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iPhone 13 Pro Max Keeps Disconnecting From Wi-Fi? 15 Fixes

by GeeksModo Staff

What good is an amazing-looking iPhone 13 Pro Max packed with network features if it keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi? Even the best devices like iPhone 13 Pro Max have been known to suffer occasional problems with connectivity. Whether your iPhone 13 Pro Max keeps disconnecting from office or home Wi-Fi, you don’t have to worry. Here’s what to do when your iPhone 13 Pro Max keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi.

There are various reasons why your iPhone 13 Pro Max keep disconnecting from WiFi. Thankfully, we’re here to help you troubleshoot through the issue. In this post, we’ll explain why your iPhone 13 Pro Max keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi and show you how to fix the problem for good! Lets get started.

Why iPhone 13 Pro Max Keeps Disconnecting from WiFi?

If Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting on your iPhone 13 Pro Max, it means that something is stopping your iPhone from connecting properly with the modem or router. Maybe you are too far from the router to get a good signal, or something is intermittently blocking the connection (like a VPN).

Simple solutions to fix iPhone 13 Pro Max keep disconnecting from WiFi

1. Try connecting to the Internet through another network

Connect your iPhone 13 Pro Max to another WiFi, preferably close by. Does it still disconnect randomly? If yes, then something is going on in your iPhone, have it checked.

2. Try connecting to the Internet through another device

Similar to the previous point, have another phone connect to the problematic Wi-Fi. Does it disconnect as well? If so, then you may be receiving a weak signal, or that the WiFi router is faulty. Have it checked.

3. Toggle Airplane Mode on and off

If you’re having an issue where your iPhone 13 Pro Max keeps disconnecting from the WiFi network, try turning Airplane Mode on and off. This may seam obvious, but the problem should get sorted if it’s a minor issue.

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Toggle on the switch next to Airplane mode for at least a couple of seconds, then disable it.

In a lot of cases your iPhone 13 Pro Max Wi-Fi connection issues will be gone. However, if it still keep disconnecting. There are a few other solutions you can try out to fix the issue.

4. Restart your iPhone

The WiFi connectivity issue can occur due to temporary glitches or bugs within the iPhone’s firmware. Does only your iPhone 13 Pro keep disconnecting from your Wi-Fi, or do all devices on that network disconnect as well? If it’s only your iPhone 13 Pro, then try rebooting it and/or forgetting and re-connecting to the network.

Just follow these instructions to restart your iPhone 13 Pro Max:

  1. Start the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap Shut Down.
  4. Wait for around two to three minutes for the device to completely shut down.
  5. Press the Side button to turn your iPhone back on.

5. Restart your Router

If your iPhone 13 Pro Max keep dropping Wi-Fi after trying the above step, check if your router is functioning properly. Typically, restarting a router fixes some connectivity issues; you might want to try that. Follow these instructions to restart your router:

  1. Unplug your router or modem from its power outlet (don’t just turn it off).
  2. Wait 15-20 seconds, then plug it back in.
  3. Allow the router a minute or two to turn back on.

Most modems have a “restart” button somewhere on them, just press and hold them for a few seconds (some might have a reboot button).

Upon restart, reconnect your iPhone 13 Pro Max to the network and see if it disconnects. If the issue still persists, move on to the next troubleshooting suggestion below.

6. Move closer to your router

Does your iPhone 13 Pro Max automatically disconnect and reconnect to the WiFi network while you’re roaming around the house? It could be due to range issues. So, check the range of your router and whether it properly covers the area. Moving closer to your router might help the signals reach your iPhone faster and improve the overall connectivity.

7. Forget your Wi-Fi and rejoin

If your iPhone 13 Pro Max keep disconnecting from your WiFi after trying the above steps, the next course of action is to forget and reconnect to the WiFi network. This will delete the WiFi network from your iPhone, including the saved password. You can later reconnect to it to see if the issue gets fixed. Follow the steps below.

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap Wi-Fi.
  3. find the name of your Wi-Fi and tap on it.
  4. Tap Forget This Network.
  5. Tap on “Forget.”
  6. Wait two to three minutes, and then rejoin.

8. Update your iPhone firmware

Hold on, when was the last time you updated your iOS?

Apple frequently releases software updates to ensure speed and efficiency for its users. For example, you may be running iOS 15, but have you updated it to its latest version? Are you still using iOS 15.1? If yes, you instantly need to switch to the newest version, which might be 15.2, 15.3, and so on.

Here’s how you can update your iPhone:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone 13 Pro.
  2. Next, go to General.
  3. Now, select Software update.
  4. If an update is available, Tap Download and Install.

9. Update your Router Firmware

After updating iOS, the next step is to update the firmware on your router. Just like how iOS updates bring new features to your iPhone and fix some bugs and issues, that’s what firmware updates does to your router. If you are sure that the ‘Wi-Fi disconnecting and reconnecting’ issue on your iPhone 13 Pro Max is as a result of some problems with your router, upgrading the firmware could help fix the issue.

The updating process may differ. However, the instructions to update router firmware are usually given in the router’s manual or on the manufacturer’s website.

Once the updates have been installed, check to see if your iPhone 13 Pro Max can establish a stable Wi-Fi connection.

10. Set Date and Time on Your iPhone

This one might sound weird, but believe it or not, improperly set time and date can cause several issues with iPhone, including wi-fi problems.

So, you need to make sure that you select the accurate region and set the Date and Time correctly. To do this, follow the steps below:

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Next, tap General.
  3. Next on, select Date and Time.
  4. Now, toggle on the switch next to Set Automatically.

11. Turn off Wi-Fi Assist

The most obvious reason for this problem is that you have enabled the “Wi-Fi Assist” feature on your iPhone. When this feature is enabled, your iPhone 13 Pro Max will automatically use cellular data when Wi-Fi connectivity is poor. If Wi-Fi assist is turned on, and your iPhone is having trouble getting much data through on Wi-Fi (regardless of a strong signal), it will switch from Wi-Fi to cellular.

You may have poor Wi-Fi connectivity. Check to see if you have this setting enabled by following these steps:

  1. Launch Settings.
  2. Now, tap Cellular.
  3. Scroll down and make sure the switch next to Wi-Fi Assist is toggled off.

Once you’ve disabled this setting, connect to your wifi to see if the connection is stable.

12. Disable VPN

VPNs can be super helpful for protecting your information online. However, VPNs can sometimes cause issues with your internet connection.

If you have enabled VPN on your iPhone 13 Pro Max, you can disable it by following the steps below:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Go to General.
  3. Select VPN & Device Management
  4. Disable any connected VPN.

Once the VPN has been disabled, check if your iPhone 13 Pro Max can establish a stable Wi-Fi connection.

13. Reset network settings

Resetting your iPhone’s network settings could also help fix this issue. What a network reset does is to refresh your phone’s Wi-Fi settings, cellular network settings, Bluetooth settings, and VPN configurations. This helps to fix network and connectivity issues on your device. Follow the steps below to reset your phone’s network settings.

  1. Navigate to Settings, then tap on General.
  2. Scroll down and select Transfer or Reset iPhone.
  3. Tap Reset.
  4. From the list, tap Reset Network settings. You will be asked to enter your Passcode if you have one. Keep in mind that this will reset all of your Wi-Fi, cellular information, paired Bluetooth devices and so on. If you are sure you want to proceed tap Reset Network Settings.

Once you’ve done this, wait a couple of minutes — new network settings should be picked up by your phone automatically.

14. Reset All Settings

If none of these methods worked, you might want to reset all your iPhone settings. If any bugs on your phone are preventing your device from maintaining a stable Wi-Fi connection, this will help.

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone, then tap on General.
  2. Scroll down and select Transfer or Reset iPhone.
  3. Now, tap Reset.
  4. Here, tap Reset All settings and follow the onscreen instructions.

15. Getting Technical Assistance

If none of those mentioned above methods worked, it’s time to take a step back and let the professionals handle it.

Firstly, we suggest talking to your Internet Service Provider. Maybe the issue lies with the network connection and not your device. You can test this out by trying to connect to a different Wi-Fi network.

If your iPhone 13 Pro Max can establish a stable Wi-Fi connection, then maybe the problem lies with your network connection.

However, if your iPhone 13 Pro Max still keeps dropping Wi-Fi connection, then you may want to take it to Apple support. We suggest chatting with Apple online first to see if the matter can be resolved through customer service.

Otherwise, you’ll have to send it for repair. In which case, remember to look into the warranty that came with your device.

Did you fix your iPhone 13 Pro Max keep dropping Wi-Fi problem?

Just because your iPhone 13 Pro Max keeps disconnecting from WiFi doesn’t mean it’s a lost cause. We suggest you try out all the solutions we’ve given you above before you give up on your iPhone.

Who knows, maybe it’s just a setting issue, or perhaps the problem isn’t with your iPhone but with your WiFi router.

Don’t give up hope until you’ve exhausted all of your options.

If your iPhone 13 Pro Max keeps dropping Wi Fi connection, don’t stress. It’s quite a common issue. We hope this post helped you solve your Wi-Fi issues. If not, it’s best to try contacting your Internet service provider. If the problem is not with your ASP, contact Apple Support to assist you with your problem.

Tag: Wi-Fi
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Top 10 Fixes For Vibration Not Working On iPhone 13 pro max

by GeeksModo Staff

Is your iPhone 13 Pro Max vibration not working? Don’t worry for nothing is wrong with your iPhone. And, you aren’t alone while facing that problem.

Whether it is due to tinkering with settings or a software issue, vibration can stop working on iPhone 13 Pro Max for a number of reasons. The good news is that you don’t have to visit the Apple Store for help. All you need to do is check a few settings, and your iPhone 13 Pro Max will start vibrating again.

What are these settings? That’s what we will tell you here. In this Troubleshooting guide, you will get to know how to fix the vibrate not working issue on iPhone 13 Pro Max.

A lot of iPhone users live their lives in silent mode, relying solely on the vibrate function to detect incoming calls, messages, and notifications.

While it can be handy to hear your iPhone ring when you receive a new text or email, at other times, having your phone make loud sounds can be annoying.

In those instances, vibrations are handy, since they still alert you to any notifications without disturbing those around you.

Vibrations provide haptic feedback, which allows you to feel rather than hear your notifications. This feature can be useful when your phone’s volume is turned on as well, as you might feel it vibrating in your pocket even if the speaker is muffled.

When your iPhone 13 Pro Max rings, but does not vibrate, it may be because the vibrate function is not turned on, or it could be caused by a problem with the iPhone’s firmware. Fortunately, you can troubleshoot your iPhone 13 Pro Max to see if you can get it to vibrate.

Simple solutions to fix vibrate not working on iPhone 13 Pro Max

1. Restart your iPhone

Like all the troubleshooting processes, begin by restarting your iOS device. That should fix any temporary glitch causing the vibration issue on your iPhone 13 Pro Max. You can restart your iPhone by holding the Side button and either of the volume buttons until the power off slider appears on the screen. Move the slider to the right with your finger to turn off your iPhone. Turn your iPhone back on by holding down the Side button. Test the vibrate function by moving the ringer switch to see if it will vibrate.

2. Disable Focus Mode

Another important setting that you need to check is Focus Mode. Your iPhone 13 Pro Max won’t vibrate if it is in Focus Mode. If that’s the case, you already know what to do: disable the Focus Mode feature.

If Focus mode is enabled on your iPhone, you should see the icons in the status bar. After that, follow the steps below to disabled Focus mode on your iPhone.

  1. Swipe down from the top right of your iPhone screen to bring up the Control Center.
  2. Find the Focus icon.
  3. toggle off the switch next to Focus icon to disable it if it’s turned on already.

3. Enable Vibration In Accessibility Settings

The iPhone 13 Pro Max features an accessibility setting that can turn off all vibrations on your device. Make sure it’s turned on by following the steps below:

  1. Start the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap on Accessibility.
  3. Select Touch.
  4. Make sure that the switch next to Vibration is turned on.

4. Enable Vibrate on Ring setting

If your iPhone 13 Pro Max doesn’t vibrate when you receive a new call, you must ensure the ‘Vibrate on ring’ setting is enabled. It’s possible you have disabled the vibration by mistake and forgot to enable it.

  1. Start the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Go to ”Sounds & Haptics.”
  3. To enable vibration on your iPhone 13 Pro Max, make sure that ”Vibrate on Ring” is enabled. You’ll know that vibration is enabled, as the bar will be colored green.

5. Enable Vibrate on Silent setting

Just like the above step, you should also ensure “Vibrate on Silent” setting is turned on.

  1. Navigate to the Settings app.
  2. Tap Sounds & Haptics, located near the top of the screen.
  3. Once on this page, turn on the toggle for Vibrate on Silent. This will make your iPhone 13 Pro Max vibrate when it’s in silent mode.

6. Make Sure You’ve Selected A Vibration Pattern

You should select a vibration pattern to troubleshoot the issue. For that, follow the steps below:

  1. Head to Settings > Sounds & Haptics.
  2. Tap Ringtone.
  3. In the following menu, tap Vibration at the top of the screen.
  4. You can choose one of the pre-set Vibration patterns by tapping on it. Note that when you tap on your choice, the vibration mode will begin on your phone, allowing you to feel what it will be like.
    Note that there’s no need to save your changes. Simply exit the Settings app and your new choice will take effect.

7. Turn On Vibration using the Ring/Silent Switch

The Ring/Silent switch is located above the volume buttons on the left side of your iPhone. You can set your iPhone 13 Pro Max to vibrate at any time using the small toggle switch located at the left-hand side of the device. In vibrate mode, phone calls and text messages vibrate the phone, rather than make noise. However, all other aspects of the phone, such as watching a movie, still produce sounds. To set your iPhone to vibrate, flick the switch toward the back of the iPhone. You’ll be able to tell when you’ve done this as the switch will show an orange indicator.

Once you’ve done this, you’ll also see a notification showing that your iPhone is in silent mode on the display.

8. Update your iPhone

At times, even an iOS update can be responsible for iPhone 13 Pro Max vibration not working. To fix it, you will need to update your phone to the latest version of iOS. Follow the steps below:

  1. Start the Settings on your iPhone and tap General.
  2. Tap Software Update.
  3. If an update is available, tap Download and Install.

9. Reset All Settings

a rather drastic method to fix iPhone 13 Pro Max vibration not working is to reset all settings on your device. This will reset all the settings on your iPhone to their default values and can fix the problem you are facing. Here’s how:.

  1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap General, followed by Transfer or Reset iPhone.
  3. Tap Reset.
  4. From there, tap Reset All Settings, then enter your passcode to confirm.

Your device will reboot afterward, and hopefully fix the problem of iPhone 13 Pro Max vibration not working.

10. Get help from Apple

Sometimes the issue of iPhone 13 Pro Max vibration not working is due to fault of hardware. If you’ve recently dropped your iPhone that could have resulted in damage to internal components. Take it to an authorized repair shop to get it checked out. If you just purchased your device, on the other hand, but still experiencing vibration issues, your iPhone 13 Pro Max Vibration Motor may be faulty.

Take your iPhone to an Apple Authorized Service Provider or make a Genius Bar reservation at an Apple Store, as your iPhone 13 Pro Max vibration motor may be damaged.

Did you fix your iPhone 13 Pro Max vibration not working problem?

We hope the above fixes have resolved vibration not working on iPhone 13 Pro Max issue. As someone who has dealt with this issue firsthand, it can be very frustrating. Thankfully these steps have resolved the issue for many people. Did we manage to help you solve your iPhone 13 Pro Max vibrate not working issue? Let us know in the comments below.

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iPhone 13 Pro Max “Cannot Connect to App Store?” Fix it Here

by GeeksModo Staff

App Store not working on iPhone 13 Pro Max? Is your iPhone 13 not connecting to App Store? I am sure we’ve all experienced an App Store problem at some point in our lives. No matter what the problem is, rest assured there are solutions. Below, we have listed a bunch of solutions that could potentially fix the problem when iPhone 13 Pro Max cannot connect to App Store.

There are quite a few factors that could possibly cause your iPhone 13 Pro Max not to commect to App Store. We’ll run through the troubleshooting methods beginning with simple solutions down to the more complicated ones.

How to Fix an iPhone 13 Pro Max That Cannot Connect to App Store

There are several ways to fix an iPhone 13 Pro Max that cannot connect to App Store. If your iPhone 13 Pro Max won’t open App Store, try these fixes, in this order:

1. Make sure it is a user-end problem

First of all, you’ll want to make sure the problem is on your end and not a wider problem with Apple. The best way to do this is to visit Apple system status page to see if App Store is down. If the problem is on Apple’s side, then you’ll need to wait for Apple to fix it.

2. Restart the App Store app

Sometimes a simple force close is all you need when your iPhone 13 Pro Max cannot connect to App Store! You can do this by simply swiping up from the bottom of the screen and then swiping up on the App Store on the app switcher. After you quit the App, check if your iPhone 13 Pro Max can now connect to App Store.

3. Toggle airplane mode on and off

Not sure how much this one works, but I have heard a lot of people say that switching Airplane Mode on and then off will help the iPhone 13 Pro Max connect to the App Store. Hey, it’s not a complicated process, and it’s safe. Why not try, right?

  1. Access your iPhone’s Control Center by swiping down from the top-right of the screen.
  2. Turn on Airplane mode.
  3. Wait a few seconds.
  4. Tap the icon to turn off Airplane mode.

Try to open the App Store. If your iPhone 13 won’t connect to App Store, try the next solution.

4. Toggle Wi-Fi off and on

Just like with Airplane Mode, Wi-Fi could be the reason why your iPhone 13 Pro Max cannot connect to App Store. Not to mention, your network may very well be having simple connection issues. Toggle Wi-Fi on and off, and check if your iPhone 13 can connect to App Store.

  1. Bring up your iPhone’s Control Center, as mentioned above.
  2. In the top-left block, check if the Wi-Fi is already switched on and lit up as blue. Tap to turn it off if so
  3. Wait a few seconds.
  4. Tap the icon to turn on your iPhone’s Wi-Fi again.

5. Toggle Your iPhone’s Cellular Data off and on

If you are using cellular data to access the App Store, turning your iPhone’s Cellular data function off and back on may fix the issue you are experiencing. It may seem too simple or easy, but refreshing your cellular data connection could solve the problems you’re having. Try switching mobile data off and on, and see if the problem persists. To do this:

  1. Launch your iPhone’s Control Center, by swiping down from top right of your screen.
  2. In the top-left block, check if the Cellular Data icon (an antenna) is already switched on and lit up as green. Tap to turn it off if so
  3. Wait a few seconds.
  4. Tap the icon to turn on your iPhone’s cellular data again.

6. Restart your router

In some cases, you can fix the problem of iPhone 13 Pro Max not connecting to App Store by simply restarting your router. It might seem silly, but give it a try, and you might affect the Wi-Fi magic enough to get App Store going again. Some routers allow restarts to be triggered through an app, while others may have a physical button. If yours has neither, you can unplug the router’s power source and plug it back in.

7. Restart your phone

It seem obvious, but something as simple as a reboot might be all what you need to fix iPhone 13 Pro Max not connecting to App Store issue. There may be a temporary glitch in the operating system or a software component. A restart usually resolves these issues. This will take a minute or two and might work.

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap Shut Down.
  4. Press the Side button to power your iPhone back on.

8. Check your date and time settings

Apple periodically checks your iPhone’s date and time for the Play Store. In case there is a discrepancy between the actual time and what is displayed on your iPhone, Apple’s servers could have a tough time syncing with your device and cause App Store connection problem.

To fix this issue, make your iPhone automatically set its date and time so that it’s always correct. If that isn’t helping, try to set your time and date as exact as possible.

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap on General.
  3. Select Date & time.
  4. Toggle the Set automatically toggle to get your time from the internet.

9. Disable your VPN

Having a VPN is a great way to get all your favorite media outside your geographic location. But your VPN could be causing you problems with your App Store in the region you’re currently in. Plenty of users have reported that their iPhone 13 Pro Max cannot connect to App Store when a VPN is enabled.

If you have a VPN enabled on your iPhone 13 Pro Max, you should disable it.

Follow these steps to remove VPN settings on iPhone 13 Pro Max:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap on General.
  3. Tap on VPN & Device Management.
  4. Disable any active VPN.

10. Update iOS

Another thing that may help is to download and install the latest version of iOS. The most current version of the software is likely to fix the iPhone 13 cannot connect to App Store issue, so it’s useful to keep it updated.

You can update iOS wirelessly by following the steps below:

  1. Start the Settings app.
  2. Select General.
  3. Tap Software update.
  4. If an iOS update is available, tap download and install.

11. Reset all iPhone settingssettings

We’re now coming to slightly more drastic solutions. If your iPhone 13 Pro Max still cannot connect to App Store, then you may need to reset all settings on your device. Doing this won’t erase your data, but it can solve the problem of iPhone 13 not connecting to App Store.

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
  4. Select Reset.
  5. Choose Reset All Settings.

12. Reset your iPhone to factory settings

If all else fails and your iPhone 13 Pro Max cannot connect to app store, wipe your device clean and give it a fresh start. At this point, we have no idea what could be causing your App Store discrepancies, but resetting your iPhone to factory defaults will likely fix most of your issues, as it deletes everything on the device and leaves it the way it was when you turned it on for the very first time. You can perform a factory reset by following the instructions below:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
  4. Select Erase All Content and Settings.

13. Get help from Apple

If you tried all these steps and your iPhone 13 Pro Max still cannot connect to App Store, you need help from the experts at Apple. You can get online or phone support at the Apple website, or make an appointment at the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store for in-person help.

Fixed iPhone 13 Pro Max cannot connect to App Store issue

We hope one of these methods fixed your iPhone 13 cannot connect to app store issue. If nothing helped, the problem has to run deeper than usual, and you should probably contact Apple Support.

Tag: App Store
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‘Hey Siri’ Not Working On iPhone 13 Pro Max? Here’s The Fix

by GeeksModo Staff

Siri was supposed to help us all exist in a futuristic utopia where we carried our own permanently available assistants in our pockets. But this is real life, and at times the best tech just doesn’t work. In this article, we’ve explained the solutions you can try if the “Hey Siri” voice command has stopped working on your iPhone 13 Pro Max.

So there you are, with your Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max in hand, and you need to find out from Siri who did the voice of Yogi Bear. After all, you have $100 riding on the answer. As interested patrons at the bar watch intently, you call out for Siri. “Hey Siri.” Nothing. “Hey Siri.” Again, nothing. “Hey Siri, what the $%@! is wrong with you?” Once again, there is no response. And you watch as someone else has to whip out his phone to answer the question.

So what should you do if Siri doesn’t respond when you say “Hey Siri” on your iPhone 13 Pro Max? In this troubleshooting guide, we’ll explain why Hey Siri is not working on your iPhone 13 Pro Max and show you how to fix the problem for good!

Fixes for Hey Siri not working on iPhone 13 Pro Max

Sometimes you do not need to perform long-drawn, complex troubleshooting steps to fix a nagging issue. The solution could be something very basic. And that is exactly what we want to do here. Before we try out some of the more difficult steps, let us try a few basic ones to solve your ‘Hey Siri not working on iPhone 13 Pro Max’ issue.

1. Make sure Hey Siri is turned on

As elementary it may sound, you will be surprised to know how many people may have simply turned the Hey Siri feature off and then wonder why it isn’t working. In case you often hand over your phone to kids, they might, on some occasions, fiddle with the phone and turn off Siri (and, therefore, the ‘Hey Siri’ command). Before you even start doing the major troubleshooting steps, make sure Hey Siri is enabled in the first place.

You can check if Hey Siri is enabled on your iPhone by going to Settings > Siri & Search > Listen for “Hey Siri” and ensure that the switch is turned to the on position:

2. Ensure That Allow Siri When Locked is Enabled

If you are trying to activate Siri when your device is locked and Hey Siri is not working for you, make sure the “Allow Siri When Locked” option is enabled. If it is turned off, you can’t invoke the personal assistant when your iPhone is locked.

You can check if Allow Siri When Locked is enabled on your iPhone by navigating to Settings > Siri & Search > Allow Siri When Locked and ensure that the switch is turned to the on position

3. Make sure your iPhone is connected to internet

This may be stating the obvious, but for most uses, Siri does need Wi-Fi or mobile data to operate, so make sure your iPhone 13 Pro Max is connected before you try a search.

It’s entirely possible that you’re connected to a wireless router, but you could be experiencing network problems, so verify that your internet connection works by opening Safari and trying to load a web page. If it works, then you know your connection is good. If not, try rebooting the router or using another Wi-Fi or cellular connection.

See also: iPhone Connected to Wi-Fi But No Internet? Fix it Here

4. Make sure Low Power Mode is turned off

The iPhone 13 Pro Max feature a dedicated Low Power Mode that kills background processes to make sure you manage to eke as much juice from the battery as possible. An unintended consequence of this is that your (Hey Siri command) stops working because of this. It is a good idea to check if the Low Power Mode on your iPhone 13 Pro Max is on before you blame anything else for Hey Siri not working. Go to Settings > battery and make sure the toggle next to Low Power Mode is in Off position. Alternatively, charge your iPhone up some more.

5. Reboot your iPhone

Sometimes software glitches can occur, and a reboot can often fix problems with services that get stuck and fail to work including Hey Siri.

To reboot your iPhone 13 Pro Max, just hold down the side button and Volume Up button for a few seconds and then drag the slide to power off slider to the right. Then, hold the power button until you see the Apple logo and wait until the boot up completes before trying Hey Siri again.

6. Try recalibrating Hey Siri

Sometimes, for reasons unknown, Siri doesn’t retain the commands you have given it. If Hey Siri never seems to be able to understand you, then it might be worth going through the calibration process once again. This is done by going to the Settings app and navigating to Siri & Search > Listen for “Hey Siri” and then disabling the already-enabled feature and then turning it back on again.

Tap on the button to continue and you’ll be taken through the calibration steps where you’ll have to say something. Your device will then re-learn your voice.

This tip may come in handy for those with heavy accents, or for those that normally mumble when they use Siri, but need to talk louder to get the feature to work.

7. Is your iPhone’s microphone working?

Another thing to look into if Hey Siri is not working on your iPhone 13 Pro Max is to check that your microphone is working. As a voice-based system, Siri relies on uninterrupted access to your iPhone’s microphone. Water damage or debris inside the microphone can wreak havoc on microphone performance, or keep it from working altogether.

To check if your microphone is working, enter an app where you can pull up the keyboard and attempt to use the Siri Dictation feature. If you don’t see any movement in the voice waveform, then you probably have a bad or muffled microphone.

Try removing any cases that may be covering the microphone, such as thicker and bulkier Otterbox or Lifeproof cases. You can also try to blow at the microphone to remove dust particles that might be obstructing the sound.

8. Make Sure Siri is Not Restricted on Your iPhone

Another important thing to keep in mind is to ensure that Siri is not restricted on your iPhone 13 Pro Max. Screen Time lets you not only stop Siri from performing web searches but also block explicit language. To remove the restriction, go to Settings app > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Content Restrictions -> Siri. Then, make sure you have allowed Siri to perform tasks without any limitations (if that’s what you are looking for).

9. Check for IOS Update

One possible fix to your iPhone 13 Pro Max Hey Siri not working problem is to ensure that your phone is running the latest version of iOS. You can check for iOS update by going to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, tap download and install.

10. Check your date and time settings

It may seem like a cliché fix, but incorrect date and time settings could be the reason why Hey Siri won’t work on your iPhone 13 Pro Max. This could be due to Apple’s servers having trouble syncing with your date and time settings. . The easiest way to solve this is to make your iPhone automatically set its date and time so that it’s always correct. Go to Settings > General > Date & time. Toggle the Set automatically toggle to get your time from the internet.

11. Disable VPN

Plenty of users have reported that ‘Hey Siri’ won’t work on their iPhone 13 Pro Max when a VPN is enabled. Have you tried deactivating these (if you are using them)? If you’re using a VPN app, you can go into the app and turn off your secure connection. If you added the VPN manually, you can go into the Settings > General > VPN & Device Management and turn it off.

12. Reset all settings

Bugs sometimes stem from low-level settings. You can’t always see or fix these settings individually, but iOS gives you a way to reset all settings. Doing this won’t erase your data, but it can solve the problem of Hey Siri not working on iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings.

13. Contact Apple Support

If everything listed above fails, you may want to contact Apple. A malfunctioning device may be covered under your limited or extended warranty, and Apple seems to be very happy to resolve problems for any covered device free of cost.

If you’re out of warranty on the other hand, you may be looking at more expensive alternatives to a free replacement.

Hey Siri not working on iPhone 13 Pro Max: fixed!

Despite how useful Hey Siri can be, it can be quite finicky at times. Hopefully after following the steps above, especially after recalibration, you’ve been able to get your Hey Siri working on your iPhone 13 Pro Max as you’ve been expecting it to.

Now that you have reached the end of this article do let us know if these steps helped you fix Hey Siri not working on iPhone 13 Pro Max issue. Additionally, do let us know if we have missed any useful fixes.

Tag: Siri
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Some Apps Not Working on iPhone 13 Pro Max? Here’s the Fix!

by GeeksModo Staff

If some apps are not working on your iPhone 13 Pro Max, here’s our troubleshooting guide to fix the issue.

Apps have become the bloodstream of our life. We use mobile apps almost daily. We wake up by the alarm app, we sleep while using some mobile app. Throughout the day, we keep using WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Messages, Mail, or games on our iPhones. Because apps are nothing but a piece of software, they could run into problems. One such problem is some apps not working on iPhone 13 Pro Max. Well, if your apps are not working on iPhone 13 Pro Max, here are some possible fixes to try.

Some of these problems include:

  • Some apps won’t open on iPhone 13 Pro Max
  • Some apps won’t respond on iPhone 13 Pro Max
  • Some apps are crashing on iPhone 13 Pro Max.

There can be many reasons for these issues, such as:

  • insufficient memory
  • bugs in your application
  • Incompatibility.
  • bandwidth limitation

Follow the fixes below to solve all such issues that prevent some apps on iPhone 13 Pro Max from working properly.

Fixes for apps not working on iPhone 13 Pro Max

The fixes in this article applies to iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max.

1. Restart your iPhone

OK before anything else, just restart the iPhone. This works so well for resolving many common app not working on iPhone 13 Pro Max issues, and it’s so simple, that you absolutely should try this first.

Go to settings > General > shut down. When you see the red slider, slide the slider. Wait until your device is completely off. This may take a few seconds. Then press and hold the on/off button until you see the Apple logo.## Restart the app.

2. Restart your Wi-Fi Router

When YouTube, WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or other apps do not work correctly on your iPhone 13 Pro Max, one easy way to fix such issues is restarting the Router. Switching off your Wi-Fi router using its main wall switch and switching it on after a few seconds will help fix the network issues.

3. Force Restart iPhone

The next method to fix iPhone 13 Pro Max apps not working issue is to try to force reboot your device. You can do this by pressing and quickly releasing the volume up button, pressing and quickly releasing the volume down button, holding down the side button until the device flashes the Apple logo. Then let it boot back up and try to use the app again, it should work… if not move on to the next solution!

4. Check for iOS updates

Updates to iOS often include bug fixes for system software, but some of those bug fixes and refinements also impact third party apps too. Additionally, some apps actually require a new version of iOS for certain features to work, or even for the application to work at all. To check and install iOS updates, go to Settings > General > Software Update. This will ensure that third-party apps like Gmail, YouTube, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram etc work perfectly on your iPhone 13 Pro Max.

5. Check for app updates

If an app is not working on your iPhone 13 Pro Max due to a bug, updating the app should fix the issue. Keeping apps updated is often vital to maintaining application stability and the reason is quite simple: developers identify bugs within their apps, fix them, and then push an update to the app. Of course many users will ignore app updates, but if you’re experiencing a problem with a particular app on your iPhone 13, don’t do that, keep the app updated (it’s good practice anyway).

  1. Open the App Store.
  2. Tap your account avatar in the upper-right corner of the screen
  3. Drag the updates screen down to refresh it.
  4. In the ”Available Updates” section, find the app update you want to install and then tap ”Update.”

6. Uninstall the problematic app and reinstall it

If updating the app did not fix the issue, try deleting the problematic app and reinstalling it.

If it’s a paid app, don’t worry you won’t need to pay for it a second time. The App Store keeps track of every app you’ve ever installed, and allows you to reinstall them with a tap.

To delete your app, tap and hold the app until it jiggles and then tap the delete (X) icon to remove the app. Then swipe up from the bottom of the screen to stop the jiggling. Now go to the App Store then search for the app you just removed and then tap the Redownload icon to reinstall this app.

7. Force quit the problematic app and reopen it

The next thing to do if an app is still not working on iPhone 13 Pro Max is to force close it. Apps can crash or stop working unexpectedly if it’s unable to run a required task at a time.

Meanwhile, force-closing an app shuts down the app and its processes, then restart them when you relaunch it. That’s a way to fixing the app not working on iPhone 13 Pro Max issue sometimes.

swipe up from the bottom of the screen to bring up the app switcher. Now, drag the problematic app card all the way up to force close it. After 15 seconds, open the app again, and it should work.

8. Ensure your iPhone is connected to the internet

If an app requires an internet connection to function, make sure your iPhone 13 Pro Max is connected to the internet. To do this, open Safari and visit a website such as geeksmodo.com. If it loads, that’s excellent. If not, see this guide to fix Wi-Fi issues on your iPhone.

Secondly, if you are using cellular data or metered Wi-Fi, ensure you have sufficient data allowance for the day or month.

9. Make sure cellular data for the problematic app is switched on

Again, if an app requires internet connection to work, make sure it’s allowed to use cellular data.

Open iPhone Settings and tap Cellular. From here, scroll down and make sure the toggle next to the problematic app is green.

10. Enable and disable Airplane Mode

When you put your iPhone in Airplane Mode, it disconnects all radio connections like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Cellular. Doing this will fix network issues and ensure your internet based apps works again.

You can enable and disable Airplane Mode from the iOS Control Center by tapping the plane icon. Alternatively, you may open Settings and turn on Airplane Mode. After 15 seconds, tap the same switch to turn it off.

11. Free space on your device to fix apps not working on iPhone 13 Pro Max

If you have just a few MBs of free space on your iPhone 13 Pro Max, apps may crash or quit randomly. To solve this, get rid of junk files on your iPhone to make space.

See also: How To Delete Documents And Data On iPhone or iPad

12. Contact the app developer

If all else fails, you may have to ask the app’s developer for help, if this is a third party app. Because app developers are responsible for supporting their applications. Here is how you can contact app developer:

Apps not working on iPhone 13 Pro Max: fixed!

These were the ways to fix the app not working problem on your iPhone 13 Pro Max. I hope this short guide helped you fix the problem. Did these tricks work to resolve the problem of apps not working on iPhone 13 Pro Max? Do you have another fix that works for when apps are not working on iPhone 13 Pro Max or crashes at launch? Let us know in the comments what works for you!

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AirPlay Not Working on iPhone 13 Pro Max? Here’s the Fix!

by GeeksModo Staff

Is AirPlay not working on iPhone 13 Pro Max? This article explains how to fix it when AirPlay is not working on your iPhone 13 Pro Max.

AirPlay is Apple’s wireless communication protocol that allows sharing videos, music, photos, presentations, and screen from Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac) to Mac, Apple TV, HomePod, and compatible third-party speakers and smart TVs from popular brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, Sonos, Bose, Ikea, JBL, Yamaha, Harman Kardon, and more.

Why Is AirPlay Not Working on iPhone 13 Pro Max?

AirPlay problems on iPhone 13 Pro Max can be caused by a variety of issues with your iOS device, your TV, or your internet connection. However, most AirPlay problems are either internet-related or are temporary issues solved by a restart or a reset.

Since AirPlay was designed to be user-friendly and require next to no fiddling to get working, troubleshooting problems with AirPlay is similarly uncomplicated.

How to Fix AirPlay Issues on iPhone 13 Pro Max

AirPlay issues on iPhone 13 Pro Max can come from a variety of sources depending on what the problem actually is, from network problems to temporary glitches on iPhone 13 Pro Max and much more.

So, while it may be tough to immediately understand why something went wrong with AirPlay on iPhone 13 Pro Max, there are approachable fixes you can try out to see if they fix your personal issue.

Most of the time, if AirPlay isn’t working, it simply fails to work at all – your device, like an Apple TV or your television doesn’t appear in the AirPlay device list. But AirPlay can also suffer from other glitches, like if the audio or video stutters or is otherwise low quality.

Whether you are experiencing lags or audio problems, or if your Apple TV is not showing in the Home app, or if AirPlay is not working at all, check out our tips below to fix your AirPlay problems on iPhone 13 Pro Max.

See also: AirDrop Not Working on iPhone 13 Pro Max? Here’s the Fix!

Note: for a smooth experience, make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled on both the source and target devices before trying to AirPlay content from your iPhone 13 Pro Max.

With that in mind, here is a list of things to check on each device when AirPlay is not working on iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Follow these troubleshooting tips in the given order to fix AirPlay problems on your iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Note: Information in this article applies to iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Troubleshooting AirPlay problems on iPhone 13 Pro Max

Toggle Bluetooth to fix iPhone 13 Pro Max AirPlay issues

You can do this by going to Control Center or by going to Settings > Bluetooth.

Toggle your Wi-Fi to fix iPhone 13 Pro Max AirPlay problems

The easiest way to do this is to put your iPhone in airplane mode for a few seconds, then turn off airplane mode. You can do this by going to Control Center or by going to Settings > airplane mode.

Make sure your iPhone 13 Pro Max is up to date

Sometimes, iOS updates can introduce bugs which breaks certain features, but by keeping up-to-date you can be sure to have all the latest fixes out there, minimizing the chance of future problems occurring. You can check for an iOS update by going to Settings > General > Software Update.

Restart your iPhone 13 Pro Max to fix AirPlay problems

A software glitch might be preventing AirPlay from working properly, so restarting the iPhone 13 can clear the RAM and close any apps running on your device and let it work normally

press and hold the Side button with either Volume button, then slide to power off.

Troubleshooting AirPlay problems on Apple TV, smart TV, or speaker

Power on your device

Make sure the device you want to play to is powered on and awake.

In the Apple TV Settings app, verify that the AirPlay feature is activated. Choose Settings > AirPlay on the Apple TV and confirm it is turned on.

Connect to the same Wi-Fi network

Make sure the second device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone 13 Pro Max. If not, switch networks to sync your devices.

Make sure the device is successfully using Wi-Fi

Try to use the device to stream content from the internet. If that’s not working, AirPlay won’t work either, and you might have a more serious issue with your device, or the router might need to be restarted.

Check for software update

If you’re using an Apple TV, make sure the device is up to date. Check for software updates and install it if available by going to settings > General > update software.

Restart the device

A restart can clear the device memory and star the connection fresh. For Apple TVs, this means disconnecting it from the power outlet or unplugging the cord from the back of the Apple TV. Leave it unplugged for a few seconds and then plug it back in. After the Apple TV restarts, wait until it is connected to the network to try AirPlay.

Check the device’s audio

If AirPlay is only partially working – you see video but don’t hear audio, for instance – make sure the device’s audio isn’t muted. Also, make sure your iPhone 13 Pro Max isn’t set to mute.

Troubleshooting Wi-Fi router

Restart your router and Modem

AirPlay relies on Wi-Fi, so if you’re having network connectivity issues, this might be the reason why your AirPlay isn’t working on your iPhone 13 Pro Max. Restarting your router and modem is a good way to fix temporary issues with your home network. If the problem persists, reboot the router. If you don’t see an on/off switch on the back of the router, unplug it from the outlet, wait a few seconds and then plug it in again.

Update your router

Check your router to see if it needs a firmware update. Many modern routers are easy to update via a mobile app; if your router is older, you might need to log into its web console (see the router’s user guide for details).

Bonus tips

  • Make sure there is only one device trying to stream at any time: Some third-party apps interfere with AirPlay. In particular, apps that offer similar functions as AirPlay, such as Duet and AirParrot. Uninstall any apps that send your screen or media files to other devices.
  • Turn off restrictions from Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
  • Reset your iPhone. While serious-sounding, and best as a last resort, resetting your iPhone 13 Pro Max can fix any number of problems causing AirPlay problems. There’s not much major to worry about resetting your iPhone 13 Pro Max, but you will have to go through and pick your settings again. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings.

AirPlay not working on iPhone 13 Pro Max: Fixed!

We hope the above troubleshooting tips have helped you fix AirPlay problems on your iPhone 13 Pro Max. If we missed something, let us know in the comments section below.

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AirDrop Not Working On iPhone 13 Pro Max? Here’s The Fix!

by GeeksModo Staff

an iphone showing an airdropped photo

Is AirDrop not working on your iPhone 13 Pro Max? More often than not AirDrop issues that iPhone users encounter can be resolved quite easily. If AirDrop is not working on your iPhone 13 Pro Max, read on to find out how you can troubleshoot the issue.

AirDrop is a neat little feature you can use to quickly and easily transfer files of all kinds between Apple devices. AirDrop allows users to send and receive photos, videos, passwords, contacts, map location, and pretty much anything else that can be transferred from a Share Sheet. The feature uses Bluetooth technology to detect nearby compatible devices and helps you transfer data over Wi-Fi. The entire process isn’t just simple; it’s incredibly secure… when it works.

If AirDrop is not working on your iPhone 13 Pro Max, there are some troubleshooting steps you can try to fix the issue and get you back to transferring files with ease. Here are some steps you can try to troubleshoot many problems with AirDrop if it’s not working on iPhone 13 Pro Max. Lets get started.

How to fix AirDrop not working on iPhone 13 Pro Max

The fixes explained on this article applies to iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max.

1. Make sure AirDrop is On and Visible

Is AirDrop not working on iPhone 13 Pro Max? First, you have to enable AirDrop on your phone and in the receiving device for it to work. On iOS, go to Settings > General > AirDrop to select your discoverability mode.

To control whom you can share content with, use the following AirDrop options:

  • Receiving Off — No one can see your device but you can still AirDrop items to others.
  • Contacts Only — Only contacts in your address book can see your device as an AirDrop destination. Both devices must be signed in to iCloud and the email address or phone number associated with your Apple ID must be in the Contacts app of the receiving device. This option is good for added privacy as it’ll prevent AirDrop requests coming in from random or unknown users.
  • Everyone — All nearby devices using AirDrop can see your device. This is a recommended option for most users.

We suggest using the Everyone option in order to avoid discoverability issues.

2. Check your device’s radios

This is probably the no-brainer step, but one that you should definitely try if AirDrop is not working on iPhone 13 Pro Max. The AirDrop protocol needs Bluetooth to detect if the devices are in close proximity of one another, and Wi-Fi to transfer data.

If Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, or both, are disabled on your device, then AirDrop will not work and you will see a warning message to switch Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on. Therefore, on both the sending and receiving devices, ensure that both these radios are actually turned on. You can check the status for both using the Control Center. If either of the radios was turned off, turn it on and try AirDrop once again.

3. Turn off Airplane Mode

Another common error that causes iPhone 13 Pro Max AirDrop problems is to forget that your device is in Airplane Mode. Airplane Mode shuts down all wireless radios in your iOS device. As mentioned, AirDrop requires that both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi be on. To exit Airplane Mode, deselect the Airplane Mode icon in Control Center, or toggle the switch in Settings → Airplane Mode.

4. Turn off Focus Mode

Focus Mode in iOS devices can prevent AirDrop from working correctly. Focus Mode disables notifications from being delivered. This not only prevents you from seeing any AirDrop request, but it makes your device undiscoverable as well.

You can AirDrop files to others whilst your iPhone 13 Pro Max is in Focus mode. However the opposite isn’t true. That’s because Focus mode suppresses the AirDrop alert and renders the device undiscoverable. 

Exit Do Not Disturb mode to make your device discoverable again via AirDrop.

Go ahead and deselect the Focus icon in Control Center or from the Settings app.

  1. Access the Control Center by swiping down from the top right of the screen,.
  2. Find the Focus switch and set it to the OFF position.

5. Update iOS

Apple frequently releases new updates to iOS that are designed to fix software bugs. If AirDrop isn’t working on iPhone 13 Pro Max, install the latest updates for your devices as they may fix it.

On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, tap download and install.

6. Restart Both Devices

Restarting your devices may seem like a silly suggestion, but it might be all you need to fix AirDrop not working on iPhone 13 Pro Max issue. And it only takes a moment to try it. To restart your iPhone, go to settings > General > shut down.

7. Make sure your devices are within 30 feet of each other

Check the distance between your devices to fix AirDrop not working on iPhone 13 Pro Max issue! AirDrop uses Bluetooth discovery so make sure the device you’re trying to AirDrop to is within 30 feet (9 meters) of yours. If necessary, move the devices closer together to improve Bluetooth reception. Bluetooth is especially prone to physical obstacles such as concrete walls.

8. Turn Off Personal Hotspot on your iPhone

Personal Hotspot clashes with AirDrop because both features require Wi-Fi for themselves. On the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, a message in the AirDrop menu will warn you that “AirDrop is not available when using Personal Hotspot”.

To disable personal hotspot: head over to Settings on your iPhone and toggle the Personal Hotspot switch to Off.

9. Don’t share different file types at once

Does AirDrop greet you with a “Cannot receive all of these items at the same time” message on your iPhone 13 Pro Max? That’s because your are trying to send multiple files which are not of the same type.

AirDrop for iOS can automatically open received items in the appropriate app so it cannot handle different file types in a single session.

Fixing this is as simple as ensuring that only ONE file type is being sent in one AirDrop session. That means you can send and receive multiple files as long as they are all, say, photos, or all PDFs, or all MP3s and so on.

10. Restart Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on Both Devices

A particularly useful solution if AirDrop is not working after iOS 15 update is to disable and re-enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. To do this, launch the Control Center and tap the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth icons to turn them off and on.

11. Disable VPN for AirDrop to Work

Some iPhone 13 Pro Max users found that AirDrop didn’t work until they turned off the VPN on their device. You might need to do this in the VPN app or in your device settings.

On your iPhone, go to Settings and turn off the VPN toggle.

12. Check the Downloads Folder for Missing Files

If AirDrop sent a file to your device but you can’t find it, take a look in the Downloads folder. On an iPhone, open the Files app and look for a Downloads folder in iCloud Drive.

13. Sign Into Your Apple ID Account Again

On your iPhone, head over to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out. Choose the data to keep on your device, then confirm you want to Sign Out. After signing out, return to Settings to sign in to your Apple ID again.

14. Reset the Network Settings on Your iPhone

Resetting network settings can solve a range of problems—especially given that AirDrop uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, both of which are part of network settings. To reset your network settings, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > reset and tap Reset Network Settings. Hopefully, AirDrop starts working again after the reset.

15. If AirDrop Still Isn’t Working on iPhone 13 Pro Max

Sometimes a problem really is a problem. Like any electronics, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi radios and the various connections to them can have problems. If your device is still under warranty, don’t walk; run to your nearest Apple Store to get it checked out.

Fixed AirDrop not working on iPhone 13 Pro Max

AirDrop is something that we use a lot, as it’s a great way to share files among different Apple devices. Well, these tips should solve your iPhone 13 Pro Max AirDrop issues in most situations.

Did something of important fly under our radar?

We’d like to hear about your approaches to solving iPhone 13 Pro Max AirDrop issues and would appreciate if you shared them in the comment section below. We’ll add any good tip to this article.

Tag: AirDrop
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6 Great Tips That Every iPhone User Should Adopt

by GeeksModo Staff

There’s no denying that Apple smartphones are one of the best in the market. From the release of the first iPhone to the latest iPhone 13 Pro Max, things have come a long way. However, if you want to get the best from your iPhone, you will have to take care of a few things.

No smartphone can deliver its best without some work done by the user’s side. If you have an iPhone and want to get the most out of it, you will have to follow the right tips. Keep reading this article as we will show the six tips that can improve your smartphone experience.

1. Never compromise on the accessories

The latest iPhone doesn’t get shipped with a charger brick or earphones either. If you have never had an iPhone before or have lost these accessories, you will have to buy them separately, and this is where people make the mistake of buying cheap accessories.

Remember that your iPhone will lose its zest if you keep using it with improper accessories. Make sure that you only buy the accessories that are trusted by iPhone users around the world for their performance.

2. Learn about data encryption

The iPhone is famous for its amazing data protection. Compared to the other smartphones available in the market, it’s considered to be the most secure in the market for its protection feature. But you can do something by yourself to make your iPhone even more secure.

Learning about Data encryption on your iPhone is something you must do. Make sure that you dig into the topic of data encryption on iOS to always stay one step ahead of the hackers.

3. Want to bring the home button back?

You might feel nostalgic about the “Home button” on the iPhones if you have ever used the older models of the iPhone lineup. Back in the day, the Home button was the distinct button that made the iPhone different from devices available in the market.

The home button was super useful and had a certain feel for the users as well. So if you miss the old home button on the iPhone, you can kind of bring it back by enabling the Assistive touch feature on your iPhone.

4. Pick a VPN for your iPhone

One of the happiest moments for many smartphone users is finding a Public WiFi connection. In today’s age of connectivity, everyone loves to stay updated with the latest news and everything that’s going around in the world. And that’s the reason why we love free WiFi networks.

However, the problem with such free internet connections is that they are not safe at all. Over an unsecured Public WiFi connection, hackers can easily get away with your data and important information. But the real trouble is that you can never be sure about your safety online, even if you are using a secured connection.

The only way you can secure yourself against hacking attacks is by using a VPN connection. Use a VPN so you can safely make transactions over the internet and stay connected with your loved ones without worrying about hackers.

5. Keep your device updated

Leading smartphone manufacturers, including Apple, release regular software and security updates. The reason why such updates are pushed is that they can help the users stay safe from hackers. Over time, hackers can find their way to devices even if a software version is free of any crucial bugs.

Make sure that you keep your iPhone updated with the latest software version.

6. Don’t ignore your Siri

Setting up your Siri is the best thing you can do if you want to get more done with your iPhone. Although Apple didn’t develop Siri itself, after taking over Siri, they’ve done a great job. The good thing about Siri is that it’s arguably the best virtual assistant available in the market.

It’s fairly easy to use Siri once you set it up the right way. Make sure to spend some time tinkering with Siri to find how you can use it.

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Top 7 Apps to Help the Visually Impaired Identify Objects

by GeeksModo Staff

Smartphones are very powerful computers that we often take for granted and simply use to check Twitter or Reddit and play some games or watch videos of puppies. But for the visually-impaired, smartphones can be very helpful tools that support them throughout the day and bring them a bigger sense of independence. One of the most popular and useful tasks that visually impaired people perform with a smartphone such as the iPhone, other than making phone calls of course, is identifying objects. The process involves taking a photo of a physical object, and the app provides information about the image. This is one useful technique which can help blind and visually impaired find out information about the subject clicked by their camera. In this article, I’ll discuss the seven best object recognition apps for the blind and visually impaired in 2021.

Best object recognition apps for the blind and visually impaired

1. TapTapSee

TapTapSee is an object recognition app for the visually impaired that let’s users to accurately identify objects they encounter in their daily lives without the need for sighted assistance. Using your iPhone camera, you can take a photo at any angle and hear the description of the object read back to you. The app also features an auto-focus notification and sharing options. In addition, you can have the last image identification repeated. Finally, you can upload photos from your camera roll for identification and even save them to your phone afterward with the provided definitions for easy reuse.

2. Lookout by Google

If there’s a brand you can trust more than others to provide useful and reliable innovations, it’s Google. By using your smartphone’s rear-facing camera, Lookout identifies important items in your environment and reports the information it believes is relevant. This might include things like exit signs, the location of a bathroom, people or objects nearby, and even text in a book. Lookout’s spoken notifications are designed to be used with minimal interaction so that they don’t distract you or get in the way.

3. Seeing AI

Developed byMicrosoft, Seeing AI allows users to use the rear camera on the smartphone to identify and narrate the world around them, turning the daily unseen into an audible experience. The app helps the blind and visually impaired identify objects, text, and even people. You can use Seeing AI to complete multiple tasks you’re otherwise incapable of doing due to your visual impairment.

Simply navigate to the Scene Preview channel. Once you are ready, double tap the “Take Photo” button. The app will describe the surroundings. At the top of the screen is a “Close” button. Below the description are options to save and share the photo.

4. Supersense

Clearly, when it comes to accessibility, less is more. Supersense is one more example of great objects recognition app that can boost your confidence when out and about, despite very minor flaws.

The app’s Object Explorer mode uses streaming video from your smartphone camera. No need to take photos and wait for images to be uploaded and analyzed.

Likewise if you’re sitting in a room and you want to know what’s around, fire up the Supersense app and enable Object Explorer. Slowly pan the phone and the app will identify and speak the names of furnishings: sofas, chairs, lamps, picture frames and such. Again, the identification happens in real time—very handy for a quick look-around to orient yourself in an unfamiliar room or office setting.

  • Download: Supersense for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)

5. Be My Eyes

Be My Eyes pairs blind people with sighted volunteers who help them identify objects using a smartphone app and camera.

One notable difference that does appear to exist between Be My Eyes and other apps, is that Be My Eyes uses live video chat to communicate with the volunteer at the other end, whilst other apps will require you to take a photo. The person who’s blind connects to people with sight, points the smartphone camera at things and gets help seeing what they are. The app rings — a monotonous, droning ring — until both sides are connected.

6. Bespecular

This is a pretty fantastic app to use when you need help. The app offers a very unique and simple process to get a remote volunteer to help you out on something you need. You will and can get multiple of responses to your questions. It gives you a variety of different answers to get that aquestion answered that you want and need.

What separates this app from the park is the ability to send a question along with the picture of the object you want identified to a community of volunteers.

A visually impaired person can ask a question, for instance taking a photo of an outfit they would like to wear and ask a question such as, does the outfit match my shoe and then that question is sent to a community of volunteers who can then provide a feedback”

7. Cash Reader

Whether you need to hand out cash or count bills given to you, check out the Cash Reader app. This tool not only speaks the denomination but also vibrates and displays it in large contrasting numbers on the screen for those discreet situations. The app supports over 100 currency denominations and multiple languages. It doesn’t matter which way you use it, even if you show just a small portion of the banknote to the camera, it will work. So, make sure you get the correct change or assistance with counting your cash with Cash Reader.

  • Download: Cash Reader for Android | iOS (Free, subscription available)

“What Is This?” These object recognition Apps Have the Answer!

Thanks to the advancements in image-recognition technology, unknown objects in the world around you no longer remain a mystery. With these object recognition apps for the visually impaired, you have the ability to identify just about everything, whether it’s a plant, a rock, some jewelry, or currency. If you find certain apps difficult to see, for instance, you can adjust accessibility for those titles without affecting everything else.

Tag: Assistive Technology
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The 4 Best OCR Apps for the Visually Impaired

by GeeksModo Staff

One of the most powerful categories of productivity apps available for visually impaired users on both iOS and Android is Optical Character Recognition, or OCR: software that enables users to take a picture of text, and have the app read it back with the device’s screen reader. For example, you can take a picture of a magazine article or printed recipe and have it read aloud by the smartphone! There are dozens of OCR apps specifically designed to help people with visual impairments live their best lives. Here are 4 of the best OCR apps for the visually impaired in 2021.

What is OCR

Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is a form of technology that identifies the characters – like numbers and letters — included in an image.

Optical Character Recognition, or OCR application enables users to take a picture of text, and have the app read it back with the device’s screen reader such as VoiceOver. For example, you can take a picture of a magazine article or printed recipe and have it read aloud by the smartphone! This can be done using a computer and a scanner or a digital camera, but this is expensive and bulky when compared to using a smartphone.

OCR has been around for decades. Years ago, when Ray Kurzweil developed one of the first commercially available OCR devices, it originally cost tens of thousands of dollars and was the size of a filing cabinet—neither cheap nor portable.

Over time these devices have morphed into software applications that can run on a smartphone, and there are now apps available on both the Apple iOS and Google Android platforms and costs infinitely less—or free, which I will talk about below.

Each of these applications require processing data sets that consist of hundreds of thousands scanned documents or images in order to train and optimize the algorithms. Processing the training data set is typically done by humans in order to provide accurate data that can be used by the engine to learn and apply, making it "smarter" over time. Currency identifier apps such as Cash Reader employs the same concept.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best OCR apps for the blind and visually impaired.

The best OCR apps for the blind and visually impaired

Voice Dream Scanner

This has to be one of the most useful OCR apps on the Apple Store and Google Play Store. It makes it easy to scan printed paper documents.

The app uses your phones in built camera to auto focus on text in view. A photo is taken, and the app will read back all the text. And of course, with the iPhone you can decrease or increase the speed of the read-back using your phones settings. Photos can then be deleted or saved dependant on whether you need to read something back later.

The app is able to detect when all edges of the document being scanned are visible, and it uses a tone which varies in volume to indicate when the phone is pointing at the text and is properly in focus. The app can be set up to automatically snap a picture when your phone is in the right position, about 12 inches above the text. The scanning is all done on the phone so none of your scans are uploaded on to the internet. This means that your documents are kept private, and the process of scanning the document and doing the OCR is all generally completed in less than 3 seconds. It’s enhanced scanning accuracy is brilliant and it supports various languages.

However, this stand-alone app only scans paper documents and photos stored on your device. If you want to import PDF files you should install the Voice Dream Reader, app created by the same developer. This is a great app for reading almost any kind of audio or text file and it now includes the OCR features of Voice Dream Scanner, and I would strongly recommend this app.

Voice Dream Scanner costs $5.99 and the Voice Dream Reader app costs $19.99.

Voice OCR

Voice OCR is an OCR app that will also allow the import of PDF files as well as recognising handwriting. It is simple to use, and it also gives you a report of how many edges of the document are visible to help with lining up the phone. Another great feature of the Voice OCR app is that it will allow you to speak commands to make the app take a photo then recognise the text. The spoken command Capture will take the photo and the spoken command Read will recognise the text and start reading any text it finds aloud. I have found Voice OCR to be very good at recognising handwriting, in fact you don’t need to tell the app whether you are reading handwriting or standard text – it is able to recognise both types of text.

The main downside of Voice OCR is that all the recognition is done online so the scanned image of the document is sent to a server and the resultant text is sent back to the phone. This helps with the task of processing the handwriting, but an internet connection is required, and some may have concerns around privacy.

Seeing AI

Seeing AI was surely going to pop up somewhere on this list, right?

The app has “short text” mode which is real time OCR, where you don’t need to snap a picture, it will simply read whatever is the view of the camera. All you have to do is point the camera to the item and once text is found, the app will read it. The app will continue to look for text, which can be useful if looking for a room number or address.

The app also features document mode where it can scan automatically or using a snapshot and shows you the OCR in text view. The easiest way to scan a document page with Seeing AI is to put the phone on the document with the camera in the middle. Gradually lift the phone up and the app will say which edges are not visible. Slowly lift the phone up until you hear "hold steady." This means that the document is going to be photographed in about two seconds. After the document is processed, it can be read using VoiceOver navigation or by activating the "Play" button at the bottom left of the screen. Additional options at the bottom of the screen are Stop, Increase Font Size, Decrease Font Size, and Share.

Lookout by Google

Like the name hints, the app was developed by Google. It uses your phone’s camera to process the image and turns it into text that a screen reader can read. It turns on the flashlight automatically when needed.

The app features “quick read” which is real time OCR, where you don’t need to take a picture, it will simply read whatever is the view of the camera.

It also has document mode where it can scan automatically or using a snapshot and shows you the OCR in text view. The document mode has voice guidance to tell you where to move the camera.

Conclusion

The technology for recognising text on mobile phones is improving all the time, and it is hard to predict which apps will be the best for scanning documents in the next few months. Thanks to iOS 15 Live Text feature, iPhone Camera can now seamlessly detect written text from the viewfinder and let you instantly copy and paste it anywhere in the iPhone.

There you have it – a comprehensive list of best OCR apps for the blind and visually impaired. If you have other recommendations, feel free to drop them in the comment section below.

Tag: Assistive Technology
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