There's a lot to look at, watch, and listen to on the web. Fully utilizing the bookmarks feature in Google Chrome can be a real help in staying on top of everything.
Chrome is the browser I use most often, and I've got a huge number of bookmarked sites inside it: long reads I want to get back to once work is done, news updates to write up for work, gift ideas, apps I'd like to check out, important Slack channels, and content systems for my job… the list goes on. All synced between devices and available everywhere.
If you haven't done a deep dive into Chrome's bookmarks feature then you might not be aware of everything you can do with it, how it can save you time, and how you can bring some kind of order to your web browsing.
Saving bookmarks
The star icon to the right of the address bar in Chrome on the desktop is for saving new bookmarks. Click it and the current page gets saved to the most recently used bookmarks folder. You can also press Ctrl+D (Windows) or Cmd+D (macOS), which is even easier. On mobile, tap the three dots at the top then the star icon (Android), or the three dots at the bottom then Add to bookmarks (iOS) to save the current page as a new bookmark.
The S25 Edge is noticeably thin when you hold it. | Image: Dominic Preston / The Verge<br>
At its virtual Unpacked event on Tuesday, Samsung officially announced the launch date for its new ultra-slim Galaxy S25 Edge. The latest S25 series phone launches on May 30th to the tune of $1,099, with preorders starting today at Amazon, Best Buy, and Samsung’s online storefront.
At just 5.8mm thick, the Galaxy S25 Edge is Samsung’s thinnest phone yet. It weighs about 5.7 ounces, making it surprisingly light for a 6.7-inch device. While its slim design means it comes with a smaller 3,900mAh battery, Samsung didn’t sacrifice durability to achieve the phone’s slender design. In fact, despite its thin and lightweight build, the Edge features the same rugged titanium frame as the S25 Ultra and carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. It also shares the Ultra’s 200-megapixel main camera, though it’s limited to two rear lenses with no telephoto lens.
Other than that, the S25 Edge is largely similar to the S25 Plus. Both feature a 6.7-inch OLED display and run on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chipset. They also offer the same Galaxy AI features, including natural language search for both photos and other settings. Like the rest of the S25 lineup, the S25 Edge is backed by Samsung’s promise of seven years of OS and security updates.
We’ll be reviewing the S25 Edge in the coming days, but if you’re looking to place a preorder now, here’s what you should know.
Where to preorder the Galaxy S25 Edge
The Galaxy S25 Edge starts at $1,099, features12GB of RAM, and comes in two storage configurations: 256GB and 512GB, with the latter going for $120 more. You can preorder an unlocked configuration starting today with a free storage upgrade from Amazon, Best Buy, and Samsung in the following colors: silver, black, and blue. Samsung is currently offering $50 in-store credit when you reserve the device, while Amazon is throwing in a $50 gift card. At Best Buy, only customers enrolled in the retailer’s premium Plus and Total loyalty programs are eligible for a $50 gift card.
Carrier deals and promotions
New and current Verizoncustomers on any Unlimited plan can get a free S25 Edge with 256GB of storage when they trade in any Apple, Google, or Samsung phone. However, note that the promo will be dispersed as monthly bill credits over the span of 36 months.
T-Mobile is offering a $600 discount on the S25 Edge without a trade-in on most of the unlimited plans when you add a new line, which will be administered as 24 monthly bill credits. The carrier is also offering a free storage upgrade and giving the phone away for free with qualifying trade-ins to those on Experience Beyond and Experience Beyond for Business plans. If you add a line, Business Unlimited Ultimate customers can also get up to $1,000 off the S25 Edge with a qualifying trade-in.
AT&T will essentially give you an S25 Edge for free in the form of monthly credits over the span of three months when you add or upgrade to a line on an eligible unlimited plan. The company is also offering a handful of other deals with an approved trade-in, such as $800 off for switching carriers or $200 off when you add a new line and order the device online.
Apple is known for prioritizing privacy and security, but there are additional measures you can turn to if you feel you need them. iPhones, iPads, and Macs have what's known as a Lockdown Mode that takes protecting your data to a whole new level.
It's clear that this isn't for everyone: Apple describes it as being for those who feel they might be attacked by "the most sophisticated threats." Think journalists working in dangerous regions, activists under threat from surveillance or censorship, or politicians with access to top secret information.
Anyone can turn it on and off as needed - you don't need any special status or any particular kind of Apple account. It only takes a few taps or clicks, and you'll have the highest level of security protection that Apple offers.
How Lockdown Mode protects you
It's worth bearing in mind that there are some tradeoffs when using Lockdown Mode. The software you use will be limited in some of its functionality to give would-be hackers fewer ways to get at you and your data.
You'll find most attachments in Messages blocked, while FaceTime calls are only permitted with people you've had contact with in the last month. In Photos, you can't c …
The end-to-end encryption (E2EE) available on the WhatsApp messaging app gets you off to a good start when it comes to privacy and security. It means no one else - hackers, law enforcement, or Meta staff - can see your chats. Your stuff stays just between you and the person or persons you're chatting with.
On top of that, the app comes with a variety of other features for locking down your data as tightly as possible. Get all of these precautions in place, and you're as well protected as you can be when it comes to keeping your conversations private.
Stop others from exporting your chats
If you want to export your chat, it's easy to have it served up in a plain text file, complete with media attached, if requested.
On Android, tap the three dots (top right) in a chat, then More > Export chat.
On an iPhone, tap the header at the top of the chat, then Export chat.
The problem is that anyone you're chatting to can export that chat somewhere else, just like you can. If you'd rather your contacts weren't exporting your shared conversations, you can disable this for everyone in the chat. (This feature has only just been introduced, so you might not see it yet.)
One of the Apple Intelligence features that hasn't been delayed is Visual Intelligence, which uses your iPhone's camera to identify and answer questions on whatever's around you in the world.
It lets you snap a pizza restaurant storefront and find out its opening hours, for example, or point your camera at a plant and find out what it's called and how to care for it. If you've used Google Lens, you'll get the idea.
This isn't available to everyone, though. You have to be using iOS 18.2 on the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, or iPhone 16 Pro Max; iOS 18.3 on the iPhone 16E; or iOS 18.4 on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. You'll also need to have Apple Intelligence turned on, via Apple Intelligence & Siri in Settings.
How to launch Visual Intelligence
If you have an iPhone 16 with a Camera Control button on the right-hand side, you can tap and hold this button to bring up the camera and Visual Intelligence.
If you've got an iPhone 16E, iPhone 15 Pro, or iPhone 15 Pro Max, you've got a few different options to choose from:
You can customize the Action Button to launch Visual Intelligence: Go to Settings, tap Action Button, then swipe left or right to find Vis …
Update, April 24th: Following a messy rollout, it appears GameStop has sold out of its initial preorder inventory. We’ve reached out to GameStop, and we’ll update this post if we receive confirmation.
Most major retailers launched their Nintendo Switch 2 preorders at 12AM ET on April 24th and sold out quickly — but thankfully, GameStop is doing things a bit differently. The company says it’s kicking off in-store preorders when the “doors open” today, and online preorders for the $449.99 standalone console and the $499.99 Mario Kart World bundle are now available. Here’s what you should know if you want to be among the first to get the Switch 2 when it launches on June 5th.
The standalone Switch 2 comes with a pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers, which magnetically attach to the console and feature Nintendo’s new “C” button — a shortcut that allows you to access Nintendo’s new in-game chat feature, GameChat. Inside the box, you’ll also find a redesigned dock, a basic Joy-Con grip, Joy-Con wrist straps, an AC adapter, a USB-C charging cable, and an HDMI cable.
If you want the standalone console, it’s currently available for preorder at GameStop. You can also place an in-store preorder whenever your local brick-and-mortar GameStop location opens (while supplies last).
If you’ve been eyeing the new Mario Kart game, you’ll likely want the Switch 2 bundle, which Nintendo says will be available for a limited time through the fall (or while supplies last). Like the standard console, GameStop has opened online preorders for the $499.99 Mario Kart World bundle, with in-store reservations available at brick-and-mortar stores starting today. In addition to a digital copy of Mario Kart World, which retails for $79.99 on its own, the bundle includes all the accessories that come with the standalone console.
Nintendo’s next-gen Pro Controller introduces some welcome additions to one of the best gamepads around.
We’re now just a few weeks away from the release of the Switch 2, but it isn’t the only hardware launching on June 5th. Soon, Nintendo will also release a variety of new accessories for its upcoming gaming console, the bulk of which are now available for preorder at Walmart, Best Buy, GameStop, and Target ahead of their release. From a redesigned Pro Controller and cases to a camera that lets you video chat with your friends, each is designed to level up your gaming experience.
Sadly, President Trump’s on-again, off-again tariff policy has resulted in slight price bumps on several Switch 2 accessories — including the aforementioned Pro 2 Controller. There’s no telling whether we can expect more price hikes down the line, either, meaning if you do manage to preorder a Switch 2 and want to pick up a second controller or another accessory to go with it, now might be the time to act.
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
The removable Joy-Cons are great for portable and wireless play, but their small, curveless design can feel cramped during longer sessions if you have larger hands. That’s why the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller might be worth a look, especially if you mostly game in TV mode. The upgraded version of one of our favorite Nintendo Switch controller features a few welcome improvements, including a pair of rear GL and GR buttons players can use to remap other controls. Nintendo has also finally added a 3.5mm audio jack, allowing you to pair it with a headset or a set of wired headphones. The gamepad even features the aforementioned “C” button.
As of writing, you can preorder the Switch 2 Pro controller for $84.99 at Best Buy, GameStop, and Target. It was also initially available at Walmart; however, the retailer’s initial preorder allotment has since sold out.
Joy-Con 2 Wheel (set of two)
If you plan on picking up the new Mario Kart World, the Joy-Con 2 Wheels are worth a look. Simply snap the Joy-Con 2 controllers, which connect magnetically, into the steering wheel attachments before booting up your preferred racing title. The two-wheel set is currently available for preorder for $24.99 at Best Buy, GameStop, and Target.
Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case and Screen Protector
The Switch 2 is a pricey gadget you’ll want to keep safe, so it’s a good idea to invest in a carrying case like the Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector. We’ll likely see a wealth of third-party brands release their own version in the coming weeks, but Nintendo’s proprietary offering is likely to be one of the few available at launch.
The bundle — which includes a console-only carrying case, screen protector, and cleaning cloth — is only available for preorder for $39.99 at GameStop and Target, even if it was originally available elsewhere.
Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case
Nintendo is also launching an All-In-One Carrying Case on June 5th, which is more spacious than the model mentioned above. The higher-end case features separate compartments for stowing the console and various goodies, including the Switch 2 dock, Joy-Con 2 controllers, cables, and up to six game cards. You can preorder it now from GameStop for $84.99.
Nintendo Switch 2 Camera
Supposedly, you can video chat with friends via GameChat using any compatible USB-C camera, but Nintendo offers its own solution in the form of the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera. The 1080p camera is designed to sit on a stand, allowing you to display your face as a picture-in-picture overlay or as a dedicated video feed. A few titles, such as the upgraded version of Super Mario Party Jamboree, let you see your friends on-screen while you play. Some mini-games even incorporate the camera into the game experience itself.
The camera features an adjustable wide-angle lens, designed to capture groups of people in a single shot, as well as a “high-sensitivity image sensor” that automatically adjusts brightness levels. It also features a built-in privacy shutter and includes a USB-C charging cable, as well as support for TV, tabletop, and handheld modes.
Following a brief delay stemming from the Trump administration’s on-again, off-again tariff policy, Nintendo officially opened up preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2. As expected, the initial rollout process at Walmart, Best Buy, and other retailers on April 24th was an absolute mess — and GameStop didn’t fare much better later in the week.
As of right now, none of the aforementioned retailers are accepting reservations for the $449 gaming console ahead of its release on June 5th. Nintendo is still accepting sign-ups for those looking to secure a Switch 2, though, if you do go that route, be aware that there are strict requirements. Nintendo also can’t guarantee an invite ahead of launch due to “the very high demand” for the console. Surprising, I know.
We don’t know when the next Switch 2 preorders will open up, at least at traditional US retailers. Additional preorder inventory has popped up intermittently at Walmart and GameStop in recent days; however, so far, none of the major retailers have announced when they will resume accepting preorders, if at all. That being said, if you’re trying to secure a Switch 2, we suggest keeping an eye on the retailers below and taking a few steps to ensure you’re set up for success if they re-open.
At launch, the Nintendo Switch 2 will be available in two distinct configurations: a $449.99 standard version and a $499.99 bundle that includes the latest Mario Kart title, Mario Kart World. Nintendo is on record saying the bundle will only be available through fall 2025 (or while supplies last), which is a shame, considering picking up the console / game combo saves you $30 on what is easily the Switch 2’s biggest launch title. If you don’t manage to secure the bundle, you’ll have to pick up Mario Kart World separately for a whopping $79.
It’s also worth noting that prices could change down the line. Nintendo recently raised the price of the Switch 2 Joy-Cons and the Switch 2 Pro Controller in response to tariffs, and has said that “other adjustments to the price of any Nintendo product are also possible in the future depending on market conditions.” The starting price of the Nintendo Switch 2 remains unchanged, but at this point, it feels like the only way to guarantee a console at $449.99 is to purchase one at launch.
A few essentials tips to keep in mind
If the initial preorder launch of the Switch 2 is any indication, retailers are woefully under-equipped to handle the massive influx of interest in console preorders. Inventory for the Switch 2 seems to be limited despite the fact Nintendo supposedly had time to build up an inventory of the next-gen system “on a global basis.” That being the case, we suggest taking a few steps to set yourself up for success ahead of when preorders drop next.
We’ll continue to do our best to let you know which retailers have inventory as we approach June 5th, but in the meantime, we’ve rounded up a few helpful tips that should help you improve your chances.
Create accounts for every retailer
First things first: create accounts at Walmart, GameStop, Best Buy, and other retailers if you haven’t done so already. Both Best Buy and Walmart implemented a queue system when taking Switch 2 preorders in an effort to deter scalpers — a tactic also employed during the rollout of the PlayStation 5. That’s why it’s in your best interest to ensure your account is set up with the appropriate credentials. Confirm your location and delivery info, get your payment details in order, and log in to your account prior to making your purchase.
… most retailers won’t hold your console while you’re in the checkout line
Setting up and verifying this information in advance will help streamline the checkout process, thus allowing you to save precious seconds. This is crucial, given most retailers won’t hold your console while you’re in the checkout line.
Download the mobile apps
If you own a smartphone, we recommend downloading — and logging into — the respective retailer apps for Walmart, Amazon, GameStop, Best Buy, and Target. In the past, we’ve found that the dedicated mobile apps for various retailers are faster than using a traditional browser; they also provide an additional means of procuring a console, thus increasing your chances of securing a Switch 2 at launch.
Sign up for retailer notifications
A couple of retailers, specifically Best Buy and GameStop, allow you to sign up for preorder updates regarding the Nintendo Switch 2, games, and accessories. So far, neither retailer has divulged much beyond what is available on their retail sites; however, they do serve as yet another opportunity to stay informed regarding how each retailer plans to handle the Switch 2 rollout going forward.
Skip the accessories
Nintendo will have a raft of new accessories available for the Switch 2 at launch, including a Switch 2 Pro Controller, carrying cases, and even a camera accessory for video chats. And while it might be tempting to stack your cart with add-ons, preordering Nintendo’s first-party peripherals takes time that’s better spent on securing a console. Plus, accessory preorders don’t typically sell out nearly as fast as consoles, meaning you can always circle back for extras at Walmart, Best Buy, and other retailers once you’ve managed to reserve your Switch 2.
Try your local brick-and-mortar store
This might come as a surprise in 2025, but preorders aren’t only available online. A handful of retailers, including Best Buy and GameStop, opened in-store preorders for the Switch 2 shortly following their online release. Each store has only been allocated a handful of launch units — the GameStop location our own Ash Parrish visited had been allotted 44 bundles and 19 regular Switch 2 consoles — so it can’t hurt to ask the folks at the store nearest you if they’re still accepting preorders. The chances are slim, sure, but who knows? You might get lucky.
Follow us (and others)
As you might expect, we’ll be closely monitoring Switch 2 inventory over the next month or so — or longer if it remains unavailable following its release on June 5th. Bookmark our main deals hub, and if you haven’t already, subscribe to our Verge Dealsnewsletter! We’ll be sending special alerts as preorders become available; it’s also a great way to stay in the know regarding the latest deals and discounts, all of which come from a Verge staffer.
A number of other social media accounts — including Wario64, IGN, and Matt Swider of The Shortcut — are likely going to be tracking preorder inventory for the foreseeable future as well, if you’re looking for additional publications / users to follow in the run-up to the Switch 2 launch.
Where can I preorder the Switch 2?
Right now, the only confirmed retailers for the Nintendo Switch 2 are Walmart, GameStop, Best Buy, Target, Newegg, and Sam’s Club. We anticipate Amazon opening preorders at some point, but based on previous console launches, the rollout at Amazon is likely to be sporadic and unpredictable. Either way, we’ll update this post accordingly if Amazon and other retailers begin offering preorders.
My Nintendo Store
Unsurprisingly, one of the few confirmed retailers is the My Nintendo Store, which comes with a string of eligibility requirements — one of which requires you to register your interest in advance. To do so, you’ll need to sign in with your Nintendo account and select the console configuration you prefer, along with any desired accessories. Then, you’ll receive an invitation email when it’s time to buy it, assuming you’ve satisfied several other conditions.
Currently, the reservation process is limited to Nintendo account holders in the US and Canada who are at least 18 years of age. Invitations will be valid for 72 hours and will be “prioritized on a first-come, first-served basis,” according to Nintendo; you’ll also need to have purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership for a minimum of 12 months and have logged 50 hours of gameplay on the original Switch as of April 2nd, 2025, to be eligible. What’s more, you must have opted in to share gameplay data with Nintendo (you can see if you’ve done so in the privacy section when logged into your account).
Console and accessory purchases will be limited to one per eligible account …
Once invitations have been sent to account holders who have met these criteria, Nintendo says it will send invitations to “remaining eligible registrants” on a first-come, first-served basis. The invitations will be nontransferable and sent to the email address you provided while registering your interest with Nintendo. Console and accessory purchases will be limited to one per eligible account, at least during the initial invitation period, which will begin with the first batch of invitations on May 8th.
Additional invitations will follow periodically, though Nintendo hasn’t specified details beyond that. However, in a recent update to its site, Nintendo specified that, due to “the very high demand” for the console, “delivery by June 5 is not guaranteed” and that “your invitation email may arrive after the Nintendo Switch 2 launch.”
Walmart
Walmart is no longer accepting preorders for the standalone Switch 2 ($449) or the Mario Kart World bundle ($499), though you can still preorder games like Donkey Kong Bananza ($69) and accessories like the Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector ($39.88). That being said, Walmart’s website still indicates that, if you manage to preorder a console before 8AM ET on June 4th, you should receive it before 9AM ET on June 5th.
GameStop
GameStop currently isn’t accepting preorders for the standalone console or the Mario Kart World bundle. If you’re looking to bring the cost down in the future, though, it offers up to $175 off a Switch 2 when you trade in a Switch OLED, or up to $125 off when you trade in a regular Switch. In both instances, you’ll need everything that came with your console — specifically the Switch, its dock, two working Joy-Con controllers (with wrist straps), an HDMI cable, and a power cord. GameStop also confirmed to Gizmodo that the exact valuation will depend on the condition of your console, including whether your Joy-Cons are experiencing the dreaded stick drift.
Best Buy
Best Buy isn’t accepting online preorders for the standalone console or the Mario Kart World bundle right now, but if you do manage to reserve a console through Best Buy, the retailer has announced that most stores in the US will open at 12AM ET, 11PM CT, 10PM MT, and 9PM PT on June 5th for preorder pickup.
Additionally, if you’re a My Best Buy Plus or Total member, you can currently score $20 in credit for every $150 you spend (up to $100) on Nintendo games and gear (excluding all Switch and Switch 2 hardware). That privilege will run you at least $49.99 a year, though both membership tiers also grant you access to a number of exclusive perks, including limited-time discounts and free two-day shipping.
As far as we know, neither Newegg nor Sam’s Club opened preorders on April 24th. However, Newegg has published a landing page for both the standalone console and the Mario Kart World bundle, indicating it will have Switch 2 stock at some point. The same applies to Sam’s Club, which currently has a retail listing for the bundle. You’ll need a Club membership ($50 a year) to take advantage of the latter; however, given Sam’s Club requires you to sign up for a premium subscription to shop, you might have better luck when preorders do open.
Update, April 26th: Updated to include the latest information on Switch 2 preorders, along with several additional tips for securing Nintendo’s newest console at launch.
While videoconferencing apps have been around for quite some time, they really came into their own starting in 2020 during the pandemic, when many companies had to do a quick switch to a system of remote working. Even now, five years later, a lot of employees are still working on a remote or a partially remote basis, and a lot of meetings still take place using Zoom, Google Meet, and other videoconferencing software.
And itâs not only companies. These apps are now used as resources for family get-togethers (for example, Iâm part of a monthly family meeting), organizational meet-ups, group TV watches, and other gatherings.
Zoom continues to top the list of these meeting apps, but there are a bunch of other applications available that will allow you to meet others online, and most of them have free versions for personal use. (Admittedly, some of the apps originally on this list â such as the long-standing Skype â have disappeared.) You may want to try one or two of these out for yourself to see how well they fit in with your style and that of your friends and / or colleagues.
The humble QR (or Quick Response) code has become ubiquitous. Invented back in the 1990s to scan car parts, the barcodes got a popularity boost during the pandemic when touchless tech became prioritized, and they’re now a regular part of daily life.
You’ll find them deployed to help you order food, connect to Wi-Fi, shop online, access tickets, prove your identity, and much more besides. They can either store information (about 3KB’s worth), or redirect you somewhere (like a website or an app page).
If you come across a QR code you want to read, you’ve got everything you need right on your phone.
How QR codes work
QR codes contain a small amount of data, typically under a hundred alphanumeric characters for the codes you’ll most often see day to day â although QR codes can get larger and more complex if more information needs to be stored. They can also have error correction built in, which adds to the size but means they’ll still work if part of the code is obscured or damaged.
A phone camera or other scanning device can read the information in a QR code, with the help of the three finder patterns at the corners: They tell the scanner where the QR code is, how big it is, …
In recent years, Do Not Disturb has evolved on both iPhones and Android phones: it’s no longer just a simple block on notifications and distractions, but rather a selection of modes you can customize to suit all the different scenarios in your life (like driving, sleeping, working, or exercising at the gym).
This means you have more control over which apps and contacts can interrupt you and when. If you want Slack to be able to send you alerts during office hours but not family time, for example, you can set this up with just a few taps.
It’s worth spending a few minutes getting these various modes configured to suit you and your schedule, as it’ll make your phone less distracting without causing you to miss anything important.
Android being Android, the exact details for Do Not Disturb vary by manufacturer, but you’ll find instructions below for a Pixel 9 running Android 15 and a Galaxy S25 running One UI 7 â if you’re using anything else, the process should be similar. If you’re on an iPhone, you can try Focus modes.
Do Not Disturb on Pixel phones
In previous versions of Android, Do Not Disturb had its own category in Settings. However, starting from Android 15, you can f …
Buying a refurbished device rather than a new one can save you a ton of money.It can also be a savvy method of getting what you want during yet another moment of global trade instability, with the latest blow coming from the Trump administration’s intense tariffs on US imports from China. However, these products don’t usually receive any spotlight from retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and B&H Photo. You also won’t find them sitting on the homepage of Apple, Google, Nintendo, Sonos, or Microsoft, to name a few. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find refurbs on these sites.
First, a quick description of what “refurbished” means. If a product has been refurbished and is for sale again, that likely means the product was either broken or roughed up enough to warrant a repair. It could also mean that whoever bought it simply decided they didn’t want it and returned it to the store. The definition of what makes for a refurbished product varies depending on the seller, though something that may ease some worry is that there are US laws that prevent once-used tech from being sold as new, even if it’s in new condition.
For more information on what defines a refurbished product and what the best strategy is when shopping for refurbished devices and other items, check out our detailed guide on how to purchase refurbished electronics. If you’ve already decided that you’d like to go the refurb route, here are some places to try.
Best Buy Outlet, as it’s called, is the retailer’s dedicated site for refurbished tech. Here’s Best Buy’s claim for its refurbs:
Refurbished products have been restored to like-new condition. All vital parts and accessories that would have been included with the original product are present, and our thorough inspection process ensures that the product is clean and in working condition.
Products purchased through Best Buy Outlet are subject to the company’s standard return policy. In terms of warranty coverage, it says that refurbished products sold through its Outlet “often include a limited warranty through Best Buy.” Given that it doesn’t broadly provide all refurbished products with a warranty, it’s worth investigating a product before you buy it.
You can also browse for the product you’re actually looking for on Best Buy’s website, then scroll down the page until you see the “More Buying Options” section. Click it to see some other, more affordable options for buying similar devices. Sometimes what you’ll see are refurbs, but most of the time, they are simply open-box returns in varying states of condition.
Amazon Warehouse is the section of the retailer’s site dedicated to used, refurbished products — or “renewed,” as Amazon calls it. If you shop regularly for tech on Amazon, you stand to save some money here. There are sometimes special discounts during Prime Day and other seasonal sales. Here is the fine print from Amazon on its renewed devices:
Amazon Renewed is your trusted destination for pre-owned, refurbished products. Products sold on Amazon Renewed are professionally inspected and tested to work as expected by an Amazon qualified and performance-managed supplier. If we source products from a third-party seller, the third-party seller tests and inspects the product.
You can find renewed versions of lots of tech items here, all of which have a 90-day money-back guarantee. You can also find Warehouse deals by looking at the “New & Used” options on the product page of the device you’re interested in. If Amazon offers a refurbished or used option, it will be listed right at the top. In the “condition” section listed next to the price, it will include any disclaimers you should be aware of in relation to the product’s condition.
As if Amazon didn’t already dominate enough of the online commerce space, it also owns an online retailer called Wootthat often has appealing deals on refurbished tech. That site is usually upfront about warranty information for each device, as well as the condition that it’s in. Woot applies a 90-day limited warranty to most of its products (in some cases, tech comes with the original manufacturer warranty).
Additionally, eBay has a certified refurbished program, which provides a one- or two-year warranty from Allstate for each product listed. The online seller promises hassle-free returns if you’re unhappy with the purchase or a money-back guarantee if your item arrives in a condition that doesn’t match the listing description. Typically, you can find items from Bose, Acer, iRobot, Lenovo, Razer, and a range of other products on eBay’s refurbished page. It guarantees that you’ll get new accessories, new manuals, and manufacturer-sealed packaging with each purchase.
Apple has one of the best refurbishment programs around. All products sold as refurbished will arrive in “like new” condition with at least 15 percent in savings compared to the cost of a brand-new device. Products will ship in a box with all of the original accessories. In addition to coming with a one-year limited warranty, you can buy AppleCare for your refurbished purchase. Just to give you an idea of the level of care Apple puts into its refurbs: it replaces the battery and the outer shell of all iOS devices, and they all receive new cables.
The Google Store has long had a refurbished section on its site, though it remained mostly dormant with no refurbished products for what seemed like years. As of 2025, it’s populated with phones, ranging from the Pixel 6A to the Pixel 7 Pro. The prices aren’t as cheap as you’d likely be able to find buying a secondhand phone via Craigslist or Swappa. However, each phone comes with a one-year Google warranty.
Sonos sells refurbished audio products on its site, each of which comes with a one-year warranty from the company and a 30-day return policy. Additionally, Sonos says each product has received internal and external cleaning and inspection, and it comes in a brand-new box with all the original accessories and cables.
Nintendo sells refurbished Switch consoles, and they’re listed at the bottom of this page. When this was originally written, it was sold out due to the demand spurred on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that supply and demand have mostly stabilized, you can save some money on a refurbished unit of the Switch, Switch OLED, and Switch Lite. Here’s what Nintendo says of the process on each of its refurbished product pages:
The Nintendo Switch is now available as an Authentic Nintendo Refurbished set only from Nintendo, and it comes with our standard one year warranty. Although it may have minor cosmetic blemishes, it is guaranteed to be fully functional. We think you will find the standards for Authentic Nintendo Refurbished Products are VERY high.
Valve’s Steam Deck (both the LCD and OLED models) is available in refurbished condition. Stock quickly sells out, but you can sometimes find handhelds starting at $279, going up to $519. Whichever one you find, the chances are good that it’s over $100 off its original price. And yet, it’ll come with a one-year warranty, a refurbished power supply, and a carrying case.
Microsofthas a part of its store specifically dedicated to products that it has refurbished. There, you’ll find the likes of the latest Surface Pro tablets and laptops, along with Xbox consoles. Microsoft says that people who buy refurbished products get the same kind of tech support as those who purchase new products. While Surface products get a year of warranty service, Xbox consoles are only covered for 90 days, though there’s an option to extend coverage at a cost.
BackMarket is one of many online storefronts that sells refurbished tech at steeply discounted prices. Each product page clearly lists what condition the device is in, what kind of warranty it comes with, and exactly which refurbishment company helped to restore it. It’s one of the more transparent resellers, and it offers one-year warranties on all of its products with a 30-day money-back guarantee on purchases if you aren’t happy.
Not sure if your favorite brand sells refurbished? Just search!
The chances are in your favor that your favorite brand sells refurbished tech. I was in the market for an upgraded desktop graphics card recently, and I found that Zotac has a somewhat regular restocking cadence of refurbished graphics cards. The PC builder iBuyPower also sells refurbished graphics cards on its site, as well as laptops and PCs. The odds were also in my favor when I was looking for refurbished lenses for my Olympus camera (they’re sold on an OM System Outlet eBay page now). Nikon offers its own refurbished products, too. Just search!
It’s possible that some brands don’t offer their own dedicated shop for refurbished goods. In that case, sites like Decluttr and others offer refurbs — and usually with a good warranty. If you’re just looking for secondhand products that, in most cases, haven’t been restored and are being sold as-is, check out Swappa.
Update April 15th, 2025:This article was originally published on May 15th, 2020. The information for various vendors has been updated, along with some links and images.
Gadgets get a second life when you buy refurbished. | Photo by Chris Welch / The Verge
Most people know that buying a refurbished tech product will save you money compared to buying it new. It also gives a device a second life instead of sending it off to be recycled. Not only that, buying refurbished is sometimes a clever workaround for finding new or tough-to-find products at a lower price. If youâre gifting tech for the holidays, a birthday, or buying for yourself, itâs not a bad idea to see what kinds of stuff you can find refurbished across the web.
Those are all good things â yet ârefurbishedâ is still a loaded word for a lot of people. New means new, a product that nobody else has used. On the other hand, buying something refurbished can be a gamble, despite the fact that the product is probably significantly more affordable.
If something has been refurbished, that could mean the product was either broken or roughed up enough to warrant a repair. It could also mean that whoever bought it simply decided they didnât want it and returned it to the store. The definition of what makes for a refurbished product varies depending on the seller, though something that may ease some worry is that there are US laws that prevent once-used tech from being sol …
If you’re taking your laptop away from the safe environs of your home or office desk and still want to stay online, you’ve got a couple of choices (assuming it doesn’t have cellular connectivity built in): hunt around for a Wi-Fi network you can connect to or run a Wi-Fi hotspot from your phone.
Running a hotspot from your phone comes with advantages and disadvantages. It’s more secure than a public Wi-Fi network, as you’re in charge, and you may well get better upload and download speeds, too â though this will, of course, depend on the 4G and 5G coverage in your part of the world. On the downside, you may be limited in terms of your data allowance, and battery life on your phone will take a hit.
If you want to take the mobile hotspot route, here’s how to do it.
Set up a hotspot on a Pixel
With Android devices, as always, the exact steps vary depending on the manufacturer. These are the steps for using a Pixel device with Android 15:
Open Settings on Android.
Choose Network & Internet > Hotspot & tethering.
You can toggle Wi-Fi hotspot from here to enable it, but if youâve never used the hotspot before, tap on it to set your options.
How’s that 5G rollout going in your area? Even in 2025, there’s no guarantee you’re going to be able to get reliable cell service everywhere you go, especially if you happen to live somewhere that’s especially crowded or remote â or if you work in your company’s basement.
That’s where Wi-Fi calling comes in, which routes your phone’s calls and texts over Wi-Fi rather than the connection to your local cell tower. Obviously, it won’t work when you’re in the middle of nowhere, but there are going to be times when you find reliable Wi-Fi is more readily available than cellular coverage.
How Wi-Fi calling works
Phones are configured to use Wi-Fi first to get online, if it’s available. It’s usually faster and offers more capacity than a cellular network (or, at least, that was the case before LTE and 5G became widely available). It also means you’re not using up your data plan on web browsing and streaming.
However, calls and texts continue to be treated separately and are going to be routed through a cell network even if you’re hooked up to a fast Wi-Fi network by default. This is partly because telephone calls have been around a lot longer than the internet and actually use a d …
As if things werenât embarrassing enough for national security adviser Michael Waltz, what with inviting a journalist into a private policy group chat and all, Wired discovered that his Venmo account was wide open, revealing the names of âhundreds of Waltzâs personal and professional associates.âÂ
Venmo is a popular and convenient way to transfer money to friends and vendors, but itâs a good idea to keep it as closed down as possible, as it is with any online banking institution. To keep your Venmo account as secure as you can, here are some ways to avoid exposing your contacts, and your account, to public scrutiny â or worse.
Check and change your privacy settings
Tap on the Me icon at the bottom right of the page.
Select the Settings gear at the top right and then select Privacy.
Youâll see three settings: Public (visible to everyone on the internet!), Friends (visible to the contacts of the sender and the recipient), and Private (visible to the sender and recipient only). Make sure that Private is checked.
Keep in mind that if youâve established any Venmo Groups (as the name suggests, groups of contacts), any transactions using that feature will be vi …
