Ask The Techspert: TechBytes Episode 7

Welcome to a new episode of TechBytes – the column where I answer multiple reader questions in one place. From decluttering your digital life to avoiding QR Code scams, this column has a little bit of everything. If you’d like your question answered in the next TechBytes, submit it on this form. Now, let’s get started, shall we?

Question #1: Decluttering Notifications

I keep getting notifications all day long. How do I decide which ones I actually need?

Techspert’s Answer:

If your phone feels like it’s constantly buzzing, you’re not alone. Many apps send alerts by default, but most of them aren’t urgent.

A good rule of thumb: only allow notifications from apps that truly need your immediate attention – like messages, calendar reminders, or important updates. Everything else (shopping, games, news, promotions) can usually be turned off.

To turn off all notifications for an app:

• On iPhone: Go to Settings > Notifications, tap the app, and toggle off Allow Notifications.
• On Android: Go to Settings > Notifications > App notifications, select the app, and turn it off.

You can also use Focus (iPhone) or Do Not Disturb (Android) to stay in control. These features let you silence most notifications while still allowing calls or messages from selected contacts. For step-by-step help, see my previous Techspert article on how to program your phone for Do Not Disturb.

Want to declutter your digital life even further? Keep an eye out for our upcoming self-paced course, Decluttering Your Email.

Question #2: Keep Your Important Documents Safe

What’s the safest way to store important documents like insurance or financial documents without creating a mess?

Techspert’s Answer:

As time goes by, it’s easy for important documents to pile up and end up scattered across emails, folders, or photos. And just like physical items such as passports or Social Security cards should be kept in a safe place, digital documents that contain personal information, like tax returns, insurance policies, or medical records, should be protected too.

A smart solution is to use a digital vault. These are secure services designed to store sensitive documents in one organized place, with added protections like encryption and access controls. While regular cloud storage also offers security, digital vaults are specifically built to manage and safeguard important personal records.

👉 To learn more, visit Senior Planet’s resources on digital vaults here.

Question #3: QR Codes Safety

Is it safe to scan QR codes I see on posters or restaurant menus?

Techspert’s Answer:

QR codes themselves are not dangerous. They’re just a quick way to open a link. The risk comes from where that link takes you.

In some cases, scammers may place a fake QR code sticker over a real one, leading you to a harmful website designed to steal personal information or trick you into downloading something.

A good habit is to scan codes only from trusted sources, like well-known businesses or official materials. Be especially cautious if the QR code looks like a sticker placed over something else or seems out of place.

💡 Pro Tip:

After opening the link, make sure the website looks legitimate. Close the page if it unexpectedly:

• Asks for personal information
• Requests payment
• Prompts you to download something or act urgently

To learn more about avoiding scams like this, explore Senior Planet’s scam prevention resources.

Question #4: Recover Deleted Photos

I accidentally deleted a photo on my phone. Is it gone forever?

Techspert’s Answer:

If you’ve accidentally deleted a photo, don’t panic – it’s usually not gone right away. Most smartphones have a “Recently Deleted” folder where deleted photos are kept for about 30 days before being permanently removed.

To recover it:

• On iPhone: Open the Photos app > Albums or Collections > Recently Deleted
• On Android: Open the Photos app > Library or Collections > Trash or Recently Deleted
• From there, you can restore the photo with just a tap.

If you don’t see it there, check if your photos are backed up to a cloud service (like Google Photos or iCloud), where a copy might still exist.

If you’d like your question answered in the next TechBytes episode, submit it on this form.

Got a tech question that just cannot wait? Join the Everything Tech and Ask a Tech Expert groups on the Senior Planet Community platform to ask any tech questions you might have and discuss technology trends with other like-minded individuals. You can also call our free Senior Planet Tech Hotline at 888-713-3495.

Your Turn

Leave a comment below with any questions or input that you might have!

 

Techspert Jonathan is Senior Planet’s Sr. Digital Community Relations and Product Specialist and a former Senior Planet San Antonio technology trainer. He is also an iOS developer with a background in Information Systems and Cyber Security.

Have a tech question that’s got you stumped? Send your tech questions to Techspert Jonathan using THIS FORM. He’ll be tackling one question a month from readers.

 

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