Isaac Norman, Author at Make Tech Easier https://www.maketecheasier.com/author/isaacnorman/ Uncomplicating the complicated, making life easier Mon, 07 Mar 2022 16:09:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.0.1 https://www.maketecheasier.com/assets/themes/MTE-twelve/images/mtelogo.svghttps://www.maketecheasier.com/assets/themes/MTE-twelve/images/mtelogo.svg337ab7 How to Free Up Storage on iPhone https://www.maketecheasier.com/free-up-iphone-storage-space/ https://www.maketecheasier.com/free-up-iphone-storage-space/#respond Sat, 14 Aug 2021 19:25:00 +0000 https://www.maketecheasier.com/?p=178668

Even though today’s iPhones come with massive storage (especially if you’re not hesitant to pay extra for that privilege), it’s quite easy to populate that with photos, videos, music, podcasts, and more. Apple is well-aware of that, which is why iOS comes with built-in tools to help you manage your phone storage. Here we guide you through six different ways to free up storage on your iPhone – all of which are pretty easy to do.

6 Ways to Free Up Storage On Your iPhone

  1. Offload rarely-used apps and games
  2. Switch image format to “High Efficiency” and disable Apple ProRAW
  3. Delete movies, TV shows, songs, podcasts, and other locally-stored media
  4. Clear Safari’s cache
  5. Store files and photos on iCloud instead
  6. Correct erroneous free storage reporting by creating a local backup and restoring your phone

1. “Offload” and Delete Rarely Used Apps

Chances are that your iPhone is running low on storage due to iOS apps – especially if you like to play games. With that said, our first recommendation on how to free up storage on your iPhone would be to “offload” and delete apps. Follow the instructions below:

... Read more]]>
https://www.maketecheasier.com/free-up-iphone-storage-space/feed/ 0
How to Set Up Face ID on iPhone https://www.maketecheasier.com/set-up-face-id-iphone/ https://www.maketecheasier.com/set-up-face-id-iphone/#respond Fri, 13 Aug 2021 10:25:00 +0000 https://admin.maketecheasier.com/?p=416439

Using Face ID on your iPhone comes with many benefits. For example, you can use it to unlock your phone, make purchases, log in to apps, and plenty more. On top of that, this feature is in charge of securing sensitive data, which each of us should truly care about. Here you’ll learn how to set up Face ID on your iPhone, which won’t take more than a minute of your time.

Which iPhones Are Compatible with Face ID?

Not every iPhone that has a front-facing camera supports Face ID. Therefore, it’s crucial to check whether your phone supports this feature. Check the list of supported iPhones just below:

  • iPhone 12 Pro Max
  • iPhone 12 Pro
  • iPhone 12
  • iPhone 12 mini
  • iPhone 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone 11 Pro
  • iPhone 11
  • iPhone XS Max
  • iPhone XS
  • iPhone XR
  • iPhone X

It’s interesting to note that Face ID is now part of iPadOS as well. It’s available on the 1st... Read more]]> https://www.maketecheasier.com/set-up-face-id-iphone/feed/ 0 9 iOS Security Settings You Should Change Right Now https://www.maketecheasier.com/ios-security-settings/ https://www.maketecheasier.com/ios-security-settings/#respond Sun, 01 Aug 2021 15:25:00 +0000 https://www.maketecheasier.com/?p=176452

In today’s digital world, you can never be too careful when it comes to your privacy. There will always be something or someone trying to steal your sensitive information. Apple gives you a full set of privacy-focused options on your iPhone. Here are 9 essential iOS security settings you should change right now.

1. Reduce Your Auto-Lock Timeout

The faster your iPhone’s screen locks, the less likely someone will be able to access it (especially if you leave it somewhere behind, by accident). To avoid your information being seen by the wrong person, you can reduce the auto-lock timeout by going to “Settings -> Display & Brightness -> Auto-Lock.” We recommend setting this option at 30 seconds.

Ios Privacy Settings Auto Lock Timer

2. Remove Lock Screen Access to Widgets & Notifications

Even if your iOS device is locked, someone can easily see your information if they swipe right to access your widgets and notifications. To remove those from your lock screen, go to “Settings -> Face ID & Passcode -> Allow Access When Locked.”

... Read more]]>
https://www.maketecheasier.com/ios-security-settings/feed/ 0
The 5 Best Coding Apps for iOS to Code on the Move https://www.maketecheasier.com/coding-apps-for-ios/ https://www.maketecheasier.com/coding-apps-for-ios/#respond Sat, 31 Jul 2021 15:25:00 +0000 https://www.maketecheasier.com/?p=193667

While most developers use popular IDEs like Xcode and Sublime Text on their Macs, few realize that their iPhones and iPads can also handle coding apps. While they might not be as powerful as their desktop counterparts, there are certainly some capable mobile IDEs that act as a powerful supplementary IDE to your primary device. Let’s take a look at the five best coding apps for iOS.

1. Swift Playgrounds

Whether you’re just starting to learn Apple’s programming language or are an experienced developer, the Swift Playgrounds app is going to amaze you. This app started out as Apple’s initiative to make learning Swift fun, and it grew over the years. Today, you’ll find a whole range of lessons that help you grasp the essentials of coding by solving puzzles in an interactive 3D world. However, that’s just one part of Swift Playgrounds.

... Read more]]>
https://www.maketecheasier.com/coding-apps-for-ios/feed/ 0
How to Add Any Email Address to Your iPhone https://www.maketecheasier.com/add-email-to-iphone/ https://www.maketecheasier.com/add-email-to-iphone/#respond Sat, 31 Jul 2021 05:25:00 +0000 https://admin.maketecheasier.com/?p=412510

Every Apple device comes with the default Mail app that allows you to add any email addresses you wish to use. Apple also makes it easy to add as many email addresses as you want, which sync across other devices using your Apple ID. We’ll show you how to add any email address to your iPhone, which can be done automatically or manually. 

Add a New Email Account Automatically

If you have an iCloud, Exchange, Google, Yahoo, AOL, or Outlook email address, you can add it to your iPhone automatically. It can be completed in under a minute. Follow the instructions below:

1. On your iPhone, launch the Settings app, then navigate to “Mail -> Accounts.”

2. Tap on “Add Account,” and a new screen will appear, listing a number of popular email providers.

Add Email... <a href=Read more]]> https://www.maketecheasier.com/add-email-to-iphone/feed/ 0 5 of the Best Ebook Reader Apps for iOS https://www.maketecheasier.com/best-ebook-reader-ios/ https://www.maketecheasier.com/best-ebook-reader-ios/#respond Tue, 27 Jul 2021 21:25:00 +0000 https://www.maketecheasier.com/?p=249794

If you love reading ebooks, did you know that your iPhone offers hundreds of apps that let you store and read ebooks, while some of them even let you buy or rent them? Here are five of the best ebook reader apps for iOS.

Note: Android users can check out the best ebook reader here.

1. tiReader

tiReader has big aspirations. The app is more than just an ebook reader app; it’s an omnivorous media viewer with support for annotation. That includes an annotation-friendly photo viewer that builds a table of contents based on a ZIP file folder structure, supports DJVU files with bookmarks and annotations, and an audiobook player with support for searchable bookmarks and annotations.

Best Ebook Readers Ios Tireader

Users just looking for a basic ebook reader app might be overwhelmed by everything. There’s a lot to tiReader, and if you don’t need all of its annotation power, the annotations can make the app feel cluttered. However, there’s another reason why we think tiReader is one of the... Read more]]> https://www.maketecheasier.com/best-ebook-reader-ios/feed/ 0 How to Cancel Apple TV Plus https://www.maketecheasier.com/how-to-cancel-apple-tv-plus/ https://www.maketecheasier.com/how-to-cancel-apple-tv-plus/#respond Wed, 21 Jul 2021 05:25:00 +0000 https://admin.maketecheasier.com/?p=411405

Many of the initial trials of Apple TV Plus are now coming to an end. This means if you’re not willing to pay $4.99 a month for Apple’s media streaming service, it’s your only option is to cancel it. Unless you do so on time, your subscription will renew automatically. With that said, here is how to cancel Apple TV Plus.

Before we proceed, do know that if you decide to cancel Apple TV Plus, your access to this streaming service will end immediately (and not after the last day of your trial). If you plan to finish watching that series you’ve been bingeing, make sure to cancel Apple TV Plus one day before your subscription is due to renew.

How to Cancel Apple TV Plus on an iPhone

The quickest way to cancel your Apple TV Plus subscription is via your iPhone. Make sure you’re logged in to your phone using your Apple ID (the one associated with the Apple TV+ trial you plan to cancel).

1. Launch the “TV” app and make sure to be on the “Watch Now” tab (found in the bottom-left corner).... Read more]]> https://www.maketecheasier.com/how-to-cancel-apple-tv-plus/feed/ 0 How to Troubleshoot the Wi-Fi Hotspot on Your iPhone https://www.maketecheasier.com/troubleshoot-iphone-wifi-hotspot/ Sat, 17 Jul 2021 00:25:00 +0000 https://www.maketecheasier.com/?p=211501

For the most part, turning your iPhone into a mobile hotspot is an instant and seamless process, as it requires you only to enable this option in the Settings app. However, we’ve all been through issues with our phones, either refusing to connect other devices or not being able to share a Wi-Fi network without interruptions. If you are having specific trouble trying to connect to a hotspot, here are some of the best ways to troubleshoot your Wi-Fi hotspot on your iPhone.

1. Is Your iPhone’s Hotspot Active? Do You Have the Right Password?

Before we go any deeper, it’s crucial to cover the basics. Are you sure that you’ve activated your iPhone’s Hotspot? To check that, head over to the Settings app and select “Personal Hotspot.” You should see the toggle next to “Allow Others to Join.” The toggle should be enabled (green-colored). While... Read more]]> How to Find Your iPhone or iPad with Siri https://www.maketecheasier.com/find-iphone-with-siri/ Sun, 04 Jul 2021 15:25:00 +0000 https://www.maketecheasier.com/?p=284060

Phones are incredibly easy to misplace. They’re small and travel everywhere we go. You might be familiar with the “bedding dance” many of us do when we wake up, shaking out our blankets until the phone thuds to the floor. Well, there’s a much easier way to find your iPhone or iPad, and you can rely on Siri for that.

If you forget where your iPhone or iPad was the last time you used it, you can ask Siri to ring the device loudly, helping you locate it without the need to have a friend dial your phone number. This command isn’t the same as the “Find My” utility of Apple’s iCloud, as you don’t need to turn anything on before you misplace your device.

As long as you have another iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Mac, Apple Watch, or HomePod that’s connected to the same Apple ID, you can ring your missing device. With that said, here are all the ways to find your iPhone or iPad with Siri.

In the past, recording your iPhone’s screen was a nearly impossible task. For a very long time, there wasn’t a built-in option to support screen recording on iOS, while Apple refused to allow such third-party apps to appear in the iOS App Store. However, that all changed a couple of years back in iOS 11, so you probably already have access to this feature. Let’s see how you can screen record on your iPhone.

Enable Screen Recordings on Your iPhone

Even though iOS comes with a built-in screen recording capability, this feature is somewhat hidden. Let’s first take a look at how to enable screen recordings on your iPhone.

1. Launch the Settings app. Scroll down and tap on “Control Center.”

Record Screen Iphone Settings App

2.... Read more]]> How to Cancel Apple Music https://www.maketecheasier.com/cancel-apple-music/ Wed, 23 Jun 2021 05:25:00 +0000 https://admin.maketecheasier.com/?p=405196

No matter whether you want to switch to a different music streaming service or you’re not interested in using Apple Music after its free trial, there are several ways to end your subscription. Considering that Apple’s music streaming service is available across a range of different devices and platforms, we show you the universal methods that apply to the majority of users. With that said, let’s talk about how to cancel Apple Music. 

What to Consider Before Canceling Your Apple Music Subscription

Before we go deeper, a few friendly pieces of advice. First, know that canceling Apple Music won’t prevent your access to this streaming service immediately. If you’ve paid for the current month, you’ll get to use Apple Music until your subscription renewal date comes. However, if you’re using a trial subscription, you will lose access to... Read more]]> How to Back Up Your iPhone Like a Pro https://www.maketecheasier.com/back-up-iphone/ Fri, 18 Jun 2021 15:25:00 +0000 https://www.maketecheasier.com/?p=275909

If you’re like most people, your smartphone is probably at the heart of your digital life, storing highly sensitive data and years of memories. However, owing to their nature, these devices are prone to damage, getting lost or stolen. This makes backing up your phone an important task.

For iPhone users, automatic backup of data to iCloud is available but only up to 5GB of data. (That’s how much storage each Apple ID receives for free.) This means you may lose your contacts, media files, and documents if you don’t have a premium iCloud plan. Here are a few different options you can use to back up your iPhone so that your data is safe even if it gets lost, replaced, or damaged.

Using iCloud and iTunes

These are the two basic methods Apple offers for backing up your iPhone.

With iCloud, you can access your backup... Read more]]> How to Share Apple Music With Your Family https://www.maketecheasier.com/share-apple-music-with-family/ Fri, 18 Jun 2021 05:25:00 +0000 https://admin.maketecheasier.com/?p=405193

Apple Music has become a viable competitor to Spotify and similar streaming services, especially when it comes to account sharing. Using that option, you can share your subscription with friends and family so that everyone can access their version of the music streaming service. Here we show you how to share Apple Music via Family Sharing, a feature built into every Apple-made device.

Who Can Share Apple Music Using Family Sharing?

Before we proceed further, there’s something important for you to consider. Not every Apple Music account can use Family Sharing, as you must have a “Family” subscription to Apple Music (priced at $14.99/month) to use Family Sharing. This is not applicable for “Student” or “Individual” subscription plans.

Alternatively, Apple One lets you subscribe to Apple Music (and a bunch of other services). However, to use Family Sharing, you need either a... Read more]]> 5 of the Best Mobile Apps to Help You Focus and Study https://www.maketecheasier.com/best-mobile-apps-focus-study/ Thu, 17 Jun 2021 00:25:00 +0000 https://www.maketecheasier.com/?p=290670

Whether you need to study for the big exam or hammer out that TPS report, we could all use a little help when getting down to business. Unfortunately, some of the most effective tools for getting the job done are also some of our biggest distractions. Technology like our phones and computers can be portals to procrastination, no matter what age you are. Luckily, we can use that same technology in order to curb our basic instincts. There are a number of mobile apps available to help you get off social media and back to business.

1. Forest: Stay Focused

If resorting to blocking websites or shutting down your access to the Web seems like a bridge too far, but you still want to keep your wandering eyes in check, try Forest: Stay Focused (Android, iOS). This app takes... Read more]]> How to Make Mobile Safari Save Your Passwords on iOS https://www.maketecheasier.com/safari-save-passwords-ios/ Mon, 14 Jun 2021 21:25:00 +0000 https://www.maketecheasier.com/?p=298507

Security experts are always reminding us that our online accounts should always have strong passwords. The only problem is that remembering strong passwords for various accounts can be almost impossible. The question you may ask yourself is: where should you keep your passwords?

The answer to that question is debatable, but if you decide to keep your passwords in your Safari browser, the following guide will show you how to do that. So, the next time you need to sign in to your accounts, you won’t have to depend on a third-party app.

How to Allow Safari to Save Your Passwords

The easiest method to have Safari save your passwords is to allow iOS to take care of it naturally. Go to the site whose credentials you want Safari to save. Sign in like you usually would, and a dialog box will be... Read more]]> How to Drop a Pin in Apple Maps on iPhone https://www.maketecheasier.com/drop-pin-on-apple-maps-iphone/ Tue, 08 Jun 2021 00:25:00 +0000 https://admin.maketecheasier.com/?p=402560

Even though Apple Maps has been around for many years, it took some time to get to the point of offering a complete set of highly advanced features. Still, it’s never a bad idea to go back to basics, especially if you’re just getting started with this mapping solution. With that said, we’ll talk about how to drop a pin in Apple Maps on iPhone.

Keep in mind that dropping a pin in Apple Maps lets you do multiple things. In addition to providing more precise directions, you can use that functionality to share a location with someone, save your favorite locations, and more. So, here’s everything you need to know.

The Quickest Way to Drop a Pin in Apple Maps on iPhone

1. Launch the Maps app on your iPhone. You should see your current... Read more]]> How to Factory Reset Your iPhone https://www.maketecheasier.com/factory-reset-iphone/ Sun, 06 Jun 2021 15:25:00 +0000 https://www.maketecheasier.com/?post_type=post-ideas&p=307568

There may come a time when you want to reset your iPhone to its state when it shipped out of the factory. Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as pushing a paperclip into a hole on the site and powering it off. Those days are long gone.

That said, it’s not as difficult as you may imagine. No matter what your reasons are for wanting to restore your iPhone to factory settings, it only takes a few steps to complete that procedure.

Why Would You Factory Reset Your iPhone?

The main reason you’d want to restore your iPhone to factory state is if you’re selling it or trading it in. Even if you’re giving it to a friend or family member, you probably don’t want to give them all your data. Most carriers that offer a trade-in ask that you at least turn off “Find My iPhone,” but resetting your phone entirely is a better way to deal with it.

Another reason is that, while it’s rare, you may occasionally encounter bugs that only a full reset can solve. You may be unsure, but before you go buy... Read more]]> How to Get Free Apple Music in 2021 https://www.maketecheasier.com/get-free-apple-music/ Fri, 04 Jun 2021 05:25:05 +0000 https://admin.maketecheasier.com/?p=403582

Without a doubt, Apple has become quite serious about its music streaming service Apple Music. Today, this isn’t just a viable alternative to popular services like Spotify, Amazon Music, Tidal, and similar – but a leader of the music streaming industry. If you’ve been wondering how to get free Apple Music in 2021, know that you’ve come to the right place. 

Before we dive in, a quick note. At the moment, there are two ways to get Apple Music for free (for a limited time). However, the following methods apply only to new subscribers. If you’re a newbie to Apple Music, here’s everything you want to know.

Option #1: Best Buy Promo (6 Months of Free Apple Music)

By far, the best way to get free Apple Music in 2021 is via Best Buy. This retailer has struck a deal with Apple, giving its customers a six-month trial, which comes completely free of charge. Here’s how to take advantage of this offer. 

1. First, go to this Apple Music listing on Best Buy. Ensure that the page is offering you free Apple Music for six... Read more]]> How to Show the Battery Percentage on iPhone https://www.maketecheasier.com/show-battery-percentage-on-iphone/ https://www.maketecheasier.com/show-battery-percentage-on-iphone/#comments Thu, 03 Jun 2021 00:25:00 +0000 https://admin.maketecheasier.com/?p=400131

Apple has always been pretty adamant about the way it shows the current charge of your iPhone’s battery. As you already know, there’s an ever-present battery icon in the top-right corner of iOS. However, thanks to iOS 14, there are now more ways to check that information. Let’s talk about how to show the battery percentage on iPhone, instead of just an icon.

Before we dive deeper, a couple of useful bits of advice. At the moment, there are few ways to show the battery percentage on an iPhone: Control Center an option present only in iOS 14 (a widget). Of course, you can also rely on Siri. The following instructions apply to any iPhone, as long as it runs iOS 14.0 or higher. 

1. Show Battery Percentage Using the Control Center

Starting with the easiest way to show battery percentage on an iPhone, let’s take a look at using the Control Center.

1. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone’s screen. A grid of icons, buttons, and controls will appear.

Iphone 12 Battery... <a href=Read more]]> https://www.maketecheasier.com/show-battery-percentage-on-iphone/feed/ 1 How to Create Siri Shortcuts on Your iPhone and iPad https://www.maketecheasier.com/create-siri-shortcuts-iphone/ Wed, 26 May 2021 22:25:00 +0000 https://www.maketecheasier.com/?p=304693

Apple introduced “Siri Shortcuts” back in iOS 12, which was released in 2018. Many changes have been made in the meantime and for the better. What was initially limited to Siri is now available as a separate and native app called Shortcuts. If you’re a power user looking to learn how to create Siri Shortcuts on your iPhone or iPad, know that you’ve come to the right place.

In this short guide, we present you with two different ways to create Siri Shortcuts on your iPhone or iPad: by installing existing ones or creating your own (from scratch). Here’s everything you need to know.

1. Use the Shortcuts Gallery

Via the Shortcuts app (which comes pre-installed), you can access a large number of Siri shortcuts. This part of the Shortcuts app is called “Gallery.” Follow these directions to use... Read more]]>