whether you want a full-blown portfolio or a single page. 

You can choose from 12 templates and make custom edits to the site. You can change the background, add overlays, and even access Adobe tools like Fonts.

Additionally, Portfolio is also a responsive tool. This means that your site will be optimized for every device.

6. Can Host Upto 5 Websites

If you want to create multiple websites, then Portfolio makes it easy. The platform allows users to create and host up to five different Adobe Portfolio Websites. Moreover, you get all this at no extra cost. 

Businesses and creative artists that want to showcase multiple samples will find this feature helpful.

Here’s a rundown and general overview of Portfolio.

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How to Use Adobe Portfolio?

If you are just starting with Portfolio, here are a few steps to help you! We are assuming that you have an active Creative Cloud subscription. Without a subscription plan, you won’t be able to use Portfolio.

Step 1: Accessing Portfolio

Fire up your Adobe Creative Cloud app. On the left sidebar, notice the Resource Links section. Under this section, you’ll see the Portfolio option; click on it! This will open up the browser page for Adobe Portfolio login.

Step 2: Selecting a Theme

Once you log in with your credentials, you’ll have to preview and pick a theme. You can either create a Full Portfolio or a simple Welcome Page. 

Depending on what you choose, various Adobe Portfolio templates will show up. Click on the one that you like the most!

Step 3: Adding Pages and Importing Images

After selecting a theme, you’ll see your site. You can go ahead and start customizing it! Begin by adding pages to your site. 

You’ll see an option to add a custom sub-page or import your album from Lightroom. If you add a page, you have to give the page a title and select its destination.

Once you create a page, you can build it by adding elements like Images, Text, Photo Grid, Lightroom, Video, etc. Moreover, you can further customize the page with the help of the left sidebar.

Step 4: Editing the Homepage

Adobe portfolio edit feature is relatively easy to use. If you click on the plus icon on the top-left corner of the sidebar, you can select the type of page you want to create. 

This includes a Custom Page, Welcome Page, Lightroom Album, Collection, or Link. To create a landing or home page, select the Welcome Page option.

You’ll then be asked to select a layout for your homepage. Go ahead and customize the page as per your liking. You can change the background, colors, and font.

Step 5: Adding your Social Media and Contact

You can also add your social media profiles on Portfolio. Simply hover over the plus icon and select Social Icons from the list. 

This will open a left sidebar that mentions all the social media platforms. All you need to do is add your social network URLs in the empty field.

Additionally, you can also click on the plus icon to add a Contact Form. If you hover over the Contact Form, you’ll see a blue text that says Contact Form with an edit button. Click on the customize option to add new or edit fields, buttons, and messages.

Step 6: Setting the Domain Name

On the left panel, select the settings options. From the options, click on Domain Name. You can connect your existing domain to Adobe or purchase a new one. Finally, set the sub-domain name for your site.

Step 7: Changing Page Settings

You can also change the order of your pages in Portfolio. Just drag the triple bar symbol to rearrange the pages. 

You can do the same for the sub-pages in the collection. Also, you can import content from Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Stock, and Behance.

Step 8: Using Global Visual Settings

On the left sidebar, there’s the site-wide section. Here, you can control your site’s background, colors, font, and media content styles.

Step 9: Linking to External Sites

We’ve already covered how to add social media links. However, you might want to add other external links. 

To do this, click on the Add Page plus icon in the top-left corner. From the options displayed, select Links. You’ll be asked to give the link a title and add the URL. This will add the external site to your header menu.

Step 10: Publishing the Site

If you are done editing your site, hit the green button on the bottom-left corner of the sidebar that says, “Publish My Site.”

If you are looking for an Adobe Portfolio tutorial, here is one:

Is it the Right Tool For a Creator? 

You know everything required to get started with portfolio adobe. But hold on. Is it the right tool for you? Should you go for it? Who uses the Adobe Portfolio Website?

The Portfolio FAQ help page mentions that its platform is ideal for all creatives. However, it is best suited for those working in photography, fashion, illustration, graphic design, and architecture. 

If you are a blogger, avoid Portfolio. This is because Portfolio has very little to offer for text-heavy websites. But for those looking to create a visual resume of your projects, Portfolio is the right tool!

Here are a few Adobe Portfolio Examples for you to gather inspiration – https://portfolio.adobe.com/examples/

What are the Reviews for Adobe Portfolio? 

By now, you know how to use Portfolio! Let’s discuss the Pros and Cons of using Portfolio. Here are five arguments for and against the platform:

Adobe Portfolio Pros

1. Unlimited Collections: 

Collections are pages in Portfolio. A standout feature of the platform is that it allows you to create unlimited collections. This means you can create as many pages as you want for every one of your projects. So, you could develop galleries for different clients and projects you’ve worked on!

2. No-Code Website Builder:

We discussed this in our previous section. However, it is worth mentioning again. Users require no coding skills to set up their portfolio site. You can do away with HTML and CSS on this platform.

3. Adobe Portfolio Themes:

Portfolio allows you to choose between 8 different themes. You can customize elements within each theme. Moreover, the interface is easy-to-use and responsive. Also, you can go back and change the theme any time you want.

4. Part of Other Adobe Creative Cloud:

Portfolio is a part of Adobe’s Creative Cloud All Apps plan, the photography plan, and the Single App plan. 

This means that you’ll also get access to other apps that Adobe has to offer. If you want to know more, check out the Adobe Creative Cloud Plans, Pricing, and Membership page.

This includes platforms like Lightroom, Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Fonts, etc. Getting access to the entire Adobe ecosystem makes using Portfolio all the more attractive.

5.  Automatic Image Resizing:

Your image resolution is automatically reduced in Portfolio. This feature makes your site load faster. It helps in preventing copyright theft. Also, your images are optimized for web viewing.

Adobe Portfolio Cons

1. Needs A Creative Cloud Subscription:

Though we highlighted this as a plus, it is also a notable drawback. The usefulness of  Portfolio depends on whether you are using other Adobe tools. Getting a creative cloud subscription is a major put-off for those just wanting to create a site.

2. Poor E-Commerce Support:

If you want to sell your work online, then Portfolio is not the platform for you. However, you could link your work to a sales page on Portfolio. You don’t get a shopping cart feature that you could add to the site.

If selling your work is the purpose, then heading to other platforms like WordPress would be better.

3. Less Templates:

Users wanting to create unique-looking sites will be disappointed with Portfolio. The platform has a limited set of templates. You’ll find many other profiles online with similar-looking portfolio galleries and layouts. 

4. Lack of Design Options:

Additionally, Portfolio also has limitations in the design department. Unlike other website builders, it doesn’t have a drag-and-drop feature.

You can alter elements like background, color, and fonts. But that’s it. This makes the platform limited even in terms of customization.

5. Suitable For Non-Text Websites:

Another drawback of Portfolio is that it is only suited for non-text websites.

 If you’re a blogger, you might want to skip Portfolio altogether. It provides little to no support for text content platforms.

The Final Verdict

So, is Portfolio worth investing in? If you don’t plan on using other Adobe tools along with Portfolio, this platform is not for you. Portfolio cannot be purchased individually. Moreover, Adobe’s pricing plans are on the expensive side.

If you are just getting started with your online presence, you can search for other alternatives. However, if you use other tools like Photoshop, InDesign, etc., then investing in Adobe’s subscription plan is worth it.

The platform does offer beautiful layouts, pre-made templates, a live editor, and basic customizations.

What is the Cost of Adobe Portfolio?

Let’s move on to discuss an important question: the Adobe Portfolio price. If you’re already subscribed to Creative Cloud, then Portfolio is offered free under this plan. There are different Creative Cloud plans available for users.

However, users looking for cost-effective options can also pay for individual apps. But do remember that Portfolio cannot be purchased individually. You’ll get the platform in addition to other Adobe apps. 

Adobe Portfolio Pricing Plans

1. Creative Cloud – Photography Plan: 

This plan will cost you $9.99 per month. Under this plan, you’ll get around 20 GB of cloud storage. Moreover, along with Portfolio, it will include other apps like Lightroom, Lightroom Classic, Photoshop, and other web customization tools.

2. Creative – All Apps Plan: 

The All Apps Plan will cost you $54.99 per month. Here, you’ll get access to  20+ Creative Cloud apps, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat Pro, and Premier Pro.

If you are purchasing a custom domain for your portfolio, it will cost you additional fees. Also, Adobe has different plans for businesses, schools, and students. 

Companies have to pay $39.99 per month, whereas Students & Teachers can access it for $19.99 per month. For Universities & Schools, there is a $14.99 per month plan available.

Another point is that monthly plans require an annual commitment. If you cancel your plan mid-way, you’ll still have to pay 50% for all the upcoming months. 

This pricing strategy of Adobe is a drawback for users. However, the platform does provide a 14-day money-back guarantee offer. Moreover, you can also use their 30-day free trial before subscribing to any plan.

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What are Some Alternatives to Adobe Portfolio? 

Even though Portfolio is loaded with features, Adobe’s Creative Cloud subscription is not for everyone. For one, it is pretty expensive. Additionally, if you are not a serious creative, signing up for 20+ apps is simply not worth it.

For those who still want to create their online portfolio, we’ve got you covered! There are other alternatives that are easy on your wallet. 

Here are our top five alternatives to Adobe Portfolio:

1. Squarespace

The first alternative to Portfolio is Squarespace. What is Squarespace? It is a website builder for photographers, designers, and other creative artists. Just like Portfolio, it is a no-code site builder. Moreover, it is packed with templates, e-commerce checkout tools, and custom domain names.

So, who’s the winner in Adobe Portfolio vs. Squarespace war? Well, it depends. 

If you are looking for an extensive template gallery, SEO tools, features, support services, and app plugins, Squarespace has the upper hand!

Squarespace Pros:

1. Unlimited Storage
2. Multiple Portfolio Templates
3. Support Services
4. SSL Certificate 
5. 14 – Day Free Trial

Squarespace Cons:

1. No Free Plan
2. Not Easy to Use
3. Slow Page Speed
4. Inconvenient Website Editor
5. Expensive Monthly Pricing

2. Wix

The second alternative to Adobe is Wix. It is a free, user-friendly website that is packed with built-in features. What makes Wix different is that the platform caters to all sorts of users. Whether you want to create a professional portfolio or a personal blog, you’ll find a template suited to your needs.

Also, Wix has an easy-to-use editor and a free plan for users. The platform’s main aim is to help users build their online presence.

Wix Pros

1. Free Plan 
2. Easy-to-Use Editor
3. Multiple Templates
4. No Transaction Fee for E-Commerce Sites
5. Flexible Website Builder

Wix Cons

1. Poor Customer Support
2. Expensive Plans
3. Slow Mobile Loading Speed
4. Hidden Expenses
5. SEO Optimization Issues

3. Weebly

The third on our list is Weebly. Weebly is another no-code, drag-and-drop website builder. Unlike other options, Weebly allows you to launch your site on the free plan. If you’re just starting to build your online presence, Weebly is a great tool.

Moreover, it has an affordable pricing plan. It is an ideal platform for small businesses, bloggers, portfolio builders, and hobbyists looking to sell limited products. Also to be noted is that Squarespace acquired Weebly in 2018.

Weebly Pros

1. Free Plan
2. User-Friendly and Smooth Interface
3. Excellent Templates
4. SEO Settings
5. Great App Center

Weebly Cons

1. Low Innovation and Product Development
2. Not Suitable For Bloggers
3. Not Mobile Responsive
4. Limited Editor
5. Customer Support

4. WordPress

The most versatile website-builder tool is WordPress. The reason why WordPress is popular is due to its flexibility. 

It caters to a vast audience. This includes small businesses, bloggers, e-commerce stores, online course providers, and portfolio builders. 

WordPress integrates well with third-party tools and is mobile responsive and SEO friendly. Also, if you are creating a portfolio, you can choose from thousands of templates.

WordPress Pros

1. Easy to Scale and Get Started
2. Vast Collection of Plugins, Add-Ons, and Extensions
3. Popular Among Third-Party Tools
4. Thousands of Templates
5. Mobile-Friendly

WordPress Cons

1. User in Charge of Security, Updates, and Backups
2. No User Support
3. Difficult to Add Custom Functionalities
4. Too Many Options and Features
5. Learning Curve

5. Cargo

Our final recommendation to build your portfolio is Cargo. If you want a portfolio high on aesthetics and design, the Cargo is just right for you! Designers and artists use the platform to showcase their work, to create online stores and blogs.

Just like other alternatives, it is a no-code website builder. You can build responsive, aesthetically-pleasing, and sleek websites with Cargo. Moreover, you can even customize the site to your liking!

Cargo Pros

1. Responsive Website
2. 60+ Templates
3. Charges Apply Only After Project Goes Live
4. Customizable
5. Affordable

Cargo Cons

1. Customer Support
2. Does Not Support All Browsers
3. Lack of Plugins and App Store
4. Limited SEO optimization
5. Lack of Backup Function

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Conclusion

Adobe Portfolio is an excellent addition to the Adobe ecosystem. With the tool, the company has brought the entire creative process full circle. 

The platform has features like responsive and customizable designs, no-code builder, multiple website support, Behance & Lightroom integration, and unlimited collections.

However, the usefulness of Portfolio depends on whether you’re using other Adobe tools. If you just want to create an online portfolio site, it is best to look for alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How to transfer Adobe Portfolio to another account?

Unfortunately, there is no way to transfer your site from one account to another. Evidently, Adobe has made this very clear on its website.

The platform says that users can only change or update their e-mail associated with their Adobe ID. There is no way that a user can merge or transfer Adobe Portfolio sites from one account to another.

2. How to change Adobe Portfolio URL?

Every Portfolio user gets a unique URL. The unique URL is called your domain name or the address that users type to land on your site. For Portfolio, this URL looks like – username.myportfolio.com.

This is what you need to do to change your Portfolio URL.

1. On the left panel, click on Settings
2. Within Settings, select Domain Name
3. Click on the field below Site Sub-domain
4. Once you are done changing the URL, click on Apply

3. How much does Adobe Portfolio cost?

You cannot purchase Portfolio individually. The application is clubbed with other Adobe Tools under the Creative Cloud plan. In general, there are two plans: 

1. The Creative Cloud – Photography Plan: This plan costs $9.99 per month
2. The Creative Cloud – All Apps Plan: The All Apps plan costs $54.99 per month.

Additionally, there are different plans for businesses, students, teachers, and universities. Also, you’ll have to pay extra if you want a custom domain.

4. How does Adobe Portfolio work?

Portfolio has an easy-to-use intuitive editor. To use Portfolio, all you need to do is visit the Creative Cloud App and click Portfolio from the Resources section. 

Next, select the type of site you want to build: Full Portfolio or just a single Welcome Page. Then, select a template to get started and use the Portfolio editor tool to customize your website.

5. How to get Adobe Portfolio for free?

If you are thinking, “Is Adobe Portfolio free?” Well, the answer is kind of. The platform is free with any of Adobe’s Creative Cloud Plans. If you want to get Portfolio for free, you could subscribe to any Creative Cloud plans on a trial basis.

6. Does Adobe Portfolio save automatically?

Yes, whatever changes you make in the live editor get saved automatically. You can edit and make changes to your Portfolio whenever you want. Moreover, the platform automatically syncs these changes with your Behance Profile.

7. Where is the PDF portfolio option?

To create an Adobe Portfolio PDF, you must visit the Adobe Acrobat application. Within the file option, click on Create and select PDF Portfolio.

In the PDF Portfolio dialog box, drag and drop the files you want to convert. Once you are done, click on create, and the files will get added to your PDF Portfolio. You’ll then see a thumbnail of the PDF Files in Acrobat.

8. Does Adobe Portfolio include hosting?

Yes, Adobe Portfolio does include hosting. You could set up a site sub-domain, purchase a new one, or even connect your existing custom domain.

Introduction

It is hard to find anyone without an Instagram profile these days. It is one of the most popular social media platforms preferred for posting your photos. Many of us maintain a collection of our favorite pictures within our Instagram profiles and keep sharing these with our near and dear ones.

However, over a period of time, the Instagram cache becomes full. Have you ever imagined the amount of data sitting within your Instagram cache? What happens when you do not clear it regularly? 

To enable the smooth working of your device, you must keep clearing your cache at frequent intervals. Now, are you wondering how to clear the Instagram cache? Also, what is the connection between the cache-clearing process and the smooth functioning of your device?

Well, there could be a few reasons for this. In this article, we will explore many facts related to cache and how it works. We will learn how to clear Instagram cache on many devices like Android, iPhone, MAC, PC, iPad, or even your browser. 

Read more: How to charge an Apple Pencil

What is Instagram Cache?

Before jumping into the details of an Instagram cache, let us first understand what a cache is. A cache is a chip to store data for a short while. In simple words, you can say that your cache holds all your temporary data. Whenever you attempt to access any app on your device, the app fetches data from its cache so that your app runs faster. It is needless to say here that cache is an in-built part of every device.

Now we understand that the Instagram cache stores its data temporarily. Not only Instagram but all the apps within your device store some of their data within the cache. And the unfortunate part here is that you do not realize how your cache gets overloaded. This is designed within your device system.

Now, what happens when you do not erase cache data?

Well, an enormous amount of data backup within the cache could lead to your device losing out on its memory storage. In other words, an overflowing cache tends to eat up your device memory, thereby slowing down other processes. 

Imagine, you have uploaded a large number of pictures to your Insta profile. Or you view many Instagram reels of your friends. In due course, there will be a huge data pile-up within your cache as pictures need a lot of space. Now think, what can happen if you do not clear your Instagram cache? It is simple. Your cache becomes full and this could hamper other operations within your device. Thus, you need to clean it from time to time. Not only your Insta app, but you also need to carry out the cache cleaning process for your other apps too.

However, note down a crucial point here. The Instagram cache contains all the links and other details of your visit within your profile. To explain it better, consider that you visit your friend’s Instagram profile. It will store this information. The next time you visit that profile again, it gets loaded faster since the app retrieves this data from its cache.

The same logic explained above is valid for your other apps too. Even your browser stores all the details of your other websites or page visits within its cache. You will observe that the next time you try visiting any of the previously visited websites, the page tends to load faster. Also, any edits to the pages will also be updated within the cache. The cache concept has been designed and implemented for a better user experience.

Now, emptying your Instagram cache will imply that your pages might take some time to load and it may not happen instantly. Still, we would advise you to empty your cache once in a while so that your device continues working smoothly.

Now let us see how to clear the Instagram cache on various devices like your iPhone, iPad, Android, MAC, PC, or even your browser. The procedures could vary on different devices. Let us go through each of these steps one by one.

How to clear the Instagram Cache on various devices?

Let us check the methods of clearing your Instagram cache on different devices.

1. How to Clear Instagram Cache on your iPhone

You can clear your Instagram cache from your iPhone in multiple ways. Let us see all of these methods. One method is to delete your app and install it again. There are other methods too. Let us see both these methods. 

a. How to clear the Instagram cache without deleting the app?

This is a straightforward method for doing away with your Instagram cache on your iPhone. With this method, you are trying to it clear by erasing the search history details. You need to access the Settings within your Instagram profile and erase your search history. 

We will see something similar like this while cleaning cache on Android devices too. Just follow the steps mentioned below carefully, and your job will be done in no time.

• Go to your Instagram profile.
  
• Visit the area under ‘Settings’.
  
• Over here, tap on Security->>Clear Search History->>Clear All.
  
• Your work’s done.

What happens when you clear out your Instagram search history? All your searches will not be visible the next time when you log in to your profile. However, that still does not stop you from searching or giving you the appropriate search results. At the same time, the load on your cache goes down, thereby improving your app’s performance. 

The other method to clear the Instagram cache on your iPhone is by accessing the app under the storage area and removing and re-installing the app. There is an option to offload your app too, however, that does not erase your data. Let us have a look.

b. Via the iPhone Storage area

You can check out your Instagram app details within your iPhone storage section. You cannot get direct access to your Instagram cache within your iPhone, however, you still get an idea of how much storage space is being used up by your app.

• On your iPhone, go to Settings->> General->> iPhone Storage.
  

• In the storage area, go to the Instagram app.
  

• When you select the Instagram app, all information related to the App Size and Documents and Data comes up on the screen as shown below.
  

• Now here, you come across two options: Offload App and Delete App.

If you choose the Offload App option, only your app is removed. Technically, nothing happens to your data. However, our primary purpose over here is to reduce the burden of unnecessary data on the cache. Hence, a wiser choice here would be to go for the ‘Delete App’ option.

• Tap on the ‘Delete App’ option. 
  
• Your Instagram app is uninstalled. All the local data will automatically wipe out. 
  
• Your Instagram is cached!
  
• Now re-install the Instagram app again. It should work smoothly.
  
  

If you are one of those people thinking about whether you might end up losing important data once you delete your app, you need to think again. After deleting your Instagram app, you will install it again. What do you think happens now?

When you download your app again, all important data related to your Instagram profile is retained. This means nothing happens to your profile information, your pictures, or your posts. You will just lose out on all that unnecessary junk data which is slowing down the performance of your app. And this is exactly what you want right? So, why not try this one out?

2.  How to Clear Instagram Cache on Android

For Android users, clearing the Instagram cache is nothing short of a breeze. Android devices can also get rid of it in two ways. One method targets clearing out your app’s search history. Although we are not directly accessing the Instagram cache here, it will help out to a great extent as search history details hold little value and they are quite helpful when it comes to unloading your app cache.

If you are an Android user, then perform the following steps on your device to clean out your search history on Instagram

• Visit your Instagram profile on the device.
  
• From here, go to Settings ->> Security ->> Search History.
  
• At this juncture, tap on Clear All.
  
• Your Instagram cache should be much lighter now.

A very good thing about Android devices is that they have the“Clear Cache” button below every app. This makes it even simpler to clear out your phone. Follow the steps given below.

• Tap on the ‘Settings’ icon.
  
• Under settings, locate ‘Storage.’ Note that the ‘Storage’ location may differ in different Android versions. However, if you are looking to clean out your Instagram cache, then you need to access the app under the ‘Storage’ section.
  

• Under ‘Storage’, look out for the Instagram app and tap on it.
  
• All the storage information related to Instagram pops up on the screen. You get a very clear picture concerning data storage and cache storage. Recollecting that we have seen something similar on iPhone too.
  
• Check whether the “Clear Cache” button is displayed below and tap on it.
  

• The cache should clear out.

So easy, isn’t it?

If you are accessing your Instagram app on your Android tablet, then the same set of steps should work there as well. Depending on the Android version, the steps may vary. In any case, either of these methods should do the trick for you.

3. How to Clear Instagram cache on your PC or laptop

The method to clear out your Instagram cache on your PC/laptop differs from the iPhone and Android methods. If you are accessing your Instagram profile directly through your browser, then you can clear out the cache using this technique. Of course, these days, the Instagram desktop application is also available. 

Follow the below-mentioned steps to clear Instagram cache via your browser.

• Launch your Internet browser on your PC/laptop.
  
• Visit your Instagram profile by typing www.instagram.com in your address bar.
  
• On your profile, visit the “Privacy and Security” section.
  
• From here, go to the ‘View Account Data’ option.
  
• Go to the ‘Search History’ area and check whether you can see the “View All” option. It should be available right below the Search History section.
  
• You should be able to view the “Clear Search History” option. Click on it.
  
• The screen will prompt you for a confirmation stating the same. The reason is that once you delete this information, there is no way to retrieve it back. Click on the ‘Yes, I’m sure’ option.
  
• Your Instagram cache will be all clean now.

In this method, we are targeting to clear out all the search histories. Although the cache is not targeted directly here, search results occupy a great deal of data not just on Instagram but on other apps too. Our main intention here is to enable the smooth running of our devices, and this will just serve the purpose. Eliminating all unwanted data achieves fruitful results.

If you are looking to clear your mobile browser too, then follow the same set of steps mentioned above. It will work.

4. How to Clear Instagram cache on iPad

Both iPhone and iPad are based on iOS, hence, the cache-clearing functionality is also quite similar. Just like we saw the cache-clearing process on your iPhone when it comes to your iPad too, you need to access the Instagram app under the ‘Storage’ section. Check out the following steps.

• On your iPad, locate the Settings icon and tap on it.
  
• Under Settings, go to the ‘General’ tab.
  
• Under General, select the iPad Storage option.
  
• Now check whether the Instagram app is showing up on this list.
  
• If you see the Instagram app, then select it.
  
• You can choose to either offload or delete the app. A better option here would be to delete the app since offloading the app will retain all the documents and data. This may not help much in clearing out your Instagram cache.
  
• However, remember that once you delete an app, all the local data is lost and you will have to enter your credentials again.

Note an important point here. The iPad Storage contains a list of those apps which haven’t been used for a while. If you are not seeing your Instagram app on this list, you would have to access the Instagram app on your iPad, uninstall it and install it back again. Your Instagram cache should clear now.

You can also try clearing it on your iPad by trying to clear out all the search histories. Just follow these steps:

• Access your Instagram profile on your iPad.
  
• Go to Settings->>Security ->>Clear Search History ->>Clear All.
  
• Your Instagram cache on your iPad should be all clean now.

Whatever options you see on the screen may depend on the iOS version of your iPad. If you do not see the options mentioned above, the simplest option for you here would be to delete your Instagram app and install it again. Your purpose is served.

5. How to Clear the Instagram cache on MAC

If you plan to access your Instagram app on your MAC device via your browser, then follow the steps mentioned in point number 3 above (how to clear the Instagram cache on your PC or laptop). Just access your Instagram profile via Chrome and then carry out the steps correctly. All your cache should clear out.

If you are using a desktop application on your MAC, then you would need the assistance of a third-party tool. FoneDog PowerMyMac is a very useful tool that has many offerings apt for your MAC. Needless to say, this tool also has the cleaning feature we are looking out for. 

Now, how to clear the Instagram cache on MAC using this tool? The Cleaner module of the PowerMyMac tool consists of the System Junk feature. Follow the steps mentioned below. Note that you would have to purchase this tool at the price quoted to receive all its benefits.

• Download the FoneDog PowerMyMac tool on your MAC.
  
• Double-click on the tool icon and launch it.
  
• You should be able to view three modules within this tool: Status, Cleaner, and Toolkit. 
  
• Select the ‘Cleaner’ module.
  
• As you can see, the “System Junk” component is present within this Cleaner module. Click on it.

• Within the System Junk feature, you will notice a “Scan” button in red color. Now click on this button to begin the scanning process. 
  
• You can see that the screen continues to display all the junk files present within the system. Even your system cache and application cache will be scanned to detect the number of junk files present. Your Instagram cache is a subset of your application cache.
  

• In the above image, as you can see, the tool has completed the scanning of about 90% of junk files. Wait till the scanning process is fully complete.
  
• Once all your junk files are scanned, you should see a “View” button in place of the “Stop” button. Click on it.
  
• Over here, you will see an “Application” on the left side of the screen. Click on it.
  

• Within your Application cache, locate your Instagram folder and select it.
  
• Inside the Instagram folder, you will get to see many other junk files.
  
• Select these junk files and hit on the “Clean” button displayed below.
  

• In the next step, confirm that you want to do away with these junk files. Once this is done, your work is also done. Congratulations! You have successfully cleared your Instagram cache on your MAC!

Other than fishing out the junk files from your system, the PowerMyMac comes in handy for many other tasks exclusively for MAC users. The PowerMyMAC tool also gives you an account of the CPU status, how much of the disk is being used, available and used up memory, and lots more. Your MAC performance improves drastically. It is a very high-rated FoneDog tool.

Please note that there are other tools like MacKeeper to clear out the cache from your MAC devices.

How to clear the cache on Instagram 2022?

You can use all the methods described above to clear the cache on the latest version of Instagram 2022. All the above techniques are tried and tested and should work on reducing that load on your cache. 

What happens if you clear your Instagram cache?

To improve the app’s working condition, performance, and stability. When you clean out your cache, all the unnecessary junk files and temporary data will be erased, thereby improving your app’s working condition. 

To sum it up, clearing out your Instagram cache will:

• Improve the non-functional characteristics of your app like its speed, stability, and performance.
  
• Drastically reduce the load on your device cache.
  
• Wipe out your earlier search results. However, this will not affect your app’s performance in any manner. 
  
• Within your Instagram profile, you observe that all your pictures, reels, and posts are retained. They are not at all affected by the clearing out of your app cache.
  
• Even your conversations and messages remain as it is. Nothing happens to them.
  
• Your pages could take a while to load since your cache is empty now. However, this happens only once. The next time you search for something or want to check any page, it should be quick.
  

Other Useful Instagram Tips

If you are an active Instagram user, we have just provided all the necessary information about how to clear the Instagram cache and some other details. In this section, we would like to provide you with some other useful information and tips that can help you while you are using Instagram. 

1. Adding and handling more than one account

Yes, you heard that right. Now, you can manage multiple Instagram accounts through a single device. With this feature, you can choose to create a professional and a personal account. How is this done? You can do this by choosing the ‘Add Account’ option under your Gear icon or the Settings option.

When you choose the ‘Add Account’ option, you need to enter all the required details and your job is done. You can now switch between multiple accounts.

2. Account Privacy

Online safety has become very crucial these days. You cannot allow any third-person or random people to check out your photos and profile information. Hence, you can block unwanted elements from accessing your personal information by making your account private. You can find this setting under Privacy and Security.

3. Hide Comments based on keywords

You can choose to hide certain comments posted by you based on certain keywords. This setting is also available under ‘Privacy and Security.’

4. View all liked posts

You can check out all of your liked posts on Instagram by going to Settings->> Account->> Posts You’ve Liked. All you like posts will show up.

5. Decorate your Bio with lovely fonts

Did you know? You can add special fonts to your Instagram profile and make it unique and different from that of your friends. Now, you will wonder how this is possible as your keyboard comes with quite a few limitations.

Well, there are some third-party tools that will help you import unique and lovely fonts to your Bio. If you want to add special fonts to your Bio via your mobile, then there is a website called LingoJam. All you need to do is to go to this website and type out everything you require in your Bio in the left-hand side portion. You can see how the results appear in lovely fonts on the right. 

You can copy and paste these fonts on your Bio. Just see how many comments you receive for your Bio!

We have highlighted some useful tips for Instagram users. You can use all of these at some point whenever you use Instagram.

Conclusion

Well, we now hope that you have absolutely no doubts about how to clear the Instagram cache. We have gone through this process on various devices. So now you know how to clear the Instagram cache on your iPhone, Android, iPad, MAC, and even your browser. We also know the advantages of clearing your Instagram cache and why it is required. Moreover, we have also seen some useful Instagram-related tips. Hope this article serves to be a great help for all Instagram users.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Instagram Cache