iOS – Switching To Mac https://www.switchingtomac.com Once you go Mac, you never go back Wed, 21 Jun 2023 06:34:30 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.3 How to Fix “Unable to Check for Update” Error on iPhone/iPad https://www.switchingtomac.com/tutorials/iphone/how-to-fix-unable-to-check-for-update-error-on-iphone-ipad/ https://www.switchingtomac.com/tutorials/iphone/how-to-fix-unable-to-check-for-update-error-on-iphone-ipad/#disqus_thread Dilum Senevirathne]]> Wed, 21 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.switchingtomac.com/?p=23730

Do you keep running into an “Unable to Check for Update” pop-up while scanning for system software updates on your iPhone or iPad? There are several reasons for this error […]]]>
Do you keep running into an “Unable to Check for Update” pop-up while scanning for system software updates on your iPhone or iPad? There are several reasons for this error message, such as poor internet connectivity, server-side problems, and conflicting system settings.

Luckily, you’ve got several methods you can work through to fix this error and get your iOS or iPadOS device up to date. This troubleshooting guide will explain how to fix the “Unable to Check for Update” error on Apple’s iPhone and iPad.

Enable and Disable Airplane Mode

A quick way to fix unexpected connectivity issues between your iPhone or iPad and the Apple servers is to reboot the Wi-Fi and cellular modules using Airplane Mode. Just:

  1. Swipe down from the top right of the screen to open the Control Center.
  2. Tap the Airplane Mode icon. If Wi-Fi doesn’t turn off, tap to disable it manually.
  3. Wait up to 10 seconds and tap the Airplane Mode icon again.

Restart Your iOS Device

Restart your iPhone or iPad to refresh the device and eliminate minor technical glitches preventing it from checking for updates. The quickest way to reboot any iOS device is to:

  1. Open the Settings app and tap General > Shutdown.
  2. Turn off the device and wait 30 seconds.
  3. Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo shows up.

Check the Apple Servers

If restarting your iPhone or iPad doesn’t resolve the issue, the next step is to check Apple’s system status. Server outages can cause update errors, so it’s worth verifying if there are known problems.

Open Safari and visit the Apple System Status page to check for possible server-side issues. If multiple services appear down, such as Apple ID, iCloud Account & Sign In, and App Store. Wait until Apple resolves them before you try again.

Check Your Network Connection

An erratic internet connection often results in iOS system update problems on the iPhone and iPad. Use an online tool like Fast.com to check the network speed. If it appears slow, try the fixes below:

  • Connect to a different Wi-Fi network to see if the issue is with your current network.
  • Use mobile data to determine if it’s a problem with Wi-Fi.
  • Restart your router to ensure it’s functioning correctly. You can also reset the router to resolve persistent issues.
  • Check your Wi-Fi and cellular data settings and disable Low Data Mode if it’s active.
  • Deactivate Low Power Mode.

Change the DNS Servers

A public DNS (Domain Name System) service like Google Public DNS can improve your iPhone or iPad’s ability to communicate with Apple’s servers over Wi-Fi. To change the DNS servers:

  1. Open the Settings app and tap Wi-Fi.
  2. Tap the Info icon next to the Wi-Fi network.
  3. Tap Configure DNS.
  4. Delete the existing DNS entries and replace them with the following:
  • 8.8.8.8
  • 8.8.4.4
  1. Tap Save.

Force-Restart iPhone

A force restart might be necessary if your iPhone or iPad still has update issues. It’s more complex than a regular restart but tends to resolve stubborn problems since it also reboots the device’s firmware.

If you use an iPhone 8, iPhone X, or later, or an iPad with Face ID, quickly press and release the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons one after the other; immediately follow by holding the Side button until you see the Apple logo.

On the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, press and hold the Volume Down and Side buttons until the Apple logo appears. On the iPhone 6s and older or an iPad with Touch ID, press and hold the Power and Home buttons.

Delete Old Update Files

If you continue encountering the “Unable to Check for Update” error on your iPhone or iPad, it could be due to a partially corrupt system software download from a previous update. Deleting the problematic file could resolve the issue and enable your device to search for new updates. To do that:

  1. Open the Settings app and tap General > iPhone Storage.
  2. Search for and tap Software Update.
  3. Tap Delete Update.

While at it, check the storage space indicator at the top of the iPhone/iPad Storage screen and make sure there’s enough room to update iOS or iPadOS. If not, work through the on-screen recommendations to free up space on your iPhone or iPad.

Reset Network Settings

Another potential way to fix iPhone or iPad update issues is an iOS network settings reset. This process clears out any corruption within the networking stack that may be causing connectivity problems and hindering your device’s ability to update.

To reset network settings:

  1. Open the Settings app and go to General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
  2. Tap Reset Network Settings.
  3. Enter your device passcode (and Screen Time passcode if prompted) and tap Reset.

After the network settings reset, rejoin a Wi-Fi network or use cellular data to check for updates.

Reset All Settings

If a network settings reset doesn’t help, try resetting all device settings to their default values. It’s a little extreme but resolves problems that stem from a broken settings configuration. It does not cause data loss.

To reset all settings:

  1. Open the Settings app and go to General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
  2. Tap Reset All Settings.
  3. Authenticate your action with your device passcode (and the Screen Time passcode if prompted) and tap Reset.

Update iPhone/iPad via PC/Mac

If all attempts at checking for O.T.A. (over-the-air) iOS updates fail, updating your iPhone or iPad to its latest version via a computer might be the best option. This method can be time-consuming but should help you bypass the “Unable to Check for Update” error. To do that:

  1. Connect your iPhone or iPad to a macOS or Windows device via USB.
  2. Unlock your iPhone or iPad and tap Trust.
  3. Open iTunes (or Finder if you use a Mac running macOS Catalina or later). If you don’t have iTunes on your PC, you can get it from the Microsoft Store.
  4. Select your iPhone or iPad on the iTunes or Finder window.
  5. Select Check for Updates to scan for the latest iOS version. If there’s a pending update, select Update.
  6. Wait until your computer downloads an up-to-date copy of iOS in IPSW format and uses that to update your iPhone/iPad’s system software.

Alternatively, you can install new iOS updates by placing your iPhone or iPad in Recovery Mode.

Get Your iPhone/iPad Updates Back on Track

The “Unable to Check for Update” error on an iPhone or iPad is relatively easy to troubleshoot. Quick fixes like toggling Airplane Mode and restarting the device can take care of it quickly. If not, continue working through the other fixes to make it go away. However, if none of the above methods work, contact Apple Support for assistance.

]]>
https://www.switchingtomac.com/tutorials/iphone/how-to-fix-unable-to-check-for-update-error-on-iphone-ipad/feed/ 0
How to Change Text Bubble Color in iMessage https://www.switchingtomac.com/tutorials/how-to-change-text-bubble-color-in-imessage/ https://www.switchingtomac.com/tutorials/how-to-change-text-bubble-color-in-imessage/#disqus_thread Nicolae Bochis]]> Fri, 16 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.switchingtomac.com/?p=23666

Apple was always strict when it came to modifying the appearance of their products. iPhone and iPad users were very limited in what customization they could play with on their […]]]>
Apple was always strict when it came to modifying the appearance of their products. iPhone and iPad users were very limited in what customization they could play with on their devices. But with more recent iOS versions, new widgets are available that allow you to personalize the appearance of your devices. With iOS 14 and 15, it became possible to apply custom fonts and select Dark Mode.

Apple introduced memojis, animojis, emojis, and various stickers that allow you to personalize communication in their messages app. Apple’s texting platform is powerful, but up until now, it was impossible to change the iMessage bubble color. This article will show you different methods to alter the color of the bubbles in iMessage. Some of them even work on older iOS versions.

Standard Messaging Color Meaning

The reason why iPhone messages’ colors are set in stone is that they have a meaning behind them. Each color, blue, green, or gray, denotes something specific.

  • The blue bubble means the message was sent to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac user.
  • The green bubble is reserved for SMS, and it means the message was sent to any other mobile phone user, be it iOS or Android phones.
  • The gray bubble means that the message was received through iMessage or SMS.

That’s why there is no native way to change the color of your message. However, Apple does allow you to change the font style and size so you can personalize your iMessage to some degree.

Change Text Bubble Color and Fonts Through Accessibility

As already mentioned, there is no way you can change the color of iMessage text bubbles in iOS. However, you can change the contrast, and get a different shade of blue that might be more pleasing to your eyes. Remember that setting the contrast through Accessibility will influence only how you see the iMessage colors on your device. The receiver of messages will see them as their iPhone or iPad is set up.

Here’s how to change iMessage color by increasing contrast:

  1. Go to the Settings app and select Accessibility.
  1. Scroll down until you find the Per-App Settings in the General section.
  1. Tap Add App.
  1. Select Messages.
  1. Tap Messages to customize the bubble contrast.
  1. Go to Increase Contrast.
  1. In the next window, tap On to turn it on.
  1. You can go back to the main menu when you are done.

Alternatively, you can:

  1. Go to Settings, then Accessibility.
  2. Select Display & Text Size from the Vision section.
  1. Tap Increase Contrast. Here you can also tap Bold Text and Larger Text to change the font.

Check your iMessage app and notice the difference in the shades of blue you’re seeing now.

If you want to customize the fonts for your text messages:

  1. Go to Setting then Accessibility.
  2. Go to Per-App Settings and select Add App, then Messages.
  3. Here you can select Bold Text to have it displayed stronger.
  1. In the next window, tap On.
  2. Go back to the menu and select Larger Text. and turn it on in the next window.

Changing contrast settings and font is not really changing the text bubble color, but it allows you to have control over the customization on your iPhone or iPad without installing a third-party app or jailbreaking. If you are not satisfied with the dark blue this method achieved, continue reading.

Use a Third-Party App to Change Text Bubble Color in iMessage

Apple won’t allow you to set a different color for fonts and text bubbles due to its privacy restrictions. But there are third-party apps that you could use as a workaround. There are plenty of apps to choose from, but the most popular one, at the moment, is the Color Text Bubbles app. This app is completely free, and you can download it directly from the App Store. It also works on both iPhones and iPad.

Here’s how to use this app to change iMessage color:

  1. Go to the App Store and search for Color Text Bubbles. You can also use this link.
  2. Install the app on your Apple device.
  1. Go to the iMessage and open any existing conversation, or create a new message.
  2. Swipe left on the iMessage row of apps, just above the keyboard, and select Color Text Bubbles.
  1. You can either choose one of the suggested colored messages or tap Type Custom Message.
  1. Type the text message you want to send, and then tap the blue bubble icon.
  1. You’ll notice color choices replacing the keyboard. There are 12 colors to choose from. Select your favorite one.
  1. Finally, tap the Send button.
  1. To confirm you want to send the message, tap the send arrow icon.
  1. You can save the customized message as a sticker for later use. Just tap the heart icon, to the left of the send button.

That’s it. The text bubble color of your message is changed. The app is not changing the message bubble color permanently. You’ll have to repeat these steps every time you want to send a message. However, this app works best with short messages. If you type a long text message, you’ll notice the ends, or top and bottom are missing. This is because the app works by sending an image that resembles a text message.

Note: The free version of this app is filled with ads. To send a message, you’ll have to press X or Later, to turn it off and reveal the send icon.

Customize Your iMessage Experience

Changing the colors of text bubbles in iMessage can make conversations more interesting while still feeling like a personal exchange. It’s an easy process that doesn’t take much time and is enjoyable to experiment with. What’s your favorite method of changing the color of your iMessage? Let us know in the comment section below!

]]>
https://www.switchingtomac.com/tutorials/how-to-change-text-bubble-color-in-imessage/feed/ 0
How to Turn Off VPN on Your iPhone or iPad https://www.switchingtomac.com/tutorials/iphone/how-to-turn-off-vpn-on-your-iphone-or-ipad/ https://www.switchingtomac.com/tutorials/iphone/how-to-turn-off-vpn-on-your-iphone-or-ipad/#disqus_thread Dilum Senevirathne]]> Thu, 15 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.switchingtomac.com/?p=23642

A virtual private network (or VPN) brings a lot of advantages, such as increased online privacy, improved security, and the ability to access geo-restricted content. However, there are situations where […]]]>
A virtual private network (or VPN) brings a lot of advantages, such as increased online privacy, improved security, and the ability to access geo-restricted content. However, there are situations where you may need to turn it off.

Perhaps you’re experiencing slow internet speeds, or maybe certain apps and services aren’t working correctly when the VPN is active. Whatever the reason, disabling your VPN can help you troubleshoot issues with your internet connection. We’ll show you how to do that on Apple’s iPhone and iPad.

How to Disconnect VPN Through Its GUI on iPhone and iPad

VPN services like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost VPN allow you to connect and disconnect from VPN servers through their graphical user interfaces for the iPhone and iPad.

Just open the VPN app from your VPN provider, look for a button that reads Disconnect or something similar, and tap it to disable the VPN connection.

To confirm, check your iPhone or iPad’s status bar or the Control Center—the VPN status icon should not be visible.

How to Disconnect VPN Through Settings on iPhone and iPad

Alternatively, you can disconnect a VPN through the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad. Here’s how:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iOS or iPadOS device.
  2. Turn off the switch next to VPN.
  3. Wait until the system software disconnects from the VPN.

If your iPhone or iPad automatically reconnects to the VPN, you must disable Connect On Demand functionality for the VPN configuration. Here’s how:

  1. Tap General on the iPhone Settings app.
  2. Scroll down and tap VPN & Device Management.
  1. Tap the Info icon next to the VPN configuration.
  2. Turn off the switch next to Connect On Demand.
  3. Go back to the previous screen and disable the Status switch.

How to Delete VPN From the iPhone and iPad

If you no longer need a VPN on your iPhone or iPad, you can permanently delete the VPN app or the VPN configuration.

Delete the VPN App

  1. Long-press the VPN app icon on the Home Screen or App Library.
  2. Tap the Remove App option on the contextual menu.
  3. Tap Delete App.

Delete the VPN Settings Configuration

  1. Open the Settings app and go to General > VPN & Device Management.
  1. Tap VPN and select Info next to the VPN profile.
  1. Tap Delete VPN, then Delete again to confirm.

Note: If you are on a paid VPN plan or trial, go to Settings > Apple ID > Subscriptions and cancel the VPN subscription to avoid getting billed.

Don’t Get Stuck With Your VPN On

Despite the many positives of using a VPN service, there are times when turning it off could be the best course of action. Whether you’re experiencing connectivity issues or a malfunctioning app or service, knowing how to disable a VPN on your iPhone or iPad helps you quickly determine if it’s causing the problem.

Just remember to weigh the risks of turning off your VPN, as it could leave your online activity vulnerable to tracking and hacking, especially on unencrypted websites and public Wi-Fi hotspots.

]]>
https://www.switchingtomac.com/tutorials/iphone/how-to-turn-off-vpn-on-your-iphone-or-ipad/feed/ 0
What Is Apple Music Voice? https://www.switchingtomac.com/tutorials/ios-tutorials/what-is-apple-music-voice/ https://www.switchingtomac.com/tutorials/ios-tutorials/what-is-apple-music-voice/#disqus_thread Nicolae Bochis]]> Tue, 07 Feb 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://www.switchingtomac.com/?p=21663

Apple Music has been one of the biggest names in music streaming services since its launch. With its massive selection of songs and user-friendly listening experience, there is something for […]]]>
Apple Music has been one of the biggest names in music streaming services since its launch. With its massive selection of songs and user-friendly listening experience, there is something for everyone. Now, Apple is taking its service to the next level with voice integration by creating Apple Music Voice.

With this Voice plan, you’ll have access to all the Apple Music radio stations, 90 million songs, and playlists featured on Apple Music. The difference between the regular subscription tier and this one is that with Apple Voice Music, you have to use Siri to control the playback and interact with the app.

Apple Music Voice comes at half the price of the Apple Music subscription. So this means that this plan has some drawbacks and limitations to justify the lower price. For example, Apple Music is available in more than 160 countries, while Apple Music Voice is at the moment limited to only 17: Australia, Austria, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Who Is Apple Music Voice Designed For?

Apple Music Voice is best suited for casual listeners who want to listen to music while on the go. This subscription tier is not optimized for curating playlists. You can ask for a specific artist, song, or album, but you can also say, “Hey Siri, play some 90’s Punk-Rock”. You can be even vaguer than that and say, “Hey Siri, play something chill.”

Apple Music Voice is the perfect solution for long car rides or for people who use an Apple HomePod. You won’t have to manually open the Apple Music app and search for the one song you want to listen to. Instead, you have to use Siri. Even if you want to start the Apple Music Voice trial, just ask Siri; it’s simple. However, one of the caveats of Apple Music Voice is Siri itself. If you request a band or a song with a more complicated or harder-to-pronounce name, Siri might fail to understand the request.

Limitations of Apple Music Voice

The best way to understand the limitations of Apple Music Voice is to compare it with the more expensive subscription tiers of Apple Music. Although the price plays a significant role when deciding which subscription plan to choose, you have to weigh the pros and cons of each one. Apple Music doesn’t have a free version, although you can sign up for a free trial and check it before committing to it.

Which Devices Can You Use for Apple Music and Apple Voice?

Since Apple Music Voice uses Siri to play music, you’ll be limited to the Apple devices supporting this virtual assistant. That includes:

  • iPhone (iOS 15.2 or later)
  • MacBook (macOS 12.1 or later)
  • Apple TV
  • AirPods Pro
  • Apple Watch
  • CarPlay
  • HomePod or HomePod mini
  • iPad (iOS or iPadOS 15.2 or later)

On the other hand, Apple Music can play on all the devices mentioned above, plus on the following systems:

  • Windows PC (with iTunes)
  • Android devices
  • Sonos
  • Amazon Echo devices
  • PlayStation 5

Listening to Music Offline

If you have an Apple Music subscription, you can download all your favorite songs and listen to them offline on your Mac or iPhone. With an Apple Music Voice subscription, you won’t be able to do that because this is a music streaming service. You have to be online at all times to use it. However, all music available in any other Apple Music plan is also available for Apple Music Voice.

Although Apple Music Voice is an online-only service, you won’t be able to watch music videos with it or see what your friends are listening to. Maybe the most problematic feature that Music Voice lacks is syncing the Apple Music library across your devices.

Creating Playlists

A full Apple Music subscription allows you to create your own playlists. This is not possible with the Apple Music Voice plan. Though, you can call pre-existing public playlists using Siri.

Apple Music vs. Apple Music Voice Interface

The Apple Music app gets you everything you need to play music with just a few taps. There are separate tabs for Radio, Listen Now, Library, and Search. So it’s easy to find the songs and artists, play them or create personal playlists.

Apple Music Voice lacks all these features because it was designed to work through Siri alone. You need to use your voice and ask Siri to find a song or album and then instruct Siri to play it. The Voice Plan also won’t allow you to move the songs up and down the queue, and you won’t be able to read the lyrics.

Sound Quality

The highest streaming quality on Apple Music Voice is 256 kbp/s. Apple Music also streams at this quality, but you can also access lossless audio. If you use Dolby Atmos technology, Apple Music also supports Spatial Audio. However, you probably won’t notice the difference if you’re not an audiophile or have top-notch headphones.

How to Subscribe to Apple Music Voice

To subscribe to Apple Music Voice, you must have at least one device that supports Siri. You can activate the seven-day trial period by saying, “Hey Siri, start Apple Music Voice”. You can also go to the Apple Music app and tap the Voice Plan option. When the seven-day trial expires, you can subscribe to the Apple Music Voice service through the app.

When you first open the Apple Music app, you can subscribe or try it for free.

To subscribe later, take the following steps:

1. Go to Settings.

2. Select Music.

3. Tap the Join Apple Music option.

4. Choose the Voice Plan.

What Commands to Use to Request Music From Siri

If you don’t have an artist, an album, or a specific song in mind, you can ask Siri for music suggestions. The app will use your listening history, likes, and dislikes to play suitable music. For example, try the following voice commands to access activity playlists:

  • “Hey Siri, play workout music.”
  • “Hey Siri, play the dinner party playlist.”

The more music you play, the app will learn what you like and suggest more personalized music playlists. You can help Apple Music learn what you prefer by telling Siri that you like or dislike the song that is currently playing.

To play a specific song, album, or an artist, use commands such as:

  • “Hey Siri, play Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin.”
  • “Hey Siri, play the top song by Lady Gaga.”
  • “Hey Siri, play the new album by Ariana Grande.”

To play the best hits of a genre or a decade, try these commands:

  • “Hey Siri, play Punk-Rock from the 90s.”
  • “Hey Siri, play the top songs of the year.”
  • “Hey Siri, play American blues from the 60s.”

And here are some other useful music-related commands for Siri:

  • Ask, “Hey Siri, what song is this?” to find out what’s currently playing.
  • “Hey Siri, don’t play this” will stop what’s currently playing.
  • “Hey Siri, play more by this artist” to explore more music from the same singer or band.
  • “Hey Siri, repeat the last track.”
  • “Hey Siri, when was this released” to get more info about the song.

Apple Music Voice is an innovative and convenient way to access the music and podcasts you love. Now more than ever, it’s simple and easy to always stay in the know when it comes to new and exciting content that moves you. So expand your music vocabulary today with Apple Music Voice and give Siri a chance to find what you need.

]]>
https://www.switchingtomac.com/tutorials/ios-tutorials/what-is-apple-music-voice/feed/ 0
12 Fixes to Try if Your iPhone Won’t Send Pictures in Messages https://www.switchingtomac.com/tutorials/ios-tutorials/12-fixes-to-try-if-your-iphone-wont-send-pictures-in-messages/ https://www.switchingtomac.com/tutorials/ios-tutorials/12-fixes-to-try-if-your-iphone-wont-send-pictures-in-messages/#disqus_thread Dilum Senevirathne]]> Thu, 26 Jan 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://www.switchingtomac.com/?p=21506

The Messages app for iPhone makes it easy to send images to other people in one-on-one chats and group conversations. Occasionally, though, you may have trouble doing that. For example, […]]]>
The Messages app for iPhone makes it easy to send images to other people in one-on-one chats and group conversations. Occasionally, though, you may have trouble doing that.

For example, incorrectly-configured messaging settings, service outages, and software-related problems are common reasons behind an iPhone that won’t send pictures in Messages.

Don’t worry. This troubleshooting guide will outline multiple solutions you can work through to fix an iPhone that won’t send photos in Messages. However, it’s best to identify if the problem occurs over iMessage, MMS, or both before you begin.

Is the Problem iMessage or MMS-Related?

The Messages app defaults to iMessage (Apple’s proprietary messaging service) for conversations with other Apple device users and MMS for multimedia texting with Android phone users. It’s easy to distinguish one from the other.

iMessage conversations feature blue text bubbles, while standard MMS chats are green. When you initiate a new messaging thread, a contact’s name or phone number shows up in blue if they are an Apple user. If not, they appear in green.

iMessage works via Wi-Fi and mobile data and routes messages through Apple’s iCloud servers. On the other hand, MMS uses mobile data only, transfers messages via your carrier’s cellular network, and requires an SMS text-messaging plan.

If your iPhone fails to send pictures via iMessage only, skip any MMS-related fixes and vice versa. However, make sure to check out general fixes that apply to both.

1. Toggle Airplane Mode On and Off

It’s a good idea to begin by enabling and disabling Airplane Mode on your iPhone. That reboots the Wi-Fi and cellular radios inside the device and resolves network-related errors preventing Messages from sending pictures. To do that:

  1. Swipe down from the top right of the iPhone screen to invoke the Control Center.
  2. Tap the Airplane Mode icon on the top-left cluster of controls.
  3. Wait 30 seconds, and tap the icon again.

Once your iPhone reconnects to the internet, tap the Alert symbol icon next to the failed picture message in Messages and tap Try Again.

2. Speed Up Your Internet Connection

If your Wi-Fi or cellular connection is slow (just play a video in Safari and see if it loads quickly), Messages may take a long time to send your photos or fail altogether. Try these quick fixes, but remember that MMS only uses mobile data:

  • Switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data or vice versa.
  • Restart your Wi-Fi router.
  • Connect to a different Wi-Fi network.
  • Move to an area with better cellular signal strength—e.g., move outdoors if you’re inside a building.
  • Stop other apps from consuming Wi-Fi or cellular data.
  • Disconnect from VPNs (virtual private networks).

If that doesn’t help, learn other ways to troubleshoot a slow mobile data or Wi-Fi connection.

3. Force-Quit and Relaunch Messages App

If there’s nothing wrong with the internet, force-quit and relaunch Messages and check if that resolves the problem. To do that:

  1. Swipe up from the bottom of the iPhone’s screen to open the App Switcher.
  2. Drag the Messages card up and out of the screen.
  3. Exit to the Home Screen and relaunch Messages.

4. Make Sure MMS Messaging Is Active

If you can’t attach a picture in standard SMS conversation threads, MMS Messaging on your iPhone is likely inactive. To enable it:

  1. Open iPhone Settings.
  2. Scroll down and tap Messages.
  3. Turn on the switch next to MMS Messaging.

If you can send pictures, but the other person does not receive them, the chances are MMS messaging is not active on their cell phone. Ask them to turn the feature on.

For example, in the stock version of Android 13, they must go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs and turn on the switch next to MMS messages.

5. Check the iMessage Server Status

If your iPhone fails to send pictures via iMessage, check if there’s anything wrong on the server side. To do that, visit Apple’s System Status page. If the iMessage server category is down, wait until Apple gets it back online.

6. Restart iOS to Fix iPhone Glitches

The Messages app is deeply interlinked with the iPhone’s system software, so random iOS glitches could play a factor behind picture messages that fail to go through. Restart your iOS device and check if that makes a difference.

To restart any iPhone model:

  1. Open the Settings app and tap the General category.
  2. Scroll down and tap Shutdown.
  3. Drag the Power Off slider to the right.
  4. Wait 30 seconds.
  5. Hold the Power button until you see the Apple logo.

7. Delete and Recreate a New Conversation

If the issue only occurs with a single contact, the problem might be related to a corrupt messaging thread. Delete and create a new conversation to fix that.

  1. Swipe the conversation thread to the right and tap the Trash icon.
  2. Tap Delete on the confirmation pop-up.
  3. Tap the New Message icon on the top right of the screen and start a new conversation with the person.

8. Disable and Re-Activate iMessage

If the problem persists but with iMessage conversations only, disable and re-enable the functionality on your iPhone. That helps re-register your phone number and Apple ID with Apple’s servers. To do that:

  1. Open the Settings app and tap Messages.
  2. Turn off the switch next to iMessage.
  3. Restart your iPhone.
  4. Revisit Settings > Messages.
  5. Reactivate iMessage.

Do you have trouble re-activating iMessage? Learn how to fix iMessage activation errors on iPhone.

9. Activate Send as SMS

If iMessage repeatedly fails to work with another iPhone user, you can send messages over MMS instead. If Messages does not ask you to do that automatically after several retries:

  1. Open the Settings app and tap Messages.
  2. Activate the switch next to Send as SMS.
  3. Resend the picture message.

Note: You can’t send MMS messages to Apple ID contacts if they don’t have a phone number—e.g., an iPad or Mac-only user.

10. Update Your Carrier Settings

If the issue is MMS-related or you cannot use iMessage over cellular data, check if there’s a pending carrier settings update that could fix the problem. To do that:

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Tap General > About and wait 30 seconds.
  3. If you receive a Carrier Settings Update notification, tap Update.

11. Update to the Latest Version of iOS

Persistent issues with your iPhone’s system software could be what’s preventing the Messages app from sending pictures. You must install the latest iOS updates to resolve the problem.

  1. Open the Settings app and tap General > Software Update.
  2. Wait until your iPhone scans newer iOS updates—e.g., iOS 16.
  3. Tap Download and Install.

12. Factory Reset Network Connection Settings

Factory reset your iPhone’s network settings to resolve messaging issues that result from a broken Wi-Fi or cellular configuration. To do that:

  1. Open the Settings app and go to General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
  2. Tap Reset Network Settings and key in your device passcode.
  3. Tap Reset Network Settings on the confirmation pop-up.

Your iPhone won’t auto-connect to Wi-Fi after the reset procedure, so join a network manually (go to Settings > Wi-Fi) if you want to send pictures over iMessage.

Contact Apple Support or Your Phone Carrier

If the fixes above fail, it’s time to reach out to Apple Support or your carrier’s support line (if the problem’s only MMS-related) for extra troubleshooting help. Use a third-party messaging service like WhatsApp to send and receive picture messages in the meantime.

]]>
https://www.switchingtomac.com/tutorials/ios-tutorials/12-fixes-to-try-if-your-iphone-wont-send-pictures-in-messages/feed/ 0
Apple Maps Not Working? 10 Fixes to Try https://www.switchingtomac.com/tutorials/ios-tutorials/apple-maps-not-working-10-fixes-to-try/ https://www.switchingtomac.com/tutorials/ios-tutorials/apple-maps-not-working-10-fixes-to-try/#disqus_thread Dilum Senevirathne]]> Sun, 11 Dec 2022 11:00:00 +0000 https://www.switchingtomac.com/?p=20656

Does the Maps app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac crash or freeze regularly? Or does it take ages to load or fail to display your location? There are many […]]]>
Does the Maps app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac crash or freeze regularly? Or does it take ages to load or fail to display your location? There are many reasons why that happens.

For example, server-side issues on iCloud, incorrectly configured privacy permissions, corrupt location preferences, and so on can play a factor. Work through the solutions in this troubleshooting guide to fix Apple Maps.

1. Check the Apple System Status

If you keep running into errors like “Directions Not Available” and “No Results Found” in Apple Maps, you might be dealing with an outage on the server side. To check, visit Apple’s System Status page and check the following categories:

  • Maps Display
  • Maps Routing & Navigation
  • Maps Search
  • Maps Traffic

If one or more of them appears down, there’s nothing you can do except wait until Apple gets them back online. Check out alternative mapping solutions like Google Maps and Waze in the meantime.

2. Force-Quit and Restart the Maps App

If Maps crashes, freezes, or refuses to work normally in any other way, you might be dealing with a persistent technical glitch that only force-quitting and relaunching the app might fix.

Force-Quit Maps on iPhone & iPad

  1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the App Switcher. If you use a device with a Home button (like the iPhone 7), double-click that instead.
  2. Swipe away the Maps card.
  1. Reopen Maps via the Home Screen.

Force-Quit Maps on Mac

  1. Press Option + Command + Esc to open the Force Quit Applications dialog.
  2. Select Maps and choose Force Quit.
  3. Select Force Quit again to confirm.

3. Enable Location Services for Maps

If your location does not show up in Apple Maps, it could be that the app doesn’t have permission to use Location Services. You can check and make changes via the Privacy & Security settings pane on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

Enable Location Services for Maps on iPhone & iPad

  1. Open the Settings app. Then, scroll down and tap Maps.
  2. Tap Location.
  3. Activate one of the following options depending on how you want to give Maps access to Location Services:
  • Ask Next Time or When I Share
  • While Using the App
  • While Using the App or Widgets

Additionally, make sure that the switch next to Precise Location is active. If not, Maps may only display your approximate location.

Enable Location Services for Maps on Mac

  1. Open the Apple menu and System Settings. If your Mac runs macOS Monterey or earlier, select System Preferences.
  1. Go to Privacy & Security > Location Services. In macOS Monterey and older, go to Security & Privacy > Privacy > Location Services.
  1. Activate the switch or checkbox next to Maps. You must enter your Mac’s user account password to authenticate the action.

4. Reset Location and Privacy (Mobile Only)

A corrupt location and privacy settings configuration on the iPhone and iPad could prevent the Maps app from accessing Location Services. To fix that:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
  3. Tap Reset Location & Privacy.

Important: The steps above will revert the privacy and location preferences to their default settings. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security to reconfigure them the way you want.

5. Check Your Wi-Fi and Cellular Connection

Maps uses a combination of Wi-Fi, cellular data, and Bluetooth to generate an accurate GPS signal. Try the following if the app displays the location incorrectly:

  • The cellular signal strength meter on your iPhone or iPad must be at least half full for GPS to work correctly. If not, move to a different area (e.g., outside if you’re in a building) to improve reception.
  • Go to Settings > Maps and check if the switch next to Cellular Data is active. If it’s not, Maps won’t be able to use cellular data.
  • Is Bluetooth active on your iPhone? To check, open the Settings app and tap Bluetooth. On the Mac, open the Control Center (top-right of the Mac’s menu bar) to check your Bluetooth status.
  • If you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network, you might be dealing with a problem on the router side. Reset the wireless router or join a different Wi-Fi network; go to Settings > Wi-Fi (iPhone & iPad) or the Control Center (Mac).
  • On the iPhone, open the Settings app and toggle the Airplane Mode switch on and off to fix minor cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth glitches.

6. Set the Correct Date, Time, and Region

Make sure that your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is set up with the correct date, time, and region. If not, the Maps app may fail to sync with the servers and end up with loading issues and location-fetching problems.

Set the Correct Date, Time, and Region on iPhone & iPad

  1. Open the Settings app,
  2. Go to General > Date & Time.
  3. Turn on the switch next to Set Automatically. If the time is inaccurate, disable the switch and manually set the correct date, time, and time zone.

Set the Correct Date, Time, and Region on Mac

  1. Open the System Settings/Preferences app.
  2. Go to General > Date & Time. In macOS Monterey and older, select Date & Time in the main System Preferences area.
  1. Turn on the switches next to Set time and date automatically and Set time zone automatically using your current location. If the location appears incorrect, disable the switches and manually set the date, time, and time zone.

7. Restart Your iPhone or Mac

A fresh system reboot clears an Apple device’s memory of corrupt and obsolete temporary data. If problems with the Maps app persist, try doing that next.

Restart Your iPhone & iPad

  1. Go to Settings > General > Shut Down.
  2. Swipe right on the Slide to Power Off screen.
  3. Wait 30 seconds and hold the Top/Side button until you see the Apple logo.

Restart Your Mac

  1. Open the Apple menu and select Restart.
  2. Clear the Reopen windows when logging back in box; this stops macOS from saving an error-prone Maps application state.
  1. Select Restart to confirm.

8. Update iOS, iPadOS, and macOS

Updates for the Maps app come with not only new features but also performance enhancements and stability fixes. If the fixes above don’t help, try applying them next. However, as a built-in stock app, the only way to update Maps is to update the system software on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

Update iOS and iPadOS

  1. Open the Settings app and tap General > Software Update.
  2. Wait until your iPhone or iPad scans for newer software updates.
  3. Tap Download and Install.

Update macOS

  1. Open the Apple menu and select System Settings/Preferences.
  2. Select General > Software Update. Choose Software Update in the main System Preferences area in older macOS versions.
  1. Wait until your Mac checks for newer updates. Then, select Update Now.

9. Uninstall and Reinstall the iPhone Maps App

On the iPhone, you can delete and reinstall Maps to resolve problems that stem from a corrupt app installation. To do that:

  1. Open Settings and go to General > iPhone Storage.
  2. Locate and tap on Maps.
  3. Tap Delete App, and then again to confirm.
  1. Restart your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Visit the App Store.
  3. Search for Maps and tap the Download icon.

10. Reset the Network Settings (Mobile Only)

Another iPhone and iPad-specific fix is resetting the device’s network settings. That could eliminate performance and other issues caused by a broken network configuration. To do that:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
  3. Tap Reset Network Settings.

A network settings reset erases saved Wi-Fi networks, so you must manually re-join them after that. Your cellular settings are also erased during the procedure, but they should automatically reapply; if not, get in touch with your mobile service provider.

]]>
https://www.switchingtomac.com/tutorials/ios-tutorials/apple-maps-not-working-10-fixes-to-try/feed/ 0
Find My Showing No Location Found? 8 Ways to Fix https://www.switchingtomac.com/tutorials/ios-tutorials/find-my-showing-no-location-found-8-ways-to-fix/ https://www.switchingtomac.com/tutorials/ios-tutorials/find-my-showing-no-location-found-8-ways-to-fix/#disqus_thread Sodiq Olanrewaju]]> Thu, 13 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.switchingtomac.com/?p=19759

Poor network connection and incorrect date and time settings will cause Find My to display the “No location found” error. Turning off Find My or disabling its location permission can […]]]>
Poor network connection and incorrect date and time settings will cause Find My to display the “No location found” error. Turning off Find My or disabling its location permission can also cause this error on iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

Sometimes, closing and reopening the Find My app can fix temporary glitches causing the “No location found” error. Try the troubleshooting solutions below if restarting Find My doesn’t fix the problem.

1. Check Find My’s System Status

Before anything, check if the Find My service is operating normally on Apple’s System Status page. A green dot next to Find My means the service is running correctly.

If Find My is temporarily unavailable, waiting for Apple to fix the issue is the only thing to do. Keep tabs on the System Status page and check if Find My works correctly when the service is available again.

2. Disable Airplane Mode

Your device must have an internet connection for location tracking services to work in the Find My app. Turning on airplane mode disables the Find My network, especially if you use cellular or mobile data.

Open Settings and toggle off Airplane Mode.

If you don’t want to take your iPhone/iPad off airplane mode, turn on Wi-Fi, and connect to a Wi-Fi network. Find My should update the location of your devices when connected to the internet.

3. Enable Location Services for Find My

Ensure the Find My service has all the required permissions to determine and use your device’s location.

Configure Location Service for Find My on iPhone and iPad

Close the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad and follow the steps below.

  1. Open the Settings app, select Privacy & Security (or Privacy) and toggle on Location Services.
  1. Next, select Share My Location and turn on Share My Location.
  1. Tap Find My iPhone on the same page and turn on the following: Find My iPhone, Find My network, and Send Last Location.

Enabling these location settings allows you to locate your device when it’s offline, powered off, or in power reserve mode. Return to the “Location Services” page (Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services) and proceed to the next step.

  1. Select Find My and set your device to allow location access for the app While Using the App. Also, turn on Precise Location to allow Find My to determine your exact location.
  1. Return to the “Location Services” page and select System Services. Turn on location access for the Find My system service.

Configure Location Service for Find My on Mac

Close the Find My app on your Mac and follow the steps below.

  1. Open System Preferences and select Security & Privacy.
  1. Head to the Privacy tab and select the lock icon in the bottom-left corner.
  1. Enter your Mac’s password (or use Touch ID) to unlock the Security & Privacy preferences page.
  1. Check the Enable Location Services and Find My boxes.

Open the Find My app and check if it detects the location of linked devices.

4. Check Date & Time Settings

The Find My service may malfunction if your device’s date, time, and time zone are incorrect. Close the Find My app and follow the steps below to set your iPhone’s date and time settings.

Set Date and Time on iPhone or iPad

Open the Settings app, go to General > Date & Time and turn on the Set Automatically option.

Set Date and Time on Mac

  1. Open System Preferences, select Date & Time, and select the lock icon in the bottom left corner.
  1. Enter your Mac’s password or use Touch ID to unlock the Date & Time preferences page.
  1. Check the Set date and time automatically box to get the correct date and time from Apple’s network server.

Set the date and time manually if your Mac has no internet connection.

5. Reset Location and Privacy Settings

Returning your iPhone or iPad’s location settings to their default might help fix the problem. Close the Find My app and follow the steps below.

  1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone or (Transfer or Reset iPad).
  2. Tap Reset and select Reset Location & Privacy.
  3. Enter your device’s passcode and tap Reset Settings.

Resetting your iPhone’s location and privacy settings stops all apps from using your location.

  1. Open Find My and tap Allow While Using App to allow Find My to use your location.

6. Reboot Your Device

Restart your device if Find My displays “No location found” for all linked devices. A device reboot can fix issues with location services and get Find My working again.

7. Update Your Device

New operating system updates often ship with bug fixes for the Find My service on Apple devices. Update your device if the “No location found” issue persists after trying the troubleshooting fixes above.

For iPhones and iPads, go to Settings > General > Software Update and tap Download and Install.

To update your Mac, go to System Preferences > Software Update and select Update Now.

Reboot your device to install downloaded updates and check if the software update fixes the issue.

8. Enable Location Sharing on the Affected Device

If just one device shows “No location found,” ensure the device is sharing its location via Find My.

Enable Location Sharing on iPhone/iPad

  1. Open the Settings app and tap your iCloud or Apple ID name.
  2. Select Find My and toggle on the Share My Location option.

Enable Location Sharing on iPhone/iPad

  1. Open System Preferences and select Apple ID.
  1. Check the box next to Find My Mac and select the Options button.
  1. Ensure Find My Mac and Find My network are both turned on. Select Done to close the pop-up.

Enable Location Sharing for Bluetooth Accessories

If Find My shows “No location found” for your AirPods or Beats headphones, ensure the accessory has location sharing enabled. Connect the affected accessory to your iPhone or iPad and follow the steps below.

Go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the info icon next to the device, and ensure Find My network is turned on.

Device Location Now Found

If your family or friend’s device keeps showing “No location found,” ask them to try some of the troubleshooting fixes in this article. Otherwise, contact Apple Support if the problem persists.

]]>
https://www.switchingtomac.com/tutorials/ios-tutorials/find-my-showing-no-location-found-8-ways-to-fix/feed/ 0
What Version of iOS Does My iPhone or iPad Have? https://www.switchingtomac.com/tutorials/ios-tutorials/what-version-of-ios-does-my-iphone-or-ipad-have/ https://www.switchingtomac.com/tutorials/ios-tutorials/what-version-of-ios-does-my-iphone-or-ipad-have/#disqus_thread Pranay Parab]]> Mon, 22 Aug 2022 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.switchingtomac.com/?p=18959

Apple regularly updates iOS and iPadOS to bring new features and security patches to iPhones and iPads. Knowing what OS version your device runs helps you understand its capabilities. This […]]]>
Apple regularly updates iOS and iPadOS to bring new features and security patches to iPhones and iPads. Knowing what OS version your device runs helps you understand its capabilities.

This tutorial will show you how to check the iOS and iPadOS versions on your iPhone and iPad, respectively.

Why You Should Care About Your iPhone’s Version of iOS

The iPhone and the iPad often get software updates that add useful features.

For example, iPadOS 15.4 and macOS 12.3 brought Universal Control to the iPad and the Mac. This multitasking functionality allows you to use a single mouse across the two devices to control them on the fly. Similarly, Apple launched SharePlay, a big iOS 15 feature, with the iOS 15.1 update that arrived a couple of months after the iPhone 13 was launched.

New versions of iOS also introduce security updates and patch critical vulnerabilities in your iPhone or iPad’s software. If you use Wi-Fi or cellular data to go online, you should always install the latest version of iOS or iPadOS to ensure that your device is secure online.

Sometimes, newer versions of iOS are required to update accessories such as the Apple Watch. For example, you cannot install watchOS 8 on your Apple Watch if your iPhone is running an operating system older than iOS 15.

Apple also uses iOS and iPadOS updates to add new features to its apps and services, such as Safari, FaceTime, iMessage, AirPlay, Podcasts, and Shortcuts. Even if you don’t care much about what’s new in the latest updates, you should still update your iOS devices to gain access to helpful features in all of Apple’s apps.

As long as your device is eligible for a newer version of iOS, you can download the update simultaneously as those with more recent iOS devices. Unlike Microsoft Windows and Google’s Android, Apple’s iOS, iPadOS, and macOS updates are made available to all devices simultaneously.

How To Check Which Version of iOS or iPadOS Your iPhone or iPad Have

There are multiple ways to check which version of iOS your iPhone or iPad is running. The easiest method is to open the Settings app on your iPhone and go to General > About and check the version number mentioned next to Software Version. These steps are the same on your iPad and iPod touch.

The fastest way to check your version of iOS is to ask Siri. You can launch Siri by pressing and holding the side button or the power button on your iPhone or iPad and speaking the voice command: “Version Number.” The voice assistant will tell you which version of iOS or iPadOS you’re running.

How To Update iOS or iPadOS on Your iPhone or iPad

There are multiple ways to update iOS and iPadOS on your iPhone and iPad. No, you can’t download operating system updates from the App Store. You’ll have to use the Settings app for this. Go to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone or iPad.

Wait for the device to check for updates; if an update is available, you can download and install it immediately.

Alternatively, you can connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac, open Finder, and click the device’s name in the left sidebar. This method is best used if your smartphone has trouble connecting to your Wi-Fi network, or if it doesn’t have enough storage space to install an iOS update.

First, backup your iPhone or iPad to your Mac. Then, click the Check for Update button in the right pane and install the update.

The same can be done using iTunes on Windows or older versions of Mac too. Connect your iPhone or iPad to the computer, open iTunes, and click the device’s icon located between the Music and Library tabs at the top. Click the Summary tab on the left and hit the Check for Update button in the right pane.

Don’t forget to backup your iOS device using iTunes. You can easily download the latest iOS update after this.

Which Is the Latest Version of iOS

It’s also good to keep a tab on the latest versions of iOS for your device. At the time of writing, the latest version of iOS is iOS 15. Apple unveiled iOS 16 at WWDC 2022 and plans to release it in Fall 2022.

Be aware that older devices such as the iPhone 5s do not support modern iOS versions. The devices left behind will only update to the latest version of the last major operating system update they’ve received.

Here’s a helpful list for you to check which is the newest version number of iOS updates for each major version:

  • iOS 6: Version 6.1.6
  • iOS 7: 7.1.2
  • iOS 8: Version 8.4.1
  • iOS 9: Version 9.3.6
  • iOS 10: Version 10.3.4
  • iOS 11: Version 11.4.1
  • iOS 12: Version 12.5.5
  • iOS 13: Version 13.7
  • iOS 14: Version 14.8.1
  • iOS 15: Version 15.5

Which Devices Support iOS 15 and iPadOS 15

We’re here to help you check the compatibility of your iPhone or iPad with the latest version of iOS. The following devices support iOS 15:

  • iPhone 13
  • iPhone 13 mini
  • iPhone 13 Pro
  • iPhone 13 Pro Max
  • iPhone 12
  • iPhone 12 mini
  • iPhone 12 Pro
  • iPhone 12 Pro Max
  • iPhone 11
  • iPhone 11 Pro
  • iPhone 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone XS
  • iPhone XS Max
  • iPhone XR
  • iPhone X
  • iPhone 8
  • iPhone 8 Plus
  • iPhone 7
  • iPhone 7 Plus
  • iPhone 6S
  • iPhone 6S Plus
  • iPhone SE (1st generation or newer)
  • iPod touch (7th generation)

The following iPad models support iPadOS 15:

  1. iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and newer)
  2. iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st generation and newer)
  3. iPad Pro 10.5-inch
  4. iPad Pro 9.7-inch
  5. iPad (5th generation and newer)
  6. iPad mini (5th generation and newer)
  7. iPad mini 4
  8. iPad Air (3rd generation and newer)
  9. iPad Air 2

Which Devices Support iOS 16 and iPadOS 16

If you are planning to update to iOS 16, you will need one of the following devices:

  1. iPhone 13
  2. iPhone 13 mini
  3. iPhone 13 Pro
  4. iPhone 13 Pro Max
  5. iPhone 12
  6. iPhone 12 mini
  7. iPhone 12 Pro
  8. iPhone 12 Pro Max
  9. iPhone 11
  10. iPhone 11 Pro
  11. iPhone 11 Pro Max
  12. iPhone XS
  13. iPhone XS Max
  14. iPhone XR
  15. iPhone X
  16. iPhone 8
  17. iPhone 8 Plus
  18. iPhone SE (2nd generation or newer)

To run iPadOS 16, you’ll have to use one of these iPad models:

  1. iPad Pro (all models)
  2. iPad Air (3rd generation and newer)
  3. iPad (5th generation and newer)
  4. iPad mini (5th generation and newer)

Always Stay Up-To-Date

It’s seldom a bad idea to be on the latest stable version of iOS. If you’re experiencing trouble with a stuck iOS update, here are 13 ways to fix this problem. If you don’t have access to a Wi-Fi network, here’s how to update your iPhone without Wi-Fi.

Once these minor hiccups are taken care of, you can enjoy the newest versions of iOS and iPadOS on your iPhone and iPad.

]]>
https://www.switchingtomac.com/tutorials/ios-tutorials/what-version-of-ios-does-my-iphone-or-ipad-have/feed/ 0
How to Fix Face ID With a Mask Not Working on iPhone? https://www.switchingtomac.com/tutorials/ios-tutorials/how-to-fix-face-id-with-a-mask-not-working-on-iphone/ https://www.switchingtomac.com/tutorials/ios-tutorials/how-to-fix-face-id-with-a-mask-not-working-on-iphone/#disqus_thread Dilum Senevirathne]]> Fri, 01 Jul 2022 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.switchingtomac.com/?p=18128

If you use a compatible iPhone running iOS 15.4 or later, you can unlock it using Face ID even if you wear a face mask. It’s an incredible feature that […]]]>
If you use a compatible iPhone running iOS 15.4 or later, you can unlock it using Face ID even if you wear a face mask. It’s an incredible feature that helps you avoid having to expose your face or input the device passcode for authentication.

However, if “Face ID with a Mask” isn’t working on your iPhone, work through the solutions to fix that.

Someone using Face ID while wearing a mask

Check Your Face ID Settings

It’s best to begin by checking if “Face ID with a Mask” is active on your iPhone. To do that, open the Settings app and tap Face ID & Passcode. Then, scroll down and make sure that the switch next to Face ID With a Mask is on. If not, enable it and perform a 3D facial scan to activate the feature. You must not wear a mask during the procedure.

Settings > Face ID & Passcode

Add Your Glasses

Do you use glasses? You must tap Add Glasses within the Face ID & Passcode screen and perform an additional scan of your face as you wear them. You must repeat that for any other pairs of glasses that you regularly use.

Don’t Use Sunglasses

“Face ID with a Mask” does not work with sunglasses since darker lenses prevent the TrueDepth camera system from targeting the areas around your eyes. There’s no way around that. To make matters worse, it also won’t work if you wear shades without a mask unless you revert to using regular Face ID.

However, if you use an Apple Watch, you can set up “Unlock with Apple Watch” as a workaround. That provides your iPhone an alternative way to unlock itself when Face ID doesn’t work. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and turn on the switch next to Unlock with Apple Watch to activate the feature.

Face ID & Passcode > Unlock with Apple Watch

Don’t Pull Your Mask Up

“Face ID with a Mask” also won’t work if you wear your mask in a way that obstructs the iPhone from scanning the eye area, so pull it slightly lower and check if that helps. 

Again, if you own a watchOS device, set it up to bypass Face ID so you can continue unlocking your iPhone without having to adjust your face mask or fall back to typing the device passcode.

Restart iPhone

If “Face ID with a Mask” is set up correctly, and there’s nothing wrong with how you’re using it to unlock your iPhone, it’s time to give the system software a quick reboot. That could hopefully fix any random glitches preventing the feature from working.

So open the Settings app, go to General > Shut Down, and turn off your iPhone. Then, wait for 30 seconds and hold down the Side button to reboot it.

Slide to power off

Check for Compatibility

If “Face ID with a Mask” appears missing in your iPhone’s Face ID & Passcode settings, it’s a good idea to check your iPhone for compatibility. Not all iOS devices with Face ID support the feature; only the iPhone 12/Pro/Pro Max and newer models do. 

Also, your iPhone must run iOS 15.4 or later. Open the Settings app and tap General > About to check the version.

Note: At the time of writing, “Face ID with a Mask” does not work on any iPad model.

Update System Software

Even if you use a compatible iPhone with iOS 15.4 or later, we strongly recommend updating the system software since that can resolve any known bugs and conflicts preventing “Face ID with a Mask” from working.

Open the Settings app and go to General > Software Update to check for newer updates. If you see an available update, tap Download and Install.

Settings > General > Software Update

Set Up Face ID With a Mask Again

The following fix involves disabling and setting up the Face ID with a mask feature from scratch. 

Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and disable the switch next to Face ID With a Mask. Then, reactivate it after restarting your iPhone. Don’t forget to add them by tapping the Add Glasses option if you use glasses.

Reset Face ID

Next up, you must reset Face ID itself. To do that, open the Settings app and go to Face ID & Passcode. Then, select Reset Face ID and set up everything—including “Face ID with a Mask”—from scratch.

Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Set Up an Alternate Appearance

Can’t Use Apple Pay?

“Face ID with a Mask” is fully compatible with Apple Pay. If you have trouble verifying Apple Pay transactions only, the problem is likely with Apple’s mobile payment service. Learn how to fix Apple Pay issues on the iPhone.

Reset All Settings

If the above fixes don’t work, you must reset all settings on your iPhone to their defaults. You will not lose any data during the process. However, you will have to reconnect to any wireless networks and set up your security, privacy, and accessibility preferences again. 

To reset all settings on your iPhone, open Settings and tap General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings

Reset All Settings

Mask Up

Being able to unlock your iPhone seamlessly with Face ID even when you wear a mask is not only safe but also convenient. So, it’s well worth taking the time to troubleshoot any issues preventing “Face ID with a Mask” from functioning correctly. 

If you use an iOS device incapable of using the feature, getting yourself an Apple Watch (if you don’t already have one) and activating “Unlock with Apple Watch” is the cheaper option than upgrading to a newer iPhone. However, the Apple Watch unlock method has its own issues that you may have to troubleshoot.

]]>
https://www.switchingtomac.com/tutorials/ios-tutorials/how-to-fix-face-id-with-a-mask-not-working-on-iphone/feed/ 0
15 Fixes When iOS is Connected to Wi-Fi but No Internet https://www.switchingtomac.com/tutorials/ios-tutorials/15-fixes-when-ios-is-connected-to-wi-fi-but-no-internet/ https://www.switchingtomac.com/tutorials/ios-tutorials/15-fixes-when-ios-is-connected-to-wi-fi-but-no-internet/#disqus_thread Dilum Senevirathne]]> Tue, 17 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.switchingtomac.com/?p=17442

Do you find it impossible to access the internet on your iPhone despite seeing the Wi-Fi symbol on the status bar? Software-related glitches, conflicting settings, and corrupt configurations—either on the […]]]>
Do you find it impossible to access the internet on your iPhone despite seeing the Wi-Fi symbol on the status bar? Software-related glitches, conflicting settings, and corrupt configurations—either on the iOS device or the Wi-Fi router—often cause this issue.

Read on to learn about multiple ways to troubleshoot this problem and get your iPhone or back online.

Airplane mode icon

1. Disable/Enable Wi-Fi

It’s best to kick things off by eliminating possible glitches with the Wi-Fi module on your iPhone. You can do that by disabling and re-enabling Wi-Fi.

Start by opening the Settings app and tapping Wi-Fi. Then, de-activate the switch next to Wi-Fi, wait 10 seconds, and reactivate it. Alternatively, you can try toggling Airplane Mode on, then off.

Wi-Fi toggle switch

2. Restart Router or Modem

Have you tried restarting your router yet? Router-side issues are often the main reason that prevents devices from connecting to the internet, and a reboot usually is all it takes to resolve them.

So, if the router is in an accessible area, just turn it off, wait for up to a minute, and turn it on. Then, reconnect to the wireless network and check if the problem recurs. You can also initiate a reboot after accessing the router’s control panel.

Reboot modem window

3. Restart Your iPhone

The following fix involves restarting your iPhone. That’s the best way to fix problems with connectivity that originate from buggy system software.

To do that, open the Settings app and go to General > Shut Down. Then, swipe the Power slider to the right, wait for 30 seconds, and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.

Slide to power off screen

4. Forget and Rejoin Network

Another way to fix a Wi-Fi network without internet connectivity is to forget and join it again. First, open the Settings app and tap Wi-Fi. Next, tap the Info icon, and select Forget This Network. You can then rejoin the network from the main Wi-Fi screen.

Forget This Network

5. Check for Connectivity on Another Device

Have you tried connecting to the same Wi-Fi network on another device? If you can access the internet that way, the problem is likely limited to your iPhone only. If not, it’s got something to do with the router. Move on with the rest of the fixes while skipping any that don’t apply.

6. Check Date and Time

Having the date and time set up incorrectly on your iPhone can also result in potential Wi-Fi-related issues. So, open the Settings app and tap General > Data & Time. Then, make sure the switch next to Set Automatically is active. If it already is, but the time appears incorrect, deactivate the option and manually set the correct date and time for your iPhone.

Set Automatically toggle

7. Sign Into Captive Network

Various public Wi-Fi hotspots fall into the “captive network” category. You must sign into the network, enter a valid email address, or accept specific terms and conditions before accessing the internet. 

Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the Info icon next to the wireless network, and perform the required criteria to connect online. Ask around if you need help.

Settings > Wi-Fi Info icon

8. Disable Private MAC Address

Starting iOS 14, your iPhone automatically masks its MAC (Media Access Control) address with a randomized string of 12 hexadecimal digits to improve privacy. However, some operators may restrict internet access despite connecting to a network unless you disable the private address.

Go to Settings > Wi-Fi > Info (next to the problematic network) and turn off the switch next to Private Wi-Fi Address.

Private W-Fi Address toggle

9. Check MAC Filter List

It’s also possible your iPhone is blocked from accessing the internet from the router itself. If you can access the router’s control panel, you can unblock it. 

First, identify your iPhone’s private or actual MAC address by heading over to Settings > Wi-Fi > Info. Then, locate the MAC address filtering menu on your router’s control panel—it’s typically located under the Security section. If your iPhone MAC address appears, remove it. Or disable MAC address filtering.

MAC Filter list

10. Update Router

Next up, try updating your router by looking for an Update tab or option on its control panel. If there’s an update pending, apply it and check if that restores internet connectivity on your iPhone.

Update tab

11. Use Google DNS

Change the DNS settings for the wireless connection if the issue is limited to particular websites and apps only. For example, replacing the default DNS servers with Google DNS can significantly improve internet connectivity.

Open the Settings app and tap Wi-Fi. Then, tap the Info icon next to the network, tap Configure DNS > Manual, and add the Google DNS servers—8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4—into the list under DNS Servers.

Tap Configure DNS > Manual, and add the Google DNS servers—8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4—into the list under DNS Servers

12. Disable Private Relay

An iCloud+ feature, iCloud Private Relay boosts online privacy by encrypting and re-routing internet traffic through multiple servers. However, the feature is relatively new and tends to cause connectivity issues on both Wi-Fi and Cellular.

To disable iCloud Private Relay, go to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Private Relay (Beta) and turn off the switch next to Private Relay (Beta).

Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Private Relay (Beta)

13. Disable Low Data Mode & Low Power Mode

Low Data Mode is a feature that conserves bandwidth on Wi-Fi connections by limiting automatic updates and background tasks. So, if the issue is limited to specific activities (such as Photos and Mail syncing), disable it and check if that makes a difference. 

To do that, open the Settings app, tap Wi-Fi, tap the Info icon next to the wireless network, and turn off the switch next to Low Data Mode.

Low Data Mode

If you have a habit of always using Low Power Mode, you must also expect limited activity over Wi-Fi. To disable the feature, go to Settings > Battery and turn off the switch next to Low Power Mode.

14. Reset All Network Settings

If the issue persists, you must reset the network settings on your iPhone. That clears the DNS cache and also helps rule out broken Wi-Fi configurations in iOS from the equation. 

To do that, open the Settings app and tap General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Then, enter the device passcode and tap Reset Network Settings to confirm. After the network reset, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and re-join the wireless network.

Reset Network Settings

15. Factory Reset Your Router

Broken configurations and preferences on the router side can also cause issues. You can resolve that by resetting the router to factory defaults via the device’s control panel. Or, look for a physical Reset button. Here’s the complete guide to factory resetting a wireless router.

Restore button

Contact Your Internet Service Provider

Did none of the Wi-Fi fixes above help? Don’t discount the fact that Wi-Fi problems could also be account-related. For example, you might have exceeded your monthly bandwidth or had a temporary block imposed due to a billing issue. The issue could even be a service outage. If you suspect that might be the case, check your account dashboard or contact your internet provider for support.

]]>
https://www.switchingtomac.com/tutorials/ios-tutorials/15-fixes-when-ios-is-connected-to-wi-fi-but-no-internet/feed/ 0