How-to

1,982 'How-to' stories September 2011 - October 2018

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

How to enable favicons in Safari on iOS 12 and macOS Mojave

Peter Cao Oct 29 2018 - 12:01 am PT

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In iOS 12 and macOS Mojave, Apple added support for Safari favicons. Having these little visual indicators on your tabs is a super handy feature for when you have a ton of tabs open at once, giving you a quick way to distinguish tabs. Follow along to learn how to enable Safari favicons in Apple’s new operating systems….

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How to search on iPhone

Michael Potuck Oct 29 2018 - 12:00 am PT

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iPhones have evolved to help us with so many different tasks, but that also means keeping track of more information than ever. Whether its, work, personal, or shared content, follow along to become more efficient by improving how you search on iPhone.

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How to disable character previews on the iPhone keyboard

Peter Cao Oct 26 2018 - 12:01 am PT

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By default, iPhone shows character previews on its keyboard to let users know what letter you’re typing while typing out a message. However, as users get more accustom to software keyboards, this becomes an annoyance. Follow along to learn how to disable character previews on the iPhone keyboard.

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How to move iPhone apps

Michael Potuck Oct 26 2018 - 12:00 am PT

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Whether you’re new to iPhone or just haven’t reorganized your apps in a while, follow along for how to move iPhone apps as we cover everything from the basics to advanced tips and tricks.

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How to disable location services on HomePod

Peter Cao Oct 25 2018 - 12:01 am PT

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While Apple doesn’t give a great explanation why HomePod might use it, location services on the device is enabled by default. Follow along to learn how to disable location services on HomePod.

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How to change Wi-Fi networks on HomePod

Peter Cao Oct 24 2018 - 12:01 am PT

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Upon initial setup, HomePod will proactively connect to the Wi-Fi network your iPhone or iPad is using while it is being setup. For most people, this is fine. However, on rare occasions users like to change their Wi-Fi network name or take HomePod while traveling. While not clear, it is possible to change Wi-Fi networks on HomePod.

Follow along to learn how….

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How to use Do Not Disturb on iPhone

Michael Potuck Oct 24 2018 - 12:00 am PT

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Do Not Disturb is a handy iOS feature that silences calls, messages, alerts, and notifications. Since there are a several different ways to utilize it, including system-wide, in the car, and at bedtime, let’s look at how to use Do Not Disturb on iPhone.

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How-to

How to stream the 2018 World Series on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV

Chance Miller Oct 23 2018 - 4:03 pm PT

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The MLB World Series officially begins tonight, with the Boston Red Sox set to take on the Los Angeles Dodgers. Game 1 is taking place at Fenway Park in Boston, but luckily you’ll be able to tune in from anywhere. Read on for details on how to stream the World Series from your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV.

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How to control HomePod audio on iPhone and iPad

Peter Cao Oct 23 2018 - 12:01 am PT

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HomePod can be controlled completely independently by using voice or the touch surface on the top of the device. However, it is sometimes easier to control it on iOS. Follow along to learn how to control HomePod audio on iPhone and iPad.

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How to change AirDrop settings on iPhone and iPad

Michael Potuck Oct 23 2018 - 12:00 am PT

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When iOS 11 arrived, AirDrop settings were removed from Control Center, well at least without an extra step. Follow along below for two ways to change AirDrop settings on iPhone and iPad.

We’ve updated this process for iOS 16 with a new article, check it out.

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How to customize Do Not Disturb in iOS 12

Peter Cao Oct 22 2018 - 12:01 am PT

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Do Not Disturb saw a small change in iOS 12. Rather than being a simple on/off switch, Apple now gives users a few more options when enabling the feature. Follow along to learn how to customize Do Not Disturb in iOS 12.

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How to use flashlight with iPhone

Michael Potuck Oct 22 2018 - 12:00 am PT

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Whether you’re new to iPhone or want to learn a new way to use the flashlight, follow along for three ways to use flashlight with iPhone.

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How to delete apps on iPhone and iPad

Peter Cao Oct 19 2018 - 12:01 am PT

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If you’re looking to free up some space on your iPhone or iPad, deleting apps will likely be the first thing you’d want to do. Follow along for how to delete apps on iPhone and iPad.

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How to rename folders on iPhone and iPad

Michael Potuck Oct 19 2018 - 12:00 am PT

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If you’re looking to customize and organize your iPhone or iPad, renaming folders from the defaults that iOS offers is a valuable thing to do. Follow along for how to rename folders on iPhone and iPad.

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How to set a dynamic wallpaper on iPhone and iPad

Peter Cao Oct 18 2018 - 12:01 am PT

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While not updated often (or ever), Apple gives iOS users an option to set a dynamic wallpaper on iPhone and iPad. Unfortunately, unlike Live Photos, you can’t create your own dynamic wallpapers and are stuck with what Apple supplies.

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How to use Live wallpapers on iPhone

Michael Potuck Oct 18 2018 - 12:00 am PT

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Looking to spice up your iPhone wallpapers? Follow along for how to make use of animated Live wallpapers on iPhone.

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How to request your personal data from Apple

Michael Potuck Oct 17 2018 - 1:35 pm PT

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After first making the feature available in the European Union to comply with GDPR, Apple users in the US, Canada, and more can now download a copy of their personal information stored by the company. Follow along for how to request your personal data from Apple.

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How to customize low heart rate notifications on Apple Watch

Peter Cao Oct 17 2018 - 12:00 am PT

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In addition to high heart rate notifications, Apple has recently introduced low heart rate notifications on Apple Watch starting with Series 4. While a low heart rate is generally good, it could also be a sign for other medical conditions.

Now, with the Series 4 you’ll be able to get both high and low heart rate notifications on Apple Watch.

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How to check iPhone storage

Michael Potuck Oct 16 2018 - 4:20 am PT

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Wondering if you’re running low on available storage space on your iPhone? With great cameras that can capture high quality images and even 4K video, and all the other things iPhone can do it can be easy to max out your device’s capacity. Follow along for how to check iPhone storage.

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How to set multiple timers on HomePod

Peter Cao Oct 15 2018 - 12:01 am PT

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One of the headlining features of the iOS 12 update is setting multiple timers on HomePod. Before, HomePod was only able to set one timer at a time, per HomePod.

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How to use iPhone with multiple Apple Watches

Michael Potuck Oct 15 2018 - 12:00 am PT

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Now that Apple Watch Series 4 is out, many users are considering the option of keeping their old Apple Watch as a backup or for secondary uses, like sleep tracking. Some users may also have different Apple Watches for different occasions. Follow along for how to use iPhone with multiple Apple Watches.

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How to use Wi-Fi with Airplane Mode on iPhone

Michael Potuck Oct 12 2018 - 12:00 am PT

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Looking to use Wi-Fi on your plane or maybe you need to keep your cellular data in check? Follow along for how to use Wi-Fi with Airplane Mode on iPhone.

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How to turn off government alerts on iPhone

Peter Cao Oct 11 2018 - 12:00 am PT

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Generally speaking, government issued alerts are important and should be kept enabled at all times. In fact, government alerts on iPhone are enabled by default, being buried deep in iOS settings.

If for whatever reason you’d like to disable them, follow along to learn how.

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How to check Apple Watch battery life

Peter Cao Oct 10 2018 - 12:01 am PT

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Apple claims 18 hours of “all day” battery life, which means your Apple Watch will typically last a full day and charge overnight. However, this isn’t always the case. The easiest solution to the problem is to add a battery complication to the watch face but that’s not ideal as you don’t always want to have a complication. Follow along for a quick and easy way to check Apple Watch battery life.

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