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Best Fixes for Mac Running Slow after macOS Monterey Update

by GeeksModo Staff

Is your Mac slow after macOS Monterey update? , there may be good reason for that slowness, or it may be due to a variety of other factors. Don’t fret, as there very well could be a simple solution. Find out why your Mac is so slow after macOS Monterey update and discover a few ways to speed it up

If your Mac starts running slow after Monterey update, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it caught a virus or became too outdated. The problem might lie in its settings, or lack of disk space, or poor resource allocation. This would be a logical consequence of intense exploitation and it might reveal itself in just a few months after you purchase the device. In this article, we’ll walk through some possible reasons as to why macOS Monterey feels slow on a Mac, as well as covering some advice and general tips and tricks to speed things back up again.

Without further ado, here’s how to fix a slow macOS Monterey and prevent your Computer from slowing down further in the longterm.

Slow Mac right after macOS Monterey update? Wait it out!

If you just recently updated to macOS Monterey and you feel the Mac is slower than usual, the best course of action is to keep the Mac awake, plugged in (if it’s a laptop), and let it sit for a while (perhaps overnight or for a nights) – basically, hurry up and wait. I know that sounds like weird advice, but here’s the logic behind it: after a major macOS system software update, the Mac performs various maintenance routines behind the scenes, it reindexes the drive for Spotlight and Siri, and apps like Photos may reindex too.

So basically, let the Mac sit turned on overnight, perhaps for a few nights in a row, and allow those indexing and optimization processes to complete. When they’re finished, the performance of the Mac should be significantly better, if not entirely back to normal.

This is often the the number one reasons Mac users think a new operating system is slower than a prior version, so don’t disregard this simple advice!

Resort to the Activity Monitor to Detect and Delete Resource Hogs

If a Mac feels slow or sluggish after Monterey update, one way to possibly find the culprit is to check Activity Monitor for processes that are using the slow down. This is somewhat advanced to take action on, but it’s simple enough to observe that it can be helpful.

Feel free to select between these two interchangeable ways to access Activity Monitor:

  • Proceed to the Utilities section in the Applications
  • Press Command + Spacebar and type “Activity Monitor” in the search bar

Open the CPU tab and sort the inventory so that the most resource-consuming apps would be displayed at the top.
To suspend the unwanted processes, press the “X” button in their left upper corners. Be careful not to stop the ones that are crucial to the system’s functioning! An equal procedure can be done with the Memory section.

Consider Your Messages

If you use the Messages app on the Mac to talk to people, and if you send and receive many videos, stickers, animated GIFs, and other things of that nature, you may notice the Mac slows down when those active message conversations are open on the Mac.

You may notice that animated GIFs can be particularly sluggish, as they’re playing repeatedly on screen.

There’s no need to delete or remove the messages however, all you need to do is wait for the animated GIF to move off the screen, or select another message chat thread, which will cause the animated GIF to stop playing constantly.

Using the aforementioned Activity Monitor trick you may notice this directly; if you have a message thread with a lot of animated GIFs going on, and you open Activity Monitor, don’t be surprised to see “Messages” using some CPU.

Disable Window Transparency & Use Reduce Motion

Visual effects can make the Mac look quite fancy, but they can also cause some system slow downs, particularly if you have a lot of windows and apps open, or if the Mac is older or has fewer system resources in general. Accordingly, one way to speed up macOS Monterey (and most other modern Mac OS releases too for that matter) is to simply disable Window Transparency and use the Reduce Motion feature.

Open the  Apple menu, open ‘System Preferences’, then select the “Accessibility” preference panel
Choose “Display” settings
Check the boxes for “Reduce motion” and “Reduce transparency”
Exit out of System Preferences
You will see an immediate change in the visual appearance of things as the transparency is disabled, and windows, sidebars, titlebars, menubar, and other interface aspects will no longer have a translucent effect. You’ll also notice far fewer animations of zips and zooms, and instead with Reduce Motion enabled you’ll find there’s a fading animation used instead. The net effect is less system resource usage as there are fewer resources needed to draw the interface eye candy, and often a faster Mac too.

The ability to reduced transparency on Mac and Reduce Motion has been around a while, and these tips can help speed up other older system software versions too.

Stop the Programs Working in the Background

If you think that closing an app is equal to stopping it, you are making a common mistake. An app might not stop functioning after you press the “X” mark in the corner of its window. To check if the program keeps on working in the background, cast a glance at the dock. If the app’s icon is there, marked with a tiny dot, stop it with any of the following methods:

  • Two-finger tap the app’s icon, then press Quit
  • Right-click plus Command-click
  • Use the Command + Q keyboard shortcut
  • Proceed to File, then Quit
  • In case the item doesn’t respond, right-click its icon, hold Option and push the Force Quit button.

Steam, Excel and Photoshop would be among the most likely candidates to keep functioning in the background, consuming your Mac’s resources without your knowledge.

Don’t Allow Apps to Autostart

When you start the system, several apps would launch automatically. You won’t be able to use the computer properly until all of them load and start functioning. If you don’t want to wait that long, proceed to the System Preferences and press the Login Items button in the Users & Groups section. In the inventory of the auto starting programs, select the ones you are not planning to use and push the “minus” button.

Reset SMC and PRAM/NVRAM

The SMC abbreviation stands for the System Management Controller. This component is in charge of fans, power buttons, light LEDs and other low-level functions. If a decline in performance is accompanied by weird fan behavior or unusual keyboard backlighting, you should reset your SMC. Please google the exact step-by-step instructions because they might considerably differ depending on the model of your device.
Resetting NVRAM or PRAM, on the contrary, is very easy: while the system is starting up, hold Command + Option + R + P. This element is in charge of storing settings such as time zone, screen resolution or sound volume. PRAM or NVRAM failures are among the most frequent answers to the question why your Mac is slowing down.

Free at Least 5 GB in Your Mac’s Memory

Or even better 10 GB, if possible. This is the minimum volume of memory the device needs to function properly. In the right upper corner, press the Apple icon and then the About This Mac icon. The Storage tab will show you which part of your hard drive’s memory is currently used and which ratio of it is still available.
If you critically lack free memory, the system might fail to boot or hibernate. You’ll be unable to download large files and install updates. The functionality of certain apps might be limited. To fix these problems, erase unnecessary files and apps.

Clean Up the Desktop

Each item stored on your desktop consumes as many resources as if it were a separate window. To boost productivity, relocate the files from your desktop to other folders and eliminate the icons of the apps that you are not planning to use frequently.

Get Rid of Excessive Tabs and Browser Extensions

The more extensions you have in your browser, the more memory and CPU they require. The volume of the resources they consume is incommensurate with their insignificant functionality. The same can be said about all the tabs that you keep open while not actually using them: Twitter, Google, Instagram… Proceed to the Memory tab in the Activity Monitor to check how thirsty these tabs are and close them immediately.

Switch to Safari Browser

Unlike Firefox or Chrome, this one was tailor-made for Apple devices. It saves your Mac’s battery and won’t irritate you with memory hogs.

Timely Upgrade Your Operating System

The above-mentioned measures will have just a partial effect. Installing the latest version of your macOS or a new operating system will give a major boost to your device’s productivity. But beforehand, make sure to save all the meaningful data on an external physical drive or a cloud storage.
Previously, owners of older Macs would hesitate to switch to the latest operating systems because that would slow down their devices. Today, this problem is not relevant anymore. However, it would be wise to do some preliminary investigation and ensure that the newest version supports all the programs you use daily.
If installing a new OS is out of the question, try to upgrade at least all the applications. The exact procedure of doing it depends on how you installed them. Those downloaded from the AppStore should be updated right in the store.

Conclusion

The older your Mac, the less impressive its productivity. Fortunately, investing in a new computer is not the only way out. Try to clean the device’s memory, upgrade its OS and programs, fine-tune its settings to optimize the consumption of resources. As soon as you complete the procedures described in this article, your device will once again become quick and responsive.

Tag: MacBook Pro
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The Apple TV Library File Cannot Be Save? Fix it Here!

by GeeksModo Staff

Are you getting an error saying “The Apple TV Library file cannot be saved. The required file cannot be found”? In this article, I’ll show you how to fix this problem for good!

Fix the Apple TV library file cannot be saved. An unknown error occurred (-54)

If you are encountering The Apple TV library file cannot be saved. An unknown error occurred (-54) error on your Mac, here are step-by-step instructions to fix the issue.

Fix #1: Reset the TV application on your Mac

If you are able to open the Apple TV app Choose the TV menu > Preferences > Files. Tap Reset. This should reset the TV application on your Mac and could solve your problem.

Fix #2: Restart your Mac

This may resolve your problem. To restart your Mac, choose the Restart option from the Apple menu in the upper-left-hand corner of your screen.

Fix #3: Update your Mac

Make sure that your Mac is running the latest version of the macOS software. To update your Mac:

  • macOS Mojave or higher: Navigate to System Preferences and then Software Update.
  • macOS High Sierra or earlier: start the App Store on your Mac and then click the Updates tab.

Fix #4: Make sure the date, time, and time zone are set correctly on your Mac

  • Go to Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Date & Time. In the Date & Time pane, make sure that ”Set date and time automatically” is selected and your Mac is connected to the Internet.

Fix #5: Check your security software

Are you using a security software on your Mac. If so, make sure that the software is up to date. Also, try to disable the security software and then check if your problem is fixed.

Fix #6: delete and then redownload the files

  • Start the TV app on your Mac and sign in with your Apple ID and password.
  • From the menu bar, locate and click Account > Purchased,.
  • Locate the content you want to redownload and click the cloud icon to download the item.

Fix #7: Reset permissions or items in the home folder

  1. Launch Finder
  2. Next, go > Home. Your home folder will launch.
  3. Next on, from the menu bar, choose File > Get Info. You will see a window.
  4. Find the “Sharing & Permissions” section. Expand this section by clicking on the arrow icon.
  5. If a lock icon appear at the bottom, click it and type in your password.
  6. Now click the settings icon and select “Apply to enclosed items.” You’ll see a popup that says “Are you sure you want to apply the selected owner, group and permissions to all the enclosed items?” Agree by clicking OK.
  7. Once you do this, Launch the Terminal app by heading over to  (Applications > Utilities) on your Mac and type in the following command and hit enter:
    • diskutil resetUserPermissions / `id -u`
  8. Wait for the process to finish. Then go ahead and restart your Mac.
    9. Tag: Apple TV
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How a Better Design Can Help Your Website Or App

by GeeksModo Staff

When you meet someone important for the first time, you’re going to want to make a good impression, and a big portion of that impression is going to have to do with how you look. The case is the same when it comes to having a clean, modern looking design for your website or app.

Now, if someone sees an example of your work somewhere and they like it, they might go and look you up, and then there is your one chance to really connect with that visitor for your site.

Of course, that means they’re going to have to find you in the first place, so it’s very important that your site be search engine optimized. This means implementing specific strategies to make sure that you are promoted by Google and by other search engines is carving out an online presence like building a physical store, and we all know that with today’s technology, people’s patience fades quickly and they expect to find things right away or they might lose interest.

Now when they do find you, you also want to make sure that you’re able to show them who you are, what you’re about or what your business is all about. This means that your site is going to have to be convenient, to navigate and to read on all browsers and all devices, because nowadays, quality web design is becoming the norm and people don’t really tolerate anything less.

A good design of your site gives you credibility and authority in your field. If your site looks messy and poorly put together, people are going to assume that the case is the same with you and your work.

Now, what makes a good site isn’t always obvious, but there are a lot of similarities between well-designed sites. For instance, people searching for custom eCommerce web design services should hire a professional. The reason for that is that there are many web design principles learned by professionals. Designers know how to catch your eye. They know where to put important information so that it will be read, they know how and where to put calls to action and relevant links.

It’s important to understand how a better design can help your website or app. Most developers create a website or an app with great performance but fail to focus on the designing which leads to the downfall of the app or site. The balance between the functionality and design of an app is challenging to keep but that’s what ought to be done.

How a Better Design Can Help Your Website or App

To answer the question, ‘How can a better design help your website or app?’ let us look at the pointers below:

Creates a good impression

For a startup or any small business, the first impression is very important. When users download your app, they should be attracted to it instantly so that they use it on a regular basis. Clean and fresh design of your app not only makes the app attractive but also helps the user to navigate from one screen to another seamlessly.

Similarly, when your audience visits your website, it gives them their first impression of your business. They will judge your business in a matter of moments. In this brief moment, you want to create a good impression on your audience. If your website looks unattractive or dated, your visitors will immediately have a negative impression of your business. They won’t find your website engaging. Consequently, you’ll miss out on leads because they’ll leave your site for a competitor’s site.

Get featured in app store and Google

Whether an iOS app is good or not is determined by how many users like it. The ratings and reviews by satisfied users will bring your iOS app to the top lists. To get your app featured in the App Store, it has to have a good design that provides the best experience to the user. Getting featured in the top lists of any category will automatically inspire trust and encourage more app downloads as a result.

In the same vein, your website needs to be designed well. A well designed website can increase organic traffic and earn first page rankings in Google. A poor site design can easily slow your load time. A slow load time will be detrimental to your ability to engage with users. This is because, of tons of people who use search engines every day, only a small percentage navigate past the first page of the Google SERPS.

Get loyal customers

It’s no doubt that well designed apps have more users. Apps such as Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Candy Crush, etc. have great design which has drawn tons of users to them. The satisfaction that comes from great user experience is what makes users loyal.

By the same token, people can judge how you will treat them by looking at your website. Your web design gives them insight as to how you view your audience. If you don’t dedicate yourself to your website’s design, your audience knows that you won’t dedicate yourself to helping them.

Your website is like a customer service representative. If your website is bright, modern, and engaging, your visitors will feel more at home on your page. You’ll give the impression that you are open and welcoming to new people who visit your website. Conversely, a dated and an unattractive site makes your business appear cold and aloof. People don’t want to check out a business that doesn’t value them enough to make a good first impression. People will just drop by for a second and then bounce away, never to come back.

Saves Time and Cost in the Long Run

When you work with a well-designed app right from the outset, you can be pretty sure that there will be less need for app maintenance and updates. And since those two things will be at bay, the challenges that you might face after app launch will also be very minimal.

In the same way, if you’re building a website, it’s best to do it right from day one. Not only does a good website design ensure security and compliance with industry or government regulations, but it also saves you cash on maintenance.

The bottom line

Design is crucial because it impacts how your audience perceives your brand. The impression you make on them can either get them to keep using your app or turn to a different one. Similarly, design can make visitors linger on your website and learn about your business or bounce from yours to one that looks more professional.

Tag: iPhone Tips
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Siri Not Working On Your Mac? Fix it Here!

by GeeksModo Staff

Several users have reported that Siri is not working on Mac. Other reports indicates that only the “Hey Siri” command is not working, but other aspects of Siri are working and the digital assistant can still recognize commands. If Siri is not registering your Hey Siri command or is not working on your MacBook, the troubleshooting steps given in this article will help you fix the problem for good!

Siri, Apple’s own digital assistant, is quite helpful in performing various tasks, answering questions, giving recommendations, and searching the internet. This digital virtual assistant was first introduced in 2011 and is now a integral part of every Apple device.

But what if Siri is not working and are unable to use Siri on your Mac?

This problem has been reported to occur mostly on macOS devices, and some affected users noted that Siri had stopped working on Mac after upgrading to macOS Big Sur.

Why Is Siri Not Working on Mac?

This error has been reported just recently, and although there have been several reports of the issue, Apple has yet to comment on it or release an update to fix it.

If the error happened after upgrading to Big Sur, it is possible that Siri has some compatibility issues with the new macOS. If this is the case, all you have to do is wait for the update from Apple that includes the fix for this problem. As to when this will be released, only Apple knows.

There is also a possibility that you are having corrupted preferences, or incorrect Siri settings etc. If Siri stopped working due to these reasons, the following solutions can help you fix the issue.

Fix Siri not working on Mac issue

If Siri is not working on MacBook Pro or MacBook Air, here are the steps you can take to quickly get Siri working on your Mac so you can continue with your work.

Fix 1: Make sure that Siri is enabled on your Mac

On your Mac, click Apple menu > System Preferences, click Siri and make sure that the “Enable Ask Siri” box is checked.

Fix 2: Make sure the Internet is working

The second thing you should do is to make sure that your network is working properly. Ensure that your Mac is connected to the Internet. Check to see if websites load in Safari or other web browsers. If Siri has stopped working for you, you would, at your earliest, suspect your internet connection as the culprit. As such, the first fix you can try is to check to see if your internet connection is working. Here is how:

Click on the Apple logo in the toolbar at the top. Click on System Preferences in the contextual menu. Click on Network. Check to see if there is a green icon next to the network you are connected to. If the green icon is present, your internet connection is not to blame. However, if there is a red icon next to the network you are connected to, your internet connection is down and that is most probably why Siri is not working on your Mac. If that’s the case, here are troubleshooting tips you can try:

  • Turn off and on Wi-Fi. (Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar).
  • Contact your Internet service provider to find out if there are any outages.

Fix 3: Restart your Mac and router

Restarting your Mac is simple but effective. Here is how:

  • Click the Apple menu.
  • Choose restart option.

To restart your router/modem: Unplug your Mac from the power outlet, wait a few seconds and then plug it back in.

Fix 4: Update your Mac

Make sure that your Mac is running the latest version of the macOS software. You can easily update your Mac. Here is how:

please note that Siri on Mac requires macOS Sierra or higher: To check for updates, click the Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update. This will check for updates. And if there is an update available, follow the onscreen prompts to update your device.

Fix 5: Check Siri servers

Make sure that Apple Siri servers are up and running. Head over to Apple’s System Status website and check. If you see a green dot next to Siri, everything is working. If not, just wait, Apple will fix the issue as soon as possible.

Fix 6: Make sure the microphone is working on your Mac

Siri may not be able to detect your voice if your microphone is not working properly. You can configure the microphone settings on your Mac by going to Apple menu > System Preferences > Sound > Input and select a mic (built-in internal one usually) and check the input levels. Does the input level moves when you speak? If yes, that means that your microphone is working.

Fix 7: Turn off your VPN

Siri needs to connect to its Apple server to process any information, this connection may be obstructed if a VPN is enabled, since it initiates internet connections from different spots worldwide. If you are using a VPN service on your Mac, try to turn it off and then try again.

Fix 8: Make sure Siri is not disabled in Parental Controls

Ensure Siri is restriction-free by checking Screen Time for restricted apps. Here is how:

  1. Go to System Preferences > Screen Time.
  2. Go to Content & Privacy.
  3. Here, you can turn off restrictions completely or uncheck any mentions of Siri within the Content and Apps tabs.

Fix 9: Delete Your Siri Preferences.

One of the reasons why Siri doesn’t work on Mac is a corrupted .plist file. The .plist file contains all the settings and preferences associated with the Siri app. To reset Siri’s preferences, follow the steps below:

  1. Start by quitting the Siri app.
  2. Next, disable Siri from System Preferences by unchecking Enable Talk to Siri.
  3. Next on, open Finder, then navigate to the Preferences folder by holding Option, then clicking Go > Library.
  4. In the Preferences folder, delete all .plist files with Siri in their filename.
  5. Finally, re-enable Siri under System Preferences to generate a new .plist file.

If Siri is not working on your MacBook, simply follow the troubleshooting tips above to fix the issue. If you have any other question, let us know in the comments section below.

Tag: Siri
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Safari Cannot Open Page on iPhone, iPad, or Mac? Fix!

by GeeksModo Staff

Are you getting “Safari Can’t Open the Page” error message while trying to visit a web page or web site on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac? In this article, I’ll explain exactly why you are experiencing “Safari Can’t Open the Page” error and how to fix the issue for good.

The “Safari Can’t Open the Page” error can happen on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, on any version of the web browser. If you encounter this issue, you can usually fix the problem easily by following the troubleshooting steps explained below.

Fix “Safari Can’t Open Page” Error on iPhone, iPad, Mac

Fix 1: If “Safari Can’t Open the Page” Error, Check Your Internet!

The first thing you should do is check your internet connection, Ensure it is active and enabled. This applies to Mac, iPhone, iPad, and anything really.

If the device or computer is disconnected from the internet, you will encounter the “Safari Can’t Open the Page” every time.

Make sure that you have an active and functioning internet connection first, this is often the problem. Maybe it’s due to low cell phone reception, or a junky wi-fi connection, whatever it is, confirm that your internet actually is working. Visit a different web page, use a different Wi-Fi, etc.

See also:

Fix 2: Check the URL!

The next thing you want to do is check the website URL address, so that you know it is correct and proper. This is a really common reason why web pages can’t be loaded. A typo in the URL web address will prevent the site from loading. Ensure it is correct!

Fix 3: Refresh the Web Page

Simply refreshing the web page often resolves the issue, especially if the connection was interrupted for some reason.

You can refresh the webpage by clicking the ‘refresh’ button, it looks like a little circular arrow in a circle and it is near the address URL bar.

Fix 4: Reset Network Settings

On your iPhone, iPad or Mac, reset your network settings. Please note that this will remove all of your network-related settings including your VPN settings, saved Wi-Fi passwords, etc.
iPhone or iPad, head over to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings and then follow the onscreen prompts.

Fix 5: Restart

Simply restarting your iPhone , iPad or Mac may fix this problem.

  • Face ID iPhone and iPad Models: Press and hold the volume up (or down) and the power buttons together until the power off slider appears. And slide the slider. Wait for your device to turn off. Then press and hold the power button until you see the Apple logo.
  • Home button iPhone and iPad Models: Press and hold the power button until you see the power off slider. Then slide the slider. Wait for your device to turn off. Then press and hold the power button until the Apple logo appears.
  • Mac: You can restart your Mac by choosing Restart from the Apple menu.

Fix 6: Force restart your device

Performing a force restart also known as a hard reset can resolve your issue. Here is how:

  • iPhone 8 or later and iPad with Face ID models: Press and release the Volume up button followed by Volume down button. Then, Press and hold the power button until you see the Apple Logo.
  • iPhone 7 models: Press and hold the power button together with the Volume down button until you see the Apple Logo.
  • Devices with a home button including iPhone 5, iPad Air, etc: Press the power button together with the home button until you see the Apple Logo.

See also: How To Force Restart a MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro

Fix 7: Force close Safari and restart again

  1. On an iPhone X or newer, or an iPad running iOS 12 or higher, or iPadOS, from the Home screen, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause slightly in the middle of the screen. On an iPhone 8 or older, double-click the Home button to bring up your most recently used apps
  2. Swipe right or left to find Safari.
  3. Swipe up on the app’s preview to close Safari.

Fix 8: Delete your history, cookies, and cache in Safari

  • To clear your history and cookies on your iPhone or iPad, head over to Settings > Safari, and tap Clear History and Website Data and confirm that you want to remove website data.
  • To clear browser data on Mac, head over to “Safari” in the menu bar > Preferences > Privacy > Remove all website data, and confirm that you want to remove website data.

Fix 9: VPN

Are you using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) on your iPhone, iPad or Mac. If so, try to disable your VPN and then try to load Safari again.

Fix 10: Updates

Ensure that your iPhone, iPad or Mac is running the latest software version. Here is how you can check:

  • iPhone and iPad: Head over to Settings > General > Software Update. This will check for iOS or iPadOS updates. And if there is an update available, follow the onscreen prompts.
  • Mac: Launch System Preferences and then click Software Update. If there are updates, follow the onscreen prompts.

Fix 11: Restore to Factory Settings

If restarting doesn’t work for you, you may want to try restoring your iPhone, iPad or Mac to factory settings. This will completely wipe the data and settings on your phone. Your iPhone will still be running iOS 14 if you choose this option.

First, backup your device. There are two options. iCloud: On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > iCloud > Backup. Make sure that iCloud Backup is enabled. You will be able to see when your last backup was. If you have never backed up your iPhone or iPad before or if it has been awhile, select Backup Now.

iTunes (Windows or macOS Mojave or earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina or later): Plug your iPhone or iPad into your PC or Mac using a USB cable. Click on the iPhone icon in the top-left corner of iTunes, under the Play button. Then follow the onscreen instructions.

Now to Factory-reset your iPhone or iPad.

  1. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
  2. If you have an iCloud backup, there will be an option to update it. Tap Back Up Then Erase.
  3. Type in your passcode if prompted. Tap Erase iPhone in the warning box.
  4. Enter your Apple ID to confirm.

Fix 12: Try a Different Browser

Another choice is to use a different web browser. This is in case the site loads in other browser such as Chrome but not in Safari, it may indicate a specific problem with Safari.

If Safari is not opening web sites after these troubleshooting steps, you may want to contact Apple Support.

Tag: Safari
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Screenshots Not Working On Mac? Fix it Here!

by GeeksModo Staff

Several users have reported that they are unable to take screenshots and screen recordings on Mac. Specifically, the captured images are not saved after they are captured on the screen. If the screenshot feature on your Mac isn’t working, here is a troubleshooting guide that can help you fix the issue.

The screenshot feature is built into macOS, so you don’t need to install any third-party software; it should just work. When you can’t take a screenshot on a Mac, it can be very frustrating. If Screenshots is not working on Mac, here are the steps you can take to quickly get Screenshots working on your Mac so you can continue communicating ideas through email and text messages with others.

How to Fix it When You Can’t take a Mac Screenshot

It’s uncommon that screenshots don’t work on a Mac, so it’s pretty easy to find out why the feature is not working as expected. There are a couple of things you can do to troubleshoot the problem. If everything else works correctly on the Mac, the keyboard is working properly and can be ruled out as the source of the problem. If screenshot feature is not working on Mac, follow these steps to fix the issue:

Fix 1: Check the keyboard shortcut settings

By default, these settings are enabled. However, they may have been disabled inadvertently or set to keyboard combinations other than the defaults. To check this, head over to System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts. There you can see whether keyboard shortcuts have been disabled or reassigned to other actions.

Fix 2: Confirm the location for saving screenshots in the Screenshot app

Though the screenshots are saved to the Desktop by default, if you changed that setting, your screenshots may be hiding somewhere you haven’t checked. Check the location on the floating menu bar.

Fix 3: Restart your Mac

If captured images are not saved when you capture screen on your Mac, restarting your Mac may fix this problem. Using your Mac for long periods without restarting can cause it to perform inefficiently or prevent certain apps from working properly. If the screenshot feature on your Mac isn’t working, restart the Mac and turn it on again.

  • You can restart your Mac by choosing the Restart option from the Apple menu in the upper-left corner of the display.

Now check to see if you can find the screen images. If images are missing still, check the next solution.

Fix 4: Restart your Mac in safe mode

Starting your Mac in Safe Mode may fix your problem. Please start your Mac in Safe Mode, then in Safe Mode check if you are able to take screenshots and screen recordings. Then restart your Mac normally to exit Safe Mode. Here is how:

  • Power off your Mac: Head over to Apple menu > and choose Shut down.
  • Turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
  • Keep holding the Shift key until the login screen appears.
  • When you see the login screen, let go the Shift key.
  • Login.
  • Now your Mac is running in Safe Mode. Your Mac will run slower, this is normal. Now check to see if the captured images are being saved when you capture the screen
  • Either case, exit Safe Mode. Simply restart your Mac and do not press any keys.

Fix 5: reset NVRAM (or PRAM) on your Mac

If you are unable to take screenshots and screen recordings on your Mac, resetting PRAM or NVRAM may fix this problem. PRAM or NVRAM are different things, but the resetting process is the same. Here is how:

  1. Start by pressing and holding the power button on your Mac to completely shut it down. Hard discs and fans need to stop spinning, and the screen needs to turn dark.
  2. Next, power on your Mac.
  3. Immediately after you hear the startup sound, press and hold the “Command + Option + P + R” keys.
  4. Don’t release the keys until you hear the start up sound again and the Apple logo appears.
  5. Release the keys, and the PRAM/NVRAM will have been reset. Please note, some of your settings such as display, volume, time zone, etc will be reset.
Tag: Screenshots
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Screen Sharing Not Working on Mac? Fix it Here!

by GeeksModo Staff

Is Screen Sharing not working on MacBook? You are not alone! If you are unable to share your Mac or MacBook’s screen with others, you have come to the right place.

With a huge number of people working or studying from home, sharing screen with others has become a necessity. Screen sharing, also known as desktop sharing, is when you (or someone else) share some or all of the contents of your screen with other devices (like other computers, tablets, or phones). Sharing your screen allows you to quickly show co-workers, supervisors, colleagues, teachers or just about anyone anything that’s on your screen in real-time without having to send any files. Screen sharing simplifies collaboration or reviewing things like presentations, documents, graphs, and even illustrations.

But what if Screen sharing is not working and are unable to share your Mac or MacBook’s screen with others?

In the past few weeks, several users reported they are unable to share their screens during their online meetings or classes. Many report issues with third-party conferencing apps not working in screen share mode for apps such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, and other similar apps.

Fix Screen Sharing not Working on Mac

If share screen is not working on Mac, here are the steps you can take to quickly get screen share working on your Mac so you can continue with your activity.

Fix 1: Force quit and restart

If Screen Sharing stopped working, the first thing you should try is to force quit the app and then open again. This may resolve your problem. Here is how:

  • Press the Option, Command, and Esc (Escape) keys together (or click the Apple menu and Force Quit).
  • The force quit window will appear.
  • Select the app.
  • Click Force Quit.
  • Now see if Screen Sharing is working.

Fix 2: Restart your Mac

restarting your Mac may fix this issue. You can restart your Mac by choosing the Restart option from the Apple menu in the upper-left corner of your screen.

Fix 4: Update your apps

If Screen Sharing is not working on apps such as Skype, Zoom, Microsoft Teams etc, try updating the apps. You can check for an update in the Mac App Store or via the developer’s site.

Launch the App Store by clicking the icon in your dock, by clicking the Apple icon on your menu bar and select “App Store,” or by pressing Command+Spacebar and searching for it. Head to the “Updates” tab to view a list of available updates. You can opt to update one app at a time, or click “Update All”

Fix 5: Update your Mac

If Screen Sharing is not working on Mac Catalina, Big Sur ETC, make sure that your Mac is running the latest version of the macOS software. You can easily update your Mac. Here is how:

  • macOS Mojave or higher: Go to System Preferences and then Software Update.
  • macOS High Sierra or older: launch the App Store on your Mac and then click the Updates tab.

Fix 6: Edit security permissions

  1. Start by clicking the Apple menu.
  2. Next, go to System Preferences > Click Security & Privacy > Privacy tab.
  3. Click Screen Recording.
  4. Click the lock icon to make changes.
  5. If asked, type in your admin password.
  6. Finally, click the checkbox next to the app you are having problem with for example GoToMeeting, Microsoft Teams, Skype etc.
  7. You will see a notification window asking you to restart it. Agree and then try again and see if the problem is resolved.

Fix 7: Select NetAuthAgent from Activity Monitor

  1. Click Applications to get started.
  2. Next, click the Utilities Folder.
  3. Launch Activity Monitor.
  4. Find a process known as NetAuthAgent.
  5. If you find it, select it.
  6. Click Quit Process.
Tag: Screen
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Safari Top Sites Not Working? Fix it Here!

by GeeksModo Staff

In this article, I’ll show you how to troubleshoot when Top Sites in Safari feature is not working properly on your Mac.
The Top Sites page in Safari displays a selection of sites you visit frequently in thumbnail view, giving you the ability to quickly scan multiple web sites for new information.

Here are some of the reported issues:

  • The Top Sites feature is not working as expected.
  • Top Sites not refreshing.
  • Missing Top Sites on Safari.
  • Safari top sites thumbnails not updating.
  • Top Sites page displays error messages.

Causes of Safari Top Sites Errors

Safari’s Top Sites feature may stop working properly if you lose your Internet connection, even for just a short period. Whether the cause is your home network router, DNS problems, or your ISP going offline due to a severe storm in your location, an interrupted connection can sometimes cause the thumbnails in Safari Top Sites to either stop updating or display error messages.

How to Fix Safari Top Site not Working Issue

1. Force quit and restart

Try force quitting Safari and then open again. This may resolve your problem. Here is how:

  • Press the Option, Command, and Esc (Escape) keys together (or click the Apple menu and Force Quit).
  • The force quit window will appear.
  • Select Safari.
  • Click Force Quit.
  • Now open Safari.

2. Restart your Mac

Restart your Mac and router. This may resolve your problem.

  • Mac: You can restart your Mac by choosing the Restart option from the Apple menu in the upper-left corner of the display.
  • Router: disconnect the power, wait 10 seconds, and then connect. Wait at least two minutes to allow the router to completely turn on.

You may also want to reset your router to its factory default settings. Doing so will wipe out all of your settings. You can start over with fresh settings. Most routers include a reset button (on the back or bottom). You will need to push this button using a paperclip (or something similar.) Insert your paperclip and hold down for 30 seconds. Then wait for your router to turn on.

3. Update your Mac

Make sure that your Mac is running the latest version of the macOS software. Here’s how to update your Mac:

  • macOS Mojave or higher: Go to System Preferences and then Software Update.
  • macOS High Sierra or earlier: Launch the App Store on your Mac and then click the Updates tab.

4. reset network settings on your Mac.

5. Forget Wi-Fi

Forgetting the network can resolve the issue. Before we start, make sure to have your Wi-Fi password handy. Here is how:

  • From the Apple menu, go to System Preferences.
  • Click Network.
  • On the left, you will see a list. Choose Wi-Fi.
  • Click Advanced.
  • Click the Wi-Fi tab.
  • Select the Wi-Fi network that you wish your Mac to forget.
  • Click the remove button (–) and agree to remove it.
  • Click Ok and Apply.

Now you will need to reconnect to the Wi-Fi network. You will need to type in your password again.

6. Empty caches

  1. Click on the Safari tab at the top right of your display. From the dropdown menu, choose Preferences.
  2. Click the Advanced tab of the menu that appears.
  3. At the end of the tab, select the “Show Develop menu in menu bar” box and close the Preferences menu.
  4. Click the Develop tab from the Safari menu at the top of the page.
  5. From the dropdown menu, click Empty Caches.

7. remove Top Sites setting file

If you are still experiencing the Top Sites problem, then there is a higher chance that Top Sites setting file (plist) may become corrupted. If this is the case, your Top Sites page will not function as corrupted files are unusable. Here is how you can remove this file:

  • Launch Finder
  • Hold down the option key, then click Go and Library when the option key is held
  • The Library folder will launch
  • Locate and click the Safari folder
  • In Safari folder, locate the ‘TopSites.plist’ file
  • Drag this file to your desktop.
  • Head over to the Apple menu and Restart your Mac
  • Start the Safari App and test to see if Top Sites is working as you wanted. If it is working as expected, you may go ahead and delete the plist file that you just placed on your Desktop. if it is still not working, if you are facing problems, move back this plist file to its original place (Library > Safari) and overwrite the one Safari just created after you removed the original.

8. Safe Mode

Starting your Mac in Safe Mode may fix your problem. Please start your Mac in Safe Mode, then in Safe Mode check if Safari Top Sites feature is working. Then restart your Mac normally to exit Safe Mode. Here is how:

  • Turn off your Mac: Go to Apple menu > and choose Shut down.
  • Turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
  • Keep holding the Shift key until you see the login screen.
  • When the login screen appears, release the Shift key.
  • Login.
  • Now your Mac is running in Safe Mode. Your Mac will run slower, this is normal. Now Safari and check if Safari Top Sites feature is working.
  • Either case, exit Safe Mode. Simply restart your Mac and do not press any keys.

9. Reset PRAM or NVRAM

Resetting PRAM or NVRAM may fix this problem. PRAM or NVRAM are different things, but they are reset in the same way. Here is how:

  1. Press and hold the power button on your Mac to fully shut it down. Hard discs and fans need to stop spinning, and the screen needs to turn dark.
  2. Turn on your Mac.
  3. Immediately after you hear the startup sound, press and hold the “Command + Option + P + R” keys.
  4. Keep holding them down until you hear the start up sound again and the Apple logo appears.
  5. Let go the keys, and the PRAM/NVRAM will have been reset. This will reset some of your settings such as display, volume, time zone, and more.
Tag: Safari
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iPhone 14 Pro Won’t Turn On? Here’s The Fix!

by GeeksModo Staff

Your iPhone 14 Pro isn’t turning on and you don’t know why. No matter what you try, you can’t seem to reboot your phone. In this step-by-step guide, I’ll explain what to do when your iPhone 14 Pro won’t turn on so that you can fix the problem for Good!

Why Won’t My iPhone 14 Pro Turn On?

There are many reasons why your iPhone 14 Pro isn’t turning on. A lot of the time, the iPhone 14 Pro won’t turn on because of a software crash. However, it’s also possible there’s a hardware problem with your iPhone.

Follow the step-by-step guide below to diagnose and fix the real reason your iPhone 14 Pro won’t turn on. We’ll start with simple troubleshooting steps, and get more advanced as we go.

Note: information in this article apply to iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.

Fix iPhone 14 Pro not turning on

Hard Reset Your iPhone

A hard reset forces your iPhone to abruptly turn off and back on again. It’s possible your iPhone 14 Pro just looks like it won’t turn on, when really it’s frozen on a black screen.

  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 until you see the Apple Logo.

It’s important to keep in mind that a hard reset does not fix the underlying software problem that caused your iPhone to crash. Even if your iPhone 14 Pro is turning on again, we recommend reading the rest of the steps below.

Check Your Lightning Cable And Your Charger

It’s a good idea to inspect your charging cable and charger for damage. It’s possible your iPhone 14 Pro won’t turn on because it’s out of battery life and not charging.

There have been occasions even the smartest of people have not identified that the issue is because of a faulty charger cable, adapter, or even a wall socket. So make sure you try a different lightening cable, different power adapter (if you have one), and another power outlet in your home before you know you can definitely blame your phone.

Make Sure It’s Not Just The Display

If your iPhone 14 Pro still won’t turn on, plug your iPhone into your computer and open iTunes (Macs running macOS 10.14 or older and PCs) or Finder (Macs running macOS 10.15 or newer). Check to see if your computer recognizes your iPhone 14 Pro.

If your computer recognizes your iPhone, it usually means there’s a hardware problem with the display. We recommend backing up your iPhone immediately if it is recognized by your computer, as it could be your last chance to do so.

After backing up your iPhone, try performing another hard reset while your iPhone is connected to your computer.

Check For Physical Or Liquid Damage

This is one of the most common reasons an iPhone 14 Pro won’t turn on. If you’ve recently dropped your phone or it has gotten wet, you might have some issues.

To put things succinctly, if you dropped your iPhone 14 Pro in water and it won’t turn on, you’re going to need to take it in for repair as you most likely have a hardware problem or a damaged display.

Reach Out To Apple

If you’ve completed all the steps above, and your iPhone 14 Pro still won’t turn on, it’s time to get in touch with Apple support. There’s a very good chance your iPhone 14 Pro has a hardware problem that needs to be repaired. Visit Apple’s support website to get help online, over-the-phone, or through-the-mail.

iPhone 14 Pro won’t Turn On: Fixed!

You’ve fixed the problem and your iPhone is turning on again! Next time your iPhone 14 Pro won’t turn on, you’ll know exactly how to fix the problem. Leave a comment below if you have any unanswered questions about your iPhone.

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Apple Pay Not Working? Fix It Here!

by GeeksModo Staff

This article explains what to do when Apple Pay is not working.

Apple Payis becoming very popular around the world. The number of outlets that currently allows you to use the NFC technology in your iPhone to pay for goods is growing, and it’s arguably the fastest and most secure way to make your transactions (alongside wireless chip cards). But Apple Pay isn’t perfect, and sometimes it can stop working.

Are you having issues with Apple Pay? Is Apple Pay set up not working? Has Apple Pay stopped working? For instance, some of our readers reported issues related to Apple Pay failed payment. Or Is it not working as expected at all? There are many potential reasons for why this happens, and in this troubleshooting guide we’ll walk you through some of the most common (and less common) fixes for Apple pay not working issue.

Note: the troubleshooting tips given in this article applies to the iPhone 11 series, X series, 8, 7, and 6 series iPhones.

How to Fix Apple Pay Not Working

If Apple Pay is not working, the following troubleshooting steps can help you fix the issue. Most of these are quick and easy solutions to fix the problem and get Apple Pay working again.

  1. Check the Apple Pay servers:
    You may not have an Apple Pay problem. The Apple Pay servers might be down due to technical issues, which has nothing to do with your iPhone. If that is the case, simply wait for Apple to resolve the issue. To check if Apple Pay is experiencing any downtime, head over to the Apple System Status website and check if there is a green dot next to Apple Pay. If you see a green dot, Apple Pay Servers are up and running. You can check the next solutions.
  2. Make sure the business accepts Apple Pay:
    If it does, it may be that a particular terminal isn’t working when you use Apple Pay. When you experience this problem, ask if there is another terminal you can use. Once you know which terminal accepts Apple Pay, keep it in mind for future transactions.
  3. Manually select a credit or debit card:
    Even if you’re at a working terminal, you may experience issues with the device detecting Apple Pay on your iPhone. If you hold up the iPhone and Apple Pay isn’t working, select a credit card manually in the Wallet app to make a payment.
  4. Make sure your iPhone is charged:
    When the iPhone battery is low—typically at 10% of charge or lower—it may go into Low Power Mode, and many features on the iPhone cease to work to save battery. Make sure your iPhone is sufficiently charged before you go shopping.
  5. Remove and re-add the credit or debit card:
    There may be a credit or debit card that gives you repeated issues when you use it on Apple Pay. This can happen when you get a new credit card from your provider, and the changed information is not immediately updated on Apple Pay. If this is the case, remove the card information and re-add it to fix the issue.
  6. Close and reopen the Apple Wallet app:
    Apps can freeze or lock up. Closing and reopening the Apple Wallet app may resolve issues related to Apple Pay.
    • iPhone X or newer, iPad running iOS 12 or higher: Go to your Home screen and swipe up, this will reveal the app switcher. Swipe left or right until you find the wallet. Swipe up on the app’s preview to close it. Then reopen the Wallet.
    • Other iPad or iPhone models: Double press the home button and swipe up on the Wallet preview to close it. Then reopen the Wallet.
  7. Restart your iPhone.
    Restarting your iPhone can fix whole lots of problems.
    • iPhone X, 11 or later and iPad with Face ID models: Press and hold the power (side or top) and the volume up (or down) buttons together until the power off slider appears. Then drag the slider. Wait until your device completely shuts off. Then press and hold the power button until you see the Apple logo.
    • Other iPhone and iPad models: Press and hold the on/off (sleep/wake) button until the slider appears. Then drag the slider. Wait 1 minute then, to turn your device on, press and hold the on/off button until the Apple logo appears.
  8. Update the iOS software:
    Ensure that your iPhone or iPad is running the latest version of the iOS or iPadOS software. Simply head over to Settings > General > Software Update. This will check for updates. If there is an update available, follow the onscreen instructions to install the update on your device.
  9. Restore the iPhone to factory settings.
    If the above tips did not fix the Apple Pay problem, restore the iPhone to its factory settings. This is a last-step option that can’t be done while you are standing in line, waiting to pay. Please note: Restoring your iPhone to its factory settings will erase your personal data and files from the iPhone, so make sure you have a recent backup before restoring your device.

If Apple Pay doesn’t work after trying the above steps, you may need to contact Apple for help. Otherwise, take the iPhone to an Apple Store or an authorized Apple service provider. Before you take your iPhone to Apple Store, it’s good to make an Apple Genius Bar appointment so you won’t have to wait in line for help.

Tag: Apple Pay
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