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featured-image-screenshot-record-protected-videos

5 Ways To Screen Record Protected Apps [Fix Black Screen]

Are you trying to perform a screen capture from a restricted app, and all you got from your video recordings was a black screen?

And you realised you could not perform screenshots as well?

This article will explain the various ways to bypass these restrictions on these blocked & protected apps so that you can perform screen recording.

Reasons for Restricting

Sometimes, app developers design their apps specifically so that it does not allow screen recording. As a result, any form of screen capture, screenshot or screen recording will be blocked.

This is a security feature, and app developers will mark the application as sensitive and secure. In most circumstances, they do not want their content to be leaked.

The reason for this prevention is likely due to the content type the app contains.

Some examples are

  • apps showing payment transactions;
  • apps showing sensitive information that needs to be protected.
  • apps containing paid course content
  • copyrighted materials, e.g. Netflix
  • DRM-protected video streams

However, there are times when you would want to record the screen for various reasons, e.g. for instructional sharing with someone, technical troubleshooting and others.

How to Screen Record Protected Apps?

Below are the five (5) methods you can use to bypass and unblock the restrictions;


Method 1: Install Restricted App on Virtual Space

We use this proven and tested method to capture screen recordings on our restricted apps. This method is also the fastest way to do so.

Step 1: Download and install DisableFlagSecure on your phone. This allows you to take screenshots and screen recordings on restricted apps. This is the latest version and should work on most mobile devices. If somehow this is not working for you, you can try installing the older version.

Step 2: Find and install the latest version of the Xposed Tai-Chi APK on your phone. This allows you to run APKs (android app files) in virtual spaces as plugins, thus allowing actions such as screen recording.

Step 3: Open the Tai-Chi app, select <Manage Modules> and tick the checkbox of <DisableFlagSecure>.

Step 4: On the Tai-Chi menu, select <Create app> and choose the app you wish to make a screenshot or screen recording.

Step 5: Tai-Chi app will uninstall the original app automatically. Once done, Tai-Chi will display the wording that says <Ready to install> next to your restricted app, and you must click on it to begin your installation process.

Step 6: Now, you can start your restricted app and use any of your favourite screen recorder apps to capture the screen you need.


Method 2: Screen Mirroring

This is about copying one screen to another screen. There are two (2) ways to do so.

Phone-to-Phone

Screen mirroring is the technology that reflects (mirrors) your screen from one device to another. For this method, we will need to perform screen mirroring from phone A to phone B.

Both devices must install the same screencasting application and be connected to the same network, e.g. in the same home Wi-Fi.

You can use any of these three (3) apps below;

Phone-to-Windows

In Windows 10, an in-built feature called the <Connect> app will enable screen mirroring from your phone to your Windows machine. With that, you can then use any recording tool to record your screen.

To begin, make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Next, search for the word “Connect” using Windows Search to find the <Connect> app. Finally, click on <Projecting to this PC>.

Depending on the make & model of your phone, search for the word “Wireless Projection” or “Cast” and enable it. You should be able to detect your PC’s name and connect to it.

On Windows 10, you will receive a prompt to confirm the connection. Click “OK“.

Use any screen recording software for Windows 10 devices, such as RecMaster, to start your screen capturing.


Method 3: Using the Zoom app Screen-Sharing feature

zoom-app-screen-sharing

Zoom allows you to share your entire desktop or phone screen or even a portion of your screen with another device. This means you can perform screen recording on your mirrored device.

How to start Zoom screen sharing?

For iOS, find the button in your Zoom meeting controls called <Share Content>.
For Android, Windows, Mac & Linux, it is named <Share Screen>.

Once successfully cast onto another device, use any screen recording tool to capture the screenshot or record a screen video.


Method 4: Using Screen Recorder apps (for non-rooted)

Depending on the restricted app you want to unblock, sometimes the solution can be a straightforward one.

It may boil down to just the kind of screenshot apps you should be using instead.

You can try any of these highly-rated and reliable desktop screen recorders below;

Bandicam Screen Recorder serves as a highly efficient tool for capturing screen activity. It offers the capability to record videos of the entire screen or designated sections, while simultaneously providing the functionality for taking screenshots via designated hotkeys.

This software proves invaluable for a range of applications, such as documenting in-game experiences, elucidating technical issues, or preserving specific slides from presentations.


Method 5: Using Screen Recorder apps (for rooted phones)

If you have a rooted Android phone, you can definitely capture screenshots and record screens and system audio on your device.

You should download using any of these apps that require rooted privileges on Android.


Conclusion

Try any of the methods stated above, and you will be able to fix your problem.

Method 1 is highly recommended to be safe as we have tested and proven it to work.

Use Method 5 only on a spare phone device, as it requires rooting. Do not attempt to root your Android phone if you do not know what you are doing. Rooting will void the phone manufacturer’s warranty.


Recommendations (Tested & Proven)

To bypass internet censorship, blocked sites, and browse with anonymity., only choose the following reliable VPN services;
  • NordVPN (Has the most number of servers, over 5000+, in 60 countries to choose from. Uses a unique Onion Over VPN feature to mask your online traffic for maximum anonymity.)
  • Surfshark VPN (One of the few providers that allow unlimited device connections with just a single subscription. You can connect all your devices with no logs policy)
  • IPVanish (Supports all platforms, routers, and TV. Uses SOCKS5 web proxy feature for faster anonymous connection speed)

For ease of use, simplicity, and having the most competitive prices, only BUY your favourite crypto from;

* Bitfinex
* Coinbase
* Crypto.com
* Binance

Regardless of your country, either of the above-tested exchanges will work for you.
All the above accept payment methods such as credit/debit cards, bank transfers, Apple Pay, Google Pay and more.


5 Ways To Screen Record Protected Apps [Fix Black Screen] Read More »

[hide-telegram-phone-number

Does Telegram Show Your Phone Number [And How to Hide It]

With over 700 million+ users worldwide, Telegram is one of the most popular private messaging apps.

Each Telegram account is registered uniquely to one (1) mobile number. Therefore, you cannot register two (2) Telegram accounts with one number.

Telegram lets you add users by Username and contact number.

Unlike Whatsapp, where chats are initiated directly using your phone number, Telegram uses usernames for direct communication. Therefore, everyone can only see each other’s usernames (unless they already have your number in their address book).

The mobile number Telegram asks for during signup is only for registration and account recovery purposes.

There are several privacy questions about how our mobile numbers are used and how anonymous Telegram users are.

Will any Telegram user know my number? Or If someone can track you in Telegram?

If I Add Someone on Telegram, Will My Phone Number Be Revealed?

When you register for a new Telegram account, you will provide your mobile number for SMS verification.

Once verified, the default settings in the Telegram app allow your phone contacts (i.e., address book) to see your actual phone number when communicating using Telegram chats.

In short, only your ‘friends’ who have your number stored in their address book can see your number.

This is done by syncing your phone contacts with Telegram.

To prevent this, you should hide your mobile number under Telegram Settings (see below for how to do so).

Once hidden, any future users you added to Telegram will not be able to see your phone contacts anymore.

In addition to hiding your number, you should ensure that your Profile name and Username does not reveal your real identity. You can change the anytime in Settings.


How Can I Hide My Mobile Number in Telegram?

You must configure two (2) options to hide your number from anyone using Telegram.

Here’s how to do it.


1. Set Privacy on Phone Number

telegram-configure-phone-number-privacy-hide
  • Open the Telegram app and go to <Settings>.
  • Click <Privacy and Security>
  • Select <Nobody> for the option “Who can see my phone number?”
  • Select <My Contacts> for the option “Who can find me by my number?”

In this way, no one can see your phone number in Telegram, and you decide who can search for you on Telegram based on who you kept in your contacts listing.


2. Delete Synced Contacts

telegram-hide-phone-number-delete-synced-contact

If you have been using Telegram before this, you need to remove synced contacts from your Telegram account.

  • Open the Telegram app and go to <Settings>
  • Click <Privacy and Security>
  • Click <Delete Synced Contacts> to remove your previously-synced contacts from seeing your phone number now.
  • Toggle OFF <Sync Contacts> to disable contact syncing from now onwards


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the common questions about Telegram privacy on mobile numbers.

If I add a contact on Telegram, will they know my number?

No. They will not be able to know if you are the only one adding their number.

For them to know your number, the other party needs to know your number and save it under their address book.

How to know if someone saved your number on Telegram?

If the other party registered for Telegram, you will be notified that this person has joined Telegram.

How to find hidden numbers in Telegram?

As mentioned earlier in this article, there is no way to know hidden numbers among Telegram users. You can only see their Profile name and Username.


Does Telegram Show Your Phone Number [And How to Hide It] Read More »

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13 Ways to FIX WhatsApp Calls Disconnect & Dropping Problems

WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging apps worldwide.

One of the main reasons why people choose WhatsApp over other messaging apps is because it has a calling feature.

However, it can be annoying if an important WhatsApp call drops or disconnects abruptly while you’re on it

This problem is not unusual, and there are several potential causes. 

This article will cover how to fix WhatsApp call drops and disconnections.

How to Fix WhatsApp Calls From Not Working, Disconnecting, and Dropping Frequently?

Here are the thirteen (13) ways to fix the issue.


1. Turn off Battery Saver mode

Turn off the battery saver mode on your device if you’re using it before making a WhatsApp call. 

This mode may impact the app’s functionality and result in disconnected or dropped calls.

2. Turn off Bluetooth

Bluetooth may interfere with the Wi-Fi or cellular network signal, which is one factor that can make WhatsApp calls unreliable.

A good practice is to turn off your Bluetooth connection.

As a result, the device may struggle to maintain a stable internet connection, which can cause poor call quality or dropped calls.

Some smartphones also automatically switch to Bluetooth audio during calls, which may be problematic.

Call quality may suffer, and calls may be dropped if the Bluetooth connection is weak or unstable.

3. Check Router Settings

Your router’s security settings and firewall configurations can sometimes interfere with your internet connection and cause disruptions during WhatsApp calls.

Login to your router admin panel and ensure you use the latest security protocols, such as WPA2.

Check your firewall configurations and ensure it is not too strict, as they may block legitimate connections, including those for WhatsApp calls.

4. Disable VPN

If you’re using a VPN service, disable it before making a WhatsApp call.

Although VPNs can unblock websites and circumvent geographical censorship, they can affect your internet connection and cause calls to drop or disconnect.

5. Check your Internet connection

You should check your internet connection when experiencing call drops on WhatsApp.

Make sure your internet connection is both reliable and quick.

You can use Ookla Speedtest or Google Fiber Speedtest to analyze your connection speed.

Using Wi-Fi, you can change networks or get nearer to the router.

6. Clear App Cache

Call drops can be avoided, and the performance of WhatsApp can be enhanced by clearing its cache.

Go to Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Storage > Clear Cache on Android to clear the app cache.

7. Update WhatsApp

Make sure WhatsApp is running at the most recent version.

Call drops can be avoided by updating the app, which can fix bugs and improve performance.

8. Disable call forwarding

It’s possible for WhatsApp calls to disconnect or drop if call forwarding is enabled on your device.

Call forwarding should be disabled before making another attempt.

9. Switch to Wi-Fi calling

Try switching to Wi-Fi calling if you have call drops while using cellular data.

You can avoid call drops and increase the stability of your internet connection by doing this.

10. Reset network settings

Your internet connection may be the source of call drops on WhatsApp; resetting your network settings can help. 

You can reset network settings by going to Settings > General Management > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

11. Restart your device

Sometimes, a simple restart can fix issues with your device, including call drops on WhatsApp. Restart your device and try making a call again.

12. Reinstall WhatsApp

If none of the above solutions work, try reinstalling WhatsApp.

This will reset the app to its default settings and may fix any issues causing call drops.

13. Contact WhatsApp Support

Contact WhatsApp support if you’ve tried all of the fixes mentioned above but still have call drops on the app.

They might be able to offer more detailed troubleshooting instructions or refer the problem to their technical team.


13 Ways to FIX WhatsApp Calls Disconnect & Dropping Problems Read More »

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9 Ways to Receive SMS Verification Code From Virtual Numbers

A virtual number is an actual phone number without a physical SIM card. It is commonly installed as a desktop application and as a mobile app.

Virtual mobile numbers can be used for sending & receiving SMS text messages and making local & international calls.

Besides using virtual numbers for receiving SMS OTP codes, they can act as a secondary phone number (without a physical SIM) and can be used for other means, e.g., business, travel, online dating, etc.

Virtual numbers are commonly used to register for online services like WhatsApp, Telegram, or other chat apps.

Here’s a quick summary of the most suitable apps based on your needs and preferences.

Best (FREE)Best (PAID)
OnlineSIM
(Free to try)
Hushed
(Most affordable)
Quackr.io
(Free)
Numero
(Most number of countries to choose from)

Note that free virtual numbers are always used quickly whenever they are listed online for social media sites and email registration purposes.

Always consider getting a paid virtual number if you want a fresh unused one. These temporary numbers are affordable, and you can always extend their validity whenever possible.

How to Get Virtual Phone Numbers for Receiving SMS Verification Codes?

Here are the nine (9) ways to do so.


1. Hushed

hushed-virtual-mobile-temporary-number-receive-sms-verification-otp-code

Hushed is one of those apps that you can use to buy a prepaid mobile number online.

You can receive SMS verification codes (OTP), make calls, have custom voicemail greetings, call forwarding, and many other features.

You can get a single mobile number for as low as $1.99 for a limited number of days (e.g., 7 days)

  • Install the Hushed app on your mobile phone.
  • Choose the country of the mobile number you want, e.g, from Canada or the U.K.
  • Every purchased mobile number is renewable before the expiry date.
  • Payment methods include in-app purchases through PlayStore and AppStore, Bitcoin, and credit cards through the Hushed app portal.

2. Numero

numero-virtual-mobile-number-secondary-app

Numero eSIM acts as a secondary mobile number for users to make cheap calls with the ability to send and receive SMS messages. In addition, you can use it to get SMS verification codes.

Users receive free calls anywhere when using Numero eSIM. This only applies to incoming calls.

You can make local and international calls at almost local rates.

You can choose virtual numbers from over 80+ countries and over 4000+ cities.

  • Make calls and receive SMS messages.
  • International WiFi calling at local rates with Local calling plans.
  • Voicemail and Call forwarding features
  • Privacy Caller-ID (hide your number) for local and international calls

3. Talkroute

talkroute_virtual-number-receive-sms-verification-code

Talkroute is a virtual phone system suitable for businesses and individuals who are always on the move.

Users can work using their desktop computers, web browsers, and mobile devices to make & receive calls, manage SMS texts, and respond to voicemail messages.

Talkroute has a detailed history reporting feature that retrieves call data with various options (e.g., sort by a caller or specific mailbox).

  • Local, toll-free, 800, and vanity phone numbers
  • Hosting video meetings with video conferencing with up to 100 participants
  • Unlimited 3 or 4-digit direct dial extensions
  • Custom greetings and call recordings

4. TextMagic

textmagic-virtual-number-receive-sms-verification-otp

TextMagic is an SMS text messaging marketing campaign software that packs several features, including the ability to send and receive SMS text messages online using its two-way chat features.

You can use that to receive SMS verification OTP codes for web services, such as registering for Gmail and signing up for social media sites.

One helpful feature is enabling users a quick and cost-effective way to send bulk (mass) messages anywhere in the world.

TextMagic has global SMS coverage with access to over 1,000 mobile networks across 190+ countries. With that, you can safely receive SMS messages from any country worldwide.

  • Choose virtual numbers from over 25+ countries for promotional campaigns, customer support, etc.
  • Send & receive SMS messages and MMS attachments.
  • Sub-accounts for team members with reporting and analytics features

5. OnlineSIM

onlinesim-virtual-number-receive-sms-verification-code-otp

OnlineSIM is an online phone service that provides free virtual mobile numbers for users so they can have private registration on various sites, services, and platforms.

These online numbers are on short and long-term virtual number renting models.

The company has access to virtual numbers from over 90+ countries and more than 1 million numbers.

You can rent a number for as short as ten (10) minutes to an hour. In addition, you can extend the number’s validity or cancel it anytime.

You can use OnlineSIM to receive SMS verification codes by signing up for services such as Gmail, Facebook, Whatsapp, and many others.


6. Quackr.io

Quackr is entirely free to use, with no signups required.

You can use Quackr as a secure temporary phone number instead of using your actual phone number on the Internet.

You can send & receive SMS text messages from the U.S., U.K., and 22 other countries using your virtual phone number.

The site updates and adds new temporary phone numbers every month.

You can use these temporary virtual numbers for setting up accounts on Facebook, WhatsApp, PayPal, Uber, Tencent, cryptocurrency exchanges & many more.


7. SMSReceiveFree.com

SMSReceiveFree can get SMS text messages from all over the world. In addition, these virtual numbers can be used to verify and register for websites like Twitter and Google.

All messages and phone numbers are thrown away after seven (7) days.

Every month, new virtual phone numbers are added to the list.

Even if the sender is located in a different nation, these virtual mobile numbers can still receive messages from anywhere in the world.


8. Anonymsms.com

AnonymSMS is a completely free online service that lets you receive SMS messages without entering your mobile or cell phone number.

These temporary numbers are based on a genuine SIM, and new virtual numbers are added daily.

In most cases, communications are received immediately. Hit the refresh button to get to it. After a while, all visible and utilized virtual numbers will become inactive, and you can choose another number to use.


9. TemporaryPhoneNumber

TemporaryPhoneNumber is a free service that allows you to use its virtual temporary phone numbers to receive SMS text messages anonymously online from anywhere in the world, regardless of your location. 

TemporaryPhoneNumber is free to use without needing to pay any fees, and no need for user registration.

Incoming SMS messages are automatically refreshed on the page between 5 seconds to 60 seconds intervals.


9 Ways to Receive SMS Verification Code From Virtual Numbers Read More »

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3 Ways to Bypass WhatsApp SMS Verification Code [Without SIM]

When registering for WhatsApp, you will be asked to provide a mandatory mobile number for account activation.

WhatsApp will send you a one-time password (OTP) via SMS text message to verify yourself.

Each WhatsApp account is tied to your unique mobile number during registration.

Sometimes you do not wish to use your personal mobile number, for example, to have privacy and to separate personal matters from work matters.

This article will focus on how to activate and bypass WhatsApp phone number restrictions without using your personal mobile number.

How to Register WhatsApp Without Using Your Personal Phone Number?

Here are the three (3) ways to do so.


Method 1. Use Voicemail

whatsapp-call-me-option-bypass-phone-verification

During registration, you provide WhatsApp with a virtual mobile number from Talkroute.

When asked to verify and enter the 6-digit SMS verification code, please select the option <Call me>.

WhatsApp will attempt to call you on the Talkroute number you provided.

You can either;

  • Pick up the phone call and listen to the verification code or,
  • WhatsApp’s automated system will leave you a voicemail with your code on it after the 5-minute countdown.

Talkroute is a virtual phone system suitable for businesses and individuals who are always on the move.

Users can work using their desktop computers, web browsers, and mobile devices to make & receive calls, manage SMS texts, and respond to voicemail messages.

Alternatively, if you can use a landline number or use a payphone if you know the number, you can provide that to WhatsApp and choose the <Call me> option to listen to the verification code.


Method 2: Use a Virtual Phone Number

You will be getting a virtual mobile number to register and activate WhatsApp.

You must install a secondary phone app on your mobile device and choose your temporary number from the available countries.

Here are some of the reliable virtual number apps you can consider;

Hushed

You can use Hushed to receive SMS verification codes (OTP), make calls, have custom voicemail greetings, call forwarding, and many other features.

You can get a single mobile number for as low as $1.99 for a limited number of days (e.g., 7 days)

  • Install the Hushed app on your mobile phone.
  • Choose the country of the mobile number you want, e.g., from Canada or the U.K.
  • Every purchased mobile number is renewable before the expiry date.

Numero eSIM

Numero eSIM acts as a secondary mobile number for users to make cheap calls with the ability to send and receive SMS messages. In addition, you can use it to get SMS verification codes for WhatsApp.

Users receive free incoming calls anywhere when using Numero eSIM.

You can choose virtual numbers from over 80+ countries and over 4000+ cities.

  • Make calls and receive SMS messages.
  • International WiFi calling at local rates with Local calling plans.
  • Voicemail and Call forwarding features
  • Privacy Caller-ID (hide your number) for local and international calls

Method 3: Receive SMS Code Online

receive-sms-online-services

Some websites offer ready-made virtual phone numbers so users can receive SMS messages and OTP codes by simply visiting their websites.

Below are some trusted websites where you can receive SMS messages and OTPs.

Please note that mobile numbers on free sites usually run out quickly, and these sites do not offer new numbers frequently.

A more reliable method is to use a paid service. For example, TextMagic and OnlineSIM provide a dedicated virtual phone number for your SMS needs. 

Keep in mind that WhatsApp may ask its users to verify their mobile numbers from time to time. As a result, consider renewing these virtual numbers if you intend to use the Whatsapp account for the long term.


3 Ways to Bypass WhatsApp SMS Verification Code [Without SIM] Read More »

Recover-Deleted-Chat-Messages-From-Signal-App

5 Ways to Retrieve Deleted Chat Messages From Signal App

Users who value online privacy increasingly use Signal, a safe and private messaging app.

However, you might wonder if there is a way to recover important messages if you unintentionally deleted them from the app.

Using a third-party tool or restoring a backup are some techniques that could be used to recover deleted messages.

We’ll look at a few techniques in this article that you can use to get back deleted messages from the Signal app.

Can Deleted Signal Messages Be Recovered?

Here are the five (5) ways to retrieve deleted signal messages.


Method 1. Signal Chat backups

If you had previously enabled chat backups in Signal, you could restore a backup containing your old Signal conversations.

To check if you have enabled Signal chat backups;

  • Open the Signal app
  • Go to <Settings> and click <Chats>
  • Ensure you see <Enabled> under the <Chat backups> option.

To restore your old Signal conversation;

  • Install a new copy of Signal
  • Select <Restore from backup> during installation.
  • Point to the local chat backup file to restore.

The backup file is a BIN file with a filename format like this “signal-yyyy-mm-dd-hh-mm-ss.backup”.


Method 2. The Person You are Chatting With

Sometimes the fastest way is to approach the person/s you are communicating with to ask if they can re-send the file (image or video) or even the entire message to you.

If this is a Group or Channel, plenty of people can assist you in forwarding the lost message, image, or video you wanted.

Unless you intend to do this discreetly, this method is the most straightforward solution.


Method 3. Linked Devices

Signal has a feature called “linked devices.” It refers to extra devices connected to a user’s Signal account and can access messages and other account data.

This is very useful for users who want to access their Signal account on several devices, such as smartphones and tablets.

To recover deleted messages, you can use this feature to see all messages and transfer them between devices without losing their chat history or other account information.


Method 4. Use of Data Recovery Tools on SD Card

This method only works for Android devices.

If your signal messages, images, and videos are stored on an external microSD card, retrieving them back using third-party data recovery software such as Recuva is possible.

For iOS devices, you can consider using Stellar iPhone Data Recovery and iMyFone D-Back for iOS.

For Android devices, you can use EaseUS MobiSaver for Android and TenorShare for Android.


Method 5. Use of Forensic Tools on Phone

If you can afford or have access to mobile forensics software tools, this method is the best for you.

It would be best if you considered the following tools;

These companies invested heavily in the research & development (R&D) of gaining access to modern-day phones, developing support for thousands of mobile apps, recovering lost messages and files, and displaying them nicely in an intuitive interface for their users.


5 Ways to Retrieve Deleted Chat Messages From Signal App Read More »

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5 Ways to FIX “Proxy Server Refused Connection” in Android

When using the Tails OS or the Tor web browser on your Android mobile device, you encounter an error message saying “Proxy Server Refused Connection“.

There are several ways to troubleshoot, rectify and fix this problem.

Although your Android device is unlikely to be configured for any proxy server, this error is a common one that many will encounter.

How to FIX the “Proxy Server Refused Connection” error when using the Tor browser on Android

Here are the seven (7) ways you can use to solve this problem.


1. Configure Tor Bridges

Make sure you are using the obfs4 bridge for your Tor browser.

Follow the steps below;

  • Open the Tor browser from your phone
  • Go to <Settings> on the top-right
  • Select <Config Bridge>
  • Toggle ON <Use a Bridge>
  • Select <obfs4>
  • Check again if the Tor browser is connected now
tor-web-browser-android-config-bridge-obfs4

2. Check VPN and DNS

Disable any VPN services (e.g. NordVPN, ExpressVPN) if you are running one. This is because a VPN may cause a conflict with the Tor browser at times, although they can both co-exist together.

On a mobile phone, go to <Settings>, choose <Connections>, <More connection settings> and select <Private DNS>. Make sure that your private DNS is set to <AUTOMATIC>. Re-start the Tor browser and check if it establishes a connection.


3. Disable Antivirus / Security app

Sometimes your antivirus or security app may interfere with the Tor web browser.

Try to disable the antivirus program and restart Tor to see if this is causing the problem.


4. Keep the original Tor folder

Do not move the original Tor folder directory to another directory. Doing so can cause the Tor browser to stop unexpectedly and encounter this error message, which the browser cannot connect to itself.

Move the Tor folder back to its position and try connecting the Tor web browser again.


5. Update Tor Browser to the latest version

Make sure that you are downloading and using the official Tor browser. You can get the apk files through the official Tor Project website or install the browser directly through the official Play Store page.


Summary

Always do the primary troubleshooting method of restarting your device and opening the Tor browser again.

If this does not work, you can always re-install the Tor browser and try again.

Using Tor is a slow connection to access the Internet or the dark web. If you are using a VPN service as an extra layer of security protection, expect a very slow connection speed.

This slow speed can sometimes cause connection problems. Try disabling VPN and other antivirus & security applications.


5 Ways to FIX “Proxy Server Refused Connection” in Android Read More »

WhatsApp-hidden-invisible-profile-name-empty-blank

3 Ways to Have an Invisible Name on WhatsApp [& Other Sites]

With more than 2 billion users worldwide, Whatsapp is currently the most commonly-used communication app.

Many people have asked if it is possible to have their profile name on WhatsApp (and on other apps) blank.

Yes, it is possible to leave your profile name as an empty blank field.

You can use the different methods stated here on other social media apps and platforms as well, e.g., on Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Telegram, Signal, Discord, etc.

The idea of having an invisible, empty name can be an ideal way of maintaining privacy online.

The effect of having an invisible profile name is done through creative ways of using invisible characters, symbols, and letters.

Who Can See Your WhatsApp Profile Name?

When your number is not saved on someone’s phone, and they start to message you on WhatsApp, they can see your Profile Name.

Once they have saved your number and named you in their phone contact, they will no longer see your original profile name.

How to Change Your WhatsApp Profile Name?

  • Open Whatsapp and click on the menu button (three dots on the top-right)
  • Click <Settings>
  • Click on your Profile image
  • Under the Name section, click the edit button (pencil icon) to change your profile name.

How to Hide and have an Empty Blank Profile Name on WhatsApp?

Here are the three (3) different methods to do so.


Method 1: Use an Invisible Character

Invisible characters are Unicode characters used to create spaces or line breaks between sentences or pages.

These characters behave exactly like normal characters, except they are invisible.

We can use invisible characters to hide and create an illusion of an empty blank name in a Whatsapp profile.

Go to the Invisible Characters webpage and click <Copy> next to the <U+00AD soft Hyphen>.

copy-invisible-characters-whatsapp-empty-blank-name

Paste it on your Whatsapp name and click <Save>.

You now have an empty blank name in your WhatsApp profile.


Method 2: Use an Invisible Symbol

whatsapp-profile-name-invisible-symbol-comma

Copy the two (2) invisible symbols below and paste them on your WhatsApp profile name.

⇨ ຸ

Next, remove the arrow symbol.

You will now see only the comma symbol left. It will be invisible once you saved it.

Now, click <Save>.

Your WhatsApp profile name is hidden and looks empty and blank now.


Method 3: Use an English Braille Letter

This method will use a 6-dot braille cell pattern, also known as a blank Braille pattern.

The Unicode code point represents this letter U+2800.

Copy and paste the 6-dot braille pattern below onto your WhatsApp profile name.

Click <Save>, and your profile name will be hidden and will look like a blank and empty Profile name.


3 Ways to Have an Invisible Name on WhatsApp [& Other Sites] Read More »

percent-dollar-sign-command-prompt-mac-terminal

Why does the Mac Terminal Show the % sign instead of $ sign?

When using the Mac Terminal app, you will notice two (2) different starting command prompts, namely;

  • the dollar ($) sign
  • the Percent (%) sign

What is the difference between the Percent (%) and Dollar ($) signs?

Both signs have different meanings and usage when used.

Dollar ($) sign command prompt

For macOS Mojave (2018) and earlier, Mac uses the Bash shell and has the dollar ($) sign command prompt.

It means that the Terminal is awaiting commands from the user.

Some examples of bash commands are;

cd Desktop

This means navigating to the Desktop folder of your Mac system.

ls -l

This means performing a listing of all the files in a particular directory. As a result, you will see all the files in a long-list format.

Percent (%) sign command prompt

With macOS Catalina in 2019, Apple uses Zsh as the default login and interactive shell.

Zsh is a command-line interpreter and Unix shell that can be used as a substitution for the Bash shell on many Unix-based systems, including macOS.

Some of the main features of Zsh are;

  • Spelling corrections
  • Improved tab completion for filenames and options
  • Customizable prompt system themes

Why is Mac Terminal using the Percent (%) sign command prompt?

Depending on your situation and your Mac version, there are two (2) reasons why this is so.

  • You are using macOS Catalina (2019) & above, and Zsh is the default login and interactive shell.
  • You had previously installed Zsh on your Mac computer, and the percent (%) sign is the default command prompt for the Zsh shell.

How can the Percent (%) sign be changed back to the Dollar ($) sign command prompt?

zsh-shell-command-prompt-dollar-sign

You can open the Mac Terminal and type the command below, to return back to the Bash shell and see the dollar ($) sign as the default command prompt:

chsh -s /bin/bash

Then, exit the Terminal and restart it again to take effect.

You will notice that the Dollar ($) sign command prompt is back now.


Why does the Mac Terminal Show the % sign instead of $ sign? Read More »

7 Ways to Block WhatsApp Notifications during Do Not Disturb

There are times when Do Not Disturb (DND) mode is enabled, yet WhatsApp calls and notifications can still come through.

WhatsApp voice and video calls seem to be able to unblock themselves and bypass DND restrictions.

This is a common problem faced by both iPhone and Android devices.

This article will focus on preventing WhatsApp calls from ringing when DND mode is enabled and how you can troubleshoot it using different troubleshooting methods.

How to FIX and Mute Whatsapp Notifications When Do Not Disturb is Enabled

Here are the seven (7) ways to do so.


Method 1. Set Focus Mode

You can set a focus mode on Android if you need time to focus and do not want any distractions. In this way, you can pause distracting apps and hide their notifications.

You can use it on WhatsApp notifications when the Do Not Disturb mode is not working.

On your Android phone, go to Settings > search for “focus mode” and click on it.

Add <WhatsApp> as one of the distracting apps and click <Turn On Now>

From now on, WhatsApp notifications will be hidden.


Method 2. Disable Android Notifications on WhatsApp

Make sure WhatsApp is not permitted any call notifications.

On your Android phone, go to Settings > Apps & notifications > select WhatsApp > select Notifications.

Disable <Call notifications>.


Method 3. Check DND Settings

Ensure that your Do Not Disturb (DND) Settings are correctly configured by following the steps below;

  • Go to Android Settings > search for “Do Not Disturb” and click on it.
  • Select Exceptions > People
  • Choose <None> for Conversations, Calls, and Messages
  • Go back to Exceptions > Apps and make sure WhatsApp is NOT allowed to interrupt
  • Go back to Exceptions > Alarms & other interruptions > and disable all options.

The important option here is disabling media sounds.


Method 4. Disable WhatsApp Conversation tones

This is a quick way to make sure Whatsapp does not play any sound tones for incoming and outgoing messages.

Go to WhatApp > Settings > Notifications.

Disable <Conversation tones>.


Method 5. Check if Contact is added to your Favorite list

If the Contact is inside your phone’s favorite contact list, they can bypass certain DND restrictions, e.g., ringing when using WhatsApp voice call.

You should remove these contacts from your favorite list.

Go to your phone dialer, select <Favourites>, and remove the Contact (if not all of them) from your list.


Method 6. Reset App Preferences

Sometimes the only way is to give your phone and WhatsApp a fresh restart.

You can try to reset app preferences, such as disabling app notifications, default apps for action, etc.

You will not lose any app data, as this only applies to app settings.

  • Go to Android Settings > System > Reset Options.
  • Choose <Reset app preferences> and confirm using <Reset apps>.

Method 7. Clear Whatsapp Cache

Clearing the WhatsApp cache may allow the app to refresh itself from previous configurations.

  • Go to Android Settings > Apps & notifications > select WhatsApp > click Storage & cache
  • Choose <Clear cache>.

Finally, as a last resort, you may want to consider re-installing WhatsApp again.

Your data will not be deleted as your phone has local storage of all chat messages. This applies to both iPhone and Android devices.


7 Ways to Block WhatsApp Notifications during Do Not Disturb Read More »