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How-To

How to Lock Your iPhone to One App

by GeeksModo Staff

Learn how to use Apple’s Guided Access feature in iOS to temporarily limit the use of your iPhone to a single app.

Person using Guided Access on an iPhone  

Have you ever handed your child your iPhone to play a game, and they somehow opened the Messages app instead? Or maybe you were working hard on a project but got distracted by annoying notifications on your iPad?

You can easily stop these types of situations from happening, thanks to the Guided Access feature on iPhone and iPad.

As we introduced, Guided Access is an iPhone accessibility feature that limits what you can see and tap on your iOS device’s screen. The limitation includes a single app. Thus, during a Guided Access session, you can’t view, open, or use any other apps on your device.

In addition, you can prevent certain areas of the screen from being tapped. This is ideal if the app has banner ads at the top or bottom. It’s also helpful for eliminating the ability to tap notifications you’ve set up to display at the top of your screen. One more use for the feature is when you’re teaching someone to use an app with many buttons to tap—you can limit them to only the ones they really need.

Now that you know what Guided Access is and how it can help, let’s move on to learn how to temporarily restrict the iPhone to a single app.

How to lock an iPhone into Single App Mode with Guided Access

Setting up Guided Access

To begin using Guided Access, you need to first activate the feature in Settings. Here’s how:

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Tap Accessibility.
  3. Scroll down and tap Guided Access.
  4. To get started, turn on the switch next to Guided Access.
  5. Tap Passcode Settings.
  6. Tap Set Guided Access Passcode, to create a six-digit passcode, ideally one that someone can’t guess.

Activating Guided Access

Before activating Guided Access, you’ll first need to launch the app you want to lock to the screen. Once it’s up and running, if you are using iPhone X, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, or iPhone 15, quickly tap the Side button three times. If you are using iPhone 8, iPhone 7, iPhone 6, or iPhone SE, quickly press the Home button three times.

Now, because apps may contain settings menus or in-app purchase options that you don’t want meddled with, Guided Access gives you a chance to mark out any areas on the screen that you want to disable. To do that, simply circle those areas on the screen with your finger.

You also have an options button, giving you a separate menu for disabling the Side button, volume buttons, Software Keyboards, touch, motion, and Time Limit. By default, Side button, Volume buttons, and Time Limit are disabled, but touch, motion and Software Keyboards are left on.

When you’re read to lock in the app, tap Start.

Deactivating Guided Access

When it’s time to disable Guided Access, all you have to do is triple-click the Side or Home button again, enter that six-digit password you created, tap End, and you’re free again to use the iPhone however you wish.

If you want to set a new app in Guided Access, there’s no need to return to the Settings menu. Simply open up the new app and triple-click the Side or Home button to turn Guided Access on again.

Tag: Guided Access
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How to take screenshots on an iPhone 15 Pro

by Dave Johnson

From using buttons to your voice, we outline five foolproof methods to take screenshots on the iPhone 15 Pro.

If you’ve snagged a iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max, you should familiarise yourself with the basics, especially if you haven’t yet used an iPhone before. This comprehensive guide explains the best methods to take a iPhone 15 Pro screenshot.

QUICK ANSWER

The easiest way to take a screenshot on an iPhone 15 Pro is to press and hold the Side and the volume up buttons simultaneously. Read more below for details and alternative methods.

Use the iPhone 15 Pro buttons

The simplest way to take a screenshot on the iPhone 15 Pro, as with all iPhone 15 lineup, is using the physical buttons. Here’s how:

  1. Navigate to the content you wish to capture.
  2. Press and hold the Side and the Volume up keys.
  3. The iPhone 15 Pro will take a screenshot. You can tap on the thumbnail to edit, customize, share, etc.

Screenshot of Battery Health & Charging settings  

Ask Siri to take a screenshot

Using Siri to take a screenshot on the iPhone 15 Pro is perfect if you’re otherwise occupied or can’t physically reach the device.

  1. Go to the app or page you want to take a screenshot of.
  2. Activate Siri by saying, Siri or Hey Siri. You can also press and hold the Side Button.
  3. Once the virtual assistant is awake, say, Take a screenshot.
  4. The iPhone 15 Pro will take a screenshot. You can tap on the thumbnail to edit, customize, share, etc.

You can take a screenshot using AssistiveTouch

Here’s another cool way to take a screenshot on an iPhone 15 Pro. AssistiveTouch is meant to be an accessibility feature, but a lot of people use it for a bunch of things, including taking screenshots. Here’s how:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap Accessibility.
  3. Tap Touch.
  4. Select AssistiveTouch.
  5. Switch on the toggle next to AssistiveTouch. The AssistiveTouch button will show up on your screen.
  6. Under Custom Actions, tap on the action you want to use to take a screenshot. You can pick between Single-Tap, Double-Tap, and Long Press.
  7. Navigate to the page you want to take a screenshot of.
  8. Perform the action you selected on the AssistiveTouch button.
  9. The iPhone 15 Pro will take a screenshot. You can tap on the thumbnail to edit, customize, share, etc.

How to program the action button on iPhone 15 Pro to take a screenshot

Remember that Silent Mode switch on older iPhones? It’s gone! Apple replaced it with what it’s calling the action button. Surprisingly, Apple has given users the choice to set a number of pre-defined actions to this button. Even more surprisingly, you can also run Shortcuts through this button, which opens up the button to a whole host of quick functionality like taking a screenshot. Here’s how you can customize the iPhone 15 Pro’s Action Button to take a screenshot.

First, you need to create an Apple Shortcut for taking a screenshot:

  1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone. If you don’t have it, download it from the Apple App Store.
  2. Hit the button in the top-right corner.
  3. Tap Add Action button.
  4. Select Media.
  5. Under Device, select Take Screenshot.
  6. Hit Done.

Apple iPhone 15 pro action button

How to program your action button to run a Shortcut:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Go into Action Button.
  3. Tap the Shortcut.
  4. Pick the shortcut you just created.

How to take a screenshot of a whole webpage on the iPhone 15 Pro

You can use the scrollable screenshots feature to capture an entire webpage on an iPhone 15 Pro. It’s pretty easy to do, too. Here’s how:

  1. Go to the page or app you want to screenshot.
  2. Take a screenshot.
  3. Tap on the Full Page tab.
  4. You can crop, edit, or share from here.
  5. Hit Done once complete.

Where are my screenshots stored on the iPhone 15 Pro?

You can find all screenshots within the Photos app once you’ve captured or edited them.

  1. Open the Photos app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap the Albums tab at the bottom of the screen.
  3. Find the Screenshots folder under the Media Types section.
  4. You can also share and edit your screenshots from this page.
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Apple Watch won’t Pair with new iPhone 15 Pro? How to fix

by GeeksModo Staff

Some users have reported that their Apple Watch won’t pair with their new iPhone 15 Pro. Wireless connection issues can be extremely frustrating, especially when you’re not sure what’s causing the problem. In this article, I’ll explain why your Apple Watch won’t pair with your iPhone 15 Pro and show you how to fix the problem.

Note: information in this article apply to iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple Watch Ultra 2, Apple Watch Ultra, Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch Series 7, Apple Watch Series 6, Apple Watch Series 5, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Series 4.

iPhone 15 Pro in black titanium, white titanium, blue titanium, and natural titanium finishes.

Move your iPhone closer to your Apple Watch

There’s a possibility your iPhone 15 Pro is simply too far away from your Apple Watch, or that it’s in a bag or drawer that is blocking a clear signal.

Because the Apple Watch and iPhone pair via Bluetooth, proximity is important. So, make sure both devices are close together and then try pairing them again.

Make Sure Settings Aren’t Preventing Your Apple Watch from pairing with iPhone 15 Pro

An Apple Watch not connecting to iPhone 15 Pro may be caused by something as simple as a setting on your watch or on the phone. If your iPhone 15 Pro has Wi-Fi or Bluetooth turned off — or if either of your devices are in Airplane Mode — they won’t be able to pair. Make sure all settings are set properly to facilitate the connection.

On the iPhone, you can quickly check this in the Control Center. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen and ensure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are on (the icons will be blue) and Airplane Mode is off (the icon will be gray). On the Apple Watch, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the Control Center.

Make sure your iPhone 15 Pro is up to date

A software bug may be preventing your Apple Watch from pairing with your iPhone 15 Pro. Updating your iPhone may fix this problem. Here’s how to update your iPhone:

  1. Go to Settings.

  2. Tap General.

  3. Tap Software Update. This will check for updates. If there is an update available, follow the onscreen instructions.

Restart your iPhone 15 Pro and Apple Watch

If your Apple Watch won’t pair with iPhone 15 Pro, there may be a minor software glitch that’s causing the problem. A simple restart may help you get back up and running in no time. Here is how you can restart your iPhone:

  1. Press and hold the volume up (or down) and the side buttons together until you see the onscreen power off slider.

  2. Drag the slider from left to right.

  3. Wait for your iPhone to turn off.

  4. Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.

Here is how you can restart your watch:

  1. Press and hold the side button until the power off slider appears.

  2. Tap the power button.

  3. Drag the onscreen slider from left to right.

  4. Wait for your watch to power off.

  5. Press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo.

Force restart your iPhone 15 Pro and Apple Watch

Force restarting both devices should solve most problems when your Apple Watch won’t pair with iPhone 15 Pro. Here is how you can force restart your iPhone:

  1. Press and quickly release the volume up button.

  2. Press and quickly release the volume down button.

  3. Press and hold the side button.

  4. When the Apple logo appears, release the side button.

Here is how you can force restart your watch:

  1. Press and hold the Digital Crown and the side button at the same time until your watch restarts.

  2. Release the Digital Crown and side button.

Reset Network Settings

The iPhone stores information about all connecting networks to make reconnecting a smoother process. It’s also possible for this data to become corrupted, which can keep an iPhone 15 Pro from connecting to an Apple Watch. So, if your Apple Watch won’t pair with the iPhone 15 Pro, reset your network settings and then try again. Please note that this will erase all of the network settings including cellular settings, Wi-Fi settings, VPN settings etc.

Here’s how to reset network settings on your iPhone:

  1. Go to Settings.

  2. Tap General.

  3. Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.

  4. Tap Reset.

  5. Tap Reset Network Settings and then follow the onscreen instructions.

My Apple Watch Won’t Pair with iPhone 15 Pro: What’s Next?

If you’ve followed all of the previous steps and you’re still having issues pairing your Apple Watch to iPhone 15 Pro, the next thing you should do is to reset the watch. This fix should resolve the pairing issue, but it will erase saved data off the watch, so you should back it up before doing so.

  1. On your watch, open the Settings app.

  2. Choose General.

  3. Tap Reset.

  4. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.

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How to Fix ‘This Update Requires a Wi-Fi Network Connection to Download’ Error

by Kevin Hollington

Some iPhone and iPad users have reported that they are seeing an error message saying, "This update requires a Wi-Fi network connection to download". This error message appears on an iPhone’s or iPad’s Software Update screen, which can be accessed by going to Settings > General >** Software Update**. This error makes it impossible for your iPhone or iPad to be updated to the latest version of iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 because the Download and Install button is grayed out. In this article, I will explain why your iPhone or iPad says ‘This Update Requires a Wi-Fi Network Connection to Download’ and show you how to fix the problem.

Software Update screen showing the this update requires a Wifi message.  

If your iPhone or iPad need to be updated and your device is connected to Wi-Fi but you still receive This updates requires a Wi-Fi network connection to download and the Download and Install button is greyed out, it is most likely because your Wi-Fi connection is not strong enough. If you are also facing this issue, please try the troubleshooting steps below. After trying each step, check to see if you can update. If you cannot, move to the next step.

Ways to Fix ‘This Update Requires a Wi-Fi Network Connection to Download’ Error

1. Enable iOS and iPadOS updates over cellular

By default, iOS and iPadOS updates may not occur over cellular because these updates may be big and use a lot of data. This can be bad for many because cellular data can be pretty expensive. If you want your iPhone or iPad to update over a cellular network, follow these steps:

  1. Start the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap Cellular/Mobile Data.
  3. Turn on the switch next to Cellular/Mobile Data if it’s not already.
  4. Touch Cellular/Mobile Data Options.
  5. On the next page, tap Data Mode.
  6. Select Allow More Data on 5G.

2. Restart iPhone

Restarting your iPhone can fix a variety of minor software issues. All the apps and programs running on your iPhone get a fresh start when it turns on again. Here’s how to restart your iPhone:

  1. Tap on Settings.
  2. Select General.
  3. Tap on Shutdown.
  4. Drag the slider to power off.
  5. Press and hold the side button or top button until the Apple logo appears.

After turning on your device, go to Settings > General > Software Update. Can you update your iPhone?

3. Restart your Wi-Fi modem/router

Your Wi-Fi may not be strong enough. Restart your Wi-Fi modem. Here’s the procedure:

  • Unplug the router. If your modem is separate from your router, unplug that as well. Wait 60 seconds.
  • Plug the modem back in (if it is separate) and wait another 60 seconds.
  • Plug the router back in. Wait 120 seconds.

4. Turn off Security application or VPN software

Several security app and VPN software users reported connectivity problems. Sometimes, these may interfere with connecting to the iOS or iPadOS update servers. If you are using a security type of software, including VPN, You can try the following:

  • Uninstall the security application and then check if you can update your iPhone. If you can update, then, obviously, this app is the problem. Check if there is an update to the app. Then, you can try to install the updated version. If the updated version causes problems, too, you may want to keep the app uninstalled until its developers address the issue.
  • VPN services may also cause this. Are you using a VPN? Then disable or uninstall it and then try to update your iPhone or iPad.

5. Reset Network Settings

This one can be a last resort. The reason is that resetting network settings will erase all of your saved Wi-Fi passwords, which for many people, is a big deal. It also resets your cellular, Bluetooth and VPN settings. To reset your network settings:

  1. Open Settings and tap on General.
  2. Scroll all the way down and tap on Transfer or Reset iPhone.
  3. Tap on Reset.
  4. Tap on Reset Network Settings.
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How to Turn off In-app Purchases on iPhone and iPad

by GeeksModo Staff

If you’ve downloaded any apps on your iOS device recently, then chances are it features in-app purchases, especially if it’s a game. What was once a rarity has turned into the norm, and apps are now full of opportunities to buy virtual goods that don’t exist outside of the game. From gems and extra lives to costumes and ammunition, if there is a way to charge money for it, a developer has probably done so. In this article, we’ll show you how to block in-app purchases on your or your child’s iPhone and iPad to prevent unwanted purchases.

Why disable in-app purchases on iPhone or iPad?

If you have a kid that uses your iPhone or iPad, and if you don’t want to get a bad surprise, it might be a good idea to restrict in-app purchases. This will ensure they don’t make these purchases accidentally, even if their fingerprint or Face ID is added to the device!

Plus, turning off in-app purchases on your iPhone or iPad will prevent you from making a purchase accidentally in the heat of the moment.

How to turn off in-app purchases on iPhone or iPad

To turn off in-app purchases, you will need to set up or change the Screen Time settings.

  1. Start the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Go into Screen Time.
  3. Now, if you haven’t set up Screen Time yet:
    1. Choose Turn On Screen Time.
    2. Choose from This is My [iPhone]or This is My Child’s [iPhone].
    3. Follow any onscreen instructions. When you are prompted, tap on Use Screen Time Passcode or Parent Passcode, then create and verify a 4-digit passcode. Enter your Apple ID and password so that you can use it to reset your Screen Time passcode if you ever forget it.
  4. Now, with Screen Time set up, tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions. Next, toggle the switch next to Content & Privacy Restrictions slider so that it becomes green (i.e., so that it’s switched on).
  5. Tap the iTunes & App Store Purchases button.
  6. Tap In-app Purchases, then select Don’t Allow.
  7. If this is the child’s device, you may want to also disallow Installing Apps. If it is your own device, this may be too much trouble, as you will need to change the Screen Time settings anytime you want to install an app; you won’t even see the App Store icon on your device.

You may also consider using Ask to Buyon your child’s device. This is separate from Screen Time. Ask To Buy sends a request to the parent or guardian’s device anytime the child wishes to buy something. Then, the purchase can be allowed using either the parent or child’s device. In order to use Ask to Buy, you must first set up Family Sharing. You might use this instead of, or in addition to, using Screen Time restrictions.

Tag: Screen Time
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AirTag Not Working After Replacing Its Battery, How to Fix

by Dave Johnson

You just replaced your AirTag’s battery, but now it isn’t turning on. No matter what you do, your AirTag is not working. In this article, I’ll explain what to do when your AirTag won’t turn on after a battery replacement.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • If your AirTag is not working after replacing its battery, check to ensure that the battery is compatible and in good working condition.
  • Ensure that the battery is positioned correctly. When you put the new battery in, ensure that the positive side, which is denoted by a ‘ ‘ mark, is facing up.

Front and back view of AirTag personalised with a smiley-face emoji.  

Why your AirTag may not work after a new battery and how to address the issue

There are a number of reasons why AirTag may not be working after replacing its battery. These include a problem with the battery, the battery’s position, or a faulty component. Here is what you can do to troubleshoot the problem:

The fix for AirTags that stop working after a battery swap

1. Ensure that the battery is compatible and in good working condition

The Apple AirTag tracker uses a standard CR2032 lithium 3V coin battery.

To discourage babies and toddlers from putting them in their mouths, some makers are applying a coating of an extremely bitter compound called Bitrex to the button cell.

According to Apple, CR2032 batteries with bitterant coatings may not work with AirTags.

Apple's instructions for changing the AirTag's battery

In fact, the main reason why the AirTags stop working after replacing the battery is because of bitterant coating in the battery.

To avoid any possible problems, Apple suggests using CR2032 batteries without the coating.

Check the packaging of your batteries to see if they have this coating. If they do, you should buy replacement CR2032 batteries that do not have any kind of coating. They are really cheap, like one dollar per battery. For example, Energizer batteriesdo not have this type of coating.

Alternatively, you can remove some of it, or just enough Bitrex for the battery contact to touch the metal of the button cell.

You don’t need to clear a big patch. Just enough for a tiny contact.

I use an alcohol wipe–a lens cleaning swab or injection swab will do the job–to clean off a small section of the coating. No swabs? A pencil eraser also does the job–just don’t pick anything that you’re going to put in your mouth afterward!

I find that cleaning about a quarter of the coin cell is enough for the battery to make contact, while at the same time retaining enough of the bitter compound to discourage ingestion.

If none of the above have worked, then it’s likely that the battery is defective. It’s rare, but it happens. If you suspect this, contact the battery manufacturer. Tell them about your problem, and what you’ve done to try and fix it.

2. Did you position the battery correctly?

Another reason why AirTags may stop working after a battery change is improper battery installation. While inserting the new battery (note orientation with on top). You’ll know when the battery makes proper contact with the AirTag because it emits a little tune. If you don’t hear anything, remove and inspect the battery. Make sure it’s clean and not dusty. Use a dry cloth and gently wipe the battery and the inside of the AirTag casing before trying again.

In the Find My app, you can check if the battery status has changed to confirm you replaced the battery correctly and the battery is good.

Use Find My to find your AirPods, Apple Watch, and AirTag  

Open the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad, tap on Items, find your tag and tapping on it.

3. Did you break something when changing the battery?

If the above solutions didn’t bring your AirTag back to life, the problem likely arose from a botched battery replacement. There’s a possibility you broke an important component while installing the new battery. Inspect the AirTag carefully. Do you see anything broken? If the answer is yes, it is probably not fixable; you may want to consider buying a new AirTag. AirTags come with a one year warranty.

If you decide to take your AirTag into an Apple Store, make sure to schedule an appointment first!

Tag: AirTag
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How To Close Open Apps On iPhone 15 Pro & When You Should

by GeeksModo Staff

Normally, your iPhone 15 Pro keep apps running smoothly in the foreground (or suspended in the background, ready to resume when needed). But if an iOS app misbehaves, it’s easy to force the app to close. Here’s how.

QUICK ANSWER

To close an app on the iPhone 15 Pro:

  1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to about a third of the way up, then let go.
  2. In the app switcher, swipe left or right to find the app you want to close.
  3. When you’ve located it, swipe it all the way up, dragging it offscreen.

Note: information in this article apply to iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

How to close apps on iPhone 15 Pro

To close an app on your iPhone 15 Pro, you’ll need to launch the app switcher screen. To do so, swipe upward from the bottom edge of the screen and pause near the middle of the screen, then lift your finger.

On the App Switcher screen, swipe left or right to navigate to the app that needs to be closed and then simply swipe up on that app preview. This will close the app for good and remove it from memory.

While this method works well for one or two apps, it can be tedious to repeat the process for multiple apps. iPhones do not offer a ‘Clear All’ button on the App Switcher screen unlike on Android devices, meaning there’s no way to clear all open apps at once. However, users can close multiple apps simultaneously on iPhones by using multiple fingers to swipe up on multiple app previews at once. Two or three fingers work best when trying to close two or three apps together. including all iPhone 15 Pro models.

Only Close Apps if They Malfunction

The iPhone 15 Pro’s operating system, Apple’s iOS, does a great job at automatically handling system resources. So you don’t need to manually force an app to close unless the app becomes unresponsive or glitchy.

While it’s temping to "clean house" by closing your suspended apps on a regular basis, doing so can actually slow down your iPhone and hurt your battery life. That’s because the next time you launch an app, the app has to completely reload from scratch. It’s slower and uses more CPU cycles, which drains your iPhone’s battery.

Tag: iPhone 15 Pro
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Here’s How to Set Up Your New iPhone 15

by GeeksModo Staff

All you really need is a Wi-Fi connection.

You’ve finally received your iPhone 15. Maybe you picked it up at your local carrier store or preordered it and got it in the mail — but at long last, Apple’s latest phone is now in your hands. And you need to set it up — but you might need some help doing so.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the steps of setting up your iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max, from turning on your device and connecting to Wi-Fi to activating your eSIM and transferring all your data.

iPhone 15 Pro in black titanium, white titanium, blue titanium, and natural titanium finishes.

What to do before you start to set up your iPhone 15

Before you start setting up your iPhone 15, you’ll need the following things if you’re moving over from another phone or setting up an iPhone for your first time:

  • Back up your old iPhone. If you’re moving over from an older iPhone, you’ll be transferring data from your existing phone to your new iPhone 15, so it’s best to have an up-to-date backup to restore from. If you don’t have enough storage, you can back up to your computer.
  • Keep your old phone close by. No matter if it’s an Android or iPhone, it’s a good idea to have your previous phone ready. This can actually expedite the setup process.
  • And have your charger with you, just in case. Although your new iPhone 15 should have enough battery to get you through the setup process, you might need power to charge your older iPhone during the transfer.
  • Make sure you’re connected to the Internet. You need to connect to a stable Wi-Fi network to set up your iPhone 15.
  • Have your Apple ID credentials on hand. In case you need to sign in to your Apple account, to restore a backup and more, have your email and password ready. You can also create one during the setup process.

Ready? Let’s get started.

1. Turn on your iPhone 15

The first thing you need to do is turn on your iPhone. Whether you have an iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, or iPhone 15 Pro Max, turning it on is the same: Press and hold the side button, on the right side of your iPhone, until you see the Apple logo appear. Wait a few seconds, and the Hello screen should appear. Swipe up to begin.

2. Follow the iPhone onscreen instructions

Now you’ll have to do a couple minor things on your iPhone to get through the first part of the setup, and luckily they’re both easy to do. To start, you’ll have to:

  • Choose a language: If you’re in the US, you should see English listed directly at the top.
  • Select your country or region. Again, if you’re in the US, you should see “United States” at the top.

3. Use Quick Start to set up your iPhone 15

On the next page you’ll see the Quick Start screen, which allows you to automatically set up your iPhone 15 with the help of your previous iPhone or even an iPad. If you go this route, you’ll need to turn on your old device, connect it to Wi-Fi or cellular and then bring it near the new iPhone 15

Next, you’ll be asked to authenticate or connect the two phones. You can either use the camera on your old iPhone to scan the pattern on the new iPhone or enter a verification code. Activation will then take a few minutes.

Note: If you want to do this manually, skip down to the next section.

You’ll then be prompted to do the following, among other things:

  • Join your Wi-Fi network on your new iPhone.
  • Set Up eSIM. You should see two options: Transfer from another iPhone (the best option) or Set Up Later in Settings. If you choose the first option, you’ll be asked to double-press the side button on your old iPhone.
  • Set up Face ID.
  • Choose how you want to transfer your data. You can either do it from iCloud or from your previous iPhone.

It’s a good idea to keep both devices connected to a power source while you do this, because depending on how many apps and how much data you have, it could take a while. Follow all the steps until you’re finished and have access to iOS 17 on your iPhone 15.

4. Set your iPhone 15 up manually

Now, if you’re coming from an Android or other phone or want to set up your iPhone 15 manually, tap Set Up Manually on the Quick Start screen. If you decide to go this route, you’ll need to manually do the following things:

  • Connect to a Wi-Fi network. Wait a few minutes for your phone to activate.
  • Read the Data & Privacy prompt. Hit Continue when you’re finished.
  • Set up Face ID.
  • Create a six-digit passcode to unlock your iPhone 15. This is your backup for unlocking your iPhone 15. Enter the passcode twice.
  • Choose how to restore your apps and data. You can restore from iCloud backup, restore from Mac or PC, transfer directly from iPhone, move data from Android or don’t transfer apps and data.

Depending on your method of restoring your apps and data, you may be asked to enter your iCloud credentials to sign in to your Apple account. You then need to enter a verification code, which may appear on one of your other devices, to verify your identity.

Next, agree to the terms and conditions; customize your settings; update to the latest iOS; and set up Apple Pay, Siri and Screen Time, if necessary. You’ll also be asked whether you want to share your app analytics with developers, which helps developers improve their apps using your data (anonymously).

Finally, set up the True Tone display, choose light or dark mode and select a standard or zoomed view (for those that have impaired vision).

5. You can now use your iPhone 15 running iOS 17

Once you’re finished, you can swipe up to enter your iPhone. You may not see all your applications on your home screen or your photos and videos in your camera roll, so you’ll need to wait a bit while your phone slowly transfers all your apps and data to your new iPhone 15. Depending on how much there is to transfer, this can take as much as a few hours.

Tags: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro
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How to set up eSIM on your new iPhone 15

by Dave Johnson

Here’s how to set up and activate an eSIM on your iPhone 15.

iPhone 15 Pro in black titanium, white titanium, blue titanium, and natural titanium finishes.

Note: information in this article apply to iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Last year, Apple announced its ambitious plans to put an end to the old SIM card by making iPhone 14 the first eSIM-only iPhone… except for those living anywhere outside the US. Despite some rumors suggesting that Apple would expand the eSIM-only iPhone to more countries, the US is still the only country to have the iPhone 15 without a physical SIM tray.

iPhone 15 Plus in black is shown from the back next to iPhone 15 in pink, which is shown from the front.

ESIM is a substitute for a physical SIM that’s embedded in the phone’s circuitry so users can easily swap between SIMs. It also enables people to host more than two SIMs. The iPhone 15 will be able to host up to eight SIMs at once. So, how easy is it to load a new eSIM on the iPhone? It should only take a few steps. Here’s how to set up and activate an eSIM on your iPhone 15.

QUICK ANSWER

To set up an eSIM on your iPhone 15, go to Settings > Cellular and tap Add eSIM. From there, you can tap on Set up eSIM. You might be prompted to scan a QR code provided by your carrier or transfer an existing eSIM from your current device.

The process might be a bit more involved with some carriers. Keep reading, and we can help you get your iPhone 15 eSIM set up on some popular network providers. Some require you to contact the carrier support team, and they might push the eSIM to your phone manually. It’s also possible to transfer eSIM from iPhone to iPhone, or you can convert a physical SIM to an eSIM. Keep reading to learn all the details.

How to activate eSIM on iPhone 15

Depending on where you bought your iPhone 15, setting up an eSIM can be as simple as powering on your device and following on-screen prompts. You should be in for smooth sailing if you purchased your phone directly from your carrier. However, we’ll also dive into some steps you might have to take if you bought your new iPhone unlocked.

Activating eSIM on iPhone 15 during the initial setup

As mentioned, if you bought your iPhone 15 through your mobile carrier, you might not have to do much of anything. Top US carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T support what Apple calls Carrier Activation, so your eSIM might be preloaded on your phone. If that’s the case, here’s all you have to do:

  1. Swipe up on the welcome screen to start setting up your iPhone.
  2. Select your Wi-Fi network of choice and enter your password.
  3. Wait for the Setting Up Cellular display to appear, at which point the iPhone will activate your eSIM.
  4. Press Continue once you see Cellular Setup Complete.

Activating eSIM on iPhone 15 through the settings app

If you’ve already owned an iPhone, there is no need to go through the initial setup process. You can simply add an eSIM in the settings.

  1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan. Alternatively, this setting could be under Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM.
  2. You’ll now be asked if you want to Transfer From Nearby iPhone or Use QR Code. Pick what applies to your situation.

How to convert your SIM card to eSIM on an iPhone

Some carriers might support quickly converting the physical SIM to eSIM without having to visit a store. Note: this won’t work on a US-based iPhone 15 because it lacks a SIM slot. Here’s what to do.

  1. Open the Settings menu and head to Cellular.
  2. Tap Convert to eSIM. If you don’t see this as an option, your carrier doesn’t support the feature.
  3. If you do see Convert to eSIM, select Convert Cellular Plan.
  4. Tap Convert to eSIM (again).
  5. Once your eSIM activates, remove your physical SIM and restart your iPhone.

Some U.S.-based carriers might have their own appsand sites to easily set up eSIM. Notably, most iPhone models will need to be connected to the internet through Wi-Fi when switching to eSIM, but eSIM-only iPhone 15 sold in the U.S. can be activated without a Wi-Fi-enabled internet connection.

How to set up an eSIM with iPhone 15 on Verizon

How you add an eSIM to a Verizon Wireless iPhone 15 depends on your specific situation. The process is different if you’re changing devices in an existing line, or if the line is new. Let’s walk you through both methods.

How to set up an eSIM on iPhone 15 if you’re switching devices on Verizon

  1. Go to the My Verizon website and log in.
  2. Go into Activate a Device on an Existing Line.
  3. Pick which type of eSIM to activate. For iPhone 15, simply choose the IMEI.
  4. Follow the instructions provided by Verizon.

Set up an eSIM on iPhone 15 if you’re adding a new Verizon line

  1. You can use the My Verizon app to enable an eSIM on a new account. This can also be done from the Bring your own device page, where you can become a new customer and set up an eSIM.
  2. Those adding a line can use the Add a linepage on My Verizon. It can also be done from the app.
  3. Activating your eSIM, regardless of the process, simply requires following the on-screen instructions.

How to set up an eSIM with iPhone 15 on AT&T

Adding an eSIM is a bit more annoying with AT&T, simply because it usually requires more involvement from the carrier. Sometimes, you’ll have to call and have them set it up manually, if you are simply changing devices. You can also use the Bring Your Own Device AT&T page, but that doesn’t always work, depending on your account or device. Regardless of the option, AT&T will have to push this eSIM to your device, and you’ll get a notification to activate it.

  1. Call AT&T or access the Bring Your Own Device page.
  2. Once you request an eSIM, AT&T will request the phone’s IMEI and EID.
  3. Make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi.
  4. The carrier will push the eSIM to your device. You’ll get a notification that says AT&T Cellular Plan Ready to be Installed.
  5. Hit Continue and follow instructions.

How to set up an eSIM with iPhone 15 on T-Mobile

The process is very similar when setting up an eSIM on an iPhone 15 with T-Mobile. You’ll need some help from the carrier (or Uncarrier).

  1. Contact T-Mobile and provide the team with your device’s EID.
  2. Make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi.
  3. When T-Mobile support pushes the eSIM to your device, select the notification.
  4. Hit Continue.
  5. Go to Cellular.
  6. You’ll be able to see the eSIM activating. The device will be ready soon enough.

How to set up an eSIM with iPhone 15 on Google Fi

Google tends to be up-to-date on all technologies, so it’s no surprise that their setup process for activating an eSIM is so simple. All it takes is downloading the app and following instructions.

  1. Of course, you’ll need a Google Fi account, so go to the website to sign up if you haven’t. Make sure to opt in for eSIM activation.
  2. Download and launch the Google Fi iPhone app.
  3. Sign into your account and follow the instructions.
  4. Hit Get Started to begin eSIM activation.
  5. If you have a second device you can use, use it to go to the Quick Setup page and follow the instructions to get a QR code.
  6. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code.
  7. Scan the QR code provided to you by Google Fi.
  8. If you don’t have a secondary device handy, select Don’t have a computer?.
  9. Follow the instructions to finish the eSIM activation.
Tags: eSIM, Guides, iPhone 15
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How to Use Action button on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max

by GeeksModo Staff

The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a brand-new button on the side that can be customized to trigger a specific function. Here’s how to set up and use Action button on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Apple iPhone 15 pro action button

What is action button in iPhone 15 pro?

The Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone Pro Max is a force-sensitive solid-state button that can be customized to perform specific function. The Action button sits in the same place as the side switch on previous iPhones and is used with a long press.

The Action Button switches the iPhone between ring and vibrate by default, which is vital since it has replaced the ring / vibrate switch that Apple has included on the iPhone since its debut in 2007. You can even feel haptic feedback when you switch between the modes.

Apple notes that when you change the Action button to something other than controlling Silent mode, you can head to Control Center or use Focus modes to change your ringer.

What does the action button do on iPhone 15 Pro?

While the Action button by default switches the iPhone between ring and vibrate mode, it can be programmed to do things like activating the camera, turning on the flashlight, starting a Voice Memo, opening a note, switching Focus modes, or running your own custom shortcuts. You can also set accessibility options like Magnifier.

How to use Action Button on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max

Before we dig into the iPhone settings, here are the basics of the Action Button.

  • To trigger most functions, you’ll need to press and hold the button.
  • By default, a press and hold of the Action Button switches between sound and silent modes, much like how the original alert slider behaved.
  • On a per-app basis, a single tap of the Action Button will also trigger a secondary function. For example, a single tap while the camera is open prompts the shutter. A single tap while Voice Memo is on will stop the recording.

Customize the iPhone 15 Pro Action button

Should you want to get more creative with the Action Button, the Settings app is where to go. Here’s how to set it up:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max.
  2. Scroll down and choose Action Button.
  3. You can set the Action button to launch:
    • Silent mode (default)
    • Focus mode
    • Camera
    • Flashlight
    • Voice Memo
    • Magnifier and other Accessibility features
    • Shortcut
    • Translate (arriving with an update "later this year")

While there are eight main features the Action button can control, being able to set it to control Accessibility shortcuts or run a custom shortcut from the Shortcuts app is huge. That means the possibilities are pretty much endless.

Some features make use of the Action button once you’re in an app too. For example, if you launch the Camera with the Action button, you can press it again to take pictures. If you launch a Voice Memo recording, you can use the Action button to stop the recording, etc.

The Action Button, though subtle, is one of few visually noticeable changes to the exterior of the iPhone in many years — alongside the new USB-C port on the bottom of the device.

FAQs

What iPhone models have the Action Button?

Only the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max have the new Action Button. Older models instead have a physical alert slider that switches between sound and silent modes. Naturally, cases and covers made for previous iPhone models won’t fit on the iPhone 15 Pro series.

Can I map a third-party app to the Action Button?

You can, thanks to the Shortcut option in the Action Button menu. You first need to create a Shortcut with the desired app. Then, select it as the sequence to open when the Action Button is triggered. Due to how versatile Shortcuts can be, the possibilities for what the Action Button can do are endless.

What are you wanting to customize your Action button to control? Drop your ideas in the comments section below!

Tags: Action Button, Features, iPhone 15 Pro
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