Xiaomi has just given a global launch to two of its latest flagship phones, the Xiaomi 17 and 17 Ultra, along with a Leica-branded Leitzphone edition of the Ultra. There’s no sign, however, of the 17 Pro, which launched in China with an additional display mounted next to the rear cameras.
Technology
Six things you should absolutely do if you have an iPhone
If you own an iPhone, you might already be aware that there are tons of tricks you can do with your smartphone to make the experience smoother.
However, there may be some tricks that you don’t know about yet, and we’ve got six great things you should absolutely try with your iPhone and six things that you should avoid with your iPhone.
Let’s dive in.
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A woman on her iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Six things you should absolutely do if you have an iPhone
Tip 1 — Back up your data
Make sure to back up all of the data on your phone routinely. Use Apple’s iCloud to store important texts, photos, videos or anything else in the cloud, so it’s always there if anything happens to your iPhone.
- Open Settings on your iPhone
- Tap on your Apple ID
- Select iCloud
- Tap iCloud Backup
Ensure the “Back Up This iPhone” toggle is enabled.
Back up this iPhone toggle (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Your iPhone will now automatically back up daily when connected to power, locked and connected to Wi-Fi.
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Tip 2 — Explore the accessibility settings
Discover the power of iPhone’s accessibility features, designed to make your device more user-friendly for everyone.
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on “Accessibility.”Within the Accessibility menu, you’ll find options categorized by needs:Vision:Adjust Display and Text Size for better visibility.Enable VoiceOver to have the screen read out loud to you.Set up a Magnifier to use your iPhone as a digital magnifying glass.Mobility:Use AssistiveTouch to navigate hands-free with customizable gestures.Control other devices with your iPhone using Switch Control or Side Buttons.Hearing:Modify audio settings to balance sound output.Turn speech into text with Live Speech Set up Sound Recognition to have your iPhone notify you of certain sounds.Cognitive:Reduce distractions by limiting notifications with Guided Access. To turn on, go to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access > Toggle on Guided Access Get help with tasks using Siri Shortcuts.Enhance awareness by adjusting the UI to reduce motion or limit auto-play video previews. To turn it on, Go to Settings > Accessibility > Select Motion, then turn on Reduce Motion
- Within the Accessibility menu, you’ll find options categorized by needs:Vision:Adjust Display and Text Size for better visibility.Enable VoiceOver to have the screen read out loud to you.Set up a Magnifier to use your iPhone as a digital magnifying glass.Mobility:Use AssistiveTouch to navigate hands-free with customizable gestures.Control other devices with your iPhone using Switch Control or Side Buttons.Hearing:Modify audio settings to balance sound output.Turn speech into text with Live Speech Set up Sound Recognition to have your iPhone notify you of certain sounds.Cognitive:Reduce distractions by limiting notifications with Guided Access. To turn on, go to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access > Toggle on Guided Access Get help with tasks using Siri Shortcuts.Enhance awareness by adjusting the UI to reduce motion or limit auto-play video previews. To turn it on, Go to Settings > Accessibility > Select Motion, then turn on Reduce Motion
- Vision:Adjust Display and Text Size for better visibility.Enable VoiceOver to have the screen read out loud to you.Set up a Magnifier to use your iPhone as a digital magnifying glass.
- Adjust Display and Text Size for better visibility.
- Enable VoiceOver to have the screen read out loud to you.
- Set up a Magnifier to use your iPhone as a digital magnifying glass.
- Mobility:Use AssistiveTouch to navigate hands-free with customizable gestures.Control other devices with your iPhone using Switch Control or Side Buttons.
- Use AssistiveTouch to navigate hands-free with customizable gestures.
- Control other devices with your iPhone using Switch Control or Side Buttons.
- Hearing:Modify audio settings to balance sound output.Turn speech into text with Live Speech Set up Sound Recognition to have your iPhone notify you of certain sounds.
- Modify audio settings to balance sound output.
- Turn speech into text with Live Speech
- Set up Sound Recognition to have your iPhone notify you of certain sounds.
- Cognitive:Reduce distractions by limiting notifications with Guided Access. To turn on, go to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access > Toggle on Guided Access Get help with tasks using Siri Shortcuts.Enhance awareness by adjusting the UI to reduce motion or limit auto-play video previews. To turn it on, Go to Settings > Accessibility > Select Motion, then turn on Reduce Motion
- Reduce distractions by limiting notifications with Guided Access. To turn on, go to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access > Toggle on Guided Access
- Get help with tasks using Siri Shortcuts.
- Enhance awareness by adjusting the UI to reduce motion or limit auto-play video previews. To turn it on, Go to Settings > Accessibility > Select Motion, then turn on Reduce Motion
You can use Siri to quickly access these features. For example, say “Hey Siri, turn on VoiceOver” to enable the VoiceOver feature. Remember, you can always customize these settings to fit your personal needs and preferences.
Accessibility settings on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
BEST ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR PHONE
Tip 3 — Wi-Fi Calling
Learn how to make Wi-Fi calls on your iPhone during a service outage.
- Open Settings on your iPhone
- Tap Phone
- Select Wi-Fi Calling
- Toggle the switch to ON for “Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone”
- If Wi-Fi Calling is available, you’ll see “Wi-Fi” in the status bar.
Wi-Fi calling on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Service outages can happen for various reasons, but, thankfully, you can still make important phone calls from your iPhone with Wi-Fi Calling.
BEST PORTABLE PHONE CHARGERS OF 2024
Tip 4 — Download your favorite e-books for free
Did you know that if you have a library card, you can get free audiobooks and e-books for your iPhone or iPad with Libby?
- Visit the Apple App Store on your iPhone
- Search for “Libby” and download the app.
- Open Libby and sign in using your library card.
Make sure you get a library card from your local library and enjoy free access to your favorite titles. Check out the free digital perks you may be missing out on by not having a library card.
Libby app (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Tip 5 — Learn how you can use your iPhone to sign documents digitally
For most documents in every U.S. state, your digital signature is as legally binding as a physical signature. Apple makes it easy to sign PDFs with a digital signature, allowing you to sign with just your finger and the touchscreen.
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- Open the document that you need to sign. This can typically be done within the Mail or Files app.
- Tap the Markup icon (which looks like a pen tip).
- Tap the “+” button, usually located at the bottom of the screen.
- Select “Signature” from the menu.
- Use your finger to draw your signature on the screen.
- Once you’ve created your signature, tap “Done.”
- You can then drag the signature to position it wherever you need it on the document.
- Tap “Done” again to save the changes to the document.
Sign documents digitally on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
This method is commonly used for signing PDFs and other documents directly on your iPhone, and it’s a feature that’s been praised for its convenience and ease of use. Remember, the exact steps can vary slightly depending on the version of iOS you’re using and the app in which you’re viewing the document. Always make sure your device is updated to the latest version to access the most current features.
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Tip 6 — Turn your iPhone into a countdown timer
Got a big event coming up? Did you know you can turn your iPhone into a countdown timer for any event, no matter how close or how far away it is? No matter the event, you can use your iPhone to make it feel more exciting and special with a special countdown!
Adding the Timer to the Control Center on iPhone:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on Control Center.
- Scroll down to find the Timer option.
- Tap the plus button (+) next to “Timer” to add it to the Control Center.
Accessing the Timer from the Control Center:
- For iPhones with Face ID:Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to access the Control Center.
- Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to access the Control Center.
- For older iPhones with a Home button:Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the Control Center.
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the Control Center.
Using the Timer:
- Once you’ve opened the Control Center, tap on the Timer icon. The Timer icon resembles a clock face with a circular arrow indicating the passage of time
- Tap “Start” to begin the countdown on the Timer.
Countdown timer on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
- This timer will continue to run in the background even if you navigate away from the Control Center screen.
PROTECT YOUR PERSONAL DATA NOW
Six things you should absolutely avoid if you have an iPhone
Tip 1 — Don’t connect your iPhone to public Wi-Fi networks
This is an easy way to fall victim to hackers and scammers. Instead, if you are out in public and need Wi-Fi, you can use your iPhone to create your own private hotspot. Creating a hotspot is easy, to create one:
- Open the Settings on your iPhone
- Tap Cellular (or Personal Hotspot, depending on your iOS version)
- Toggle the switch next to “Allow Others to Join” to ON
If it’s your first time using the hotspot feature, a popup will appear with the network name and password. By default, the network name will be the same as the name of your iPhone. To ensure privacy, type in a new Wi-Fi password and select WPA2 security protocol for encryption.
A person on an iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Tip 2 — Avoid clicking on links you don’t trust
Never click on links you do not absolutely trust. Don’t think that your iPhone is a fully safe device. While iPhones are more secure than other devices, getting some third-party good antivirus protection for your iPhone is still a good idea. The best way to protect yourself from clicking malicious links that install malware that may get access to your private information is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. This can also alert you of any phishing emails or ransomware scams.
Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
Tip 3 — If your iPhone gets wet, don’t use rice to dry it out
While rice is a common age-old trick to getting wet electronics dried, Apple has recently warned users that rice could damage the internals of its iPhones. Instead, you should:
- Lightly tap the iPhone against your iPhone with the charging connector pointed down. This should pull some water out
- Wait for 30 minutes, then try to charge your iPhone
- If liquid is detected in the charging port, leave your iPhone in a dry area for 24 hours.
- Retest the charging connector after 24 hours.
Remember that all iPhone models since the iPhone 12 are able to withstand a bit of water safely.
X over iPhone in a bowl of rice (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Tip 4 — Don’t let robocalls jack your phone line and sell your personal data
There are a few different steps you can take to stop robocalls from bothering you on your iPhone. The easiest way is to silence unknown callers:
- Open Settings on your iPhone
- Scroll down and tap “Phone”
- Tap “Silence Unknown Callers”
- Then, toggle ON Silence Unknown Callers.
This will silence calls from numbers not in your contacts list, automatically sending them to voicemall. Calls from known contacts will continue to come through normally. Check out more tips on how to get rid of robocalls with apps and data removal services here.
Please note: While this feature can significantly reduce interruptions from unknown numbers, it may also inadvertently block important calls from numbers you haven’t saved, such as calls from medical offices, schools or businesses trying to reach you for the first time. Also, remember to save new contacts to your phone to avoid missing important calls and to check your voicemail periodically for any messages left by silenced callers.
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Tip 5 — Don’t forget to shield your iPhone: Turn on stolen device protection now
This security measure adds an extra layer of defense, ensuring that your personal information remains safe even if your device falls into the wrong hands. To activate Stolen Device Protection, follow these steps:
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Go to Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode for iPhones with a Home button).
- When prompted, enter your passcode.
- Scroll to find Stolen Device Protection.
- Toggle the switch to ON for Stolen Device Protection.
By turning this feature on, you’re fortifying your device with additional security requirements when it’s away from familiar locations like home or work. It’s a smart move to keep your iPhone and the sensitive data it holds secure.”
Tip 6 — Don’t fall for phone number spoofing
Don’t fall for phone number spoofing. Scammers can use spoofed phone numbers to text you, hoping that you will click a fake link and enter your personal details. Trust your instincts when something feels off about a text message, even from someone you know, there’s a good chance something is off.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Start implementing these tips today, and discover the additional ways you can easily enhance your iOS experience. Remember to always value your privacy when using your iPhone. iPhones have a tendency to be regarded as the safest phone, and while this is true, you still should always practice the best security habits when online.
What’s the most unexpected way you’ve used an iPhone feature to solve a problem or enhance your day? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter
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Polymarket has been allowing people to bet on when the US would strike Iran next. Obviously, now that it’s actually happened and people have died, the prediction betting market is feeling some pressure. The site has been at the center of controversy before, including suspicions of insider trading on the Super Bowl halftime show and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
In a statement posted on its site, Polymarket defended its decision to allow betting on the potential start of a war, saying that it was an “invaluable” source of news and answers, before taking shots at traditional media and Elon Musk’s X. The statement reads:
…
Read the full story at The Verge.
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Google has officially discontinued its Dark Web Report feature, a free tool that once scanned known dark web breach dumps for personal information tied to a user’s Google account. The service delivered notifications when email addresses and other identifiers appeared in leaked datasets.
According to Google’s support page, the system ceased scanning for new dark web data Jan. 15, 2026, and the reporting function was removed entirely on Feb. 16, 2026, meaning users can no longer access the feature.
The company said the decision reflects a shift toward security tools it believes provide clearer guidance after exposure, rather than standalone scan alerts.
If you previously relied on the free dark web scan as an early warning signal for leaked data, this change removes one of your sources.
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Google officially ended its Dark Web Report tool, removing free breach alerts tied to user accounts. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
So what did users really lose?
Google’s Dark Web Report acted as a basic exposure scanner. It checked whether personal information linked to a Google account had surfaced in known breach collections circulating on the dark web.
When a match is found, users receive a notification identifying which type of data appeared in a leak. Depending on the data breach, that could include an email address, phone number, date of birth or other identifying details commonly harvested during large-scale hacks.
The report did not display stolen credentials or provide access to the leaked database itself. It also did not trace the origin of the compromise beyond referencing the breached service when available.
After an alert was issued, the next steps were left to the user. Google recommended actions such as changing passwords, enabling stronger authentication methods and reviewing account security settings. With the tool now removed, that automated breach check tied directly to a Google account is no longer available.
What you still have access to
Google directs users to its Security Checkup, a dashboard that scans your account for weak settings and unusual sign-in activity.
Its built-in Password Manager includes Password Checkup, which scans saved credentials against known breach databases and prompts you to change exposed passwords. Google also supports passkeys and two-factor verification to lock down account access.
The Results About You tool lets users search for personal information in Google Search and submit removal requests for certain publicly indexed details.
149 MILLION PASSWORDS EXPOSED IN MASSIVE CREDENTIAL LEAK
Without the automatic scan, users must now check for leaked data using other security tools. (iStock)
Alerts don’t always mean protection
Once personal information is compromised, it often ends up far beyond the breach itself. Stolen credentials and identity data are regularly trafficked on underground platforms where buyers can search for information tied to real people.
The BidenCash dark web marketplace was taken down by U.S. authorities in June 2025, and the Justice Department confirmed that the platform peddled stolen personal information and credit card data.
These illicit markets operate with a level of organization not unlike legitimate online stores. Search tools and bulk data sets are up for grabs and can be used to target any online account. This makes credential stuffing easier, where attackers test leaked passwords across multiple services in hopes of barreling into your account.
A breach alert tied to a dark web scan points to a leak at one moment in time; it does not follow whether that information has been sold to third parties or used in subsequent fraud attempts. For everyday users, this means that just knowing your data appeared in a leak doesn’t help much.
THINK YOUR NEW YEAR’S PRIVACY RESET WORKED? THINK AGAIN
Stolen personal information can circulate for years, making ongoing monitoring more important than a one-time alert. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Identity monitoring may be a better option
With Google’s scan gone, some people may consider dedicated identity protection services instead. Many of these services offer continuous monitoring of your personally identifiable information and send alerts about changes to your credit reports from all three major U.S. credit bureaus. That can include notifications about new inquiries, newly opened accounts and monthly credit score updates. Some plans also monitor a broader range of personal identifiers, such as driver’s license numbers, passport numbers and email addresses.
Beyond credit monitoring, certain services track linked bank, credit card and investment accounts for unusual activity. They may also monitor public records for changes to addresses or property titles and alert you if your information appears in those filings.
Many providers include identity theft insurance to help cover eligible out-of-pocket recovery costs. Coverage limits vary by plan and provider. Additional features often include spam call and message protection, a password manager, a virtual private network (VPN) and antivirus software.
No service can prevent every form of identity theft. However, ongoing monitoring and recovery support can make it easier to respond quickly if your information is misused.
See my tips and best picks on Best Identity Theft Protection at Cyberguy.com.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Google’s decision to drop its Dark Web Report may seem small. But it removes a tool many users relied on. For some, those alerts were the first warning that their data appeared in a breach. That automatic scan is now gone. Google still offers Security Checkup, Password Checkup, passkeys and two-step verification. However, none of them actively scan dark web breach dumps for you. Stolen data does not disappear. Criminals copy, sell and reuse it. One alert shows a single moment. Ongoing identity theft monitoring helps you stay aware over time.
Now that Google has dropped its dark web monitoring feature, will you actively check your data exposure or assume someone else is watching it for you? Let us know your thoughts by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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Related Article
The 17 and 17 Ultra will apparently be available soon in the UK, Europe, and select other markets. The 17 — pitched as a rival to the likes of the iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy S26 — will cost £899 / €999 (about $1,200), while the larger and more capable Ultra starts from £1,299 / €1,499 ($1,750). The limited-edition Leitzphone will be substantially more expensive at £1,699 / €1,999 ($2,300), though it includes 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, along with a few extra accessories.
The 17 is an extremely capable small-ish flagship, with a 6.3-inch OLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, and large 6,330mAh silicon-carbon battery (though sadly smaller than the 7,000mAh version launched in China). I won’t be writing a full review of the 17, but did spend a week using it as my main phone, and found that the battery cruised past the full-day mark, though wasn’t quite enough for two full days of my typical usage. That’s far better battery life than you’d find in similarly sized phones from Apple, Samsung, or Google.
The cameras impress too, with 50-megapixel sensors behind each of the four lenses, selfie included. Pound for pound, you won’t find many better camera systems in any phone this size.
1/10
The Ultra, unsurprisingly, takes things to another level. It’s much larger, with a 6.9-inch display, and weighs a hefty 218g. Despite that, the 6,000mAh is actually smaller, though I found it delivered pretty similar longevity.
The enormous camera is, as ever for Xiaomi’s Ultra phones, the highlight. There are 50-megapixel sensors for each of the main, ultrawide, and selfie cameras, with a large 1-inch-type sensor behind the primary lens. The periscope telephoto is even more impressive: 200-megapixel resolution, a large 1/1.4-inch sensor, and continuous optical zoom from 3.2x to 4.3x, the equivalent of 75-100mm. Xiaomi isn’t the first to pull off a true zoom phone — Sony’s Xperia 1 IV got there first in 2022 — but the telephoto camera here is far more capable than that phone’s, with natural bokeh and impressive performance even in low light.
The camera capabilities are supported by Xiaomi’s ongoing photography partner Leica, but it’s the pair’s Leitzphone that really emphasizes that. Slightly redesigned from the 17 Ultra Leica Edition that was released in China last December, this includes Leica branding across the hardware and software, a range of Leica filters and shooting styles, and a rotatable rear camera ring that can be used to control the zoom. It’s the first Leica Leitzphone produced by Xiaomi — after a trio of Japan-only Sharp models — and comes with additional branded accessories, including a case with a lens cap and a microfiber cleaning cloth.
Xiaomi has plenty of other announcements alongside the 17 series phones at MWC this year, including a super-slim magnetic power bank, the Pad 8 and Pad 8 Pro tablets, and a smart tag that supports both Google and Apple’s tech-tracking networks.
Photography by Dominic Preston / The Verge
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