How-to

1,992 'How-to' stories September 2011 - May 2021

A collection of tutorials, tips, and tricks from the 9to5Mac team helping you fix and get the most out of your favorite gear.

Hands-on: Tips and tricks for using the Apple TV Siri remote to control your TV, receiver, and speakers

Michael Potuck May 27 2021 - 11:46 am PT

0 Comments

Apple TV Siri Remote control TV and receiver

One of the big changes arriving with the second-gen Apple TV 4K is the all-new Siri Remote. Along with the new design comes a dedicated power button to control not just the set-top box but also your TV and receiver. Let’s look at how to control power and volume with your Apple TV Siri Remote, including troubleshooting tips and more.

Expand Expanding Close

Instagram and Facebook officially launch ability to hide like counts, here’s how it works

Michael Potuck May 26 2021 - 6:41 am PT

0 Comments

How to hide like counts on Instagram and Facebook

After testing various forms of the feature going back to 2019, Instagram and Facebook have officially launched the option to hide like counts today. The functionally comes with control to hide others’ like counts as well as your own.

Expand Expanding Close

Here’s how Apple Card Family Sharing works for co-owners and ‘participants’ [Video]

Michael Potuck May 24 2021 - 10:58 am PT

0 Comments

Apple Card Family Sharing was announced back at the company’s Spring Loaded event in April. Now with iOS 14.6, some of the features are officially live and bring a lot more flexibility to the credit card. And two new videos today highlight how to share Apple Card with family members who are 13 or older.

Expand Expanding Close

How to use HomePod as Apple TV default speakers

How to set HomePod as your Apple TV 4K’s default speakers and use ARC universal audio

Michael Potuck May 21 2021 - 2:56 pm PT

0 Comments

The new Apple TV 4K is here with a new processor, high frame rate HDR, all-new Siri remote, ARC support, and more. And one of the great features that will be new to those upgrading from the Apple TV HD (or from other boxes) is the option to set HomePod as Apple TV’s default speaker(s).

Expand Expanding Close

Best iPhone and iPad multi-device chargers for families

Michael Potuck May 20 2021 - 12:00 am PT

0 Comments

Whether finding a charger in your house is a constant challenge, you want to make a central hub for your family’s devices, or just want to tame a rat’s nest of wires and cables, follow along for a look at some of the best multi-device chargers for families when it comes to iPhone, iPad, MacBooks, and more.

Expand Expanding Close

How to turn off Mac phone calls temporarily or permanently

Michael Potuck May 18 2021 - 5:15 am PT

0 Comments

Tired of being interrupted by phone calls ringing through from your iPhone on your computer? Read along for how to turn off Mac phone calls, both temporarily and permanently.

Expand Expanding Close

Apple Music pricing: Individual, family, and student plans, and how to save

Michael Potuck May 17 2021 - 2:02 pm PT

0 Comments

Considering signing up for Apple Music for the first time or returning to the service? Follow along as we break down how much Apple Music costs including details about the family plan, student discount, carrier deals, Apple One bundles, and how to save money on the service.

Update 5/17: Apple Music is becoming an even better deal with Spatial Audio and Lossless support coming in June at no extra cost.

Expand Expanding Close

How to watch UFC 262 on iPhone, Apple TV, web, more

How to watch UFC 262 Oliveira vs Chandler on iPhone, Apple TV, web, more

Michael Potuck May 15 2021 - 5:00 am PT

0 Comments

UFC 262 and the lightweight title bout is set for Saturday, May 15 at 10 pm ET / 7 pm PT at the Toyota Center in Houston. Here’s how to watch UFC 262 Oliveira vs Chandler on the web, iPhone, Apple TV, and more.

Expand Expanding Close

How to use Apple Maps cycling directions in iOS 14

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

Michael Potuck May 5 2021 - 12:00 am PT

0 Comments

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.

Expand Expanding Close

iPhone: How to print Reminders and use the new to-do sorting options in iOS 14.5

Michael Potuck May 3 2021 - 6:15 am PT

0 Comments

The Reminders app has gotten some nice improvements with iOS 14.5. Let’s look at the new options to better organize your to-dos as well as print iPhone Reminders.

Expand Expanding Close

How to disable an unwanted Apple AirTag

Staff Writer May 2 2021 - 1:00 pm PT

0 Comments

The Apple AirTag is finally among us. Available to buy on the Apple Store or from other retailers, the item tracker will surely be a handy accessory for those who tend to lose things. But, if by any means, someone puts an AirTag in your belongings to track you, here’s how to disable it.

Expand Expanding Close

Hands-on: AirTag setup, precision finding, Lost Mode, battery replacement, more

Michael Potuck Apr 30 2021 - 4:05 pm PT

0 Comments

How to set up and find AirTags, use Lost Mode, replace battery, more

AirTag is officially out in the wild and includes seamless integration with iOS and a compelling host of features to keep track of your items. Let’s dive into the setup, how to find AirTags with the precision UI, enter Lost Mode, replace the battery, what sound effects mean, and much more.

Expand Expanding Close

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

Michael Potuck Apr 30 2021 - 9:38 am PT

0 Comments

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.

Expand Expanding Close

Here’s how the new M1 iMac compares to the Intel iMacs

Michael Potuck Apr 30 2021 - 5:33 am PT

0 Comments

After over a decade with the same design, the most exciting release for many at Apple’s Spring Loaded event was the totally redesigned all-in-one Mac. From the move to Apple Silicon and bright new colors, to a super-thin design, larger 24-inch size, and much more, let’s look at the M1 iMac vs Intel iMac.

Expand Expanding Close

Should you buy the new Apple TV 4K? Here’s how it compares to its predecessor

Michael Potuck Apr 30 2021 - 4:30 am PT

0 Comments

The second-gen Apple TV 4K has arrived, and it comes with a number of upgrades, including the A12 chip, HDMI 2.1, Thread, high frame rate HDR, a totally redesigned Siri Remote, and more. Follow along for a look at the new Apple TV 4K vs. the old Apple TV 4K.

Expand Expanding Close

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

Michael Potuck Apr 29 2021 - 10:50 am PT

0 Comments

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.

Expand Expanding Close

How to AirPlay Apple Fitness+ to TV or Roku

How to AirPlay Apple Fitness+ classes to your TV or Roku

Michael Potuck Apr 29 2021 - 12:00 am PT

0 Comments

Apple has included a nice improvement for its Fitness+ service with iOS 14.5 – AirPlay support. Let’s look at the pros and cons and how to AirPlay Apple Fitness+ classes to your TV.

Expand Expanding Close

Hands-on: iOS 14.5 brings new Waze-like features, guides, and more to Apple Maps

Michael Potuck Apr 28 2021 - 9:21 am PT

0 Comments

How to report accidents in Apple Maps, share ETA, more new features in iOS 14.5

Apple Maps has received some handy improvements with iOS 14.5 that include reporting accidents, hazards, and speed checks, expanded ETA sharing, as well as refreshed guides. Read on for a look at how to report accidents in Apple Maps and more.

Expand Expanding Close

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

Michael Potuck Apr 26 2021 - 11:01 am PT

0 Comments

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.

Expand Expanding Close

How to update to iOS 14.5 for Apple Watch unlock, new emoji, and more

Michael Potuck Apr 26 2021 - 10:48 am PT

0 Comments

iOS 14.5 is officially available to all users and the update comes with a big list of new features and changes. Among them is Apple Watch iPhone unlock, over 200 new emoji, the ability to block iPhone app tracking, new Siri voices, and more. Here’s how to install iOS 14.5.

Expand Expanding Close

Hands-on: How to allow or block iPhone apps from tracking you in iOS 14.5

Michael Potuck Apr 26 2021 - 9:59 am PT

0 Comments

How to allow/block iPhone app tracking iOS

iOS 14.5 – available now – comes with a host of new features, and one of the big ones is apps have to request permission before they can track you. Along with that, you have total control to allow or block iPhone app tracking, read on for how it works.

Expand Expanding Close

How-to

How to watch UFC 261 Usman vs Masvidal on iPhone, Apple TV, web, more

Michael Potuck Apr 23 2021 - 12:00 pm PT

0 Comments

UFC 261 features three title fights and is set for Saturday, April 24 at 10 pm ET / 7 pm PT at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. Let’s look at how to watch UFC 261 Usman vs Masvidal on the web, iPhone, Apple TV, and more.

Expand Expanding Close

How to watch Apple’s ‘Spring Loaded’ April event on YouTube and more

Michael Potuck Apr 20 2021 - 5:30 am PT

0 Comments

Apple’s “Spring Loaded” event is happening today, April 20 and the live stream preview is up on YouTube. Read on for how to watch Apple’s April event on any device, set an event reminder, and more.

Expand Expanding Close

How to get your music video on Apple Music

Justin Kahn Apr 18 2021 - 11:18 am PT

0 Comments

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.

Expand Expanding Close

How-to

Top tutorials and guides

iPhone how-tos

Mac how-tos

iPad how-tos

Apple Watch how-tos