In this detailed guide, I’ll explain what HEIC format is and how you can convert HEIC to JPG on iPhone, Mac, and Windows PC.

• What is HEIC format?
• How to convert HEIC to JPG on iPhone or iPad
• How to convert HEIC to JPG on Mac
• How to convert HEIC to JPG on Windows 11

What is HEIC format?

HEIC stands for High Efficiency Image Container, a file format adopted by Apple for storing images and image sequences. The format is known for its high compression efficiency, which allows captured photos to have smaller file sizes without any reduction in image quality.

With iOS 11, Apple introduced HEIC as the default file format for photos clicked with the iPhone or iPad camera. This allows users to store more number of images in the limited free storage space they get.

While this new file format has its benefits, JPG or JPEG (interchangeable file extensions) continues to be the universal standard. So, if you were wondering how you can convert HEIC photos to JPG, here’s all you need to do:

How to convert HEIC to JPG on iPhone or iPad

1. Open the Photos app → Go to Library → Select the photos you want to convert.
2. Next, tap the Share button at the bottom left → Choose Copy Photo(s) from the pop-up menu.
   
   
3. Then close the Photos app and launch the Files app.
4. Here, create a New Folder or head to an existing folder.
5. Long press any empty space in the folder until a pop-up menu appears.
6. Finally, tap Paste in the pop-up menu.
   
   

As soon as you hit Paste, all the HEIC photos you copied will automatically convert to JPEG and be available in the Files app.

While converting HEIC photos to JPEG on iPhone is fairly easy, selecting and copy-pasting each photo can sometimes get overwhelming. In that case, you can head to the Camera app settings and change the format in which the Camera app captures the shots.

How to take JPEG photos on iPhone instead of HEIC

1. Open the Settings app → Head to Camera settings.
2. Next, locate and tap on Formats.
3. Select Most Compatible from the available options.
   
   

Now, every time you capture an image using your iPhone’s Camera app, the resulting photo will be in JPEG format.

Automatically convert HEIC photos to JPEG while transferring to Mac

When you select Most Compatible as the format on iPhone, the size of the images clicked will increase.

If you are not in favor of this storage issue, instead of changing the iPhone’s image format, you can set the HEIC photos to automatically convert to JPEG when exported to a Mac or Windows PC. To do this:

1. Open Settings → Navigate to Photos settings.
2. Next, scroll down to the bottom and select Automatic under the Transfer to Mac or PC section.
   
   

How to convert HEIC to JPG on Mac

Selecting the Automatic format in Photos settings will apply to all the images you transfer to your Mac or PC from here on.

However, you still need to convert the HEIC photos already saved on your Mac manually.

1. Launch Finder on your Mac.
2. Select the photos you want to change the file format of and control-click on the selection.
3. From the pop-up that appears, select Quick Actions → Convert Image.
   
   
4. Next, click the drop-down menu next to Format → Select JPEG.
   
   
5. After that, click on the Convert to JPEG button.
   

This will create a duplicate of the selected image in JPG format.

How to convert HEIC to JPG on Windows 11

Now that you know how to convert HEIC to JPG on a Mac, it’s important to know how to do the same on Windows if you don’t own a Mac. 

1. Open the HEIC image you want to convert to JPEG using a supported photo app.
2. Next, click the Three Dots button at the top center and choose Save As.
   
   
3. Click the drop-down button next to Save File as field and select JPEG.
   
   
4. Finally, click on the Save button.
   
   

Conclusion

And that’s it; this is all you need to know about how to convert HEIC photos to JPG on iPhone, iPad, Mac or Windows PC. Remember that keeping the Camera app format to High Efficiency is the best option to save space on your iPhone without compromising the image quality.

Still left with some doubts or queries? Comment below, and I’ll be happy to respond.

Read more:

• How to convert picture to PDF on iPhone and iPad
• How to batch edit photos on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
• How to convert WebP images to JPG or PNG on Mac

The post How to convert HEIC to JPG on iPhone, Mac, and Windows appeared first on iGeeksBlog.

• How to hide likes on Facebook from iPhone or desktop
• How to hide your liked pages on Facebook from iPhone and desktop

How to hide likes on Facebook from iPhone or desktop

Whether you want to minimize the pressure or stop others from viewing how many people have liked your post, here’s how you can hide the Likes count on Facebook posts.

How to hide Facebook likes on iPhone or iPad

1. Open the Facebook app and tap your Profile icon at the bottom right corner.
2. Select Settings at the top right of your screen.
3. Scroll down to the Preferences section and select Reaction Preferences.
   
   
4. Now, toggle on the switch next to On your Posts.
   
   

Once you toggle on On your Posts, other Facebook users can no longer view the total number of Likes or other reactions your posts receive.

Further, you can toggle on On posts from others if you don’t want to view the total number of reactions on the posts shared by others.

Tip: You can check out our detailed guide if you wish to hide comments for your Facebook posts as well.

How to hide Facebook likes on a desktop

If you don’t use Facebook from an iOS or iPadOS app, you can hide likes using a web browser on any device.

1. Visit Facebook on the web and Sign in to your account.
2. Click on your Profile icon at the top right corner.
3. Select Settings & Privacy in the drop-down menu.
   
   
4. Next, click Settings in the subsequent menu.
   
   
5. Here, scroll down and choose Reactions Preferences under the Preferences section in the left windowpane.
   
   
6. Finally, enable On your posts and On posts from others.
   
   

How to hide your liked pages on Facebook from iPhone and desktop

Following the pages of your favorite artists, politicians, or brands on Facebook isn’t new. However, you may have some pages or lists on your following list that you don’t want others to know about.

Fortunately, you can hide your liked pages and lists on Facebook from both the iOS app and website.

How to hide your liked pages on Facebook from iPhone

1. Open Facebook app and tap the Profile icon at the bottom right corner.
2. Next, tap Settings & Privacy → Pick Settings in the drop-down menu.
3. Under the Audience and visibility section, tap Followers and public content.
4. Here, tap the dropdown menu next to Who can see the people, Pages, and lists you follow.
5. Finally, select Only Me from the available audience options.
   
   

Going forward, none of your followers will be able to view the Pages you have liked.

How to hide your liked pages on Facebook from desktop

1. Visit Facebook on the web and log in to your account.
2. Head to your Profile → Settings & privacy → Settings.
3. In the left pane, scroll down and choose Followers and Public Content under the Audience and Visibility section.
4. Click the button next to Who can see the people, Pages, and Lists you follow.
   
   
5. From the options available, select Only Me and hit Save to record your preferences.
   
   

The desktop version allows you to hide liked pages belonging to a particular genre as well. Here’s how:

1. Open your Facebook Profile.
2. Go to the More tab under your profile picture.
3. Select Likes from the list of options.
   
   
4. Next, click the three-dot menu on the right and select Edit the Privacy of Your Likes.
   
   
5. Now, click the Audience button (globe icon) next to a particular genre.
   
   
6. Finally, select Only Me and click Save.
   
   

Signing off…

That’s it; this is all about hiding likes on Facebook. Now, you can easily hide the Like count on your and other users’ posts, tailoring the user experience to your preference. Also, instead of focusing just on Likes, I’d recommend focusing on engaging with content that resonates with your interests and fosters genuine connections with your friends and followers alike.

If you have any doubts or queries, comment below, and I’ll happily respond.

Know more about Facebook:

• How to take a break from someone on Facebook
• How to lock Facebook profile on iPhone
• How to log out of Facebook Messenger on iPhone and iPad

The post How to hide likes on Facebook (2024 Guide) appeared first on iGeeksBlog.

Are you repeatedly getting awkward video recommendations on your YouTube feed? That’s because YouTube keeps a record of everything you search for and watch on the site. This helps YouTube suggest videos based on your interests. However, if you are concerned about your privacy and don’t like what YouTube suggests, you must turn off or delete your YouTube search and watch history on your iPhone or iPad to embrace a clean slate.

Why must you clear YouTube search and watch history?

Based on your past activities, YouTube curates your video feed. So you can access your favorite content quickly. However, if others use your YouTube account, their search and watch history can alter your preferences algorithm.

You must delete past activities to reset your YouTube feed. Clearing your YouTube view and search history is also essential for several reasons.

• It prevents others from accessing your browsing habits or past video views, so your personal interests remain private.
• Removing your search history can prevent YouTube from personalizing recommendations based on your searches, helping to avoid potential biases in the feed.
• Moreover, deleting your YouTube history can free up space on your Google Account.

How to delete individual YouTube search and watch history on iPhone and iPad

1. Go to YouTube → Tap the search icon.
2. Here, your YouTube search history will be listed in chronological order.
3. Swipe left a search term → Hit Delete.
   
   

The deleted search entry will not show up as suggestions in the search box anymore. However, remember that clearing one search history won’t affect the suggestions you receive.

Note: There is no direct way to completely clear YouTube search history with one tap. You must manually remove the results that you don’t want to appear.

How to delete YouTube search and watch history on iPhone and iPad

1. Launch the YouTube app on your iPhone or iPad
2. Tap your profile → Settings icon.
3. Select Manage all history.
   
   
4. Now, you can view your YouTube search and watch history listed according to the date.
5. To delete activities for a certain period:
   • Tap the Calendar icon → Choose a date.
   • Hit OK → Apply to filter the desired results.
     
     
   • Your search history till the chosen date will be displayed.
   • Tap DELETE THESE RESULTS → Delete → OK to clear all history in one go.
     
     
6. Alternatively, you can tap Delete and select either of the following:
   • Delete today: Clear the YouTube search history of the past 24 hours.
   • Delete custom range: Clear the YouTube search history for a specific time period.
   • Delete all time: Clear all YouTube history from iPhone.
7. Once you choose one, verify the data and hit Delete.
   
   

How to turn off YouTube search and watch history on iPhone and iPad

If you desire, you can permanently disable your YouTube search and watch history. Thus, any searches you make or videos you watch won’t be saved. Also, you will get a fresh video feed always without deleting the history.

1. Go to your YouTube profile → Settings → Manage all history.
2. Choose Saving your YouTube history.
3. Tap TURN OFF → Pause → OK.
   
   

Tip: To keep your watch history and disable search history only, uncheck Include the YouTube videos that you watch and then tap TURN OFF.

How to remove a video from YouTube watch history on iPhone

In case there is a particular video that you’d like to remove from the watch history of your YouTube account, here’s the right way to proceed.

1. Navigate to your YouTube profile → Settings → Manage all history.
2. Tap the cross icon beside the respective video → Hit Delete.
3. Choose OK to conclude.
   
   
4. The following activity will not appear on your YouTube watch history again.

Note: This action may take a few minutes to reflect on your account. So don’t worry!

How to find YouTube watch history on iPhone

If you’re looking for a particular activity from your YouTube history, the process is pretty simple and straightforward.

1. Head over to your YouTube profile → Settings → Manage all history.
2. Tap the Search icon → Enter any relatable keywords → Tap Apply.
3. The videos with that keyword will appear in search results.
4. Here, clear all results or delete a particular one as per your choice.
   
   

How to automatically delete your YouTube history on iPhone

There’s a way you can avoid the hassle of manually deleting your search and watch history. You can enable a cycle to auto-delete your YouTube history and forget all about it.

1. Follow the path to your YouTube profile → Settings → Manage all history.
2. Tap Auto-delete.
   It should be labeled off if disabled.
3. Select Auto-delete activity older than → Choose a period.
   You can select from 3, 18, or 36 months.
4. Hit Next → Confirm → OK to save your preference for auto-deleting YouTube activity older than the selected period.
   
   

Pro tip: How to use Incognito mode to not save search history on YouTube

If you find clearing the search and view history of YouTube tedious, I have a gift for you. Follow the steps below to access YouTube in Incognito mode without any third-party application or browser.

1. Launch YouTube → Go to your account.
2. Tap the Turn on Incognito option.
3. You can now watch videos on YouTube without leaving any traces behind.
4. Once you are done watching, tap You → Select Turn off Incognito.
   
   
5. This action will return you to regular browsing mode, where your activities will be saved as usual.

By using Incognito mode, you can enjoy YouTube content privately and maintain a sense of security regarding your personal preferences or viewing habits on the platform.

Erase your digital trail!

By following the steps mentioned above, you can easily clear your YouTube search and watch history. This will help you maintain your privacy and keep your viewing habits confidential.

Also, it’s essential if you share your device with others or want to keep your search and watch history private.

Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

Read more:

• How to watch 4K YouTube videos on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV
• How to turn on YouTube Picture-in-picture mode on iPhone and iPad

The post How to delete YouTube search and watch history on iPhone or iPad appeared first on iGeeksBlog.

10 ways to check if your iPhone is original or fake

Whether you are planning to buy an iPhone from an offline store or online, this article will discuss several ways to determine whether your iPhone is real or not. I always recommend the checklist mentioned below to my friends and family, and they thank me later for making an informed purchase decision. I’m pretty sure it will help you, too.

1. Cross-check the IMEI number on the box and Settings app

The IMEI number is the easiest step to check if the iPhone is original. IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It serves as a unique ID for your iPhone’s hardware.

Also, the IMEI number may be of any old iPhone, so cross-check it with the IMEI number provided in the device.

1. Go to Settings → General → About.
2. Scroll down to get the IMEI number.
   
   
3. If the IMEI numbers on the box and in the Settings app don’t match, there’s a high chance your iPhone is fake (unless the device was sold with the wrong box).

Also, the IMEI number is available on the SIM tray of the iPhone except iPhone 14 series. Besides, you may dial the code *#06# to see your IMEI.

2. Check the Model number and Serial number

After IMEI, next, validate your iPhone’s serial and model number. You may find the serial number of your iPhone in several ways. First, copy it and check it on the above-mentioned Apple’s official website. If you see the green tick beside Valid Purchase, it means the phone is genuine. 

Additionally, you can tell if the iPhone is brand new or refurbished. To do so, check the first letter of the Model number of your iPhone from Settings → General → About.    

• M: The iPhone is new and original.
• F: The device has been refurbished and used before.
• N: The current iPhone has been replaced with a broken iPhone because of a service request.
• P: Apple has made a personalized iPhone with engraving.

So, now you may find out if someone is trying to sell you a refurbished phone in the name of a new one.

3. Go through the physical appearance of the iPhone

Some unique physical elements make the iPhone distinctive.

• You should see a sleep/wake button, a mute switch, an Action Button, and volume controls on the sides of the device.
• Also, the rear of your iPhone should have the Apple logo.
• As iPhones do not have USB Type-C ports like Android phones, check for the lightning connector at the bottom.
• Also, look for the Pentalobe screws next to the port to check if the iPhone is real or fake.
• Finally, pay close attention to the camera module, the frames, and the notch. The look should match the images on the official Apple website.
• Besides, most iPhone models are made of metal and glass to provide a premium hand feel.

Fake iPhones often have weaker construction and a somewhat different design from genuine versions. As a result, you must thoroughly examine the iPhone’s outside. Your iPhone is probably a fake if any of these parts are missing or present in an unexpected place.

4. Ensure the iPhone’s internal parts are not changed

Some reports show that customers have been scammed with serviced iPhones. The device is original, but due to some malfunctions, it may be repaired with non-Apple parts. So, the iPhone can not provide the same user experience with those parts installed.

To find if the screen is original or not:

• Turn on True Tone in the display.
• Enable Night Shift.
• Check if you are getting Haptic Feedback.

Also, if you have an iPhone 11 or later (running on iOS 15.2 or later) and if it has gone through any service replacements, you should be able to see the details here:

1. Go to Settings → General → About.
2. Under Parts and Service History, you will see the part’s name. If it shows Unknown, the installed part is non-Apple or used in another iPhone.

5. Network connectivity 

All iPhone models can connect to Wi-Fi, EDGE, and Bluetooth. Apple Pay is supported through NFC, and files can be shared on AirDrop. So, if you buy an iPhone that can’t connect to one of these networks, it’s probably a fake. 

6. Sync the new iPhone using Quick Start

To check whether the iPhone is original or fake, you may try to connect to iTunes and see if iTunes recognizes your iPhone. If the phone can’t install iOS backup from iCloud or sync data with your Mac, it’s not original.

Also, bring your old iPhone next to your new iPhone for setup. If you can’t use Quick Start to set up, the latter is fake.

7. Verify iOS

iOS in iPhones is visibly distinct from Android in terms of look, feel, and performance. So, fake iPhones try to copy the interface.

To discover your iPhone’s OS, go to Settings → General → Software update.

Also, when you set up your new iPhone, it asks you to create an Apple ID. If it prompts you to enter your Google account or anything else, the iPhone is not real.   

8. Look for system apps

iPhone comes with a different App Store only for iOS apps. So, you may try to open it. If you see the Google Play store, the iPhone is not original. Also, Apple includes specific system apps like Safari, Health, Music, Compass, Calculator, etc., which can’t be deleted. Therefore, if any of them are absent, the phone is either jailbroken or fake. 

You can recover the original firmware by switching to DFU mode and installing the operating system again. Your iPhone is probably a fake if native apps are still missing.

9. Activate Siri on iPhone

Siri is solely Apple’s in-house technology. So, fake iPhone manufacturers can’t include Siri in their phones and instead use Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, or other voice assistants. Instead, try to activate Siri by long pressing the power button. If it doesn’t pop up, the iPhone is not original.

10. Get checked from the Apple Store or Service Provider 

If you still believe it to be a fake, you may take your iPhone to the nearest Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. Your iPhone can undergo diagnostic tests performed by a retail specialist to verify your Apple iPhone.

Be aware of iPhone scams!

Purchasing a fake iPhone can result in a loss of money and a frustrating experience. So, you must verify your Apple iPhone before buying to make an informed purchase and avoid being scammed. Whether you have just purchased an iPhone or are planning to buy one, I hope this guide will provide the necessary information to check if the iPhone is original or fake.

The post How to check if your iPhone is original or not: A detailed guide appeared first on iGeeksBlog.

• How to send a voice message on iPhone in iOS 17
• Limitations of sending voice messages on iPhone

How to send a voice message on iPhone in iOS 17

There are a few things you need to take into account before sending voice messages on iPhone.

First, you need to ensure iMessage is active for both the sender and receiver. Otherwise, the audio recording will be sent as an MMS.

Next, if you are using iOS 16, the Audio option (blue waveform icon) is available right under the text field in the Messages app. You can just tap on it and record your voice message.

Now, if you are using iOS 17, you need to tap the + button next to the text field to select the Audio option and send voice messages. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

How to record and send an audio message on iPhone

1. Open the Messages app → Head to an iMessage conversation or start a new one.
2. Tap the + button to the left of the text field.
3. Select Audio from the pop-up to begin recording your voice message.
   
   
4. Tap the red Stop button to pause or end the recording. Then, tap the Play button to review it.
   • You can also tap the “+ (with the message duration)” button to continue the recording.
5. If you are satisfied with the recorded message, tap the Send button (blue arrow). If not, tap the X button to discard it.
   
   

If you send a voice note accidentally, don’t worry. You can unsend it, just like how you can unsend text messages on your iPhone. Just press and hold the voice message and select Undo Send from the pop-up.

Alternatively, you can ask Siri on your iPhone to send a voice message to a particular contact.

Further, by default, every voice message you send or receive expires within 2 minutes of sending or listening to it.

So, if you want to keep the voice message in the iMessage conversation, you need to tap Keep under the voice message or head to Messages settings and change the expiration settings.

How to listen and reply to voice messages on iPhone

There are a couple of ways you can listen or reply to voice messages. Additionally, you can save the voice messages you receive to the Voice Memos app. I’ll walk you through each process one by one.

Listen to voice messages

• Tap the Play button on the voice message you received.
• Alternatively, you can raise the iPhone to your ear, and the message will start playing automatically.

If Raise to Listen isn’t working for you, make sure the feature is enabled in Settings → Messages.

Reply to a voice message

You can obviously respond to a voice message with text as usual. But if you wish to respond with an audio message of your own, here’s how you can do it:

1. Press and hold the voice message you received → Pick Reply from the pop-up.
2. Tap and hold the red wave icon in the text field to record your reply.
   You can directly come to this step if you don’t wish to point out which particular message you’re replying to.
3. Once you’re done speaking, tap the red Pause button to stop recording.
4. Finally, to send the recording, tap the Send button at the right of the text field.
   
   

Alternatively, if you want to respond without tapping your iPhone display, you can lower your iPhone and raise it back to your ear → Once you hear a tone, you can start recording your response. Please note that this method works only for the last audio message you received in an iMessage thread.

Save voice messages

You can easily save a sent or received audio message to the Voice Memos app.

1. To save a voice message to the Voice Memos app, you must first select the Keep option underneath it.
2. After that, long press the audio message → Select Save to Voice Memos from the pop-up that appears.

To find the recording in the Voice Memos app, go to All Recordings → Look for a clip titled Audio Message from <contact name>.

I’d highly recommend renaming the title of the audio clip to something you can recall later because there’s no way you can search for an audio message in the Messages app.

To rename, tap the audio file → Select the three-dot menu → Edit Recording → Tap the title and edit it.

Limitations of sending voice messages on iPhone

While voice messages allow you to express yourself more accurately, they certainly come with a few drawbacks:

• Privacy concerns: If you are in a public place or a meeting, sending an audio message can get awkward – especially if you are passing on confidential or private information.
• Accessibility: People with hearing impairment may find it hard to access voice messages. Also, sometimes, listening to an audio message isn’t feasible if the user is in a noisy environment.
• Search issues: Unlike text messages, searching for a particular voice message in a thread using Search is impossible.
• Transcription issues: You may not always get an accurate transcription, due to different accents, background noise, and so on.
• Stable internet connection: While you can send a text message even when your iPhone’s internet speed is slower, voice messages require a stable internet connection.
• Compatible issues with non-iOS devices: While you can anytime use a third-party messaging app to send audio messages to a non-iOS device, the same is not possible with iMessage.

Conclusion

There you go; this is how you send voice messages on iPhone. By now, you must agree on how convenient recording and sending a voice message can be, when compared to typing those long texts. However, just to be sure of what you’re doing, always review a recorded message before sending.

If you have any doubts or questions regarding voice messages, feel free to comment below. I’d be happy to respond.

Read more:

• How to turn off read receipts in iMessage on iPhone and Mac
• How to send a text message instead of iMessage on iPhone
• How to send iMessage with effects on iPhone and iPad

The post How to send voice messages on iPhone in iOS 17 appeared first on iGeeksBlog.

Most of the time, it’s some brightness-related or battery-saving setting to blame. Sometimes, a software issue may also be at fault.

So why does your iPhone keep dimming unexpectedly? I’ve listed some common reasons and some straightforward solutions.

Why does my iPhone keep dimming its screen?

• Most phones are “smart” enough to guard your eyes from eye strain. These features automatically sense a change in the lighting conditions around you and, accordingly, adjust your iPhone’s screen brightness. Sometimes, this feature can backfire and cause dimming randomly.
• If you have any battery saving feature enabled, this might be the culprit to an iPhone screen dimming by itself.
• Aside from setting problems, software glitches, outdated software, and overheating may also cause your iPhone to dim randomly.

What to do when my iPhone screen dims randomly?

I’ve provided some helpful tips on how to stop your iPhone from dimming. Luckily, many of them are simple settings tweaks that should take next to no time at all.

1. Disable Auto Brightness
2. Turn off Always On Display
3. Disable Screen Zoom
4. Extend Auto Lock on iPhone
5. Turn off True Tone on iPhone
6. Disable Night Shift
7. Disable Dark Mode on iPhone
8. Turn on Attention Aware Features
9. Disable Low Power Mode on iPhone
10. Toggle off Reduce White Point
11. Let the iPhone cool down
12. Update your iPhone to the latest iOS
13. Reset your iPhone

1. Disable Auto Brightness

Your iPhone typically dims its screen to adapt to ambient lighting. If auto-brightness is enabled, your iPhone will dim its light at night to prevent overwhelming your eyes and give you maximum brightness when you’re out in the sun.

Here’s how to turn it off:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone → Accessibility.
2. Select Display & Text Size.
3. Scroll down and toggle off Auto-Brightness.
   
   

2. Turn off Always On Display

When enabled on your 14 Pro or later model, Always On Display dims your Lock Screen while displaying crucial information like notifications, time, and widgets. This may be why your iPhone screen dims randomly when you aren’t looking.

1. To turn off Always On Display, go to Settings → Display & Brightness.
2. Scroll down to the bottom and tap Always On Display.
3. Toggle off Always On Display.
   
   

3. Disable Screen Zoom

Zoom is a nifty feature that magnifies the entire screen or just a portion of the screen for you. Zooming in on a particular part of the screen may make your screen seem dim.

1. To turn Zoom off, go to Settings → Accessibility → Zoom.
2. Toggle off Zoom.
   
   

Instead of Zoom, you can use Magnifier on your iPhone to zoom in on objects.

4. Extend Auto Lock on iPhone

By default, your iPhone locks after 30 seconds. This security feature lets your iPhone screen stay on as long as you’re looking at it since it can detect when you’re looking at the screen. It eventually dims and locks when you look away for a while.

If you want your display to stay on longer, you can change how long it takes before your iPhone screen dims and locks:

1. Launch Settings → Display & Brightness.
2. Tap Auto-Lock.
3. Select from the available options. You can select Never if you don’t want it to lock unless you manually lock it.
   
   

5. Turn off True Tone on iPhone

True Tone is a feature similar to Auto-Brightness, which adapts the color of your screen based on lighting conditions surrounding you, to make colors appear consistent with your environment. The color changes can make your iPhone display seem like it’s dimming.

1. If you don’t want this, head to Settings → Display & Brightness.
2. Toggle off True Tone under Brightness.
   
   

6. Disable Night Shift

Night Shift makes the display easier on the eyes and hopefully makes it easier for you to sleep. However, it may make it more difficult for you to look at your display at night, especially if the settings are set to very warm. To adjust this or turn the feature off entirely:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Display & Brightness.
3. Tap Night Shift. Turn it off by toggling off Schedule.
   Alternatively, set the screen to be less warm to make it less tinted and dim instead of turning it off.
   
   

7. Disable Dark Mode on iPhone

The iPhone tends to have a generally bright display. Turning on Dark Mode changes your iPhone’s color scheme, adopting a black background with text shown in white.

This can offer a better viewing experience in low-light environments but appear dimmer than the iPhone’s usually bright display. Turning it off is easy:

1. Go to Settings → Display & Brightness.
2. Tick Light to disable Dark Mode.
   
   

You can also control Dark Mode directly from your Control Center. Learn how to customize your Control Center and add the Dark Mode button.

8. Turn on Attention Aware Features

Attention Aware Features use Face ID sensors to detect if you’re looking at the screen and dim it when you’re not looking. This works with the Auto-Lock feature mentioned above.

If this feature is disabled, your iPhone will dim and turn off after the time you indicated for Auto-Lock, even when you’re looking at it. Turn it on by doing the following:

1. Go to Settings → Face ID & Passcode.
2. Enter your passcode.
3. Toggle on Attention Aware Features.
   
   

9. Disable Low Power Mode on iPhone

Low Power Mode will reduce or cut off certain features to save battery life when your iPhone battery drops to a certain percentage. This includes visual effects, the Auto-Lock feature, and display brightness.

This may cause sudden dimming of your iPhone screen, which can be frustrating if you’re in the middle of a visually-intensive task. Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to turn off:

1. Open Settings → Battery.
2. Toggle off Low Power Mode.
   
   

Alternatively, go to the Control Center and press the Low Power Mode button to deactivate it.

10. Toggle off Reduce White Point

White Point is a display feature that reduces the intensity of bright colors. When enabled, this might make your screen appear dimmer than usual. If you want to keep it turned on, just drag the slider to the left side. Alternatively, you can toggle it off to turn it off.

1. Go to Settings → Accessibility.
2. Tap Display & Text Size → Toggle off Reduce White Point.
   
   

11. Let the iPhone cool down

If your iPhone’s interior temperature exceeds the normal operating range, it will try to regulate its temperature to protect its internal components. You’ll see a black screen and the warning message “iPhone needs to cool down before you can use it.”

Aside from this, iPhone screens dim when hot, so you’ll likely see a dimmed display and overall slower performance.

Just let your iPhone cool for a while and see if your iPhone’s screen returns to normal.

12. Update your iPhone to the latest iOS

Sometimes, outdated iOS versions can cause annoying glitches and problems. If your iPhone isn’t running the latest version of iOS, try updating it first and see if it stops your iPhone screen from dimming by itself.

1. Go to Settings → General → Software Update.
2. Select Download and Install if an update is available.

13. Reset your iPhone

It’s also possible that some bug is causing the issue. A simple restart can resolve the issue. If this doesn’t help, you might want to reset all your settings.

Note that this won’t affect all your personal data but will return all settings to default. Photos, videos, and saved files will NOT be deleted. However, just to be absolutely certain, it’d be wise to back up the files on your iPhone first.

1. Open Settings → General.
2. Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
3. Tap Reset → Reset All Settings.
   
   

See if this resolves the iPhone screen dimming by itself.

Wrapping up…

Hopefully, this guide helped you figure out why your iPhone screen dims randomly and solve the problem. Let us know which solution worked for you in the comments below!

Have any other questions about iOS? Ask away; we’d love to help!

Read more if you have any of these issues:

• How to fix iPhone screen turned black and white
• iPhone screen burn-in? Here’s how to fix it
• How to fix iPhone green screen of death issue

The post Why does my iPhone screen dim randomly and how to fix it! appeared first on iGeeksBlog.

If your iPhone won’t send pictures, it’s likely due to one of a few main suspects. Here’s how to identify and solve the problem in a few quick steps.

Why can’t I send or receive pictures on my iPhone?

If you’ve come face to face with this error, you’re not alone; several users have reported the same problem on the Apple Forum.

There are a number of reasons why you may be unable to send or receive picture messages on your iPhone. So, before we move on to the potential fixes, here are some common reasons behind this issue:

• Errors related to the Messages app or the network settings
• Network-related issues on Apple’s or the carrier’s end
• Insufficient storage capacity for storing new images
• Software-related bugs in iOS or your Apple ID

Now that you have a general understanding of the likely causes, here are the solutions.

15 Ways to fix iPhone not sending pictures

Whether you’re unable to send a photo attachment in iMessage or receive images in MMS format, one of the following solutions will help your iPhone get back on track.

1. Make sure iMessage is enabled
2. Enable MMS for Messages
3. Check network connection
4. Check if the recipient has iMessage
5. Try sending it to a different contact
6. Check the file size
7. Check iPhone storage
8. Restart Messages app
9. Clear your iMessage cache on iPhone
10. Check iMessage’s System Status
11. Disable Wi-Fi Assist
12. Sign out of your Apple ID
13. Install Carrier Updates
14. Update iOS
15. Reset Network Settings

1. Make sure iMessage is enabled

The Messages app sends different types of messages: SMS/MMS and iMessage. iMessage lets you send text, photos, and videos to other Apple devices via cellular data or Wi-Fi.

That said, your iPhone can’t receive or send pictures if iMessage isn’t turned on to begin with. To turn iMessage on, go to Settings → Scroll down to Messages → Toggle on iMessage. Also, tap Send & Receive and select the number to use in Messages.

2. Enable MMS for Messages

You can still send images to non-Apple users through MMS messaging. MMS uses the same technology as SMS to send and receive multimedia content. But you must have an active cellular service plan.

1. To enable MMS Messaging on your iPhone, go to Settings → Messages.
2. Turn on MMS Messaging.

If you don’t see this option, your carrier might not support it. If you’ve seen the option before but it’s not there now, here’s what to do if the MMS Messaging option is missing on your iPhone:

• Remove the SIM card and reinsert it.
• Have someone send you an MMS message.
• Ask your carrier to send you MMS message settings.

3. Check network connection

iMessage requires a stable Wi-Fi or cellular connection to send media files like images and videos. The app might struggle to send any files if your network connection is poor or unstable.

So, try disabling your cellular data, restart your iPhone, and then enable cellular data again. You can also use Wi-Fi or toggle Airplane mode on/off to have a more stable network connection.

4. Check if the recipient has iMessage

If you’re sure your iMessage is activated and working well, the next step is to check if the person you’re sending an image to has iMessage.

iMessage only works with Apple devices, so if your text messages go seamlessly as green message bubbles, the recipient may be a non-Apple user. In that case, try using iMessage alternatives to send your pictures instead.

5. Try sending it to a different contact

To check if the issue is limited to a particular contact and is not an iMessage issue, try sending an iMessage to another Apple user. If it works, then the problem is with the contact.

Here are some potential reasons why you can’t send pictures from your iPhone to another user via iMessage:

• iMessage is turned off on the recipient’s device.
• iMessage is temporarily unavailable on their device.
• You have the wrong contact number.
• Your contact changed their number.
• Your connection is using a different device.

6. Check the file size

Check your file size by going to Photos, selecting the image, and swiping up to see the metadata. The maximum file size for iMessage attachments is 100MB.

If the file size is too large, reduce the image’s file size first. Also, you may send lower-quality images automatically,

1. Go to Settings → Messages.
2. Scroll down and toggle on Low Quality Image Mode.
   
   

7. Check iPhone storage

A full iPhone storage will prevent you from receiving pictures on your iPhone.

To check your storage, go to Settings → General → iPhone Storage.

Check out our guide on clearing up iPhone storage for tips on saving storage space.

8. Restart Messages app

As simple as this sounds, force quit the app can help fix glitches and bugs that might be the reason why you can’t send or receive pictures on your iPhone.

Swipe up from your iPhone’s Home screen to open the App Switcher, find the Messages card, and swipe up on it to force quit Messages. Then, wait for a few seconds and relaunch the Messages app.

9. Clear your iMessage cache on iPhone

Sometimes, clearing your iMessage cache can solve the problem. To do so:

1. Go to Settings → General → iPhone Storage → Messages.
2. Here, you’ll see the items that take up space on your Messages app.
3. You can see large attachments and delete them manually or enable Auto Delete Old Conversations to delete messages and attachments you sent or received over a year ago.

10. Check iMessage’s System Status

There’s also a chance that it’s a server issue on Apple’s end. Visit Apple’s System Status page to see if iMessage’s server currently works well.

11. Disable Wi-Fi Assist

Another feature that might cause problems, especially if you’re trying to send large files, is the Wi-Fi assist feature. This automatically switches to cellular data when it detects a poor Wi-Fi connection.

However, your cellular data might be insufficient to send the picture files over iMessage, leading to the “Not Delivered” error.

1. Go to Settings → Cellular.
2. Scroll down and toggle off Wi-Fi Assist.
   
   

12. Sign out of your Apple ID

Signing out and signing back into your Apple ID may help reset any connection error that prevents your iPhone from sending and receiving pictures. To do so:

1. Open Settings → Tap your name.
2. Scroll down and tap Sign Out → Enter your password.
   
   

After a few minutes, sign back in and check if your iPhone still isn’t sending any pictures. If it’s not, you may need to install a carrier update.

13. Install Carrier Updates

Your carrier service releases occasional updates to improve cellular usage on your iPhone. You may face the problem of an iPhone not sending picture messages if you don’t update your iPhone to its latest carrier settings.

Go to Settings → General → About. If updates are available, you will see a popup asking you to update the settings. If not, they’re up to date.

14. Update iOS

Apple consistently updates the iPhone’s software to ensure apps and features run smoothly. Using an outdated iOS might hinder app functionality, particularly when interfacing with other Apple devices running a more recent iOS version.

1. To update iOS, Settings → General → Software Update.
2. Tap Update Now if an update is available.
   
   

15. Reset Network Settings

If this is a sudden issue, there may be an issue with some cellular settings on your iPhone. Resetting your Network Settings may help fix the problem.

Note: Write down or save your Wi-Fi passwords since resetting your network settings will reset all Wi-Fi networks and passwords, including VPN and APN settings and cellular settings.

1. Go to Settings → General.
2. Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone → Select Reset.
3. Tap Reset Network Settings.
4. Enter your passcode to confirm → Tap Reset Network Settings.
   
   

Wrapping up…

These were all the possible ways to fix an iPhone that won’t send picture messages. We hope one of them helped you resolve it.

If none of the above solutions worked, the underlying problem may be more complex and could be a hardware issue. In this case, it’s best to contact Apple Support for professional assistance.

Read more about iMessage:

• Best iMessage tips and tricks for iPhone users
• How to send text message (SMS) instead of iMessage on iPhone
• How to fix “Tap to Download” not working in iMessage

The post How to fix iPhone not sending pictures issues appeared first on iGeeksBlog.

• Why Do I Need to Turn Off Find My?
• What Happens When You Disable Find My?
• How to Turn Off Find My iPhone on your iPhone
• How to Turn Off Find My on Mac

Why Do I Need to Turn Off Find My?

There are a few different reasons why you might need to disable Find My on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. For instance, it is recommended that you do this before selling your device or passing it on to a new owner.

You might want to deactivate Find My iPhone or Find My Mac because it can allow someone to track you. This is because anyone who knows your Apple ID log on details can use the Find My feature to locate the devices that you’re logged into.

What Happens When You Disable Find My?

If you disable Find My on your iOS or Mac, it will become nearly impossible to trace or recover your device if it is lost or stolen. Find My helps you locate your phone by viewing it on a map, playing a sound on it, remotely wiping the data, locking it, etc. It also includes Activation Lock that prevents others from using your device.

So, turning off the Find My feature will eliminate these options, and it won’t be easy to find your device. Of course, if you’re selling or giving away your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you should disable the Find My feature. Along with turning off this feature, you can also add or remove devices from Find My.

How to Turn Off Find My iPhone

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap on your name and then tap on Find My.
3. Tap on Find My iPhone ( On an iPad, tap “Find My iPad”).
4. Toggle OFF Find My Phone.
5. Enter your Apple ID password and tap on Turn Off.

How to Turn Off Find My Mac

1. Open System Settings.
   
   
2. Click on Apple ID → Go to iCloud.
   
   
3. Head to the Apps Using iCloud section → Click Show More Apps.
   
   
4. Now, select Find My Mac under the list of More Apps Using iCloud.
   
   
5. Click Turn Off next to Find My Mac.
   
   
6. Enter your Apple ID password and device password to complete this action.
7. Finally, select Done to exit the window.
   
   Summing Up 

We hope this guide has equipped you to disable Find My on iOS and macOS.

You may also like to read these:

• How to Turn Off Autocorrect on iPhone and iPad
• iCloud Backup Failed on iPhone or iPad? How to Fix It!
• How to Disable System Integrity Protection on Mac
• How to check iPhone Activation Lock status online

The post How to Turn OFF Find My on iPhone, iPad, and Mac appeared first on iGeeksBlog.

1. Keyboard shortcuts to lock the Mac screen
2. How to lock the Mac screen from the Apple Menu
3. How to lock your Mac screen automatically
4. How to use Fast User Switching to lock the Mac screen
5. How to use Hot Corners to lock the screen of your Mac
6. How to lock the Mac screen via Terminal

How to lock your Mac screen

Setting up the Hot Corners is my favorite and easiest way to lock the screen of my Mac. However, all methods are easy to use, and you can choose any of them and will work on whatever Mac model you have.

1. Keyboard shortcuts to lock the Mac screen

If your Mac is equipped with the latest macOS version, use the CMD + Control + Q key combination to summon the lock screen instantly. Alternatively, press the Touch ID button to turn off the screen.

However, if you’re operating an older version of Mac, the Control + Shift + Power button is your go-to key combination for locking the screen. Finally, for those using a Mac with an optical drive, press the Control + Shift + Eject button to turn off the active screen.

These shortcut keys are the easiest way to lock the screen of your Mac and maintain solitude.

2. How to lock the Mac screen from the Apple Menu

1. Click the Apple logo () on the menu bar.
2. Select Lock Screen.
   
   

Alternatively, press the Sleep option to shut off the eyes of your Mac when you are not using it. Things even get better as you can use your Apple Watch to turn on your Mac, giving you an advanced edge of accessibility.

3. How to lock your Mac screen automatically

Setting up automatic screen locking is the best way to guarantee your Mac is secure. When you are not using it for a specific time limit, the display will be locked. So intruders can’t access your unattended device.

1. Click the Apple logo () and open System Settings.
   
   
2. Click Lock Screen from the left side.
3. Select the drop-down next to Start Screen Saver when inactive and choose a time limit.
   
   
4. Hit the drop-down beside Require password after screen saver begins or display is turned off and select Immediately.
   
   
5. Enter your Mac password → Hit Modify Settings.
   
   

4. How to use Fast User Switching to lock the Mac screen

I prefer this Fast User Switching method for locking a Mac screen because it offers decent animation. If you want something different, follow the steps outlined below.

1. Go to System Settings.
2. Access Control Centre → Select Fast User Switching.
   
   
3. Now, click the drop-down menu next to Show in the Menu Bar.
   I chose icon here.
   
   
4. Head over to the menu bar and click the user profile icon.
5. Simply choose Login Window to lock your Mac screen.
   
   

5. How to use Hot Corners to lock the screen of your Mac

Hot Corners are another intriguing way of effortlessly locking your Mac’s screen. This low-key yet excellent macOS feature is definitely something you should try at least once. 

1. Go to System Settings.
2. Select Desktop & Dock → Hot Corners.
   
   
3. Choose any corner → Select Lock Screen → Click Done.
   
   

6. How to lock the Mac screen via Terminal

If you are a techie, you can use the Terminal to send your Mac to sleep and lock the screen. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Terminal via Spotlight Search.
   
   
2. Type pmset displaysleepnow command and press Return.
   
   
3. Now, your Mac will go to sleep, and the password is required to unlock it.

Use a third-party app to lock the Mac screen

Last but not least, if you’re looking for a wide range of controls over the functions of your Mac, then third-party apps like CleanMyMac X are at your service. They will effectively allow you to lock your Mac screen, in addition to many customization options.

Importance of securing your Mac with a lock screen

With the advent of technology, Macs have become a highly prevalent device for professionals. Regardless of your usage, your Mac has all sensitive information stored in one place, which must be protected at every cost.

If you are concerned about such security factors, a password-protected lock screen answers all your problems. A lock screen adds an extra layer of security, preventing unknown users from accessing your device’s content without your permission.

By limiting physical access to your device, you can ensure that no intruders can access your Mac in your absence. Furthermore, without compromising on boring and dull backgrounds, you can accumulate custom lock screen messages on your Mac’s lock screen.

Stop, drop, and secure! 

Apple offers a range of options to lock your Mac’s screen. All the methods mentioned can help keep your Mac secure and provide protection from unauthorized access. In the comments below, let me know your favorite way to lock your Mac.

Read more:

• How to add or remove custom Lock Screen message on Mac
• How to use Security Keys for Apple ID on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
• How to sync content between Mac and iPhone, iPad
• 35+ Best macOS Sonoma hidden features you should know!

The post How to lock the screen of your Mac appeared first on iGeeksBlog.

The latest operating system for the watch includes entertaining new watch faces, NameDrop, medication reminders follow-ups, and numerous others. If you’re eager to begin using and demonstrating these exciting capabilities, here are the steps to download and install the watchOS 10.5 beta 4 on your Apple Watch.

What will you need to install the all-new watchOS 10.5 beta 4?

• iOS update: The paired iPhone Xs or later should be running iOS 17 developer beta.
• Stable network – You’ll need a strong and stable strong Wi-Fi network to ensure a smooth and quick download and installation.
• Backup – While not compulsory, it is wise to back up your Apple Watch to avoid data loss if something goes awry.

watchOS 10.5 beta 4 Supported devices

• Apple Watch Series 4
• Apple Watch Series 5
• Apple Watch Series 6
• Apple Watch SE (1st and 2nd gen)
• Apple Watch Series 7
• Apple Watch Series 8
• Apple Watch Ultra
• Apple Watch Series 9
• Apple Watch Ultra 2

How to install watchOS 10.5 beta 4 on Apple Watch

If the beta certificate you previously obtained is successfully downloaded, it notifies the Watch app on your iPhone that watchOS 10.5 beta 4 is available for installation. In case the beta version does not appear, restart your Apple Watch once more.

Note: Ensure your iPhone is connected to a strong Wi-Fi network before proceeding.

1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
2. Go to My Watch → Select General.
3. Look for the option labeled Software Update and tap on it.
4. Navigate to the Beta Updates section → Look for watchOS 10.5 beta 4.
5. Now, press the < arrow to head back to the Software Update section → Choose the option to Download and Install the update displayed next to the beta update.
6. If prompted, enter your phone passcode for verification.
7. Agree to the Terms and Conditions by tapping the corresponding option.
8. Connect your Apple Watch to its magnetic charger and make sure it has a minimum charge of 50%.
9. Select Install to initiate the update process on your iPhone and/or Apple Watch.

In order to apply the update, your Apple Watch will restart once the procedure is complete. Additionally, you can view the progress on the display of your Apple Watch.

Note: Keep your Apple Watch on its charger and wait for the installation process to complete.

watchOS 10.5 beta 4 update failed?

In case your watchOS is not updating using the above-mentioned methods, you can try again after some time. In the event of repeated failure, proceed to disconnect and reconnect your Apple Watch, then give it another try.

Now that you have successfully installed watchOS 10.5 beta 4, we invite you to share your feedback on it in the comment section below.

Read more:

• How to use Smart Stacks in Apple Watch
• watchOS 10 new features and supported devices
• Best watchOS 10 hidden features you should know!

The post How to download watchOS 10.5 beta 4 on Apple Watch appeared first on iGeeksBlog.