Tips

There’s no clickbait here! Our thoroughly-tested tips and tricks are a great way to boost your knowledge, your productivity, and even the fun you have with your devices. Whether you want to sharpen your Windows skills, become a Mac genius, or get smarter than your smartphone, these tips can help turn you into your own personal IT department.

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How to Play MP4 on Mac When QuickTime Player Won’t Open It

A perfect day might include either reading a good book or enjoying a great movie along with a nice cup of coffee. Before Netflix, this meant going through the hassle of finding and downloading an MP4 file to watch the movie using QuickTime Player. What if QuickTime...

How to Find Lost AirPods That Are Offline and Dead

Unfortunately, when your AirPods are offline and dead, they can be much more difficult to find. This is because oftentimes you cannot see their current location or play a sound using FindMy to find them. So what can you do? As someone who works on Apple computers all...

What is .ds_store Files on Mac & How to Open or Delete it

Most of the time, .ds_store files are harmless and don’t take up much space, but there are still instances where you might want to open or delete them. So, how can you do it? As a Mac technician, I often see minor bugs in system files that can potentially lead to...

How to Use an iPad to Make Phone Calls without iPhone

If you have an iPhone, making phone calls is easy. But what if you’re without your iPhone, and only have access to your iPad? How can you use it to make phone calls? As someone who loves figuring out how to use their devices in every possible way, I’ve found that...

How to Run a Shell or .sh Script on Mac Terminal

If you are here, you are likely interested in learning to use Shell scripts on your Mac. Whether you are new to Shell entirely, or familiar with Shell due to experience with UNIX or Linux operating systems, this is the place for you!  In general, this article...

What is Bird Process on Mac and Why It Causes High CPU

If you are experiencing high CPU usage on your Mac and used Activity Monitor to determine what the cause of that CPU is, you may see a process called Bird.  Bird is a backend process with iCloud that helps to back up documents and other data to iCloud. So what...

How to Open, Create, or Edit bash_profile on Mac

If you are familiar with using the Terminal on your Mac, you may be familiar with bash_profile. You may also be familiar with Bash Shells from other operating systems, such as Linux. Bash is an acronym for Bourne Again Shell, after Stephen Bourne, the creator of the...

What is mds_stores on Mac & Why It Causes High CPU

If you have made it to this article, you have likely checked your Activity Monitor on Mac to see that your mds_stores process is causing very high CPU usage. It is also likely that you originally checked your Activity Monitor because that high CPU usage is impacting...

How to Format SD Card to FAT32 on Mac

FAT32 is a common format for SD cards because it has compatibility across many products including Mac Computers, Microsoft Computers, XBOX consoles, Playstation Consoles, and cameras. So how do you format your SD card to FAT32 on Mac? As a computer repair tech, I’ve...

How to Show Hidden Files or Folders on Mac using Terminal

Believe it or not, your Mac has many folders and files that are automatically hidden and you cannot see as readily available. This is done to keep safe the files that are crucial to the operation of your Mac, and it could be catastrophic if deleted or incorrectly...

6 Ways to Open Terminal (Command Prompt) on Mac

Your Terminal on Mac (also known as Command Prompt on Windows PCs) is the command line interface that allows you to complete actions on macOS. The Terminal is most helpful with items that are not supported by the graphical interface on your Mac, but with the right...

How to Fix CoreServicesUIAgent Won’t Close on Mac

Have you ever received a message that states: Verifying ‘app name’ on your Mac? This message is common with applications that are not directly downloaded from the App Store or that are not from identified developers.  As someone who has worked on Apple computers...

How to Fix WindowServer High CPU on Mac

You might be wondering why your WindowServer process is taking up so much CPU resources. Even though this is a critical system process, it can slow your Mac down if it begins to malfunction. So, how can you fix it? As a computer technician, I often see issues related...

How to Fix Mac Stuck on Checking for Updates

If your Mac is stuck on checking for updates, it can get a little frustrating, especially if you’re hoping to get the latest features from an OS update. But is there anything you can do to fix it? As someone who works on Apple computers for a living, I see this...

How to Fix It When Mac Keeps Disconnecting from WiFi

For most of us, WiFi is how we access social media, streaming services, and our work. Regardless of what you use your Mac for, if it is continuously disconnecting from Wi-Fi, it can seriously interrupt your workflow. So how can you fix it? I have seen this issue come...

How to Fix External Drive Not Showing up on Mac

External hard drives are a great way to increase the storage on your Mac and back up your files. But if your external drive is not showing up on your Mac, it can be a bit alarming. What causes this? And how can you fix it? There are a few reasons why this might...

Why is My Safari So Slow on Mac and How to Fix It

Whether you use the Safari internet browser for your everyday work, school work, online shopping, or simple internet browsing, having it work slowly can be extremely frustrating. This is completely understandable, but don’t worry we are here to help! As someone who...

How to Fix Menu Bar Disappeared on Mac

We use the Menu Bar for a lot of different things, opening folders, locating options, and other tasks. So, it can be incredibly frustrating when your Menu Bar disappears and won’t come back. What causes this? And how can you fix it? This problem has crossed my desk...

How to Fix MacBook Pro Touch Bar Not Working

So, you have the MacBook Pro with the Touch Bar. While this is a very cool feature, unfortunately, any feature has the potential to malfunction. But what causes it to malfunction? And what can you do to fix it? While the Touch Bar not working won’t be detrimental to...

How to Fix It When Mac Won’t Let Me Login with the Right Password

Not being able to log in to your Mac can be extremely annoying. Though it may not seem like it at the moment, there are a few things that we can do in order to restore your access to your Mac.  As a computer repair tech, I’ve seen this issue pop up from time to...

How to Fix Escape/ESC Key Not Working on Mac

Maybe multiple keys on your Mac have stopped working, or maybe it’s only your Escape Key, but either way, with how often we use the ESC key, it can be an extremely frustrating experience. So why isn’t your ESC key working? And what can you do to fix it? As someone who...

How to Permanently Delete WhatsApp Messages from Both Sides

WhatsApp provides a handy Delete for Everyone option when deleting messages. Unfortunately, it’s not bulletproof. It’s only available for a short time and your recipient may have already seen the message. Hi, I’m Aaron. I am a technologist who loves tinkering with...

Can Someone See My WhatsApp Messages from Another Phone?

Maybe! In today's interconnected world, the boundaries of digital privacy continue to be a major concern. With over two billion users, WhatsApp is at the forefront of digital communication, prompting many to question its security measures. One of the pressing...

Do WhatsApp Calls or Messages Show on Phone Bill?

The quick answer is: Maybe, but not how you think. In an era of increasing connectivity, WhatsApp has emerged as one of the predominant messaging and calling apps globally. It boasts over two billion users, moving text messages, voice calls, and video calls with...

How to Use WhatsApp Without Showing My Phone Number

Unfortunately, you can't. You need a phone number to use WhatsApp. That being said, there are 3 ways that you can circumvent using your specific mobile number on WhatsApp. While that offers you a greater degree of anonymity, it’s still possible to ultimately track the...

Can WhatsApp Be Hacked?

The quick answer is: Absolutely. Microsoft and Apple, both of whom spend at least a quarter of WhatsApp’s annual revenue just on security and make 300-400 times what WhatsApp does annually, have been hacked recently. Hackers are well-motivated to do so and stand to...

Can You Use WhatsApp Without WiFi?

Of course you can! In fact, if you’re using WhatsApp on your iPhone, cellular-connected iPad, or comparable Android device then you’re already using WhatsApp without WiFi without knowing it.  Hi, I’m Aaron. Technology is my trade and I tinker for fun....

Can WhatsApp Be Tracked?

Absolutely. In our intertwined digital landscape, the lines between convenience and privacy often blur. WhatsApp, owned by Meta and a colossus in the realm of digital communication, is frequently under the microscope for its security safeguards. Hi there, I’m Aaron....

Does WhatsApp Notify When You Take a Screenshot of Chat?

No. It makes sense that you’d be concerned about that. Social media notifies about so many actions, that you might think taking a screenshot would trigger a warning. However, a quick review of how WhatsApp works will highlight why it doesn’t provide a notification....

What Does Highlighted Comment Mean on YouTube

The highlighted comment feature is a subtle feature that highlights YouTube’s commitment to improving its users' experiences. It ensures that amidst the vibrant and bustling conversations on the platform, important interactions don't get lost in the shuffle. Hi, I’m...

How Long Does HD Processing Take on YouTube?

There are many factors that dictate how long high-definition video processing will take on YouTube. If you’re a content creator and you find that it takes a long time for your videos to process, you may want to tweak your workflow to account for that. Hi, I’m Aaron. I...

Why Does Safari Keep Crashing on Mac & How to Fix It

Nothing is more frustrating than trying to browse the web, whether you’re working or playing, and being stopped in your tracks when Safari crashes. But what causes Safari to have these problems? And is there any way to fix it? As someone who works on Apple computers...

How to Make Google Chrome Your Default Browser on Mac

If you prefer using Google Chrome over Safari, you might want to switch your default browser and make it official. This way, you won’t have to worry about which app to open things like web links, internet shortcuts, and even PDFs. So, how do you change the default...

Why Can’t I Clear My History on Safari Mac

Clearing your browsing history can be beneficial for several reasons, including (but definitely not limited to) protecting your privacy and clearing some storage space on your Mac. But what can you do if you can’t clear your history on Safari on your Mac? As an Apple...

How to Uninstall Safari on Mac

Uninstalling Safari can seem necessary if you are encountering browser issues, slowdowns, or crashing. However, unless you have an older Mac, it might be more trouble than it is worth. So, is it even possible? Safari is one of the applications that come preinstalled...

How to Fix It When MacBook Air Won’t Turn On

You open up your MacBook Air and go to turn it on, but there are no signs of life! Your MacBook Air just won’t turn on. While this might be cause for concern, sometimes, you can try a few quick fixes to get it running again. As a MacBook repair technician, I have been...

256GB vs 512GB: Which One Should I Choose for iPhone 15?

Choosing between 256GB and 512GB boils down to your usage and how much cash you're willing to shell out. If you're a moderate user, 256GB should suffice. But if you're a digital packrat or a content creator, go for the 512GB and never look back. As someone who follows...

Is 128GB Enough for iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Plus?

The iPhone 15 is finally here. Along with it, we get some cool new features like an upgraded camera and a brighter screen—and the star of the show: USB-C. But at the same time, we still don’t have expandable storage capacity. When you come to this Apple iPhone buy...

Can You Get Hacked Through Instagram DM?

Yes, but probably not how you'd expect. When people think of hacking, they typically envision shady characters sitting in a dark room behind a computer engineering large-scale heist. Instagram hackers operate totally differently. Hi, I’m Aaron. I’ve worked in...

Can Someone Hack You Through Facebook Messenger?

Very technically, the answer is yes! Facebook Messenger can help facilitate one of the most potent and successful forms of hacking: phishing. Hi, I’m Aaron. I’m a cybersecurity professional who believes cybersecurity is most greatly promoted by education and...

How to Fix Safari or Chrome Won’t Open on Mac

It can be annoying when your web browser does not open. But when both Safari and Chrome won’t open, it can bring your day to a grinding halt. What causes this? And is there anything you can do to fix it? I’ve seen and repaired countless browser-related problems while...

Can a SIM Card Be Hacked & How to Check If It’s Cloned?

Yes, a SIM card can be hacked, but most methods need access to your phone. There’s a very slim chance your SIM card is actually cloned, but if you’re concerned, you should absolutely check. Fortunately, doing so is very easy. I’m Aaron, a cybersecurity professional...

Can Someone Hack Your Snapchat by Adding You?

In short, no. It’s impossible for someone to hack your Snapchat just by adding you. They can, however, hack you if you interact with them in specific ways. Scammers and hackers take advantage of those methods so it’s important to be aware of them to protect yourself....

Can Someone Hack Your PayPal Account With Your Email Address?

No, not with just your email address. Your email address is an important piece of the puzzle, though, and possession of your email address provides one-half of the authentication equation.  Hi, I’m Aaron. I’m a cybersecurity professional with two decades of...

What to Do When Force Quit is Not Working for Frozen Apps on Mac

When applications freeze up on your Mac, it can throw a wrench in your whole workflow. Usually, Force Quit is there to save the day. But what can you do when Force Quit is not working on frozen apps on Mac? Working as an Apple repair technician has shown me that Macs...

How to Convert WMV to MP4 on Mac

WMV files are a native format for Windows computers, but playing them on a Mac can be a little tricky. Oftentimes, converting them to MP4 is your best bet. Since macOS does not have a built-in WMV converter, how can you convert WMV to MP4? You can use an open-source...

Can Someone Hack Your iPhone Through AirDrop?

Technically yes, but it’s very unlikely. There were vulnerabilities that allowed the retrieval of some information, but those have since been addressed. Hackers could deliver malicious apps through AirDrop, but recipients would need to configure their iPhone to run...

How to Fix It When YouTube Videos Keeps Buffering

YouTube is likely buffering because you have internet connectivity and speed issues. It’s possible but much less likely to be a browser or computer issue. Fortunately, you can fix all those issues! Hi, I’m Aaron. I love working with technology and made a career out of...

Can Someone Hack Your Cash App With Your Name?

No. A hacker would need a lot more information to hack your Cash App. If they only have your name, they can tell whether or not you have a Cash App account. Only if they have additional personal, private information could they hack your Cash App account. I’m Aaron, a...

Why is YouTube Slow but the Internet is Fast?

If your YouTube is slow, but your internet is fast, then you’re suffering from issues largely out of your control. The good news is that your issues are temporary. The bad news is that temporary is both flexible and relative. Hi, I’m Aaron. I love technology–so much...

Can Someone Hack Your Zelle With Your Phone Number?

Yes, although they need the right conditions and access to your phone to do so. While that access is difficult, it’s possible. They don’t even need to be in the same location as you to gain that access.  Hi, I’m Aaron. I’m a cybersecurity professional and...

How to Tell or Check if Your iPhone is Hacked

Trying to figure out if your iPhone is hacked is a tall order. It’s even more difficult if you’re not used to spotting a hack. Unfortunately, there’s typically not going to be a big announcement banner on your phone saying you’ve been hacked! Hi, I’m Aaron. I’m a...

Can YouTubers See Who Viewed Their Videos?

The short answer is no. But there are ways that you can get that information and they’re easier than you may think. YouTube Channel Analytics only provides "basic" info about Viewers Hi, I’m Aaron. I love watching YouTube and am an amateur content creator myself....

How to Fix Mail App Won’t Open on Mac

If you use the Mail app frequently to check your emails and get work done, it can be frustrating when it suddenly won’t open. So what can you do to get the Mail app working again and get back to business? The quick answer is: These include things from internet and...

How to Delete and Reinstall Mail App on Mac

If your email inbox isn’t loading or your Mail app seems to constantly glitch and freeze, it might be beneficial to delete and reinstall it. But is this even possible? And if so, how do you do it? I’ve seen countless software and hardware problems in my time servicing...

Can You Get Hacked by Joining a Discord Server?

No, not just by joining the server. You may, however, be exposed to malicious content through the Discord server, which will result in you being hacked.  Hi, I’m Aaron. Information Security is my job and passion and I want to share my experience with you all to...

Why is Email Not Updating on My Mac

Not staying on top of your emails means that your inbox will get cluttered with spam and useless junk. But what happens if you are not getting new emails at all? Your boss or coworkers might wonder where you have run off to. So, how can you refresh the Mail app and...

How to Log out of Mail App on Mac

If you’re tired of receiving notifications from an email inbox you never use, or you want to declutter your Mac, one of the things you can do is log out of your Mail app. This can also come in handy for troubleshooting issues with your mail. But how can you do it? If...

How Long Does a MacBook Pro Last?

MacBook Pros are lightweight yet powerful laptops marketed toward creative professionals, college students, and business users. But does their portable performance mean they last a long time? As someone who services Apple laptops frequently, I get this question all...

Can My Phone Be Hacked by Visiting a Website?

Absolutely! While this isn’t very likely to happen just by browsing the web, it is possible. More commonly, targeted attacks direct you to a malicious website where your phone can be compromised.  Hi, I’m Aaron. I work in cybersecurity and love what I do. I also...

Can Your Phone Get Hacked By Replying to a Text Message?

No. But your phone can be hacked by clicking a link in a text message. Additionally, you can be hacked by replying to a text message.  I’m Aaron, a cybersecurity professional with two decades of experience. I worry about cybersecurity every day so you don’t have...

Why is YouTube Premium so Expensive?

It’s financially viable for Google to charge what it’s charging for YouTube Premium. To be fair, it’s priced very competitively with other streaming services. That being said, if you think it’s too expensive or that the value proposition isn’t there for you, then...

Can Someone Hack My Phone by Texting Me or Calling Me

It’s not really possible to hack your phone through a phone call. It is possible through a text, but you’ll need to interact with the text.  Hi, I’m Aaron, a technology and information security professional. Phone hacking isn’t as popular as other kinds of...

Why Are YouTube Videos Blurry & How to Fix It

Your YouTube videos are blurry because of your streaming resolution settings. While the explanation is simple, troubleshooting it isn’t. It can be incredibly frustrating if you’re trying to watch high-quality content and can only view it in low quality.  Hi, I’m...

Why Does YouTube Have So Many Ads

Money. While that might seem like a simplistic answer, it’s the reason YouTube has so many advertisements. It’s how Google monetizes their video platform, similar to NBC Universal with Hulu, Amazon with Twitch, Netflix with their basic tier, and others.  Hi, I’m...

How to Change Safari Background on Mac

Changing your background on your desktop might be common knowledge, but did you know you can also change your background in Safari?  So, how do you do it? Fortunately, changing your Safari background is quick and easy. Let’s get into it! Key Takeaways Safari...

How to Enable or Disable Cookies on Safari Mac

Many Mac users are fond of Safari, Apple's default browser. But how can you use it more efficiently and protect your online privacy at the same time? The answer lies in understanding and managing Cookies. Working in a computer repair store, I’m always getting asked...

How to Charge a MacBook without a Charger

We have all been there, stranded on vacation with a dead MacBook and a forgotten charger. Or maybe you got all the way to work, the doctor's office, or another location and realized that your charger was somehow lost along the way. So, how do you charge a MacBook...

What to Do When Mac is Slow After macOS Sonoma Update

macOS Sonoma is the very latest iteration of the famed operating system for MacBooks, iMacs, and other Apple computers. While it brings with it some cool new features, there is always the possibility that it may slow your computer down. But why is that? And what can...

How to Update QuickTime on Mac

QuickTime is Apple’s media playback and screen recording software. While it comes pre-installed on your Mac when you purchase it, finding out how to update it might be a little tricky. So, how do you update QuickTime on Mac? As a Mac repair technician for nearly a...

How to Delete Mail Storage on Mac to Free up Disk Space

Not surprisingly, having a jampacked email inbox on your computer can take up a large amount of storage on your Mac. If you want to free up disk space, cleaning out your Mail storage is a step in the right direction. But how can you do it? Working as a computer repair...

How to Enable Pop-ups on Safari Mac

Pop-ups might be annoying for some, but sometimes you need them to view critical information, like navigation links or another part of a web page. So, how do you enable them on Safari? By default, Safari is set to block pop-up windows from appearing. Fortunately,...

Why iPhone/iPad Can Not Connect to App Store

There are a few reasons your iPhone or iPad won’t connect to the app store ranging from incorrect account credentials to your clock not matching Apple’s. Fortunately, most issues have an easy solution.  Hi, I’m Aaron. I have a wealth of experience using the...

How to Fix Safari Not Working on Mac

When you are browsing the web, either for work or for play, it can be very frustrating when Safari starts running slow or quits working altogether. So what causes Safari to malfunction? And how can you fix it? We use our web browsers every day, so it can be pretty...

How to View Saved Passwords on Mac Safari

While passwords are vital for many websites, remembering dozens of passwords is nearly impossible. Luckily, you can rely on Safari to save your passwords for you and autofill them on your next login. But how do you view these saved passwords?  Working in a...

How to Change the Default Mail App on Mac

While macOS comes with a built-in Mail app, it isn’t for everyone. If you regularly use a different mail application and would like your new messages to automatically be opened and ready to be written in a different app, how can you do it? As an Apple tech, I’ve had...

How to Force Quit Mail on Mac

When the Mail app starts misbehaving, freezing, or if it stops responding at all, it can bring your workday to a screeching halt. While it can be an annoying experience, the good news is that there are a few easy solutions. In my time servicing Apple computers, I have...

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Can’t Login Issues

You may sometimes have Teams login issues. If you’re using Teams for work, your organization’s helpdesk will provide advice for addressing your issues. If you’re using it for personal use or if you want rudimentary help, this article is for you! Hi, I’m Aaron. I’ve...

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Not Working on Mac

Teams issues can be frustrating. Especially on a Mac, which is the antithesis of anything Windows or Microsoft. Fortunately, Microsoft is taking a more egalitarian approach to its modern application stack by making it relatively platform agnostic. Whatever you do to...

Why Can’t I Delete a Chat in Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is a versatile and fully-featured chat, file-sharing, and telecommunications platform. You’d think it would work like personal chat programs, but you’d be wrong. It works based on the rules set by your organization. Hi, I’m Aaron. I’ve used, managed,...

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Microphone Not Working

What’s more frustrating than your camera not working in Microsoft Teams? Your microphone not working in Teams. Not having a video feed is workable. Not being able to talk is an entirely different matter.  Hi, I’m Aaron. I’ve had my share of Microsoft Teams problems...

How to See Saved Passwords on Mac Chrome

While you need passwords for many different websites, it can be impossible to try and remember all of them. Saving your passwords in Google Chrome on your Mac makes things a little easier. But what should you do if you need to see one of these saved passwords? It...

How to Make Google Your Homepage on Safari Mac

Many Mac users stick with Safari as their default browser. But what if you frequent Google all the time, and you would like to set it as your homepage on Mac? Setting Google as your homepage on Safari saves you the time and hassle of navigating to the website every...

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Camera Not Working

If you’re having Teams camera issues, then you can diagnose by working through both hardware and software issues. This article tells you how to do both. If your camera doesn’t work by the end, then it’s likely a hardware issue you can’t fix. Fortunately, replacement...

How to Turn Off Screen Time Without Passcode

If you lost your Screen Time passcode, your options for turning it off are limited. All options require you to have access to the Apple ID associated with the device or the device’s backups. Absent that, you’re largely stuck with Screen Time unless you can find an...

How to Recover Deleted Messages on iPhone Without Backup

Many of us use Messages to store pictures and information from our acquaintances, work, or friends. Given how important those messages can be, it’s surprisingly trivial to delete messages and lose that critical information. Unfortunately, if you don’t have your phone...

How to Uninstall Google Chrome on Mac

Uninstalling Chrome might be necessary if you switched to a different browser, want to gain storage space, or want to troubleshoot problems with your browser. Fortunately, the process is similar to uninstalling other apps for Mac.  You have a few different...

How to Fix Safari Can’t Find Server on Mac

Nothing is more frustrating than browsing the web only to be met with constant errors from Safari. The “can’t find server” error is all too common, and it can throw a wrench in your schedule. But what causes this, and how can you fix it? As an Apple computer tech, I...

How to Update Safari on Mac

Updating Safari promotes data security, eliminates bugs, and introduces new features. The process is easier than updating many other apps for Mac. Apple has done its users a great service by combining Safari updates with macOS updates. This leaves you with one less...

How Much Memory Do I Need for a MacBook Air?

If you’re considering a new MacBook Air, or wondering if your current MacBook Air needs an upgrade, you may be thinking: How much memory do you really need in your MacBook Air? And is 8GB enough?  While 8GB might serve the needs of everyday users, those planning...

How to Fix It When Google Meet Can’t Share Screen

Google Meet is a very straightforward videoconferencing platform. While it lacks some of the features of other videoconferencing platforms, it makes up for that with its ease of use and platform flexibility.  If you’re having screen-sharing issues, they’re likely...

How to Fix Google Meet Microphone Not Working

Videoconferencing tools and wonderful and frustrating, wonderful because they connect us remotely and frustrating because there always seem to be issues with them. The most frustrating of those issues is when your microphone doesn’t work. Google Meet microphone issues...

How to Fix Google Meet Camera Not Working

Video conferencing solutions are a critical part of daily office work. They’re great tools when they work and frustrating barriers when they don’t. It’s especially frustrating when your camera doesn’t work in a meeting where you need it to work. There are a few ways...

Where Do Google Meet Recordings Go

Google Meet recordings are stored in the host’s Google Drive. They’re stored in a descriptive folder that likely didn’t exist before the host recorded a Google Meet session. Therefore, the host may not know to search for it. Hi, I’m Aaron. I’ve used videoconferencing...

How to Fix Zoom Share Screen Not Working

If Share Screen isn’t working in Zoom, you have a software issue. Working through the troubleshooting steps outlined here will let you resolve the issue. Worst-case scenario: you need to reinstall zoom. Hi, I’m Aaron. Zoom screen sharing has become an invaluable tool...

How to Fix It When AirPods Isn’t Working with Zoom

If your AirPods won’t work in Zoom, there are a few things you can try to get them to work. If you cycle through all troubleshooting steps below, chances are your AirPods will work with Zoom. Hi, I’m Aaron. I have AirPods and use them with Zoom on a daily basis on my...

How to Fix Zoom Camera Not Working

One of the more common issues I’ve experienced with Zoom is that the camera can sometimes not work. There are a few reasons that can happen. Fortunately, most of them are easily fixable.  Hi, I’m Aaron. Like many professionals in a post-COVID world, I use Zoom...

How to Fix Error Connecting to Apple ID Server

If you’re having issues connecting to Apple’s ID servers, unfortunately there’s not a lot you can do to fix it. If it’s a network issue, then you’re stuck waiting for the issue to resolve or going somewhere else. If it’s an Apple ID server issue, then you just have to...

Why is iPad Keyboard Split and How to Fix It

Your iPad keyboard is split because of the split keyboard function Apple provides on iPads. In short, it’s a feature, not a bug. If it’s not what you were expecting, then that can be frustrating. Fortunately, fixing it is easy. I’m Aaron. I really like my iPad–it’s...

How to Fix Google Chrome Helper Renderer High CPU on Mac

You might be wondering if Google Chrome is to blame if your Mac is running slowly or using too much CPU. The good news is that it is easy to determine if Chrome is at fault, and there is an easy way to fix it. One of the most common Chrome problems is Google Chrome...

How to Add More Storage to MacBook Air

Running out of space on your MacBook Air can bring your work or play to a grinding halt. You can’t save additional files, download games or apps, or get much use out of your Mac at all if you don’t have enough space. So, how do you add more storage to your MacBook...

How Long Does a MacBook Air Last?

MacBook Airs are slim and lightweight laptops marketed toward college students, travelers, and anyone who needs a portable powerhouse. But does their sleek design make for a long-lasting computer? As someone who repairs Apple computers all the time, I get this...

How to Delete Photos from Mac but Not iCloud

If you’re running out of storage space on your Mac, your photo library might be to blame. Photos can take up a lot of space, especially if you have hundreds or even thousands of them. Backing up your photos on iCloud is a great solution for freeing up space on your...

How to Reduce PDF File Size on Mac without Losing Quality

Large, oversized PDF files can take up unnecessary space, especially if you have a lot of them. Many compression tools are known to reduce the quality of your PDF if you’re not careful. So, how can you reduce PDF file size on Mac without losing quality? As an Apple...

How to Share Password from iPhone to Mac

It can be a hassle manually typing in your passwords on your Mac, especially if there is an easier way to do things. One of the best methods is to share your password from your iPhone to your Mac. So how do you do it? This is a very common request, and I’ve been asked...

How to Fix Zoom Audio Not Working Issue

There are a few reasons your Zoom audio may not work correctly when you first load Zoom. Some of those reasons may be mundane like your audio being muted, while others may be related to driver or other compatibility issues.  Hi, I’m Aaron. I’m a daily Zoom and...

How to Convert MP4 to MP3 on Mac

If you have an MP4 video file, you might want to convert it to an MP3 so you can enjoy the audio without needing to store the video. So how can you convert MP4 to MP3 on Mac? You can use an app like Permute, which gets the job done quickly and supports multiple...

How to Fix MacBook Pro Black Screen

With how much we rely on our laptops for work and play these days, it can be devastating when we’re confronted with a black screen. But what causes a black screen on a MacBook Pro? And how can you fix it? As an Apple repair tech, I have to say this issue is all too...

How to Make Skype Not Open on Startup Windows

Both Skype and Windows settings use Windows Settings to turn off Skype from autostarting with Windows. Whichever method you use, you should be able to disable Skype from autostarting with Windows in about five minutes. Hi, I’m Aaron. I remember using Skype when it was...

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Not Loading or Opening

It can be frustrating when Teams doesn’t work as expected, but if you have problems with loading or opening it, there are a few options available to you. Worst comes to worst, you can always use Teams via a web browser. Hi, I’m Aaron. I’m a prolific Microsoft 365 user...

How to Stop Microsoft Teams from Opening on Startup

Microsoft Teams is a powerful communications tool that integrates well with other M365 tools. If you don’t want it loading on startup, there are a few ways to successfully prevent it from doing so. You can always launch it manually when you need it. Hi, I’m Aaron. I’m...

How to Fix It When Zoom Keeps Crashing or Freezing

There are a few reasons Zoom may have performance issues on your device. Make sure you are using an appropriately fast and unsaturated internet connection to which you have good connectivity. Also, make sure other programs aren’t bogging down your computer.  Hi,...

How to Fix Zoom Microphone Not Working

There are many reasons your Zoom audio may not be working. It’s probably a software setting and following this guide will walk you through diagnosing that. If none of those steps work, then you may have hardware issues requiring a microphone replacement. Hi, I’m...

Why Does Zoom Have a Time Limit?

Zoom is a powerful and well-utilized teleconferencing tool. You can buy a license for very broad functionality, but you must sacrifice features and talk time if you use the free version. You can get around the 40-minute talk time issue by running back-to-back...

Where Does Zoom Save Recordings? How to Find Them on PC or Mac

If you’ve used Zoom or another teleconferencing app for meetings–and most of us have at this point–you’ve probably recorded a meeting or two. There’s nothing more frustrating than not being able to find those recordings. Zoom saves recordings to a location that is...

How to Record a Zoom Meeting without Permission as a Participant

There are a few ways you can record your Zoom meeting. Using a screen recorder may be your best option to actually record your meeting and preserve video and audio fidelity. Remember that you should have–and may need–everyone’s permission to record. Hi, I’m Aaron. I...

How to Play Blu-Ray on Mac

If you have some good movies on a Blu-Ray disc, you might be in trouble if you don’t have a Blu-Ray player. But what if you could play Blu-Ray on your Mac? I’ve been asked if this is possible more times than I can remember, and as an Apple technician, I know that...