Hey, it’s Wednesday's fill of tech tricks and how-tos! This is not the same as my free morning edition, which is loaded with the latest tech news, data breaches and trends. If you’re not getting that, sign up here while you’re thinking about it.

⌛ Quick security tip: Do you toss files into the recycle bin and think they're gone for good? Nope, those sneaky files can make a comeback using special software. If you want files truly gone, you have to overwrite them using specialized software like Eraser. Now, you know the truth! — Kim

Ever received a text message from a number you don’t recognize? I get a lot of texts from unfamiliar numbers. Instead of replying, “Ahem, who dis?” there's a hack you’re going to use time and time again.

TikTokker Liz Perez put it on her channel and it blew up. If you get a text from an unknown number, mobile payment apps like Venmo, CashApp, Zelle or PayPal can help you put a name to that number.

• Copy and paste the number into the app and the mystery sender’s name might just be unveiled. 

I tested this on a phone number belonging to someone I knew had a Venmo account. Their name popped right up.

Now, this hack only works if you have an account with one of those mobile payment apps, and the sender has to use their real name and number in the app, too. But hey, it's better than shooting in the dark, right?

And, of course, there’s the flip side. Be sure to disable your mobile payment app from sharing your name and phone number with other people. The steps vary per app. For example, in Venmo, open Settings, Friends and Social and toggle off Phone contacts.

What about blocked numbers?

Dialing *67 conceals your number from someone you call. There are similar numbers you can dial to respond to mystery callers.

The first is *69, which traces the number of the last person who called you. It works even for anonymous or hidden calls, so you can get the phone number and exact time they called. Once you have that number, you can block it on your phone so they can't call you anymore.

✅ There are more codes and secrets you can use to hunt down who called. Sorry, no room to list them all here, so head to my website.

Router hacker warning: Security flaws allow anyone with the right know-how to easily break into three ASUS router models: The RT-AX55, RT-AX56U_V2 and RT-AC86U. If you have one, install the latest firmware update from the ASUS website now. Your router may have already updated itself, but it's worth checking in the router’s admin portal to be sure.

🥩 Where’s the beef? Samsung's new 8K QLED TV is a whopping 98 inches. It features anti-glare and Ultra Viewing Angle tech — marketing speak for “The picture always looks good and you don't need blackout curtains.” Price? $10,000. Don’t even think about buying one; there’s no real 8K content available yet.

🏰 Get your Minnie’s worth: If you sign up for Disney+ before Sept. 20, you can get the ad-supported version for $2 a month for the first three months versus the usual $8 a month. Just remember to cancel before the three months ends if you don't want to pay full price.

“Don't forget about me,” says GoPro. Its latest camera, the HERO12 Black, has up to double the runtime of previous models, connects to your Apple AirPods and has all the other fancy features to make it the best all-around rugged adventure camera out there. Cost? $400. Pre-orders are open here. Looks sweet.

💃 Dan, sing Queen: Spotify is testing out making song lyrics only available to premium users. I'm not sure that's a feature worth paying $10.99 a month for, but hey, I guess they have to give it a shot. Fwiw, Spotify made $3.2 billion over the last 12 months.

Got a few spare minutes during your drive? Or maybe you're chilling at home? Sounds like the perfect time to tune in to The Kim Komando Show podcast!

I keep it real, breaking down the latest tech trends, cybersecurity tips and gadget reviews into snack-sized, easy-to-understand episodes.

👉 Download an episode today!

Magic Windows shortcut: Hit Windows + V to see your keyboard history. So sweet when you need something you copied recently, but it wasn’t the last thing you copied. You can pin text you need to paste regularly to the top of the list.

🙃 Flip it and reverse it: If you’re paying with your phone, tap the back instead of the front. On most phones, the antenna that communicates with the checkout station is on the back. Now, you’re a pro!

Swipe it away: Android users, try this. Quickly swipe to the right on the home button to see all your open apps. Want to close one? Just swipe it off the screen. This is worth doing now and then if you never close your apps.

For your next vacation: The Spotlight search function on your iPhone or iPad is such a gem. Swipe down from the middle of your home screen to activate it, then punch in a conversion like "100 USD to EUR," and bam, instant rate check without trawling the web or opening an app.

📴 The sound of silence: Maybe you're in a library or a quiet meeting. Activate Siri as you normally would, and immediately swipe down on the volume slider. Like magic, Siri goes mute, offering only text-based responses.

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❓ Have a question for me? Drop it right here, or leave me a voicemail at 602‑381‑8200 ext. 290.

Good internet is expensive. The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program provides up to $50 monthly for broadband service. To qualify, you must meet one of five criteria. One is an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

See the other ways to qualify. →

😂 What did Tim Cook say after he farted? iFarted. (Was that a groan I just heard from you?)

🌊 Ride the wave of victory — share your unique link, get those referrals and win big with a brand-new Apple or Windows computer valued at $1,200!

Thanks for being here, friend. Your clicks, opens, podcast listens, comments, social media follows, website visits and all the rest make it possible for me to pass along this free info every day. Give yourself a pat on the back for being awesome! — Kim