Tech Tips
This page has technical tips, on things like software, computers and mobile devices.
About the Page
For your convenience, the tips have been categorized, to help you find things easier. They are also listed by date, with the most recent tip, at the bottom of each category.
The tips on this website, are provided for informational purposes only. Please see the disclaimer, at the bottom of the page. Some tips, may have a link, to an external website. For more information about external sites, please read our Term of Use.
Difficulty Level
Each tip has a difficulty level, that indicates how hard it may be to accomplish. Below is an explanation, of each level.
Easy: indicates the tip should be easy to accomplish, and only requires basic knowledge, skill or tools.
Medium: indicates the tip may be harder to accomplish, and requires more knowledge, skill or tools.
Hard: indicates the tip may be difficult for some, and requires advanced knowledge, skill or tools.
Apps & Software
This macworld.com article helps you decide on what cloud services to use and which files to put where. To go to their website and read the article, click on read more below.
This macworld.com article, teaches you how to use Spaces, Mission Control and Split View, on an Apple computer running OS X 10.11 and above and make your desktop more manageable. To go to their website and read the article, click on read more below.
Everyone likes to get a new app for their mobile device, but do you know what you should check, before you buy it? This tip will tell you.
Some Tips That Will Help
1. The first thing you should always do, is read the ratings & reviews for any app you plan to download.
I don’t mean read one or two reviews, it’s a good idea to read several if not most of them. You can get a lot of information in reviews like what people like about the app as well its problems or its quirks.
When reading the reviews, it’s a good idea to reorder them several times. For instance, reorder them by most recent, to read the reviews about the newest versions of the app, then reorder by most critical, to see the reviews about problems people are having or what they don’t like about it.
You can reorder the reviews on the iTunes App store, by clicking the dropdown tab, located at the right of the Ratings & Reviews screen.
2. Check to see when the app, was last updated.
This is probably the most important thing you can do, before purchasing any app. It not only tells you how long ago the app was updated, but also gives you a feel of how much the developer actually cares, about how well their app works.
Let’s face it, mobile device operating systems, are constantly changing and that often times, creates major problems for the apps we are using. If a developer doesn’t keep up with an operating system, it can cause an app to not function properly or in worst case, it won’t even launch, making it completely useless.
Here’s a hint, if an app hasn’t been updated, since the last update, to the operating system on your mobile device, hold off on downloading it. The developer may indeed be working on an update, so give them some time, then check back later, to see if it's been updated.
If an app hasn’t been updated in a year or more, the developer definitely doesn’t care and may have even abandoned it, all together. In this case my advice is, just don’t download it.
3. What does the app do and how large is it.
An app that tracks you through GPS or one that requires always being connected to the Internet for example, can drain you device battery quickly and use your data, when you are out and about and not connected to WiFi. It’s a good idea to carefully consider what type of app you are downloading and be sure you are willing to sacrifice battery life and/or your monthly data.
Some apps are very large files by themselves and some, like music or photo apps, actually get larger over time, as you add things to them. Not everyone has a large amount of storage space available on their device so it’s important to think about how much space the app will take up on your device, before you download it.
4. Look for In-App-Purchases
Many of the apps available today, offer something called an In-App-Purchase or IAP. An In-App-Purchases is an add-on or upgrade to the original app. IAP’s usually don’t require you to return to where you originally purchased the app, but are actually purchased and downloaded within the app itself. In-App-Purchases for iPhone users still do however; go through the iTunes App Store and therefore, through your iTunes account.
In-App-Purchases are offered by the app developer to get things like additional features, more coins or lives for playing a game or sometimes, for a subscription, which required, to use some of the apps extended features.
A lot of free apps are actually given away for free so you can try the app and some of its features, before you buy it. You’ll then be required to make an In-App-Purchase, in order to get the apps full benefits.
In many cases, In-App-Purchases can also be quite expensive such as in the case with some games or a subscriptions. Even some paid apps offer and IAP’s making the final cost of the app, even higher.
So it’s aways a good idea to check to see if the app you are planning to download, offers any In-App-Purchases.
5. You May Want to Wait.
Finally, you may want to wait a few days before purchasing an app. This is simply a money saving tip. I know it’s hard to hold off on something you really want I know because I’m guilty of that myself. But if you wait a little while, you may just get the app you want for free.
All kinds of apps go free every day and there are several apps and websites available, that will help you find them. One such app, actually called Apps Gone Free, notifies you every day, about apps, that are available for free, for a limited time. You may find by waiting a few days, the app you have been wanting, is now free for the day.
Apps Gone Free, is available on the iTunes App Store and is also free.
Following these 5 simple steps before you purchase any app, can help you get the best apps for your money and who knows, you might even save a little cash too.
How would you like to automatically start every new note in the Apple Notes app, with a headline. It's easy and this tip will show you how.
First, start by opening the Settings app, on your iPhone. Next, scroll to find the Notes app and tap on it. Now, select “New Notes Start With” and then choose “Title”.
That’s all there is to it, from now on, when you create a new note, the first line of text will be bold and be your title or headline.
AirDrop is a great feature, that allows you to wirelessly send and receive photos, videos and other files and information, with nearby Apple devices. This tip will teach you how to use it.
To use AirDrop, you must be running iOS 7 or later, on your iPhone or iPad, or using a Mac, running OSX Yosemite or later. To use it between iOS and macOS, you will need to have a 2012 Mac model or later, running OS X Yosemite or later and an iPhone or iPad, with iOS 8 or later.
Please note: AirDrop is not compatible with Windows, so you will not able to transfer files from an iOS device, to a computer running Windows.
Setting it Up
In order for AirDrop to work, you will need to have both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on, the devices must be within 30 feet of each other. and you need to be signed into your iCloud account. You will also need to have apps that support file sharing such as Photos or Notes. That shouldn’t be too difficult, because most Apple installed apps and a lot of third party apps, support it nowadays.
Note
When setting it up, you will be given the option to choose Contacts only, or Everyone. Choosing Contacts only, requires you and the person or device you want to share with, both be logged into iCloud and be in each other's Contacts. Choosing Everyone is much easier and even though random people will be able to see you, you will be prompted, when someone is trying to share files with you.
Enable Your iPhone or iPad
1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen. to open Control Center.
2. Next select AirDrop and choose whether to receive from Everyone or Contacts Only. I suggest you chose Everyone because you never know when you’ll need it. You can also turn off AirDrop from here, if you wish to later.
Enable Your Mac
1. AirDrop is already built in to a compatible Mac, all you have to do is launch the Finder app.
2. Next click on AirDrop, in the left sidebar, of any open window.
3. At the bottom of the window, you can choose whether to receive from Everyone or Contacts Only. Again I suggest you chose Everyone.
Send a File From iPhone or iPad
1. Locate the file, that you would like to send. Some apps like Photos, require you to select it.
2. Next tap on the Share button.
3. Now tap on the person and device, you want to share it to.
Send a File From a Mac
When you are using your Mac, there are several ways, that you can send files. They are all simple to do and below, is instructions, for each method.
Using Drag and Drop
1. Launch the Finder on your Mac and locate the file, you want to send.
2. Drag the file, over to AirDrop in the sidebar and hover there, until it changes to the AirDrop window.
3. Now, simply drop the file, onto the picture or device, that you want to share it with.
Using the Share Sheet
1. Launch the Finder on your Mac and locate the file, you want to send.
2. Next click on the Share button. It looks like a box, with an upward pointing arrow and is usually located in the menu bar, at the top of the window.
3. Now click the picture or name, of the person or device, that you want to share it with.
Using the Context Menu
1. Launch the Finder on your Mac and locate the file, you want to send.
2. Next Control or right click on the file and then choose Share from the pop up menu.
3. Now click the picture or name, of the person or device, that you want to share it with.
That’s it, now you can share files, photos, videos, contacts, websites, Map locations or anything else, that appears on a Share sheet.
Computers
This article from pcworld.com, shows you how to Connect your Windows-based PC to your HDTV, and then be able to control it from across the room. To go to their website and read the article, click on read more below.
This tip, will teach you how to open Microsoft Word, Excel or PowerPoint documents on a Mac. It will also show you how to save Mac files, in the Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, formats.
Open Word Documents
This procedure works with .docx and .doc file formats, but you can also import .rtf and .txt files.
1. On your computer, Launch the Apple Pages app.
2. In the window that opens, navigate to the Word file, you want to open.
3. When you’ve located the file, select it and simply click Open. A window may appear, explaining any changes if any, made during the import process. The more complicate your Word document, the higher the chance, that changes were made
4. That’s it, the Word file should now open in Pages.
Export as Word Documents
This procedure will help, If you’ve been working in Pages and will eventually need to use the document as a Word file.
1. In the Apple Pages app, click on the File menu and select Export To.
2. In the pop-up window that opens, select Word.
3. In the Export Your Document window that appears next, you have the option to include a summary worksheet and require a password. Click on the Advanced Options, and you can select between .docx and .doc file formats.
4. When you have finished selecting your options, click Next.
5. Choose where you want to save the file and name it.
6. That's it, when you click Export, the file will be saved in the format you chose.
Open Excel Documents
This procedure works with .xlsx and .xls file formats, but you can also import .csv and tab-delimited files.
1. On your computer, Launch the Apple Numbers app.
2. In the window that opens, navigate to the Excel file, you want to open.
3. When you’ve located the file, select it and simply click Open. A window may appear, explaining any changes if any, made during the import process. The more complicate your Word document, the higher the chance, that changes were made
4. That’s it, the Excel file should now open in Numbers.
Export Numbers as Excel
This procedure will help, If you’ve been working in Numbers and will eventually need to use the document as a Excel file.
1. In the Apple Numbers app, click on the File menu and select Export To.
2. In the pop-up window that opens, select Excel.
3. In the Export Your Document window that appears next, you have the option to include a summary worksheet and require a password. Click on the Advanced Options, and you can select between .xlsx and .xls file formats.
4. When you have finished selecting your options, click Next.
5. Choose where you want to save the file and name it.
6. That's it, when you click Export, the file will be saved in the format you chose.
Open PowerPoint Documents
This procedure works with .pptx and .ppt file formats.
1. On your computer, Launch the Apple Keynote app.
2. In the window that opens, navigate to the PowerPoint file, you want to open.
3. When you’ve located the file, select it and simply click Open. A window may appear, explaining any changes if any, made during the import process. The more complicate your Word document, the higher the chance, that changes were made
4. That’s it, the PowerPoint file should now open in Keynote.
Export Keynote as PowerPoint
This procedure will help, If you’ve been working in Keynote and will eventually need to use the document as a PowerPoint file.
1. In the Apple Keynote app, click on the File menu and select Export To.
2. In the pop-up window that opens, select PowerPoint.
3. In the Export Your Document window that appears next, you have the option to include a summary worksheet and require a password. Click on the Advanced Options, and you can select between .pptx and .ppt file formats.
4. When you have finished selecting your options, click Next.
5. Choose where you want to save the file and name it.
6. That's it, when you click Export, the file will be saved in the format you chose.
This tip showed you how easy it is, to work with Microsoft documents on a Mac. One thing to keep in mind though, before you start to work on any of your converted documents, always look it over very carefully. Formatting could have changed and you may have to fix some things. There is also always a chance, that so much has happened during the import, that you won't be able to use your document at all.
If you erased your Mac startup disk and you're not sure what to do, Apple has you covered. This macworld.com article, will help you reinstall macOS, even if you erased the entire drive, including the hidden, Recovery partition. To go to the website and learn how, click on read more.
This article from macworld.com, will show you other ways to move accounts, from one Mac to another, if Apple Migration Assistant, fails. To go to the website and learn how, click on read more.
This Apple Support tutorial, will show you how to record the screen on your Mac and it's actually easy to do. To go to the website and learn how, click on read more.
Electronics
If you'd like to play music or stream a movie, that's in your iTunes library, to your Apple TV, you can easily do it. Apple’s Home Sharing, uses Wi-Fi and your Apple ID, to connect all of your devices and with the addition of an Apple TV, you to easily listen to music watch the videos you own, on your TV. Please note that an Apple ID along with an Apple TV, is required, for this to work.
Setting it Up
1. On your computer, open iTunes. Go to File > Home Sharing > Turn On Home Sharing.
2. Go to the File menu and select Home Sharing > Turn On Home Sharing (if you have already set this up, the option to turn off Home Sharing and your Apple ID will be there, instead).
3. Enter your Apple ID and leave iTunes running.
4. Now turn on your Apple TV and on the home screen, navigate to Settings > Computers and the Apple TV, will prompt you, to Turn On Home Sharing.
5. Follow the onscreen instructions to turn it on and note, you will need your Apple ID and password, to set it up.
6. If you’ve set it up correctly, your iTunes library on the connected computer, will be available for play, on your Apple TV.
Note
In order for the Apple TV, to see your iTunes library, you must have the connected computer, turned on and the iTunes app open or running. This is only required, when you what to play music or stream a movie, on the Apple TV. You can safely quit iTunes and shut down your computer, when your finished streaming.
That’s all there is to it, you can now, play music or stream a movie, from your iTunes library, to your Apple TV, whenever you want.
When you purchase an Apple TV, it includes a beautifully designed aluminum remote. But how would you like to have one, that works from any room in your house, will let you input text and allows you to navigate through your iTunes content, and play it on the Apple TV. Well you’re in luck, all you need is the Apple Remote app and it’s free.
Requirements
In order for this tip to work, you need to have an Apple TV, an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch, running iOS 7.1 or later and a home Wi-Fi network. You also need to have an Apple ID and set up Home Sharing.
1. On your computer, open iTunes. Go to File > Home Sharing > Turn On Home Sharing.
2. Go to the File menu and select Home Sharing > Turn On Home Sharing (if you have already set this up, the option to turn off Home Sharing and your Apple ID will be there, instead).
3. Enter your Apple ID and leave iTunes running.
4. Now turn on your Apple TV and on the home screen, navigate to Settings > Computers and the Apple TV, will prompt you, to Turn On Home Sharing.
5. Follow the onscreen instructions to turn it on and note, you will need your Apple ID and password, to set it up.
6. If you’ve set it up correctly, your iTunes library on the connected computer, will be available for play, on your Apple TV.
Setting Up the App
1. After setting up Home Sharing, make sure both your device and Apple TV are connected to your home Wi-Fi network.
2. Next go to the App Store, and download the Apple Remote app. Here’s a link: Remote App
3. After installing the app, open it and tap, Set up Home Sharing.
4. The app will ask you to enter your Apple ID and Password. Enter both then tap Sign In. You will then see a screen with your Apple ID and confirming, Home Sharing is on.
5. On your Apple TV, go to Settings > General > Remotes > Remote App and select Remote App.
6. If you’ve set it up correctly, your device screen will show the Apple TV icon, on the Remote screen. Now tap the Apple TV icon to use the device as a remote.
Note
You can use the Remote app, to control more than one Apple TV. To do it, you simply set up Home Sharing, along with the Remote settings, on each one. Now an icon will appear, on the Remote app screen, for every one you set up. To make things even easier, you can change the name of all of your Apple TV's to, like Living Room or Bedroom. To do it, on the Apple TV, go to General > Name.
That’s it, you're done. Your iTunes library will appear and you will be able to easily navigate through it, and play what you want. To use your device as a remote, tap Control. The remote screen will appear and you can use the device, like the included remote. You can swipe with your finger, to navigate through the menus, and to return to the previous screen, simply tap Menu.
Mobile Devices
Choosing the iPad that is right for you, is much easler than you think. Here is some information, that should help you make the decision.
With the exception of screen size, storage space and being able to connect to a cellular service, all iPads, work exactly the same. To help in determining which one is right for you, you need to ask yourself 5 simple questions.
Answering question number 5 first, actually helps you with the answer, to the other four questions.
1. Should I buy a new or used device?
2. What size screen do I want?
3. How much storage space do I need?
4. Should I get one with just WiFi or WiFi and Cellular?
5. What can I afford to spend on one?
New or Used
The most important advice I can give you here is, be very careful when buying a used iPad, because you can have several problems.
First of all, if you buy a used iPad, you’ll want to make sure it’s not stollen. That is something you can try to find out, but it can take some research and sometimes, may be impossible to do.
Secondly, unless you know the person your buying it from, you really can’t be sure, if there is anything wrong with it or how much wear and tear its been through. At least with a new device, you know it shouldn’t have any problems, but if it does, it has a one year, warranty which can also be extend, by purchasing an Apple Care Protection Plan.
There can also be other problems with a used iPad like connecting it to your Apple ID and iTunes account. Because the iPad was previously registered to the original owner, it can sometimes be, really difficult getting connect to your accounts. I now several people that have all kinds of problems, with registering used Apple devices to their accounts.
My advice: Although getting something cheaper is always nice, I would strongly suggest you purchase a new iPad, if you can afford it.
Screen size can be all a matter of taste. The question here is, do you want something small and easy to carry with you when you go out, or something larger and easier to see.
To help answer this question, it's important to ask yourself, what you will be using it for. Will you be using a lot of apps and playing games or just reading your email and searching the Internet.
Keep in mind that the iPad Mini, has a smaller screen, which is really not that much bigger, than a lot of the smartphone screens nowadays. Therefore, since the screen is smaller, it can be harder to read, especially when using some of the more elaborate apps. Also consider this, if you already have an iPhone, then you already have a device with a smaller screen.
My advice: Stick to the full size iPad, you will be happier in the long run.
Storage Space
Again answering question number 4 above, will help you with determining how much storage space to get. You are obviously going to pay more for an iPad, in order to get more storage space.
One thing to keep in mind though is, if you want to install a new app and you don't have enough space, you will have to remove something, like some of your apps or pictures or music. Also updating the IOS software over the air, can be a real problem, if you are low on space.
My advice: Get an iPad, with the largest storage space, that you can afford. I recommend at least 64 GB or higher.
Just WiFi, or WiFi and Cellular
The answer to this question, all depends on where you plan to use it. If you plan on taking it with you and using it where WiFi isn't readily available, then you need one with cellular capabilities as well.
The cost involved for an iPad with both WiFi and cellular capabilities, can be substantially more, especially if you don't use it that much, when your away from home.
As an example, the 64 GB iPad Air 2 will run you $130.00 more, for the cellular version. On top of that, there is a monthly service fee, just like you thought. Verizon charges $30.00 a month, for 2 GB of data for an iPad, that's $360.00 a year. There is also a charge per GB, if you go over the limit but I'm not sure exactly what that is.
I own 2 iPads and both only have WiFi. I take my iPhone, every where I go, it does exactly the same thing, so I really didn't see a need to buy an iPad with cellular and pay the extra cost.
My advice: If you already have an iPhone and don't need to take the iPad when you go out, save yourself a lot of money and get the WiFi only version.
How Much Can I Spend
You are the only one that can answer this question. But as stated before, it does determine the answers to the other questions.
Although most accessories can be purchased at a later date, there several other things to consider, in the cost of purchasing an iPad. Do you want the AppleCare Protection Plan, do you need a case or cover to protect it or how about a stylus or external an keyboard. So the cost can be more than that of just the iPad itself.
Just a word of note, the AppleCare Protection Plan must be purchased when you purchase the iPad or within the original one year warranty period.
My advice: Get the best one you can, while feeling comfortable in doing so. I would suggest, you at least get the Apple Smart Cover for it.
I hope this offers you a some help in choosing an iPad. I do know this, that no matter which one you end up getting, you are really going to enjoy it.
Are you planning an event and want to let people know about it? You can easily create it on your iPhone and send invites, to all your guests.
Here's How to Do It
1. Open the Calendar app on your iPhone and select the date, you want to create an event.
2. Next tap the + icon in the upper-right corner. There, you’ll be able to name your event, as well as add a location if you'd like.
3. On the next screen, you can name your event, add the location, designate, the start and end times and even add invites and even add a note. You can also choose which of your Calendars, you want the event, to go in.
Note
In order to see the Invitees tab, check to see if you have Calendar turned on, in Settings > iCloud. If you still don’t see it, make sure you’re putting the event, in one of your iCloud calendars.
4. Next, tap the Invitees tab and you can choose people from your contacts to invite to the event. You must have an email address in their contact card, in order to send an invite. As you add people to the list, the Invitees tab will update, showing who you’ve invited.
5. When you are finished filling in the information and adding your invites, click the Add button, at the top right of you’re screen. The event will now be added to your chosen calendar and your invites, will be sent an email, informing them, of the event.
That’s it, you just created a new event and notified your friends and family, of the when and where.
Did you know you can split your iPad keyboard or undock it and move it around the screen? Well you can and this tip will show you how.
How to Split the Keyboard
1. First, open the iPad Settings app and tap on General.
2. Next, scroll to the Keyboard setting and tap on it.
3. Now, scroll down to the “Split Keyboard” setting and make sure it’s set to “On.”
4. When you’ve done that, press the Home button, then open any app, that uses the keyboard.
5. With the the keyboard open, tap and hold it with two fingers—one on each side of the keyboard—and spread your fingertips apart. As you do, the keyboard will split in half. Another option, is to tap and hold the keyboard key, at the bottom-right corner of the keypad and then choose Split.
6. To make the keyboard full again, simply tap and hold each half of the keyboard—with two fingers and push it back together. You can also tap and hold the keyboard key, at the bottom-right corner of the keypad and then choose Merge.
How to Move the Keyboard
To undocking the keyboard so it floats in the middle of the screen, tap and hold the keyboard key and then choose Undock. You can now move the keyboard, freely around the screen. To do so, simply press, hold, and drag the keyboard, up or down.
To dock your keyboard again, simply tap and hold the keyboard key, at the bottom-right corner of the keypad and then choose Dock.
The backups done in iCloud, are always encrypted, but the backups you do using iTunes, are not. In order to keep your iTunes backup data secure, you first need to encrypt it. In fact, some things, like passwords, Health data, and your Wi-Fi settings, can’t be backed up, unless it’s encrypted.
How to Do It
1. First, plug your iPhone into your computer and open iTunes.
2. Now, tap on the device icon, then click the Summary tab on the left and look at the Backups section, in the main window.
3. Next, check the box labeled Encrypt [device] backup. (If the box is already checked, your backups are encrypted and you can stop now).
4. You will now be prompted to create a password, for the encrypted backup. Be sure to remember it, or write it down and store it in a safe place. If you forget it, you won’t be able restore your device with an encrypted backup or turn off, the backup encryption.
5. From now on, when you backup in iTunes, it will be encrypted. If you also backup to iCloud, it will no longer be automatic in iTunes, so you will need to manually click, the “Back Up Now” button, when the devices is connected.
To see your backups, click on iTunes, in the computer menu bar and then select Preferences. Next choose Devices and all your encrypted backups, will have a lock icon next to them.
By default, the Contacts app on your iPhone, sorts your contacts by last name and it displays them in the order of first name, last name. But if you prefer to sort them by first name, or have them displayed by last name first so it's easier to find a particular person, you can change the default setting.
Here's How to Do It
1. Open the Settings app and tap Contacts.
2. From the list that appears, select Sort Order
3. In the screen that appears, the default of Last, First is selected. To change the order, select First, Last and the order of your contacts, will now be listed according to first name.
4. You can also go back one screen and change the display order. To do so, while still in Contacts, tap the back button, then tap Display Order.
5. By selecting the option Last, First, your contacts will now be displayed with the person's last name, appearing first.
That's it, now you know how to display your contacts, the way you want them.
Since the release of iCloud Drive, iOS 9 and the new Files app, included with iOS 11, you can add all types of attachments, to the Mail app, on your iPhone. Some of the files you can attach, include PDF's, photos, doc, and more, but you do need to be running iOS 9, or later.
How to Do It
1. First, open the Mail app.
2. Start a new message, by tapping the pencil and paper icon, in the bottom right corner of the screen.
3. Now double tap, in the body text area, of the email.
4. Next tap the arrow and select Add Attachment and iCloud Drive will pop up or in iOS 11, the Files app will pop up.
5. Find the file you want to attach such as a photo, video, or other file and tap on a file, to attach it.
6. Once you’ve added the file as an attachment, enter the other information like To, the Subject Line and any message you want to include.
7. Now tap Send.
That's all there is to it, now you know how to send Mail attachments.
There are quite a few mistakes, that the average iPhone user makes, on a regular basis. Here are 10 common mistakes, you should fix right away, according to Apple.
1. Not Using a Password
In 2013, Apple reported that half of all iPhone users, didn’t use a passcode. Nowadays with the use of Touch ID and Face ID, unprotected iPhones, are becoming less common. But it's still a good idea, to give yourself an extra layer of protection, and use a simple passcode.
2. Apps and Location Services
Many apps on your iPhone, will use iOS’s Location Services by default, to track your movements and location. While for some apps, like maps and ride-sharing it isn’t a bad idea, but leaving it on for every app, could be.
There are two problems, with letting every app, use Location Services. The first one is battery life, since it will drain your battery much faster. The second has to do with privacy concerns, do you really want every app, to know your exact location, all of the time?
The easiest way to fix this, is go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services, and toggle the feature on or off for each individual app, depending on how you want them.
3. Draing the Battery
The idea that smartphones should be fully drained between charges, is a fairly common myth. You do not have to do that, and letting your phone die completely between charges, can even be worse, on the battery.
Allowing your iPhone to completely run down, puts stress on the lithium-ion battery and since each battery has a finite amount of full charge cycles, it can actually burn through them, more quickly. It's a better idea just to recharge your device when you need to and from whatever percentage, it is at.
4. Never Turning it Off
You should shut down your iPhone completely and leave it off, every once in a while. Even though the phone is sleeping and not operating fully, it’s still running and that can stress the lithium-ion battery. It's a good idea to turn off your iPhone, at least one a week, it will let your iPhone’s software refresh and can do wonders, for your battery life.
5. Not Cleaning the iPhone
Most iPhone users have really dirty devices and in fact your phone, likely has more germs than a toilet seat. Not regularly cleaning your iPhone, can also lead to other problems, which can be worse than the sanitation issue.
If you keep your iPhone in your pocket, for example, lint and other debris can get in the charging port and cause charging issues. So keep your device clean and and wipe it done on a regular basis. Always use a soft lint-free cloth and a thin, non-metal object like a toothpick, to clear out the charging port.
6. Not Installing Updates
Updating your iPhone can be an annoying process and unless you update it at night while you sleep, you won’t be able to use it, during the process. Software updates are critical however, because they squash bugs and include fixes, for dangerous security vulnerabilities.
Never updating your iPhone, can leave it prone to external attack and malicious tampering. So updating to the latest version, when it's available, will not only help your iPhone run smoother, it will also keep it safer.
7. Not Backing It Up
Backing up your iPhone, is just as important as updating and depending on the process you use, can be somewhat inconvenient. However regularly backing up your device is incredibly important and will help you avoid data loss.
If you were to drop your iPhone and it was damaged beyond repair, all of your photos, app data, memories and other important information, will be lost. And even if you get a new phone, you would have to install everything from scratch and worse, some things like app data, may be gone forever.
If your iCloud storage plan isn’t sufficient for the amount of data on your device, you will have to pay for more, or back it up, using iTunes. Either way, make sure you do it and I suggest, no less than one a week.
8. Using too Much Storage
Your iPhone is your constant companion and why have a smartphone, if you can't take all the pictures you want. There is also a lot of other important data and information stored on it and if you have a smaller capacity device, this can be problematic.
Even if you have an iPhone with a smaller amount of storage, it is recommend that you don’t fill it up completely. If it is to full, it can cause issues with installing updates and performing other routine tasks, and you’ll have to start deleting apps or data.
So it is highly recommended, that you keep at least 10 percent of your devices total storage space, free at all times.
9. Charging With a Case
A third-party case is a great way to protect and accessorize your iPhone, but did you known, it can actually cause your device harm. If a case is left on during charging, it can cause your device to overheat beyond its safe threshold.
So even though it might be a slightly inconvenience, it is recommended that you remove the case, while charging the device. Leaving a bumper-style case on should be fine, because it doesn’t cover the rear of the device, but always keep the ambient temperature in mind.
10. Using Third Party Chargers
The 10th thing in the list is a big one and some people don't even know how much harm it can cause. You might think you're getting a good deal, when you purchase a charger for $10, but I'm going to tell you're not.
According to a study by the UK-based, Chartered Trading Standards Institute, 99 percent of counterfeit chargers, fail basic safety tests. This might mean that the cheap charger you bought, will just die quickly, but you always run the risk, of irreparably damage to your iPhone.
So even though Apple’s own Lightning chargers aren't as cheap, they are worth the extra cost and cane save you from expensive or irreparable damages, later down the road. And if you do choose to buy a third-party charger, make sure it is MFI-certified, for use with Apple devices.
Since the release of iOS 11, scanning documents in the Notes app, couldn't be easier. It's useful for storing things and gives you access to the information, from anywhere. It will even allow to send or share it, with anyone.
Here's How to Do It
1. First open the Notes app, and either start a new note or open a note you want to scan a document into.
2. Next tap the plus sign icon, located in the toolbar above the keyboard and then tap on Scan Documents..
3. Now position your camera over the document until all of the desired text, is in the picture and tap the white shutter button, to scan the document.
4. A square will appear over the document and you can drag the corners, to include all of the information you want in the scan.
5. If your scan missed any information, you can tap Retake in the lower left corner of the screen, or tap Keep Scan, if you're happy with it.
6. Your phone will then return to the scan documents camera, which is nice if you need to scan multiple documents.
7. If you need to scan more repeat the procedure, If not, tap Save to keep the scan(s) you just took and exit the Scan Camera.
That's it and now you know how to scan a document, into the Notes app.
Our iPhones can do all sorts of things and one of the best features, is capturing a special moment on video. But what if you want to share the video, with your family and friends? Well read on, to learn how.
1. If you already have a video recorded, that you want to share, open the Messages app.
2. Start a new message and select the person you want to send it to, or open a previous conversation thread, where you want to share it.
3. Next, tap on the camera icon located at the lower left corner of the screen.
4. To open your Photo Library and locate the video, either swipe left, from the right side of the screen, or tap the Photos button at the left.
5. Now select the video you’d like to send and tap “Choose.” You will also be able to enter a comment if you'd like, then hit send.
6. If you’d like to create a new video, tap on the camera icon instead of Photo Library.
7. Now either swipe right to activate video mode or simply select it and record your video.
8. One your done recording, you'll have a chance to review the video. If you don't like it, tap on retake, otherwise tap on Done, and hit send.
Next time you want to share a video, you'll know how to do it.
Would you like to play a slideshow of your favorite photos, with your iPhone or Apple TV. Well you can using the Photos App and it's easy to do. To learn how, just keep reading this tip.
1. The first step is to open the Photos app and select the album you want to use in your slideshow.
2. Next tap on the photo you want your slideshow to start with.
3. After you've selected the photo, tap on the Share button, located at the bottom left (it's the little square, with an arrow pointing up out of it).
4. Now Select Slideshow and it will automatically begin to play.
5. If you’d like to edit the settings of the slideshow, first tap the screen and then tap Pause, at the bottom center.
6. Next tap Options and here you will be able to edit the Theme, Music, whether or not the slideshow repeats, and the speed it plays.
7. After you’ve finished making your changes, tap on Done and the slideshow will begin to play again.
8. To play your slideshow on another device using AirPlay, tap Pause and select the AirPlay icon, in the upper right corner of the screen.
9. Next select the device you want to AirPlay your slideshow on, by tapping on it.
10. When you’re done playing the slideshow, simply tap Done in the upper left corner to close it.
Now you know how to play a sideshow on your iPhone, so go give it a try and have fun.
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