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FaceTime Not Working on iPhone 13 Pro Max? Fix

by GeeksModo Staff

How to fix FaceTime problems on iPhone 13 Pro Max

Is FaceTime not Working on your iPhone 13 Pro Max? You are not alone! This article explains what you can do to troubleshoot FaceTime issues on iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Let’s get started.

Several users have reported that they are unable to start or join FaceTime video and audio calls on their iPhone 13 Pro Max. Further, they have said that they are being disconnected while they’re in the middle of a FaceTime call. If you’re facing these problems, don’t fret. In this article, we’ll walk you through the necessary steps to troubleshoot and hopefully fix FaceTime issues on iPhone 13 Pro Max for good.

If you’ve purchased a brand new iPhone 13 Pro Max, then you’ll be eager to test the best iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 pro tips and tricks as well as the best iOS 15 FaceTime tips and tricks that include the ability to blur your background using portrait mode on your iPhone while you’re on a call, better isolation of your voice when you’re talking, and, most importantly, the ability to FaceTime with Android and Windows users. But what if FaceTime is not working on your iPhone 13 Pro Max? This can be frustrating especially if you’re unable to figure out the reason why you’re experiencing FaceTime issues on your new phone.

If FaceTime is not working on iPhone 13 Pro Max, there may be many reasons why, some of which are out of your control.

Why is FaceTime not working on iPhone 13 Pro Max?

There could be several reasons why FaceTime isn’t working an your iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Here’s a list of reasons why FaceTime app is not working on your iPhone 13 Pro Max, and troubleshooting tips to try:

  • There is a FaceTime outage .
  • FaceTime and FaceTime audio calling are not available in your country, region, or by your carrier.
  • You are trying to use call forwarding with FaceTime.
  • You are trying to switch from a FaceTime call to a phone call (or a FaceTime audio call).
  • You are exceeding the group FaceTime limit of 32 participants.

If those aren’t the problem, you can start troubleshooting.

How to troubleshoot when FaceTime isn’t working on iPhone 13 Pro Max

Check your Wi-Fi connection

You need an internet connection (either via Wi-Fi or a cellular-data connection) to use FaceTime – if you’re not seeing a Wi-Fi signal where it usually appears, you may need to go into your settings and turn Wi-Fi off and then back on again. It’s also a good idea to restart your router and modem. To restart your router and modem, unplug them from the power outlet. Let them sit like that for 30 seconds before plugging them back in.

See also: How to Fix WiFi Issues on iPhone 13, Pro, Max, and mini

Make sure your cellular data is on

If you’re trying to connect via cellular data, make sure that’s switched on in your settings. Head over to Settings and tap Cellular . Make sure that Cellular Data is enabled at the top of the page. Then scroll down to the Cellular Data section, and make sure FaceTime is enabled for cellular use in the list of apps.

See also: iOS 15: Cellular Data Not Working On iPhone? Fix!

Check that FaceTime is turned on

Head over to Settings, tap FaceTime , and make sure that the toggle next to FaceTime is enabled. If you see a ” Waiting for activation ” notification, toggle FaceTime off and then on again.

If you aren’t seeing FaceTime at all, go from the Settings app to Screen Time, and then Content & Privacy Restrictions , followed by Allowed Apps . Then make sure both the camera and FaceTime are allowed by that device.

Make sure you’re signed in

To use FaceTime, you need to be signed in with your Apple ID or phone number. You can check this by going to your Settings on an iPhone and making sure that below the FaceTime toggle, your phone number or Apple ID is listed.

Check Apple Servers

Sometimes even Apple servers go down. So it’s a good idea to check in with Apple’s System Status to see if there are any on-going service issues with FaceTime and associated services like iMessage and iCloud.

Check date And Time

If the time and date on your iPhone are wrong, it may cause problems with FaceTime. We recommend that you set the date and time automatically if FaceTime keeps failing on your iPhone 13 Pro Max. Most of us do this anyway, but you should make sure it’s enabled in the settings on your iPhone. To check and set it, go to Settings > General > Date and Time. Then, choose Set Automatically.

Restart IPhone

Sometimes a quick restart can fix issues like apps not working. This advice is the same for when FaceTime isn’t working on iPhone 13 Pro Max. It’s best to close all your apps first to make sure you don’t lose any unsaved progress and to ensure they start fresh after restarting. You can restart your iPhone by going to settings > General > shut down. Wait until the phone turns off completely. Leave it off for at least 30 seconds before you turn it back on.

Check for iOS update

Certain firmware versions of iOS may have wireless connectivity issues that could prevent you from using FaceTime properly. This is more likely to happen if you’re on a public or developer beta version of iOS, but Apple usually issues a hotfix with another update. So, make sure your iPhone is running the latest iOS version by going to Settings > General > Software Update. If you do have a pending update, you’ll be notified here and you can tap on “Install Now” to begin the update process.

Check The Blocked List

If have a problem when using FaceTime on iPhone 13 Pro Max, make sure you’ve not blocked particular phone number. Head to Settings > FaceTime > Blocked contacts. See if the contacts you are trying to FaceTime with are listed here or not.

Reset Network Settings

If you find FaceTime not working on iPhone 13 Pro Max, the issue may be related to network settings. However, this can be easily resolved by resetting your network settings. Be mindful that you’ll lose your saved Bluetooth connections, Wi-Fi networks and passwords once you reset these settings. To do this, head over to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

If you’re still having issues, it could be that the person you’re trying to call is experiencing issues, like a weak Wi-Fi connection. Double-check this by trying to FaceTime someone else. Or if your network is behind a firewall, you might have to ask your administrator to enable the necessary ports to let FaceTime work.

It’s also likely that you’re trying to contact someone who lives in a country where FaceTime is unavailable or their devices aren’t updated yet. There’s also a slim chance that the person you’re attempting to start a FaceTime call with has switched to a non-Apple device.

You might also want to contact Apple Support or figure out how to talk to a live person at Apple for further assistance and try to resolve the problem at the earliest.

You might also want to check out:

FaceTime not Working on iPhone 13 Pro Max: Fixed

We hope you managed to fix any issues you were facing with FaceTime on iPhone 13 Pro Max. Have you experienced FaceTime problems on your iPhone 13 Pro Max? If yes, which of the troubleshooting methods we discussed in this article worked for you? Did you find another solution? Share your experience in the comments section down below.

Tag: FaceTime
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How to Make FaceTime Conference Calls: Quick Start Guide

by GeeksModo Staff

In this article, I’ll explain exactly how you can set up and make FaceTime conference calls (also called group calls) on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Mac. A conference
call refers to an audio or video call in which 3 or more participants converse at the same time. And you can do this using your iPhone, iPad or Mac
without buying extra software or tools. It is pretty simple and straightforward.

FaceTime Conference Call Requirements

  • You can conference call up to 31 people, 32 if you include yourself on FaceTime.
  • All of the participants need to have an Apple device:
    • iPhone 6s or newer, iPad Pro or newer, iPad Air 2 or newer, iPad mini 4 or newer, iPad (5th generation) or newer, or iPod touch (7th generation) or newer,
      running iOS 12.1.4 or higher, or iPadOS. To check your software version and update your device, head over to Settings > General > Software Update.
    • Mac computers running macOS Mojave 10.14.3 or higher. To check your macOS version, click the Apple menu and About This Mac.
  • Obviously, all participants should have FaceTime on their devices. If you deleted the app, you canget it from the App Store.
  • Other users including Android users, Windows users, etc cannot participate.

How to make FaceTime conference call on iPhone,iPad or iPod Touch

You can make FaceTime conference call in two ways :

  • You can start a call from the FaceTime app.
  • You can also start a call from the Messages app.

How to make FaceTime conference call using the FaceTime app

Here is how to make FaceTime conference call using the FaceTime app:

  • Launch the FaceTime app.
  • Tap the (+) add icon (located in the top-right-hand corner of the screen).
  • This new screen will read “New FaceTime”. In the “To:” field, start typing the participants, you can enter names, numbers or emails. If you tap the
    (+) add icon in the “To:” field, you can add participants right from your contacts.
  • As you type, iOS will provide you with a list of suggested participants. You will notice that some contacts will appear in blue while others will appear in gray. Only
    the blue contacts can be added. Blue contacts is an indication that their devices and software support conference FaceTime.
  • As we’ve already pointed out, you can add up to 32 participants at a go.
  • When you are finished adding participants, initiate the conference call by tapping either the audio or video button.

How to make FaceTime conference call using the Messages app

Here is how to make FaceTime conference call using messages app

  • Launch the Messages app on your Apple device.
  • Create a
    group message:

    • Tap the new message icon which is located in the upper right corner of the screen. Open an existing group conversation.
      New message
    • Type in participants in the “To:” field. You can also tap the add button to add participants right from your contact list.
  • At the top of the conversation lists, you will see avatars, tap on it.
  • And then tap the FaceTime icon.

How to answer a conference call

So someone has given you a FaceTime conference call. Here is how you can answer it on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch:

  • You will get a notification.
  • Now, tap the notification to answer or decline a call.
  • Also, you can join the call from the Messages app and FaceTime app.

How to make a FaceTime conference call on Mac

You can also start a conference FaceTime call on your Mac. Just like the iPhone and iPad, you can use the Messages app to start a call. You can
only use the FaceTime app to make the call. Here is how to make a FaceTime conference call on Mac:

  • Launch the FaceTime app on your Mac.
  • Type in the names, emails or numbers of people you want to call on the search field.
  • You can add up to 32 participants.
  • Finally, tap the Video or Audio button to start your FaceTime conference call.

Use Messages on your Mac

  • On your Mac, launch the Messages app.
  • Click on the group message.
  • Now, click on Details.
  • Finally, click the video or phone button to start your audio or video conference call.

How to answer a conference call on your Mac

So you’ve received a conference call on your Mac?

  • You will get a notification.
  • Use the notification to answer (or decline) the call.
  • You can also answer a call in the Messages app.
  • You can also answer in the FaceTime app.

FaceTime conference calls not working? fix:

  • See this article if group FaceTime is not working.
  • On your Apple device, ensure that you’ve enabled FaceTime. You can check this by heading over to Settings > FaceTime.
  • Restart your Apple device.
  • Ensure that your camera and microphone are working (Check out this article if your
    Mac’s microphone is not working).
  • Ensure that your Apple device is running the latest software version:

      • iPhone or iPad: Head over to Settings > General > Software Update.

    • macOS: Click the Apple menu and go to System Preferences > Software Update.
    • Make sure that your Apple device is connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network. Here is how you can troubleshoot your connection problems:
    • Make sure that Date & Time settings are correct:
      • iPhone or iPad: Head over to Settings > General > Date & Time and then enable Set Automatically.
      • macOS: Click the Apple menu, go to System Preferences > Date & Time > and then check the “set date and time automatically” box. You will need to click the
        lock icon and type in your password for your changes to take effect.
    Tag: FaceTime
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    No Service Error on iPhone? Check The Fix

    by GeeksModo Staff

    Service errors are among the most common and frustrating problems
    iPhone users will encounter.
    Not only do they prevent you from using your phone, but much like a check engine light, there’s often quite confusing.

    The good news is that no service error on iPhone is usually pretty easy to fix. Most service problems can be traced back to a series of basic issues that
    you can easily resolve by following a few troubleshooting steps.

    So here are step-by-step instructions for how to fix no service error on iPhone.

    Make Sure You’re in A Cellular Area

    To start off, ensure that you can receive cell data. Being out of a cellular area is actually one of the most
    common causes of no service error on iPhone. Thankfully, this is one of the easiest problems to fix. 

    To see if that’s what’s causing your connection problems, please follow these steps. 

    1. Go to “Settings” and tap on Cellular or Mobile Data. This may also just say Cellular Data. 

    Doing so will ensure that data reception is enabled. If you’re in an international place, you may need to turn on roaming for you to receive a signal. to
    do this, follow these steps:

    1. Launch the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
    2. Tap on “Cellular” and “Cellular Data Options”
    3. Here, turn on “Data Roaming” 

    See alsoiPhone connected to Wi-Fi but no internet? Fix

    There’s a high chance that one of the above troubleshooting tips will fix no service error on iPhone. If they don’t, try the next troubleshooting solutions
    we’ve listed below. 

    Restart Your Device

    You’re probably tired of hearing this troubleshooting trick over and over, but the simplest solution is sometimes the best. 

    If you’ve been encountering no service error on iPhone, you may just need to restart your device. Just manually restart it by holding your volume button until you see the
    power option. 

    After you’ve restarted your iPhone, check to see if your device can automatically connect to a network or try to manually connect to a new network. 

    Search for Carrier Updates For Service Errors

    Failing to download the latest Carrier updates is another fairly common cause of no service error on iPhone (and most other errors for that matter). Simply follow these steps to check if errors are caused
    by outdated software:

    1. Make sure that your iPhone is connected to either WiFi or cellular data. This is why you may want to try this fix before you experience
      service errors. 
    2. Launch the Settings app and go to General then About. Here, you should be notified if an update is available. If it is available, download it. If it’s not available,
      then your device is running the most up-to-date version of the software. 

    See alsoWi-Fi keeps disconnecting from your iPhone? Fix

    Remove Your SIM Card

    This is something of a final effort to fix no service error on iPhone, but it might just be the one that will do the trick. 

    Many service error messages are simply due to loose SIM card. Thankfully, it’s pretty easy to remove a SIM Card from iPhone. Simply follow these steps:

    1. Identify the SIM tray. On newer iPhone models, the SIM card is located on the right side of the device. The SIM trays of some older iPhone models may be placed on the bottom,
      though. 
    2. Grab a paper clip or SIM ejection tool. 
    3. Insert the pointed end of a paper clip or SIM ejection tool into the hole next to the SIM tray. This should eject the tray out of your iPhone. 
    4. Re-adjust the SIM card to make sure that it’s resting properly on the tray. You want to make sure it’s secure, but don’t apply too much
      pressure on it. 
    5. Slide the tray back into your iPhone. Again, don’t exert too much pressure as you might end up damaging the tray or knocking the card loose. 

    Reset Your Network Settings

    This is yet another extreme solution so far as troubleshooting goes. , but, it doesn’t hurt giving it a try.

    Before you reset your iPhone’s network settings, make sure you have your Wi-Fi password handy. Performing a reset will cause you to lose saved information such as Wi-Fi networks, cellular information, and some network related passwords.
    The above information will not be lost permanently, but you will be required to type in some passwords or network information again. 

    When you are ready, then you just need to follow the steps below:

    1. Start the Settings app on your iPhone
    2. Go to General and then Reset
    3. Tap Reset Network Settings and follow the onscreen prompts

    After you’ve finished, your iPhone will automatically connect to a cellular network. Alternatively, you could try connecting manually to your Wi-Fi network. You may
    also want to try some of the above fixes again in order to see if they work for you now.

    See alsoCellular Not Working on iPhone? Fix

    Tag: Wi-Fi
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    Mac Connected to Wi-Fi but no Internet access? Fix

    by GeeksModo Staff

    When you wanted to visit a website, your browser (like Safari) won’t load the site, instead, says:

    Failed to open page. You are not connected to the Internet. This page can’t be displayed because your computer is currently offline.

    This problem is very common: Your Mac does not connect to the Internet. Because there’s no working Internet connection. You check the status of your wireless
    network connection, and it shows that your Mac is currently connected to Wi-Fi. However, you cannot get online?

    It’s very important to fix this problem because unless it is fixed, webpages in Safari or other browsers will not open. In addition, other Internet apps (FaceTime, Mail, Messages,
    App Store) will not work.

    In this article, I’m going to tell you exactly what you can do to fix when your Mac is connected to your Wi-Fi network but has no Internet access.
    See alsoiPhone connected to Wi-Fi but no internet? fix

    Mac Wi-Fi Connected But No Internet Access? Fix

    This problem can be caused by a couple of things. Please try the fixes below in order. Test your Mac between steps to see if
    the Internet access is working again. After each step, use a web browser to connect to any site of your choice.

    1. Determine what the problem is

    First of all, let’s try to figure out the issue. You need to answer a few questions:

    • Does this problem occur with more than one Wi-Fi device? Answering this is important because your Internet problem may be linked to a particular network
      or it may be linked to your Mac.

    try connecting to the same Wi-Fi network using another device such as iPhone, iPad or your friend’s smartphone.

    • If the Internet is working as expected on other devices, meaning if other devices successfully connects to the Wi-Fi network, your Mac is the culprit.
    • If internet is not working on other devices as well, there could be an issue with your Wi-Fi router/modem or Internet service provider.
    • If you cannot conduct this test meaning you have no other devices, you can try connecting your Mac to a different Wi-Fi network (like at
      your friend’s house), if your Mac can connect to the Internet, it means there is a problem with your Wi-Fi network.

    If other devices can connect to the Internet successfully, then you can conclude that your Wi-Fi router is fine.

    2. Restart your modem/router

    If your router and modem are separate devices, try restarting both of them. There could be a router problem especially if the Internet doesn’t work on your other
    devices, like your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch etc. Please follow these steps:

    • Disconnect your router and modem (disconnect the power cable).
    • Wait for about 30 seconds.
    • Now, plug your router and modem back in (connect back the power cable) (first your modem and then your router).
    • Wait for about 1 minute and check if your Mac can connect to the Internet.

    Additionally:

    • Update your Wi-Fi router to the latest firmware. Get in touch with the manufacturer for help.
    • Ensure that your Mac is close to your router. Ensure that you are within range so that you get a good signal. Poor wireless strength can
      cause these types of issues.
    • Inspect all your cables and connections. Make sure that everything is plugged in correctly. Additionally, ensure that your cables are not broken , cut,
      or damaged. You may experience a problem if your cables are loose or disconnected. Make sure that all the cables are firmly plugged in. Unplug and plug them back in.

    3. Internet service

    There could be a problem at the provider’s end, Contact your cable company or Internet provider. There are two likelihoods:

    • There could be a service outage in your location.
    • There could be problems with your account. For instance, there is a possibility that your service may have been suspended for some reason.

    If you’re using a Wi-Fi network at a company, learning institution, hotel, store, airport, coffee shop, etc, ask an employee for help.

    4. Wi-Fi recommendations

    If your Mac is running macOS Siera or higher, it’ll check for issues when you want to connect to the Internet over Wi-Fi. If macOS detects any issues,
    you will see a new item saying “Wi-Fi Recommendations” in the Wi-Fi status menu bar, when you click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar. Choose this to get the recommendations.
    If this option is not available, then macOS didn’t detect any issues.

    5. Restart your Mac

    Turning your Mac off and on may fix your problem if your Mac Wi-fi is not working. To restart your Mac, simply choose Restart from the Apple menu.
    Now check to see if your problem has been resolved. Wi-Fi not working on Mac? Try the next solution.

    6. Reset network setting on Mac

    Try to forget the Wi-Fi network. Before you restart network on MacOS, ensure that you have your
    Wi-Fi password
    handy. Please follow these steps to reset network settings on Mac:

    1. Go to System Preferences from the Apple menu.
    2. Now, click Network.
    3. You will see a list on the left. Select Wi-Fi.
    4. Next, choose Advanced.
    5. Go to the Wi-Fi tab.
    6. Here, choose the Wi-Fi network that you wish your Mac to forget.
    7. Click the remove button (–) and confirm your decision.
    8. Now, hit Ok and Apply.

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

    7. Apple’s Wireless Diagnostic

    You can use the Wireless Diagnostics feature to analyze your Wi-Fi connection. More specifically, the feature will analyze your wireless environment and configuration helping you identify and resolve your Wi-Fi issues. Please follow these steps to use the Wireless Diagnostics tool:

    1. Quit all apps and connect to the Wi-Fi network (yes we know Mac internet is not working).
    2. Press and hold down the Option (Alt) key.
    3. While holding down the Option (Alt) key, click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar.
    4. You’ll see a new menu item, click Open Wireless Diagnostics.
    5. Now, hit Continue. If asked, type in your admin password.
    6. Wireless Diagnostics will run. You may need to wait a few minutes.

    8. Update your Software

    Ensure that your Mac is running the latest version of macOS.
    Please follow these steps to update your Mac:

    • To update macOS Mojave or later: Launch System Preferences and go to Software Update. And if there is an update available, follow the onscreen prompts to download and install the update.
    • To update macOS High Sierra or older: launch the App Store on your Mac. Then go to the Updates tab. And follow the onscreen prompts to download and install the update.

    9. Date and Time settings

    Ensure that the date and time on your Mac are correct. Please follow these steps:

    1. Click the Apple menu and go to System Preferences.
    2. Click Date & Time.
    3. If the date and time are incorrect, Update. Check to make sure the closest city is correct. You can make changes by selecting the lock icon.
    4. Also, you can enable Set Automatically by ticking the “set date and time automatically” box.

      5. 10. Renew DHCP Lease

      Doing so may resolve Mac wi-fi issues. This will force your Mac to renew your current IP address from the DHCP server. Please follow these steps:

      1. Go to System Preferences.
      2. Click Network.
      3. Click Wi-Fi.
      4. Choose the name of your wi-fi.
      5. Now, click Advanced.
      6. Click the TCP/IP tab located at the top of the screen.
      7. Finally, click “Renew DHCP Lease”.

      11. Reset your SMC, PRAM or NVRAM

      Please follow these steps to reset your SMC, PRAM or NVRAM on your Mac. Doing so is worth a try.

    • Reset PRAM or NVRAM: Turn off your Mac: Go to Apple Menu and then click Shut Down. Then, power on your Mac and immediately press and hold down the Option, Command, P, and R keys
      together. Hold down these keys for about 20 seconds. And then let go off the keys.
    • Reset SMC.

    12. Delete Preference Files

    Deleting all preference wireless setting plist files may help you fix wi-fi connectivity issues on Mac. Please follow these steps:

    1. Turn off Wi-Fi.
    2. Launch Finder on your Mac.
    3. Click Go and head over to Folder (or press Command+Shift+G).
    4. Type in the following:
      • /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/
      • Locate the files listed below:
        • com.apple.airport.preferences.plist
        • com.apple.network.identification.plist
        • com.apple.wifi.message-tracer.plist
        • NetworkInterfaces.plist
        • preferences.plist
      • Now, create a folder and put them to this folder (so you will have these files so you can put them back in case you are not satisfied with the result).
        Or you can directly put them to the Trash. And empty the Trash.
      • Now restart your Mac.
      • And turnWi-Fi on and try to connect to the Internet.

    Also, you may want to
    reset the network settings on your Mac.

    13. Apple support

    Are you still experiencing wi-fi connectivity issues on Mac? You may want to
    contact Apple Support.
    The following are available Apple support options:

    See alsoWi-Fi keeps disconnecting from your iPhone? fix

    Tag: Wi-Fi
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    Microphone Not Working In macOS? Check the Fix

    by GeeksModo Staff

    In this article, I’ll tell you exactly what you can do if Microphone is not working on Mac as expected. You may face various sound issues. For
    instance,
    Siri may not be able to detect your voice
    ; other people may not be able to hear you during a FaceTime call or you may not be able to record audio. The cause of the above issues may be the microphone.

    The microphone is an integral part of your Mac. Several apps you use and several sites you visit can use the microphone on your Mac to capture or
    record sound. If microphone is not working on Mac correctly, these sites and apps will be unusable.

    Configure the microphone settings

    On your Mac, head over 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.

    Restart your Mac

    Restarting your Mac can resolve microphone issues. It’s always a good idea to restart your Mac to see if your problem is fixed. To restart your Mac, head over to Apple menu > Restart.

    Check app permissions

    Mac microphone not working with Zoom, Skype, or Teams? Well, If you are experiencing a microphone issue when you are trying to use a specific app, You cancontrol microphone permission on Mac. Here is how you can control access to your Microphone on Mac:

    • Give microphone permission Mac: Click Apple menu > System Preferences, click Security & Privacy, then click Privacy.
    • Click on Microphone (left menu).
    • And check the box next to an app (For example Zoom).

    If giving permissions does not fix your issue, and if you are having microphone issues for specific apps, such as Zoom, Teams or Skype, there is a likelihood that the app itself
    is faulty. If this is the case, please try the following:

    • If the app has a microphone or sound settings, check these settings and make sure that they are configured properly.
    • Delete the app from your Mac and then reinstall it.
    • Contact the app developer.

    Enable dictation

    Turning on Dictation will cause your Mac to download specific audio drivers which may fix your problem. Here is how you can turn on voice dictation on Mac:

    • On your Mac, launch System Preferences.
    • Now, click Keyboard.
    • Next, click the Dictation tab.
    • Finally, click On Enable Dictation to confirm.

    Reset PRAM

    Resetting PRAM (or NVRAM) may fix microphone issues on your Mac. Your Mac stores a couple of settings in PRAM. One of the settings is sound. Therefore, resetting this may resolve your problem.
    Here is how to reset PRAM on your Mac:

    • Shut down your Mac.
    • Power on your Mac and immediately press and hold down the Option, Command, P, and R keys together.
    • Hold down these keys for approximately 20 seconds.
    • Now, release the keys, your Mac will restart.

    After doing so, a couple of settings such as your sound volume, display resolution settings will be deleted. Once you do so, you may need to
    Head over to System Preferences and adjust your settings.

    Restart your Mac in Safe Mode.

    Safe Mode performs certain checks that may fix microphone issues on your Mac. Here is how to restart your Mac in Safe Mode:

    • Shut down your Mac.
    • Power on your Mac and immediately press and hold down the Shift key until the login screen appears.
    • Login. You may want to type in your password a couple of times.
    • Your Mac will start in Safe Mode. Is your microphone working now?
    • In any case (working or not working), restart your Mac without pressing any keys.
    • Your Mac will exit Safe Mode.
    • Does your Microphone work now? If not, try the next solution.

    So non of the above troubleshooting tips fixed your problem? You could be having a hardware problem. You can
    make a Genius Bar reservation
    and take your Mac to Apple to check.

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    iPhone 13 Charging Slowly? How To Speed Up Your Charging

    by GeeksModo Staff

    Is your iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Pro Charging Slowly? Here’s how To Speed Up Your Charging.

    In most cases, your iPhone 13 shouldn’t take very long to charge, even if the battery is significantly drained. iPhone 13 is designed to hold a charge for a long time, and the recharge stage shouldn’t be too time-consuming. If your iPhone 13 seems to be taking longer than it should to charge, then there are some different things that could be causing it. There are also several possible solutions to your iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Pro charging slowly.

    Believe it or not, there is even better news. It turns out that charging your iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Pro much faster is not a difficult process. Actually, you can drastically improve your charging time by following the tips described below.

    Without any further ado, here is how to fast charge your iPhone 12 13 or iPhone 13 Pro:

    iPhone 13 charging slowly? Don’t Engage in Any Phone Activity While Charging

    If your iPhone 13 is charging slowly, you should avoid doing anything with the iPhone while it is charging if you want the process to go quicker. Don’t make phone calls, text with anyone, play games, etc. while waiting for the battery to return to maximum power. Some individuals are practically addicted to their phones, but find something else to do while the phone is charging. That’s a sure way to get it back to full-battery status faster.

    iPhone 13 Charging Slowly? Buy a powerful power adapter

    Along with the fast charging cable that came with your iPhone 13, you’ll need a special charging block, because what’s an Apple product without a bunch of peripherals? It’s a 20-watt adapter with a USB-C port, rather than the usual USB-A port. If you’re just looking to fast charge an iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Pro, then the $29 official 20-watt USB-C power adapter is all you need.

    If you have a newer MacBook, then you may also already have a power adapter that can handle all your fast-charging needs. Many MacBooks — specifically, 2015 models and newer — use USB-C-compatible charging blocks, and you can use one of these to fast charge your iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Pro when combined with the USB-C to Lightning cable. The most common is the official 30W USB-C power adapter, and it can easily pull double-duty if required.

    If you’re rocking a MacBook Pro, then you might have a charger that’s even more powerful than the 29W or 30W varieties, and Apple has confirmed that even the 61W and 87W versions are safe to use with your iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Pro. Remember, the amount of power used is regulated by your iPhone, so it will never draw more than it can handle and damage itself — and the charger can’t force your phone to accept a wattage that’s too high for it to handle.

    Note: If you’re buying an adapter just for fast charging, there’s no need to buy an adapter stronger than 20W; iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro can only handle a 20W charge, so a more powerful charger would just cost more money and not offer any extra benefits. However, it would add future-proofing, if you’re worried about that.

    iPhone 13 Charging Slowly? Turn off optimized Battery charging

    To charge your iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Pro to 100% quicker, open up the Settings app, head to the Battery Health section, then toggle off the Optimized Battery Charging switch. That seems counterintuitive, but it really works — here’s why.

    Turns out, it’s actually not all that healthy for your phone’s battery to continuously charge straight to 100%, and sit at 100%, all of the time. According to Apple, batteries can age more or less depending on factors like charging patterns and temperature — and the more they age, the less charge they can actually hold. Leaving your phone at 100% on a charger for hours and hours on end accelerates that degradation. In other words, the real-world effects of quickly charging your battery and leaving it at 100% over and over again are actually tangible. Even if that impact won’t be felt for a year or two into the phone’s life.

    Use this feature sparingly — but when you need it, it’s wonderful to have the option.

    iPhone 13 Charging Slowly? Turn on airplane mode temporarily

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

    Consequently, if you reside in a location with a poor signal, charging your iPhone takes longer than if you live in an area with a strong signal — the signal is eating through your power as you charge.
    The quick solution? Put your iPhone in Airplane Mode before you plug it in. Testing suggests it could reduce the amount of time needed for a full charge by as much as 25 percent.

    Also, it probably makes sense that you should charge your iPhone 13 with it turned off. After all, if your iPhone is not running anything, it can just charge faster. However, there are times when you want to charge your iPhone with it turned on.

    For those moments, you can always enable airplane mode.
    While this method is not as effective as turning it off completely, it will reduce the load on your iPhone 13 and make it charge much faster.

    iPhone 13 Charging Slowly? Turn Your device Off

    Simple, obvious, but often overlooked. If your iPhone 13 is switched off while it’s charging, it’s going to charge a lot faster. Nothing will be drawing on the battery while you fill it up.

    iPhone 13 Charging Slowly? Do not use a wireless charger

    We hear you: Wireless chargers are one of the smartest ways to charge your iPhone. Unfortunately, they are also one of the least effective ways to quickly charge your iPhone 13.

    Basically, you really should only be using a wireless charger if no better option is available. It won’t hurt your phone in the long run to use one, but if you want to charge your iPhone 13 faster, this is the only method to avoid.

    iPhone 13 Charging Slowly? Charge your device from a wall outlet, not from your computer

    Here is another one of those unfortunate facts that keeps you from charging your iPhone 13 faster.

    As tempting as it is to charge your iPhone from your desktop or laptop, it will never be as fast as charging from direct power source. Your iPhone can take advantage of a much stronger and more consistent power source.
    Typically, non-wall socket USB ports only produce a power output of 0.5A. Wall socket charging usually produce 1A (depending on your device). There’s nothing wrong with receiving a lower amperage — it won’t damage your iPhone — but you’ll definitely be twiddling your thumbs for a lot longer.
    When you connect this method to a USB-C charger and turn off your iPhone 13, you’ll get the fastest charging times possible.

    iPhone 13 Charging Slowly? Remove your phone case

    The idea of removing your iPhone case while charging your iPhone probably sounds like a very bad idea. However, there is very real information that supports this idea.

    Basically, your iPhone gets a little hotter when you have a case. When you charge it with your case on, it gets very hot. Not only is that generally dangerous, but excessive heat can cause your iPhone to slow down or start the charging process.

    It may sound tedious to remove your phone case every time, but again this is for those who really want to optimize their iPhone charging.

    iPhone 13 still Charging Slowly? Charge your iPhone at least once a month with an empty battery

    You’ve probably heard that it’s best to drain your iPhone’s battery before charging it. That’s generally true, but it’s also a bit misleading.

    Instead, you can use your overall charging time to make your iPhone “die” even once a month, even before it’s fully charged. Why? Well, it helps battery maintenance to keep it running through a natural cycle. In general, the healthier your battery is, the faster it will charge.

    iPhone 13 Charging Slowly? Clean the charging port

    We’ve talked about this before regarding cleaning your iPhone, but you should actually clean the charging port of your iPhone 13 regularly for proper maintenance.

    If you try to charge your iPhone 13 with a dirty port, you may experience delay issues due to an incorrect connection. Moreover, you can cause damage to essential charging components if your charging port is too dirty for too long.

    What Charging Tips Do You Have?

    I’ve introduced you to nine ways to charge your iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Pro faster. If you work through the tips methodically, you can save time charging your iPhone.
    I’d love to know what else you’d add to this list. Have you found an iOS setting that considerably alters the amount of time it takes to recharge your battery? Do you know about a gadget your fellow readers can buy to make the charging process easier?
    Now that you’ve fixed slow charging on iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro, check out Tips and tricks to improve iOS 15 battery life

    Tags: Battery, iPhone Tips
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    Turn off moving faces in Group FaceTime video calls

    by GeeksModo Staff

    The use ofvideo conferencing is becoming the order of the day. Almost every company out there, including WhatsApp, Google Duo, Microsoft Teams, etc., is expanding their video calling platform with new features and tweaks. Among them,FaceTime seems to be the the most preferred option for iPhone users. And why not? It’s easy to set up, offers plenty of features, and up to 32 people can join a group video call on FaceTime.

    During group FaceTime video calls, Apple enlarges the tile of the person speaking to the meetup. This feature is known as Automatic Prominence, and Apple does this to highlight the speaker. While useful for small group video calling, some may find the behavior annoying when several people are speaking at the same time. With the release of iOS 13.5, Apple has added an option to disable the Automatic Prominence feature in FaceTime. Here are the steps to turn off moving faces in the FaceTime group.

    Disable moving faces in FaceTime group

    Step-1: Start the Settings app on the iPhone.

    Step-2: Go to General -> Software Update and update to iOS 13.5.

    Step-3: After a successful update, start the Settings app on your iPhone and go to the FaceTime app.

    Step-4: In the FaceTime settings, you will see the Speaking option under the Automatic prominence menu.

    Step-5: Uncheck the Speak option and it will disable moving faces in a Group FaceTime video call.

    The contagious Coronavirus has forced us all to stay at home. But you can still keep in touch with your colleagues by trying some of the best video conferencing apps on your iPhone and iPad. Social distancing and self-quarantine are the order of the day, but work and communication need not stop.
    See alsobest video conferencing apps for iPhone and iPad
    Have you disabled the Automatic speak option in the Settings menu? Sound off in the comment section below.

    Tag: iPhone Tips
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    How to disable Battery Health Management on your MacBook

    by GeeksModo Staff

    With the release ofmacOS Catalina 10.15.5, Apple has introduced a new Battery Health management feature for macOS. Similar to what is already found in iOS, this feature aims to extend the life of your MacBook by reducing its wear.

    Most people use their MacBooks for up to 5 years or even longer. The battery is usually the first to be used on older MacBooks, as the hardware is usually good enough to survive five years of intensive use. While it is possible to replace the battery on MacBooks, most consumers usually don’t because it is expensive. With the new Battery Health management feature in macOS Catalina 10.15.5, Apple hopes to extend the battery life of MacBooks depending on a person’s usage.

    How does Battery Health Management work in macOS Catalina?

    The Battery Health management feature in macOS Catalina 10.15.5 analyzes the usage and charging habits of your MacBook and automatically prevents it from being charged to 100% when deemed necessary. A battery that is always 100% charged and connected is not good for its life, which is why Apple introduced this feature. Many MacBook owners use their machine as a desktop replacement, which means it is almost always plugged into a power source. In such cases, the Battery Health management feature prevents your MacBook from charging to 100%, thereby extending battery life.

    Enabling Battery Health management does not mean that your MacBook will stop charging the battery to 100%. The feature first analyzes your usage patterns and then makes adjustments accordingly. If you have a very erratic schedule or are always on the go, consider disabling the Battery Health Management feature as it won’t help you much. However, if you’re always near a power source and want to extend the battery life of your MacBook, keep this feature turned on.

    Compatible MacBooks

    All MacBook and MacBook Pro models with a Thunderbolt 3 port and launched on or after 2016 support the Battery Health Management feature. This means that all MacBooks and MacBook Pro models launched in or after 2016 are compatible with this feature. Older non-battery powered MacBooks and Macs are not compatible with this feature.

    Battery Health Management is enabled by default when you update your MacBook to macOS 10.15.5. However, if you get a new MacBook out of the box with macOS Catalina 10.15.5, you will need to enable the Battery Health Management feature manually.

    How to disable Battery Health Management on your MacBook

    Step-1: Head over to System Preferences -> Energy Saver on your MacBook running macOS Catalina 10.15.5.

    Step-2: Click on the “Battery Health” option located at the bottom of the window.

    Step-3: In the dialog box that appears, you have the option to disable the battery health management feature. You must click ‘Disable’ again to confirm your selection.

    What do you think of the Battery Health management feature of macOS Catalina 10.15.5? Leave a comment and let us know!

    See also optimized battery charging not working on iPhone? Fix

    Tag: Battery
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    iPhone SE (2020) Review: a classic design and state of the art performance gives me the best of both worlds

    by Tyler Stephen

    Intro

    Since 2016, I had used an iPhone 7 as my daily driver. For me, at the time, the improved water resistance, capacitive home button, faster Touch ID sensor, and strong performance gains were a compelling upgrade from my two-year-old iPhone 6.

     

    In the proceeding years, however, I began to feel like the iPhone, and other smartphones, were stagnating, iterating less and less each year. For example, in 2017, Apple introduced the iPhone 8 with a faster A11 Bionic chip, an improved camera, and a glass back to support wireless charging. At the same presentation, they introduced the iPhone X, which was largely regarded to resemble the future of the iPhone.

     

    With its edge to edge OLED display, no home button, Face ID, and a dramatically improved camera, many users viewed the iPhone X as a refreshing change to the core iPhone design. However, neither the iPhone 8 nor iPhone X felt particularly compelling to me as a blind iPhone 7 owner at the time. For one thing, the iPhone 8 seemed like merely an incremental upgrade, and I had several concerns with the new design of the iPhone X.

     

    I would eventually learn that Apple had indeed come up with alternative VoiceOver gestures to replicate the functions of the home button, and that Face ID was generally usable even if you couldn’t see or look at the camera, if not as convenient or reliable as Touch ID. However, similar to the addition of the Touch Bar on the MacBook Pro, I viewed the experience of Face ID as a VoiceOver user as neither a step forward nor a step backward, but an expensive step sideways at best.

     

    I figured that eventually, either my iPhone 7 would stop working or the A10 Fusion chip would reach end-of-life status, necessitating an upgrade. However, as the years past, and the iPhone XS followed by the iPhone 11 were released, I kept hearing rumblings from various Apple rumor sites about an iPhone SE revival. Sure, at any given time, numerous rumors concerning upcoming Apple products float around the Internet with no way for me to independently verify their veracity, but the consistency of the chatter and the chorus of seemingly reliable sources corroborating the reports gave them significant credibility.

     

    By the beginning of 2020, I knew that I would need a new phone sooner rather than later. Having worked reliably for over three years, my iPhone 7’s battery began to show signs of age, with decreased battery life and overall capacity depreciating. While I at one point considered replacing the battery, I ultimately decided that that would be good money after bad, since I would need to buy a new phone eventually. At the same time, I also considered just biting the bullet and getting an iPhone 11 Pro, the closest screen size model to the iPhone 7, but the increased chatter on rumor sites about a new, low-cost iPhone persuaded me to wait until the spring.

    what the iPhone SE (2020) is, and what it isn’t

    As the iPhone line matured over the years, the screen size gradually increased from 3.5, to 4, to 4.7, to 5.8 inches and beyond. For sighted users, there are obvious benefits to a larger or clearer screen iPhone, such as more real-estate to comfortably display high-definition visual content or play games. For me, I need just enough real-estate to use VoiceOver while comfortably holding the device with one hand, as I am totally blind and have found larger screen devices disorienting and unwieldy. In addition, there are other reasons why users may not like a larger screen.

     

    In an effort to compel users of the iPhone 5 and 5S to upgrade, Apple introduced the original iPhone SE in 2016. This device featured the small body and 4 inch screen found on the iPhone 5S, with the A9 processor and NFC chip found in the iPhone 6S. With the exception of the first generation Touch ID sensor found on the iPhone 5S and 6, the iPhone SE featured similar specs to Apple’s flagship iPhone at the time. This move proved very successful in compelling iPhone 5 and 5S users to upgrade to a smartphone that felt comfortable and familiar, while ensuring support by Apple and app developers for years to come.

     

    As it always does, however, technology moved on, Apple introduced larger and more expensive iPhones with no new smaller or cheaper siblings, and the original iPhone SE was discontinued in September 2018. Like Apple’s previous changes to iPhone design, there were naturally people who were reluctant to upgrade to an iPhone X or later. For the reasons mentioned earlier, I was one of them. The ever increasing price of iPhones didn’t make the thought of upgrading any more palatable either. Catching on to this market, Apple went about developing a device that resembled the physical characteristics of the iPhone 8, with the internals that would ensure support for about four years.

     

    However, while the original iPhone SE and the iPhone SE (2020) share the same name and marketing objectives, they are two very different devices. While the original iPhone SE physically resembled the iPhone 5S, the iPhone SE (2020) resembles the iPhone 8. This seemingly indicates that Apple is not planning to develop any 4 inch iPhones, with 4.7 inches the smallest size available. Therefore, if you’re using an original iPhone Se and don’t like the design first introduced with the iPhone 6, the iPhone SE (2020) is not for you.

     

    Another thing to keep in mind is that like the iPhone 8, the iPhone SE (2020) does not include a 3.5 millimeter headphone jack, nor is a 3.5 millimeter to Lightning adapter included in the box. For users who depend on headphones or other audio equipment that connects via this standard, the adapter can be purchased from Apple for US $9. As I use a bluetooth streamer to output my iPhone’s audio to my hearing aids, and because if I needed it, I still have the adapter included with my iPhone 7, this was not an issue for me. However, I thought it prudent to include that information in this review for anyone with an original iPhone SE who relies on the 3.5 millimeter headphone jack.

    internals

    For me, the most impressive thing about this phone are the internals. The iPhone SE includes an A13 Bionic processor, giving me similar performance to the flagship iPhone 11 and 11 Pro at a fraction of the cost. Additionally, it includes Wi-Fi 6, which while currently new and supported on a relatively small number of devices and wireless routers, is likely to become ubiquitous in the next couple of years.

     

    One thing the iPhone SE, and any iPhone for that matter, does not include, is the technology that has been hyped like crazy by the cellular industry for the past couple of years, 5G. For people in the Apple ecosystem who want that, Apple is rumored to be developing several 5G capable iPhones reportedly scheduled to launch this fall.

     

    Personally, while I feel like I’ve heard a lot of noise about 5G from wireless carriers, I’ve yet to hear from people who have been able to take advantage of the truly mind-blowing speeds that it can theoretically offer. For that to work, I would need to have a 5G phone on a city block in range of a newly deployed transmitter, not obstructed by buildings or my hand gripping the device. For more details than I can cover in this review, check out this explainer of the current limitations of the technologies known as, “5G.”While the piece is from December of 2018, the essential problems of internal smartphone design compromises, comparatively short range, and limited scale of deployment still persist, from what I can tell. That said, I’m sure in a few years, as manufacturers develop more efficient 5G modems and carriers deploy more transmitters in wider coverage areas, this new generation of cellular connectivity will become more practical, and by then, I most likely will be looking for a new phone anyway. Until then, I have my iPhone SE, with 4G LTE, which gives me perfectly adequate speeds when I’m not on Wi-Fi; not that I’ve been leaving my house much in the last couple of weeks anyway.

     

    If you’re interested, the iPhone SE starts at US $399 for 64 gigabytes, US $449 for 128 gigabytes, and US $549 for 256 gigabytes. It comes in three colors, black, white, and (PRODUCT)RED. For customers who purchase the (PRODUCT)RED edition, Apple will donate a portion of the proceeds to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

    using the device

    Now that I’ve hopefully given a sufficient overview of the device, as well as a good explanation of my rationale for purchasing it, it’s time to use it in the real world.

     

    The short answer is, it’s basically an augmentation of my iPhone 7 use case. The vast majority of tasks I used my iPhone 7 for, voice and video communication, texting, email, light web browsing, online banking, Twitter, and a few audio games perform exactly the same, if not snappier, on my new iPhone SE, with the exception of 3D Touch, the technology that could sense how hard I’m touching the screen and respond differently based on this input. This comes as no surprise, as 3D Touch never really seemed to catch on with developers and users the way Apple probably hoped it would, and tellingly, it was removed from all new iPhones released in 2019. In its place, Apple has implemented what it calls, “Haptic Touch,” which simply involves double tapping and holding, (or long pressing if you don’t use VoiceOver) instead of hard pressing on an item to get a context menu. This is the same menu that would appear if hard pressing on an item on a 3D Touch enabled device.

     

    One interesting oddity with Haptic Touch on the iPhone SE relative to other iPhones is the inability to interact with notifications. For example, I would expect if I was to double tap and hold, or perform a three-finger flick down, on an incoming text message, I would be able to reply to that message without needing to open the Messages app. However, this does not seem to work, with some reports even saying that this is expected behavior, not a bug. As sighted users have reported this problem when using equivalent gestures, it does not appear to be VoiceOver related.

     

    As Haptic Touch seems to work as expected in other instances, I don’t understand why Apple would intentionally impede its functionality for notifications, provided that such reports are correct. I’ll update this review if I learn more. While I am the furthest thing from a software or hardware engineer, I can’t imagine that it would be infeasible for Apple to release an iOS update to correct this behavior.

     

    Update: as of iOS 13.6, it is now possible to flick down to the, “View,” rotor action on an incoming message to reply to that message without opening the Messages app. I suspect that similar interactions are available for other types of notifications, but cannot confirm this.

     

    Aside from faster overall performance, the most noticeable improvement I have found is with the speakers. While Apple advertised the speakers on the iPhone 7 as a significant improvement over previous models, I never noticed much of a difference in my every-day use when compared to my iPhone 6. However, I find I am able to hold my iPhone SE to my ear at a reasonable volume and listen comfortably when, for example, I don’t have my hearing aids in. The audio improvements just mentioned may also be present on the iPhone 8, but I never owned that device, so this is the first time I’m noticing them.

     

    One compromise of the iPhone SE relative to higher-end iPhones is the camera system. Like the iPhone 8, the iPhone SE includes a 7 megapixel front-facing FaceTime HD camera and a single 12 megapixel rear camera, as opposed to the multiple camera arrays of the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro. For me, the camera on my iPhone is mainly used for obtaining assistance in interpreting the visual world around me, either with the help of AI powered or remote human sighted assistance. Be My Eyes and Seeing AI, the two apps I use most frequently for such tasks, worked quite well on my iPhone 7. In the case of Seeing AI on my iPhone SE, I have found that recognition of short text and currency appears to be faster, but I haven’t tested it enough to conclusively determine objective improvements in the areas of speed and accuracy.

     

    When it comes to battery life, with my standard use pattern, I can get through a day without needing to charge my iPhone SE, and have even been able to squeeze two days out of a single charge. However, I use this device in conjunction with my Mac, with the screen brightness reduced, so that probably gives it longer overall battery life. Your mileage will obviously vary, but if you have an iPhone 8, the iPhone SE should give you similar results, as both devices ship with the same battery.

    Conclusion

    Coming from an iPhone 7, I’d say my iPhone SE was money well spent. Sure, nothing about this phone is, “Revolutionary,” but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. My iPhone 7 suited my admittedly basic needs quite well, and my new iPhone SE, with vastly improved computational power, is likely to continue that trend. Also, in the event that Apple dropped software support for the iPhone 7 in 2021, and the latest iPhones featured a larger screen, no Touch ID, and higher prices, upgrading would not be appealing to me at all.

     

    However, with my iPhone SE, I can take advantage of the A13 Bionic processor and Wi-Fi 6, whenever that becomes more widespread. This will hopefully give Apple and the cellular industry time to improve upon 5G, as well as the in-screen fingerprint reader that Apple is rumored to be developing for inclusion in an iPhone in several years. If such rumors pan out to be true, that will make me much more enthusiastic about buying an iPhone with a more modern design in the future.

     

    As I bring this review to a close, you might be asking yourself, “Should I upgrade?” While only you can make that decision, here’s my buying advice. If you have an iPhone X or later, I would not recommend upgrading unless you really miss the smaller screen, home button, or Touch ID. Likewise if you have an iPhone 8, unless your use case demands the most powerful processor in a smartphone, I believe that phone should remain quite capable for the next couple of years.

     

    If you have an iPhone 7, I’d definitely recommend giving the iPhone SE a serious look. While your device may work reasonably well today, this may be a good opportunity to future-proof your workflow at a very competitive price for a new iPhone.

     

    If you have an iPhone 6S or earlier, I’d definitely recommend upgrading if it’s financially feasible for you. I would guess that either this year or the next, Apple will release a new version of iOS that drops support for the A9 processor.

     

    If you do end up upgrading, I would generally recommend also buying a case, as the back is all glass in order to support wireless charging. As I plan to use this phone as my daily driver, I did not perform any stress-tests, but I would guess that its durability when dropped is similar to that of the iPhone 8. As the market for cases is quite broad, I can’t recommend any one product over another. Personally, I will be waiting for stores to reopen in my area so I can feel them in person. I have no idea exactly when stores will reopen, let alone when customers will be able to touch sample phone cases, but in the meantime, I will be at home and when my phone isn’t in my hand, it will be deep in my pocket. If you have a case that you used for an iPhone 7 or 8, it should fit on the SE, eliminating the frustrating experience of needing to purchase a new accessory to accommodate a new iPhone.

    See also iPhone SE 2020: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly!

     

    As of the time of this writing, I have only had my iPhone SE for a couple of weeks, and thus there may be things about it that I’ve yet to discover. However, looking toward the future, I feel quite confident that this device will give me sufficient performance for whatever I may throw at it in the next couple of years.

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    How to Unlock a Disabled iPhone Without iTunes or iCloud or Computer

    by GeeksModo Staff

    If your iPhone is disabled because you’ve forgotten the passcode and now can’t unlock your device, help is at hand! In this article, I’ll explain how to unlock a disabled iPhone without iTunes or iCloud or computer.

    If you tried the wrong passcode repeatedly or your kids type randomly in the lock screen, it will cause the iPhone to be disabled. As a result, you will be informed that “iPhone is disabled connect to iTunes”. The good news is that you’ll know everything about how to unlock a disabled iPhone without iTunes or iCloud or computer in this guide.

     

    Part 1: How to Unlock a Disabled iPhone with iTunes

    Just as the iPhone message tells you, you can unlock the disabled iPhone with iTunes.  With the synced iTunes on your computer (Windows/Mac), you can restore the disabled iPhone to remove the lock screen.

    Step-1: Get a USB cable and connect your iPhone to the computer and open iTunes.

    Step-2: To enter your iPhone, you can click the phone icon and then hit the Summary option on the left side. In this way, you can view the iPhone details and get the restore option.

    Step-3: Here comes the most important step—click the Restore iPhone button. If you see a message that says “Find My iPhone must be turned off”, you can try the next way to unlock the disabled iPhone.

    restore iPhone

    Step-4: Click Restore on the confirmation window. After that, just wait until the restoration process is complete.  When it finishes the restoration, you can set up your iPhone again.

    Part 2: How to Unlock a Disabled iPhone with iCloud

    If you fail to unlock the disabled iPhone with iTunes, or if you encountered any error during the restoration process, you can make good use of the iCloud to unlock the disabled iPhone. Here are the steps.

    Step-1: Open a web browser on your computer or another mobile phone and go to icloud.com.

    Step-2: Sign in to iCloud with your Apple ID and passcode. It must be the Apple ID that is linked to the disabled iPhone.  If you find there is two-factor authentication for your Apple ID, it means that you need to get the verification code to unlock your iPhone. The most effective way is to take out the SIM card and install it on another mobile phone to get the code. Or you can try the next method to unlock the disabled iPhone with a third-party tool.

    Step-3: Once you’ve successfully sign in to iCloud, click Find My iPhone at the bottom right corner.

    Find iPhone

    Step-4: In Find My iPhone interface, click the All Devices button to get the drop-down option. Then you can click the disabled iPhone and get its location.

    choose the disabled iPhone

    Step-5: To unlock the disabled iPhone, simply click the Erase iPhone option and then confirm the action. Now, your iPhone will be erased and restarted like a new device.  You need to activate it again as you did before.

    erase iPhone

    Part 3: How to Unlock a Disabled iPhone without iTunes or iCloud

    Unlock a Disabled iPhone without iTunes/iCloud using PassFab iPhone Unlocker

    To unlock a disabled iPhone without iTunes or iCloud, you will need an iPhone unlocking tool like PassFab iPhone Unlocker. It allows you to unlock your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch without the lock screen password, Face ID, or Touch ID. That’s why you can use it to unlock iPhone without passcode or Face ID easily.

    PassFab iPhone Unlocker is designed to be a super simple tool that works effectively in letting you unlock a disabled iPhone without iTunes including iPhone 14, iPhone 13, iPhone 12, iPhone 11, iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus etc). The process doesn’t involve any lengthy workaround and can be done with ease.

    It doesn’t matter whether you have set a 4-digit custom numeric code or 6-digit alphanumeric passcode, you can get rid of the password including Touch ID and Face ID info without any hassle.

    Key Features of PassFab iPhone Unlocker

    • Unlock a disabled iPhone without iTunes
    • Remove 4/6-digit passcode, Touch ID, or Face ID
    • Remove iCloud from iOS device without password
    • Supports all iPhone models including the iPhone 14 Pro Max
    • Supports various iOS versions including the latest iOS 16
    • Factory Reset iPhone without Password
    • Only 3 Steps to Unlock a disabled iPhone

    How to Unlock a disabled iPhone without iTunes Using PassFab iPhone Unlocker

    Step 1: First off, download and install PassFab iPhone Unlocker on your PC/Mac. Then, open the software on your computer and select ‘Unlock Lock Screen Passcode’.

    Unlock a disabled iPhone using PassFab iPhone unlocker

    Step 2: Now, you need to connect the disabled iPhone to the computer via USB cable.

    Step 3: After PassFab iPhone Unlocker has recognized your device, click ‘Start’ to remove iPhone passcode.

    start remove iphone passcode using passfab iphone unlocker  

    Step 4: Next up, you have to download the latest iOS firmware.

    Once the firmware is downloaded click ‘Start Unlock’ to start Unlocking a disabled iPhone without iTunes.

    download firmware package using passfab iphone unlocker  

    Step 5: Up next, you have to wait for some time until the process is successfully completed. Make sure to keep your device connected to your computer.

    After the process is finished, you can set up your device as new or restore it from the most recent backup.

    PassFab iPhone Unlocker is right on the money when it comes to letting you unlock a disabled iPhone without iCloud or iTunes. Beyond removing lock screen, the tool also comes handy when your iPhone seems to be completely down and out and refuses to get restored via Apple’s mobile management tool.

    Unlock a Disabled iPhone without iTunes/iCloud using StarzSoft KeyPass

    StarzSoft KeyPass let’s you unlock a disabled iPhone without iTunes or iCloud within minutes. You can easily unlock your disabled iPhone without worrying about losing data, .

    • This tool can unlock various iOS devices including iPhone 14, iPhone 13, iPhone 12, iPhone 11, iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 7, iPhone 6S, etc without the need for a pass code.
    • This tool can reset iOS device without pass code.
    • It’s compatible with the latest iOS version including iOS 16.
    • Easy to run. You don’t need to be an IT expert to run this tool.

    Please follow these steps to unlock a disabled iPhone without iTunes using StarzSoft KeyPass:

    Step-1: Download, install, and launch StarzSoft KeyPass on your computer

    Step-2: Build a connection between the disabled iPhone and your computer via USB cable.

    Step-3: quickly press the plus and minus volume buttons at the same time and then hold the power button until “connect to iTunes” flashes on the screen. StarzSoft Keypass will start to unlock your disabled iPhone without you having to restore anything or putting in any additional effort.

    StatSoft KeyPass is one of the best tools available on the market, which lets users unlock their disabled iPhone without iTunes or iCloud. StatSoft KeyPass process is also much smoother than using iTunes to unlock a disabled iPhone.

    The process will take less than 5 minutes and all your data will be safe and sound by the end of the process.

    Unlock a Disabled iPhone without iTunes/iCloud using Tenorshare 4uKey

    You can use Tenorshare 4uKey to remove the lock screen within few simple clicks. You do not need to have the screen lock passcode and Apple ID passcode, as well as the synced iTunes. Tenorshare creates iOS troubleshooting software for Mac and PC, and their program “4uKey” will help you bypass your iOS device’s passcode, even if it’s disabled.
    Unlock a disabled iPhone with Tenorshare 4uKey:

    Please follow these steps to unlock a disabled iPhone without iTunes using Tenorshare 4uKey:
    Unlock disabled iPhone with Tenorshare 4uKey

    Step-1: Download, install and launch 4uKey on your Mac or Windows computer. It is necessary to sign in to the software with your registration
    code.  Then, select feature “Unlock Lock Screen Passcode” to get started.

    Step-2: Build the connection between the disabled iPhone and Mac or Windows computer with a USB cable.
    Connect your iOS device to computer
    Step-3: Click the Start button on the main interface

    Step-4: Now, you can view that the software has detected your iPhone iOS details. And in the download firmware package online interface, you just
    need to Choose a save path and click the Download button.
    download firmware package
    Downloading firmware package
    firmware package downloaded successfully
    Step-5: When the process completes, Tenorshare 4uKey will say that the passcode has been removed.
    Removing passcode
    Passcode removed successfully
    Step-6: When iPhone passcode has been removed successfully, Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your iPhone. You can restore from an iCloud backup, iTunes backup, or set up
    your iPhone as new. If you have a backup available, we recommend restoring from it so you don’t lose any of your data.

    Part 4: How to Unlock a Disabled iPhone without iTunes/iCloud/ Computer

    If you have no computer to utilize iTunes/iCloud/ third-party tool to unlock the disabled iPhone, what to do? You can use another accessible iPhone to unlock it with iCloud or Find My iPhone app.  To unlock iPhone with iCloud, you can refer Part 2 tutorial to conduct the operation. Here we will guide you to unlock iPhone without a computer via Find My iPhone app on another iPhone.

    Step-1: Get another accessible iPhone and open Find My.

    Step 2: Log in with your Apple ID and password.

    Step-3:  Next, you will see all iOS devices which share the same iCloud account. You need to find the disabled iPhone from the list and tap it.

    Step-4: Then tap on Actions at the bottom of the iPhone screen. After that, you are offered three options. Tap Erase iPhone and then you will get the disabled iPhone erased. Of course, the locked screen is removed from the iPhone.

    unlock iPhone on another computer

    As a matter of fact, this process is similar to unlock the disabled iPhone with iCloud. The most important part is that you need to enter the right iCloud account and password.

    Tag: Apple ID
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