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Missing Personal Hotspot on iPhone or iPad? 12 Best Fixes!

by Dave Johnson

If you’re stuck in a situation where Personal Hotspot is missing on your iPhone or iPad, you’ve come to the right place. This issue is generally pretty easy to diagnose, and I’ll walk you through the process step-by-step so you can fix the no Personal Hotspot on iPhone or iPad issue for good.

The Personal Hotspot feature in iPhones and iPads is a lifesaver. It lets you share your cellular data with someone else in need or from one of your devices to another. This is especially useful when someone is in dire need of an internet connection. If your iPad or iPhone hotspot disappeared, keep reading. We’ll look at all the different fixes you can try to restore missing Personal Hotspot option on your iPhone or iPad.

How to Fix Missing personal hotspot on iPhone or iPad

There can be many things that cause an iPhone or iPad Personal Hotspot to disappear. Please try the tips below and after each tip, check to see if the Personal Hotspot setting becomes available.

1. Make sure Cellular Data is enabled on your iPhone

If cellular data is disabled, your iPhone hotspot won’t show up. Go to Settings > Cellular Data and then toggle on Cellular Data.

If Cellular Data option is already enabled, you may need to toggle it off and on to restore the missing hotspot feature.

An iPhone screen showing cellular data settings  

2. Turn airplane mode on and off

This is a simple but effective tip. I often do this whenever I have a connection problem, including Personal Hotspot problem. On your iPhone, tap Settings, find Airplane Mode. Switch it on, and wait for about a minute and then turn it off.

3. Update your iPhone

A software bug may be preventing Personal Hotspot from showing on your iPhone. It’s possible that Apple has already released an update to fix the issue.

To check for iOS update, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, you’ll be asked to download and install it.

4. Check for carrier settings updates

As carrier settings updates come with bug fixes, installing these updates may help solve the problem when Personal Hotspot is missing on your iPhone or iPad.

To check for carrier settings updateS, go to Settings > General > About. A popup will appear if a new carrier settings update is available. Tap Update.

Please note: you need a stable Internet connection to install carrier settings updates on your iPhone or iPad.

5. Make sure that your wireless carrier plan supports Hotspot

You may not know if the Hotspot feature is attached to your phone service. If you are not sure, contact your carrier. If this is the case, you may not see the Hotspot settings on your iPhone.

6. Restart your iPhone

It’s always worth following the age-old advice of turning your device off and on again if Personal Hotspot option is missing on your iPhone or iPad,. Here is how you can do this:

  • iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15: Press and hold the side and the volume up (or down) together until you see the power off slider. Drag the slider. The wait for about a minute. Then press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
  • Other iPhone models: Press and hold the side or top button until the power off slider appears. Then slide the slider. Then press and hold the side or top button to turn your iPhone back on.

7. Force restart your iPhone

If a regular restart doesn’t resolve your issue, the next step is to try force restart. Different iPhone models require different procedures for this. Here is how:

  • iPhone 8 or later (iPhone X, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and iPhone 15): First press and release the volume up button and press and release the volume down button and then press and hold the Side button until your iPhone restarts.
  • iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus: Press and hold the side and volume down buttons together until you see the Apple logo.
  • Other earlier iPhone models (iPhone 5, iPhone 6 etc): Press and hold the home and power buttons together until your iPhone restarts.

8. Remove and Reinsert the SIM Card

In every mobile phone, the SIM card is essential to make calls, send messages, and use mobile data.

When your iPhone or iPad has trouble recognizing the SIM card properly, it will naturally cause Personal Hotspot to disappear. So, the way to solve this is to simply remove and reinsert the SIM card.

  • Insert a SIM ejector tool into the hole next to the SIM tray and press until the tray ejects.
  • Inspect the SIM Card for any damage. If it’s dusty, wipe it off with a soft damp cloth, but be sure it’s completely dry before reinserting it into your iPhone.
  • Put your SIM card back into the tray, reinsert the SIM tray into your iPhone, and cross your fingers. If the Personal Hotspot option appears, congratulations — you fixed the issue!

9. Reset APN Settings

Wrong APN data can also cause your iPhone hotspot to disappear. If your carrier has this feature and you know the codes, you can add them yourself. Alternatively, you can reset your APN Settings. Doing so will erase any custom APN settings you have previously configured, and your iPhone will revert to the default APN settings provided by your mobile network provider.

To reset your APN settings, follow the steps below:

  1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Network.
  2. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and tap Reset Settings.

10. Reset network settings

Resetting the network settings on your iPhone or iPad will clear out anything potentially preventing Personal Hotspot from showing up. Thus, it may fix your problem. Please note that doing so will also erase your current networking settings such as Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular data settings and VPN settings. To do this:

To reset network settings, tap Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. If asked, enter your passcode.

11. Reset Your iPhone

If nothing works, it’s time to reset your iPhone. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings. This restores all your iPhone’s settings to their default state without deleting any data.

Erasing all data and wiping your device’s operating system should be a last-ditch solution when your iPhone hotspot still isn’t showing up. If you want to go that route, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings to begin to factory reset your entire iPhone. But you should be sure to make a backup first.

Alternatively, you can achieve the same outcome using Finder or iTunes on a computer. Connect your phone to your computer, open the Finder or iTunes app, choose your iPhone in the left-hand panel, and click on Restore iPhone.

12. Still no Personal Hotspot on iPhone or iPad?

If all else fails and Personal Hotspot is still not showing on your iPhone or iPad, you’re going to need support. Here are your options:

  • Contact your carrier: There’s a possibility your carrier has disabled the Personal Hotspot option for your account. For more information, you’ll need to contact your carrier’ support team (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile US) ETC. and raise the issue with them.
  • Contact Apple Support: There’s a chance the issue you’re facing is hardware-related. If that’s the case, no amount of fiddling with settings will restore missing Personal Hotspot option on your iPhone or iPad.Contact Apple Support for help.

Wrapping It Up

I really hope this article has helped you to understand, diagnose, and fix the no Personal Hotspot issue on your iPhone or iPad. If have any questions or comments you’d like to share, please leave a comment below and I’ll do my best to respond as soon as possible.

Thank you so much for reading and I wish you all the best,

Tag: personal hotspot
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How Much Does It Cost to Repair iPhone 15 Pro Screen? Know here

by Kevin Hollington

If you are unfortunate enough to have gotten a cracked screen on your iPhone 15 Pro, the first thing you probably want to know is how much it will cost to fix it. The second thing you probably want to know is what your options are for getting it fixed.

In this article, we will outline the cost (in $US) of repairing an iPhone 15 Pro Screen and the options you have for repair through Apple or an Apple-authorized repair shop. We’ll also discuss AppleCare (the one-year limited warranty) and AppleCare . All costs and warranty information are relevant to U.S. customers.

The costs to fix an iPhone 15 Pro Screen

For some, the cost is going to determine whether they actually want to get the screen repaired at all. Many iPhone users took advantage of the great discounts that many cell carriers in the U.S. were offering and picked up a new iPhone 15 Pro. Those who appreciate a good deal may not want to spend a lot to fix their iPhone 15 Pro; some may have no choice if the screen is too badly damaged.

Apple’s estimated costs to repair iPhone 15 screens

We list here the estimated costs to repair any of the iPhone 15 models.

Estimated Cost — No AppleCare Estimated Cost with AppleCare
iPhone 15 $279 $29
iPhone 15 Plus $329 $29
iPhone 15 Pro $329 $29
iPhone 15 Pro Max $379 $29

As you can see in the chart, the cost of repairing a screen increases with a larger screen size and depends on whether the iPhone is a Pro model. The cost with AppleCare is the same for all models because the (upfront) cost of the AppleCare plans are different.

Do I have or can I get AppleCare ?

Obviously, if you are looking at the repair costs for your iPhone 15 Pro, you will wish you had AppleCare . You may have one of the following questions about AppleCare:

  • Does the AppleCare warranty that comes with the iPhone cover the damage?
  • Do I have AppleCare ? How can I check?
  • Can I still get AppleCare and get the repair discount?

Does the AppleCare Warranty that comes with the iPhone cover the damage?

Apple offers a one-year limited warranty for new iPhones. The Apple Limited Warranty covers your iPhone and the Apple-branded accessories that come in the box with the iPhone against manufacturing issues. Accidental damage is not covered by the Apple warranty, so it doesn’t help you get your screen repaired.

Do I have AppleCare ? How can I check?

We have previously written about how to check your AppleCare warranty status: How to Check your AppleCare Warranty Status & How to Buy.

Can I still get AppleCare and get the repair discount?

It is only possible to purchase AppleCare within 60 days of your iPhone purchase. If you are still within this time period, you have a few ways that you can purchase AppleCare :

  • On your iPhone: Go to Settings > General > About and tap on AppleCare Coverage Available. If you don’t see it, you aren’t eligible.
  • Online: You will need to verify your serial number and run a remote diagnostic.
  • At an Apple Store: They will inspect your phone and require proof of purchase.
  • By calling 800-275-2273: You will need to provide proof of purchase and run a remote diagnostic.

The good news is that if you purchase AppleCare , you can transfer it to a new owner if you sell your iPhone (or give it to a family member).

How to get your iPhone 15 Pro screen repaired

There are three options for getting your iPhone 15 Pro screen repaired:

  • Schedule a visit at an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider.
  • Send your iPhone in for repair. Apple will send you a box, and you will mail your device to Apple. It is estimated to take 5-9 days.
  • Schedule an onsite service. An authorized repair person will come to your home or office.

You can arrange for any of the above options from Apple’s iPhone screen replacement page. You can also talk to Apple Support if you have more questions or have Apple Support call you.

Tag: Screen
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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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What Does an X on the Battery Mean on MacBook?

by GeeksModo Staff

If you see an X on the battery indicator symbol in the bar at the top of your MacBook screen, then there’sa good chance you’ve also experiencedproblems with your MacBook’s battery. When the battery symbol has an X on it, you may not be able to use your MacBook at all unless it is plugged to power outlet. You might also have seen a notification saying No Batteries Available. In this post, I’ll explain what the X on MacBook battery mean and how you can fix it.

Let’s get into it!

A photo showing Mac battery with a X in it  

What does the X mean on MacBook battery?

The X on MacBook’s battery basically means there is something very wrong with the battery. To the point where the battery is essentially useless. There are a number of possibilities:

  • Your MacBook battery need to be replaced.
  • The battery connection might have come loose inside your MacBook.
  • You can attempt to fix the X on MacBook battery by resetting your SMC.

What can you do when you see the X on your Mac battery?

If your MacBook battery is showing an X, you will probably need to get your MacBook looked at.

If you have technical skills, you can order and replace the battery yourself. Otherwise, you will need to take your Mac in for repair. You can make an appointment at a Genius Bar or with an Apple Certified repair center such as Best Buy.

Before you do that, though, you can try resetting the SMC and taking a look at the Apple Diagnostics report.

Reset the SMC

Sometimes you can reset the SMC on a Mac laptop and that will fix the X on your MacBook’s battery, particularly if the error is related to a power management quirk or some other hiccup, and not a battery hardware issue.

The procedure for resetting the SMC on an Apple laptop depends on whether it is an Apple silicon or an Intel Mac.

Navigate to the Apple  menu and click on About This Mac.

  • If you have a Processor listed (that says Intel), that means you have an Intel Mac.
  • If you see Chip listed, that means you have Apple silicon.

Also, if you have an Intel MacBook, from the information in the About This Mac window, make a note of your exact model, such as MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports).

If you have Apple silicon

  1. Make sure your Mac is plugged into power/charging.
  2. Click the Apple icon  and choose Restart. Or, hit the Apple icon  > Shut Down, and after a minute, turn it back on.

If you have an Intel MacBook

Depending on the type of Mac you have, the process for resetting the SMC will be different.

Mac with the T2 chip

Intel Macs, released in 2018 and later, have the T2 security chip. Find out if your Mac has a T2 security chip, and if it has, follow these steps.

MacBook:
  1. First, shut down your MacBook.
  2. After that, press & hold the power or Touch ID button for 10 seconds and then stop pressing the button.
  3. Now, wait for a few seconds and press the power/Touch ID button to turn on your MacBook.

Once this is done, the X symbol on MacBook battery should no longer exist. But in case the above steps didn’t help, follow along to reset your MacBook’s SMC:

  1. Shut down your MacBook.
  2. Press and hold all the following keys on your laptop’s built-in keyboard:
    • Control from the bottom left side of the keyboard.
    • Option from the bottom left side of the keyboard.
    • Shift from the right side of the keyboard.
  3. Make sure you hold all the above keys for 7 seconds. And once 7 seconds are done (don’t stop pressing the above three keys), start pressing & holding the power button. So, now you’re pressing and holding a total of four keys.
    4) Continue to hold all four keys for 7 more seconds and then let go.
    5) After waiting for a few seconds, press the power button to turn on your MacBook.
Mac desktop:
  1. Shut down your Mac.
  2. Unplug the main power cord.
  3. After at least 15 seconds, plug in the power cord.
  4. Finally, wait for 5 more seconds and press the power button to start your Mac.
Mac without T2 security chip

If you have a pre-2018 Mac, then follow these steps to reset the SMC.

MacBook:
  1. Completely shut down the computer.
  2. Press the left-side Shift, Control, andOption keys, along with the right-side power button on your keyboard, all at the same time.
  3. Continue to hold all four keys for 10 seconds.
  4. After 10 seconds, release all keys and press the power button to start your MacBook.
Mac desktop:
  1. Shut down your Mac.
  2. Unplug the main power cord.
  3. After waiting for 15 seconds, plug in the power cord.
  4. Finally, press the power button after 5 seconds to turn on your computer.
Very old Macs
Mac notebook with a removable battery:

Although these are a little bit more ancient, some Macs even had batteries you could remove. These include pre-2009 MacBooks and MacBook Pros. These machines also had a way of resetting the SMC, and to do that, follow these steps:

  1. Turn off the computer completely.
  2. Disconnect the MagSafe power connector and any other plug accessories if you have them plugged in.
  3. Remove the battery from the computer.
  4. Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds and then release the power button.
  5. Re-install the battery and reattach the MagSafe adapter and any other accessories.
  6. Turn your computer back on with the power button.

After following these steps correctly, your Mac’s SMC will have been reset, and hopefully, the X on your MacBook’s battery will be gone.

Mac Pro, iMac, Mac mini, and Xserve:

If you aren’t using a notebook but instead an Intel-based Mac desktop computer, such as the Mac Pro, iMac, Mac mini, or Xserve, then the steps to reset your computer’s SMC will involve the following steps:

  1. Shut down your computer completely before moving on to the next step.
  2. Unplug the power cord and any other plugs from your Mac so there is no power being supplied to the computer.
  3. Wait 15 seconds, and then reattach your power cord and any accessories.
  4. Wait five additional seconds, and then turn your Mac back on with the power button.

Run Apple Diagnostics

If resetting the SMC didn’t fix the problem, you can try running Apple Diagnostics. This won’t actually fix the issue, but it can help determine which hardware component might be at fault. Apple Diagnostics also suggests solutions and helps you contact Apple Support for assistance.

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How to Completely Delete a VPN from Your Mac

by Dave Johnson

If you have previously set up a VPN connection on Mac but no longer use the VPN service, you may want to delete and remove the VPN from MacOS. Additionally, you may wish to remove a VPN configuration from a Mac that is not needed for a particular purpose, job, or enterprise anymore.

Removing a VPN from the Mac is pretty easy, and if you manually configured a VPN then you’ll be happy to discover how easy it is to delete the VPN from Mac especially compared to the manual setup process which is much more complex. In this article, I’ll explain how you can completely uninstall a VPN, including its configurations, from your Mac.

Why might you want to uninstall a VPN from your Mac?

VPNs may introduce certain issues or challenges. There could be many reasons why you would want to delete it from your Mac:

  • A VPN may affect another service’s performance, such as Messages, emails, Wi-Fi or FaceTime.
  • It May slow down your internet connection.
  • Most VPNs are not free and require subscription fee.
  • If you subscribe to iCloud , you may be using Private Relay instead of a VPN.
  • You may want to delete a VPN from Mac to create more storage space.
  • You may think you no longer need it, and your Mac’s built-in security is all you need. Your Mac is pretty secure without a VPN.

Read the instructions below to learn how to delete a VPN from your Mac.

How to delete a VPN on Mac

Removing a VPN from your Mac is straightforward and doesn’t take more than a couple of seconds. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Delete the App

There are two ways for a VPN app to be downloaded to your Mac. You can get it from the Mac app store or from the developer’s website.

If your VPN app was downloaded from the App Store:

  1. LaunchLaunchpad on your Mac. You can click its icon in the Dock to open it.
  2. Find the VPN in Launchpad. You can use the search field to find it if you would like.
  3. Click and hold the VPN app until it starts to jiggle.
  4. Click the (x) delete button on the icon.

If your VPN app was downloaded from the Internet:

You can use Finder to delete it. Here is how:

  1. LaunchFinder on your Mac. You can click its icon in the Dock to open it.
  2. In Finder, find the VPN app. It is probably inside the Applications folder. Open Applications and locate it.
  3. Then, delete it by using one of these methods:
    • Drag and drop it to the Trash bin.
    • Right-click the app and then select Move to Trash.
    • Select the app and then press Command—Delete.

To the right of Locations in the Finder sidebar is an arrow to click to show additional items. In the Finder window on the right, a file is selected, and a shortcut to the file is in the sidebar, below Favorites.  

Step 2: Delete the VPN configuration files

If you want to completely remove VPN from your Mac, you need to delete the VPN configurations from your computer. Because if you do not, the anticipated benefit of removing the VPN may not occur. For example, if you want to delete a VPN because you could not download the full version of your photos from iCloud, you may still experience the problem even after deleting the VPN unless you also delete the configuration files. Here is how:

  1. Go to the Apple menu and navigate to System Settings.

  2. From the left sidebar, click Networkand then VPN.

  3. Click the info (i) button next to the VPN.

  4. Then click Remove Configuration. A popup will appear, asking if you really want to remove it. Click Remove again.

Now you have deleted the VPN. Restart your Mac to ensure that your changes take effect, and then you are done.

If you have another method or approach to removing VPN from a Mac, or any particular experience with this, share it with us in the comments below.

Tag: VPN
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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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How to Fix macOS Sonoma Internet Problems

by Dave Johnson

Are you facing issues establishing a Wi-Fi connection on your Mac after macOS Sonoma update? While connecting to Wi-Fi is generally an easy and straightforward process on a Mac, some users have faced problems in getting internet access via Wi-Fi after installing macOS Sonoma. Users have reported that their Macs have no Internet access, even though Wi-Fi seems to be connected.

The common Wi-Fi issues associated with Sonoma often involve frequent connection drops, slow internet connection, unreliable Wi-Fi connections, or subpar overall network performance. Various factors, such as Wi-Fi router issues, third-party app conflicts, or post-update software-related problems, could cause these issues on your Mac.

If you are also facing these problems, follow the troubleshooting steps explained below to fix Wi-Fi issues in macOS Sonoma.

macOS Sonoma displayed on MacBook Air, the 27-inch iMac, and MacBook Pro.  

Troubleshooting macOS Sonoma Internet problems

Whether you’re using a MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac mini, iMac, or Mac Pro, these troubleshooting steps should fix all macOS Sonoma WiFi problems. After trying each step, please test to see if your Wi-Fi problem is fixed:

1. Check for macOS updates

A bug in macOS Sonoma may be the cause of your Wi-Fi issues. There is a possibility Apple has already released an update to fix this. To check, open System Settings and select General, then Software Update and install available updates. Also, you may want to turn on Automatic Updates.

2. Update the Wi-Fi router

If you manage the network’s Wi-Fi router, install the latest firmware updates for the router, as recommended by its manufacturer.

3. Reboot your router and Mac

Rebooting is a simple fix that’s known to solve many network-related problems. Start off by shutting down your router: unplug it from the wall and then wait a few minutes. Once you plug it back in, wait a minute or two for the device to set up. While you’re waiting, go ahead and reboot your Mac. To restart your Mac, go to the **Apple  menu **and select Restart.

Once both your computer and the router are back up and running, turn on Wi-Fi to see if your Mac can connect now. If it didn’t, it’s time to move on to the next step.

4. Check anti-virus or VPN software

Sometimes, you might have a VPN installed to protect your network by, for example, hiding your IP address. However, it just might be what’s causing macOS Sonoma internet problems.

Check the VPN or any other security-related software to ensure that they aren’t the source of the macOS Sonoma Wi-Fi problems by disabling them and seeing if the issue persists.

  • Uninstall the anti-virus software and then check if you can connect. If you can connect, then, obviously, this software is the problem. Check if there is an update to the software. Then, you can try to install the updated version. If the updated version causes problems, too, you may want to keep the software uninstalled until its developers address the issue.
  • VPN services may also be the cause of macOS Sonoma Wi-Fi problems. Are you using a VPN? Then disable or uninstall it and then try again.

Please note that uninstalling the VPN may not be enough. Even after uninstalling it, its configuration may stay on your Mac and continue to cause issues. You may need to remove it. On your Mac, go to** Apple menu** >System Settings > Network. Then select VPN. Then, tap the info (i) button next to the VPN service and select Remove Configuration. You will be asked if you are sure you want to remove it. Click Delete again.

5. Reset network settings

When all else fails, reset network settings. Doing so may fix macOS Sonoma internet problem. This will not get rid of your saved Wi-Fi passwords. Here is how:

  1. Go to Apple Menu and then System Settings.
  2. From the sidebar, select Network.
  3. You will see Wi-Fi. Control-click (or right-click or double-finger click) it.
  4. Select Delete Service. You will be asked if you really want to delete it. Click **Delete **again. When you delete it, your Wi-Fi status bar will say Not Configured. This is normal.
  5. After deleting the Wi-Fi service, restart your Mac.
  6. Now, go to the Network settings (Apple menu > System Settings) again.
  7. Click the** three-dot button** and selectAdd Service.
  8. From the Interface options, select** Wi-Fi**. You can also change the Service Name if you wish.
  9. Click the blue** Create** button.

Now, check if you have solved macOS Sonoma Internet problems.

Tag: macOS
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