1. Charge Your Device Properly

The first thing you should do is make sure that you are charging your device correctly. If you’re unsure if the charger is compatible with your device, then consult the manufacturer’s website for more information on which charger to use for your specific iPad model.

2. Keep Charging Cords Organized

It’s important to keep charging cords organized, so they don’t get tangled up or damaged when not used. You can find several ways to do this, including using a cord keeper or rolling the cord up and attaching it to the top of a cabinet. To avoid damaging your cord when pulling on it, hold onto one end and slowly pull on the other. It would help if you also use caution when plugging in cords that are too long for their receptacles and unplugging them from a power strip.

3. Check how many watts it draws

The iPad ships with a charging brick that connects to the tablet via lightning cable. It is powered by mains electricity and, as a result, can charge an iPad more quickly than achievable with the charger supplied with other apple devices.

4. Charge your iPad in a cool place

Your iPad must stay cool when you are charging it. Plugging it in a place where it could get too warm, such as near a radiator or inside your car on a hot day, can make the battery overheat and stop working.

5. Keep the screen brightness to a minimum

You might not realize it, but your iPad’s battery has two different ways of charging. The first is through its battery, which is the one that drains when you’re using the iPad. This battery charges whenever it’s plugged into a power source. The second way your iPad charges is through its screen. The brighter the screen is, the more power it needs from your device’s battery to keep up with the demands of the screen. So, if you’re not using your iPad in battery-saving mode or using it with a low brightness setting, you might be charged through your device’s battery and not its power cord.

6. Turn off all the apps you are not using 

Saving power is essential, and so is charging your iPad. You may be wondering how you can do both simultaneously. The answer is to turn off all the apps you are not using to conserve power and charge your iPad faster.

7. Avoid using the iPad while it is charging 

The iPad is a fantastic device and a favorite among many due to its sleek design, user-friendly interface, and the many apps available. However, it is important not to overcharge your iPad, or else damage may be done to the battery life and other components.

The iPad has a lithium-ion battery. Unfortunately, lithium-ion batteries can be damaged by overcharging. This can lead to the battery swelling and eventually exploding, making it unusable. When charging your device, avoid using it simultaneously to lower the risk of overcharging.

8. Charge your iPad with its original charger

Did you know that if you charge your iPad with the universal charger that came with it, it will charge at a maximum speed? If not, it will take much longer to charge up fully.

9. Shut down the iPad

Though you can use your iPad while charging, doing so will reduce the power available to charge the battery. It is best to let it charge without interruption, and it will charge faster.

10. Clean charging port

Does your iPad charge port seem dirty? If that’s the case, try a clean, soft brush. This should solve the problem without risk of damage. If you have dirt inside your charger, please remove it before connecting it. Your mobile will load much more quickly afterward.

11. Install the latest iOS

Open Settings > General > Software Update > Download and Install or Install Now to begin the process of updating your iPad. Apple releases software updates that fix bugs and fix issues to update your iPad’s functionality. Constantly update to the latest version of iOS to take advantage of everything the new iOS offers, including better battery life and support for wireless charging.

12. Disable notifications

Sometimes notifications from other apps, even when they’re not open, show up. This wastes battery life. Select the apps you want to disable notifications for in Settings > Notifications.

13. Disable location and Bluetooth

To save power, you might want to disable any apps on your iPad that use location services. Also, don’t forget to turn off Bluetooth on your iPad to avoid unnecessary interference when charging. 

The post 13 Tips On How To Charge Your iPad Faster appeared first on iPhone Geeks.

#1. Set a schedule & plan ahead

Using social media can be a lot of work. It can take hours and hours of your time, so it’s important to plan to use it effectively. To make the most out of your time, you should create a social media schedule and plan where you will post on social media. You can also use scheduling tools like Buffer to get the most out of your time. Buffer enables you to schedule posts and content across multiple social networks simultaneously, so everything goes out simultaneously.

#2. Publish posts every week

It takes a lot of time to write and edit posts, but if you publish them every week, you’ll have content that is always up-to-date. Add relevant hashtags. People will find your content more quickly if you include relevant hashtags in your post title or the text itself.

#3. Schedule posts to be published on specific days of the week

If your social media posts should be scheduled and published on specific days of the week, your posts will always go out to your followers at a particular time. So, this can help with production and prevent you from missing opportunities such as posting on a Friday night when many people are not online. Finally, stay abreast of the trends. You should stay up to date with the current trends in your industry and find ways to use them as content for your social media accounts. For example, you could post pictures of trending styles on Instagram or share what’s hot on Pinterest.

#4. Schedule posts that respect your content quality standards

It is essential to be strategic about your social media posts. Don’t post something that will distract from the quality of your content. For example, don’t use social media to promote a new product if it doesn’t fit with what you are currently promoting. 

#5. Maintain consistency in posting frequency

You want to maintain the same level of consistency on social media as you do with other marketing tools. Social media is a great way to engage people but can’t replace face-to-face interaction. Your followers will expect this consistency, and there should be a balance between social media and other marketing tools. The best way to engage people is to have a consistent presence on social media. Developing your brand identity takes time and effort, but it’s crucial for creating an audience that will find you online.

The post 5 Ways to Start Using Social Media on Schedule appeared first on iPhone Geeks.

Enable FileVault Full disk encryption on your Mac

FileVault is a full-disk encryption system that encrypts everything on your Mac. FileVault works by encrypting your hard drive and then storing the decryption key in a secure location, such as the T2 security chip on your Mac. This prevents anyone who might get their hands on your computer from accessing your data without knowing the password or having access to the encryption key. It’s important to note that FileVault is not a backup solution, so you’ll want to ensure you have a good backup solution before enabling FileVault.

Update software regularly

Apple’s software updates are usually used to fix bugs and security vulnerabilities. They also provide new features to the users. Apple has a strict policy for updating its software, which is why user needs to keep their devices up to date with the latest version of iOS. Users can update their software either manually or automatically. The automatic update will be downloaded and installed if the device is connected to Wi-Fi and has enough battery life, but if not, it will download when the device is connected to Wi-Fi again. Updates can also be downloaded on other devices and transferred over USB or iTunes wirelessly by connecting an iPhone or iPad to a computer with iTunes installed, then clicking “Sync” in iTunes.

Enable Two Factor Authentication on your Apple ID account

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security measure that requires two steps to be completed before access to a system is granted. Companies and organizations of all sizes widely use two-factor authentication. It provides an extra layer of protection for your account by asking for something you know (password) and something you have (token). Apple ID has been using 2FA for a while now, and you can set it up in a minute. Open Apple Menu and System Preferences. Go to Apple ID, choose Password & Security, and click Set Up Two-Factor Authentication. The last step is to answer the verification question and verify.

Install Malwarebytes Premium on your Mac 

Malwarebytes is popular antivirus software that offers protection against malware and other threats on your Mac. Malwarebytes Premium is a one-time purchase that includes real-time protection, detection, and removal of malware, rootkits, and viruses. Malwarebytes Premium also consists of a live scanner to detect and remove malware even if you’re offline.

Be careful with accessories

Safely using your Mac with Accessories is essential. There are many accessories that, if not used properly, can be very dangerous or damaging to your device. For example, the origin of a file is crucial and if you don’t know where it’s from, avoid connecting it to your computer because it might load malicious software. 

Avoid public Wi-Fi

Private networks provide vastly improved security because it only connects to you. However, public internet connections mean more people with unknown intent will be connected to the same network. Therefore, you might want to reconsider if you plan to use public Wi-Fi networks.

There are a few things you should be careful about regarding networking. First, remember that any information transmitted over a network with sensitive data is hazardous. For example, passwords, addresses, and payment card data are all very compromising pieces of information. So be cautious when sending sensitive information over a public network.

Use safe browsers

Safari is already installed on your macOS, which means you can use it to browse anonymously and keep your private information safe. It also has some great features for privacy and security that make it efficient for these purposes. When looking for a new browser, it’s important to consider whether it is equipped with tracker blockers. These are essential because they could prevent your personal information from being collected while you search the web. The most important thing to do is to look for a tracker blocker. This will stop the collection of personal information from all the searches you do.

Do not install unverified apps

When you download files from the internet, always ensure that it’s from a reliable source and that you know what it is before running them. This will protect your Mac from viruses or other unwanted intruders on your machine. That’s why the best recommendation is always the Mac App Store. Developers must go through many checks to be on board with the Mac App Store. This means you can feel safe and secure when installing these apps.

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Vertical format

Most people take ‘portrait-style’ photos which usually show more detail of their surroundings. Horizontal shots make it possible to see the whole scene in an image, which is impossible in portrait-style photos. When taking pictures for social media, it’s best to use a vertical format since this produces the best quality results. Vertical shots hog more space in the timeline and remain visible for longer than traditional horizontal photos as you need to scroll down to see the entire image. This can be beneficial for improving the quality of a photo and increasing your exposure on Instagram. 

Lightning

If you want your photos to look good, you need to care about the lighting conditions. Significant problem smartphones have grainy photographs, and no one likes seeing them. One of the keys to a good Instagram feed is the lighting in your photos. When taking photos for Instagram, experiment with different lighting to see which will work best. You can then use editing tools within Instagram to enhance your image. Bright/natural lighting provides more detail and contrast than low light conditions.

Many people still don’t know that natural light and editing can go a long way to make your photos look fantastic on Instagram. For example, your scenery might be beautiful, but the lighting could be bad. This can ruin the mood of your photo and make it look unnatural. Try taking pictures with natural light and editing imperfections to avoid this from happening.

We recommend using the flash on your mobile phone only when taking a photograph as a flashlight – that’s what it’s for. It can be challenging for cameras to expose both the background and your subject with one burst of light. If you’re in a dark place, always manage to take your photo with the light available. A flash will make the picture look bad, and it’s not ideal for Instagram.

Editing

Instagram’s editor is great, but editing photos with a third-party application also helps. You may like your original image, but editing can make it better. Before deciding, some basic parameters need to be looked at, such as shades, sharpness, and contrast.

Grid

Although it mostly depends on the type of camera app you are using, a grid can significantly improve the quality of your content. When you’re unsure of what to do as far as framing an image is concerned, start with the grid that comes built-in with any app and then enhance. Camera lenses have indicators that tell you when a photo is focused, but smartphones don’t have this feature. Using the grid option on your phone will help you know when to take a picture if you can’t see through the lens.

The post How to Take a Great Instagram Photo in 4 Easy Steps appeared first on iPhone Geeks.

App organization

Drag your favorite apps into folders to organize them to find them quicker. You can also drag folders to your Dock for instant access. First, create folders to organize your apps by type, so, for example, have Education & Work folder. To create a folder, use the ‘Create Folder’ icon. Then, drag the folder to your Dock for easy access to favorites.

The Dock

The iPad’s Dock is very different from the Dock on the iPhone. First, you swipe down on the Dock to get into it. Once inside, there are slots for permanently placed apps. There are also slots for frequently used apps. The Dock will display up to 13 apps at once. Also, if you already have apps open on your phone or mac, you can easily pull them over to your iPad for viewing.

Battery

You can find out more about your iPad’s battery health and which apps are doing the most draining by opening Settings > Battery. This list can help you quickly identify potentially draining or inefficient apps so you can take the necessary actions.

Keyboard

Holding a finger on the keyboard icon for a moment in iPad’s landscape mode will make the keyboard much smaller. It takes up less room and is more comfortable to use. You can resize the keyboard by dragging its bottom edge. 

Screenshot

To take a screenshot of your screen, first press the Power and Volume Upor Home button to save the screenshot to your Photo Gallery. Pressing any button after taking a screenshot will show a thumbnail on-screen for a moment: tap on that to edit it before saving it as a new Saved Image.

2 in 1

You can access Slide Over from your iPad when in another app. Slide Over remembers which apps you used when in this mode, enabling you to switch quickly. First, swipe up from the bottom of your screen to switch between the apps. Next, swipe to show the Dock, find the app you want, and tap-hold on its icon to drag it upwards. The app will now be in its panel.

Share button

The Share button provides a quick way to share content from one app to another. You can also customize it – for example, if you click on the Share button and scroll right until you see More, you’ll be able to turn the feature off entirely.

PDF option

To take a website’s content and convert it into PDF format, all you need to do is bring up the Share menu in Safari. One of these available options is “Make PDF,” which can be very useful if the website might disappear anytime soon. Capturing screenshots of web pages has never been easier; you no longer need to scroll down the page before taking a screenshot. Instead, click the top option in the editing mode to grab the entire page. Clicking it again will show you what your capture looks like. Click outside of your capture to view it in full size.

Transfer images

There are many ways to get pictures onto an iPad without using an SD card. Using a Lightning/USB-C to SD card reader will be the easiest. Or you could get a device called an MFi (Made For iPhone) Camera Connection Kit. This accessory allows you to connect your iOS device to your external camera via the headphone jack.

The post The Best iPad Tips: How to Leverage Its Features for Private and Business Purposes appeared first on iPhone Geeks.

Throughout the years, Apple established itself as an innovative company, and its products are used throughout the world.

Having said that, someone who gets their hands on an iPhone for the first time might feel a bit stranded in the sense that there is so much to take in.

In case you are in such a situation, you need to worry less about the lack of experience and focus on getting familiar with the basics. Once you are there, you will have a solid foundation and be more comfortable using the device.

Learn to Recover Lost Files

Since you are not as experienced as other users, the odds are that you might delete some files accidentally—for example, photos you took on the smartphone. Thankfully, it is not that difficult to learn how to get back deleted photos on iphone smartphones.

You can use the Photos app and locate the Recently Deleted button to access removed images. Similarly, there are tools like Disk Drill.

Ideally, you should also use iCloud. Cloud storage works as both a backup solution and a means to keep less clutter on the smartphone. Files you transfer to iCloud will be a safe location.

Enable the Dark Mode

Instead of bothering to adjust the screen brightness every time you use the iPhone in low-light settings, remember to enable the dark mode.

The feature has been introduced recently, and it is one of those things Apple fans have been asking for a long time.

The dark mode is accessible in the Display and Brightness tab you can reach via Settings. Once you are in the tab, you will see both Light and Dark options at the top of the screen. You can switch between the two with a single tap. 

If you have not used the dark mode before, it might look a bit weird at first so take some time to adjust. Your eyes will thank you for using the dark mode.

Modify the Home Screen

Having a default version of the home screen is quite common. Many smartphone users do not bother adjusting app shortcuts or even changing their phone’s background image.

Well, if you are fine with the default setup, you can leave it. On the other hand, if you feel like there is too much clutter on the screen, why not take some time to make a few adjustments?

You can move applications into folders and leave more space on the screen for other apps or just have it empty. 

To remove an app, tap on it and hold until the icon starts to jiggle. You will then see the option to delete the application. 

Keep an Eye on the App Store

Even though iPhones have plenty of neat applications that are part of the iOS package, the best things are available on the App Store.

Check it, and you will discover different kinds of applications. From entertainment and education to lifestyle and health, different categories have their best apps at the top.

Some applications cost money, but most of them are usually free, meaning that you do not have to worry about spending money. 

What apps you want on the device depends on your preference, and you should take the time you need to find the best available option.

One thing to note about apps on the iPhone is that it is recommended to stick to the official store rather than third-party sources because they are not as reliable and secure.

Optimize the Battery’s Lifespan

A new iPhone should not have noticeable issues with its battery. However, if you are not careful, you might end up needing to charge the device more often than you would like.

First of all, enable the battery savings in the Settings. Next, make sure to close background applications after you finish using them. 

Finally, do not leave the charger plugged in for too long and overcharge the battery because it will have a negative effect on the iPhone.

Utilize Siri

Early on, Siri could do simple things, such as a search on the internet or making a call to someone. 

However, the digital assistant has advanced since then, and each iOS version tends to introduce new features to Siri’s arsenal.

Right now, iPhone users can also ask Siri to roll the dice, tell the weather, seek direction, check on calendar events, make reservations, and more.

The post 6 Useful iPhone Tips for Less Experienced Owners appeared first on iPhone Geeks.

Amazon’s Echo is a speaker that voice commands can control. The device has six microphone arrays that are used to hear your voice from any direction. It gets your command or request by sending it to the Alexa Voice Service, which then searches for the corresponding information and answers it. This is all done through the speaker’s integrated speaker and microphone. Here is an overview of how to update different devices, depending on their generation.

Reset 3rd and 4th Gen Amazon Echo Dots

These two devices look different, but the ways to reset them to factory settings are the same.

Press Echo’s action button, wait until it displays a message asking you to confirm that you want to power off.  After 25 seconds of holding down the Action button, your device will warn about the reboot (the ring light will turn orange and then blue). If you connect through the Alexa app, you can redo your first setup.

Reset Amazon Echo Dot 2nd Gen

Please turn off the microphone and lower the volume for 20 seconds. When the orange ring is visible, you know it can be released, and the reset step is finished. Use the Alexa app to do this setup for a second time if it’s needed.

Reset Amazon Echo Studio

The Amazon Echo Studio is the best sounding smart speaker of the three versions of the Echo available. To reset it, you should: Press and hold down the volume button and mute button for 20 seconds, wait for the ring of light to turn off and turn on again, then proceed with setting up your new device configuration.

Reset Echoes with Displays

For a device with a display like Echo Show, Echo Show 5, Echo Show 8, Echo Show 10, and Echo Spot, the recovery process is similar no matter the model. Use the command “Alexa, go to settings” or slide your finger from top to bottom and then press the settings icon to get into the settings menu. Then click on ‘Device options’ and on the item ‘Restore to factory settings (or, if available, on “Restore to factory settings, but keep connections from smart home devices”)

Reset Echo Auto

Here are the steps to follow if you want to reset Amazon Echo Auto Press the Mute button, then hold down the Action button for 15 seconds until Alexa confirms that the reboot is in progress. Wait for a flashing orange light to appear on top of your speaker after all of this. You can now continue with a new configuration.

Reset Amazon Echo Flex

There are a variety of Alexa gadgets from Amazon. The Echo Flex is the most compact and has a plug-in feature that lets you take Alexa with you throughout your home. To restart an Echo Flex, press and hold the microphone button until it turns off reboot. Next, press the Action button for 20 seconds, then wait for the LEDs to change color. After that, reconfigure your device.

The post How to Reset Your Amazon Echo Device in 7 Simple Steps appeared first on iPhone Geeks.

Advanced Photography Techniques for Stunning Photos on the iPhone

Nowadays, we take for granted that we can take professional quality photos on the iPhone. But to take pro photos, you need to use a pro camera and know pro tips and tricks. This blog post will equip you with these skills! So when it comes to taking great shots, there is no lack of advice out there. But when it comes to choosing what direction is suitable for you and your needs, where do you start? 

• Plan your shot: First, decide what type of shot you want in advance. Is it a portrait or a landscape? Is it an outdoor or indoor shot? Is it special lighting or one where the focus will be on the subject in the foreground and background texture in a wide dynamic range?
• Shot from a low angle: A low angle is an excellent choice for taking photos. It can often give your image more context or articulation. However, using the iPhone camera at chest height is usually the most practical option. Change that and give more life to your photos!
• Taking close-up photographs is often considered good practice: Understanding details is key to taking great photos of objects with intricate features. It’s essential to get close enough so you can capture the small details of the subject you want to photograph.
• Experiment with shadows: Shadows can be included in your composition to create depth and another level of creativity. The best part of a subject can often be the shadows they create. These create dramatic foreground images with pictures and can even be a starting point for a new photograph.

The Five Essential Camera Apps That Every Mobile Photography Buff Needs to Know About

It is no secret that smartphones have revolutionized the way we take pictures. With the help of apps like Instagram, you can now take better-quality photographs on your mobile phone. They can be used to remove distractions, capture moments quickly, and even create beautiful memories that last a lifetime. Here are five of the most popular camera apps that every photographer should know about.

1. Lightroom Mobile – If you are on a budget but still want to get professional-level editing on your smartphone, this is the app for you. It has more than 50 million downloads, and it’s free!
2. The ProCamera App: It gives you an easy way to quickly change camera settings such as ISO, exposure compensation, white balance, and focus. You also get a handy time-lapse tool so that you can take pictures of moving objects or events in single or multiple shots with just one tap on your screen!
3. VSCO: If you want to edit your photos quickly and without a lot of hassle, VSCO is perfect. With over 200 filters for all types of photography, it’ll make your images look their absolute best.
4. NightCap Camera: If you want to experiment with low-light photography, NightCap Camera is a perfect choice. The NightCap features a unique mode called Long Exposure that creates stunning motion blur effects. The app also includes an ISO Boost feature that can achieve 4x the light sensitivity of other photo apps when shooting in low light.
5. Snapseed: Snapseed is a versatile and free mobile image editing tool that includes professional-quality filters. There are many filters to choose from in this program that allow you to get different effects, such as HDR Scape, Healing, or Brush. As a result, Snapseed is one of the most accessible and most flexible photo editing apps. You can quickly & easily edit your shot and dramatically improve its quality — even if you’re starting with photo editing.

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