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1,468 'How-to' stories September 2011 - May 2021
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A collection of tutorials, tips, and tricks from the 9to5Mac team helping you fix and get the most out of your favorite gear.

9to5Mac How To tutorials

Our how-to collection includes a range of tutorials and guides with tips, tricks, comparisons, and more from the 9to5Mac team helping you fix and get the most out of your favorite Apple gear.

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iOS 14 how-tos

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How to use Apple Maps cycling directions in iOS 14

iOS 14: How to use detailed cycling directions in Apple Maps [U]

Avatar for Michael Potuck May 5 2021 - 12:00 am PT
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A valuable update to Apple Maps that came with iOS 14 is cycling directions. While Google Maps has had this feature for some time, Apple goes a step further by including if you’ll be using bike lanes or side roads on your route, a toggle to avoid busy roads or hills, and more. Read along for a look at how to use the Apple Maps cycling directions in iOS 14.

Update May 2021: Apple has expanded the feature recently across California and Seattle.

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5G iPad Pro rebate

Buying a 5G iPad Pro through Apple? Here’s how to get up to $200 back

Avatar for Michael Potuck Apr 30 2021 - 9:38 am PT
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The new iPad Pro is the first of Apple’s tablets to come with 5G for the cellular models. While Apple normally doesn’t do discounts, it’s partnered with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon to offer rebates when you buy a cellular iPad Pro through the Apple Store – but there is some fine print to sift through. Follow along for how the 5G iPad Pro rebate works through Apple.

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Here’s how the new iPad Pro compares to the 2020 iPad Pro

Avatar for Michael Potuck Apr 29 2021 - 10:50 am PT
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New iPad Pro vs 2020 iPad Pro

Apple debuted the 2021 iPad Pro lineup just over a year after the 2020 iPad Pro arrived. The new M1 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro bring a number of hardware updates and capabilities beyond the switch to the powerful Apple Silicon chip. Not sure about picking one up or just curious about the differences? Read on for a detailed look at the new iPad Pro vs. 2020 iPad Pro.

The new iPad Pro goes up for pre-order tomorrow, April 30 – likely at 5 am PT / 8 am ET.

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iPhone how to use Face ID with mask

iPhone: How to improve Face ID with a mask, including new Apple Watch Unlock feature

Avatar for Michael Potuck Apr 27 2021 - 12:00 am PT
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Wearing a face mask usually renders iPhone’s Face ID unusable. Even though it sounds like a first-world problem in the current circumstances, there are a lot of people, especially medical professionals, who would value Face ID on iPhone to work while wearing protective equipment. Read on for how to use Face ID with a mask.

Update April 27, 2021: There’s a new option to unlock your iPhone with Apple Watch when Face ID detects you’re wearing a mask with iOS 14.5.

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Hands-on: Here’s how iPhone battery recalibration works in iOS 14.5

Avatar for Michael Potuck Apr 26 2021 - 11:01 am PT
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How iPhone battery recalibration works in iOS 14.5

One of the notable changes with iOS 14.5 is iPhone 11 battery recalibration. The new feature gives an updated, more accurate reading of your device’s maximum battery capacity and peak performance capability and can fix unexpected battery drain. And in rare cases, it could lead to a free battery replacement. Follow along for a hands-on look at how iPhone battery calibration works.

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How to get your music video on Apple Music

Avatar for Justin Kahn Apr 18 2021 - 11:18 am PT
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Today we are taking a look at how to get your music video on Apple Music. More specifically, the various options and difficulties with regards to independent digital distribution of our music videos and music-related video content to Apple’s streaming platform. We have previously discussed services like TuneCore — one of the better options for getting your music on Apple Music, Spotify, and many others — however, things have evolved in the space since then with TuneCore competitor Distrokid now making waves, but to some degree, options are still somewhat limited when it comes distributing your companion video content. So let’s take a closer look at Apple’s official list of distributor partners, the best options available for independent music makers/content creators, and how to distribute your music video on Apple Music. 

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How to test carrier coverage on iPhone before switching

Tips and tricks to test carrier coverage with iPhone before switching networks

Avatar for Michael Potuck Apr 16 2021 - 3:41 pm PT
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Making the jump to a new carrier can often sound appealing whether it’s the incentives, the hopes of better coverage, pricing, or all of the above. However, the reality is that switching can be a commitment (even without contracts) and it’s no fun to make the move only to realize you’ve made a mistake. Let’s look at some tips and tricks to test carrier coverage with iPhone before committing to switching.

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How to turn on/off 5G iPhone 12

iPhone 12: How to manually manage 5G to optimize for speed or battery life

Avatar for Michael Potuck Apr 15 2021 - 12:00 am PT
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Next-generation 5G cellular service is one of the key features of the iPhone 12 lineup. Apple is using a “5G Auto” setting it refers to as “Smart Data mode” as the default to give users a balance between network speed and battery life. Follow along for how to turn 5G on/off on iPhone 12, including how to keep it on permanently or turn it off completely.

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