How-Tos

How to banish annoyances in Safari with Distraction Control on Mac

Constant distractions on your Mac can derail productivity, but Apple's Distraction Control tool provide an easy way to stay focused and in control. Here's where to find it.

Andrew Orr | 2 weeks ago

Ultimate guide on how to use an external SSD as a working drive on macOS Sequoia

It is easily possible to double the cost of a new M4 Mac mini by buying Apple storage — but if you know what you're doing, you can buy external drives, and save hundreds of dollars by working off those. Here's how.

William Gallagher | 2 weeks ago

How to switch modes in macOS Sequoia's Calculator app

Calculator app has been around in macOS forever. Here's how to use its four modes in macOS Sequoia.

Chip Loder | 2 months ago

How to automate iPhone reboots to improve performance & security

Regularly restarting your iPhone clears temporary files, refreshes system processes, and enhances security — and you can automate it all with the Shortcuts app.

Andrew Orr | 2 months ago

How to set up Apple TV VPN with Surfshark

Apple TV set-top boxes can connect to a VPN so users can access geo-locked content without needing a passport. Here's how to get set up using Surfshark.

How to change what the iPhone 16 Camera Control button does

Unless you've gone looking in System Settings, you may not be aware that the Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 models can be set to do other functions besides set up and take a picture. Here's how to change it.

Charles Martin | 2 months ago

How to test your network or server using ping in Terminal

The UNIX ping command lets you test network servers and latency. Here's how to use it in the macOS Terminal app.

Chip Loder | 2 months ago

How to change FaceTime audio & video settings for clearer calls

Apple's iOS 18 enhances FaceTime & calls with advanced audio modes and cinematic video effects for clearer communication. Here's how — and when — to use them.

Andrew Orr | 3 months ago

How to apply Quartz filters in macOS when saving images in Preview

Core Graphics provides default image filters for quick special effects. Here's how to save image files in Preview for macOS with effects.

Chip Loder | 3 months ago

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How to enable parental controls on macOS Sequoia

Keeping your kids safe online might seem scary, but it's simple with Mac. Learn how to set up parental controls for your child's Mac in macOS Sequoia.

Amber Neely | 3 months ago

How to copy file and app icons using macOS Preview

You can use the macOS Finder's Copy command to copy and paste files. But here's how to use the same command to copy file icons into Preview.

Chip Loder | 3 months ago

How to set parental controls on iOS 18 and iPadOS 18

Apple provides parental controls in iOS and iPadOS to set content and behavior restrictions for children's devices. Here's how to get started.

Amber Neely | 3 months ago

How to turn on Empty Trash Automatically in macOS Sequoia

The Mac's Trash stores files until you remove them from your drives. Here's how to empty the Trash automatically in macOS Sequoia.

Chip Loder | 3 months ago

How to Edit property lists in Terminal

Property lists are essentially XML files with a .plist extension. Here's how to edit them using the command line in the macOS Terminal app.

Chip Loder | 3 months ago

How to import your old passwords into the new Apple Passwords

Apple now has an official password manager, but importing your old passwords from other apps into Apple Passwords can be a bit of a pain.

Bon Adamson | 3 months ago

How to use Apple Notes for instant equation results on iOS 18

Tired of juggling between Apple Notes and Calculator? A math feature in iOS 18 lets you solve equations instantly with just a quick settings tweak.

Andrew Orr | 3 months ago

How to use the new iOS 18 iPhone Control Center

The iPhone Control Center is a feature that hadn't changed all that much in recent years, but iOS 18 brings with it some big improvements. Here's how to get the most out of it.

Oliver Haslam | 4 months ago

How XProtect protects you from viruses on macOS

XProtect is Apple's Mac virus detection system which keeps your Mac safe. Here's how the protective macOS feature works.

Chip Loder | 4 months ago

How to enable and use RCS for secure cross-platform messaging

Apple's messaging app Messages has adopted a new cross-platform messaging standard called RCS. Here's how to be sure you have it enabled on your iPhone, and what new features it gives you when messaging people on other platforms.

Charles Martin | 4 months ago

How to use the Apple Maps Library feature in iOS 18

Apple's iOS 18 update includes a Maps Library feature for all of your saved and pinned locations to live, making them easier to find later. Here's how to use it on your iPhone.

Oliver Haslam | 4 months ago

How to share a Wi-Fi QR code in iOS 18 to help your guests

Sharing your Wi-Fi with family, friends, and guests just got easier in iOS 18 with a new QR code feature for hassle-free connections.

Andrew Orr | 4 months ago

How to use Search and other new features in the iOS 18 Journal app

The release of iOS 18 brought a number of new features to Apple's Journal app, including the new ability to search and sort entries.

Charles Martin | 4 months ago

How advanced content caching settings on the Mac works

Advanced configuration parameters control how your Mac stores cached Apple and iCloud content. Here's how to change the settings.

Chip Loder | 4 months ago

How to start using Image Playground in iOS 18.2 to create funny selfies

Transform your iPhone 16 into a digital art studio with iOS 18.2's Image Playground, the latest tool for creating custom visuals with a few taps.

Andrew Orr | 4 months ago

How to edit PDFs on a Mac using Preview & third-party apps

Editing PDFs on a Mac is simple, thanks to the built-in tools in macOS and various third-party apps. Here's how to get started, whether you're making quick annotations or detailed modifications.

Andrew Orr | 4 months ago

How to use a VPN to get the best travel deals

If you're looking for the best deals for travel, you can unlock them with the best VPN for iPhone apps.

David Schloss | 4 months ago

How to install App Store apps on an external SSD

Apple's macOS Sequoia now lets you install apps on external SSD drives instead of taking up space on your internal one — but it doesn't tell you this, so here's how to do it.

William Gallagher | 4 months ago

What's changed in runtime protection for macOS Sequoia

In previous versions of macOS Gatekeeper, Control-click could be used as a launch override for running downloaded apps. Apple has now changed that.

Chip Loder | 4 months ago

How to use the new text effects in Messages on iPhone with iOS 18

Apple's iOS 18 software update brought plenty of new features, including to the Messages app. The addition of cool new text effects gives iPhone owners new ways to communicate and they're surprisingly easy to use.

Oliver Haslam | 4 months ago

How to run apps outside system security policies in macOS Sequoia

Security policies are provided in macOS to restrict which apps can run outside of the usual protective system policies. Here's how macOS Sequoia can override system policies in some cases.

Chip Loder | 5 months ago