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Mac: Cannot Connect to App Store? Fix it Here

by GeeksModo Staff

A couple of users have stated that they are having problems connecting to the Mac
App Store.
To be precise, users reported that this problem started after updating their Mac devices. The error message: “Cannot Connect to the App Store”.

The following errors may also appear:

  • An unknown error has occurred.
  • We could not complete your request.

If you are Experiencing this issue on your iPhone or iPad, please check
this guide.

Why can’t my Mac connect to the App Store?

The Mac App Store is a fantastic place where you can download all types of applications and programs designed specifically for your Mac. However, the Mac App Store is not, like all other App Stores, without its fair share of hooks. One of the most common issues with the Mac App Store is where it returns an error message saying “Cannot connect to the App Store” every time an affected user tries to launch it.

This is a problem in which the affected Mac user’s simply can’t connect to the Mac App Store. The cause for this issue ranges from a unreliable internet connection to a problem with certificates in the KeyChain app. In most situations, simple solutions such as closing and then re-launching the Mac App Store or logging out of the Mac App Store by clicking on Store > Logout and then logging back in to it fixes the problem. However, if none of these fixes manage to resolve this problem, fear not as in this troubleshooting guide, I’ll explain the most effective solutions that you can use to try and fix the “Cannot connect to the App Store” error message and re-establish a connection back to the Mac App Store:

Please note: Before you jump into it, make sure that the date and time is set correctly on your device. If the time and date is incorrect, the appstore will not connect.

Here are step-by-step instructions which you can follow to troubleshoot when your Mac can’t connect to the Apple App Store and won’t download, install, or update apps.

See also:
Cannot Send or Receive Messages on Your Mac?

  1. First, let’s ensure that your network is working properly. Make sure that your Mac is connected to the Internet. Check to see if websites load in Safari or other web browsers. If you are experiencing “Cannot connect to the App Store” error, 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. Please follow these steps:
  • 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 your Mac can’t connect to the Mac App Store. If that’s the case, here are troubleshooting tips you can try:
    • Restart your Mac: Go to Apple menu > Restart.
    • Restart your router/modem (Disconnect your Mac from the power source, wait a few seconds and then plug it back in).
    • 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.
  • Make sure that Apple Mac App Store servers are up and running. Head over to
    Apple’s System Status website
    and check..
  • Sign out and back to iTunes. Open iTunes. From the top menu bar, click Account and then Sign out. After signing out, sign back in.
  • Launch the App Store on your Mac and then click Store (top menu bar) and click sign Out and then sign back in.
  • If you are using a VPN or proxy to connect to the Internet, turn them off and check if that fixes your issue.
  • Update your Mac. Make sure that your Mac is running the latest version of OS. If you are running macOS Mojave or later, head over to System Preferences > Software Update and then click Check for Updates. If an update is available, update the software on your Mac by following the on-screen prompts. If you are running an earlier version of the macOS software (for instance, macOS High Sierra, etc,) please launch the App Store and click Updates.
  • On your Mac, make sure that the date and time are set correctly. Head over to System Preferences > Date & Time to check this. Also, consider checking the box for “Set date and time automatically”.
  • Restart your Mac in Safe Mode. You can restart your Mac by pressing and holding the Shift key as your Mac starts up (turn off your Mac then turn on and immediately press and hold the Shift key). Try the App Store in Safe Mode and then restart your Mac normally (this time, do not press the Shift key).
  • The KeyChain application stores passwords and certificates that your Mac uses to establish secure connections from apps, and that includes the Mac App Store. An issue with some certificates that the KeyChain app contains can also cause “Cannot connect to the App Store” error. If that is what’s causing this problem in your case, here’s what you can do in order to edit certain certificates in the KeyChain application and fix this issue. On your Mac, try the steps below:
    • Launch the Keychain Access app (Applications > Utilities > Keychain Access).
    • Now, click “System Roots”.
    • Next, double Click “DigiCert High Assurance EV root CA”.
    • Next on, click “Trust” to expand it.
    • Now, you need to change “When using this certificate” from “Use System Defaults” to “Never Trust”.
    • Next, restart your Mac.
    • Finally, when your Mac is on, follow the same steps to change “When using this certificate” back to “Use System Defaults”.
  • Launch Finder.
  • From the top menu, click Go > Go to Folder and type in the following command:
  • /var/db/crls/
  • Hit Go.
  • Now, delete these files: “crlcache.db” and “ocspcache.db”. If asked, type in your admin password.
  • Finally, restart your Mac.

If the above solutions did not fix your problem, you could
contact Apple.

Tag: App Store
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iTunes: An Invalid Response Received From the Device, Fix

by GeeksModo Staff

A couple of users have stated that they received the “iTunes could not connect to iPhone or iPad because an invalid response was received from the device” error message when they connect their iPhone to their computers. In addition, some other users have reported that iTunes freezes while they are syncing their iPhone with their computer.

Sometimes, you might face this problem while trying to connect your iPhone to your Window’s iTunes application. You will see a message “iTunes could not connect to the iPhone because an invalid response was received from the device“. This message will prevent you from connecting your iPhone to your
iTunes.

This error can be caused by incompatibility issue.  Your iTunes version might not be updated to the latest version and, therefore, incompatible with the iOS version. Your computer need to be running a certain version of iTunes application for it to work with certain iOS versions.

In most cases, the solution of this problem revolves around updating your iTunes as well as iOS device. If these things doesn’t fix your problems, there are other things that you can do to resolve the issue.

With iTunes you can:

  • sync your content (movies, apps and much more)
  • Transfer the content from your computer to your iPhone or iPad and vice versa
  • update or restore your iPhone or iPad

How to fix Invalid Response Received From the Device error

Here’s how to fix “iTunes could not connect because invalid response was received from device”

Solution #1. Update iTunes

Since the issue is related to version compatibility problem, it’s logical to update the devices and software involved. So, let’s start by updating the iTunes application to ensure that you are running the most latest version.

Here’s how to update iTunes on windows:

  1. Start the iTunes app
  2. Now, click Help
  3. Next, click Check for updates
  4. If updates are available, download and install

Here’s how to update iTunes on Mac:

  1. Go to App Store
  2. Now, click Update
  3. If updates are available, download and install.

Once your iTunes is updated, check if it resolves the issue

Solution #2. Reinstall iTunes

If your issue was not resolved by updating iTunes application, please try to uninstall and reinstall the iTunes.

Here’s how to uninstall and reinstall iTunes on windows:

  1. Press and hold down Windows key and press R
  2. Now, type appwiz.cpl and hit Enter
  3. Next, find your iTunes application and select it
  4. Next on, hit Uninstall and follow the on-screen prompts

Here’s how to uninstall and reinstall iTunes on Mac:

  1. Launch spotlight search and type Terminal
  2. From the search results that appear, select Terminal
  3. Now, type cd /Applications/ and hit Enter
  4. Next, type sudo rm -rf iTunes.app/ and hit Enter
  5. Next on, type in the admin password

Once done, visit
(https://www.apple.com/itunes/)
and click the Download now button. If you are on Mac, visit
(https://www.apple.com/itunes/)
and click the Download now button.

Once the download is complete, double click the downloaded file and install the iTunes application again. Check if your issue was resolved.

Solution #3. Update your iPhone

Since the latest version of iTunes work with certain iOS versions, updating your iPhone to the latest iPhone version can fix the An Invalid Response Received From the Device error too.

Please follow these steps to update your iPhone:

  1. Start the settings app on your iPhone
  2. Go to General
  3. Tap Software update
  4. If an update is available, hit download and Install
  5. If asked, type in your password

Once the update is installed, try to connect your iPhone again and see if the the problem was fixed.

Other solutions

  1. Your USB cable can be broken or faulty. Connect your iPhone to a computer using a different USB/lightning cable
  2. Make sure your USB port is working properly. Connect your iPhone to a different USB port
  3. If possible, try using a different computer
  4. Close iTunes and reopen and try again
  5. Try restarting your computer
  6. Try restarting your iPhone
  7. Try restarting your router
  8. A locked iPhone can cause connectivity issues. Ensure that your iPhone is unlocked when it is connected to a computer
  9. Force restart your iPhone. Do not worry, you will not lose anything. Here’s how:
    • iPhone x and newer: quickly press and release the volume up and then the volume down button. Press and hold the power button until you see the Apple Logo on the screen.
    • iPhone 7 and 7 plus: Press and hold both the Sleep/Wake (On/Off) and Volume Down buttons together until you see the Apple logo on the screen.
    • iPhone 6 and older: Press and hold both the Sleep/Wake (On/Off) and Home buttons simultaneously until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
  10. Update your computer to the latest OS version
  11. Sometimes, the problem can be caused by your iPhone’s network settings. Reset your iPhone network setting by heading over to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings (Please note: this will remove your Wi-Fi passwords etc).
  12. On your iPhone or iPad, head over to Settings > General > Date & Time and turn on “Set Automatically”
  13. If you are using a Mac), make sure that time and date settings are set correctly. Head over to (System Preferences > Time & Date). If you are using A windows PC, also make sure that time and date settings are set correctly.
Tag: iTunes
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iPhone Stuck On Updating iCloud Settings? Fix it Here

by GeeksModo Staff

In this article, I’ll explain exactly Why your iPhone/iPad is Stuck on Updating iCloud Settings and how to bypass the ‘updating iCloud settings stuck’ and continue with the update.

It’s very important to keep your iOS device updated. Apart from the new features a new iOS update brings, it also carries important security updates that can be crucial to the function of your iPhone. It can therefore be very frustrating when the iOS update is interrupted or when the screen just displays “Updating iCloud Settings”. If your iPhone is stuck on updating iCloud settings for a while, there are several troubleshooting tips that you can try to fix the issue and hopefully continue with the
iOS 14
update.

Why is iPhone/iPad Stuck on Updating iCloud Settings

Before we jump into the solution, it is very important to understand why your iPhone is stuck on “Updating iCloud settings.”. As such, you can take the necessary measures to avoid the problem in the future. Here are some of the most common reasons why your iPhone or iPad may be stuck on “Updating iCloud Settings”:

1. Insufficient Storage Space

If your device has insufficient storage space, it can be very difficult for it to perform some of the common functions that allows it to work effectively. Stability and performance of the device are grately hindered, a factor that can contribute to this and many other issues.

2. Apple Servers May be Down

Apple servers may be busy or down. If this is the case, you just need to wait. These issues are prevalent especially when apple releases a new update of the iOS firmware. Tons of users rush to update their devices. This can cause significant strain on the Apple servers which can result in various issues when updating the device including this particular issue.

3. Slow internet Connection

The process can be hindered when the connection is weak. Make sure you are connected to a strong Wi-Fi or cellular data network before trying to update your device.

4. Low Battery

According to Apple, you should maintain at least 50% battery capacity during an iOS update. The reason for this is that low battery can prevent an update from completing successfully and can also cause certain problems when updating the device. Consider connecting your device to a power source while updating.

How to Fix iPhone Stuck on Updating iCloud Settings

Here are some fixes you may try if this process takes a long time.

1. Restart your iPhone

The first thing you should do is to restart your device. To do that, press and hold the power button (Sleep/Wake) until the “slide to power off” Slider appears. Drag the slider and wait for about 20 seconds. Now press and hold the power button until you see the Apple logo.

If your device stuck again, this time skip the iCloud  setup process. When you are asked to set up iCloud, tap Skip. Once the update finishes, head over to Settings > iCloud and type in your Apple ID to turn on
iCloud.

2. Force Restart your iPhone

Try to force restart your iPhone. Do not worry, you will not lose anything. Please follow these steps:

  • iPhone x and newer: quickly press and release the volume up and then the volume down button. Press and hold the power button until you see the Apple Logo on the screen.
  • iPhone 7 and 7 plus: Press and hold both the Sleep/Wake (On/Off) and Volume Down buttons together until you see the Apple logo on the screen.
  • iPhone 6 and older: Press and hold both the Sleep/Wake (On/Off) and Home buttons simultaneously until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

3. Use iTunes to Update your iPhone

If the iPhone stuck on updating iCloud settings problem still persists, try to update your device via iTunes. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Build a connection between the iPhone and your computer using a USB cable.
  2. Launch iTunes
  3. When iTunes detect your iPhone, select your device under the Devices menu.
  4. Click “Check for Update.” If an update is available, download and install.

4. Sign Out of iCloud and Sign In

Signing out of iCloud before signing in again gives your device setting a refresh and prevent any issues with iCloud including this iPhone stuck on updating iCloud settings issue. Please follow these steps:

  1. Launch the Settings app on your device.
  2. Tap your profile on top of the screen.
  3. Scroll down and tap sign out. wait a few seconds and then sign back in.

5. Check Wi-Fi Network

If you are not connected to the internet, you may not be able to update the device. Here’s how to check if you are connected to a functional Wi-Fi network:

  1. Start the Settings app on your device and then tap on “Wi-Fi”
  2. Choose the network you are using and then tap “Forget this Network”.
  3. Tap on “Reconnect” and type in your Wi-Fi password or select a different Wi-Fi network to use.

And that covers everything on how to fix iPhone that is stuck on updating iCloud settings.

Tag: iCloud
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How To Block or Allow Pop-Ups On Your Mac? Know Here

by GeeksModo Staff

In this article, I’ll explain exactly how to block pop-ups on Mac Safari. Also, I’ll show you how to allow pop-ups on Mac Safari. The truth is that, pop-ups are forms of advertising. Thankfully, you can easily configure your Safari browser to allow or block pop-up windows.

How to block pop-ups on Mac Safari

Pop-ups are annoying. They are undesirable. Sometimes they may slow down your device. Some pop-ups may use phishing methods. Some may try to trick you into downloading and installing harmful software on your
Mac.
Some pop-ups are just annoying because they may interrupt what you are doing.

Here is how to block pop ups on Mac:

  1. On your Mac, launch Safari
  2. Now, select Preferences from the Safari Menu
  3. Next, click the Websites tab
  4. Next on, click Pop-up Windows on the left sidebar. In here you can see the “currently open websites”. You can adjust your settings for these individual websites.
  5. If you want to block popups, find the “When visiting other websites” option (bottom of the window). There are two options to block: Block and Block
    and Notify.
  6. If you select Block and Notify, then you will be notified an a popup is blocked. When a pop-up is blocked in Safari, Safari will briefly say: “Pop-up Window Blocked” in the search field. Also, the address bar will indicate this. You can also decide to allow pop-ups, if you click the small window icon. If you select the Block option, then
    Safari
    will block popups without letting you know.

It’s worth noting that if you still get pop-ups after blocking them, then your computer May be infected with virus.

It’s recommended to turn on Fraudulent Website Warning in Safari security settings by heading over to Safari > Preferences > Security.
See also:
How to Disable In-App Ratings & Reviews on iPhone

How to allow pop-ups on Mac Safari

You may want to enable pop-ups on Mac Safari for a number of reasons. Sometimes, certain websites may require you to disable pop-up blockers for them to function properly. Apparently, some legitimate websites may have web content in pop-up windows. Not all pop-up windows are harmful, dangerous or invasive. Actually, you can allow pop-ups from a specific site. In fact, we recommend this. To do this, launch the website where a pop-up is blocked. In the search field (address bar) click the window icon

Here is how to turn off pop-ups completely for all sites:

  1. Start the Safari App
  2. Now, go to Safari > Preferences
  3. Next, choose the Websites tab
  4. Next on, click “Pop-Up Windows” from the left side menu
  5. Finally, click Allow

Its worth noting that by default, Safari disables pop-ups automatically in the browser, unless you configure differently.
And that covers everything on how to disable pop ups on Mac.

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How to Check your AppleCare Warranty Status + How to Buy

by GeeksModo Staff

In this article, I’ll explain exactly how you can check your AppleCare plan. More specifically, I’ll show you how you can check if you have AppleCare coverage. Finally, I’ll show you how you can buy the AppleCare protection plan if you decide to protect your Apple device with AppleCare.

Apple customers can get extended warranty coverage, it is known as AppleCare.
AppleCare
is Apple’s brand name for its warranty service.

Check AppleCare coverage

Is your product covered under the AppleCare warranty? Follow the steps below to find out if you have AppleCare:

  • Launch a web browser.
  • Head over to (https://checkcoverage.apple.com).
  • Type in your device’s serial number. Please follow these steps to find your serial number:
    • On your Mac: Click the Apple menu and select About This Mac.
    • On your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple Watch, or Apple TV, head over to Settings > General > About.
    • Alternatively, you can find your serial numbers by checking iCloud settings. This is also called the Apple ID device list. You can view all of your devices and their serial numbers that you’re currently signed in to with your Apple ID.
      • On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, start the Settings app and tap [your name], and scroll down and find your device then tap.
      • Mac: System Preferences > Apple ID.
    • Alternatively, you can view all of your devices by going to the Apple ID website. Simply go to the
      appleid.apple.com
      web site and sign in. And scroll down until you see the devices section.
    • Now, click Continue. You will be redirected to a summary page that lists all of your warranty options.

    If you have already purchased the extended AppleCare warranty, it will be displayed on this page.

    How to buy AppleCare

    If you are not covered, you can easily buy the AppleCare plan. You can buy the protection when:

    • You purchase an Apple device. You can purchase AppleCare+ at the time of your purchase. Or,
    • If you have recently purchased a device, you can add AppleCare to your device after purchase. It does not matter where you bought your device, Apple, a carrier, or another retailer:
      • iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, or HomePod: within 60 days of purchase.
      • Apple TV: within 12 months of purchase.

    In case you are wondering whether AppleCare is worth the additional price. Here are some benefits:

    • 24/7 priority access to Apple support team via
      online live chat
      or phone.
    • Express replacement service.
    • It’s transferable. (If you pay monthly, this is not available).

    Apple offers several options to buy after purchase:

    • On your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch, head over to Settings > General > About and choose AppleCare+ Coverage Available. And then follow the onscreen prompts.
    • Alternatively, you can purchase AppleCare online by visiting the
      add coverage website.
    • You can buy it at an Apple Store if you go there.
    • You can also purchase AppleCare by calling 800-275-2273 (800.APL.CARE).

    Keep in mind, online and phone options require you to complete a remote diagnostic.

    If you need further help, you can
    contact Apple support.

Tag: AppleCare
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AirDrop Not Working? Fix it Here

by GeeksModo Staff

In this article, I’ll explain exactly how you can troubleshoot AirDrop issues that you may experience on your iPhone, iPad or Mac.

This step-by-step guide will show you how to troubleshoot common AirDrop problems, including the following:

  • can’t see the other device in AirDrop.
  • AirDrop is not working as expected.
  • AirDrop doesn’t show up.
  • AirDrop saying “waiting”
  • AirDrop saying “failed”.
  • AirDrop saying “declined”

What is AirDrop

AirDrop
is a handy feature that allows users to quickly and easily share files between iPhones, iPads and Macs.
AirDrop
allows you to wirelessly share photos, videos, contacts, documents, map locations, and more.

Minimum AirDrop requirements

For Airdrop to work, both devices (sender and receiver) must meet the following conditions:

  • Ensure that both devices are near each other. If not, move nearer.
  • If one of the devices is a Mac, ensure that it was launched in 2012 or later. In addition, make sure it is using the latest version of macOS (minimum OS requirement is OS X Yosemite). You can check which macOS your Mac is running by heading over to the Apple menu > About This Mac. You can check for updates if you go to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update.
  • If one of the devices is an iPhone or iPad, ensure that it is rrunning the latest version of the iOS or iPadOS (minimum iOS requirement is iOS 7). You can check which iOS your iPhone or iPad is running by heading over to Settings > General > About. To check for updates, simply head over to Settings > General > Software Update.
  • If one of the devices is an iPad or iPhone, ensure that Personal Hotspot on your iPhone or iPad is turned off. You can do this by heading over to Settings > Cellular or Settings > Personal Hotspot.
  • Ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on both devices. To turn on Bluetooth on the iPad or iPhone, simply head over to Settings > Bluetooth. Here is how you can
    troubleshoot Bluetooth on your Mac.
  • Alternatively, you can turn on Bluetooth on your Mac by clicking the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar.
  • Ensure that Wi-Fi is turned on. Check this article if your
    Wi-Fi won’t turn on
  • Finally, ensure that Do Not Disturb is disabled. On your iPhone or iPad, head over to Settings > Do Not Disturb and on your Mac click the Apple menu > System preferences > Notifications.

Be Discoverable in AirDrop

Ensure that your iPhone, iPad or Mac is discoverable to receive AirDrop. To check this, simply follow these steps:

  • On your Mac, head over to Finder and click Go and select Airdrop. Then check the ”Allow me to be discovered by” setting. If the “No One” option is selected change it to “Everyone” or “Contacts Only”.
  • In addition, on your Mac, adjust your Firewall settings. Head over to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Security & Privacy. Click the Firewall tab and ensure that “Block all incoming connections” is not selected.
  • On your iOS or iPadOS device, tap Settings > General > AirDrop. If the “Receiving Off” is selected, change it.

Troubleshoot AirDrop problems

Whenever I experience AirDrop problems, I do one of the following to fix the issue. Complete the steps below on both devices (sender and receiver). And lastly, after each step check to see it AirDrop starts working again:

  • Turn off Bluetooth and wait for about 20 seconds and then turn it back on. This is the first thing I do when AirDrop is not working, and almost always fix my problem.
  • Turn off Wi-Fi and wait for about 20 seconds and then turn it back on.
  • Turn on Airplane Mode and wait for about 20 seconds and then turn it back off.
  • Restart your device.
  • There could be a connection problem. You may want to reset your network settings. Please note, this will erase your network settings such as your Wi-Fi passwords. Simply follow these steps:
  • On your iPhone or iPad, head over to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
  • On your Mac, click the Apple menu > System Preferences > Network. And remove the Wi-Fi settings and then re-add.
Tag: AirDrop
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Cannot Reset Apple ID Security Questions? Fix it Here

by GeeksModo Staff

Are you getting this error when you try to reset your Apple ID security questions:

  • We don’t have sufficient information to reset your security questions.

If you cannot reset Apple ID security questions, this troubleshooting guide will show you how you can fix the issue. This problem can be very frustrating since you may not be able to buy Apps, Music, books etc until you can answer your security questions correctly. If you cannot remember, you can reset security questions for Apple ID.
To start off, it’s worth noting that you need to verify your identity successfully before you can reset your Apple ID security questions.

Apple
takes security very seriously, as any reputable company should. Apple uses security questions as an measure to provide an additional security layer, so that your data is secure.

How to reset security questions for Apple ID

Please follow these steps to reset security questions for Apple ID:

  1. Head over to iforgot.apple.com page
  2. Type in your Apple ID
  3. Hit Continue
  4. You will be asked some questions to verify your identity. Apple wants to prove that it is really you.
  5. Now, provide the answers to the questions
  6. Next, select “I need to reset my security questions”
  7. If you cannot verify your account, you may not be able to reset your Apple ID security questions and you may get the “Cannot reset security questions. We don’t have sufficient information to reset your security questions” message.

We don’t have sufficient information to reset your security questions. Apple ID

Please do the following if you get “We don’t have sufficient information to reset your security questions” message. Ask Apples’ Account Security team to reset your security questions for you. Simply follow these steps:

  1. Head over to the Apple ID support page. (Please note, Apple also offers
    live chat support)
  2. Click “Forgot Security Questions”
  3. Various help options will appear. Please note, these help options may vary depending on your region.

Please note, if you do not remember your answers, and if Apple team may authenticate your identity (they will ask you a number of questions), they may not be
able to help you. Because they also may not access your account. They may offer you a new Apple ID but it’s worth noting that you will lose all your previous purchases.

Also, you can change Apple ID security questions any time, if you think that your security questions are challenging to remember. If you want to do this, please follow these steps:

Change Apple ID security questions

  1. Head over to Apple ID account page
  2. Navigate to the Security section
  3. Now, click Edit
  4. Lastly, click Change questions
Tag: Apple ID
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Cannot Send or Receive Messages on Your Mac? Fix it Here

by GeeksModo Staff

A couple of users have stated that they are unable to send and /or receive text messages and iMessages on Mac. In this article, I’ll explain exactly how you can troubleshoot this issue.

Users have reported that when they attempt to send a message, they see a little red exclamation mark symbol next to my message, and they cannot resent it.

Using the Messages app on the
Mac,
you can easily send and/or receive SMS text messages (normal text messages) and iMessages (Apple’s messaging service).

Cannot send or receive messages on Mac? Fix

If you cannot send or receive messages on your Mac, here is how you can fix it:

1. Restart your Mac

To restart your Mac, click the Apple menu and select Restart.

2. Sign out and then sign back in

Simply launch Messages, then select Messages and Preferences from the Menu bar. The click Sign out. Then open the Messages app and sign in with your Apple ID.

3. Re-enable the iMessage in the message preferences

Launch the Messages preferences window and select the Accounts tab (Messages > Preferences), select iMessage (left list), Ensure that the checkbox “Enable this account” is checked, if not checked, check the box.

4. Ensure that your Mac is connected to the Internet.

Try to load a page on Safari to check your Internet connection. If you do not have an Internet connection, Consider trying some basic Wi-Fi troubleshooting tips such as restarting your Mac, Router, Wi-Fi spot and much more.

5. Check the date and time settings

You may not be able to send or receive messages on Mac because of your date and time settings. Here is how to fix this. Click Apple menu > System Preferences > and then Date & Time; select the Time Zone tab and the “Set date and time automatically” checkbox, if it is already selected, unselect and wait about 20 seconds and then reselect again. You may need to type in the admin password if the checkbox is dimmed.

6. Check your messages setting

On your Mac, Messages > Preferences > Accounts > iMessages Account; and on your iOS or iPadOS device > Settings > Messages > Send and Receive the account should be same.

7. Lock and unlock the Keychain on your Mac

If you still cannot send or receive messages on Mac, there could be a Keychain problem. Here is how you can fix this problem:

  • Open Keychain Access (Launchpad > Keychain Access) then click File and Lock Keychain “Login” and then head over to File > Unlock Keychain “Login”, if asked, type in your admin password. This will rebuild your Keychain Access which may fix the problem when Mac cannot send messages.

8. Force quit Messages app and then reopen it

To force quit Messages app on your Mac, simply follow these steps: Choose Force Quit from the Apple menu () in the upper-left corner of your screen.And then select Messages and click Force Quit. The re-open the Messages app.

9. Contact Apple support

If you still cannot send or receive messages on your Mac, please
contact Apple support.

Tag: iMessage
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How to Turn Off Two-Factor Authentication on iPhone?

by GeeksModo Staff

We get a vast number of questions from our readers wondering how two-factor authentication can be turned off. Apparently, two-factor authentication is annoying to some users. As such, they may have various concerns about wanting to turn off two-factor authentication on iPhone ; even though it helps enhance your account’s security by making it a lot more difficult for someone else to sign in to your Apple account.

In this article, I’ll explain exactly how to turn off two-factor authentication on iPhone. The main purpose of this article is simply to answer this question: Is it possible to disable two-factor authentication on apple devices? and if so, how can you do that?

See also:
Cannot Reset Apple ID Security Questions?

So, is there a way to turn off two factor authentication? The short answer is maybe but there is high possibility that you cannot. If you  already turned on this, you may turn it off within two weeks. Then you would be able to head over to the apple.com website and navigate to manage my account. You would be able to turn it off there, if it shows. To do this, please follow these steps:

  • Head over to
    appleid.apple.com
  • Now, type in your Apple ID and password and log in
  • Next, go to the Security section
  • Next on, click Edit
  • Finally, click “Turn off two-factor authentication” (if you do not see this, then you cannot turn this off).  Once you click, you will be asked to confirm: “If you turn off two-factor authentication on your iPhone, your account will be protected with only your password and security questions”. Hit Continue.

But if you cannot find the option to disable two-factor authentication on Apple ID, then it means it cannot be disabled.  As we mentioned above, it cannot be turned off after it has been on for two weeks or longer.  If this is the case, you cannot turn off this security feature. Apple does not allow it due to the following reason:
Your account is more secure when you use Two-factor authentication so that no-one else can access your account even if someone else knows your Apple ID password. And a lot of iOS and macOS features (iCloud Keychain, iCloud Messages etc) require this additional level of security.

Apple introduced the two-factor authentication feature in 2015 with iOS 9 and OS X 10.11 El Capitan.

Keep in mind, two-factor authentication and two-step verification  is NOT the same thing. They are different. Two-step verification is an older security method than two-factor authentication.

If you are using two-step verification, you CAN turn this off. Here’s how to turn off two-step verification on iPhone:

  • Head over to
    https://appleid.apple.com/
  • Now, type in your Apple ID and password to login
  • Next, find the “Security” section
  • Next on, click Edit
  • Finally, click “Two-Step Verification…” and then you will be asked to confirm. You’ll see a notification saying Turning-off two-step verification will make your account less secure. Are you sure you want to proceed? Click to confirm your decision and you are done.

Keep in mind, if your device is using
iOS 11
(or later) or
macOS High Sierra,
you will be automatically switched from two-step to two-factor.
And that covers everything on how to turn off two factor authentication on apple devices.

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How To Create an Apple ID Without Apple Device & Credit Card

by GeeksModo Staff

Getting an Apple ID is easy but creating an Apple ID without a credit card or any defined payment method is a little tricky. In this article, I’ll explain exactly how you can create an Apple ID without an Apple device. In addition, I’ll show you how to create an Apple ID without credit card.

Ever wonder how to download apps without credit card info? Apple provides an all-in-one account for all devices, emails, iCloud, to purchase songs, movies and TV Shows from the iTunes or Music/TV/Books Stores and to download and purchase all types of apps from the App Store on iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad and even on your Mac. You can create an Apple ID on your Mac, iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and your Apple ID will let you use and access all Apple services. But, can you create an Apple ID without an iPhone? The short answer is yes. You can set up Apple ID without iPhone. You just need a web browser. Also, note that you can set up an Apple ID without a credit card. This Apple ID will give you access to Pages, Numbers, and Keynote for iCloud.

Your new Apple ID will be your current email address. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to create an @icloud email address. For the @icloud email address, you need to create an Apple ID on a Mac, an iOS or iPadOS device.

How to create an Apple ID without an Apple device

Here’s how to create an Apple ID without an Apple device. Note, these steps will also apply if you want to set up an Apple Id without a credit card.

  1. On your PC computer, Android device, or non-Apple tablet; launch your favorite web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox etc).
  2. Now, head over to the Apple ID page: https://appleid.apple.com/.
  3. Next, click the “Create Your Apple ID” link.
  4. In the sign-up form, type in your name and password. Please provide all the necessary information that is required by Apple.
  • Your name, location and birthday in the correct fields.
  • type in your current email. This will be your Apple ID. Please provide a valid email. Apple will send a verification code to ensure that his email address belongs to you. It’s not possible to create an Apple ID without this code.
  • Password. Apple ID passwords are required to be at least 8 characters. Do not use easily guessed password such as 12345678. A strong password will prevent you from Apple ID scams.
  • Also, Apple will ask you to choose three security questions.  You will be asked to choose and answer 3 questions. Your answers will be used for password reset. You may be able to
    reset your security questions.
  • When finished, solve the captcha and hit Continue.
<li>After you click Continue, a popup will appear asking you to enter a verification code that Apple just sent to the email address you provided in the form. Check your email and enter the code. It’s worth noting, you have three hours to enter this code. The&nbsp;code will expire 3 hours after it was sent.</li>And there you go. Congratulations! You have successfully created an Apple ID without an Apple device and credit card.

You have now an Apple ID. You will be redirected to a page. This page allows you to manage your Apple ID.

If you want to use Pages, Numbers or Keynote, head over to icloud.com and sign in with your newly created Apple ID. This will let you create and open these type of documents. iCloud Drive will store your documents. This is similar to Google drive.

Since you do not have an Apple device (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, or Mac), your Apple ID account cannot be used to access Apple services such as
iMessage,
FaceTime,
App Store, Apple Music, and other Apple services.
And that covers everything on how to create an Apple ID without an Apple device and payment method. Now take time to share this article with your friends to teach them how to create an Apple ID without payment method and an Apple device.

Tag: Apple ID
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