B2 · Vocabulary
Technology: Managing your devices
Useful verbs and phrases for looking after your phone, tablet, or computer, fixing common tech issues, and keeping your digital life organised.
technology
phrasal verbs
Storage & files data
Verbs for managing space and keeping your files safe.
- verb clear the cache – delete temporary app data so your device runs more smoothly. Example: If your browser is slow, try clearing the cache.
- verb free up space – remove files or apps to create more storage. Example: I freed up space by deleting old videos and screenshots.
- phrasal verb back up data – make a copy of your files so you don’t lose them. Example: Always back up your data before you reset your laptop.
- verb sync devices – connect devices so they share the same updated information. Example: If you sync your devices, your calendar will match on your phone and tablet.
- verb compress files – reduce file size (e.g. into a .zip) to save space or send them more easily. Example: Please compress the photos before you email them.
- phrase upload to the cloud – save files on an online service instead of only on one device. Example: She uploaded all her documents to the cloud so she could access them anywhere.
- phrase run out of storage – have no free space left on a device. Example: I can’t install the update because I’ve run out of storage.
Fixing problems troubleshooting
Verbs to talk about common technical issues and how to solve them.
- verb reboot a device – restart a phone, tablet, or computer to solve issues or finish installing updates. Example: If your screen is frozen, try rebooting the device.
- verb freeze – stop responding and not allow you to click or type. Example: My laptop froze while I was editing the file, so I had to force it to restart.
- verb overheat – become too hot and start working badly or shut down. Example: The phone overheated because I was gaming in direct sunlight.
- verb phrase restore / reset to factory settings – erase all personal data and return a device to its original state. Example: Resetting to factory settings will wipe your photos, so back everything up first.
- verb troubleshoot – test different things to find and fix a technical problem. Example: The technician is troubleshooting the Wi-Fi issue.
Tip: Many problems can be fixed by rebooting, checking your internet connection, or installing updates.
Settings & control notifications
Phrases for controlling alerts and how your device behaves.
- verb enable notifications – switch on app alerts so you can receive messages or reminders. Example: Enable notifications if you don’t want to miss any important emails.
- verb disable notifications – turn off alerts to avoid noise or distraction. Example: He disabled notifications during meetings so he could focus.
Updates & upgrades maintenance
Keeping your apps and devices modern and secure.
- verb update software – install the latest version of an app or system with new features and security fixes. Example: You should update your apps regularly to fix bugs and improve security.
- verb upgrade a device / software – move to a more advanced model or edition with better performance or functions. Example: He upgraded his laptop by adding more RAM and a larger SSD.
Mini checklist everyday tech
To keep your devices healthy: clear the cache from time to time, back up your data, update your apps, and troubleshoot small problems before they become big ones.
Exercises:
Technology
Choose the correct option to complete each sentence below.
1
If a website won’t load properly on your phone, the first thing you can try is to
in your browser settings.
Correct:
To clear the cache = delete temporary data that your device or app has stored.
2
You can
by deleting unused apps and old videos from your phone’s memory.
Correct:
To free up space = remove files or apps so you have more storage available.
3
Before you install a new operating system, it’s essential to
so you don’t lose your photos and documents if something goes wrong.
Correct:
To back up data = make a safe copy of your files to another place or device.
4
If you want your contacts and messages to be the same on your phone, tablet and laptop, you should
using the same account on all of them.
Correct:
To sync devices = connect them so they automatically share and update the same data.
5
The folder is too big to send by email, so you should
into a single ZIP archive first.
Correct:
To compress files = make them smaller in size, often putting them in one archive.
6
If your phone is almost full, you can
so that your photos are stored on an online service instead of only on the device.
Correct:
To upload to the cloud = send files to an online storage service.
7
When you
, your phone shows a warning and you can’t install any new apps or save large files.
Correct:
If you run out of storage, all available space on your device is used.
8
The IT helpdesk always tells you to
first – turn it off and on again – before they try anything more advanced.
Correct:
To reboot a device = restart it so the system closes and then loads again.
9
If your screen stops responding and you can’t click anything, you say that your computer
and you may have to force it to restart.
Correct:
When a device or program freezes, it stops working and doesn’t react to your actions.
10
If you play heavy games for too long, your phone can
and even shut down automatically to protect the battery.
Correct:
If a device overheats, it becomes too hot and may slow down or turn off.
11
After backing up everything, you can
to remove all apps and settings and make it like new again.
Correct:
To restore a device to factory settings = erase all data and return it to its original state.
12
The manual says that if nothing else works, you should
from the settings menu, which will delete all your personal data.
Correct:
To reset a device to factory settings = run the factory-reset option that wipes all information.
13
The support wizard helps you
by checking different possible causes step by step.
Correct:
To troubleshoot a problem = find and fix what is causing an issue with your device or software.
14
If you want the app to show you messages and alerts again, you need to
in the app’s settings.
Correct:
To enable notifications = turn them on so the app can send you alerts.
15
If a game keeps interrupting you with pop-ups, you can
so it stops sending you messages on your lock screen.
Correct:
To disable notifications = turn them off so you no longer receive alerts.
16
Installing the latest security patches and bug fixes means you regularly
on your phone and laptop.
Correct:
To update software = install the newest version of a program or system with fixes and improvements.
17
My old laptop is too slow for video editing, so I’m going to
and buy a newer model with more RAM.
Correct:
To upgrade a device = replace it with a newer or more powerful piece of hardware.
18
You can use the basic version for free, but if you pay, you can
to the Pro edition with extra features.
Correct:
To upgrade software = move to a more advanced or paid version of a program.
Technology
Match the sentences with the technology verbs & phrases
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