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BeReal is in a real bind.

According to Business Insider, employees were told at a February all-hands meeting that the app had about ten months of runway left before running out of money. While BeReal has maintained a relatively low head count of 60 employees, its server costs are significant. Now, leadership is scrambling to make the app appealing to investors.

SEE ALSO: BeReal unveils its latest attempt to Be Relevant again

BeReal's unique, in-the-moment photo-sharing feature transformed it into a cultural phenomenon at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Heralded as the "anti-Instagram," the company reached a valuation of $600 million in 2022 after securing $90 million in funding that same year. But the app's growth has since slowed, even after an attempt to diversify its appeal by adding new features in 2023.

According to internal metrics shared with Business Insider, BeReal currently has 40 million monthly active users and 25 million daily active users, up from 20 million in 2022. But sources said that jump is unimpressive in the eyes of investors and that the company was struggling to drum up interest in funding. Leadership also told employees that "We're talking to some of the biggest tech companies in the world" about a potential acquisition. But if a solution doesn't present itself soon, BeReal may be doomed — like the photos on the app — to disappear.

A new feature just might be headed for your Instagram feeds.

If you know anything about new features on Instagram, you might guess that by "new," we mean "it already exists on another platform, but now it will also exist on Instagram." But this is actually a new feature. If you can believe it, it doesn't exist in its current functionality on TikTok — or anywhere else — already.

SEE ALSO: Say 'bye' to Mark Zuckerberg: How to delete your Instagram account. Tweet may have been deleted What is Instagram Spins?

First spotted by reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi and later confirmed by TechCrunch, "Spins" will allow users to swap out the text or audio in Instagram Reels.

Instagram told TechCrunch that Spins is currently just an internal prototype — no one in the public is testing it out just yet. Instagram did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Mashable.

How does Instagram Spins work?

If a creator posts a trending template on Reels, other creators can take that template and swap out the text or audio. For example, if one creator posts a video of someone making a glass of green juice with the text "self care," another person could toggle on Spins and reshare that video with the text swapped out to say "happy St. Patty's day." The original creator would still get credit for their original Reel.

If this gets released, it just might be one of the first Reels features that users didn't already have access to on TikTok — but we have no idea when, or if, the feature will ever see the light of day. What a world.

It's easy to say "goodbye" to Facebook.

Most of your friends left long ago and you're already trying to avoid your conspiracy theory-posting great aunt like the plague. However, Facebook is just one part of Mark Zuckerberg's social networking giant, Meta. And you very likely use one of its other popular, more media-centric platforms.

That's right, I'm talking about Instagram.

SEE ALSO: Can the government regulate what you say on Facebook?

Meta's photo and video sharing social network, Instagram, can be just as toxic as its sister site Facebook. All those big problems Facebook has, well, Instagram's got them too: Disinformation, fake followers, foreign influence campaigns, NFTs, scams, surveillance, just to name a few of their shared issues. And I didn't even touch on Instagram's problem of feeding you photo after photo of privileged travel influencers living lavishly in exotic locales while you're typing away in a dull office.

If you already got rid of Facebook for those reasons, maybe it's time to say "goodbye" to the rest of Meta as well.

How to delete Instagram

First things first: If you’re looking for a delete button somewhere in the menus on your Instagram mobile app (you know, the thing most people use to surf and post on Instagram), you can stop. You cannot delete your Instagram account via the mobile app.

You can only delete your account by logging into Instagram from your desktop or mobile browser.

1. Download your Instagram data first

But before we get to deleting your account, you may want to download your data to your own personal computer hard drive first.

To do that, log in to your account via the web browser and click “Settings” (the gears icon) on your profile page. Click the “Privacy & Security” option on the pop-up menu, then click on “Request Download” under Data Download.

Be sure to download your Instagram data before deleting all your memories. Credit: screenshot / instagram

Type in your email address and hit the “next” button. Instagram will email you a downloadable file with all your data within 48 hours.

Got your data? Good. Now, to delete your account.

2. Delete your Instagram account

Log in to Instagram and click this link to go to the Instagram account deletion page. Are you deleting your account because of data concerns? Privacy issues? Let Instagram know via the options in the drop-down menu.

Why are you deleting Instagram? Well, they want to know. Credit: screenshot / instagram

After that, you’ll be presented with a password input. Just type out your Instagram password and click “permanently delete my account.”

Remember! Your account, along with all your photos and data, will be deleted from the platform for good. You will not be able to register a new account with that same username, so make sure you really want to delete your account before hitting that button.

And ... that’s it. You have now freed yourself from yet another Mark Zuckerberg-run social media platform.

This story was originally published in December 2020 and last updated in March 2024.

SAVE 49%: Today, Mar. 15, the Fitbit Ace 3 is on sale for just $39.95 at Amazon. This limited-time deal sheds $30.05 off the activity tracker's regular list price of $70.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Ace 3 $39.95 at Amazon
$79.00 Save $39.05 Get Deal

The benefits of having a wearable fitness tracker aren't reserved for adults only. With the Fitbit Ace 3, kids can enjoy forming healthy habits, too, with the help of a watch that's durable enough for all of their adventures.

As of today, Mar. 15, the Fitbit Ace 3 is on sale at Amazon for just $39.95, taking $30.05 (or 49% off) the regular list price of $79. This limited-time deal establishes a brand-new record-low price for the Fitbit Ace 3. This sale comes just in time for the rush of spring activities, so we recommend grabbing it while you can.

SEE ALSO: The best fitness trackers for your kids

Not only is the Fitbit Ace 3 a wearable fitness tracker and watch, but its features work with kids to help incentivize and build healthy habits. For example, the watch's display grows more intricate as your child moves more through the day, and kids can earn virtual badges when they reach their goals. With bedtime reminders, the Fitbit Ace 3 also helps kids establish healthy bedtime routines and sleep habits. We also appreciate that parents can manage their child's Fitbit Ace 3 from their own watch, too.

Help your child spring into new, healthy habits when you score the Fitbit Ace 3 today at Amazon for its new lowest price.

UP TO 45% OFF: As of March 15, you can get up to 45% off Marshall speakers at Amazon.

Our top picks: Best deal overall Marshall Stanmore II Wireless Bluetooth Speaker $274.49 at Amazon (save $75.50) Get Deal Best portable speaker deal Marshall Emberton II Portable Bluetooth Speaker $128.99 at Amazon (save $41 ) Get Deal Best budget pick Marshall Willen Portable Bluetooth Speaker $87.20 at Amazon (save $32.79) Get Deal

If you're looking for a way to amp up (pun intended) your audio experience, Marshall is the brand to go for. Sure, Sony and Bose are solid choices, but if you appreciate a rich, dynamic sound and a vintage aesthetic, Marshall is definitely worth checking out.

Marshall amps are legendary. Founded in the 1960s, they quickly became the go-to choice for guitarists and musicians seeking that iconic "Marshall sound." Hendrix, Page, Clapton, and countless others have all relied on Marshall amplifiers to bring their music to life.

SEE ALSO: The best speakers for top tech and amazing audio

And right now, you can get all that power in your hands for a fraction of the price at Amazon. From portable speakers to standalone home audio systems, there are a ton of affordable options to choose from.

Here are our favorite deals from the sale:

Best deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Marshall Our pick: Marshall Stanmore II Wireless Bluetooth Speaker $274.49 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $75.50 Get Deal Why we like it

The Marshall Stanmore II Wireless Bluetooth Speaker is built to fill any room with powerful, immersive sound. It can connect wirelessly to your phone (or any other Bluetooth device) at a range of up to 30 feet, giving you the freedom to move around without losing sound quality.

You can use the Marshall app or the analog controls on the speaker to fine-tune your audio settings and customize the sound to fit your mood. And with multi-host functionality, you can switch between devices seamlessly, making it perfect for parties or shared spaces.

Best portable speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Marshall Our pick: Marshall Emberton II Portable Bluetooth Speaker $128.99 at Amazon
$169.99 Save $41.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Marshall Emberton II Portable Bluetooth Speaker is tiny but mighty. It can provide up to 30 hours of playtime on a single charge, and it's durable, with an IP67 dust- and water-resistance rating. Plus, it only takes three hours to fully recharge.

With the Marshall app, you can easily adjust the EQ settings and keep your system current with over-the-air updates to ensure you always have the latest features and improvements.

Best budget pick Opens in a new window Credit: Marshall Our pick: Marshall Willen Portable Bluetooth Speaker $87.20 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $32.79 Get Deal Why we like it

Our budget pick is on the smaller side but still packs a punch. The Marshall Willen Portable Bluetooth Speaker is about the size of a small clutch bag, making it super portable and great for on-the-go listening.

Thanks to its built-in microphone, you can also take calls directly from the speaker. (Or reject them from the front-mounted control panel if you're not in the mood.)

It can play for up to 15 hours on a single charge and comes with a little strap to carry it around wherever you go. It also features Stack Mode so you can connect multiple Marshall speakers for an even bigger sound.

More deals worth looking into:

• Marshall Stockwell II Portable Bluetooth Speaker — $169.99 $219.99 (save $50)

• Marshall Acton III Bluetooth Home Speaker — $249.99 $279.99 (save $30)

• Marshall Kilburn II Bluetooth Portable Speaker — $249.99 $299.99 (save $50)

When it comes to rigging your home with top-notch speakers, Sonos is one of the most trustworthy brands to turn to. However, these powerful speakers come with price tags to match. That's why we're excited about today's limited-time Sonos deals on soundbars, speakers, and subwoofers at Amazon.

Today's best Sonos speakers deals as of Mar. 15: Best soundbar deal Sonos Sound Ray $223.20 (save $55.80) Get Deal Best portable speaker deal Sonos Move 2 $359.20 (save $69.80) Get Deal Best subwoofer deal Sonos Sub Mini $343.20 (save $86.80) Get Deal

As of March 15, select Sonos products are on sale for up to 20% off. The sale includes soundbars, portable Bluetooth speakers, and subwoofers, from the Sonos Sound Ray to the Sonos Move 2. Each of the products included in today's list is at its all-time low price. These products don't often see significant price drops like the deals today, so now is a great time to snatch them up and upgrade your audio system.

Best soundbar deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Our pick: Sonos Sound Ray $223.30 at Amazon
$279.00 Save $55.70 Get Deal Why we like it

The Sonos Sound Ray is compact by design, but there's nothing small about the soundstage it creates. It produces powerful sound that turns time spent streaming your favorite shows, movies, or music into immersive sensory experiences. We also appreciate how easy it is to set up this soundbar: all you need are the two included cables and the Sonos app on your phone to walk you through the process.

Best portable speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Our pick: Sonos Move 2 $359.20 at Amazon
$429.00 Save $69.80 Get Deal Why we like it

No matter where you bring the Move 2, this portable Bluetooth speaker adapts to the setting to fill your surroundings with sound. With high-fidelity stereo, deep bass, and a precision-tuned woofer, this small speaker packs the charge of what it feels like to experience your favorite music firsthand. We also love that it has the battery power to match: One charge lasts for 24 hours, so you'll never have to worry about this speaker letting you down if you're entertaining or hosting a party.

Best subwoofer deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Our pick: Sonos Sub Mini $343.20 at Amazon
$429.00 Save $85.80 Get Deal Why we like it

For true audiophiles, Sonos can be appealing because of the way the brand lets you mix and match its speakers. If you're someone who values designing your own home audio system to fit your unique listening preferences, then the Sonos Sub Mini is a component you'll want to consider. It has two force-canceling woofers that create deep low-end sound with no annoying buzz. Plus, advanced processing features work to further enhance the acoustics. Thanks to 5 GHz WiFi, it can also keep up with your Sonos soundbar and TV.

SAVE $300: As of March 15, the 13-inch MacBook Air (M1, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is on sale for $699 at Walmart. That's $300 off competitors' prices at $999 and a discount of 34%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Walmart 13-inch MacBook Air (M1, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $699.99 at Walmart
$999.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal

If you're in the market for a new laptop, a MacBook is a great option, especially when you can get it for a much lower price than usual. Now, you can snag one at an unexpected retailer for a great discount.

As of March 15, Walmart is selling a brand new M1 MacBook Air wih 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. This is the first time Walmart has offered a Mac directly from the retailer, and it's going for $300 off what you can buy it for at Best Buy. You can get this pricing right now at Walmart's online storefront, and the pricing will be rolling out to select Walmart stores soon as well.

This model may be from 2020, but it still packs a punch. It's a slim but powerful machine that comes in three colors: Gold, Space Gray, and Silver, all of which are discounted at Walmart. It's thin and lightweight at just 2.8 lbs, and its 13.3-inch Liquid Retina screen looks crisp with defined images and eye-popping color.

The M1 processor makes this a great purchase along with its 8GB of RAM because it can handle a variety of tasks from graphic editing to word processing and everything else that you might need for work or play. Plus, it's super quiet and boasts up to 18 hours of battery life, meaning it'll last you most of the day if you need it to.

If you're ready to buy a MacBook but don't want to splurge on the latest and greatest models, you can't go wrong with the M1 MacBook Air at this price. And now that Walmart is selling it directly, you can head out to the store instead of buying online if you prefer, too – meaning in the coming weeks you can buy online and pick up in-store to make things even easier.

Developed by Cognition Labs, Devin is an AI software engineer that can train other AI. Devin can run into an unexpected error and re-run code with a debugging print statement. Devin has its own command line, code editor and browser and can write complete apps on its own. During a demo, Devin was even able to complete real jobs posted on Upwork.

Remember when Wordle first took the world by storm? Well, just a few years later and there have been 1,000 puzzles already.

Friday marked the 1,000th edition of Wordle, which is now owned and ran by the New York Times. While perhaps Wordle is past it's viral peak — folks are super into the NYT's Connections these days — the 1,000th puzzle had folks talking and sharing online. It was trending on X Friday morning.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for March 15 1,000th Wordle has the internet talking Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

There must be someone, somewhere who had done all 1,000 after all. That would be quite impressive. And, if you happen to live in New York, there are actually lots of businesses giving away free stuff related to past answers.

If you're struggling with the 1,000th puzzle on March 15 — we've got you covered. Mashable has tips, hints, and the answer if you want to check it out.

I won't spoil it here, but rest assured: while it's not the hardest Wordle ever, it's also not the easiest. Here's to the 1,000th daily puzzle and, hopefully, 1,000 more.

SAVE OVER 40%: As of March 15, HBO's Max streaming service is offering over 40% off its yearly subscription plans for new, existing, and returning subscribers.

Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max streaming subscription $69.99 at Max
Get annual subscriptions With Ads (42% off), Ad-Free (45% off), or Ultimate Ad-Free (42% off) Get Deal

It's March, and you know what that means: in just a few days, the biggest NCAA games of the year will be taking place. Time to fill out those brackets and make sure your living room is ready with a great new TV and the best streaming service to catch all the action. If you're waiting to see it all go down on the court, be ready with a Max subscription.

The streaming platform is offering great deals on all of its yearly plans when you prepay for one year, so you can catch all the live games you've been waiting for across channels like TBS, TNT, and truTV in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, with seeding, tip times, and other important info going out on March 17.

As of March 15, you can save over 40% when you prepay for one year of Max with one of Max's three subscription tiers, starting with the With Ads option for just $69.99 a year, which breaks down to $5.83 a month and 42% off. Next up, the Ad-Free tier is $104.99 a year, which breaks down to $8.75 a month and 45% off. The highest tier is Ultimate Ad-Free, which is $139.99 a year, or $11.67 a month, and 42% off. All plans come with Max's Sports Add-On option for free for a limited time.

SEE ALSO: This $33 gadget turns your TV into an art museum

The cheapest With Ads plan nets you the ability to stream on two devices and HD video. Ad-Free comes with the ability to stream on two devices at once, HD video, and 30 downloads so you can watch on the go. Ultimate Ad-Free gets you streaming for up to four devices at once, 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Atmos audio, and 100 downloads to watch on the go.

Already subscribed to Max previously but enticed by these new offers? You can still participate. New, existing, and returning customers are eligible, as well as those who subscribe via the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, Roku, and Amazon Fire. So if you're looking to catch all the latest hoops this season, Max is where it's at for more affordable plans right now. But act quickly, because this offer is only available through April 9.

To celebrate 15 years of Information is Beautiful this June, we’re hosting a series of rare and exclusive live performances in London, San Francisco, LA and potentially other cities – plus some virtual events for global timezones.

IIB founder and TED speaker David McCandless will start the festivities by hitting the stage at the prestigious Royal Institution in London on Tue 25th June 2024. Look forward to 90 minutes of fun, surprise, aha’s and Eurekas as David shares his funniest, and most insightful and revelatory visuals and data stories. All performed in his unique style of “performance journalism” he’s refined by speaking at over 200 festivals and events.

Come as you are and leave – we hope – a little smarter.

Current LIVE in-person shows
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Mashable reporter Elijah Gil talks to David Alan Grier (The American Society of Magical Negroes, Bob's Burgers) about the recent Katt Williams controversy.

From Spotify "killing the YouTube star" to GameScent's "smell-o-vision", host Josh Burstein takes us on a comedic journey through the week's top stories.

Check out more U Need to Know This episodes on Mashable.com.

Hitting play on a song that meant a lot to you can make you want to time travel but imagine if you could actually do it? In director Ned Benson's The Greatest Hits, the protagonist can.

The Hulu film, which just premiered at SXSW, sees Lucy Boynton as Harriet, who discovers she can indeed head back in time when she listens to certain songs. Where does she go? Straight to memories of her ex Max (David Corenswet), tragically killed in an accident. But while she's time-travelling and coming to understand the impact of changing events, she meets David (Justin H. Min), and they share a bond that has her torn between the past and the present.

Check out Mashable Film Editor Kristy Pucko's review out of SXSW and watch the trailer above.

The Greatest Hits opens in cinemas for limited release April 5, then debut on Hulu April 12. 

TikTok may be facing a total ban in the U.S., following years of pushback from the government. Users and creators alike are alarmed at the prospect of losing their favorite app. Among them is model and writer Emily Ratajkowski, who has a significant following on TikTok and posted her thoughts on why the app may be so threatening to officials in the country.

After the House passed a bill that could ban TikTok across the country on Thursday, Ratajkowski took to TikTok and her 2.7 million followers with a response, saying that TikTok has become a hub for politics and activism, important to so many users and yet potentially threatening to higher forces.

"Because this is one of the few platforms that isn't completely controlled by the U.S. government, or through corporations that have the U.S. government's interest in mind, progressive politics have been able to blossom on here," Ratajkowski says in the video.

"TikTok is being banned," she continued, "because the U.S. government is legitimately scared with the influence that it's having on the American people and the general population, which to me indicates that TikTok is a very powerful tool for organization, for alternative thinking, and for activism."

SEE ALSO: ACLU warns against proposed TikTok ban for violating the First Amendment

Ratajkowski also said that while lawmakers argue that the app poses a national security threat due to its China-based parent company ByteDance, TikTok's data collection could be seen as no different from that of U.S. companies like Meta or Apple. While Meta says "we don't sell your information" we've all seen how that's worked out — and government authorities like law enforcement constantly make (and are granted) requests for your data. Apple, similarly, says it only hands over data in compliance with the law and search warrants "upon a showing of probable cause, or customer consent". But it's clear that user data has been harnessed by the government before, despite guardrails being implemented by the tech giants themselves.

With her larger argument, Ratajkowski is echoing what many users — especially younger people — now fear. A ban on TikTok could have rippling effects for brands, businesses, and individuals who have spent years building a legacy on the platform. And equally, the prospect of losing TikTok is personal and political for the many people who have used the app to learn, motivate, and organize around under-discussed and suppressed issues people are facing.

Moral panic around TikTok has also spiked following the escalation of the war on Gaza. In the last few months of 2023, several lawmakers, celebrities, and creators accused TikTok of pushing "pro-Palestine" content. The criticism resulted in TikTok having to release its own statement about the overwhelming support for Palestine demonstrated on the app, which has little to do with TikTok's algorithms: "The data shows that this support is not new and was rising before TikTok was created, so it would be unrealistic to ascribe such broad sentiments to a single communications channel such as TikTok."

It would be amiss to suggest TikTok doesn't have its fair share of problems. Its aggressive foray into shopping and consumer culture, for one thing, has frustrated users. The app hosts a whole library of subjects, some of which have pushed for archaic values and aspirational cultures. Of course, these pockets exist on TikTok, a place where online communities tend to pick up traction. TikTok has also undeniably suffered from issues of misinformation, which most social media platforms struggle to contain, too.

But the app has opened conversations that are arguably missing or deemed more complicated by others. Meta has been on a journey to limit news stories, starting with the blocking of news from Instagram and Facebook in Canada, and more recently, announcing that political posts will be less readily available on its platform before elections come worldwide. Next month, Meta will ditch Facebook News altogether in the U.S. and Australia. Meanwhile, Elon Musk's takeover of Twitter (now X), has led to a torrent of disinformation and hate speech across subjects.

It's no surprise that young and politically-activated people turn to TikTok. The app has taken up a significant amount of the digital space occupied by such users, who have utilized TikTok as both a search engine and a more holistic news source. As Sophia Smith Galer writes for Mashable, "TikTok also reaches 20 percent of 18-24 year olds across global markets specifically for news."

According to Ratajkowski — and presumably, millions of others — "we should be really, really scared."

The European Union recently imposed a $2 billion fine on Apple for banning Spotify (and other music providers) from giving users info on cheaper music subscription offers in their iOS apps.

Now, Spotify claims that Apple has deliberately held up the updated Spotify app, which provides users such info, from appearing in Apple's App Store for nine days — and without a good explanation.

SEE ALSO: Uh, YouTube? Spotify just added full music videos

The European Commission's decision was made public on March 4, with Apple saying it would appeal the decision, and Spotify submitting an updated version of its app to Apple the day after. In the new app, Spotify links to its website and offers pricing information for subscription options that circumvent Apple's payment system.

But the updated app still isn't live in Apple's App Store in the EU, and now Spotify has once again complained to the European Commission, The Verge reported.

In an email seen by the outlet, Spotify said that Apple has "neither acknowledged nor responded to Spotify’s submission," and claims that this is "yet another example of how Apple if unchecked, will seek to circumvent and/or not comply with the Commission’s decision." Spotify also said it's "concerned that Apple's delay is intentional" and "aimed at delaying or avoiding compliance altogether."

"It's been nine days now and we’re still waiting to hear from Apple about our app submission to show EU consumers pricing and a link to our website, which we are now authorized to do by the European Commission’s decision on the music streaming case," a Spotify spokesperson told The Verge.

It's worth noting that Apple itself commented that its App Review team has so far "reviewed and approved 421 versions of the Spotify app — usually with same-day turnaround," and that it "frequently expedites reviews at Spotify’s request."

Mashable has contacted Apple for comment and will update this article when we hear back.

Mashable's supervising producer Mark Stetson sits down with the cast of Irish Wish to discuss the characters with the cast and how Lindsay Lohan's knowledge of physical comedy played a role in putting it all together.

Sara Bareilles, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Busy Philips, Paula Pell and creator Meredith Scardino give us all the background we need before watching Season 3 of Girls5Eva.

Girls5Eva is now streaming on Netflix.

We know you're here to find out about the best VPNs for the Fire TV Stick, but first we should explain that the Fire TV Stick is, well, a little stick that you can plug into your HDTV to stream over 10,000 apps, games, and Alexa skills, including Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Netflix, and more. You can also use it to gain access to millions of websites like YouTube, Facebook, and Reddit.

As an added bonus, you can launch apps and control your content with the Alexa Voice Remote that comes included with your purchase. Just ask for the content you want and Alexa responds. It's as easy as that.

Amazon Prime members get access to even more content options. They get unlimited access to Prime Video, which features thousands of movies and TV episodes at no additional cost. Plus, Prime members can add over 50 premium channels such as Discovery and Eurosport Player.

With all of that content, how could there possibly be a problem? Well, a lot of the shows and movies are just out of reach due to geo-blocking, meaning that certain programmes are only available from a particular location. This can be down to content licensing agreements and broadcast rights, and there doesn't immediately seem to be anything you can do about it. Well friends, we have a solution to this annoying issue.

An effective way of getting around content blocking is to use a VPN. These services can hide your real location when you're online, meaning you enjoy everything that the Fire Stick has to offer without any restrictions.

What is a VPN?

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) provide protection for your online information by creating a private network that hides your real IP address. All of your activity is untraceable and secure, because all of your online traffic passes through an encrypted tunnel. Nobody can view or access anything within the tunnel, meaning everything is protected against online threats like hackers, viruses, and malware.

Do you need to use a VPN?

VPNs are effective security tools that provide protection for your sensitive information. The online world can be a dangerous place, so it's important to stay safe out there. Investing in a VPN is a quick and easy way of protecting your data and identity. VPNs might be designed for cybersecurity, but there is another reason you might consider subscribing to a service. These tools can be also be used to access blocked sites.

VPNs hide your real IP address and connect you to a server in another country, meaning you can watch all your favourite content from that location. There is so much content out there that can be accessed with the help of a VPN, and it all comes down to bypassing geo-restrictions. VPNs are kind of like keys to the online world, granting you access to more of the shows and films you love. 

What is the best VPN for the Fire TV Stick?

At this point you're probably sold on the idea of using a VPN with your Fire TV Stick, but which VPN is the best option for you? We have tried to help you out by highlighting a selection of the very best VPNs, including popular services like ExpressVPN and PureVPN.

There should be something for every user and every budget in this list, and all you need to do is pick a favourite. Consider all of these options and weigh them up against your set of preferences. The top choice should become clear.

These are the best VPNs for the Fire TV Stick in 2024.

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

Many people resist the urge to get a decent VPN for their Android phone or tablet. Why bother with an extra app just to get online?

Over time, however, the scenarios in which you might need a VPN become more common. You could need to check what a site looks like from another geolocation, or test something that isn't available in your country. What often acts as the final straw is being unable to watch some of your favourite TV shows while travelling.

What is a VPN?

VPNs provide protection for your data and identity by creating a private network that hides your real IP address. All of your activity is untraceable and secure because everything passes through an encrypted tunnel. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside is protected against online threats.

Do you need a VPN for your Android?

Investing in a VPN is one of the best ways to ensure your safety and anonymity online. VPNs are important tools in the fight against scammers and cybercriminals, meaning you can use your Android device safe in the knowledge that you're secure from these threats.

VPNs can also be used to unlock streaming services from around the world, including the likes of Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+. All you need to do is open up your preferred VPN, connect to a server from another country in order to spoof your IP to another address, and then head to your preferred streaming site. This process tricks the site into thinking you are based in another country, meaning you can watch all that great content that is normally blocked. If you stream on your Android, you could benefit from a VPN.

Should you use free VPNs?

The good news is that there are plenty of free versions of popular VPNs out there, plus free trials with full access to everything you get with a premium plan. The bad news is that there tends to always be a catch.

With free versions of popular VPNs, you normally get limited data usage. These plans will work fine if you aren't really online, but if you're going to be streaming or downloading anything, this simply isn't going to work. Free trials come with everything you get in a paid plan, but don't tend to last very long. So you'll be all set for a short time, but this isn't really a long-term solution.

What is the best VPN for Android?

Choosing a VPN provider is both easy and incredibly difficult. There are a lot of options to consider, but it's very hard to test how reliable they are in different scenarios. So below, you'll find a list of some VPNs that are just plain good. We've checked out everything on offer and highlighted a selection of the best providers, including popular names like PureVPN and CyberGhost VPN.

These are the best VPNs for Android in 2024.