How-To

How to Set Up an iPhone For a Blind Person

Thursday July 28, 2022 3:30 am EAT by GeeksModo Staff

In an ideal world, there will be someone who is trusted, knowledgeable, and helpful to make setting up your device easier. Entering information correctly is important during the process, and this can be nerve-wracking for inexperienced users. Be assured that it is quite possible to complete the entire setup process while totally blind. There is an increasingly likely possibility that you will have to set up your iPhone from scratch by yourself. Provided that you remain calm and exercise patience, it is absolutely possible to set up your iPhone right out of the box all by yourself without the need for eyesight. While writing this section, I did this with my iPad to make certain I would walk you through the process correctly.

Make yourself comfortable. It is very helpful if you can be within range of a Wi-Fi network you are allowed to make use of. Presuming you have cellular data capability, a cellular network is another option, but Wi-Fi is strongly recommended in case you need to install operating system updates or any such thing. Sit somewhere close enough to a power outlet so that you can use your iPhone while it is charging. Before we begin, plug the iPhone into the power brick. For some devices, you will find the power brick has its prongs folded into itself. The prongs need to pivot into their open position, which you can accomplish easily with a finger. Next, attach the cable to the power brick. You’ll find a small port on the power brick opposite to where the extended prongs are. Plug the larger end of the cable that came with your device into this port. Next, plug the other end into the small port on your iPhone. It’s a small slot, typically located on the bottom edge at the very centre of its length. You’re now ready to plug the power brick into your electrical outlet as you would any other appliance.

You may have initial trouble distinguishing the two ends of more modern charging cables. Thanks to their increased charging speed, you’re likely to have a Lightning to USB C cable rather than the older USB A style. The USB C end of these newer cables is nearly as small as the Lightning end. However, it’s still possible to tell the difference by touch. Also, it’s impossible to put the wrong end into your device or the charging brick. The USB C end is noticeably thicker and you can feel a small gap between the long edges of the tip by running your finger over it. This plugs into the small slot in the charging brick. Meanwhile, the Lightning end, which goes into the port on your iPhone, has a smooth feel when you run your finger over the tip.

Once you’ve plugged it in, be patient, as it should now be turning on and booting up. Assuming you’re in a quiet place, you’ll hear a short “bing” sound. If your iPhone supports haptic feedback, you’ll also feel a small pulse of vibration at the same time you hear the sound. This means the device is on and knows that it’s charging. You may need to wait a short while longer, perhaps half a minute, before the device is ready. It may start saying “hello” in different languages. Either way, after this wait, it should be ready for you to begin the setup process.

Now that you’re physically ready, let’s prepare you mentally. You should be ready to spend at least half an hour, possibly as much as an hour, but certainly no more than that. Don’t do this when you’re in any kind of a hurry. Also, it’s important that you don’t panic if you make a mistake. You can always use the Back button at the top left of the screen to go back to the prior step. Additionally, there is a Delete key on the onscreen keyboard. Feel around the bottom right of the screen until you find it. Keep your finger on it, and then tap anywhere on the screen with another finger to remove a character you didn’t intend to enter. There are around fifteen steps, but some of them are just to read and then continue past screens containing essential information. You are allowed to skip steps, including those related to security measures. However, barring special circumstances, I strongly recommend that people go through all steps. You will then end up in the most secure and best possible starting position. There may be additional steps specific to the features and capabilities of your particular device that I haven’t covered. These will be explained by your device during the process. Are you ready? Then let’s get started.

Turn on VoiceOver. To achieve this, find the Action button located on its own along the edge opposite or above the two volume buttons. Quickly click this small sliver-like button three times. You should then hear something spoken, most likely the Back button or the currently active language.
You should now be at the point where you need to select the language, country, and region you wish to operate in. It will likely default to the most common language wherever you are. In my case, this is thankfully English, as I know only halting French. To select an option, tap it twice quickly, or hold a finger on the option while tapping once elsewhere on the screen with another finger. Do this for any further options as we proceed. Once the language is set, flick right, and you should either come to a place to select your country, or else find a Continue button that will take you to where that is. Once you’ve told your device where you are, proceed to the next step.
The next order of business is to join a Wi-Fi network. Flick right through the list of detectable networks and tap twice quickly on the one you want. You will then be asked for the password to join that network, presuming one is needed. Type this in.
You should then come to an information screen all about Apple’s stance on privacy. It explains what Apple uses your information for and allows you to access further information about this if you desire. Read this by flicking right to proceed through sections. When finished, find the Continue button.
Next, you will be asked to set up whatever biometric security option your device has. In the case of my iPad, this was Touch ID. Meanwhile, on my iPhone XR, it was Face ID. Go through the process and keep in mind that you can always do it again later once you’re finished setting up your device. If you feel nervous, you can always skip this step. Flick right, and you’ll find an option to do this.
You will now be asked to create a passcode to keep your device secure. This is typically a six-digit number. However, you can find options to change the requirements for this passcode by flicking right. You will need to enter in your chosen number twice, which makes certain that it is what you intend. Pick a number that you will remember, since you’ll need it to unlock your device, among other things. Think of it like the key to your house.
Next, it’s time to create your Apple ID. Simply fill in the form, providing all the information requested here. If you prefer, you need not use an email address specially created for you by Apple. You can use an email address you already have. Any information from Apple will be sent there. I use my Gmail address. When you select a password, pick one that you will remember, rather than one that’s impossible to guess. You need to be able to remember this and enter it whenever you’re asked. Keep it written down in a handy location if you need to.
Now that you’ve created your Apple ID, it’s time to select some preferred settings. These involve such things as using Siri. Don’t forget that you can always change your mind about any decision you make. After setup is complete, go into Settings, and you’ll be able to make different choices if you wish.
It will now be time to set up Apple Pay. If you wish, you can skip this step. However, setting up Apple Pay by adding a credit or bank card will then allow you to obtain apps from the app store, among many other things.
At this point, you’ll be asked whether to allow sharing of audio recording to improve Siri. This lets Apple employees hear your commands and teach Siri how to respond better.
The next step explains about screen time. You need not worry about this for the time being, so find the Continue button and proceed.
You will now be asked if you want to share information with app developers and Apple. This is not personal information, but is information gathered about how an app is used to improve its functionality.
You must now choose whether you want a light or dark appearance. Choosing “dark” may extend battery life, but will make no difference to a totally blind user beyond that.
At this point, you will go through a series of screens that each explain gestures required on devices without Home buttons. These gestures are vital, and you should pay close attention to the information here. Proceed through these screens until you reach the final step.
You may be asked to install a more recent version of the operating system than the one your device was shipped with. If this is the case, you should take the time to do this. Your initial experience of your device will be as current and secure as possible.
You have now reached a screen that welcomes you to your device. Double tap the Get Started button. You will be taken to the home screen. Congratulations! You have completed the setup process.

Tag: Assistive Technology

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How to change your GPS location on iPhone

Thursday November 2, 2023 2:25 pm EAT by GeeksModo Staff

One of the most common questions regarding using iPhone is how to spoof your location on iPhone. This is a deceptively simple question, and we’re going to push aside any of the complexities of changing GPS location on iPhone, and instead we’ll show you the single most direct method to fake GPS location on iPhone in 2022, since that is usually what most people are looking to do.

Why Would You Fake Your GPS Location?

While it might smell like some fishy business, there are some valid reasons why you might need to fake GPS location on iphone.

Location-based games – If you are into games like Pokemon Go, the idea of picking up a different pokemon type without leaving the house seems a boon, right!
Work assignments – No, not to fool your boss. GPS spoofing software such as Dr. Fone- Virtual location are useful for app developers, researchers, SEO managers, and more who perform geo-specific testing.
Security & Privacy – Software like Dr. Fone- Virtual location can come in handy whether you want to hide or fake your location to various social media apps or a stalking-ex.

Unfortunately, doing so isn’t very straightforward. There isn’t a “fake GPS location” setting built in to either iOS or Android, and neither do most apps let you spoof your location through a simple option.

So, which software should you use? Well, that’s where things get tricky.

There are a couple of iOS location changer on the market and most of them are quite good. However, there is a software that is preferred out there that always snag the most recommendations.

We took a look at some of those Location changer software for iPhone and came up with the best.

The best software to spoof location on iPhone right now is dr fone virtual location.

Of all the GPS location changer apps we’ve tried, Wondershare Dr. Fone is the best.

The app doesn’t need your phone to be jailbroken and it’s really easy to use it to change GPS location on iPhone.

But what I particularly like about this iOS location changer are its friendly interface and excellent features. Dr. Fone offers various options for GPS spoofing; you can:

Teleport iPhone GPS to any part of the world
Simulate GPS movement along a route with various stops and speed that you want
Make the GPS movement more flexible via a handy Joystick
Manage location on up to 5 devices
Change your iPhone’s location with no expert skills.

Let’s understand how to spoof your location on iPhone using Dr. Fone.

How to Fake iPhone GPS Location with Dr. Fone – Virtual Location (iOS)

The operation of Dr.Fone – Virtual Location is effortless, it just take a few clicks. Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to set up Dr.Fone – Virtual Location and change GPS location on iPhone:

Step 1: Download, install and launch Wondershare Dr. Fone on your Mac or Windows computer. Then, click on Virtual Location.

Step 2: Build a connection between your iPhone and computer using a Lightning to USB cable. Then, click on the Teleport Mode icon located on upper right corner of the screen.

Step 3: You’ll be presented with a map interface on the screen. At the top left, you’ll see a search field. Enter the location you want to teleport to, and then click Go. A pin will drop on the desired place; click Move Here to confirm the location.

Step 4: The GPS location of your iPhone will immediately be changed to the selected location even without jailbreaking it.

If you want to turn off the spoofing and pull real GPS data again, simply restart your phone.

Dr Fone – Virtual Location offers a free plan for people who want to test the application. But to take advantage of all the features without any restrictions, you can purchase a monthly license. All licenses are valid for a single PC, but it is possible to use up to 5 different mobile devices.

Dr Fone – Virtual Location has the best interface which is easy to navigate and is very appealing to the eye. You immediately get started on this tool after downloading it on your computer. Dr Fone – Virtual Location is very easy to use so you don’t have to have any expert skills to get started with it.

Dr Fone – Virtual Location has been used by many users to fake GPS location in AR games or location-based applications. Most of these users have been surprised by the amazing features bundled on this tool. Dr Fone – Virtual Location works beautifully and accomplishes its intended goal in a very short amount of time. It can fake GPS location on an iPhone or Android very efficiently without any hassle. If you are looking for a reliable software to change GPS location on your iPhone or Android, then look no further. Just go ahead and download Dr Fone – Virtual Location without any second thought.

Other ways to change GPS location on an iPhone or Android

Another method to change your GPS location on an iPhone or Android is to use a VPN.

Please note: Some websites falsely claim that using a VPN will change your GPS location. This is not true for most VPN apps because the primary purpose for a VPN is to change your public IP address.

Having said that, there are a number of VPN apps that come with a fake GPS system built in on top of the usual IP address masking. You can install an app, such as Surfshark, NordVPN or ExpressVPN.

Another simple yet risky way to change location of iphone is jailbreak, and surely you don’t want that.

Safely change your iPhone GPS location!

We hope this guide has made it easier for you to fake your iPhone’s location, whether for gaming, dating sites, or other purposes. In our opinion, Dr. Fone Virtual Location is the best GPS location changeer on the market. It’s easy to use, and doesn’t include any malware. Unlike other location changer software that work only on a single operating system, Dr. Fone- Virtual Location supports Windows and macOS, and this gives it an edge over other software. Dr. Fone Virtual Location is used by beginners as well as experts in Apple products. And therefore, we recommend this to our readers. Let us know in the comments below if you have any questions.

Tag: iPhone Guides

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How to free up disk space on Mac without uninstalling apps

Thursday November 2, 2023 2:31 pm EAT by Moses Johnson

Wish you could use your Mac without constantly worrying about its waning storage space? It’s time to declutter your Mac.

Removing apps is not always a viable solution. For one thing, it always stings to delete your cherished collection of carefully curated apps. For another, storage space savings might turn out to be negligible. Therefore, if you are looking for better ways to free up disk space on your Mac, look no further than this article.

Use storage management tools

No matter how well-organized you are, useless files always linger in the nooks and crannies of your Mac. But worry not, there’s no need to dig around your files to find the ones you should part with. Apple has done all the work for you by introducing storage management tools: Store in iCloud, Optimize Storage, Empty Trash Automatically, and Reduce Clutter.

The storage management tools can be accessed from the Apple menu. Simply click About This Mac, Storage, and then Manage. There, you will see the following tools.

Store in iCloud

As much as it’s tempting to keep all of your digital belongings on a Mac, filling it to the brim is frowned upon by its hard drive. To get rid of the stern “startup disk almost full” warning, transfer your desktop files, photos, and messages to iCloud. This can be done by simply checking the boxes next to the types of files you want to transfer and clicking Store in iCloud.

Optimize Storage

When decluttering your hard drive, movies and TV shows shouldn’t be overlooked. Those are sizable files that can considerably weigh down your Mac. But worry not, you can automatically get rid of media content that you’ve already watched by simply clicking Optimize.

Empty Trash Automatically

Arguably the easiest way to clear up space on a Mac is to empty its Trash. But since it’s too much of an ask to do it on a regular basis, Cupertino wizards came up with a way to automate the task. All you have to do is to click Turn On and voila — now your Mac’s Trash empties itself every 30 days.

Reduce Clutter

For the finishing touch, delete the data you no longer need or never needed in the first place. Click Review Files to comb through large files, downloads, unsupported apps, containers, and folders.

Remove duplicate filesFrom incidentally downloaded identical email attachments to image copies, your Mac is a cornucopia of duplicates. Weeding them out manually is a tough challenge. If you cannot set aside a few hours, download a third-party tool to get rid of duplicates in one fell swoop.

Mac cleaners with duplicate finder functionality can scan either individual folders or the entirety of your Mac’s storage in mere minutes. What’s more, a good Mac cleaner can find both full and partial duplicates, which is of great benefit for people taking loads of photos.

Delete browser cache

Your browsers are a graveyard for useless cache files. You know, temporary data that is supposed to help your browser run faster but can also slow it down if left unchecked. Granted, by removing browser caches, you can claim back mere hundreds of megabytes of free space, but the browsing speed improvement is well worth the effort. Follow these steps to clear Safari’s cache:

In the Safari menu, click Preferences
Select Advanced and check the box titled Show Develop menu in menu bar
Click Develop and click Empty caches

Remove extra language files

Your Mac has over 180 language packs. Chances are you need only 2 or 3 of them. By dumping unused language files, you can reclaim as much as 1.5 GB of space. Not too shabby.

Here’s how to delete language files on your Mac:

In the Applications folder, right-click any app
In the drop-down menu, select Show Package Contents
In the Contents folder, open the Resources folder
Delete the folders whose name ends with .lproj
Empty the Trash

Delete old backups

If you regularly back up your iPhone or iPad, your Mac has dozens of gigabytes of files that occupy valuable storage space. While having backups is an essential part of data security, it doesn’t mean you need to keep old backups.

Here’s how to free up storage space on Mac by deleting old iOS backups:

In the Apple menu, click About this Mac
In the Storage tab, click Manage and proceed to iOS Files
Select all iOS backups except the latest ones
Click Delete

Conclusion

Hopefully, the above-mentioned advice has helped you clear up disk space on your Mac. Now you don’t have to think twice before installing another app or downloading vacation photos.

Tag: Mac Guides

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How to Build and Optimize Your Website for Apple’s Safari Web Browser

Wednesday February 15, 2023 7:01 pm EAT by GeeksModo Staff

Modern websites are built to cater to all types of platforms, browsers, and devices. Thanks to the abilities of these devices, browsers, and operating systems, websites built using a single code base can be operated across multiple environments.

This makes cross-browser, and cross-platform compatibility much easier to integrate. However, despite all the strides web developers have made in this regard, it often gets a bit difficult to cater to Apple’s Safari browsers. And thus comes the need to optimize the sites for Apple browsers and devices separately.

Apple’s Safari is sadly one of the slowest web browsers in the world right now. Many even claim that it is set to become the new Internet Explorer, which is one of the worst possible things to say about a web browser. It is easy to see that Apple has a lot of work to do in this department.

In the meantime, you will have to put some effort from your end to optimize your website for the Safari browser. After all, millions use Apple products, and the Safari browser is usually their default gateway to your website.

With that in mind, here are a few things you must ensure to build and optimize your website for the Safari web browser.

Start with the Web Standards

It should not come to you as a surprise that Apple expects you to follow all the standards set by W3C when it comes to making websites. Apple makes this clear on the “developers” section of their website.

You have to first make sure you are using the latest versions of HTML, CSS, and other standards so that the latest Safari browser is efficient, has no trouble interpreting your website, and its users do not have to suffer.

Responsive Design

Using a framework like Bootstrap will usually take care of the responsiveness for your website. However, sometimes, you have to do a bit of the work by yourself as well.

Responsiveness is one of the most important factors in web design that ensures user-friendliness, and ease of accessibility. Given how Apple brings out at least three or four new devices (Macbooks, iPhones, and iPads) every year, it can get a bit difficult to match the ever-changing standards. Standard screen sizes can be difficult to keep up with, which is why you will have to make adjustments for specific device sizes.

So if you are using Bootstrap, you have to write additional media queries that include Apple devices of all sizes. And as long as Apple does not decide to release a foldable iPhone, doing so will help optimize your website for Safari browsers across all Apple platforms.

Choose Your APIs Wisely

When you use an API with huge data utilization necessities, make sure it uses a server that can handle large volumes of data and does not affect the client-side experience whenever the user requests its services.

APIs tend to use up a lot of resources, especially when they are working with large data sets. Be it Safari or Chrome, this can slow down the browsing experience. APIs are there to smoothen the experience for your users. So if they end up slowing things down, that is not going to look good for you.

Ideally, you should opt for an API with dedicated servers, like Tomorrow.io for instance. Despite using huge data sets for weather-related information, the API still manages to have zero to little impact on the websites it is used in.

Compress Images

Safari is slow as it is, and you do not want to make it respond any slower by using heavy images. Even when you do, make sure you are compressing them first. Optimize the images by using an image compressor. This is much easier to do with widgets in WordPress, but you can still do it on hard-coded websites too.

Compressing the images will increase the loading speed, thereby reducing the loading time of the website. Although a general rule for all websites, it is a must for Safari browsers, otherwise it can hamper the overall user experience.

And that is all you need to do for ensuring an optimized and user-friendly website for Safari browsers. Some of these points coincide with the basic principles of making a website in general, but that is how it should be. Safari may require some extra attention, but as long as you stick to the basics, you will be mostly fine.

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How to set a voice changer on Mac?

Wednesday February 15, 2023 6:51 pm EAT by GeeksModo Staff

Do you have a computer with the Mac operating system? Are you looking for a voice-changing program that is 100% compatible with Mac? We have created a compilation of the best free tools for changing your voice on Mac. With these tools, you don’t need to pay for the service or purchase a voice changer device. In this article, we’ll see how to install and set each program. But first…

What Is a Voice Changer?

One of the things we’ve learned to do with iOS devices is making group facetime calls. But now, you can prank your friends with a distorted voice in a group call too on Mac.

Simply put, a voice changer is a program that you can use to change the tone of the pitch of your voice or distort it in real-time. Depending on the tool used, the audio effects achievable vary.

These tools are used for adding extra fun while playing online video games. You can use it to prank your friends at the other end while face-timing or chatting on Discord, Skype, or Zoom. Also, you can troll people while playing video games with them. You can hide your identity, among other things you can do with these programs.

5 Best Voice Changers and How They’re Used

And here are the top tools to make voice modulation on your Mac computer and how to set them.

1. [Voice Changer Plus ]

Voice Changer Plus is an app that is only available for Mac operating systems. It can be downloaded from the App Store completely free of charge. It will allow you to change the tone of your voice by recording it directly from the tool itself. It will also let you to save the audio and share it with your friends.

To start using it, enter the App Store and download the voice modulator application for Mac. After installing it, you can start using this tool by selecting one of the many voice effects that this app has. You can record your voice with the desired effect, download it, and share it with your friends. It works with all Mac OS versions as this operating system has no outdated device problem like its iOS brother.

2. [Voice Candy

Voice Candy is a very simple tool with which you can record your voice on a computer with a Mac operating system. You can apply effects to it and listen to the result.

Among the most common effects that you can find are squirrel voice, Darth Vader voice, robot voice, old radio voice, and more. After listening to the result, you will have the possibility to save the file on your computer.

Unfortunately, this program does not work in real time, it is only available to use for 15 days, after which you will have to pay to use it. Nonetheless, it allows you to save your voice in mp3 format and use it anywhere.

3. [MorphVOX Voice Changer

Unlike the two previous voice modulators whose function was to modify an already recorded audio, this program does work in real time. That is, it will work on your Mac OS computer while you are playing online video games such as Fortnite, GTA V, etc. A Voice Changer for Mac and Discord users, the MorphVox is also compatible with proprietary and online voice chat programs like FaceTime, Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp, etc. It has a large number of voice effects to apply to your voice and make it sound different.

Perhaps the negative point of this program is that it has a free version and is limited. To access all the features of this program, you must purchase it. In addition to the voice effects, you can also include sounds, modify the tone and timbre of your voice, and more. However, we’re not sure if the app allows you to save your voice. Not to worry, you should be able to save your Discord recordings with Movavi voice editor.

4. Voxal

Voxal Voice Changer is undoubtedly another fantastic program that you can use to change the voice on a Mac OS. You will only need a microphone. This voice modulator for Mac does work in real time and has a free version. It is compatible with voice chat programs like Skype, Discord, etc. In the sidebar on the left of the interface, it has a large number of effects that with just one click, you can make your voice sound different.

Best of all, it has quick access keys, which are used to avoid having to open the program to change from one voice to another. It has a very simple interface and is easy and intuitive to use.

5. Movavi

Voice changers are not only limited to online chatting and facetiming. You can modify an entire movie or your video offline with the Voice Changer for Mac. For example, after finishing up with your video project you’re planning to upload on your YouTube channel, you can edit and change your voice to add further effects to your video.

All you need to do is download and install Movavi Video Editor Plus. Next, add the video you want to change the voiceover to the program. Change the voice by double-clicking on the Timeline and save the video.

How to set up

To start using the voice changer of your choice, click the download link placed in the title of the voice changer in the list.
Go to the App Store and download the application for Mac.
After installing it, you can start using this fantastic tool by selecting one of the many voice effects that the app has.

Conclusion

The best of all is that since they are free tools or with free versions, you can try all of them and choose the one that best suits what you are looking for. There are applications for changing the voice in Mac, allowing you to record the audio and listen to the modified result by applying effects. Other programs such as Voxal allow you to modify your voice in real time (ideal for Discord or online games). If you would like to record funny audio, a tool like Movavi comes in handy. And finally, there are web pages that without downloading or installing anything, you can change your voice on a Mac.

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How To Check iPhone 12 Battery Health And Charge Cycles

Thursday July 28, 2022 3:47 am EAT by GeeksModo Staff

Here is how to check your iPhone 12 Battery Health and Charge Cycles.

iPhone 12

How to Check Your iPhone 12 Battery Health

Do you need to charge your iPhone 12 more than you used to? It might be worth checking out your battery health.

If you’re someone who doesn’t upgrade your iPhone every single year, keeping an eye on its battery condition is crucial in the long run. This is because your iPhone’s battery performance deteriorates over time, directly impacting how often you’d need to charge your device.

Thankfully, Apple provides an easy way to check your device’s battery information in iOS. So, whether you own an iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone 12 Pro Max, here’s how you can check its battery health.

You can quickly view the battery information in the Settings app of your iPhone. Follow these simple steps to learn how:

Start the Settings app on your iPhone. Swipe down and tap on Battery.
Here, you’ll see an option called Battery Health. Tap on it to continue.
In this menu, you’ll see the exact maximum capacity of your iPhone 12 battery in percentage. This is the battery health of your iPhone 12.

In addition to the maximum capacity, you’ll find something called Peak Performance Capability. This shows if performance management features have been applied to your iPhone to prevent unexpected shutdowns.

What to Do If Your iPhone 12 Battery Health Is Low

If your iPhone 12 battery health is lower than 80%, you’ll see an important battery message in the same menu. According to Apple, when the maximum capacity falls below 80%, it means that your iPhone’s battery has significantly degraded, and it has to be replaced to restore advertised performance.

Apple’s battery replacement service costs $69 for iPhone 12 series.

If you choose not to get the battery replaced, you can minimize iPhone 12 battery drain by removing the apps that consume a lot of resources in the background.

It’s annoying when you have to charge your iPhone way more often than you did when it was new. Hence, it’s important to take advantage of the options Apple gives you and get your battery replaced at the earliest.

How to Check the Battery Cycle Count of Your iPhone 12

Do you know how many times you’ve charged your iPhone 12 battery? Here’s how to find out.

Battery cycle count can be an excellent way to determine the condition of your battery. On an iPhone, it gives you a better idea of how the battery has aged over the years.

Before you learn how to check the battery cycle count on your iPhone 12, let’s see what this term exactly means.

What Is the Battery Cycle Count?

Battery cycle count is simply the number of times a battery is fully charged and depleted. When you exhaust the battery of a fully charged iPhone, you complete one battery cycle.

In reality, rarely does anyone charge and use their iPhones like that. So, let’s take a look at a practical scenario, shall we?

Assume you have a fully charged iPhone and you drain it to 30%, meaning you used 70% of the battery. Then, you charge it again all the way up to 100%. Since you only used 70% of the battery, you haven’t completed a full charge cycle yet. It only counts when you use another 30% of the battery, because it’ll add up to a total of 100%, no matter how many times you charge your iPhone in the middle.

Hence, the battery cycle count would ideally show the total number of times you’ve used 100% of the batteries capacity, even if you only ever used it a little bit at a time in between charging.

First and foremost, we’d like to point out that you’ll only be able to view this data if you’re sharing iPhone analytics with Apple, which most people do. If you don’t, you need to turn this on and wait for two days before you go ahead with these steps.

To enable this option and check your cycle count:

Start the Settings app on your iPhone. Swipe down and select Privacy from the settings menu.
In the Privacy section, scroll all the way to the bottom and tap on Analytics & Improvements.
You’ll be able to see if you’re sharing analytics with Apple here. Next, tap on the option called Analytics Data.
In this step, you need to scroll down until you find a file that starts with log-aggregated. If you see multiple files with the same name, select the one at the bottom, since that’s the latest one.
Now, you’ll see nothing but lines of code. Tap anywhere on the code to access the selection tool and then drag it to select everything in this file.
Next, tap on the selected portion and choose Copy to store it in the clipboard.

Launch the Notes app on your iPhone and create a new note. Then, tap anywhere on the blank note and choose Paste.
Next, tap on the three dots icon in the upper-right corner of the screen to access more options. Select Find in Note.
Now, simply type batterycyclecount, and the Notes app will take you to the exact position in the file. Here, you’ll see a number right below the highlighted line. This is the battery cycle count of your iPhone.

You have what you needed. We had to use the Notes app since there’s no way to search for a specific line of code within the log-aggregated file. Of course, you can scroll and find it yourself, but this will take a lot of time and effort.

Now that you know both the battery cycle count and the battery health percentage, you can better understand your iPhone 12 battery’s condition.

According to Apple, the iPhone battery is designed to retain 80% of its maximum capacity by the time it reaches 500 charge cycles. However, if you see a much higher battery cycle count with similar battery health, it means that you have good charging habits and you’ve preserved the battery quite well.

Tag: Battery

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How to fast charge iPhone 12 mini in 2022

Thursday July 28, 2022 3:47 am EAT by GeeksModo Staff

Charging your phone isn’t as simple as just plugging it in. Here is how to fast charge your iPhone 12 mini.

It’s a known fact that chip technology is progressing at a rampant pace but batteries are struggling to keep up with the changes. Sure, we might have fast charging tech to counter it, but at times, it’s just not enough. So, today, we are going to share some tips on how to fast charge iPhone 12 mini and hopefully help you juice up quicker and get online faster.

How to Fast Charge iPhone 12 mini

Here’s how you can fast charge iPhone 12 mini and spend more time online:

1. Use a fast Charger

When it comes to the iPhone 12 mini, you might be wondering why it takes so long to charge. Apple no longer includes the standard USB charging brick with the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone 12 Pro max. There is only one cable included in the box — a USB-C to Lightning cable. With the old USB-A charger it takes over three hours to charge in full. But the phone does come with Fast Charging support. And Fast Charging allows you to recharge your iPhone 12 mini battery up to 50 percent in just 30 minutes. And up to about 80% in an hour.

Now, when it comes to fast charging your iPhone 12 mini you need the proper accessories. You need to get an Apple’s 20W USB-C Fast Charger. Using a USB-C cable and USB-C charger will allow the iPhone 12 mini to charge at faster speeds. Using USB-C, you can charge the iPhone 12 mini to 50% in about 30 minutes. The highest wattage the iPhone 12 mini will use is around 22 watts, so a 20 watt or 30 watt charger will result in the about same charging speed. But basically any USB-C charger will be significantly faster than the old USB-A chargers. Make the investment, it’s totally worth it.

2. Enable Airplane Mode

One of the biggest draws on your battery is the network signal. As a general rule, the worse your signal, the faster your battery will drain.

Consequently, if you live in an area with a poor signal, charging your iPhone takes longer than if you reside in a place with a strong signal — the signal is eating through your power as you charge.

The quick solution? Put your iPhone in Airplane Mode before you plug it in. Testing suggests it could reduce the amount of time needed for a full charge by as much as 25 percent.

To put your iPhone into Airplane Mode, simply swipe down from top right of your screen and tap the Airplane Mode icon.

Just make sure you turn it off again once your battery is full!

3. Turn off Your iPhone

Simple, obvious, but often overlooked. If your iPhone 12 mini is turned off while it’s powering up, it’s going to charge a lot faster. Nothing will be drawing on the battery while you fill it up.

4. Use a Wall Socket

Using a USB port on your computer or in your car leads to a much more inefficient charging experience.

Typically, non-wall socket USB ports only offer a power output of 0.5A. Wall socket charging will usually give you 1A (depending on your device). There’s nothing wrong with receiving a lower amperage — it won’t harm your device — but you’ll definitely be twiddling your thumbs for a lot longer.

5. Buy a Power Bank

If you need to recharge your iPhone 12 mini while you’re on the go — for example, if you’re often out travelling all day — a power bank can be a lifesaver.

Many power banks offer the same amperage output as a wall socket, and in some cases, even more. But a word of warning, while your iPhone might charge faster with a two-amp output, you need to make sure your USB cable can handle the extra power.

6. Don’t use Wireless Charging

I’m not going to criticize wireless chargers — they entail fewer cables, and that’s something I’m sure we can all get onboard with.

However, if charging speed is your number one priority, you should avoid them. They offer a considerably slower charging experience than their wired counterparts. In fact, testing suggests they could be as much as 50 percent slower.

Why? There are two reasons. First, it’s more efficient to transfer energy through a cable than via simple contact. Second, the wasted energy manifests itself as excess heat. More on that in point seven.

7. Avoid Cases While Charging

As odd it may sound but a case on a hot summer day might actually throttle your charging performance and may even lead to battery damage in the long run due to increased heat. So, in order to fast charge iPhone 12 mini at a respectable rate, take that case off for a while, it’s totally worth it.
See also: How to fix iPhone 12 mini overheating issues

How to fast charge iPhone 12 mini? Now you know!

I’ve introduced you to seven ways you can make your iPhone 12 mini charge faster. If you work through the tips methodically, you can save time charging your phone.

I’d love to know what else you’d add to this list. Have you found an iOS setting that considerably alters the amount of time it takes to recharge your battery? Do you know about a accessory your fellow readers can purchase to make the charging process easier?

Now that you’ve fixed slow charging, check out how to fix other common 12 mini problems. And if your iPhone 12 mini won’t charge at all, try these fixes.

Tags: Battery, iPhone 12 mini

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How to Use Online Dating Apps Safely

Thursday July 28, 2022 3:49 am EAT by GeeksModo Staff

Online dating is one of the most popular ways to meet new people and explore romantic relationships. Ask anybody in the street – the chances are they’ll have used an online dating website at some point in their life. Especially when you consider how difficult it is to strike up a conversation with another single in person. There is no shame in relying on these services to find a good time.

However, you must also remember to be extremely vigilant and take extra precautions when using dating sites. While they can be a lot of fun, these sites are also home to people who might want to take advantage of you, financially or otherwise. To help you enjoy online dating safely, BeyondtheCharter have compiled a number of tips designed to protect your information while you’re looking for your next romantic relationship. . In fact, 3/10 Americans have admitted to using dating apps.

Check them out below.

Download the latest IOS version

If you know anything about online software and mobile apps, you’ll be aware of just how regularly developers make changes to the software and release updates. Usually, your device will download these updates automatically and you won’t have to worry about being left behind with a buggy dating service.

That being said, it’s always a good idea to check you are using the latest version of your online dating app. When these apps are updated, it usually fixes some flaws in the system. Developers find vulnerabilities every day and release patches to remove them.

Use facial recognition ID

The best dating app and hookup sites use a number of methods to ensure their users are genuine. One of the most fool-proof ways they do this is by asking you to provide a copy of your photo ID. This helps limit the amount of scam profiles and fake users, though some always manage to slip through the net.

If you are serious about staying safe online, look for websites which ask for facial recognition in order to use their site. Sure, it won’t eliminate every fake profile, but you’ll be able to chat to more people safe in the knowledge they are genuine users looking for romance just like yourself.

Only use verified dating sites with a good reputation

You’d be surprised just how many dating sites are on the internet at the moment. Aside from the big hitters like Tinder and Bumble, there are thousands of smaller sites which cater to niche demographics and kinks. No matter what you are looking for, there is probably a matchmaking service intended for your specific needs.

That being said, not all of these dating sites will be reputable. A lot are made just to scam you out of your money when you purchase the premium subscription. Do yourself a favor and consult review sites before committing to a dating service membership. These will tell you everything you need to know about any particular site and might save you the headache of paying for a subscription, only to find out all the members are fake.

Don’t click any suspicious pop-up notifications

Generally speaking, most genuine online dating apps will not plague you with any pop-up notifications, especially not the sort that sends you to other websites. If you are using a matchmaking service and a window pops up, you should simply ignore it. Better yet – take a screenshot and report it to the admins to investigate.

You will never be asked to pay for anything other than your membership on most dating sites. If you get a notification asking you to spend money on a feature, there is a good chance you are being scammed.

Don’t give out any personal information

This point should go without saying, but we’ll cover it anyway for those who need to hear it again.

If somebody asks for your personal information or financial details, they are looking to take advantage of you. Whenever you are chatting to somebody online, no matter how genuine they seem, make sure you keep a good deal of your life private. Don’t divulge your actual email address or tell them where you live. Most importantly, never accept any request to send somebody money.

There are a lot of horror stories about naive singles getting scammed out of thousands of dollars. You never have to worry about becoming one of these unlucky souls as long as you are careful about the information you share online.

Final Thoughts

We hope we have given you some handy advice for dating online safely. Done right, online dating can be a wonderful experience from which you can make all sorts of amazing relationships.

Best of luck, guys and girls!

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How to Turn Your iPhone Into a Dating Device

Thursday July 28, 2022 3:49 am EAT by GeeksModo Staff

iPhones are great because they are easy to use and come with a lot of useful apps. The vast majority of people love iPhone because they make a living in the modern world so much easier. It’s easy to stay in touch with important people, learn all the news, read about anything, and have fun. However, some people still don’t know how powerful their iPhone is when meeting new people and dating. It’s time to change that.

If you own an iPhone, you know how much fun it can bring you, but you maybe don’t know that many people use iPhones to keep their love life alive. According to more than one women dating site, seniors are more active (on average) than younger singles on dating sites. And almost all of them use mobile versions or free apps of those dating services.

Another study from 2019 proved that seniors spend more time in front of their screens than ever before. 2 years passed since that study was conducted, and COVID made us all stare at screens more than ever, so numbers are even higher now.

Be on a Wire All the Time

On that note, being online more than other dating sites is a great strategy to get more dates. Thankfully, the iPhone has a fast processor and long-lasting battery, so you can outlast competition wherever you are. Being active on dating sites will let the algorithms know you’re serious about your intentions, so you’ll become more visible to other members. On most dating sites, you’ll appear higher in search results than other members who login every once in a while.

Also, you’ll be the first one who’ll see all the new members by being online. You can send a message and welcome them to the world of online dating. Like all of that isn’t enough, one of the most popular filters on every dating site is “online now”. Members don’t care about people who aren’t there because they don’t want to wait for their messages. That means that staying online on dating sites will certainly get you more attention. Then it’s up to you to capitalize on that attention.

To Use All iPhone Benefits

You may not be aware of the specifications your iPhone has. We’ll explain some of them you can use to be more successful while meeting people online on dating sites. We won’t focus on 1 iPhone because different people use different models. All of the following benefits are obvious on any iPhone anyway.

perfect camera – you’ll bless Apple for providing an iPhone with such a powerful camera once you start chatting with other singles on dating sites. Every dating service enables sending photos and videos in chat. If you use an old phone with a bad camera, you won’t show yourself in the best light. On the other hand, if you use an iPhone, you’ll look amazing in photos and videos. That will certainly boost your chances of getting dates.

fast processor – the worst thing that can happen to you while exchanging messages and photos on a dating site is a long loading time. Imagine the frustration both of you’d feel when you’re expecting a hot message, but your phone can’t load it. If you’re an iPhone user, that will stay in your imagination because your smartphone will never let you down.

you can increase the font size so you can chat without wearing glasses – it may seem like that’s nothing special, but if you aren’t used to wearing glasses, you know how much trouble they can give you. Luckily, Apple makes it easy to increase font size in Safari on iPhone.

Turn on Dating Site Notification

This is one trick a lot of people who use dating sites or apps forget about. They register to date sites, usually more than one, but they don’t turn notifications on, so they miss most of the fun. Logging in once a day to check messages or see who viewed your profile isn’t a good strategy because your potential matches will send messages to other members.

Do you think they’ll wait for your answer while other singles are bombarding them with messages? Of course, they won’t. They’ll arrange dates with other people, and you’ll be sorry you didn’t turn the notification on. By turning on dating site notifications, your iPhone will let you know when somebody sends you a message, so you’ll be able to answer immediately. That will lead to a lot more excitement online and in person.

Tag: iPhone Tips

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Best online logo design software for your iPhone

Thursday November 2, 2023 2:35 pm EAT by GeeksModo Staff

As a new business owner, you often need to operate your business functions on the go – usually from an iPhone or iPad. But being on the move does not mean you can’t create a logo for your business. One does wonder how to create an entire brand image when running around, trying to get everything else done.
In such a case, using a custom logo maker tool is the best option to create an attractive logo for your business on the go. The logo designing tools are easy to use on every device including Android, IPhone or windows etc. These tools allowing you to design the perfect logo even on a smaller screen without sacrificing the design’s quality.

Why Do You Need a Logo for Your Business?

It is essential that your company’s logo looks creative, as it represents your brand. Even when you aren’t present to promote your business, your logo will do the job on your behalf. For instance, if an online user visits your social media page and finds your logo attractive, which is usually the first look, then maybe they will lure further to check out your products and services.
Let’s further find out how logos have helped businesses create an identity.
Grabs attention: You literally have around 2 to 6 seconds to convince your potential customer to get your products or services. With an attractive looking logo, you can quickly attract your viewer’s attention and communicate your company’s values in an appealing way.
Makes a strong first impression: As a businessman, you just get one chance to convince your audience. Your logo acts as the company’s primary introduction to your target customers. If the logo is not well-designed and does not alienate a potential customer base, then you may end up sinking your business.
When you use a free logo designing app, you will come across industry-specific templates that you can adjust according to your theme and business values; thus, creating a logo that can pique the public’s interest.
It is memorable: Logos are symbols that customers use to identify or recognize your business. The sight of this sign should be such that people can instantly connect with your company and what it does. A logo, which is visually attractive and has a message, triggers positive recall about your brand.

Best Logo Maker Apps for iPhone and iPad

Finding a versatile logo maker app for iPhone or iPad can be a tough job. So, here’s how we have tried to help you. We have compiled some of the best names of the market that you would find suitable for your business.

Logo Maker by logomaker.net

Logo Maker by logomaker.net is truly one of its kinds. This logo designer allows you to create logos effortlessly by using 2000+ templates and 5,000+ logo icons and styles. The free logo creator also offers different categories like Fashion, Business, Lifestyle, and Colorful logos. Once you choose your related category, you can make changes to the text, background, colors, or theme. The easily customizable templates available on this logo maker tool will enable you to design a stunning logo for your business without going through any hassle at all. A few touches on your device will be enough to create a fabulous emblem for your brand with this free logo design tool.

Logo Pit Plus by Iris Studios

You can create logos, flyers, posters, and pins using a Logo pit Plus by Iris Studios. This tool works like a treat as it takes you to tons and tons of free templates. So, you don’t have to create a logo from scratch. Plus, the tool offers fascinating designs, bright colors, and a huge range of font styles.

LogoScopic by Road Rocks

Just like the Logo Maker tool, here you can start by choosing your logo category. The tool is quick to use, and you can easily manage to craft simple and nice-looking designs.

Why Use a Logo Maker Tool?

If you have started a new business and have limited funds, then hiring a logo designer can prove expensive. Why spend money on something that you can create yourself using a free logo maker app. You don’t even need to have an experience of designing to operate these apps.
Let’s discuss in detail on how a free logo maker app can benefit your business.
Easy to use: An online logo maker app is extremely easy-to-use software. With minimal designing experience, you won’t have any issue while operating the app. The tools offer a user-friendly interface and work seamlessly.
Quick to work with: If you want to create a logo overnight or while you are traveling, then these logo creator apps should be your first choice. They are faster than a professional designer. The apps have multiple pre-made designs, and you just need to choose the one that fits with your business theme and values.
Allows customization: An online logo creator offers flexible features, which allows you to make changes as per your needs. These apps offer different fonts, styles, graphics, colors, and effects. Once you have chosen the template, you may make changes that you find appropriate.

Final Words:

Start using one of the best and free logo maker tools mentioned above to give your business identity. There’ no need to rely on freelance designers anymore, as the logo maker tools for iPhone are here to save your time and money.

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