How-to Overview Updated December 29, 2021

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September 2011 - March 2022

9to5Mac How To tutorials

Our how-to collection includes a range of tutorials and guides with tips, tricks, comparisons, and more from the 9to5Mac team helping you fix and get the most out of your favorite Apple gear.

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How-to Stories Yesterday

How to watch the Oscars on iPhone, Apple TV, web, more

The 94th annual Oscars are set for Sunday, March 27. Let’s look at how to watch the 2022 Oscars on iPhone, Apple TV, the web, and more.

Looking to have more flexibility with your Mac (or PC) external display, create more desk space, or just dial in your setup? A VESA monitor arm is a simple way to do all that with great options from under $50. Read along for a look at the best monitor arms from simple to high-end choices.

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How-to Stories March 24

How to factory reset an iPad and erase all content

Whether you’re selling or giving away your iPad, having issues, or just want a fresh start, there are a variety of reasons you may need to reset it. Let’s take a look at how to factory reset iPad and erase everything on it.

How-to Stories March 23

Support has officially launched for Apple Wallet to securely store driver’s licenses and state IDs on iPhone and Apple Watch. While there is excitement around the new feature, there are also a number of questions and concerns. Let’s dive into how Apple digital IDs work in the real world, where they’re available, where they’re accepted, and more.

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How-to Stories March 22

How to use Deep Fusion with iPhone SE 3, iPhone 13, and more

Apple’s Deep Fusion tech that the company describes as “computational photography mad science” first arrived with iPhone 11. Now it’s even supported on the iPhone SE 3 alongside iPhone 12 and 13. Here’s how to turn on Deep Fusion on iPhone including how it works and when the feature kicks in.

How-to Stories March 21

iPhone: How to change your 5G settings for better battery life or faster speeds

Next-gen 5G cellular service is available with the iPhone 12, 13, and SE 3. Apple uses a “5G Auto” setting it refers to as “Smart Data mode” as the default. That aims to give users a balance between network speed and battery life, but you can also manage the settings manually to optimize for what you need at the moment. Follow along for how to turn 5G on/off on iPhone.

How-to Stories March 18

How to upgrade to your new iPhone without losing data

The new iPhone SE 3 and fresh green variants of the iPhone 13 and 13 Pro are now officially available. Let’s look at how to transfer data to new iPhones with several different options to make sure you don’t lose any data.

How to factory reset your iPhone

Whether you are selling or trading in your iPhone, having issues, or just want a fresh start, there are a variety of reasons you may need to erase it. Let’s take a look at how to factory reset iPhone.

How-to Stories March 17

Apple introduced an all-new Mac category with the Mac Studio landing as the most powerful machine yet with Apple Silicon. And until Mac Pro transitions from Intel, Mac Studio will become the go-to for many creative pros and other power users. However, with more choice comes more to consider and while it looks tempting, Mac Studio could be overkill for many. Let’s dive into Mac Studio vs the rest of the Mac lineup.

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How-to Stories March 16

Apple TV now lets you easily authorize purchases with Apple Watch, here’s how

Apple Watch gains a handy functional improvement with watchOS 8.5 paired with tvOS 15.4. Follow along for how to authorize Apple TV purchases on Apple Watch.

How-to Stories March 15

Here’s how restoring Apple Watch firmware with your iPhone works

One of the subtle changes Apple has included with watchOS 8.5 is the ability to restore the wearable’s firmware without having to send it in for repair. Here’s how it works to restore Apple Watch with iPhone.

How-to Stories March 14

How to stream March Madness on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, more

The 2022 NCAA tournament is being broadcast across three different networks, but fortunately, you can stream all the games from one place with the NCAA’s app. Let’s look at how to watch March Madness on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, the web, and more.

Apple has delivered a lot with iOS 15.4 and one of the headlining features is the ability to officially use Face ID With a Mask. Support is also included for recognizing multiple pairs of glasses. Follow along for how to get going with the handy new feature.

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How-to Stories March 11

Almost six years since its Thunderbolt display was discontinued, Apple has officially re-entered the consumer external display market with the all-new Studio Display. With a starting price of $1,599, let’s take an in-depth look at the Apple Studio Display vs LG UltraFine and Pro Display XDR.

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USB-C/Thunderbolt display options have really grown over the last couple of years. While Apple’s Pro Display XDR isn’t the best fit for the majority of Mac users with a starting price of $5,000, it’s now launched the more affordable Studio Display. Let’s look at the best USB-C/Thunderbolt displays available in the $400-$1,600 range.

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iPadOS now lets any iPad match the new iPad mini volume button orientation feature

Back when the 6th-gen iPad mini launched last fall, it became the first of Apple’s tablets to offer a smart volume button orientation feature (shown above.) Now that it’s expanded the rest of the iPad lineup, follow along for how to change iPad volume buttons to match its orientation.

How-to Stories March 10

While the 2020 iPad Air already had many of the great features of the 11-inch iPad Pro, the new 2022 iPad Air narrows the gap even further with an M1 chip, ultra-wide front camera with Center Stage, 5G connectivity, and more. However, the iPad Pro still offers the most features and best performance. Below we’ll break down all the similarities and differences between the iPad Air vs iPad Pro to help you decide which to buy.

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How-to Stories March 9

While the new iPhone SE 3 gets the same A15 chip as the more expensive iPhone 13 and upgrades like 5G, improved battery life, camera enhancements, and more, there are naturally trade-offs with Apple’s most affordable iPhone. Let’s dive into the iPhone SE 3 vs. SE 2, iPhone 11, and more.

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How-to Stories March 8

Along with the A15 chip upgrade and more, iPhone SE gets a battery improvement over its predecessor and other iPhones. Let’s look at how iPhone SE 3 battery life stacks up against old and modern iPhones alike.

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How to watch Apple’s March ‘Peek performance’ event on any device

Apple’s “Peek performance” event is set for today, March 8. Expectations are for the iPhone SE 3, iPad Air 5, and new Apple Silicon Macs to be unveiled. Read on for several ways to watch Apple’s March event on any device including directly in the post below.

How-to Stories March 7

iOS 15: Here’s how to use the native iPhone 2FA code generator and autofill

One of the handy, under-the-radar features with iOS 15 is an integrated 2FA code generator that makes it more seamless to log in to your accounts with enhanced security. Let’s look at how to use the native iOS 15 2FA code generator that comes with autofill on iPhone and iPad.

How-to Stories March 4

How to watch UFC 272 Covington vs Masvidal on iPhone, Apple TV, web, and more

UFC 272 is set for Saturday, March 5 at 10 pm ET / 7 pm PT at the T-Mobile arena in Las Vegas. Follow along for how to watch UFC Covington vs Masvidal on iPhone, Apple TV, web, and more.

The Notes app is a frequently underused tool on iPhone. It’s a free product developed by Apple that comes on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Thanks to iCloud, you can seamlessly work on notes across your Apple devices.

While meant for iPhone, many of these tips can be used on the Notes app for iPad and Mac. 

(Hint: it’s even better on iPad)

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How-to Stories March 3

Best portable USB-C displays for MacBooks: iPad, ASUS, AOC, more

Looking to add more screen real estate to your Mac that’s easy to use at home, work, or on the go? Whether you want to make use of your iPad or would rather pick up a dedicated portable monitor, read along for a look at the best portable displays for MacBooks.

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