Derek Walter
Derek Walter is a freelance technology writer whose work has appeared on Fast Company, IGN, TechRadar, PCWorld, and more. At Tom's Guide, he specializes in covering Apple and Android phones. He is also the author of Learning MIT App Inventor, a guide for creating Android apps, and is the founder of Walter Media.
Latest articles by Derek Walter
How to Stop Pop-Ups on Android
By Derek Walter published
You can stop pop-ups on Android from distracting you the next time you're browsing on your smartphone or tablet. Here's what you need to do to put an end to those annoying pop-ups.
What Is TPO Mobile, and Is It Worth It?
By Derek Walter published
TPO Mobile positions itself as the wireless carrier with a social conscience, as you can steer a portion of your monthly bill to charitable causes. But are the monthly savings also appealing?
What Is Republic Wireless, and Is It Worth It?
By Derek Walter published
Republic Wireless leans heavily on Wi-Fi to keep your monthly cellphone costs low. Here's what you need to know about this low-cost carrier.
Android Oreo Review: Google Builds a Better OS
By Derek Walter published
Thanks to a host of improvements and new features, Android Oreo will be a welcome addition to your phone — once the update becomes available to you.
How to Use the LG G6's File Sharing Feature
By Derek Walter published
The LG G6's SmartShare Beam lets you move photos, contacts and other files from one phone to another. Here's how it works.
Here's How the OnePlus 5 Can Beat Its Android Rivals
By Derek Walter published
OnePlus has a reputation for making feature-rich phones at an attractive price. Here's how the OnePlus 5 could take things to the next level.
How to Use the LG G6's Gesture Shot for Photos
By Derek Walter published
You can control the front camera of the LG G6 just by making a fist. Here's how to use the Gesture Shot feature to snap a photo from your smartphone.
How to Delete Apps on the LG G6
By Derek Walter published
Want to get an app off your new LG smartphone? We'll show you the different ways to delete apps from the G6's home screen or app drawer.
How to Set Up the LG G6’s Fingerprint Sensor
By Derek Walter published
The fingerprint sensor on the back of the LG G6 lets you secure your phone. Here's how to add and remove fingerprints on your G6.
How to Set Up Android Pay on the LG G6
By Derek Walter published
Like many Android phones, the LG G6 comes with Android Pay built in. Here's how to get your mobile wallet up and running so that you can pay for things with your phone.
How to Switch Between the LG G6's Rear Camera Lenses
By Derek Walter published
If one camera is good, then two must be better. And as found out when reviewing the LG G6, that’s certainly the case with that phone’s dual rear cameras.MORE: LG G6 vs. Google Pixel: LG Crushes in Camera Face-OffLG’s latest phone has two, 13-megapixel
How to Enable and Disable Emergency Alerts on the LG G6
By Derek Walter published
Here's how to manage the kind of emergency alerts you receive on your LG G6.
How to Launch Google Assistant on the LG G6
By Derek Walter published
LG's flagship phone has the Google Assistant built-in. Here's how to set it up to handle your assorted questions and queries.
Why You Shouldn’t Root Your Android Phone
By Derek Walter published
Rooting your phone makes it easier to customize, but that doesn’t outweigh the numerous risks of doing so.
What the End of Cyanogen OS Means for You and Your Phone
By Derek Walter published
Even if you’re not a frequent Android tinkerer, the shutdown of Android fork CyanogenMod has some impact on the future of Android. Here's what you need to know.
How to Manage App Permissions in Android Nougat
By Derek Walter published
Android Nougat gives you granular control over what an app can access on your phone or tablet. Here's how to manage those permissions.
How to Use RAM Manager in Android Nougat
By Derek Walter published
The memory management feature introduced in Android 6.0 returns in Nougat. Here's how to use Nougat's RAM Manager to find apps affecting performance.
How to Block a Call in Android Nougat
By Derek Walter published
In Android Nougat, you've got several ways to block calls. Here's how to block individuals, report spam callers and send bothersome callers straight to voicemail.
20 Essential Google Pixel Tips and Tricks
By Derek Walter published
The Pixel from Google is a pretty impressive phone. Here's how to get the most out of this top-rated Android smartphone.
How to Add Emergency Information in Android Nougat
By Derek Walter published
You can give paramedics access to your emergency contacts and medical conditions from your Android phone's lock screen. Here's how to set it up.
How to Manage Notifications in Android Nougat
By Derek Walter published
Notifications got some polish in Android Nougat but they also added new functionality that makes them simple to use while adding a lot of potential underneath the hood.
How to Change the Text and Icon Size in Android Nougat
By Derek Walter published
Android Nougat lets you change the size of your display to make text and icons larger or smaller. Here's how to do that and why you'd want to.
How to Use Quick Reply in Android Nougat
By Derek Walter published
Quick Reply isn't new to Android Nougat, but the feature gets a nice makeover that makes it more useful Here's a rundown of how to use Quick Reply.
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