YouTube is free to use, but you can upgrade to a premium subscription to eliminate ads and download videos to play offline. A premium subscription lets you play videos and music in the background while using other apps or even when your screen is off. We'll show you how to do this without signing up for anything.

Have an Amazon Echo at home? With Drop In, you can pop in on your speaker or one owned by a friend or family member who gives you access. It’s an excellent way to say hello without picking up the phone.

To enable Drop In:

• Open the Alexa app and tap Devices.
• Select Echo & Alexa, then select the device you want to use.
• Tap the settings icon in the top right corner, then choose Communications.
• Tap the toggle to enable Drop In and other communications.
• Tap Drop In to customize who can Drop In. You can select My Household to limit this to only devices on your account.

You can now use the Alexa app to pop into your Echo devices. In the app, tap Communicate at the bottom of the screen, then Drop In. Choose the device you want from the list.

🔈 Want more Echo tricks? Here are four other smart uses.

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Muddy paws, torn papers and pee puddles are some of the worst cleaning problems pet owners face daily. Use these simple life hacks to make cleaning up after your dog easier. These easy tricks will keep your home shiny — no matter how dirty your pup is!

The internet is full of junk. We find the good stuff for you, from helpful tools to get stuff done to the best apps and websites out there.

Does your printer have enough ink for another year of work reports, tax forms and homework? If you print a lot or wish you could print a lot without worrying about ink, it’s important to have the right printer.

Epson is changing the game with its cartridge-free EcoTank printers that have supersized easy-to-fill ink tanks and come with a ridiculous amount of ink — enough to print thousands of pages! EcoTank makes it easy, so make the switch today.

There are all kinds of hidden Easter eggs in your phone, from small but useful features to entire apps you'll never see on your home screen. I'll reveal the best hidden apps in your iPhone or Android, starting with one I use all the time: The secret magnifying glass that helps you read the smallest type without pulling out glasses.

Your phone is an investment, and there's a lot you can do to ensure yours lasts for years to come. In my latest column, I'll walk you through the best way to give your smartphone a clean-up inside and out.

Over on my Instagram page, I share photos of my life. I keep my profile private, but I'll add you!

Who doesn't love a good concert? The blaring music, the beautiful lights and the singing crowd. But the process of getting the band set up, the stage ready and the venue prepared is incredibly complicated. Dozens of hours go into getting a show ready. If a band is big enough, they have a well-oiled machine to get it done.