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396 'how-to' stories August 2011 - December 2022

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A collection of tutorials, tips, and tricks from the 9to5Google team helping you fix and get the most out of Android, Google Assistant, Chromebooks, Android TV, and more.

Gmail
how-to

Gmail features you might not know existed

Andrew Romero Dec 21 2022 - 7:00 am PT

On the surface, Gmail seems like a basic email platform for simple sending and receiving. Under the hood, there are tons of functions you can make use of – schedule send, label organization, theme changes, and even Google’s Gmail chat. Read along to find out how each of these useful features works.

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remove image background android

How to remove backgrounds from your images on Android

Andrew Romero Dec 19 2022 - 10:05 am PT

Image editing software that can automatically complete tasks has advanced so far that it’s genuinely astounding. One neat trick that some apps and phones can do is remove backgrounds from images, giving you a clean new photo with just the subject. Here’s how to get started removing the background in images on Android.

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customize hide youtube tv channels

How to hide or customize what channels you see in YouTube TV

Andrew Romero Dec 15 2022 - 11:41 am PT

YouTube TV sits in a weird spot between traditional cable television and new digital streaming service. As a hybrid, it retains features like the live guide, where you can see every channel and what’s playing on them. This explainer will take you through customizing that page, so you only see the channels you care about in YouTube TV and hide the ones you don’t.

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change music output pixel

How to change your music output on Google Pixel, including to Chromecast devices

Andrew Romero Dec 13 2022 - 12:39 pm PT

Between Chromecast-enabled devices and Bluetooth speakers and earbuds, there are plenty of ways to enjoy music from your Google Pixel. In Android 13, there’s an easy way to switch the output device for your music, so your Pixel plays your favorite songs from the right speaker. This guide will take you through just that.

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Pixel 7 Pro Macro Focus mode

Pixel 7 Pro’s Macro Focus works automatically – here’s how to get the most out of it

Andrew Romero Dec 12 2022 - 8:00 am PT

Undoubtedly, one of the most significant improvements on the Pixel 7 series is the camera, both in software and hardware. With that, a new Macro Focus mode has made its way to the Pixel 7 Pro, and it works rather flawlessly. Here’s how to get started.

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How to play your Ubisoft games with Amazon Luna with just a Prime subscription

Andrew Romero Dec 7 2022 - 11:01 am PT

amazon luna controller

Amazon Luna has become one of our favorite cloud gaming platforms with its ability to tie into Ubisoft+ and make PC games available wherever you are. Now, users can play those games even without a Ubisoft+ subscription – here’s how.

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How to turn on Clear Calling on your Pixel 7, and why you should

Andrew Romero Dec 7 2022 - 8:34 am PT

clear calling pixel 7

Recently added in the December Pixel Feature Drop for the Pixel 7 series – and eventually for the Pixel 6 – Clear Calling is a feature that ensures people on the other end of your phone call can hear you almost perfectly. This guide will walk you through enabling it on your device, and why it might be a good idea.

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Here’s how to set YouTube videos to play at a specific resolution on Android

Andrew Romero Dec 5 2022 - 1:45 pm PT

change resolution youtube

Currently, YouTube on mobile changes default video quality based on usage instead of giving the option to change resolution right away. This guide will go through changing your videos on YouTube to a specific resolution to get the best quality.

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Google Chrome price tracking

How to use Chrome’s new price tracking feature to get the best deals this holiday

Andrew Romero Dec 2 2022 - 10:05 am PT

Google Chrome has an abundance of tools, though the best ones are the features that save you money. This guide will take you through using Google Chrome’s new price tracking feature so you can find the best deals online.

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Pixel 7 Pro VPN

Turn on your free VPN with your Pixel 7 and 7 Pro – Here’s how

Andrew Romero Nov 30 2022 - 5:30 pm PT

Google’s Pixel 7 and 7 Pro both come with a free VPN from Google as an added benefit for its newest Tensor G2-powered devices. This guide will show you how to run it and manage it to keep you safe online.

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Waze Android Auto

How to use Waze with Android Auto

Andrew Romero Nov 30 2022 - 8:56 am PT

Waze provides a lot of function and a little bit of a social atmosphere for drivers on the road. With that, using Waze on Android Auto can prove quite useful. This guide will bring you through how to add and use Waze with Android Auto.

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find google pixel phone

Here’s every way you can find your Pixel when you misplace it

Andrew Romero Nov 28 2022 - 3:15 pm PT

There are few things more annoying than losing your phone moments after holding it in your hand. Fortunately, Google’s Pixel phone series allows for several different finding methods, like finding your phone using your watch, Nest speakers, and more.

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Pixel Watch ECG

How to take an ECG reading with your Pixel Watch

Andrew Romero Nov 22 2022 - 12:46 pm PT

An ECG – electrocardiogram — reading can be a vital piece of data to have on hand. With it, you get a better look into your heart health, which is invaluable. This guide will take you through using your Pixel Watch to take an ECG reading.

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Android Auto taskbar widgets

How to switch back to taskbar widgets on the Android Auto redesign

Andrew Romero Nov 21 2022 - 11:00 am PT

Android Auto’s new beta comes with some new tricks up its sleeve, including a new taskbar redesign. Well, what if you don’t really want the new look? This guide will take you through switching back to having media control and Maps taskbar widgets on your Android Auto device.

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pixel safety check android

Safety Check on Google Pixel can share your location in dangerous situations; here’s how to use it

Andrew Romero Nov 9 2022 - 3:30 pm PT

Google’s safety suite on the Pixel series can legitimately be a lifesaver. One Pixel feature, “Safety Check,” keeps your friends and family updated on your whereabouts when you most need it. Here’s how it works.

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stadia controller

How to obtain your Stadia refund and see how much you’ll get

Andrew Romero Nov 9 2022 - 2:05 pm PT

Stadia is shutting down coming this January, and the cloud-gaming service is refunding almost every purchase you ever made. Here’s how to make sure you get your Stadia refund and see how much will be sent.

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How to import and edit your Pixel’s RAW photos with Adobe Lightroom

Andrew Romero Nov 9 2022 - 7:00 am PT

import edit pixel lightroom RAW

With all three cameras on the Pixel 7 Pro and two main sensors on the Pixel 7, you’re bound to get some stunning shots. What makes them even better is a healthy amount of editing, based on your style. This guide will take you through exporting your RAW photos from your Pixel and importing them to Adobe Lightroom, whether on PC, Mac, or mobile.

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google pixel 7 pro

How to take RAW pictures on your Google Pixel

Andrew Romero Nov 8 2022 - 9:15 am PT

It’s no secret that Pixel phones – especially the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro – take downright fantastic photos. Of course, it’s always nice to have RAW images so you have a little more freedom in your editing process. This guide will take you through enabling RAW file picture capture on your Google Pixel.

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Fossil screenshot watch

How to take a screenshot on your Fossil Wear OS 3 watch

Andrew Romero Nov 8 2022 - 7:32 am PT

Even on Wear OS, every watch out there has a different method of taking screenshots. With the Fossil Wear OS lineup, you need to use a proprietary app. This guide will take you through grabbing a screenshot on Fossil Wear OS devices.

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Pixel Watch Active Zone Minutes

Here’s how to check your ‘Active Zone Minutes’ on your Pixel Watch

Andrew Romero Nov 7 2022 - 2:30 pm PT

As far as fitness trackers go, the Pixel Watch performs relatively well. With Fitbit’s integrated tracking, one way to keep up with activity is by recording “Active Zone Minutes.” This guide will take you through what those are and how you can keep an eye on them throughout your day.

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google photos search yourself

Google Photos automatic Shared Albums: How to create and manage them for others

Andrew Romero Nov 4 2022 - 9:44 am PT

Sharing photos with others goes beyond sending them in messaging apps like Telegram. Google Photos Shared Albums do a great job of housing your favorite photos with friends and family – Google Photos can even add pictures of people automatically. Here’s how it works.

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Android games on PC play games

How to play your favorite Android games on PC with Google Play Games

Andrew Romero Nov 4 2022 - 7:20 am PT

It seems a little limiting to only play your favorite Android games on your phone or tablet. Recently, Google opened the way for users to play those Android games on their PC. This guide will take you through getting started so you can start downloading Android games on to your computer.

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pixel quick phrases

‘Quick phrases’ on your Pixel: How to turn them on and use them

Andrew Romero Nov 3 2022 - 12:36 pm PT

Google’s Pixel lineup has the goal of making your life just a little bit easier. This is evident with the dozens of smart features that have made their way to the Pixel 7 and Pixel 6 series. One favorite Pixel feature is called “quick phrases.” This guide will take you through exactly what they do.

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Google Home household routines: What they are and how to use them

Andrew Romero Nov 2 2022 - 4:05 pm PT

google home household routines

Google Home is starting to undergo a big overhaul. One major change is the addition of “household” routines. So what are they, and how do they differ? This guide will take you through Google Home’s household routines and how you can start using them.

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