phones
Is It OK to Listen to a Butt-Dial Message?
WIRED’s spiritual advice columnist explores the forgotten comfort of accidental surveillance.
By Meghan O'Gieblyn
Smartphone Cameras Might Soon Capture Polarization Data
Normal cameras can process color and light. New tech from Metalenz collects information that could help your phone better understand the world around you.
By Julian Chokkattu
The Mega-Guide to Fixing Your Own iPhone
Battery not holding a charge? Wi-Fi woes? We break down ways to solve almost any issue you can think of.
By Simon Hill
How to Reboot Your Gadgets and How Often to Do It
Your IT department is right. Turning your electronics off and on again is so helpful that you might want to schedule regular reboots.
By Simon Hill
The Best Cheap Phones for Almost Every Budget
There’s little reason to pay top dollar for a phone these days. These are our favorite Android devices and iPhones from $200 to $500.
By Julian Chokkattu
Distance Wireless Charging Made a Minor Comeback at CES 2022
The potential of truly wire-free power is exciting, but tangible products remain elusive.
By Simon Hill
The End of BlackBerry Phones Is Finally, Truly Here
The company is pulling support for its devices, meaning that at some point they will no longer be able to connect to cellular networks.
By John Timmer, Ars Technica
Is 5G Available for You? Here's How to Find Out
Before you jump on that new iPhone or Google Pixel, maybe make sure 5G is worthwhile or even offered where you live.
By Eric Ravenscraft
How to Set Up Your New Android Phone
Your shiny new gadget will be up and ready in no time with these handy tips.
By Simon Hill and Gear Team
How to Set Up Your New iPhone
Welcome to your new iPhone. Here's how to get the most out of it right out of the box.
By Simon Hill and Brian Barrett
The Best iPhone 13 Deals—and Which Model to Pick
Get those Apple Wallets ready. From the Mini to the Pro Max, we break down all your options.
By Brenda Stolyar
Why You Should Care About Oppo's China-Only Foldable Phone
The new Find N Phone suggests a major future role for OnePlus, the Westerner-friendly face of Oppo.
By Andrew Williams
Smartphones Are a New Tax on the Poor
The expectation of connectivity now extends to low-wage workers—and the consequences go far beyond gig economy jobs.
By Julia Ticona
The Best Mobile Controllers for Gaming on the Go
Touchscreens just don't suit some games. Try one of these WIRED-tested smartphone controllers for your iPhone or Android instead.
By Simon Hill and Louryn Strampe
The Best Touchscreen Gloves to Get You Through the Winter
We braved the cold to find gloves that keep your hands warm and let you use a smartphone at the same time.
By Simon Hill
Which Google Pixel Phone (and Gear) Should You Buy?
Here’s a guide to all the models—plus case recommendations and hidden software tricks to try.
By Julian Chokkattu
Your Very First Fisher-Price Phone Now Works With Bluetooth
It is both silly and absolutely wonderful to call friends and family on a plastic childhood toy.
By Medea Giordano
How to Use Your Smartphone as a Hot Spot
Learn how to use tethering to turn your phone into a Wi-Fi hub for other devices to connect to.
By Simon Hill
51 Best Cyber Monday Deals on Phones, Tablets, and Smartwatches
Come for the discounts on MagSafe cases, Apple Watches, Google Pixels, and wireless chargers. Stay for that shiny "Add to cart" feeling.
By Brenda Stolyar and Gear Team
44 Best Black Friday Deals on Phones, Tablets, and Smartwatches
Come for the discounts on Google Pixels, Fire HD tablets, Apple Watches, iPhone 13 cases, and wireless chargers. Stay for that shiny "Add to cart" feeling.
By Brenda Stolyar and Gear Team
The Best Deals and Cases for Every Galaxy S21
We break down the differences between Samsung’s three Galaxy phones—and our favorite accessories and discounts.
By Julian Chokkattu
3G Service Is Going Away Next Year. Here's What That Means
As companies shut down their aging 3G equipment to make room for 5G networks, older devices like phones, alarm systems, and wearables will lose functionality.
By Boone Ashworth
Apple Finally Makes It Easier to Repair Your Own iPhone
In an unexpected right to repair win, the company will make manuals and tools publicly available for a number of its most popular devices.
By Brian Barrett
The Problem With Motorola Phones
The smartphone maker ranks No. 3 in the US, but its software update strategy is one of the worst in the industry. And that's not all.
By Julian Chokkattu