Personal Tech

We are enhancing the AARP Online Community to provide an improved user experience while preserving the connections and conversations you value.    To make that possible, we will be transitioning to a new platform that provides a strong foundation for today's experience and future enhancements.    To learn more about what is coming, visit: https://www.aarp.org/games/community-information/ 

Hi everyone, I’m having an issue with my HP printer where it suddenly stopped printing. It shows as connected, and there are no error messages, but when I send a print job, nothing happens. I’ve tried restarting both the printer and my computer, but the problem is still there. Has anyone experienced this before or knows what might be causing it? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

My landline phone service with AT&T continues to increase - apparently due to copper wire.  At any rate, trying to find out what landline phone service others are using.  I call out of state often so I need a service with unlimited out-of-state calling option.  Thanks.

 I have a friend who needs regular help keeping her smart phone safe and free from scams, ads, etc. My son has a business laptop that is safe and secure because his company keeps it locked down. So I thought that AARP could offer cell phone plans that allow the phone to be locked down to do only what the subscriber (or subscriber's family) allows. No apps could be installed accidentally, no links for ads would work, etc. A phone that could be made safe even for seniors suffering from dementia. No one could call with an AI generated fake voice and convince the subscriber to transfer their life savings to India- at least not by using the smartphone. It would be a boon for many seniors and even could be a blessing for families with children. I think that it could be a real business opportunity. What do you think?

I am constantly getting the login screen which is extremely frustrating! If I want to play a game, read an article or if I click on the contents in the emailed newsletter I will more than likely be asked to log in even though I never log out. This is ridiculous - especially just to play a game! I have also had the login screen come up when I have changed pages or topics while already on the website. I have a new computer so it shouldn't be a question of clearing my cache or some solution like that. Is AARP's site not up to speed with the newer technology? What's going on with the website and how do I fix it?

Hi everyone, I’m having trouble connecting my HP DeskJet 3700 printer to my smartphone. I’ve tried using Wi-Fi and the HP Smart app, but my phone doesn’t seem to detect the printer at all.Has anyone faced this issue before? Any simple steps or fixes would really help. Thanks in advance

I don't see any other subtopics under Technology other than "Computer Questions & Tips" Am I the only one here that may still watch TV over the air with an antenna @ no cost still on local channels?  I don't see the subject brought up.  I always did this up until a few years ago when Fedzilla sold off the last group of Channel allocations to CellCo for some milk money that is obviously blown already.   This last "repack" of channels has made this difficult to do, & also prevented my area from having a NextGen TV Channel allocation for ATSC 3 (broadcast in 4K HD).  Plus my HOA had banned Roof antennas, as of 2014, placing mine now in the attic, which was sufficient before this last channel repack. 

I TOOK THIS QUIZ AND WAS SURPRISED IGOT SOME "CORRECT" AS I HAVE "NO IDEA" ABOUT AL! AND LEARN'T A FEW THINGS AS YOU GET THE "CORRECT" ANSWER IF YOU ARE WRONG  😎 Quiz: Can You Tell What’s Real and What’s AI? Artificial intelligence is still mystifying despite all the attention it gets. By Edward C. Baig. Published February 23, 2024. https://www.aarp.org/home-family/personal-technology/info-2024/ai-quiz.html

This particular sharing method is available to certain Android cell phones only. Some later Android models are capable to run mobile hotspot and WiFi at the same time. I know for sure Samsung Galaxy S21 and later can do that. What you need to do is turn on mobile hotspot and also WiFi. Log into you cruise ship WiFi account, then your other devices can share your WiFi data package by logging into the hotspot account. If you have an active mobile account on the hotspot host, turn off the international roaming so your Android phone will not connect to the cruise ship maritime mobile network. You can use a host phone without mobile service also.

When you watch videos to earn rewards, the mouse has to stay in focus within the window, or it'll stop playing. I would like an option to turn that off, so I could paint digitally while listening to the video.Right now, as soon as I paint, the video stops and I have to click back in it for it to continue, which means I cannot paint. It's 2026, people are capable of multitasking and should not be forced to leave their mouse in the window to earn points. Please remove it. If you don't want to advertise it per se, leave it on but at least make it an option to turn it off in the preferences for those of us who really want to do something else while watching the videos (maybe in the RMB player option?) *** Have you considered that - MAYBE - people aren't watching as many videos as you'd like because of this restriction? and they'd rather forego watching any videos than being forced to do nothing while watching? (since you can't move the mouse outside that player window ***&nb

The primary method that people infect their computer with a virus is through HTTP internet links in emails.  The golden rule of security is to never click on an internet link from an email.  So it is surprising that the AARP Newsletter has very little information, but lots of internet links. You may ask, what's the harm?  People can choose not to click these links, right. The harm is that AARP is training Seniors to click on links in emails.  Instead of perpetuating this problem, AARP should be encouraging all businesses and governments to stop the practice of including links in their emails.

When searching for good internet service and connections be sure to do good research and ask questions about what will be provided. I don't like some of the commercials I have seen lately. To me they are misleading especially if you don't know much about what you need. Be sure to ask about what type of modem/router will be provided. I own my own modem and router. Be sure to ask how many bands will be provided by the router. My router provides three.Check to see if you can connect by Ethernet cable if you prefer connecting that way. If you have a lot of devices like I do make sure the equipment you are provided can handle what you have. Make sure your computer will work with what is provided. Here is a link to what is new in the Standards for wi-fi. I currently have my desktop and main laptop using 802.11ax 6e. WiFi 7 (The Latest WiFi Standard) (astound.com)    

I've seen mention of problems with the Chrome browser on this site. In the Community section (forums?), I've experienced problems using "Reply" with Chrome and Edge. I've had good luck using the the DuckDuckGo browser available from duckduckgo.com. It seems to work well viewing and replying to posts in the Community section. I haven't used it for playing AARP games so I can't offer an opinion. DuckDuckGo is a search company that claims they do not store your personal information. You can read about them online. The browser is newish but the search engine has been around for several years. I use the "Duck" browser on this site exclusively. I have antivirus and anti-malware extensions installed on my other browsers, so I use those browsers for general internet access. I don't think the "Duck" browser accepts extensions. 

FROM THE ARTICLE. Older Adults Want AI to Show Up in Practical Ways. By Brittne Kakulla, AARP Research. Published January 13, 2026. AI’s untapped opportunity with older adultsMany older Americans recognize the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI), although their enthusiasm depends on how it’s used, a recent AARP survey suggests. There is more openness to trying AI to simplify information and improve efficiency, but not so much if AI is replacing something typically done by a human. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/technology/internet-media-devices/artificial-intelligence-opportunities/

 I couldn't find this info. on the general AARP site, plus I didn't see the ad for the computer good for seniors in the AARP Bulletin for Jan./Feb. 2026. Thanks!

Artificial intelligence—or AI—isn’t just for the tech wizards anymore. It’s quietly working its magic in the Apple devices I use every day, helping me live healthier, safer, and more connected to family and friends. Whether I’m wearing my Apple Watch reporting my sleep score, reminding me to move, or asking Siri to set timers while cooking, these tools support me every day keep me connected, healthy, safe, and smart. As someone who teaches seniors how to use Apple technology, I’ve seen how empowering it can be once that first bit of fear fades. My tip at the start of my classes or lectures is, “if you can learn one iPhone trick today, you’re on your way to learning so much more about your Apple device”. People are surprised to discover how simple it is as they learn one thing at a time—and how much fun it can be! The goal isn’t to master every feature, but to use the ones that will help you be healthier, safer, and your life more enjoyable. Your Health, Right on Your WristSo

Samsung officially released the Galaxy Z TriFold in South Korea today, and if you thought the steep price tag would scare people off, think again. Despite costing KRW 3,590,400—that’s roughly $2,428—the phone completely sold out in minutes at every single location.It’s pretty wild to see long queues forming outside stores for a first-generation device that costs as much as a used car, but the hype seems real.Samsung hasn’t said exactly how many units were up for grabs today, but they were clearly snapped up fast. Right now, the company has opened a sign-up page on its Korean website so people can get notified when the next batch arrives.For the lucky few who got one, the phone comes in a "Crafted Black" finish with a massive 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. If you’re waiting for this in the US, China, or the UAE, Samsung says it’s coming, though they haven’t dropped a specific date yet.Option 2:The "Storyteller" Style (More engaging and descriptive)Queues, Hype, and a Quick Sell-Out f

 I've fought this for several months now.I originally synced my Garmin Epix 2 via my app on my iPhone (Latest AARP Now app and IOS).  It goes through the steps and shows that the tracker is synced.  However, No points were ever recorded when I completed the required steps for the day. I contacted support via text.  Completed all the steps to no avail.  They awarded me points for some of the days I could send screen shots, but this is not ideal way to complete this "automatic" process. I finally was pointed to do this on my computer, via the web.  Had a couple of issues with pop up blockers stopping a new page from opening, but fixed that and got the tracker to sync.   Issue:  I have to go through the sync process every evening because the web page indicates that I need to "sync a tracker".  It has lost my connection, somehow.  However, if I check my phone app, it indicates I am still connected.  When I look at m

being 78, I have an Apple Watch so I can make an emergency phone call if needed away from my cell phone. But when I try to access different companies to compare bundles for the above service, their webpages are not friendly….to me are least. and I cannot find that information by searching/ googling….sigh does aarp have anything? currently I have Verizon 5 g home internet and a consumer cellular plan. I have a 4 k tv and stream / watch lots of high quality video. thank you

Windows 10's end of life is October 14, 2025, after which Microsoft will no longer provide free security updates or technical support ...... supposedly .... Many of us will still continue using our Windows 10 devices; as we are comfortable with a relative stable OS and do not wish to purchase a new Windows 11/ a new device for various reasons. Microsoft has offered a $30 Extended Support option ( how profitable it is of them  🙄  ) ; but WAIT - they are offering a "free" one year of Update of Security Updates. On your device - Go to -  Windows Setting ----> Windows Update - see:'Windows 10 support ends in October 2025Enroll in Extended Security Updates to help keep your device secure. Enroll now         Learn about the end of support'----------------------------------------------------------------------------When you click on " Enroll now "   Enroll in Extended Sec

During the last couple of weeks, sometimes when I google AARP, the #1 search item that comes up IS NOT  the AARP OFFICIAL SITE as usually appears as #1, it is something that I am not sure whether it is AARP or not. In fact, I can't even find the site described as its "official" site as I normally find in the #1 spot. I know that the spot you possess on a google search is determined by amount of "clicks" to your site so these events seem strange unless AARP is having some kind of issue with its site. Has anybody else run into this issue?

 The internet provider I have is ending the promotion progam I am under at the time and will probably raise the rate after September 25. Are there any internet deals for seniors? Xfinity is the provider I have right now but I don't know what they are going the rate to after the promotion period ends on Sept. 25. Thank you. Mike

how do you get delete someone who illegaly accesses your devices Without my my knowledge or permission..factory reset doesn't work.

Now that I’m in my 50s, life’s busier than ever — work, home, appointments, you name it.Problem is, I keep forgetting the little things: picking up something on the way home, calling someone back, or doing that one thing my wife definitely told me about.She says I never listen. I say I just need a better system.What if I could just casually mention something to an AI — and it actually remembered it for me?Then, right when I need it, I get a reminder through a phone call or a ping on my watch.No nagging. No sticky notes. No awkward “Oops, I forgot.”If a service like that existed… yeah, I might actually pay for it.How about you?

I can't believe there's not a separate forum for Cell Phones!I suppose all cell phones are technically computers...sighLooking for a very basic flip phone with unlimited talk. That's all.☺>ONLY to be used to make and receive phone calls. >NO: Texting, notifications, smart features, etc. >JUST A PHONE!TIA for any ideas.