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.

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.

Follow this guide to learn how to change your Apple Store country or region on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

What should you do before you change your App Store country?

Before you make the required changes in the App Store and native Apple apps, here’s a checklist you need to adhere to strictly.

• You need to cancel all subscriptions within the App Store and iTunes, including Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and Apple News+, and wait until their expiration period.
• If you have store credit remaining on your Apple ID, spend it before changing the country or region. Also, if you have less store credit than a single item’s cost, you can contact Apple Support.
• Wait till your Season Passes, movie rentals, or memberships end. Also, if you’ve applied for a store credit refund, wait till it’s approved.
• You’ll also have to leave the subscription you’ve been using via a Family Sharing group.
• Ensure that you’ve already occupied payment methods for that country.
• Back up all your apps, books, and media services to another device or cloud service. The content you use in your current country may not be available in another.

How to change your App Store country or region

Changing your App Store country is pretty easy once you’ve taken care of the prerequisites listed above. It only takes a few steps whether you prefer to use your iPhone or Mac.

How to change Apple Store country or region on iPhone and iPad

1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap your Apple ID → Media & Purchases. 
3. Choose View Account from the drop-down list. 
   
   
4. You will be asked to sign in.
5. Tap Country/Region → Change Country or Region. 
6. From the country list, choose your new country or region. Review the Terms and Conditions. 
7. Tap Agree, appearing in the upper-right corner → tap Agree again to confirm. 
   
   
8. Pick your preferred payment method → enter the payment details and billing address.  
9. Tap Next.

That’s it! Upon entering a valid local payment method, you will have changed your App Store’s country and region!

How to change Apple Store country or region on Mac

1. Launch Music app or iTunes on your Mac.
2. Click Account → Account Settings.
   
   
3. Fill in your Apple ID and password → Sign In.
4. On the Account Information page, go to Change Country or Region option.
   
   
5. Pick your new country/region from the list.
   
   
6. Read the Terms & Conditions → select Agree.
   
   
7. Tap Agree to confirm.
   
   
8. Provide the new payment details and billing address.
9. Press Continue.

Voila, you’ve changed your location on the App Store!

How to change Apple ID country or region from Web browser

1. Open a browser on your computer and visit appleid.apple.com. 
2. Sign in by providing your Apple ID and Password.
3. Enter the verification code you receive on another Apple device that uses the same Apple ID.
4. Choose Personal Information.
   
   
5. Click Country/Region → Change country/region.
   
   
   
   
6. Enter your preferred payment method for your new country to check its accessibility.
7. Fill in the details and click Update.
   
   

If you want to avoid providing a payment method, wait until you have reached your new country or region. Then, create a new Apple ID.

Video: How to Change App Store Country or Region on iPhone

Can’t change your App Store country or region?

Are you having problems changing the country or region on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac? Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you out.

Wrapping up! 

With this handy guide, we tried giving you a step-by-step walk-through. You can now enjoy apps, music, services, and games connected with your Apple ID in the new country.

If you still have any issues with accomplishing the process, please feel free to communicate with us and drop your feedback in the comment section below.

Read more:

• How to Change Apple ID Payment Method on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
• How to hide App Store purchases on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
• iPhone keeps asking for Apple ID password (8 Ways to fix)

The post How to change your App Store country (2024 Guide) appeared first on iGeeksBlog.

Have you found your Mac running at a snail’s pace? It’s high time to track down all the unwanted files and delete them right away to not only recover some valuable storage but also speed up your Mac. Aside from purging useless files, many of these software can also play a pivotal role in providing the needed safeguard for your personal info.

1. Cleaner One Pro
2. Daisy Disk
3. CleanMyMac
4. OS Cleaner Pro
5. MacKeeper
6. OnyX
7. Disk Inventory X
8. MacCleanse
9. EaseUS CleanGenius
10. CCleaner
11. App Cleaner & Uninstaller

What is the best Software to clean your Mac?

CleanMyMac is my go-to Mac cleaning software. However, my team and I have tested a bunch of cleaning apps, considering several factors, including the apps’ reputations, safety to download, cleaning features, payment methods, etc., so you can choose the right software for your budget and needs.

1. Cleaner One Pro

Cleaner One Pro is an all-in-one cleaner app for Mac. It optimizes disk usage, keeps the hard drive clean, frees up space by removing duplicate photos, etc.  

One of the nifty features that impressed me was the ability to perform a quick disk clean right from the status bar. It also has a similar feature found on macOS Ventura: the ability to find and sort similar photos.  

You can also customize a one-click scan of big files. Moreover, the app has an intelligent app manager that automatically cleans leftover files from deleted apps.  

Apart from cleaning abilities, the app displays real-time CPU and Network usage.  

Price: Free (Annual Subscription at $29.99)

Download

2. Daisy Disk

“Daisy Disk” has been one of the most reliable Mac storage cleaners for long. It provides a visual breakdown of your disk space, thereby making it a bit easier to spot the space wasters. Therefore, capturing and purging unwanted files becomes pretty straightforward.

One notable feature of this software is its ability to scan multiple disks accurately and quickly. The integrated QuickLook features let you easily preview file content.

You can also use Daisy Disk in several languages, including English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Russian, Simplified Chinese, and more.

Price: $9.99

Download

3. CleanMyMac

“CleanMyMac” is second to none when it comes to wiping out redundant files easily. This software scans your entire system and suggests you clean up the files based on their usability.

It also recommends deleting all useless content related to an application. Hence, you don’t have to spend much time tracking down what’s killing the storage.

With just a click, you can remove all unnecessary files, including large mail attachments, duplicate photos, cache, etc., and recover plenty of valuable storage space.

Price: Free

Download

4. OS Cleaner Pro

Having used OS Cleaner Pro to flush out junk files with ease, I can tell that this Mac cleaner works well. The app allows you to track down redundant data and get rid of it fast.

Plus, you can use OS Cleaner Pro to monitor the CPU, storage, and memory. Use the adware doctor to nab adware and malware. Also, keep a close eye on app information, such as its version and size.

Check out the crashed apps and also find out the firewall status. Besides, you have the option to upgrade this Mac cleaner to unlock several useful features like removing mail attachments, duplicates, and large files.

Price: Free

Download

5. MacKeeper

Mackeeper has one of the cleanest user interfaces and experience among the lot. A click to scan your Mac and another to clean/fix the issues. Other than that, you are also privy to adware cleaner, safe cleanup, duplicate finder, smart uninstaller, and memory cleaner.  

Alongside cleaning, Mackeeper ensures that your Mac stays protected, all thanks to a built-in antivirus and an ad-blocking browser extension. Another excellent feature of this app is its 24/7 customer support.

Though a bit expensive, all these features will make your investment worthwhile, especially if you’re buying the yearly subscription package. The app is free to download and gives you one free fix, so you can test it thoroughly before you commit.

Price: $5.95 per month

Download

6. OnyX

No list of top Mac cleaning software would be complete without OnyX. It’s been a highly trusted and efficient tool for deleting useless files and keeping the computer clutter-free.

You can use this tool to quickly nab all the problematic files and folders that need to be purged soon. Having given it a long spin, I can say that it can live up to the demand fairly well.

One notable feature of this software is the accuracy with which it unearths junkies. That means there is less chance for the clutters to survive!

Price: Free

Download

7. Disk Inventory X

Disk Inventory X is a lightweight software but very efficient in getting rid of unneeded files. It’s up to the mark in scanning the disk and displaying the usage in the treemap format.

Thus, you can examine all the files and folders that are useless. Once you have tracked down the less important files, deleting them is dead simple. You will really appreciate its simplicity.

Price: Free

Download

8. MacCleanse

With “MacCleanse,” you are looking at an all-in-one solution. This software works well in erasing various types of files, such as caches, empty logs, cookies, and web histories. You will be able to locate useless and old files and clear them immediately.

MacCleanse has a unique feature that instantly identifies unnecessary content in an app. The software also offers detailed information about each file it deletes and claims to delete files with US Department of Defense-level security.

Price: $19.99

Download

9. EaseUS CleanGenius

Wiping out large files can free up precious disk space. “EaseUS CleanGenius” can keep your Mac clutter-free and boost its performance.

This cleaner app scans through the entire computer to find out the system logs, caches, along with all the files that are hogging tons of storage. You can navigate through the storage-hogging files and remove the ones that are useless or need to be cleaned up.

The app also lets you get rid of browser plug-ins, extensions, and cookies. However, it keeps the browsing history, bookmarks, as well as downloaded files.

Price: $4.99

Download

10. CCleaner

CCleaner can work exceptionally well in reducing the clutter of your Mac and making it run smoothly. Apart from letting you get rid of junkies and unused files, the software can also help you quickly spot the storage hogging apps.

This tool offers you the flexibility to pick and choose exactly what you want to keep or remove. After you have discovered the unwanted files, eliminating them all will hardly take a click or two.

CCleaner also wipes out browser history to safeguard your personal information. As a result, you can safely browse the web.

The free version of the app has limitations, and you have to buy the premium version (around $30) to use all the features.

Price: Free

Download

11. App Cleaner & Uninstaller

App Cleaner & Uninstaller is a fully-featured Mac cleaning tool. The quality that makes it exceptionally user-friendly is the ability to spot all the temporary files and leftovers of the apps you have already deleted. Thus, you are able to wipe out all the useless data that has cluttered the device or threatened to do so.

You can preview all the installed apps and extensions and quickly remove the ones that are no longer needed. You can also check out login items and remove them if they are of no use.

Turn off launch agents and startup items to speed up the device. Furthermore, you can use it to manage all of your files and optimize your Mac’s performance so that it runs smoothly.

Price: Free

Download

And that’s it, folks!

What’s your favorite cleaning tool?

I assume you have found the right Mac cleaner app to keep it clean and optimised. Which one is it, and what qualities have you found appreciable in it? It would be great to hear your feedback in the comments.

You might want to refer to these posts as well:

• Best Task Manager Apps for Mac
• Calendar Apps for Mac
• Best macOS apps to optimize your Mac

The post Best Mac cleaner software and apps to keep your Mac clean in no time appeared first on iGeeksBlog.

Things have become relatively easy with iCloud, but if you’re old school, iTunes or Finder backup is still a good solution. As long as you’ve got a backup of your contacts somewhere, you can restore deleted contacts on your iPhone easily.

1. How to retrieve deleted iPhone contacts from other Apple devices
2. How to restore deleted iPhone contacts from iCloud
3. How to restore lost iPhone contacts through Gmail
4. How to recover deleted iPhone contacts from Settings using iCloud
5. Restore iPhone from iTunes or Finder backup
6. Restore iPhone from iCloud backup
7. Recover iPhone contacts using third-party tools

7 ways to recover accidentally deleted iPhone contacts

If you accidentally deleted all or some of your contacts while making some changes on your iPhone, one of the methods mentioned below will surely help you recover them.

1. How to retrieve deleted iPhone contacts from other Apple devices

If you use Apple devices other than the iPhone, I’m certain you use iCloud to save your contacts. Now, if you’ve deleted a contact on your iPhone, it’ll obviously get deleted from other devices as well, with the only condition being those devices are connected to the internet.  

Hence, if your iPad, MacBook, etc., is not connected to the internet, it still has these contacts, and you can recover deleted iPhone contacts. Just go into Contacts on your other Mac or iPad, and there you have it!

If this doesn’t work out for you, move on to the next step!

2. How to restore deleted iPhone contacts from iCloud 

Apple has already implemented a way to recover your deleted contacts from your iPhone. However, you will need a Mac or a Windows PC.  

1. Visit iCloud and sign in using the Apple ID on your iPhone.
2. Click Account Settings.
   
   
3. Click Restore Contacts at the bottom left corner.
   
   
4. Now, select the most recent iCloud backup.
   
   
5. Select Restore to confirm your selection and done.
   
   

You will receive an email and a notification on iCloud once the process is completed.

3. How to restore lost iPhone contacts through Gmail

We’re all aware that Google backs up our contacts through our email IDs. Getting them back is not a tough task if you have synced contacts with Gmail. All you need is your iPhone to restore these contacts.  

1. Open Settings on your iPhone. 
2. Go to Mail.  
3. Tap Accounts and select the email address you have contacts synced with.  
4. Now, toggle on Contacts.
   
   

The synced contacts will now be available in your Contacts application.  

4. How to recover deleted iPhone contacts from Settings using iCloud

The success of this method is subject to the possibility of your internet being disconnected when you delete the contact. Follow the steps below:

1. Avoid turning on the Wi-Fi or mobile data.
2. Open Settings and tap the Apple ID banner at the top.
   
   
3. Select iCloud → toggle off Contacts.
4. Select Keep on My iPhone in the pop-up.  
   
   
5. Turn on Wi-Fi or Mobile data.  
6. Toggle on Contacts.
7. Tap Merge in the next option.
   
   

If this method doesn’t help restore your contacts, the next step definitely will.  

5. Restore iPhone from iTunes or Finder backup

This method has a certain drawback, which will cause data loss. Read the example below to understand it better.  

Suppose you have 200 photos and 300 contacts on your iPhone on 9th July. You create a full backup of the device. This backup has 200 pictures and 300 contacts.

On 11th July, you had 210 photos and 303 contacts. If you restore from the backup made on 9th July today, you will lose the 10 pictures and 3 contacts that were added since. If you are in dire need of the deleted contact, read how you can recover lost contacts on iPhone through iTunes or Finder backup.  

Pro Tip:

1. Before you restore, archive the old backup.
2. Create a new backup.
3. You can restore from the old archived backup. If you do not find the contact, you can restore it from today’s backup.

6. Restore iPhone from iCloud backup 

Restoring an iPhone from the iCloud backup has the same drawback as restoring an iPhone through iTunes or Finder. Firstly, check the time of the most recent backup from Settings.  

1. Open Settings
2. Tap the Apple ID banner located at the top.
3. Select iCloud.
   
   
4. Tap iCloud Backup and now check the time of the Last successful backup.
   
   

If the backup is old enough to have the deleted contact, follow our guide to restore it from iCloud backup.

7. Recover iPhone contacts using third-party tools

The last option you are left with to get contacts back on your iPhone is through third-party applications. Below are some of the apps you can try to retrieve deleted contacts on your iPhone without backup.  

• EaseUS MobiSaver
• dr.fone iPhone Data Recover
• APowerRescue
• PhoneRescue
• Stellar Data Recovery
• iMobie PhoneRescue
• Tenorshare

That’s it!

Let me know in the comments below if this article helped you recover your deleted contacts on your iPhone and which method worked better for you!

Read more:

• How to recover deleted call history on iPhone
• How to set a recovery contact for Apple ID on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
• iPhone Contacts not syncing with iCloud? 6 Ways to fix it.
• How to hide contacts on iPhone

The post How to restore deleted iPhone contacts (2024 updated) appeared first on iGeeksBlog.

If you are wondering how to find the serial number of your AirPods or AirPods Pro, don’t worry. There are three easy ways to do it, and I have mentioned them below. Additionally, I have explained how you can use the serial number to check if your AirPods are original or fake.

1. Find AirPods Pro serial number inside charging case

For most AirPods models, you can find the serial number printed inside the charging case.

Check the lid’s underside near the hinge. It’s printed in small, neat lettering, so you might need to tilt the case to read it correctly. However, it may sometimes fade off or be too small to read.

If you can’t retrieve the serial number in this manner, follow the method below to find the AirPods Pro serial number without the charging case.

2. Check AirPods Pro serial number from paired devices

Once you pair your AirPods Pro with your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you can check all its details, including model number and serial number, from the device settings.

From iPhone or iPad

1. Go to Settings app → Bluetooth.
2. Tap the info icon next to your AirPods.
3. Check your AirPods Pro Serial Number.
   
   

Alternatively, if you have connected the AirPods to your iPhone or iPad, you can access its settings directly, like so:

1. Go to Settings → [your name]’s [AirPods Pro].
2. Scroll down to see your AirPods Pro’s Serial Number.

From Mac

1. Click the Apple logo in the menu bar → Select System Settings.
2. Go to Bluetooth.
3. Click the info icon next to your AirPods Pro from the right pane.
   
   
4. You will see the Serial number pop up in a new window.
   
   
5. To go back to the previous window, click Done.

3. See original packaging or invoice

When buying a new or pre-owned AirPods Pro, you must verify its serial number to ensure the AirPods are not fake or stolen.

Fortunately, Apple prints the serial number on the AirPods packaging box. Locate the barcode on the box, and you will find the Serial No nearby. Also, you can see the serial number listed on the invoice.

Now that you’ve found the serial number of your AirPods Pro, let’s see how to check it on Apple’s website to know if it’s still under warranty and get other essential details.

Alternatively, if your AirPods Pro stems are out, you can go to System Settings → Pick your AirPods Pro from the sidebar → View your Serial number in the right pane.

If you don’t have the paired device nearby or buying a new AirPods Pro, there are other ways to find its serial number. Let’s explore!

How to verify AirPods Pro serial number

1. Note down the AirPods Pro serial number.
2. Access the Apple device coverage website.
3. Enter the Serial Number and CAPTCHA.
4. Select Continue.
5. You will see all the details of that AirPods Pro.

If it doesn’t render any results, the product is fake.

Get your AirPods ID!

I have shared the three simple methods to retrieve the serial number of any AirPods or AirPods Pro. You may go through all the methods mentioned above and select the one that best suits your preferences.

If you have any other queries, let me know in the comments below!

The post How to find AirPods Pro serial number: 3 Quick ways! appeared first on iGeeksBlog.

So, whether you want to acknowledge a message with a thumbs up or share a laugh with a ha-ha reaction, this guide has you covered. Dive in and make messaging on Mac more fun! 

What is Tapback on iMessage?

Introduced with iOS 10, the Tapback feature in iMessage allows you to quickly respond to a message with different visual reactions. These visual reactions include a heart, thumbs up, thumbs down, double exclamation mark, “Ha ha,” and question mark.

Tapbacks can be extremely helpful if you wish to respond quickly with emojis instead of text.

How to add Tapback to iMessage on Mac

To Tapback a message on a Mac, you first need to set up iMessage on your Mac, as the Tapback feature is limited to iMessage conversations.

Also, ensure your Mac is running at least macOS 10.2 or later. Once done, reacting to a message with a Tapback is a breeze. 

1. Open the Messages app → Head to an iMessage conversation. 
2. Here, control-click the desired message. 
3. Now, choose the desired Tapback emoji corresponding to your reaction in the pop-up that appears. 
   
   
4. Once done, the Tapback reaction will appear above the original message.
   
   

How to delete a Tapback from an iMessage

There may come an instance where you accidentally choose the wrong Tapback reaction or change your mind and want to remove the reaction altogether. In that case, you can easily remove a Tapback from an iMessage. 

1. Click the Tapback reaction above the message.
   
   
2. Now, click the highlighted Tapback icon to deselect it. 
   

Happy messaging! 

That’s it; this is all about using Tapback in messages on Mac. As a regular iMessage user, I often use the Tapback reaction to fast-track my conversations, and you should, too.

However, if you still have doubts, comment down, and I’ll be happy to respond.

The post How to use Tapback in iMessage on Mac appeared first on iGeeksBlog.

Even though the process seems to be straightforward, at times, it doesn’t go as per the expected line. But thanks to a nifty little trick, removing the existing phone number from iMessage and switching to a new one is pretty simple. Let me help you perfectly set up your new number for iMessaging!

How to change your iMessage phone number

Switching to a new SIM card often necessitates updating your iMessage settings to reflect your new phone number. If you forget to deregister your old number and associate iMessage with the new SIM number, you will experience issues sending and receiving messages.

Here’s what you need to do to change your iMessage number to use a new SIM card on your iPhone:

1. Navigate to Settings → Messages → Toggle off iMessage.
   
   
2. Navigate to Settings → FaceTime → Toggle off FaceTime.
   
   
3. Remove your old SIM card and replace it with the new SIM.
   If you have an eSIM, delete the old eSIM and add the new one.
4. Restart your iPhone.
5. Now, go to Settings → Phone → Then, tap My Number.
   
   
6. If you don’t see your new number, type it into the text field → Tap Save.
   You must add your county code and enable cellular data.
7. Navigate to Settings → Messages → Toggle on iMessage.
   
   
8. Navigate to Settings → FaceTime → Toggle on FaceTime.
   
   
9. Go to Settings → Messages → Send & Receive → Then, select the new number.
10. When a dialog box appears, tap Turn On and wait until the verification completes.
    Once you tap Turn On, the phone number will be added to iMessage and FaceTime.
    
    

That’s all! However, if you face any iMessage activation error, ensure you have a strong internet connection and check the date and time settings.

Note: If the phone number you want to remove is set on the iPhone that is currently not accessible to you, change your Apple ID password. This will remove the phone number from all of your synced devices, including iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

How to switch your iMessage number on iPhone

If you have a dual SIM iPhone or multiple email addresses linked to iMessage, you may want to switch your iMessage number for new conversations. Therefore, the selected phone number will initiate new iMessage or FaceTime conversations, preventing confusion.

Here’s how you can change these settings on your iPhone:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Then, navigate to Messages → Send & Receive.
3. Select your preferred phone number to use with iMessage.
4. De-select the phone numbers you don’t wish to use with iMessage.
   
   

Wrapping up…

Hopefully, the trick has helped you easily set up the new phone number for your iMessaging. Having tried it on quite a few occasions, I can vouch for its veracity. However, I’d love to have your feedback about it and whether or not it clicked for you.

The post How to change iMessage phone number on iPhone appeared first on iGeeksBlog.

If you live in a place where government alerts are more frequent than you’d prefer, there’s a way to turn off emergency alerts, and AMBER (America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response) alerts on your iPhone.

Before I show you the steps to do that, let me make something very clear. I won’t recommend disabling government alerts on the iPhone – obviously– as they can be a life savior. That’s why they are designed to bypass even Do Not Disturb to ensure you get instant Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) from the National Weather Service, FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security and local public safety agencies, etc.

Now, let’s understand what these alerts are and how you can turn them off on your iPhone.

What emergency and government alerts will your iPhone display?

In the event of an emergency, whether a natural disaster, missing or abducted children (more on this in a bit), or other national emergencies (called Presidential Alerts), your iPhone will notify you and ignore any Do Not Disturb and Focus Mode settings.

Generally, your iPhone might display any of the following:

• Alerts from your country or region
• Alerts involving imminent threats to life or safety
• Alerts for natural disasters and extreme weather conditions
• AMBER (America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response)
• Public Safety Alerts

It’s important to note that alerts and notifications are location-specific. Some alerts may not be available in your region or country. For example, AMBER and Public Safety Alerts are unavailable in all countries or regions.

If you’re residing in the United States, you’ll receive three kinds of government alerts:

• AMBER alerts
• Emergency alerts 
• Public safety alerts

What are AMBER alerts?

AMBER alerts are notifications intended to alert the public about missing children that were thought to be abducted. It provides information about the children, suspected abductors, and contact numbers people can reach out to in case of a sighting.

These alerts are only used for the most serious child abduction cases when law enforcement authorities believe that the child is in imminent danger of bodily injury or death.

How to turn off AMBER or Emergency Alerts on iPhone

By default, Government Alerts are turned on in iPhones. To turn AMBER alerts and other emergency alerts off, just do the following:

1. Go to Settings → select Notifications and scroll to the bottom.
2. Toggle AMBER Alerts, Emergency Alerts, and Public Safety Alerts off.
   
   

Additionally, if you are using a US-based SIM, you can choose to receive Test Emergency Alerts. Remember that although it’s an iPhone feature, the local government has sole discretion over the content shared through test alerts.

Wrapping up…

Government and public safety alerts can potentially save lives in the event of an emergency.

Again, I’d like to repeat that disable them only temporarily. There’s a reason these alerts rip through your iPhone – to grab your attention right away and to inform you of any emergency that is unfurling somewhere near you. You can’t even change the tone of the alert.

Emergency weather alerts are life-savers in many cases, most notably when you are driving. But if you wish to turn them off, simply follow the steps outlined in this article.  

Read more:

• How to use Focus Mode on iPhone (Complete guide)
• How to enable persistent notifications on iPhone and iPad
• How to Group Notifications By App on iPhone or iPad
• How to fix iPhone stuck in Emergency SOS mode

The post How to turn off emergency and AMBER alerts on iPhone (2024) appeared first on iGeeksBlog.