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TL;DR: Unblock your favorite porn sites with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites like Xnxx is ExpressVPN.

Your access to your favorite porn sites is not guaranteed. There are many locations around the world that will restrict your access to porn sites, and that's probably for the best. That being said, there is a time and a place for everything. And when the time is right to visit a porn site, you'll want to be able to secure access without delay.

If you want to bypass online restrictions to unblock porn sites from anywhere in the world, you should consider using a VPN. These handy tools can hide your digital location to unlock the best of the web.

If you're looking for the best way to unblock sites like Xnxx from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock Xnxx for free

VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This simple process means you can bypass geo-restrictions to access porn sites like Xnxx from anywhere in the world.

Follow these simple steps to unblock porn sites:

1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to Xnxx

4. Watch Xnxx videos from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for bypassing content restrictions are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Xnxx without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can retain access to porn sites when traveling or temporarily away from home.

If you want to retain permanent access to the best free porn sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing online restrictions is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for porn?

ExpressVPN is the best service for fast and reliable unblocking of porn sites like Xnxx, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Unblock Xnxx for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Arsenal vs. PSG in the Champions League for free with a 30-day trial of Prime Video. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League has a new look this season, and the result is more games between Europe's biggest club sides. We weren't initially convinced by the new format, but we do enjoy seeing the likes of Arsenal and PSG battling it out. That's what the Champions League is all about.

If you want to watch Arsenal vs. PSG in the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Arsenal vs. PSG?

Arsenal vs. PSG in the Champions League starts at 8 p.m. BST on Oct. 1. This fixture takes place at the Emirates Stadium.

How to watch Arsenal vs. PSG for free

Arsenal vs. PSG is available to live stream on Prime Video in the UK, but you don't need to be subscribed to Amazon Prime to watch this fixture. Instead, you can watch Arsenal vs. PSG (plus more Champions League fixtures) for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

Fans from outside the UK will need to use a VPN to watch the Champions League for free on Prime Video. This process is straightforward:

1. Sign up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial (if you're not already a member)

2. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

3. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

4. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

5. Watch Arsenal vs. PSG for free from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Arsenal vs. PSG on Prime Video without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Champions League fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Prime Video?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Prime Video, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Arsenal vs. PSG in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

After the chaos of today's Verizon outage, many people probably want to just go home, collapse on the couch, and boot up their PlayStation. Unfortunately, it looks as though a second outage may throw a wrench in those plans, with reports pouring in that the PlayStation Network has gone down as well.

SEE ALSO: Verizon outage has now been fixed

According to crowdsourced tracker DownDetector, reports of a PlayStation Network outage began coming in at approximately 8:30 p.m. EDT / 5:30 p.m. PDT. This was around an hour after Verizon announced that its own massive outage had been fixed. The issue also appears to be global, with outage reports coming in from across the globe.

PlayStation's Network Service Status page has confirmed the outage, stating that "some services are experiencing issues." Such issues may include difficulty signing into your PlayStation account, launching games, accessing PlayStation Video content, or making purchases in the PlayStation Store. So pretty much anything you might have wanted to do on your PlayStation.

Credit: Screenshot: Mashable

A disruption to the PlayStation Network is of course not as impactful as a seven-hour outage from one of the largest telecommunications companies in the U.S. Even so, it's an ironic and unwelcome end to an already stressful Monday for many. 

Though PlayStation has not yet acknowledged the disruption on its official social media accounts, numerous people have expressed their frustration online.

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Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for October 1's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for October 1 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Connects to the internet.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There is one reoccurring letter.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter M.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

MODEM.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

The “Oppenheimer” star makes his Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar’s timely new play about a literary lion who gets assistance from A.I.

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for October 1's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 1 What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for October 1 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: In a state of agitated confusion

• Green: Getting in peak form

• Blue: Water but make it dangerous

• Purple: Machine wash

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Flustered State

• Green: Fitness

• Blue: Fast-Moving Water

• Purple: Dishwasher Cycles

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #478 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Flustered State: LATHER, STEW, SWEAT, TIZZY

• Fitness: CONDITION, FORM, HEALTH, SHAPE

• Fast-Moving Water: CASCADE, CURRENT, RAPID, WAVE

• Dishwasher Cycles: NORMAL, QUICK, RINSE, SANITIZE

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

Check out our live blog coverage on the Verizon outage for more up-to-date details on the major cellular network issue.

The massive Verizon outage is apparently over, with the telecommunications giant finally announcing that services have been fully restored.

"Verizon engineers have fully restored today's network disruption that impacted some customers," Verizon wrote in a post on X. "Service has returned to normal levels. If you are still having issues, we recommend restarting your device."

It still isn't clear exactly what caused Monday's outage. Considering how secretive telecom companies are about such disruptions, we may never find out. Verizon's services were down across the country for hours, preventing people from making calls, sending texts, or using their mobile data for much of the day.

"We know how much people rely on Verizon and apologize for any inconvenience," wrote Verizon. "We appreciate your patience."

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The news of service restoration came approximately seven hours after Verizon first acknowledged the issue, which impacted customers across most of the U.S. According to crowdsourced tracker Down Detector, nobody in North Dakota, South Dakota, nor Wyoming reported being impacted by the Verizon outage. These states were unfortunately in the minority, with many more suffering disruption.

Despite Verizon's statement, some on social media claim that their service has still not been restored even though they restarted their phone as recommended. It seems some customers will have to continue being patient for a little longer.

The Silicon Valley company would be among the first A.I. companies to go public since the release of ChatGPT nearly two years ago.

Check out our live blog coverage on the Verizon outage for more up-to-date details on the major cellular network issue.

It sounds like Verizon's enormous service outage on Monday might be nearing its end.

The company took to X (formerly Twitter) to share an update late Monday afternoon. According to the post, cell service "has started to be restored" and the company apologizes for any inconvenience caused by the outage.

There were millions of outage reports submitted to DownDetector alone, so this affected a whole lot of people around the U.S.

SEE ALSO: Massive Verizon outage: Customers nationwide left without service, phones in 'SOS mode' Tweet may have been deleted

I can confirm that the outage was real, personally. My phone lost service around noon ET and didn't get it back until after 5 p.m.

Wi-Fi still worked that whole time, but if I wasn't near a router, I couldn't access data of any kind unless I used the iPhone's SOS feature. That requires a clear view of the sky and I live in a city full of very tall buildings, so that wasn't the best solution.

But according to Verizon, outage issues should be over soon.

No matter how big or small your business, building (or updating) your website and branding is one of the most important things you’ll do as an entrepreneur. Finding a platform that supports you is the key to making the process more fun than frightful — especially in the early stages.

Squarespace recently announced a suite of tools designed to do just that. They take the complexity out of creating and amplifying your website, helping you jumpstart your business. Here are just a few reasons to try it out. 

Credit: Squarespace Opens in a new window Credit: Squarespace Squarespace Refresh Explore Design Intelligence by Squarespace, plus other new releases Learn More Use AI to build and unify your brand 

One of the things AI is particularly good at is getting you past that dreaded blank-page moment. Squarespace Blueprint AI is the perfect example of that — it can transform basic information about you and your brand into a fully bespoke website you can easily edit or add to.

Consistency is key to building a brand, so Squarespace's new approach to web design — aptly titled Design Intelligence — uses your brand attributes to generate a cohesive, unified online presence in just a few steps. Plus, their AI writer can use your brand voice to generate on-brand copy across placements like SEO site descriptions, video descriptions, and even client documents.  

Market your brand like a pro

You’ll want to get that fresh website out there fast. 

Squarespace makes it easy with two tools. First up is the Marketing Automation Builder, which helps you create and trigger emails based on audience actions and the rules you set. This ensures your content and brand stay top of mind at the right moments, helping you scale more effectively.

The other tool is Bio Sites, which centralizes your content, store, and more within one link in bio, to easily share your world with your followers. To seamlessly match your website and brand, you can now customize header layouts, link layouts, colors, and fonts.

Make bank, any way you like

Creators can also now monetize content using Squarespace’s monetized blog and video paywall features. Consultants and coaches can use Acuity Scheduling to make bookings for customers, then create professional, on-brand invoices that can be scheduled to be sent at the right time, all without leaving Squarespace. 

Plus, with ACH direct debit, mobile wallets, and Klarna, Squarespace Payments can be used with the tools above or by setting up your e-commerce payment portal. You can track upcoming payments and payouts from the Squarespace App on iOS or Android. 

Squarespace Refresh is a new era for entrepreneurs. Start building your website today. 

What is Emergency SOS on iPhone? It's a feature that could save your life.

Apple's Emergency SOS via satellite feature for iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro works in partnership with Globalstar satellite communications company to use satellite connectivity to put people in touch with local emergency dispatch centers if there is no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.

If you're in an emergency, your iPhone can ping one of Globalstar's 24 low-orbit satellites. The satellite will then send the information to one of its ground stations, which routes the call to a local dispatch center or relay center if the dispatch center is unable to receive 911 text messages. These relay centers consist of third-party and Apple-employed specialists who are trained in emergency protocol to communicate with dispatchers and relay the information back and forth.

SEE ALSO: The Apple Watch Series 8 is all about saving you from mortal peril

Testing this feature out is a bit of a catch-22. Apple hopes you're never in an emergency where you have to use it, and it really doesn't want you testing it out when you're not in an emergency. Did you know prank calling 911, which is essentially what you'd be doing, is a felony? (Yeah, Apple doesn't want you doing that.) That said, the best time to learn how to use Emergency SOS via satellite is when you're not in an actual emergency. When facing mortal peril, the last thing you need to deal with is scrolling through your settings to find the feature. So Apple has developed a demo mode for users to test it out in a non-emergency situation.

Mashable was able to demo the feature in a controlled environment. Here's how it works.

Emergency SOS on iPhone: How to use it

You'll find this feature when you call, text, or use Siri or Crash Detection to contact 911 in an area where there's no cellular service or Wi-Fi. It can also be activated via Fall Detection with Apple Watch if you have it set up to route emergency services through your iPhone.

Emergency SOS via satellite is prepared to activate when the SOS icon appears at the top right-hand corner of the screen, which indicates there's no cellular/Wi-Fi connectivity and satellite service is available. A combination of hardware and software components power the feature, which is why it's only available on iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models.

You activate the feature by dialing 911. When the call doesn't go through because there's no connection, the green circular icon at the bottom right of the screen will read, "Emergency text via Satellite." Tap this icon to activate the feature. It's important to note that because the feature is messaging a satellite, there is going to be a latency. Apple says it takes about 15 seconds for a message to be sent and could take up to a minute if you're under some trees with foliage.

Access the feature when you try to dial 911 in an area without cellular connectivity. Credit: Apple A close-up of how to activate Emergency SOS via satellite. Credit: Apple Report emergency

The next screen gives you information about using the feature: You need to be outside to get satellite connectivity, messages will take longer to send, and you'll need to answer questions to get a faster response. At the bottom of the screen, tap "Report Emergency" to start communicating with emergency services. As of this moment, emergency services is notified.

Now it's time to describe your emergency. Credit: Apple Provide details about the emergency

Next, the feature will ask you a series of questions to gather information about the nature of the emergency. Remember: If you are unable to fill out the report, as long as you have made it to this step, emergency services will be notified regardless. For the purpose of the demo, it helped to come up with a specific emergency situation, so I imagined I had broken my leg while hiking in a remote mountain range. (For the record, I am not trying to manifest that energy.) The report asks you to specify from a list of common emergency scenarios which best applies.

Hopefully, I didn't manifest a broken leg. Credit: Apple

The next screen asked for more details about my imaginary accident, like "who needs help?" and "how are you breathing?" and "what best describes the emergency?" I specified that I was the one injured, didn't have any trouble breathing, and chose "traumatic injury" from the list of options.

Asking for me or a friend? Credit: Apple Just a little more detail needed. Credit: Apple

The final step in the emergency report was the option to notify emergency contacts. This uses a pre-existing feature called Medical ID that notifies designated people in the event of an emergency and emergency services if you have any medical conditions, allergies, or take medication. Theoretically, I would have filled this out before my doomed excursion, and my emergency contact would be alerted of my traumatic injury. Your emergency contacts will also have access to a text conversation between you and emergency services, so that they can follow the dialogue in real time (although they can't reply in the chat).

You need to have already filled out your Medical ID for this feature to work. Credit: Apple Your emergency contacts can follow you in real time. Credit: Apple Texting with emergency services via satellite

Once all of the details of the emergency were sent, which included my medical information and location, a new conversation was created with the relay center responding to my request. A status bar at the top of the screen showed that the iPhone was still connected and reminded me to keep pointing the phone in the same direction to remain connected. After about 30 seconds, I received a text from the relay center asking me to describe my location and if I had any medication with me (because the Medical ID had been filled out to say I took medication).

SEE ALSO: Crash Detection on Apple's iPhone 14 can be triggered by rollercoasters Sending and receiving texts via satellite can take between 15 and 60 seconds. Credit: Apple

After answering these questions, I received a text saying local responders had been notified. This is when you wait and hope help is on the way. You can also stay connected to the relay center, but that's a personal preference.

The text will notify you when help is on the way. Credit: Apple Demo mode

If you want to be extra prepared, you can test the feature for yourself in demo mode. Access this by going to Settings, then Emergency SOS, and tapping Try Demo. The demo will temporarily disable your cellular connection and connect to a real satellite to walk you through the feature. This is so you can get a realistic sense of where to position your phone and understand the latency time to send and receive messages via satellite. It's also a good way to know what questions to expect if the unthinkable happens.

Demo mode allows you to test it out so you can know what to expect. Credit: Apple It's a useful way to understand the latency and emergency questionnaire. Credit: Apple Takeaways

Between Fall Detection, Crash Detection, and Emergency SOS via satellite, Apple is really concerned about its users' safety. Would I feel better knowing that I have this feature at my fingertips on a hike or even driving through a dead zone in a remote area? Absolutely. It increases the likelihood that I'll be able to get help.

That said, it's a lengthy process that requires me to complete a lot of steps in order to get the help I need. It follows a similar emergency protocol conversation that a 911 dispatcher is trained to follow, so it isn't much different than that, but something about tapping and texting in a crisis feels like more of an obstacle to overcome — especially if I'm physically incapacitated.

It's a lengthy process that requires me to complete a lot of steps in order to get the help I need.

There's also the privacy issue: Apple says your messages are sent to the satellite in an encrypted form and then decrypted by Apple to send to the emergency dispatcher. It also says your messages may be saved by emergency services and relay centers "to improve their services." It's not unlike the privacy risk of a typical 911 call, which is considered public record (access to such records depends by state). Still, before using this feature, you need to consider the fact that your information could be retained.

It's something to keep in mind, but even for a privacy advocate, it's an exception you might be willing to make in an emergency.

The one and only vice presidential debate of the 2024 election airs Tuesday evening, with a Midwest battle brewing. Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will contend with Republican Ohio Senator and Hillbilly Elegy author JD Vance at the CBS News-hosted debate.

What time is the presidential debate?

The 90-minute debate, taking place at New York City’s CBS Broadcast Center, begins at 9 p.m. ET, with two four-minute breaks. CBS Evening News anchor and managing editor Norah O'Donnell will moderate, along with Face the Nation host and chief foreign affairs correspondent Margaret Brennan.

Where can I stream the Walz-Vance debate?CBSNews.com & the CBS News app

Viewers can also stream anywhere CBS News 24/7 is available, including Paramount+ and YouTube. Debate coverage on CBS News 24/7 begins at 4 p.m. ET, yes, five hours before the debate begins. Additionally, CNN, MSNBC, PBS, Fox News, and ABC News will air the VP debate on their cable channels and streaming is available via their websites, apps, and sister networks like Peacock (NBC) and Hulu (ABC).

Like the presidential matchup three weeks ago, there will be no audience at the VP debate. Also similar to the Harris/Trump affair, Walz and Vance will be denied pre-written notes and will be standing at podiums — a marked change from the seats and tables featured in VP debates since 2008. 

What sets this debate apart from the Trump/Harris precursor is that there will be no live fact-checking of the candidates by O’Donnell or Brennan. CBS News recently informed the Associated Press that it “will be up to the politicians — not the moderators — to check the facts of their opponents.” During the ABC News-hosted presidential candidate debate on Sept. 10, journalists David Muir and Linsey Davis were able to rebut lies, mostly from Trump, including his false claim that Haitian immigrants were eating Americans’ pets. While not perfect, the ABC debate was given high marks for professionalism and a lack of chaos that usually surrounds Trump-related events. 

Fact-checking will be available to debate viewers watching via CBSNews.com, where 20 journalists will correct lies and exaggerations in real time; those watching live on CBS will have the option of scanning a QR code directing them to the website. The passive fact-checking is not everyone’s favorite, as it could allow some misinformation to devolve into a he said/he said situation. Also, many viewers may be watching via cable and likely have no interest in running up to their TV screen and scanning a code on their smartphone.

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Wondering how to use Wi-Fi calling?

Wi-Fi Calling is a feature on the iPhone that enables users experiencing reception problems to have a stronger call connection over broadband via Wi-Fi. The connection is generally encrypted, which is reassuring for those relying on shared Wi-Fi.

Many users may not even realize they have the power to improve their call quality. Before we proceed, make sure that you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network as Wi-Fi calling isn't possible without one. 

Here’s a quick step-by-step to show you where the Wi-Fi calling tab is located and how to turn it on. 

How to turn on Wi-Fi calling on iPhone

You can turn on Wi-Fi calling on your iPhone in just a few steps.

1. Tap 'Settings' on your home screen  Credit: screenshot from an Apple iPhone

Very simple. Find the "Settings" icon on your home page and click it. 

2. Select 'Phone'  Credit: screenshot from an Apple iPhone

It should have a green icon next to it right under "Voice Memos." 

3. Tap 'Wi-Fi Calling' Credit: screenshot from an Apple iPhone

You can’t miss it. 

4. Toggle 'Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone' on

The next screen will give you the option to toggle "Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone" on. Once you do, you'll get a pop-up asking if you'd like to enable Wi-Fi calling. Tap "Enable."

Credit: screenshot from an Apple iPhone

Now, you’ve enabled Wi-Fi Calling. You also can toggle this feature off. 

How to turn on Wi-Fi calling on Android

Oh, don’t worry Android users. We got you, too. 

1. Tap your Settings tab on the home screen  Credit: Screenshot from a Samsung phone

Easy so far, right? 

2. Find 'Connections'  Credit: Screenshot from a Samsung phone

Not much scrolling will be needed because it should be the first title you see on the setting screen. Tap that.

3. Select 'Wi-Fi Calling' Credit: Screenshot from a Samsung phone

It should be located right under ‘WiFi’. From there, you can toggle the option on or off. 

Keep in mind that having Wi-Fi calling on can drain your battery, so use this feature at your own discretion. Maybe make sure you have a portable charger on hand in case you find your phone's battery percentage is decreasing. 

Also, if you’re concerned about Wi-Fi calling accounting to your current phone plan, check with your carrier to see if it will count towards your minutes. Wi-Fi calling does not use up your mobile data.

Enjoy better quality phone calls moving forward. 

What is SOS?

You try to make phone call or post on social media on your iPhone – but you can't. Do you have bad service? No – in fact, you have no service. The service bars on your iPhone aren't just low, they are completely missing. 

In place of the bars? "SOS."

What does 'SOS' mean?

SOS mode is a way for your iPhone to make emergency calls even when you are completely out of service. 

It's obviously good that this SOS feature exists. But seeing it often means that something is wrong with your cellular service and your iPhone can't make calls, receive calls, send messages, access the internet, nor do anything else that requires a cellular connection.

But even without any cellular service, SOS mode allows iPhone users to call 911 and share their location in the case of an emergency.

How does SOS mode work?

If you have no cellular connection, how do calls to emergency services still receive calls?

SOS mode has evolved a bit with newer iPhone models. Previously, if SOS mode was activated, your iPhone would be able to access any service provider's network – not just your service provider – in order to connect with 911.

Since iPhone 14 and later, Apple has been able to utilize satellites in order to connect with emergency services when needed.

Based on spiking trends on search engines, it appears many users are still unaware of the SOS mode features. Seeing "SOS" on your iPhone usually means doom at first sight. There are outages with your carrier and you won't be able to use your phone at the moment.

But the fact that iPhone users can still get help in an emergency should still be a welcome sign – even if the "SOS" message itself isn't.

Check out our live blog coverage on the Verizon outage for more up-to-date details on the major cellular network issue.

Verizon users are in the midst of a major disruption, as a massive nationwide outage has left millions disconnected. Whether you're working remotely, attending virtual classes, or just trying to get through Monday with a functioning phone, Verizon's widespread network failure has thrown a wrench in the day for many.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has already signaled its intention to investigate the outage, aiming to get to the bottom of the issue.

But as we all wait for that elusive signal to return (I’m on AT&T, so no complaints here), here's a look at the states hit hardest by the outage, according to DownDetector (which shares the same parent company as Mashable):

Outage map: States affected by Verizon's network issues Credit: DownDetector.com

• Alabama

• Alaska

• Arizona

• Arkansas

• California

• Colorado

• Connecticut

• Delaware

• Florida

• Georgia

• Hawaii

• Idaho

• Illinois

• Indiana

• Iowa

• Kansas

• Kentucky

• Louisiana

• Maine

• Maryland

• Massachusetts

• Michigan

• Minnesota

• Mississippi

• Missouri

• Montana

• Nebraska

• Nevada

• New Hampshire

• New Jersey

• New Mexico

• New York

• North Carolina

• Ohio

• Oklahoma

• Oregon

• Pennsylvania

• Rhode Island

• South Carolina

• Tennessee

• Texas

• Utah

• Vermont

• Virginia

• Washington

• West Virginia

• Wisconsin

Cities hardest hit by Verizon outage

According to DownDetector, the cities that have submitted the most reports regarding the Verizon outage are the following:

• Chicago

• Seattle

• Minneapolis

• Phoenix

• Los Angeles

• Omaha

• Denver

• Indianapolis

• Las Vegas

DownDetector did not arrange these cities in any particular order.

States NOT affected by Verizon outage

• North Dakota

• South Dakota

• Wyoming

Note: This doesn’t mean that these states aren’t feeling the impact, just that there's no one in these areas reporting an outage.

Keep checking back for more Verizon outage updates via our live blog as more news flow into Mashable.

Check out our live blog coverage on the Verizon outage for more up-to-date details on the downed cellular network.

Is your iPhone running on Verizon's network stuck in SOS mode? The government wants to do something about it.

Monday saw scores of U.S. Verizon customers report a complete inability to connect to Verizon's cellular network. As a result, the FCC is investigating the huge outage, per Reuters. The federal agency is "working to determine the cause and extent of these service disruptions."

That's not what you want to see. Credit: Downdetector

Since the outage is ongoing, and the investigation only just started, it's hard to say what will come of it, if anything. But at least someone is looking into it.

SEE ALSO: Massive Verizon outage: Customers nationwide left without service, phones in 'SOS mode'

Reports of service problems started rolling into Verizon's Downdetector page on Monday morning and, at the time of writing, the problem still hasn't been totally resolved. I have an iPhone 16 running on Verizon's network and have been unable to access a cellular network for about five hours. There is, unfortunately, no solid word on when the problem will be fixed yet.

The General Motors subsidiary reached a settlement with the main auto safety regulator after one of its self-driving taxis struck a pedestrian in San Francisco last year.

Check out our live blog coverage on the Verizon outage for more up-to-date details on the major cellular network issue.

UPDATE: Sep. 30, 2024, 5:29 p.m. EDT Verizon's customer support account on X posted around 5 p.m. ET that engineers were "making progress on our network issue and service has started to be restored." Though it would appear that some customers were still having issues, the company noting it would "continue to work around the clock to fully resolve this issue."

Verizon customers nationwide reported network outages on Sept. 30, with many iPhone users saying their phones have been stuck in SOS mode. This is a massive problem for many folks trying to work and get about their lives on a Monday, and it is unclear when the issue will be resolved.

Verizon has not made it clear how long this will last.

"We are aware of an issue impacting service for some customers," the company's customer support X account posted around noon Eastern time. "Our engineers are engaged, and we are working quickly to identify and solve the issue."

SEE ALSO: Massive Verizon outage: Customers nationwide left without service, phones in 'SOS mode'

Hours have passed, and folks are still reportedly experiencing the same problem. Down Detector still shows a high volume of user-reported issues. The replies from the Verizon account also seem to indicate that many folks are still having issues and that a fix has not yet been rolled out.

It's unclear when the problem will be fixed, but it could take a while. We will update you as developments occur.

This is a developing story … Check back at Mashable for updates.

Verizon customers across the country have reported a network outage that has left their phone stuck in SOS mode. There might not be an immediatet fix — that will likely require Verizon's network resolving its issue — but there are some steps you can take to try to get your phone working again.

Mashable's Kimberly Gedeon has all the details on the outage, but the gist of it is that many iPhones are stuck in SOS mode. That's the feature from Apple that allows you to call or text emergency services — even without service. It's intended for users who are in poor coverage areas.

This suggests that significant portions of Verizon’s network are down. Verizon has said its working on the problem.

"We are aware of an issue impacting service for some customers," it said in a statement on X. "Our engineers are engaged and we are working quickly to identify and solve the issue."

Not every Verizon customer is experiencing this issue — both my Verizon phone and WiFi are currently in working order — but it does appear to be a big problem. Here's what you can do.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Phone stuck in SOS mode: What to do

To be honest, there is no real fix beyond Verizon's network coming back online. We will update this story when that is the case.

You could try putting your phone in airplane mode — or turning it off entirely — to try to reconnect to the network. Though if the network remains down, you will likely still be unable to connect.

You could also use Wi-Fi calling. This method will let you send text messages and make calls over Wi-Fi. You'll have the option to use popular communication apps such as FaceTime or WhatsApp.

Otherwise you can keep trying to restart your iPhone or, more likely, wait for Verizon to fix its problem.

For all the latest regarding the network issue, check out our live blog on the Verizon outage.

Generative artificial intelligence is reviving the terrifying legacy of bigots, including former German dictator Adolf Hitler, as TikTok users harness the app's AI tools to reanimate xenophobic speeches from long-dead leaders.

The phenomenon was recently documented in two different reports, one by nonprofit watchdog group Media Matters for America and another in an investigation by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue and the SITE Intelligence Group, published by the Washington Post. Both unveiled a small network of accounts creating and disseminating translated, AI-dubbed versions of Hitler's speeches.

SEE ALSO: Why teens are telling strangers their secrets online

According to Media Matters' research, AI-generated audios have accumulated millions of views, which include videos mocking the leader or those that have turned the audio into a meme. Other accounts appeared to be dedicated to creating and sharing these audios earnestly, sometimes with outrightly anti-Semitic messaging. Popular videos using said audio, often stylized with slowed down and "reverbed" audios, go as far back as April 2024, with several improperly translated. Following the publishing of the report, TikTok removed the account of one known uploader and began directing related searches to a "Facts About the Holocaust" page, which documents Hitler's slaughter of millions of civilian Jews, disabled people, political prisoners, LGBTQ+ people, and those of Romani origin.

The Washington Post reported that known fascist groups have praised the use of AI to spread bigoted propaganda, citing a growth in "red-pilled" young people engaging with hate speech and right-wing communities online. Experts told the publication that they worry platform moderation tools, including those on Meta sites and X, won't be able to keep up with the AI-assisted spread.

Both reports noted a slew of positive sentiments in the videos' comment sections, with some users outrightly praising the historical figure and his policies, and flagged that many of these videos don't flaunt obvious white supremacist dog whistles, prompting fear that users are unknowingly being radicalized by the content.

Similar attempts to rewrite historical figures' legacies have made their way onto TikTok over the last year, spurred by AI. In June, a mistakenly-leaked internal version of the app's new AI digital avatar tool — which allowed its users to generate advertisements using creators' likenesses — led to the circulation of several AI-generated videos featuring avatars reciting various white supremacist rhetoric, including excerpts of Mein Kampf and Osama Bin Laden's "Letter to America." In 2023, TikTok videos reciting the same Bin Laden statement, sometimes associated with white supremacist sentiment, stirred a cross-app panic, as users re-contextualized the speech as an anti-imperial treatise in light of Israel's besiege of Palestinians in Gaza and the nation's U.S. backing.

Generally, watchdog groups have documented repeated instances of both domestic and foreign actors spreading disinformation on the app through the use of generative AI tools, including synthetic digital forgeries (or "deepfakes") of political leaders. White supremacist, pro-Nazi accounts have also proliferated on the platform, operating in tandem with networks across sites like Telegram to boost their content within social media algorithms.

According to a July report from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, TikTok hosts "hundreds" of pro-Nazi accounts, which cumulatively garner millions of views. The company, the organization says, hasn't moved quickly enough to stop their spread.