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A collection of tutorials, tips, and tricks from the 9to5Mac team helping you fix and get the most out of your favorite gear.

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macOS iOS 13

How to sync iPhone and iPad to your Mac in macOS Catalina without iTunes

If you’ve updated to macOS Catalina, you probably already know that iTunes is gone and has been replaced with separate Music, TV, and Podcasts apps. So syncing, backing up, updating, and restoring iPhone and iPad (Apple TV, too) works differently with the latest macOS release. Read on for how to sync iPhone and iPad to your Mac in macOS Catalina without iTunes.


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How to get ready for macOS Catalina

How to get your Mac ready for macOS Catalina

There are a host of great new features and changes for Mac users with the release of macOS Catalina. But before you install the latest operating system there are few things to consider like if you’re running any important apps that won’t be compatible with macOS 10.15, checking for 32-bit apps, and if you’ve got a fresh backup. Follow along for how to get your Mac ready for macOS Catalina.


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How to use iCloud Keychain to manage and store your passwords

icloud keychain

9to5Mac is brought to you by JustAnswer: Connect 1-on-1 with an Apple support Expert to get step-by-step assistance via phone or online chat, 24/7. Try it now

While password managers have long existed as third-party apps on iOS and macOS, Apple has doubled down on its own efforts. iCloud Keychain is a feature on macOS and iOS that stores passwords, credit card information, and more.


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Apple Watch Series 5 announcement

Apple Watch Series 5: Using the Always-On display and how to turn it off

One of the major new features arriving with Apple Watch Series 5 is the Always-On display. It’s turned by default and may be valuable in a variety of scenarios. However, there are still reasons why you may want to disable or customize it. Read on for some tips on using the Apple Watch Series 5 Always-On display and also how to turn it off.


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Did your iOS update fail? Here’s how to troubleshoot

ios update fail

9to5Mac is brought to you by JustAnswer: Connect 1-on-1 with an Apple support Expert to get step-by-step assistance via phone or online chat, 24/7. Try it now

Apple just released iOS 13 to the public, and it’s available as an over-air-download to users now. Did your iOS update fail for some reason? Read on as we walk through a few common problems and solutions.


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What to do if you forget your iPhone or iPad passcode

iphone passcode

9to5Mac is brought to you by JustAnswer: Connect 1-on-1 with an Apple support Expert to get step-by-step assistance via phone or online chat, 24/7. Try it now

In the days of biometric authentication with Face ID and Touch ID, it can be easy to forget the passcode you set for your iPhone or iPad. Thankfully, it is possible to gain access to an iPhone or iPad if you forget your passcode, though you’ll likely need your Apple ID password.


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Apple opens iPhone Upgrade Program pre-approval ahead of iPhone 11 launch

iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro

Shortly after announcing the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max, Apple has opened up pre-approvals for the iPhone Upgrade Program and iPhone Payments option that offer customers free financing with low monthly payments. Follow along below for how to apply and get pre-approved before pre-orders open on Friday, September 13, as well as the difference between the two 0% financing options.


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How to protect your hearing with iOS 13 and watchOS 6

iOS 13 hearing Noise app Apple Watch watchOS 6

9to5Mac is brought to you by JustAnswer: Connect 1-on-1 with an Apple support Expert to get step-by-step assistance via phone or online chat, 24/7. Try it now

watchOS 6 and iOS 13 are just a few weeks away from being released to the public, and both updates include new features that you might not have even known you needed. With this year’s watchOS 6 release for Apple Watch and iOS 13 for iPhone, Apple is implementing a pair of new hearing features, designed to help you prevent exposing yourself to loud environments and headphones levels for extended periods of time.

Here’s how both of those new features work.


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