The computer or phone is slow or freezes
For everyone: A restart is often enough: many problems disappear that way.
WindowsStart → power icon → Restart.
MacApple menu → Restart.
AndroidHold the power button (on some models together with volume up) and tap Restart.
iPhoneHold the side button and a volume button, slide to power off, then switch on again with the side button.
The internet isn't working
For everyone: Switch off the router, wait 30 seconds and switch it back on. Give it 2–3 minutes to restart.
WindowsClick the Wi-Fi icon at the bottom right: turn Wi-Fi off and on again.
MacClick the Wi-Fi icon at the top right: turn Wi-Fi off and on again.
AndroidSwipe down from the top and tap the Wi-Fi icon twice.
iPhoneSwipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Centre and tap the Wi-Fi icon twice.
A program isn't responding
WindowsPress Ctrl+Shift+Esc, select the program and choose “End task”.
MacPress Cmd+Option+Esc, select the app and choose “Force Quit”.
AndroidOpen recent apps (swipe up and pause, or the square button), then push the app up.
iPhoneSwipe up from the bottom and pause halfway, then push the app up to close it.
A web page won't update or looks wrong
WindowsPress Ctrl+F5 to reload it from scratch.
MacPress Cmd+Option+R in Safari, Cmd+Shift+R in Chrome.
AndroidIn Chrome tap the three dots at the top right, then the circular arrow.
iPhoneIn Safari, tap the circular arrow next to the address.
I deleted something by mistake
WindowsOpen the Recycle Bin, right-click the file → Restore.
MacOpen the Bin in the Dock, right-click the file → Put Back.
AndroidIn Google Photos open Collections → Bin and tap Restore: you have up to 60 days.
iPhoneIn the Photos app open “Recently Deleted” and tap Recover: you have 30 days.
The text is too small
WindowsIn the browser: Ctrl and + to zoom in, Ctrl and − to zoom out, Ctrl and 0 to go back to normal.
MacIn the browser: Cmd and + to zoom in, Cmd and − to zoom out, Cmd and 0 to go back to normal.
AndroidSettings → Display → Font size.
iPhoneSettings → Display & Brightness → Text Size.
Copy, paste and undo
WindowsCtrl+C copies, Ctrl+V pastes, Ctrl+Z undoes the last action.
MacCmd+C copies, Cmd+V pastes, Cmd+Z undoes the last action.
AndroidPress and hold on the text and choose Copy; then press and hold where you want it and choose Paste.
iPhonePress and hold on the text and choose Copy; then press and hold where you want it and choose Paste. To undo, swipe left with three fingers.
Take a screenshot to send to someone
WindowsPress Windows+Shift+S and select the part you need; then paste it with Ctrl+V.
MacPress Cmd+Shift+4 and select the part you need: the image lands on the Desktop.
AndroidPress the power button and the volume down button together.
iPhonePress the side button and the volume up button together.
Out of storage space
For everyone: Delete old videos first: they take up the most room.
WindowsSettings → System → Storage → Cleanup recommendations.
MacApple menu → System Settings → General → Storage.
AndroidSettings → Storage → Free up space; then empty the Bin in Google Photos.
iPhoneSettings → General → iPhone Storage; then empty “Recently Deleted” in the Photos app.
The printer won't print
For everyone: Switch it off and on again, then check paper, ink and connection.
WindowsSettings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners: choose the printer and look for stuck jobs.
MacSystem Settings → Printers & Scanners: check the right printer is selected.
AndroidOpen the document, tap the three dots → Print and choose the printer on the same Wi-Fi network.
iPhoneTap Share → Print: the iPhone and the printer must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
An email or text asks for passwords or bank details
For everyone: Don't click and don't reply: banks and public offices never ask for passwords or codes by email or text. If in doubt, call the official number.
Important photos
For everyone: Always keep a second copy: a failing disk gives no warning.
WindowsCopy them to a USB stick or an external drive, or use OneDrive.
MacUse Time Machine with an external drive, or iCloud Photos.
AndroidIn Google Photos tap your picture at the top right and turn on Backup, or connect the phone to the computer with the cable.
iPhoneSettings → your name → iCloud → Photos, or connect the iPhone to the computer and copy the photos.
Repair it yourself
Before throwing away a broken phone, computer or appliance, try iFixit: free step-by-step guides with photos, written by technicians and enthusiasts from all over the world.
Open iFixit →
Menu names may change slightly from one version of the system to the next and, on Android, from one phone brand to another.