How to restore accidentally closed Safari tabs on iPhone or iPad

Multitasking challenges, interface confusion, or the use of accidental gestures—whatever caused you to mistakenly close Safari tabs, these solutions will surely help.

1. Shake your iPhone or iPad to undo closed Safari tab

Believe me, the iPhone’s Shake to Undo feature is a lifesaver. For the uninitiated, this is an Accessibility feature that allows you to quickly undo or redo certain actions. For example, you can quickly undo or redo typing and restore recently closed Safari tabs.

This feature comes enabled by default. So, when you accidentally close an active Safari tab, simply shake your iPhone → Pick Undo Close Tab from the pop-up to reopen the web page.

If you are unable to use this feature for some reason, you may need to enable it manually. 

1. Open Settings → Head to Accessibility.  
2. Tap Touch under the Physical and Motor section. 
3. Now, toggle on Shake to Undo if it is not already.
   
   

You can use the Shake to Undo feature to restore one Safari tab. But what if you want to reopen multiple closed Safari tabs?

2. Reopen web pages from Recently Closed Tabs on iPhone or iPad

Well, there’s a secret Safari trick that helps you do that. I am sure that even the most experienced Safari users won’t know about the existence of a Recently Closed Tabs list. You can go there and reopen the web pages you closed recently.

1. Open Safari → Tap the Tabs icon at the bottom right corner. 
2. Tap and hold the + (plus) icon at the bottom left corner.  
3. Doing so will open the list of all the Recently Closed Tabs. 
4. Then tap the web page you want to reopen.
   
   

3. Restore closed Safari tabs from History

Another way to retrieve closed tabs in Safari on iPhone is to head to the browsing history and reopen the desired tab. This trick works not only in Safari but on most other iPhone browsers as well. 

1. Open Safari → Tap the Bookmark icon below the address bar. 
2. Go to the Personal History tab (Clock icon ) at the right. 
3. Navigate to your desired day or date. Select the Web Page you want to reopen.
   
   
4. Alternatively, you can tap and hold the page and select one of the options that appear in the pop-up. 

Accessing your Safari browsing history can also help if you are dealing with the disappearing Safari tabs issue on your iPhone.

Conclusion:

And that’s it; this is how you restore closed Safari tabs on iPhone. By now, you must have understood that there is no need to fret when you accidentally hit the close (x) button on a Safari tab, as you can reopen it easily.

Whether you prefer to shake your iPhone or use the traditional Recently Closed Tabs menu and browsing history method, Safari has your tab revival covered.

The post How to restore closed Safari tabs on iPhone and iPad appeared first on iGeeksBlog.

How to stack emoji on your iPhone

To combine emojis on your iPhone, you first need to send an emoji as a sticker and then stack it up with other emojis from your iOS keyboard.

Step 1: Send an emoji as a sticker in iMessage

If you use WhatsApp, you might know how the small heart emoji transforms into a larger animated sticker whenever you send it without text. The same can be done in iMessage for various emojis, but there’s a twist.

In a regular iMessage, an emoji sent without text will display in the chat box without a bubble. However, its size remains normal. The trick to send it as a giant animated sticker is to drag the emoji from the keyboard and drop it in the text input field.

1. Open the Messages app and head to a conversation. 
2. Tap the text box at the bottom to access the keyboard. 
3. Now, tap the emoji icon at the bottom left corner of the keyboard.
   
   
4. Tap and hold the emoji you want to send. 
   • Alternatively, you can use different emoji skin tones for certain emojis. 
   • If the emoji you selected has multiple skin tone options, lift your finger and tap & hold the skin tone option you want to use. 
5. Now, drag the selected emoji to the iMessage text field and leave it once the green “+” (plus) icon appears. 
6. In a few seconds, the emoji will transform into a giant sticker. Hit the blue send icon (upward arrow) to share the sticker.
   
   

Step 2: Add layers of emojis

Now that you have sent an emoji as a sticker in a message on your iPhone, you can drag and drop N number of emojis over it to create your very own emoji stack.

Here, the process is simpler. You can drag the emoji from the keyboard and drop it directly on the sticker that you just sent. There’s no need to use the text field!

1. Send your first giant emoji using the method mentioned above.
2. Again, open the keyboard and tap the emoji icon at the bottom left.
3. Pick the emoji you want to layer on top of it. Drag and drop it on the first emoji you sent. 
4. Once you are satisfied with the placement, release your finger, and the emoji will be added to the top or alongside the first emoji sticker. 

You can repeat this process to add as many emojis as you want to your emoji stack.

Adding a new emoji to the sent emoji stack will automatically reflect on the recipient’s screen as the original message.

How to edit or delete emoji stacks on iPhone

Once you have created and sent an emoji stack in iMessage, there may come an instance where you think you overdid the emojis or accidentally added the wrong emoji.

In that case, you can easily remove the emojis from the stack or delete the emoji stack altogether.

Edit or reposition an emoji 

1. To edit an emoji’s size, orientation, and position in the sent emoji stack, tap and hold the emoji. 
2. The emoji will see a ripple effect kind of animation and bulk up in size, indicating that you are in control of it now. 
3. Drag the emoji to reposition it, or use your other finger to change its size or orientation. 
4. Once done, release your finger, and the emoji will reflect the changes. 

Delete emojis from the stack

1. Tap and hold the first emoji in the sent emoji stack. 
2. Choose the Sticker details option in the pop-up that appears. 
3. Swipe left on the emoji you want to delete and tap the Delete (trash) button. 
4. Repeat the process for all the emojis you want to remove from the stack. 
5. Once satisfied, tap Done at the top right corner.
   
   
6. Alternatively, you can delete the entire emoji stack, similar to how you delete an iMessage on your iPhone. 
   
   

This method only works on a combination of emojis. If you have sent an individual animated sticker, you can Undo Send within two minutes of sending it.

Can’t combine emojis on iPhone? How to fix it 

While combining emojis on the iPhone is as straightforward as possible, a few users may encounter issues or limitations. To start off, the Messages app can only create and send an emoji stack via iMessage; the same is not possible via SMS.

If you’re using iMessage and still having trouble with combining emojis, here are some troubleshooting tips for you.

1. Restart your iPhone: Restarting your iPhone is the first thing you must do whenever you encounter an issue. Most of the time, restarting can fix minor software glitches your iPhone might be experiencing. Restart your iPhone and try combining the emojis again. 
2. Reset Keyboard Settings: This will reset any custom keyboard settings you made previously and might fix the emoji-combining issue. Open Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Tap Reset → Choose Reset Keyboard Dictionary → Enter your passcode and confirm your choice.
   
   
3. Update iOS: iOS updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can address different issues, such as combined emojis not working on your iPhone. Just go to Settings → General → Software Update → Tap Update Now if you see one available.
4. Use a third-party app to combine emojis: If the issue persists, try using the best iPhone emoji apps available on the App Store, such as Emoji Me Face Maker or Bitmoji, to create personalized and unique emoji stickers. 

Signing off… 

And that’s it; this is how you can combine and create an emoji stack on your iPhone. With just a few simple steps, you can elevate your messaging experience, making it more fun.

Did you enjoy learning about this iMessage hack? If yes, then I’d recommend our detailed guide for more such iMessage tips and tricks!

The post How to combine emojis on iPhone (2024 Guide) appeared first on iGeeksBlog.

If you’re facing a similar issue, don’t worry! In this guide, I’ll provide solutions to fix the iPhone Calendar Search not working issue. Before delving into fixes, let’s explore potential reasons for this inconvenience.

Why is my iPhone Calendar Search not working?

In most cases, a single or a combination of many issues can lead to Calendar Search not working on iPhones. Therefore, it might not be possible to pinpoint the exact reason behind this annoying issue.  

However, here are some potential reasons why the Calendar Search could not be working for you:

• Unpatched bugs and glitches in the Calendar app or iOS 17.4.1. 
• Sync issues due to improper settings or an unstable internet connection. 
• Indexing issues or misconfigurations related to upcoming calendar events. 
• iCloud issues due to misconfigurations or server-related problems on Apple’s end. 

How to fix iPhone Calendar Search not working

Here’s a comprehensive list of quick and effective solutions that can help you fix iPhone Calendar Search not working properly in iOS 17.4.1.

1. Force quit and relaunch Calendar app

The first thing you should try is to force close and relaunch the Calendar app. This will help you clear out temporary software glitches and bugs in the app.

1. Open the App Switcher on your iPhone.
   Swipe up and hold from the bottom of your screen.
2. Find the Calendar app and swipe up to force close it.
   
3. Now, relaunch the Calendar app and see if the Calendar Search works.

2. Restart your iPhone

In case relaunching the app didn’t fix Calendar Search issues, you may want to restart your iPhone. 

Restarting your iPhone will help eliminate potential glitches in iOS 17.4.1 and restore the Search functionality in the Calendar app. You may restart your iPhone using buttons or follow these quick steps in Settings:

1. Navigate to Settings → General.
2. Scroll down and tap Shut Down → Slide to power off.
   
   
3. Wait for one minute → Hold the Side button to restart your iPhone.

3. Check your internet connection

Before moving to advanced troubleshooting methods, you might want to check whether your internet connection is the culprit. Often, internet-related issues can prevent Calendar events from syncing with the Calendar app and appearing in search. 

You can easily rule out network-related issues by verifying your Internet connection’s stability. To do this, try running a quick Internet speed test on your iPhone. 

In case your iPhone is not able to finish the speed test, you’ll need to turn on Airplane mode for a few seconds and disable it to refresh your iPhone’s cellular network. But if you’re connected over the Wi-Fi, you may restart the wireless router.

4. Disable and re-enable iCloud Calendar

iCloud Calendar makes it really easy to share Calendar events created on your iPad, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro with the Calendar app on your iPhone. 

However, the events won’t sync and show up for you in Calendar Search if you have accidentally turned off iCloud Calendar on your iPhone. Now, if iCloud Calendar is already enabled on your iPhone, then try disabling and re-enabling it.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap the Apple ID banner with your name → Select iCloud.
   
3. Select Show All → Then, select iCloud Calendar from the list of Apps using iCloud.
4. Toggle on Use on this iPhone to enable iCloud Calendar synchronization.
   
5. If already enabled, toggle off Use on this iPhone → Tap Delete from my iPhone.
6. Now, wait for at least a minute, and then toggle on Use on this iPhone.

Many users on Apple Discussions mentioned that this fix worked for them. However, if it doesn’t sort the issue for you, feel free to explore the alternative solutions provided below.

5. Check Apple’s System Status page

iCloud Calendar needs to communicate with Apple servers to retrieve your existing calendar details. However, in case the iCloud Calendar servers are offline for maintenance, your iPhone Calendar search may stop working properly. 

To verify iCloud Calendar’s current server status, you may visit Apple’s System Status page. If you see a green dot next to the iCloud Calendar, the servers are working fine, and something else is causing the issue.  

But, if you see a yellow or red status, the servers are offline, and you must wait till Apple fixes the issue.

6. Ensure all Calendar groups are enabled

If you have deselected some of your Calendar groups, then you might not be able to find the events you are searching for. 

To fix this issue, you need to ensure that all Calendar groups are enabled.

1. Open the Calendar app.
2. Tap the Calendars option found at the bottom.
3. Next to iCloud, select Show All to enable all calendar groups. Once selected, the option will change to Hide All.
4. Tap Done to begin viewing all your Calendars.
   

7. Enable Calendar sync for all events

For instances where you’re able to search for recent events but face issues when searching for older events, you must check the Calendar sync settings.

Enabling Calendar sync for all events ensures that you can search for events even older than six months. Here’s how you can do this:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Then, navigate to Calendar → Sync.
3. Select All Events from the list.
   

7. Enable Calendar sync for all accounts

If you don’t use iCloud Calendar, you can choose which email accounts on your iPhone can sync events with the native Calendar app.

However, if the search function in the iPhone Calendar is not working, it’s possible that Calendar sync for the account is disabled. To ensure this isn’t the case, you must enable Calendar sync for all important accounts.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Then, navigate to Calendar → Accounts.
   
3. Select your account → Toggle on Calendars.
   

9. Check for iOS Updates

It seems like the iPhone Calendar search stopped working for some users only after updating to iOS 17.4.1. So, it’s possible that this version has some bugs which led to this issue. In that case, Apple will promptly release an update to fix this.

So, make sure to update your iPhone to an iOS version that releases after iOS 17.4.1 and hope it has the relevant bug fixes.

1. Navigate to Settings → General → Software Update.
   
2. Tap Update Now if a software update is available.
   

10. Re-index Calendar Search from Siri & Search

Sometimes, temporary issues with your iPhone’s file system can prevent your existing Calendar events from appearing in the Calendar Search.

If you think this is what’s causing the issue on your iPhone, you can easily resolve this by re-indexing Calendar search from Siri & Search as shown in these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Now, navigate to Siri & Search → Calendar.
3. Toggle off Show Content in Search → After a few seconds, toggle on Show Content in Search.
   
   

11. Ensure iCloud has enough storage

Often, insufficient iCloud storage can prevent your Calendar events from syncing and showing up in Search. Therefore, you must ensure that you have enough storage available.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap the Apple ID banner with your name → Select iCloud.
3. Now, tap Manage Account Storage to access additional details.
   
   

In case you’re running out of iCloud storage, you can subscribe to iCloud+ to get additional storage. However, if you don’t want to pay for additional subscriptions, you can refer to our guide on how to free up iCloud storage. Once you do that, the search function in the iPhone Calendar app will work.

12. Reset all iPhone settings

Often, misconfigured settings can cause unusual issues with Search in iPhone Calendar. To fix that, you must Reset All Settings on your iPhone. This will undo the changes and revert all settings to their default state while leaving your data untouched. Here’s how you can do this:

1. Navigate to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone.
   
   
2. Tap Reset → Reset All Settings.
3. Enter your iPhone’s lockscreen Passcode.
   
   
4. Tap Reset All Settings again to complete the process.

Contact Apple Support

If nothing else works, you may contact Apple Support as a last resort to fix the iPhone Calendar Search not working properly. Certified Apple Support technicians can provide assistance over a phone call or help schedule a Genius Bar appointment at a nearby Apple Store to diagnose and resolve the issue.

Wrapping up…

While the exact reason behind iPhone Calendar search issues can vary from one iPhone to another, a combination of various troubleshooting methods in this guide should help you restore the feature.

If you found this troubleshooting guide helpful, do let us know which solution did the trick for you in the comments section below.

Also read:

• How to remove iPhone calendar virus
• 15 Useful iPhone Calendar app tips and tricks
• Best calendar apps for iPhone and iPad

The post iPhone Calendar Search not working? 12 Ways to fix it! appeared first on iGeeksBlog.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the simple process of sending an iMessage sticker pack as a gift on iPhone and iPad. Additionally, I’ll offer some pro tips to help you find the best iMessage sticker packs worth gifting.

How to send iMessage sticker pack as a gift

Sticker packs in Messages are basically iMessage apps that you can download and use as usual. Therefore, the steps to gifting an iMessage sticker pack are similar to gifting a paid app. Here’s how you do it:

Note: You can send iMessage sticker packs as gifts only to recipients in the same region as you.

1. Locate and open the Messages app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Open any conversation → Tap the plus icon next to the text field.
3. Tap Stickers → Swipe right to the left on the top bar to view the available sticker packs.
   
   
4. Now, select Edit at the end of the bar → Pick Get Sticker Apps on the App Store.
5. Find and open a paid iMessage sticker pack you wish to send as a gift.
   
   
6. Tap the Share icon located on the right-hand side → Then, select Gift App.
7. Now, enter the email of the person to whom you wish to send the sticker pack.
8. Optionally, you can add a personalized message → Select a date to send the gift.
9. Select Next.
   
   
10. Now, scroll horizontally to select a theme for the sticker pack cover → Then, tap Next.
11. Finally, review the payment details for the gift → Then, tap Buy → BUY NOW.
    
    

The recipient will get an email notification and can quickly download the sticker pack to add it to their sticker collection in the Messages app.

For a smoother transaction, make sure you have added sufficient funds to your Apple ID beforehand.

If you don’t want to share paid sticker packs, you can follow steps 1-4 → Pick a free sticker pack → Share it with your contact. As easy as that!

Tips to find best iMessage sticker packs

Discovering the perfect iMessage sticker pack to gift can be challenging. To ease this process, consider the recipient’s interests and explore popular and highly rated packs on the iMessage App Store. Alternatively, you can use unique features such as Live Stickers to ensure a delightful and personalized messaging experience.

Wrapping up…

Gifting iMessage sticker packs can be a great way to add a creative flair to plain old iMessage. I have personally enjoyed using this fun feature, and I’d highly recommend you give it a shot, too.

If you have any questions about gifting sticker packs, please leave them in the comments below. I’d be happy to respond.

The post How to send iMessage sticker pack as gift on iPhone and iPad appeared first on iGeeksBlog.

But before we do that, let me offer some clarity on what purpose the Apple Watch Keyboard Input notification actually serves.

What are Apple Watch Keyboard notifications?

The Apple Watch has a tiny keyboard. When you type something in a watch app, you might find it challenging to get your input right. So, Apple came up with an innovative solution.

With Apple Watch Keyboard enabled on the paired iPhone, you can type anything into a watchOS app using the iPhone keyboard!

All you have to do is open the keyboard on Apple Watch → Tap the Apple Watch Keyboard Input notification on the iPhone → Start typing on the iPhone keyboard → See the words reflect on the Apple Watch! How convenient is that?

However, Apple hasn’t popularized this great feature. So, not many users are aware of why the Apple Watch Keyboard notification pops up or how to turn it off. And that’s where things get tricky.

The feature comes enabled by default, but you won’t be able to find it in iPhone Settings until you open the keyboard on the Apple Watch.

So, although it is a handy feature, users tend to get irritated when they see an unfamiliar notification. If you are one of them, or you just don’t find the feature helpful, here are the steps to fix the Apple Watch Keyboard notification popping up issue.

How to turn off Apple Watch Keyboard notification from iPhone

1. Go to the Settings app on your iPhone → Select Notifications.
2. Scroll down and select Apple Watch Keyboard.
3. Toggle off Allow Notifications.
   
   

Note: If you can’t see the option, make sure you bring the paired Apple Watch closer and open the keyboard in a watchOS app.

Suppose you don’t want to completely turn off the notification on your iPhone. Then, you can change the way you receive the Apple Watch Keyboard Input notification.

1. Go to Settings → Notifications → Apple Watch Keyboard.
2. With Allow Notifications turned on, you can modify the Notification settings just like you would do with any iOS app.
   
   
3. Among others, you can choose how the notification alert appears on the Lock Screen and also disable Sounds if that is what’s troubling you.

Typing made easy!

Apple prides itself on offering Continuity features like Handoff, AirPlay, and more. So, the option to type on the Apple Watch via the iPhone keyboard might not have come as a surprise for loyalists.

I personally find it innovative and helpful, but not everyone needs constant reminders to type. So, you can always turn off the Apple Watch keyboard notification using the steps shown above.

What do you think of this feature? Do you find it helpful? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

The post How to turn off Apple Watch Keyboard notification appeared first on iGeeksBlog.

But before we get there, let me address a few queries many of you may have.

Can you schedule a text message on iPhone?

Yes, you can schedule text messages on your iPhone using the Shortcuts app. This method allows you to create a convenient way to send birthday wishes or reminders at a pre-determined time.

Further, if you wish to use advanced customization options to schedule texts, you can take the help of various third-party apps.

Can you schedule an iMessage?

Unfortunately, no. While you can use the Shortcuts app or third-party apps to create text messages beforehand, you can’t use the same for iMessage.

This is because, unlike text messages, iMessages requires an internet connection. Also, both the sender and receiver must use an Apple device, which is a limitation in itself.

Now that we have cleared up that confusion, let’s look at how to send a delayed text message from your iPhone.

How to schedule a text message on iPhone using Shortcuts app

Shortcuts is an incredible app native to iOS devices that allows you to automate various tasks on your iPhone, including scheduling text messages.

1. Open the Shortcuts app → Pick the Automation tab at the bottom.
2. Tap New Automation → Choose Time of the day.
   
   
3. Now, based on your requirements, adjust the task’s Time and Repeat parameters.
4. Once done, hit Next.
5. Pick Send Message under the Get Started section.
   
   
6. Tap the faded Message bar (in blue) → Enter your desired text.
7. Next, pick Recipients and add the receiver. You can add multiple contacts.
8. Tap Done to save your preferences.
   
   

That’s it! Now, at your chosen time, a message will be sent to the recipient. Further, if you have enabled Notify When Run while creating the Shortcut, you will get a status update notification as well.

The best part is that since the text will be sent as an SMS, you can send it to any contact on your iPhone!

How to delete a scheduled text message on iPhone

There may come a time when the scheduled text has served its purpose, or maybe you don’t want to send it anymore. In that case, here’s how you can delete the scheduled message.

1. Open the Shortcuts app → Head to the Automation section.
2. Swipe left on the Send message automation.
3. Tap the red Delete button that appears.
   
   

Best third-party apps to send scheduled text on iPhone

While you can use the Shortcuts app for text scheduling, the schedule will repeat until you manually delete the automation. Personally, I consider this a major drawback.

So, like me, if you don’t wish to get into this hassle, you can use third-party apps that provide better customization options to schedule texts.

There are many third-party apps, such as AutoSender, SMS Scheduler, and Scheduled on the App Store, that are tailored to schedule text messages from the iPhone.

All you need to do is install and set up the app on your iPhone, and you are good to go.

Happy texting!

And that’s it; this is how you schedule text messages on your iPhone. You can create automation using the native Shortcuts app or prefer a simpler approach via third-party apps. 

Do you think Apple should provide this feature natively for at least iMessage? I’d like to hear your thoughts. Please share them below!

The post How to schedule text messages on iPhone appeared first on iGeeksBlog.

What are Shared Albums, and how do they work?

As the name suggests, these albums allow you to share images and videos with others. It’s secure and private, as only people with the album link can see the content.

Further, you can share the album not only across Apple’s ecosystem but also with Android or Windows users. It can also work as a collaborative album, as each party can access, comment, and add stuff to it.

How many photos or videos can I add to Shared Albums?

A shared album can contain up to 5000 photos and videos with a maximum share size of 1GB. After that, you’ll have to delete some content to make space for a new one.

Interestingly, while interrelated, the iCloud photo library and Shared Albums are distinct features. Unlike the photo library or Photo Stream, Shared Albums don’t count toward your iCloud storage.

File types supported in Shared Albums

In addition, you can add special formats like live photos, slow-motion, time-lapse, and memory videos. However,

• Pictures and videos may lose resolution to 2048 pixels unless they’re panoramic pictures with up to 5400 pixels.
• GIFs should be 100MB and smaller.
• Videos up to 15 minutes can support 720p resolution.

Now that you understand the Shared Albums feature better let’s start by showing you how to get it on your iPhone.

How to turn on Shared Albums on iPhone

To use Shared Albums on your iPhone, you need to enable it. You can accomplish this in two ways: from iCloud settings or via Photos settings. I will first show the iCloud method.

1. Go to Settings → [your name] → iCloud.
   
   
2. Tap Photos.
3. Here, toggle on Shared Albums.
   
   

For the alternative method, go to Settings → Photos → toggle on Shared Albums.

Things to note

• Ensure your iPhone or iPad is updated to the latest iOS and iPadOS.
• You’ve already set up iCloud on your iOS device.
• If you want to use multiple devices for album sharing, all must run on the same Apple ID.
• To use Shared Albums, your iPhone must be connected to the internet.

Once you’ve enabled the feature on your iPhone, you’re all set to create Shared Albums.

How to create Shared Album on iPhone and iPad

1. Open the Photos app → Albums.
2. Now, tap the Add button (+) at the top left.
3. Select New Shared Album.
4. Name the album and tap Next.
5. Enter the recipient’s contact number and hit Create.
   
   

Alternatively, you can create a Shared Album from a photo.

1. Open Photos → Select photos you want to add to the album.
2. Tap the Share icon → Add to Shared Album.
   
   
3. Enter album name → Tap Next.
4. Choose a contact Tap Create.
5. Finally, tap Post.
   
   

Once the Shared Album is created, the recipient will be notified of your invitation. They can choose to accept the invite to see the Shared Album or reject the request. You will receive a notification when they subscribe to the album.

Join Shared Album on your iPhone

When you receive the invitation for a Shared Album, tap the notification or go to Photos → For You → Shared Album Activity → Tap Accept or Decline on the new album.

Note: You must enable Shared Album to see and accept the invite.

The invite is also sent to your email ID; just open the mail and follow on-screen notifications to subscribe.

Now that you have created or joined a Shared Album, you may wonder how to access those albums. Follow the steps below to find out!

Where to find Shared Albums on iPhone

1. Launch the Photos app → Albums tab.
2. Scroll down to the Shared Albums category.
3. Tap See All to view all shared albums.
4. Tap the album you want to open and access the photos and videos.
   
   

How to manage Shared Albums on iPhone and iPad

There are plenty of things you can do with a Shared Album on iPhone. I have detailed all of them below.

Add subscribers or invite more people

1. Select the album that you want to share with more people.
2. Tap People
3. Select + Invite People.
4. Add the contact name or number and tap Add.
   
   

Again, an invite will be shared, and the recipient can accept, ignore, or reject it accordingly. You can also share albums with your loved ones who don’t use iCloud by enabling public viewing.

Turn on public viewing in iCloud

Open shared album → People icon → Toggle on Public Website → Tap Share Link to share the link with anyone.

Add photos and videos to the shared album

You can add photos and videos to the shared album in two ways:

Method 1

Open the shared album → Tap the + button → Select the photos or videos → Tap Add → Write a comment (optional) → Tap Post.

Method 2

1. Select the photos or videos you want to move into the shared album.
2. Tap the Share button at the bottom.
3. Scroll down and select Add to Shared Album.
4. Select the shared album and add a comment if you want.
5. Hit Post to add it.

Allow subscribers to add photos or videos to the album

By default, subscribers can add photos and videos to the album. If not, you can enable the setting. Go to Shared Album → People icon → Toggle on Subscribers Can Post. You can choose to disable the feature anytime; simply toggle it off.

Add or delete comments in a shared photo

You can also add comments later to individual photos. Open the shared album → Select photo → Tap Add a comment → Type in → Send.

To delete a comment, open the photo → Tap the comment → Long-press it, and select Delete.

You can also tap the thumb icon to like the photo.

Delete photos and videos from a Shared Album

If you’re the creator of a shared album, you can delete any photos, videos, and comments added by any subscriber. But other members can only delete files and comments uploaded from their end.

1. Open a shared album and tap Select at the top right.
2. Select the images and videos and hit Delete (dustbin icon).
3. Tap Delete Photo to confirm the removal.
   
   

Note: Anything you delete will be permanently removed across the shared album from your and your subscribers’ devices. However, files that you or other subscribers have saved or downloaded to your library won’t be affected.

Save photos and videos from a Shared Album

When other subscribers add photos and videos to your shared album, you can save them in your photo library. Later, if they delete any photo or video, you can still view them in your photo library.

1. Access the shared album → Open individual photos or videos or tap Select to choose multiple.
2. Tap the Share button.
3. Select Save Image or Save Video.
   
   

Turn notifications on or off

Don’t want to be disturbed every time someone adds or removes photos, videos, or comments in your Shared Album? Here’s how:

1. Open the shared album → People icon.
2. Toggle off the Notifications.
   
   

Alternatively, you can tap the three-dot icon→ Shared Album Details → Toggle on/off the Notifications.

Manage viewing options of a Shared Album

You can customize the viewing layout of your Shared Albums for better browsing experience.

1. Open the shared album → Tap three-dot icon.
   
   
2. Here you can:
   • Zoom In
   • Zoom Out
   • Aspect Ratio Grid
   • Sort – As per Date Added, Oldest to Newest, or Newest to Oldest
   • Filter – View all or just photos or videos.
     
     
   • Slideshow: Create a video out of your shared photos

Rename a Shared Album

There are two ways to do so:

1. In the shared album, tap the three-dot icon → Rename Album → Type the new name → Save.
   
   
2. In the Albums tab → Shared Albums → See All → Tap Edit → Tap the album name → Enter a new one → Done.
   
   

How to remove a subscriber from the Shared Album

Notably, only the album’s creator or owner has the right to remove someone from the shared list.

1. In the shared album → People icon.
2. Tap the contact you want to remove.
3. Hit Remove Subscriber. 
   
   

Delete a Shared Album on iPhone and iPad

As a creator of the shared album, you can delete the album. While others can choose to unsubscribe from it. You can accomplish this in three ways:

Method 1

1. Access the Shared Album → People icon.
2. Tap Delete Shared Album from the bottom.
3. Hit Delete to confirm the action.
   
   

If you are a member of a Shared Album, you will see the Unsubscribe option instead of Delete.

Method 2

1. Tap the three-dots icon in the Shared Album.
2. Select Delete Album → Tap Delete.
   
   

Method 3

1. Go to the Albums tab → Shared Albums → See All.
2. Tap Edit → Tap minus icon → Delete.
   
   

The album will be deleted and removed from all your iOS devices connected with the same Apple ID and the subscriber’s device. It will also delete all the photos in the album, so ensure you save them before going ahead.

Signing off…

Shared Albums is an excellent feature for securely exchanging photos and videos on your iOS device. After trying it, you may want to stop using the social media app to share pictures with your friends and family.

What do you think about it? Let us know in the comment section below.

The post How to use Shared Albums on iPhone and iPad (Ultimate guide) appeared first on iGeeksBlog.

How to recover deleted apps on iPhone or iPad from App Store

Within the App Store, there is a My Apps section where you can access a comprehensive list of all the apps you have downloaded on your iPhone, including the ones you deleted. 

This App Store feature ensures that you can quickly find and reinstall the apps you previously had.

1. Open the App Store → Tap the Profile icon at the top right corner. 
2. Select Apps → Tap My Apps in the subsequent menu.
   
   
3. Here, you will see the list of all apps currently or previously installed on your iPhone. 
4. To see only the deleted apps, go to the Not on this iPhone tab. 
5. Now, locate the app you want to reinstall and tap the Cloud icon next to it. The app will get downloaded on your iPhone again.
   
   

Note: While most of the native apps do appear in the My Apps list, you may need to manually search the App Store for a few native apps like Mail or Journal app. 

How to find hidden deleted apps on iPhone or iPad

We all have secrets, whether in real life or in terms of the apps we have on our iPhones. And to help you with that, Apple allows you to hide the app purchases you once made on your iPhone.

Now, if you have deleted an app that was hidden in the Purchase History, you may not be able to find it in the My Apps list of the App Store.

So, to restore such apps, you will have to head to Apple ID settings.

1. Open Settings → Tap your Name and Photo (Apple ID) tab. 
2. Select Media and Purchases → Tap View Account from the pop-up.
   You might have to authenticate yourself using Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode.
   
   
3. Here, scroll down and choose Hidden Purchases under the Downloads and Purchases section. 
4. Tap the Unhide button next to the desired app. 
5. On the App Store page that appears, tap the Cloud button to reinstall the app.
   
   

Alternatively, to reinstall deleted apps in Purchase History, you can manually search for them in the App Store as usual.

How to restore deleted apps using iCloud Backup on your iPhone or iPad

Another way to retrieve deleted apps with all the associated data and settings is to restore your iPhone from an iCloud Backup.

However, this method is only practically useful when you have backed up your iPhone before deleting the said apps and want to restore your iPhone to its previous state, ensuring that no apps are left behind.

Also, before you decide to restore iCloud Backup on your iPhone, a few cautions must be exercised:

• While you are restoring your iCloud Backup to get your previous data back, understand that this process will replace all your current data with the data from the iCloud backup. This means that any data or files modified after the backup was taken will be overwritten and lost. 
• Patience must be exercised while restoring iCloud backup as the process can take some time, depending on the size of the backup data and the internet speed.  
• Before you begin the restoration process, make sure that your iPhone has enough battery or is on charge. A low battery can disrupt the restoration process, resulting in data loss or leaving your iPhone unstable. 

How to find hidden apps in App Library

Though the chances are slim, completely ruling out this possibility would not be wise. If you can’t find the needed apps on your iPhone’s Home Screen, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have deleted them.

It is also possible that you might have hidden the app in folders or removed it from the Home Screen. 

Now the question arises, how do you find those hidden apps on iPhone? Well, it is pretty straightforward; all you need to do is check the App Library or make a Spotlight Search for that app, and it will appear. 

Apps revived! 

This is all you need to restore deleted apps on your iPhone or iPad. Whether you restore your apps from the App Store or use the iCloud backup to restore them is your decision. So, the next time you need to remember the name of a deleted app, do not fret, as this guide has you covered. 

If you still have questions or doubts, comment below, and I’ll happily respond.

The post How to restore deleted apps on iPhone or iPad in iOS 17 appeared first on iGeeksBlog.

How to track iPhone using Find My on Android

Apple’s Find My is a comprehensive tracking and security feature that helps you keep tabs on and protect all your Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and AirPods. Not only this, the Find My service also allows you to remotely wipe your device in case of theft to protect your data.  

While a Find My app for Android isn’t available yet, you can access the service from the iCloud website. However, to be able to track your iPhone from an Android, you must have Find My enabled on your iPhone beforehand.

After that, you can track your iPhone from an Android device via the iCloud website if it gets misplaced or lost. 

1. Go to the iCloud website → Sign in with your Apple ID. 
2. Scroll down and select Find My from the library of apps.
3. Choose your iPhone from the list of available devices. 
4. The current location of your iPhone will now appear on your screen. 
5. You can now mark your iPhone as lost, play sound on it if it’s near you, or even erase the device to protect your data from falling into the wrong hands.
   
   

Alternatively, you can also go to iCloud.com/find/ to enter the Find My page on the iCloud website directly.

How to find iPhone using Google Maps on Android

While Google Maps doesn’t have a built-in feature to track iPhones directly, it does provide a workaround.

However, to be able to track your iPhone using Google Maps, you must have enabled location sharing in Google Maps beforehand.

If you were wondering how it’s done on the iPhone, open the Googe Maps app → Tap your Profile → Settings → Scroll down to Personal Content → Turn on Location Services and Location History.

With Google Maps location services enabled on your iPhone, you can review your iPhone travel routes and visited locations on your Android device via the Google Maps application. Here’s how it is done.

1. Open the Google Maps app on an Android phone.
2. Tap the Profile icon → Tap the drop-down arrow next to the name → Add another account → Sign in with the Google account you use on your iPhone.
   
   
3. Once signed in with your Gmail ID in Google Maps, tap the Profile icon at the top right. 
4. Here, choose Your Timeline from the available options.
   
   
5. Select the date your iPhone went missing, and you will get your iPhone’s location and travel route for that date.
   
   

You can also perform the same actions from the Google Maps Timeline website on any device!

How to track lost iPhone with GPS tracking app

Another good alternative, if you wish to take a more direct approach, is to use tracking apps specifically designed to track your iPhone from an Android phone.

However, there’s a catch. The GPS tracking app must be set up on your iPhone before you misplace or lose it.

Several GPS tracking apps, such as Life360 or Followme GPS Location Tracker, are available on the App Store and Google Play Store, allowing you to track your iPhone remotely.  

All you need to do is install and set up the app on both the iPhone and Android phone, and you are good to go. 

Finding iPhone…

That’s all you need to know about how to find a lost iPhone using an Android phone. While you can use Google Maps or GPS tracking apps, Apple’s own Find My service offers robust security and tracking functionalities designed specifically for iPhones. 

Also, feel free to comment below your queries or doubts; I’ll happily respond.

The post How to track iPhone from Android phone (3 Ways) appeared first on iGeeksBlog.

Note: If you are using your HomePod as a stereo pair, make sure to ungroup the pair before proceeding.

1. Reset HomePod or HomePod mini using Home app

You can easily reset your HomePod using the Home app on your paired iPhone or Mac. Taking this action will also remove the accessory from the Home app.

On iPhone

1. Launch the Home app → Tap [HomePod name].
2. Go to Settings (gear icon).
   
   
3. Scroll down and select Reset HomePod.
4. Choose Remove Accessory → Confirm by tapping Remove.
   
   

You might see a white spinning light appear at the top of the HomePod. Once the light disappears, you can consider the reset complete.

On Mac

1. Launch Spotlight → Navigate to the Home app.
2. Click [HomePod name].
   
   
3. Go to Settings (gear icon).
   
   
4. Click Reset Homepod.
   
   
5. Select Remove Accessory.
   
   
6. Confirm by clicking Remove.

As mentioned earlier, you might see a white spinning light at the top of the HomePod. The reset will be complete when the light disappears.

2. Unplug adapter to reset HomePod to factory settings

While trying the above method, if you don’t see the white light at the end of it, don’t worry. There’s another sure-shot way to reset your HomePod or HomePod mini.

1. Unplug your HomePod or HomePod mini from the power adapter.
2. Wait for 10 seconds. Then, plug it into a power source again.
3. Wait for another 10 seconds. Now, touch and hold your finger on the top of your HomePod.
4. Keep your finger at the top of your device until the white light on the HomePod changes to red and you hear an instruction from Siri.
5. Siri will announce, “Your HomePod is about to reset. Keep pressing until you hear three beeps.”
6. Follow the instructions, and lift your finger after you hear three beeps.

That’s it. If you hear the beeps, you have successfully reset your HomePod!

3. Restore HomePod and HomePod mini using Finder on Mac

Restoring your HomePod from Finder goes beyond a simple reset. This process not only resets the device but also ensures it’s running on the latest supported software version.

1. Plug your HomePod into your Mac using a USB-C cable.
   Your HomePod will blink with an orange light.
2. If prompted, click Allow in the pop-up box.
3. Then launch the Finder app → Pick HomePod from the sidebar.
4. Select Restore HomePod.
   
   
5. Confirm by clicking Restore.

Once the restore is complete, you will see a notification confirming the same.

What’s next?

If the reason you reset the device was to fix some glitches, you will have to set up the HomePod to use it again.

If you run into any issues during the reset, drop a comment, and I’ll be here to assist you!

The post How to reset HomePod or HomePod mini appeared first on iGeeksBlog.