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Tips, Troubleshooting and How-To Guides for Mac/OS X/iOS Users
About Thunderbolt, HDMI, USB 3.0, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, AirPrint, AirPlay, FaceTime, iCloud, OS X Troubleshooting, more.
Last Update: M1 Macs, macOS Big Sur upgrade, Mac HDR, 2019 Mac Pro Parts Guides, T2 Mac Firmware Restore.
(Previous Updates: Pro Display XDR, added Security Mitigations info to Security Topics, Apple Arcade Articles,
Aperture migration to Photos or Lightroom Classic, eGPU support and "Metal" supported Macs
HomePod tips, Secure boot/Startup Security Utility, macOS High Sierra and APFS drive format,
Apple TV 4K HDR/Dolby Vision, Tip for Can't boot from external drive in Sierra or later, Touch ID/Face ID,
Apple TV topic added doc on Single sign-on, Thunderbolt, HomeKit, Wi-Fi topics updated
Updated Boot Camp, Apple Music, Photos App, Homekit, AppleCare, Apple Watch topics)
For new Mac owners, or anyone wanting to learn more about later macOS versions/features, here is a listing of Apple's Mac Basics How-To articles, Specs, FAQs and Tips for Mac and OS X Users. (iOS info also added.) Includes guides to troubleshooting problems, backups, restoring, reinstalling OS X, and more.
This page also has links to Apple FAQs and Guides on HDMI, Audio, AirPlay, iTunes, Apple TV, CD/DVD sharing, USB, Apple Display Adapters, Mini DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, USB, Firewire, Tips for iOS/iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch users and a list of AirPort Utility and Firmware Updates for Apple Base Stations and Time Capsules. (Also tips/guides on using Boot Camp to run Windows on a Mac.)
Plus important tips on what to do with your personal files/data before selling or donating your Mac or iPhone/iPad, and what to do if your Apple product is lost or stolen (and beforehand).
(Note: If you get a 'file not found' (404) on a link, try again later as article may be in process of being updated. It may also be removed. Apple's CDN network has been frustrating at times, including access denied errors. Some articles have been archived but may still be useful for users of previous OS X versions.)
= Topics Menu/Links =
(you can also use Browser's "Find" option to search page for other items/topics)
Basics/Apps | Printing | Wi-Fi & BlueTooth | Audio/Video | iTunes | Internet/Browsers/Mail | Facetime | AirPlay | AirDrop
macOS Security | Backups/Time Machine | HomeSharing | Displays/TV | Apple TV | iCloud | Migrating Files from a Mac/PC
Diagnostics | Troubleshooting | Reinstall OS X | Startup Problems | Ports & Adapters | Apple RAID Cards | Fusion Drives
- How to set up your new Mac
- Meet your Mac (If you're new to a Mac, many tips and guides)
- Mac Basics: The essentials (very brief intro, now archived)
- Mac Basics: The Finder
- Mac Basics: Desktop
- Mac Basics: The Dock (archived)
- Mac Basics: Mission Control
- Tags help you organize your files (archived)
- Mac Basics: Launchpad is the fast way to find and open your apps
- How to Use Switch Control to interact with your Mac
- If you can't empty the Trash on your Mac
- How to Prevent apps and windows from reopening
(was titled "Automatically re-open windows, apps, and documents on your Mac".)
- OS X Lion About Auto Save and Versions (archived)
- Mac Basics: Customize the Dock (archived)
- Mac Basics: Change your desktop (archived)
- How to display a screen saver on your Mac
- How to take a screenshot on your Mac
- How to select a different startup disk
(was titled "How to set up and use an external Mac startup disk")
- Mac keyboard shortcuts
- Mac notebooks: Key placement and functions (now archived)
- How to change the behavior of function keys on your Mac
- Adjust the brightness of your backlit keyboard
- How to turn your Mac (desktop or notebook) on or off
- How to use the Touch Bar on your MacBook Pro
- How to use function keys on MacBook Pro with Touch Bar
- How to use the Escape button on your MacBook Pro with Touch Bar
- How to type accents, emoji, and symbols on your Mac
- Mac accessibility shortcuts
- How to use the Accessibility Options keyboard shortcut
- How to use accessibility features with Touch Bar on your MacBook Pro
- Using a Force Touch trackpad
- How to use Multi-Touch gestures on your Mac
- How to tell if your notebook has a Multi-Touch trackpad (archived)
- If your Apple keyboard doesn't work
- One or more keys on the keyboard do not respond (now archived)
Apple Wireless Keyboard, Mouse & Trackpad Setup/Tips
- How to Set up your Apple wireless mouse, keyboard, and trackpad
- Using a Bluetooth mouse, keyboard, or trackpad with your Mac
- Apple Wireless Keyboards and Mouse: System Requirements (now archived)
- Apple Wireless Keyboard and Magic Keyboard compatibility with iOS devices
- Apple Wireless Keyboard, Mouse, and Trackpad: How to install batteries (now archived)
- How to Identify your Apple wireless mouse, keyboard, or trackpad
- Troubleshooting Apple wireless mouse, keyboard or TrackPad problems
- If the pointer is jumpy when using a trackpad, Magic Trackpad, or Magic Mouse
- Troubleshooting unresponsive trackpad issues (now archived)
- Apple Wireless Keyboard: Difficulty during pairing process (now archived)
- Mac mini (Mid 2011 and later) & iMac (Late 2012): Bluetooth keyboard may not pair during Setup Assistant (with Tips)
(link disabled as HT203697 article no longer online)
Using Dictation and Voice Commands in OS X
- How to Use Siri on your Mac in macOS Sierra and later.
- About Ask Siri, Dictation & Privacy
- How to Use Voice Control on your Mac
- Dictation on your Mac might not work if your Internet connection is filtered
About Spotlight
- Spotlight helps you find what you're looking for
(now titled "Use Spotlight on your Mac")
- How to rebuild the Spotlight index on your Mac
(was titled "Spotlight: How to re-index folders or volumes")
Activity Monitor Tips
- How to use Activity Monitor on your Mac
- If kernel_task is using a large percentage of your Mac CPU
About System Info, and 32-Bit Apps
- About System Information on your Mac
- 32-bit app compatibility with macOS High Sierra 10.13.4 and later
- About the transition to 64-bit technology and how it affects 32-bit apps.
"When upgrading to macOS Catalina, the installer shows a list of recently used apps that are 32-bit.
You can review this list before choosing whether to cancel or continue the installation:"
(32-bit apps won't open in macOS 10.15 Catalina.)
macOS Terminal Shell Changes in macOS Catalina
- How to Use zsh as the default shell on your Mac
"Starting with macOS Catalina, your Mac uses zsh as the default login shell and interactive shell. You can make zsh the default in earlier versions of macOS as well..."
Linked article covers how to change your default shell, how to use a different shell without changing the default,
how to switch to a zsh profile and prompt, how to test your shell scripts, and how to make zsh emulate sh.
Mac Files and Disk Storage Tips
- How to Free up storage space on your Mac
- What is "Other" and "Purgeable" space in About This Mac Storage tab?
(now goes to See used and available storage space on your Mac.)
- How to use Pro Apps with Optimized Storage
- How to download content from the cloud when using Optimized Storage
Help using Mac Disk Utility
- Disk Utility User Guide (home page)
- How to repair a Mac disk with Disk Utility
- List of Topics for Disk Utility Help
- How to Repair a disk using Disk Utility on Mac
- How to choose between APFS and Mac OS Extended when formatting a disk for Mac
(- now goes to How to erase a disk for Mac)
- Mac OS Extended format (HFS Plus) volume and file limits (HT201711 no longer online)
Guides for some Apps included in macOS
- Read books and more with Apple Books (app)
- How to Publish and sell books on Apple Books
- Listen to audiobooks in Apple Books (app)
- How to edit images and mark up PDFs with Preview on your Mac
- How to Use Preview to combine PDFs on your Mac
- How to Create a PDF in Pages, Numbers, and Keynote (archived)
- How to Use Messages with your Mac
- Mac Basics: Notifications keep you informed (now titled "Use Notifications on your Mac")
- Mac Basics: Font Book (now titled "How to install and remove fonts on your Mac")
- Mac Basics: Maps app helps you find your destination (now archived)
(now a separate article on Using Maps on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch)
- Mac Basics: Address Book (HT201728 no longer online)
Printing
- How to Print documents from your Mac
- If you can't print from your Mac or iOS device
- USB printer troubleshooting for AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, & Time Capsule (now archived)
- OS X: About graphic resolutions for inkjet and laser printers (HT202895 no longer online)
AirPrint (Wireless Printers)
- About AirPrint, with list of compatible printers, servers and USB-only devices.
- Connecting an AirPrint printer to your Wi-Fi network
- Use AirPrint to print from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- OS X: How to connect to an IP-based printer or AppleTalk printer via IP (HT202167 no longer online)
- Mac OS X: Removing information about completed print jobs (HT201655 no longer online)
OS X Printer/Scanner Drivers and Software
- Printer and scanner drivers for Mac "This list is no longer updated."
(Often it's better to get software/updates from your Printer brand's website)
About Restrictions and Parental Controls
- How to Use Restrictions in iTunes on your PC
(was titled "use Restrictions in iTunes on your Mac or PC". See below for restrictions on Mac using Screen Time.)
- How to use Screen Time on your Mac (in macOS Catalina)
- How to use Screen Time on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- How to use parental controls on your child's iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
- Prevent in-app purchases from the App Store
(was titled "Use restrictions to prevent purchasing on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch")
- How to use Restrictions on your Apple TV
- OS X v10.5, 10.6: About the Parental Controls Internet content filter (with info on HTTPS limits) (Archived)
Sleep, Standby, Power Nap Info
(Owners of RAID card for Mac Pro/Xserves, see below for info on enabling sleep)
- Use the Energy Saver settings on your Mac
- Mac computers: Sleep Indicator Light behavior
(FYI: 2018 Mac mini's LED -does not- pulse in sleep mode.)
- Troubleshooting If your Mac doesn't sleep or wake when expected
- Magnets in devices might cause your Mac notebook computer to sleep
- If you see a progress bar when your Mac wakes from sleep now goes to "What is safe sleep on Mac?"
(Didn't want my Mini to auto-shutdown after hours of sleep, so tried PMSET edits.)
- How Power Nap works on your Mac (with list of macs that support it)
- Enhanced notifications that can wake your Mac
- About standby on your Mac with list of supported Mac models. (now archived)
- If your MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015) won't wake from sleep (now archived)
- (Mid 2011) Mac mini & mini Server: Does not go to sleep when Thunderbolt to Ethernet Gigabit Adapter is connected (now archived)
- About Wake on Demand and Bonjour Sleep Proxy (HT201960 was archived, now replaced)
- Above link now goes to Share your Mac resources when it's in sleep.
(HT3789 Doc on "How to disable Bonjour service advertising without disabling DNS"
removed by Apple due to changes in OS X Yosemite and later.)
- If you're unable to resolve or bind to domains that end in .local (archived)
macOS/OS X Security Tips for your Mac
- Listing of Apple security updates
- Mac models with the Apple T2 Security Chip
- About encrypted storage on your new Mac (for Macs with T2 chip)
- About Secure Boot (for Macs with Apple T2 Chip)
- About Startup Security Utility (for Macs with Apple T2 Chip)
- About System Integrity Protection on your Mac (OS X El Capitan and later)
- Safely open apps on your Mac (was titled "About Gatekeeper")
- How to Use FileVault to encrypt the startup disk on your Mac
- How to Set a FileVault recovery key for Mac computers in your organization
- Protecting Security Information (about Apple product security key, PGP)
- About the application firewall
- How to set a firmware password on your Mac
(no longer has a list of supported Macs)
- Setting up firmware password protection on PowerPC-based Macs (HT1352 no longer online)
- How to enable the root user on your Mac or change your root password
- Security and your Apple ID
- Manage and use your Apple ID
- If you think your Apple ID has been compromised
- Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams
- Get help with security issues
- How to Report a security or privacy vulnerability
(was titled "Contact Apple About Security Issues")
If you want to disable or remove your Apple ID
- How to deactivate your Apple ID account
- How to delete your Apple ID account
- How to request access to a deceased family member's Apple accounts
- How to create a password-protected (encrypted) disk image (HT201599 no longer online)
Avoiding Malware and Adware
- How to block pop-ups in Safari
(was titled "Remove adware that displays pop-up ads and graphics on your Mac")
- How to Browse privately in Safari for Mac
(and Turn Private Browsing on or off on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch)
- How to avoid or remove Mac Defender malware in Mac OS X v10.6 or earlier
- Safety tips for handling email attachments and content downloaded from the Internet
- About the "Are you sure you want to open it?" alert (File Quarantine / Known Malware Detection) in OS X
May 2019 Security Updates and Mitigations for Intel CPU Vulnerabilities
(Info below is from May 2019, before later OS/security updates and before macOS 10.15 Catalina was released.)
- How to enable full mitigation for Microarchitectural Data Sampling (MDS) vulnerabilities
"This option is available for macOS Mojave, High Sierra, and Sierra after installing security updates."
(See section "How to enable full mitigation for MDS in macOS" in the above support article.)
- Additional mitigations for speculative execution vulnerabilities in Intel CPUs
"... security updates in macOS 10.14.5 to protect against speculative execution vulnerabilities in Intel CPUs...
macOS 10.14.5 includes security updates for Safari, and the option to enable full mitigation...
Security Update 2019-003 High Sierra & Security Update 2019-003 Sierra include the option to enable full mitigation."
(Article has listing of "Unsupported Mac models" from 2009-2012. The only 2012 unsupported Mac listed is the Mac Pro. As mentioned in the Apple article, the reason those Macs are 'unsupported' is due to no microcode update for their CPUs from Intel. That is also why they are not supported by Apple for macOS 10.15 Catalina installs. (There are 'unofficial' (3rd party) macOS Installer patches on the web however, but no Intel microcode security patches for those CPUs to date.)
Apple Privacy Related Articles
- Apple's Privacy Policy
- About Location Services & Privacy
- About privacy and Location Services in iOS 8 and later
- About Advertising & Privacy
Updating macOS/OS X and Apps
- Find out which macOS your Mac is using
- About background updates in macOS
- How to update the software on your Mac
- How to verify the authenticity of manually downloaded Apple Software Updates
Mac App Store Info/Troubleshooting
- Get help with the App Store on your Mac (was "Troubleshooting the Mac App Store")
- If you can't connect to the App Store, iTunes Store, or other Apple services
- Mac App Store: Finding your purchased apps
(now goes to "Redownload apps, music, movies, TV shows, and books.)
- See your purchase history in the App Store or iTunes Store
- About App Store and Privacy
Listing and Downloads for Mac Firmware Updates (EFI/SMC)
- EFI and SMC firmware updates for Intel-based Macs (now archived)
(No longer has downloads for the latest updates - doesn't even list the latest firmware version numbers.)
- Firmware updates for Intel-based Macs require a GUID partition scheme (now archived)
Backing Up Your Files / Using Time Machine
- How to Back up your Mac with Time Machine
- How to Restore your Mac from a backup
- Use Time Machine to restore deleted files or older files
- Other ways to back up and restore files
- Setting up Time Capsule for the first time
- Backup disks you can use with Time Machine
- About Time Machine local snapshots
("Starting with macOS High Sierra, an additional snapsnot is saved before installing any macOS update.")
- If a Time Machine backup takes longer than you expect
- AirPort Time Capsule: If the Initial backup is interrupted (now reverts to above)
- If you can't back up or restore your Mac using Time Machine
- How to Transfer Time Machine backups from one backup disk to another
(was titled "How to transfer Time Machine backups from current backup drive to a new backup drive")
- How to move Time Machine backups from one AirPort Time Capsule to another (now archived)
- How to Verify, repair, or erase an AirPort Time Capsule drive using AirPort Utility
(Includes what to do if you're selling or giving away your AirPort Time Capsule.)
- If you can't install macOS on a Time Machine backup disk (now archived, no longer updated)
- The macOS installer is designed to prevent you from installing macOS on a Time Machine backup disk.
iMovie Tips & Info
- Mac Basics: iMovie (doc removed as of 2016)
- iMovie (2013): Tips For iMovie '11 Users (now archived)
- iMovie (2013): Removing old libraries after updating
- Update projects and events from previous versions of iMovie in iMovie (2014)
- iMovie '11: Copy or Move a project to an external hard disk now goes to iMovie for Mac: Work with multiple libraries
- iMovie: Using Flip Mino and Flip Ultra camcorders
- iMovie supported Cameras, listed by Brand and Model
About OS X QuickTime Player (see below for DVD Player info)
- How to use QuickTime Player (version 10) to play, record, edit, and share audio and video files on your Mac.
- How to record the screen on your Mac (using Quicktime Player)
- Installing QuickTime Player 7 on your Mac
(may help if you have older media formats or workflows that require an older version of QuickTime Player.)
- Playing media in QuickTime Player that was created by Apple video editing apps (now archived)
- Media formats supported by QuickTime Player (now titled "If an audio or video file doesn't play on Mac")
- QuickTime Player converts certain files before playing them
iOS Devices & Macs that Support Continuity, Handoff, Instant Hotspot, Calling and SMS
- System requirements for Continuity on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Macs (with supported models list)
- How to Use Continuity to connect your Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Apple Watch
- How to use Continuity Camera on your Mac (with list of requirements)
Personal Hotspot and Instant Hotspot (Setup, Usage and Troubleshooting)
- How to set up a Personal Hotspot on your iPhone or iPad
- Use Instant Hotspot to connect to your Personal Hotspot without entering a password
- If Personal Hotspot is not working on your iPhone or iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
About VPNs with macOS Catalina and iOS 13 or later
- VPN enhancements in iOS 13 and macOS Catalina
"Starting with iOS 13, IPsec supports HMAC-SHA-256 with IKEv1 VPN.
To make sure that your iOS 13 and macOS Catalina clients can connect to your IKEv1 or VPN server, configure the server to truncate the output of the SHA-256 hash to 128 bits. Truncating to a smaller number of bits might cause the server to drop data that VPN clients transmit.
Using macOS Network Utility, Network Locations and Ethernet Tips
- About Network Utility (includes the App's location in various macOS versions)
- How to use network locations on your Mac (OS X v10.6 and later)
- Using network locations in OS X v10.5 or earlier (archived)
- TCP and UDP ports used by Apple software products
- Ports used by Profile Manager in macOS Server
- How to use Apple products on enterprise networks
- About the application firewall
- If the Ethernet connection on your Mac stopped working recently, follow these steps to restore it (Apple's article no longer online)
It included how to check System Information to find out which version of "Incompatible Kernel Extension Configuration Data" is installed. If you have version 3.28.1, you need an update.
- Mac OS X v10.4 and later: How to prevent .DS_Store file creation over network connections
(Link removed after HT1629 article no longer online. I saved a PDF copy when it was archived.)
10 Gigabit Ethernet (for some newer Macs)
- (How to) Use 10Gb Ethernet with iMac Pro, Mac mini, and Mac Pro
Wireless Networking and Bluetooth (below are Bluetooth Tips)
- Choosing a Wi-Fi router to use with Apple devices
(Article created after Apple stopped making their AirPort Wi-Fi bases.)
- If your Mac doesn't connect to the Internet over Wi-Fi
- How to Manage the Wi-Fi connection on your Mac
- How to troubleshoot Wi-Fi connectivity (OS X 10.7.x and earlier) (archived)
- How to forget a Wi-Fi network on your Mac
- Unable to join a Wi-Fi network with hidden SSID (Wi-Fi network name) (archived)
Wi-Fi/AirPort Base Station Info and Tips
- How to reset your AirPort base station
- About AirPort base station status lights (LED)
- Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points
- View and edit your Access Point Name (APN) on your iPhone and iPad
- Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring an extended wireless network (802.11n)
- Wi-Fi base stations: Extending the range of your wireless network by adding additional Wi-Fi base stations
- Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring a roaming network (802.11 a/b/g/n)
- Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring a Wireless Distribution System (802.11b/g) (archived)
- Can't add additional AirPort base stations to an extended network if MAC Address Access Control is enabled
- Multiple physical network interfaces on the same subnet may cause routing issues (archived)
- AirPort: Slow 802.11n connection speed when connected using older WEP or WPA security mechanisms (archived)
- AirPort Base Station: ISP provisioning may prevent Internet connection via broadband (cable or DSL)
- AirPort base station: IPv6 Tunnel Error after installing firmware 7.6.3 in router/NAT mode
About Apple WiFi Base Stations and USB Drives
- Using a USB drive with an AirPort base station (with list of Base Station models)
- Uses for the USB port of AirPort Time Capsule, AirPort Extreme, AirPort Express
- How to mount an AirPort Extreme USB hard disk volume in Mac OS X and Windows (now archived)
AirPort Express Info
- Questions & Answers for AirPort Express
(original "AirPort Express frequently asked questions (FAQ)" article HT201577 no longer online)
- AirPort Express: What is client mode? (archived)
- AirPort Express: How to join an existing Wi-Fi network in client mode
(How to use an AirPort Express as an Ethernet to Wi-Fi bridge for a device without built-in Wi-Fi)
AirPort Base Firmware Updates and AirPort Utility Software
- About AirPort base station firmware updates
- AirPort Utility Software and Firmware Downloads
- For Info on AirPlay setup, see the AirPlay topic section
General Bluetooth Info and Tips
- How to Pair a Mac with your Apple TV
- How to use a Bluetooth mouse, keyboard, or trackpad with your Mac
- Bluetooth glossary of terms (and icons) (archived)
- Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference
(was titled "Potential sources of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth interference")
- Bluetooth: Unreliable wireless performance may occur when USB 3.0 external devices are close (now goes to above article)
- If sound quality is reduced when using Bluetooth headphones with your Mac
iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch related Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Status icons and symbols on your iPhone - what they mean
- Access and customize Control Center on your iPhone and iPod touch
- (How to) Use Airplane Mode on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Apple Watch
(Includes a section on how to use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in Airplane Mode.)
- About Wi-Fi Assist (iOS 9 or later)
- Connect to Wi-Fi on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch won't connect to a Wi-Fi network
- If you need help with your Wi-Fi password
- How to forget a Wi-Fi network on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch00
- How to Use captive Wi-Fi networks on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- Set advanced network settings in the iOS Setup Assistant (enterprise, static, proxy settings)
- How to Use Bluetooth and Wi-Fi in Control Center with iOS 11 and later
- How to Pair a third-party Bluetooth accessory with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- How to Pair your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch with your Apple TV
- If you can't connect a Bluetooth accessory to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- Bluetooth profiles that iOS and iPadOS support
- How to Use Maps and Bluetooth on your iPhone and iPad
- About the keyboards settings on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
- (How to) Split and move the keyboard on your iPad
- (How to) Use the floating keyboard on your iPad
Internet Setup, Tips & Troubleshooting (see above for Wireless networking setup)
- How to connect to the Internet with your Mac
- Solutions for connecting to the Internet, setting up a small network, and troubleshooting (now archived)
- Mac OS X: Troubleshooting a cable modem, DSL, or LAN Internet connection (now archived)
- iCloud Terms and Conditions (by Country)
- Mac Basics: File Sharing (HT1549 no longer online)
- How to Set up file sharing on Mac
- Tips for Connecting to legacy AFP services in OS X Lion or later (now archived)
- If Share options or Markup is missing after upgrading to OS X Yosemite or El Capitan (HT203129 no longer online)
- Use iTunes to share files between your computer and your iOS or iPadOS device
(was titled "About File Sharing on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch")
- What's new in Apple Remote Desktop
(was titled "About Apple Remote Desktop Client and Admin")
- How to Uninstall or disable Apple Remote Desktop (article no longer online)
- Apple Remote Desktop: Configuring remotely via command line (kickstart)
(now titled "Use the kickstart command-line utility in Apple Remote Desktop")
About Safari, Plug-ins and Java
- For latest info on Safari, see www.apple.com/safari/
- How to update or reinstall Safari for your computer
- How to use Internet plug-ins in Safari for Mac
- How to install Safari extensions on your Mac
- How to Get Java for your Mac (DON'T install Java if you don't need it.)
- How to disable the Java web plug-in in Safari
- If you see a "Not Secure" warning while browsing the web with Safari
- How to split screen in Safari on your iPad
- How to Use Multitasking on your iPad
Tips for Safari Problems
- If Safari can't open the page because too many redirects occurred
- If Safari doesn't load a page or webpage items are missing
- If Safari is slow, stops responding, quits unexpectedly, or has other issues
- Clear the history and cookies from Safari on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
Mac OS X Mail and iCloud Mail Setup (See below for other iCloud info)
- How to use Mail on your Mac
- Automatically manage connection settings in Mail on your Mac
- Get help using iCloud Mail
- How to Sign or Encrypt emails in Mail on Mac
- Postmaster information for iCloud Mail
- How to Set up iCloud Mail on your devices
- iCloud: Configuring Mail with OS X v10.6 or iOS 4 (now archived)
- iCloud: Mail server settings for email clients
- What to do If your email contains a winmail.dat attachment
- Mailbox size and message sending limits in iCloud
- Using your @icloud.com email address
- Mail Drop Limits
- How to use the Mail app on your Mac to move, delete, or copy iCloud email
- How to Use Mail Connection Doctor (troubleshooting)
- What to do if Mail on your Mac keeps asking for your password
- What to do if you can't send or receive email on your Mac
- Get help if you have issues using a POP email account with more than one device
- If your iCloud mailbox is full
- Identify and filter junk mail in iCloud
- Why am I getting junk mail in iCloud? (now archived)
- Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams
(also see Identify legitimate emails from the App Store or iTunes Store)
iCloud Keychain and Help
- Get help with iCloud
- Get help with iCloud Keychain
- Set up iCloud Keychain
Setup eMail Accounts on iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch
- Add an email account to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- How to Use mailboxes to organize emails on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
- What to do If you can't send or receive emails on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- iOS: Configuring additional outgoing mail servers (now archived)
- Set up Exchange ActiveSync on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- How to Use Markup in Mail on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- How to delete email on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
- How to delete an app that has a configuration profile on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
(Sometimes apps that did this also created a mail account that could not be removed the usual way.)
RTT (Real-Time Text) Calls using macOS Mojave 10.14.2 and later
- Make and receive RTT (real-time text) calls on your Mac
(You can also Make and receive RTT calls on your iPhone with iOS 11.2 & later.)
FaceTime/iMessage for Mac and iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch)
- FaceTime for Mac: Troubleshooting FaceTime
- Using FaceTime and iMessage behind a firewall
- If you can't sign in to your iMessage account or FaceTime on your Mac
- If you get an error when trying to activate iMessage or FaceTime
- FaceTime for Mac: About HD video calling (archived)
- Using FaceTime on iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- Get help if you can't make or receive FaceTime calls
- About iMessage and SMS/MMS
- How to forward SMS/MMS texts on your iPhone
- Use iMessage apps on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
- Deregister iMessage on your iPhone or online
- How to use Messages on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- How to send a group message on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- If you can't send or receive messages on iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- How to use message effects with iMessage on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
(If you have Reduce screen motion on, you can't receive message effects.)
- How to use notifications on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
- If your Apple devices aren't getting Apple push notifications
- Add or remove your phone number in Messages or FaceTime
- How to Block phone numbers and contacts or filter messages on iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch
- Detect and block spam phone calls with third-party apps
- Send photo, video, or audio messages on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- How to Keep all your messages in iCloud
- How to use Business Chat to communicate with Apple and other businesses using Messages.
- How to use the Voice Memos app
- How to Use Digital Touch on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
"With iOS 10 and later, you can use Digital Touch to send sketches, taps, or a heartbeat from the Messages app."
Emoji, Animoji and Memoji on iPhones
- How to Use emoji on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
- How to Use Animoji on your iPhone X and later
- How to Use Memoji on your iPhone X or later
Using Siri on iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Macs, HomePod, Apple Watch, Apple TV
- List of Devices that support "Hey Siri"
- How to use Siri on all your Apple devices
- Ask Siri to play and control video from your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
- Run shortcuts with Siri, the Shortcuts app, or Siri Suggestions (requires iOS 12 or later)
- Do More with Siri (was titled "Do more with Siri on HomePod")
- What to do If Siri or "Hey Siri" isn't working"
- How to use Voice Control on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- How to turn off Classic Voice Control on your iPhone
About the Shortcuts App for iOS
- How to Use the Shortcuts app on your iPhone or iPad
- Apple's free Shortcuts App for iOS (iOS 12 or later)
"Siri Shortcuts deliver a quick way to get things done with your apps with just a tap or by asking Siri. The Shortcuts app enables you to create personal shortcuts with multiple steps from your favorite apps. Start from hundreds of examples in the Gallery or drag and drop to create your own.
Shortcuts includes over 300 built-in actions and works with many of your favorite apps including Contacts, Calendar, Maps, Music, Photos, Camera, Reminders, Safari, Health as well as any app that supports Siri Shortcuts.
Learn more, including comprehensive steps for creating and using them, in the Shortcuts User Guide."
Can be used to make a shortcut to remove Metadata (EXIF) from Photos.
Help with Microphone Problems on iPhone or iPad
- If the microphones on your iPad aren't working.
- If the microphones on your iPhone aren't working.
What to do If the sound is unclear during phone calls, during FaceTime calls, in video recordings, or in apps.
Troubleshooting and Performance Tips for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch
- About iOS performance on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- "If your iOS device is slow or freezes, try these tips."
- If an app unexpectedly quits, stops responding, or won't open
- If you can't download or update apps on your iPhone or other Apple device
Connecting and Using Scanners and Cameras
- If your built-in camera isn't working on your Mac
- List of Cameras supported by iMovie for macOS
- List of Cameras supported by Final Cut Pro X
- Scan images or documents using your Mac
- Set up a scanner to use with Mac
- Solve scanning problems on Mac
(Your printer brand's website/support page may also have scanner software that better supports its features.
Check there for software/driver updates as some macOS updates may affect function.)
- How to Use Continuity Camera on your Mac
(See requirements for usage. Requires macOS Mojave or later on Mac & iOS 12 or later on iOS device.)
- Insert photos and scans with Continuity Camera on Mac
- Get help with the camera on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- How to Use camera modes on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
- How to record the screen on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- How to Take and Edit photos with your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
- How to Take and Edit Live Photos
Aperture Help & Tips
- Migrate your Aperture libraries to Photos or Adobe Lightroom Classic
"Aperture won't run in versions of the Mac operating system after macOS Mojave.
Follow these steps to move your Aperture libraries to Photos or Adobe Lightroom Classic."
- Get help with Aperture 3
- Aperture 3: Support resources
- Aperture 3: How to use Aperture to merge iPhoto libraries
- Aperture 3: Using a unified photo library with iPhoto and Aperture
- Aperture 2: Troubleshooting Basics
- Aperture: Working with stacks
Backing Up and Restoring Aperture Photo Library
- Aperture 3.x: An Overview of the Backup Workflow (now archived)
- Aperture 3.x: Restoring Your Aperture System (now archived)
Tips/Guides for OS X/macOS Photos app
- How to use Photos on your Mac
- How to Organize and find your photos
- How to edit photos on your Mac
- Updating from iPhoto to Photos for macOS (now archived)
(was titled "Get started with Photos for OS X")
- Using the iPhoto Library Upgrader tool
- How to Designate a System Photo Library in Photos
- If Photos can't copy or create a library
- If Photos won't open a library that you already migrated
- If a project you created in iPhoto shows empty frames in Photos for OS X
- If Photos can't upgrade your library because it's on an unsupported disk volume
- How to edit with third-party apps and extensions in Photos for macOS and iOS
- How Photos displays Smart Albums from iPhoto or Aperture
- How Photos handles content and metadata from iPhoto and Aperture
- Photos saves disk space by sharing images with your iPhoto or Aperture libraries
- How to Use Photos and iCloud Photo Library on multiple Mac computers
- How to Adjust the size of your Photos library to store it in iCloud Photo Library
(See below for Tips/Guides on iCloud Photo Library)
- How to Add Photos images to an iMovie project
- About People in Photos on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- How to Tag faces in Photos to find people on all your devices (no longer online)
- Apple support home for Photos app
- How to Get iPhoto 9.6.1 if you didn't update before OS X 10.10.3 (Tips from apple forum)
- You can also check Apple's Photos user forum and Photos support home (covers iOS and Macs)
Guides and Tips for Final Cut Pro X, Motion, Compresor & Logic Pro X
- About Final Cut Pro X
(was "Frequently asked questions about Final Cut Pro X")
- Final Cut Pro X Training resources
- Final Cut Pro X Support resources
- Get user guides for Final Cut Pro X, Motion 5, and Compressor 4
- Final Cut Pro X, Motion 5, Compressor 4: Installation best practices
- How to Back up Final Cut Pro X 10.1 or later
- How to Back up Final Cut Pro X 10.0.0 - 10.0.9
- Cameras supported by Final Cut Pro X
- Graphics card compatibility for Final Cut Pro X, Motion 5, and Compressor 4
- Final Cut Express: Troubleshooting Basics (now archived)
- Final Cut Pro X, Motion 5, Compressor 4: Issues updating via the Mac App Store
- Final Cut Pro X, Motion 5, Compressor 4: Install on multiple systems via Apple Remote Desktop, NetInstall, or NetRestore (now archived)
- Logic Pro X, MainStage 3: Deploying across multiple Mac systems using Apple Remote Desktop, NetInstall, or NetRestore (now archived)
- Reducing latency in MainStage 3
(How to minimize audio latency - 3 settings that influence the amount of latency for the system.)
- About Apple ProRes
- About Apple ProRes RAW
(As of 2019, the following 5 articles now go to support.apple.com/final-cut-pro.)
- How to Use 3D Text in Final Cut Pro
- How to Use clip effects in Final Cut Pro
- How to Import media in Final Cut Pro
- How to Manage libraries in Final Cut Pro
- How to Create and modify share destinations in Final Cut Pro
Logic Pro X Tips
- If Logic Pro X isn't working
- How to Back up Logic Pro X
- Avoid system overloads in Logic Pro X
- Manage Logic Pro X input monitoring latency
- Optimize Alchemy for improved performance
- DVD Studio Pro: Troubleshooting Basics (now archived)
- Motion 4: Troubleshooting basics (HT1885 was archived, now no longer online)
- Soundtrack Pro 3: Troubleshooting Basics (HT3659 was archived, now no longer online)
Audio, Music, CD, DVDs, and Optical Media Sharing
- DVD or CD Sharing Using Remote Disc with a long list of Incompatible Discs
(now titled "Use the CD or DVD drive from another computer with your Mac")
- Get help with the slot-loading SuperDrive on your Mac computer
- Mac computers that can use an Apple USB SuperDrive or MacBook Air SuperDrive
(now titled "How to connect the Apple USB SuperDrive")
(Old compatibility mod (IF enough USB power supplied) was sudo nvram boot-args="mbasd=1" from terminal.)
- Mac notebooks with optical drives: Noises from the optical drive with recordings of example noises.
(Link removed as HT201623 article no longer online as of 8/7/2017 check)
(The 3 guides below were listed as 'archived, no longer updated, but now removed)
- OS X Mavericks: How to Burn a CD or DVD (PH13924 no longer online)
- OS X Mavericks: How to Burn a CD or DVD in the Finder (PH13824 no longer online)
- OS X Mavericks: How to create and use a Burn Folder (PH14048 no longer online)
How to add Disc Eject to the OS X Menu Bar
In the Finder navigate to /System/Library/Core Services/Menu Extras and double click the Eject.menu item.
About OS X DVD Player
- How to Use DVD Player to watch DVD movies on Mac
- DVD Player: About DVD-Video regions (was archived, now HT201705 no longer online)
- How to Turn on closed captions and subtitles on your Mac
(now goes to "Change the subtitles or audio language for the Apple TV app and iTunes Store movies and TV shows")
- Setting up iTunes and DVD Player for digital surround sound (link removed after article pulled)
- was archived, but as of 2019, article HT202029 no longer online.
(Also see notes on Setting Up OS X to Output 5.1/7.1 Surround Sound to HDMI Receiver/HDTV)
Audio Interfaces, Input and Output Tips
- Audio MIDI Setup: How to test for MIDI function (now titled simply "Test your MIDI setup")
- How to Set up audio devices on iMac (Mid 2014) and later
(bottom of page "Learn More" has links to 3 MIDI articles that are no longer online.)
- How to Play high sample rate digital audio on Mac computers
- Audio Midi Setup: Set up external speakers for stereo or surround sound (PH5164 was archived, now no longer online)
- Get help if the internal speakers on your Mac don't make sound
- Set up an audio device on your Mac or stream music from your Mac (now Archived)
(originally was "Connecting your Mac to a home stereo, iPod, iPad, musical instruments or speakers".)
- How to combine multiple audio interfaces for Multi-Output or an aggregate device
- MacBook/MacBook Pro 13": How to use the combination audio port for an audio input device (now archived)
- Mac Pro (Early 2009 through Mid 2012): Audio may not switch when new devices are connected (now archived)
- Mac Bluetooth headset FAQ (now archived)
Enabling Audio Descriptions (to have scenes in videos described to you)
- How to Turn on audio descriptions on your Apple TV
- How to Turn on audio descriptions on your Mac
- How to Turn on audio descriptions on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- How to Turn on audio descriptions on iPod nano
- How to Turn on audio descriptions in iTunes for Windows
- How to Find audio-described content in the Apple TV app or iTunes Store
Audio Tips for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch
- How to switch the audio on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch (now goes to How to AirPlay audio)
- If you hear no sound or distorted sound from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch speaker
- What to do if your iPhone is stuck in headphone mode
- How to use Do Not Disturb on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
- iMovie for iOS, GarageBand for iOS: Cannot send audio via HDMI with the Apple Digital AV Adapter (HT203439) article no longer online but said "Upgrade to GarageBand for iOS 1.0.1 (or later) and iMovie for iOS 1.2.1 or later" to fix.
CarPlay Related
- How to use CarPlay with your iPhone
(was titled "Set up CarPlay with your iPhone")
- How to connect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to your car
(was titled "If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod doesn't connect to or work in your car")
- Play music, podcasts, and audiobooks in your car with iPhone
- How to use Do Not Disturb While Driving
iTunes Basics (see below for iTunes Store topics)
- What happened to iTunes? (not in macOS 10.15 Catalina)
"With macOS Catalina, your iTunes media library is now available in the Apple Music app, Apple TV app, Apple Books app, and Apple Podcasts app. And Finder is where you can manage and sync content on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch..."
- Use the Finder to sync your iPhone, iPad, or iPod with your computer (macOS Catalina)
- Switch libraries with the Music app or Apple TV app in macOS Catalina (macOS Catalina)
- Use iTunes to sync your iPhone, iPad, or iPod with your computer
- Sync your iPhone, iPad, or iPod using your computer
(Below are iTunes related support articles for users of macOS 10.14 and earlier.)
- Apple's iTunes Home page
- Changes in iTunes 12.7 (Now Archived as of Sept. 2018)
- How to Share your iTunes library over a home network
(now goes to Use Home Sharing to share media from a computer to other devices)
- How to AirPlay audio (was titled "Stream your iTunes music using AirPlay")
Download iTunes 12.6.5 with Built-In App Store (version updated Sept. 12th, 2018)
- Apple's Deploy apps in a business environment with iTunes (now archived)
includes a link to download iTunes 12.6.5 with built-in App store.
(I assume v12.6.5 supports iOS 12 devices. The 12.6.4 update allows syncing of iOS 11.3 (and later) devices, which v12.6.3 didn't.)
iTunes for OS X 10.6.x and earlier
Current iTunes versions don't support OS X 10.6.x users, but here's iTunes 11.4 for OS X 10.6.
(FYI to PowerPC Mac owners, iTunes 10.6.3 was last version with PPC support. Per a note down the page Apple doc TS3258 (later pulled), the last compatible iTunes version for OS X 10.5.x is iTunes 10.6.3 and for OS X 10.4.x it's iTunes 9.2.1.)
About iTunes Library and Media Files
- About iTunes library files (Library.itl, iTunes Library.xml) (now goes to https://support.apple.com/itunes)
- How to Locate and Organize your iTunes media files (now goes to Back up and restore your iTunes library on your PC.)
- If your videos from iTunes can't be played on your iPhone, iPad, iPod, or Apple TV (HT203180 was archived, now no longer online.)
- How to Back up and Restore your iTunes media library (now titled "Back up and restore your iTunes library on your PC")
- How to move your iTunes library to a new computer (now goes to above article)
- How to find and remove duplicate items in your iTunes library (now goes to Delete music, movies, and TV shows from your device.)
- How to Delete photos and video synced from iTunes when you can't access the originals (HT204120 was archived, now no longer online)
- Sync your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iTunes using Wi-Fi (now goes to Sync your iPhone, iPad, or iPod using your computer.)
- Use the Finder to sync your iPhone, iPad, or iPod with your computer (macOS Catalina)
- Sync media between your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and iTunes on your Mac or PC (now goes to Turn on Sync Library with Apple Music)
Tips for iTunes Problems
- Resolve USB-related alerts in iTunes
- If you see an error in Finder or iTunes on your computer
- Find an iTunes or the Finder error code (Error code numbers and troubleshooting)
- If you see error -54 when you sync with your computer (was "If you see error -54 when you sync with iTunes")
- If you see error -5000, -69, 13010, or 13014 when you sync music from your Mac (was "... when you sync music in iTunes".)
- Resolve issues between iTunes for Windows and third-party security software (now archived)
- Troubleshooting issues with third-party iTunes plug-ins (HT203395 no longer online)
- If you see Error 3194, Error 17, or 'This device isn't eligible for the requested build' on your computer (was "in iTunes")
(Includes info on how to check your Hosts file)
- About macOS, iOS, and iTunes server host connections and iTunes background processes
Apple Music Radio Info
- How to Listen to Beats 1 and Radio in the Music app
(was titled "listen to Apple Music Radio".)
Apple Music (Streaming) Service
- How to Join Apple Music
- Availability of Apple Music and iTunes Match
- How to Change your subscription plan (was "Manage your Apple Music subscription")
- How to Access your Music Collection on all of your devices with Apple Music
- How to Add music from your own collection to your Apple Music library (now goes to above article)
- How to Sync Apple Music across your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and computer
(now titled "Turn on Sync Library with Apple Music")
- How to View lyrics in Apple Music
- How to Listen to Beats 1 and Radio in the Music app
- If songs are missing from your music library after you turn on Sync Library
(was titled "Get Help with iCloud Music Library")
- How to Delete music, movies, and TV shows from your device (was "...from your iCloud Music Library")
- How to Add and download music from Apple Music or buy music from the iTunes Store
Apple Music for Android Info
- How to Join Apple Music on your Android phone
- If your country doesn't have Google Play, download the Apple Music on Android app from Apple's website
- How to Move from Android to iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch using "Move to iOS" app (from google play store)
iTunes Store/App Store Purchases, Playback and Accounts (see below for Info on payment methods.)
- If you can't access the App Store or other Apple media services, or can't edit your payment information
(was titled "About App Store and iTunes Store availability")
"On May 25, 2018, Apple will introduce security changes that prevent Windows XP or Vista PCs and Apple TV (1st generation) from using the iTunes Store." (Some Apple TV gen 1 users had already reported no support with iTunes 12.7.)
- How App Store and iTunes Store purchases are billed
- What can I buy from the iTunes Store in my country? (now titled "Availability of Apple Media Services")
- If you see apple.com/bill, itunes.com/bill, or an unfamiliar charge on your statement
- If you see a message that says 'Your account has been disabled in the App Store and iTunes'
- Apple Media Services Terms and Conditions (USA)
- Redeem digital copies of DVDs or Blu-rays in the Apple TV app or iTunes for Windows
- Redeem App Store & iTunes Gift Cards and content codes
- If you can't redeem your App Store & iTunes Gift Card, Apple Music Gift Card, or content code
- Send a gift from the App Store, iTunes Store, Apple Books, and more
- What type of gift card do I have?
- View your store credit balance
- How to Delete music, movies, and TV shows from your device
- How to Redownload apps, music, movies, TV shows, and books from the App Store, iTunes Store, and Apple Books.
- How to See or cancel your subscriptions
Manage your subscription to Apple Music, News+, Apple Arcade, Apple TV+, Apple TV channels, or subscriptions you signed up for inside an app.
- Get help with subscriptions not billed through Apple>
- If music, movies, or TV shows from the iTunes Store, Apple Music app, or Apple TV app stop downloading
- Request a refund for apps or content that you bought from Apple
(login at reportaproblem.apple.com)
About Apple Account Payment Methods (and using "None")
- How to Create or use your Apple ID without a payment method
- If your payment method is declined in the App Store or iTunes Store
- How to Change, add or remove your Apple ID payment methods
- If you can't remove your last payment method or use no payment method with your Apple ID
(was titled "If you can't choose None when you edit your Apple ID payment information".)
Apple also noted some older operating systems are no longer able to change payment methods:
"If you can't change your payment method in the App Store or iTunes Store
On June 30, 2018, Apple will implement changes to continue to ensure your financial data is protected when you make purchases on the iTunes Store or App Store. As a result of the changes, you will no longer be able to change your Apple ID payment information from devices using the following versions of Apple software:
- iOS 4.3.5 or earlier
- macOS 10.8.5 or earlier
- Apple TV Software 6.2.1 or earlier*
(* All Apple TV (2nd generation) devices are affected.)
If you're using one of these versions on your device and need to change your payment method, update your device to the latest version of the software... Or edit your payment information on a different device that uses more recent software."
Above from If you can't access the App Store or other Apple media services, or can't edit your payment information.
Authorizing your Computer for Protected Content Playback
- How to Authorize or deauthorize your computer for iTunes Store purchases
(as titled "Authorize your Mac or PC using iTunes".)
- Tips for iTunes repeatedly prompting to authorize computer to play purchases.
(now includes "Windows" in title - no longer has Mac Info.)
- How to View and remove your associated devices for purchases (was "... in iTunes.")
- Missing Shared folder or incorrect permissions may prevent iTunes authorization (article no longer online)
Tips/Help for iTunes Store/App Store Problems and Error Codes
- If you can't connect to the App Store, iTunes Store, or other Apple services (was "Advanced iTunes Store Troubleshooting")
- If you see error 0x80090318 when you try to open the iTunes Store (HT204550 no longer online)
- If you see a -45054 or -42110 error in iTunes
- "Learn how to fix a -45054 or -42110 error. If files or folders that iTunes uses to download purchases are restricted,
you might see an alert message that reads:
"We could not complete your iTunes Store request. An unknown error has occurred (-45054)."
"We could not complete your iTunes Store request. An unknown error has occurred (-42110)."
Apple TV app or iTunes Store Movie Rentals and Purchases
- How to Rent movies from the Apple TV app
(was titled "Rent movies from the iTunes Store".)
- How to Download and stream shows and movies from Apple TV+ and Apple TV channels
- How to Buy movies and TV shows from the Apple TV app
(was titled "Download or stream movies and TV shows from the iTunes Store.")
Mac Models that Support HDR
- Play HDR video on Mac
- Mac models that support HDR video on HDR10-compatible displays, including TVs & projectors.
- Find and watch movies with 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision, or Dolby Atmos
("You can download a copy of an HD movie to your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, or PC, but you can't download a 4K version. You might be able to download Dolby Vision and HDR versions to your iOS, iPadOS, and macOS devices.")
- How to Change the subtitles or audio language for the Apple TV app and iTunes Store movies and TV shows
- How to Find audio-described content in the Apple TV app or iTunes Store
- If you can't stream or watch movies or TV shows from the Apple TV app, iTunes Store, or third-party apps
(Also see Causes and Tips for HDCP Errors playing iTunes Store Protected Content.)
- Connect your Apple ID to your Movies Anywhere account
(was "About Disney Movies Anywhere and iTunes Store")
- Watch iTunes Extras on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, PC, or Apple TV
(now titled "If you can't view your iTunes Extras")
About iTunes Match
- How to Subscribe to iTunes Match
- How to add a computer, iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch to iTunes Match (now goes to above)
iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch Syncing with iTunes, or iCloud
- About the 'Trust This Computer' alert on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- Locate and view your connected device on your computer
- Sync your iPhone, iPad, or iPod using your computer
- Use iTunes to sync your iPhone, iPad, or iPod with your computer
- Manually manage content on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch using iTunes
- How to use multiple iPhone, iPad, or iPod devices with one computer (HT201572 no longer online.)
Troubleshooting iTunes connecting to iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch
- What to do If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone, iPad, or iPod
(was titled "if iTunes doesn't recognize your iPhone, iPad, or iPod".)
- If you see "Software update is required to connect to your iOS device" on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- If your iOS 12 device isn't recognized by iTunes, you might need to upgrade macOS or iTunes (HT209142 no longer online)
iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch Update and Restore
- How to update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- What to do if you need more space for an iOS update
- How to check the storage on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
- How to uninstall iOS beta software (if you installed a Beta version)
- If your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch won't update (was titled "Get help with over-the-air iOS updates")
- Get help with iOS update and restore errors
- If you see error 53 when you update or restore your iPhone or iPad
- If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- If you see an error when you update or restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod
- If you can't back up your iOS or iPadOS device to a computer or restore it from a backup
(was titled "If your iTunes backup couldn't be completed or you can't restore from a backup")
- If you can't back up to iCloud or restore from iCloud backup failed
- About Apple logo with progress bar after updating or restoring iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- What's in "Others" category in your iCloud storage
- About encrypted backups on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
(was titled "About encrypted backups in iTunes" - now also covers backups in Finder with macOS Catalina.)
- Locate backups of your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch (was "find and manage your iTunes backups")
- How to Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings
(was titled "Use iTunes to restore your iOS device to factory settings")
AirPlay Setup and Troubleshooting
- AirPlay system requirements (includes AirPlay 2 and compatible devices/speakers)
- How to AirPlay audio
- How to use AirPlay to display video from your Mac on an HDTV via an Apple TV.
- (How to) Play audio to multiple speakers with AirPlay
- (How to) Add and manage TVs and speakers in the Home app
- How to AirPlay video and mirror your device's screen
(was titled "Use AirPlay to wirelessly stream content from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch")
- What to do If AirPlay or screen mirroring isn't working on your device
(includes Mac, iPad, iPhone, Apple TV)
- How to set up AirPlay on your Apple TV
(now titled "About AirPlay restrictions and Conference Room mode on your Apple TV")
- How to set up and configure AirPort Express for AirPlay and iTunes
- AirPlay mirroring might stop or drop connection on older 802.11 b/g networks
Info on AirDrop for Macs and iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch
- How to use AirDrop to send files from your Mac to nearby Macs and iOS devices
- How to Share content with AirDrop from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
Sharing iTunes Music/Videos, Home Sharing Setup & Troubleshooting
- Get Help with Home Sharing for iTunes libraries (was "Troubleshooting Home Sharing")
- How to Share your iTunes library over your home network
- How to Use Home Sharing to share media from a computer to other devices
(was titled "Use Home Sharing to share iTunes content with other devices")
- How to share GarageBand for iOS songs or Music Memos to YouTube
- If Share options or Markup is missing after upgrading to OS X Yosemite or El Capitan
Family Sharing
- About Family Sharing
- How to set up Family Sharing
- Share your location with your family
- About Family purchases and payments
- Request and make purchases with Ask to Buy
- Share iTunes, Apple Books, and App Store purchases with Family Sharing
- What types of content can I share with Family Sharing?
- If you don't see your family's shared content
- Family Sharing and Apple ID for your child
- How to Leave Family Sharing
Back to My Mac Setup and Troubleshooting
- How to transition from Back to My Mac
"Learn how to transition to iCloud Drive, screen sharing, and Apple Remote Desktop."
- Set up and use Back to My Mac
- If you have issues using Back to My Mac (now "Get help using Back to My Mac")
- Improve the security of your Back to My Mac network (was "Set up security options for Back to My Mac")
- Resolve Back to My Mac status messages in iCloud preferences now goes to How to transition from Back to My Mac
- Get help with multiple-NAT configurations for Back to My Mac (was "Double NAT configurations may prevent Back to My Mac connections". Now goes to How to transition from Back to My Mac)
Mac Displays/Monitor/TV Tips and Troubleshooting (see below for Cables/Display Adapters)
- How to Use True Tone on your Mac (with Retina Displays)
- How to use Night Shift on your Mac (with system requirements)
- How to use external monitors with your Mac
(was titled "How to use multiple displays with your Mac")
- How to use two Mac apps side by side in Split View with OS X El Capitan or later.
- Get help with video problems on external displays connected to your Mac
(previously was "Troubleshooting internal and external displays.)
- How to Use multiple displays with your Mac Pro (2019)
- How to use multiple displays with your Mac Pro (Late 2013) (now archived)
- How to connect multiple displays to your 2018 Mac mini
- How to connect multiple displays to your iMac Pro
- How to Use multiple displays with your MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)
- How to use your iPad as a second display for your Mac with Sidecar
- How to use multiple displays multiple displays with Windows on your Mac Pro (Late 2013) (now archived)
(See Boot Camp section for info on running Windows on a Mac)
- Mac Pro (Early 2009, Mid 2010, Mid 2012): Supported display configurations (archived)
- Mac Pro (Early 2009, Mid 2010, Mid 2012): Issues with 3 displays and multiple DVI, HDMI connections (archived)
- FYI Here's our page with Late 2013 Mac Pro How-To/Upgrade Guides & Tips including display configurations.
- How to use your Mac notebook computer in closed-display mode with an external display
Using an iMac as an External Display (via ThunderBolt/MDP)
- Target Display Mode: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
HT3924 now goes to Use your iMac as a display with Target Display Mode (archived).
(Includes list of compatible 2009-2014 iMacs - but not Late 2014 27in 5K Retina iMac.)
"Target display mode requires macOS High Sierra or earlier. It does not work with macOS Mojave or later."
(Target Display Mode will not work with newer Macs that can't run macOS High Sierra.)
If the above HT204592 link fails, here's another on Using your iMac as a display.
Settings and Tips for Using Apple Pro Display XDR, 4K/5K Displays, Ultra HDTVs with Macs
- (How to) Set up and use Apple Pro Display XDR
- Includes list of compatible Macs and info on how to attach the Pro Stand or VESA Mount Adapter.
- (How to) Use reference modes with your Apple Pro Display XDR
- Includes how to create custom reference modes specific to your needs.
- What's new in firmware updates for Apple Pro Display XDR - v4.2.30 released Dec 1, 2020.
- Firmware version 4.2.30 requires macOS 10.15.6 or later.
- Measuring and calibrating Apple Pro Display XDR
- Fine-tune the calibration of your Pro Display XDR on Mac
- (How to) Change the refresh rate on your 16-inch MacBook Pro or Apple Pro Display XDR
- How to use Pro Display XDR with Boot Camp
- (How to) Use the 23.7-inch LG UltraFine 4K Display with your Mac or iPad Pro
- (How to) Use the LG UltraFine 5K Display with your Mac or iPad Pro
- (How to) Use the 21.5-inch LG UltraFine 4K Display with your Mac (now "Archived, no longer updated")
- Using 4K displays, 5K displays, and Ultra HD TVs with your Mac
(As of March 2020, HT206587 above now goes to HT202351 Use external monitors with your Mac.)
- About overscan and underscan on your Mac, Apple TV, or other display
- Calibrate your Mac display
Apple Display Troubleshooting
- If the power light on your Apple flat-panel display is flashing (PH13995 no longer online)
- If you changed your display's resolution and now there's no picture (PH25438 no longer online)
- Apple computers: Black screen or unresponsive Mini DisplayPort display after sleep (now archived)
Includes note to make sure Mini DisplayPort adapters are Vesa 1.1 compliant.
(FYI: If you have a 2012 or later Mac mini with FileVault enabled and the display doesn't wake from (safe) sleep, this apple doc says a workaround is to type in your password (despite having no video), which will log you in and wake the display.)
Using Projectors with OS X
- How to Use Projector Calibrator in OS X (now archived)
- "If your third-party display or projector doesn't work in OS X" (as of March 2016 Apple appears to have removed this article (HT203514). Sometimes it's temporary but often not. They do this so often it's frustrating. I wish they would list docs like this as archived instead of removing them.)
How to Adjust Brightness on a Second Apple Cinema Display
With an Apple keyboard, hold the Control key down while pressing the Brightness key.
(IIRC it was the Control key instead of Option but don't have a 2nd display to test now.)
eGPU - External Graphics Card in Thunderbolt Chassis
- How to use an external graphics processor with your Mac (macOS 10.13.4 or later)
With a list of supported eGPU configurations - Thunderbolt 3 chassis & graphics cards.
Here's the list of supported Mac models (doesn't include 2013 Mac Pro that has Thunderbolt 2):
"eGPUs are supported on MacBook Pro notebooks released in 2016 and later(1), iMac computers introduced in 2017 and later, and iMac Pro. Your Mac must also have macOS High Sierra 10.13.4 installed..."
1. If you're using a 13-inch MacBook Pro from 2016 or later, always plug eGPUs and other high-performance devices into the left-hand ports for maximum data throughput.
Article also has notes on app support and link to developer page on coding apps to support eGPUs.
- How to use Blackmagic eGPU with your Mac
About Metal/Metal 2 Support (Graphics API)
- Mac computers that support Metal in OS X El Capitan and later.
(Although not listed in the article, Metal/Metal 2 support is shown in System Info on pre-2013 Mac Pro Towers with a Graphics card that supports Metal installed with a compatible OS. See System Info screenshots on our page of reports on Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB in Mac Pros running macOS 10.12.6 or later, including High Sierra.
- About graphics card compatibility between Mac Pro models (only lists OEM cards)
- Mac computers that use OpenCL and OpenGL graphics
Setting Graphics Performance on MacBook Pros with onboard and discrete GPUs
- MacBook Pro: How to determine which graphics processor is in use
- MacBook Pro & MacBook Pro with Retina display computers: How to set graphics performance
- MacBook Pro (15", Late 2008), (17", Early 2009), (15"/17", Mid 2009): How to set graphics performance
Info on Apple Display Defects, Bad Pixels, Avoiding IR/Burn In, Etc
- Avoiding image persistence on Apple displays
- About LCD display pixel anomalies for Apple products released in 2010 and later
- About LCD display pixel anomalies for Apple products released before 2010
- Learn more about Using an Apple Retina display
Apple LCD Display Power Light is Blinking - what does it mean?
See info the error codes for Apple LCD display Power light flashes
LED Cinema Display Audio Tips/Troubleshooting
- LED Cinema Display (27-inch): Intermittent loss of audio (now archived)
- LED Cinema Display (27-inch and 24-inch Late 2008): About headphone sound redirection (now archived)
Info on Apple AC/Power Adapters for older DVI Cinema Displays
- Identifying power adapters for DVI Apple Cinema Displays (20-inch, 23-inch and 30-inch)
Info on Apple DVI to Video Adapters
- Learn about the Apple DVI to Video Adapter (archived)
- Mac Pro (Mid 2012 and earlier): Graphics card video compatibility with Apple DVI-to-video adapter (archived)
- Power Mac G5 (Late 2005) compatibility with Apple DVI to Video Adapter (archived)
Mac Mini specific tips on HDMI/Audio/TV (see above for main Audio topics)
- How to Connect multiple displays to your Mac mini (2018)
- Mac mini (Early 2006 and later): Connecting to a television (archived)
- Connecting headphones or external speakers to your Mac mini (archived)
- Mac mini: About HDMI audio & headphones (now converts to Connect to HDMI from your Mac)
- Mac mini (Late 2012): Audio MIDI Setup shows 96(K)Hz output instead of 192(K)Hz (now archived)
"The audio controller hardware in Mac mini (Late 2012) supports up to 96KHz audio input and output", correcting a mistake in the original specs that listed 192KHz max. (As of Jan 17, 2017 revision, the article title and text still has "Hz", which should be "KHz".)
- Connecting an iOS Device to a TV see below for A/V Adapter Cables for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch.
Mac Ports and Connectors
- Identify the ports on your Mac
- Frequently asked questions about using HDMI with Mac Computers (now "Connect to HDMI from your Mac")
- Mac Pro (Late 2013): External features, ports, and connectors
- Mac Pro (Early 2008 to Mid 2012): About the PCI Express slots (now archived, no longer updated)
- About the external features and ports on your iMac and iMac Pro
(was titled "iMac (Late 2012 and later): External features, ports and connectors")
- Mac mini (Late 2012): External ports and connectors - now routes to Mac mini (Late 2012) - Technical Specs
(HT202638 2012 Mac Mini Ports/Connectors article incorrectly listed 192KHz support for Audio. 2012 Mini max is 96KHz)
- Mac mini (Early 2006) and (Mid 2007): External ports and connectors
- Mac mini (Power PC): external ports and connectors (Archived)
- About Thunderbolt ports and displays
(was titled "Thunderbolt ports and displays: Frequently asked questions (FAQ)")
- How to Connect with Thunderbolt 3 on your new MacBook Pro
(Now goes to an article on Apple's Thunderbolt 3/USB-C Adapters)
- About the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter
- Tip/Workaround If You Can't Boot from External Drives with macOS 10.12.2 or later
MacOS now disables loading an external drive's Option ROM firmware.
Linked page has a workaround and a Terminal command for Early 2015 and older Macs
to restore function without needing special key presses at every boot.
(Apple removed the Terminal tip from their article, so not sure it will still work.)
- About the SD and SDXC card slot
USB and Firewire Info
(Original "USB and FireWire Quick Assist" article HT1151 is no longer online)
- FireWire Ports: Specifications (archived)
- About USB on Mac computers (with USB-C, USB 3.1 Gen 1/Gen2 info and performance tips)
- Adapters for the Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C port on your Mac or iPad Pro
- Charge and connect with the USB-C port on iPad Pro
- OS X: Identifying USB ports on your Mac using System Info (now archived)
- OS X: Low power alert with USB Devices, USB Keyboard, and USB SuperDrive
- above HT203845 article now goes to If a Mac accessory needs more power or is using too much power
(which was titled "Apple Computers and Displays: Powering peripherals through USB".)
About Macs using Target Disk Mode
- How to use target disk mode to move files to another computer
(was titled "Use target disk mode to share files between two Mac computers")
- Mac computers in USB Target Disk Mode via USB-C appear as "unknown" in Windows
- How to use and troubleshoot FireWire target disk mode (archived)
Apple Video Cables and Adapters (DVI, MDP, Thunderbolt, VGA)
- About the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter
- About Apple video adapters and cables (and list of compatible Macs)
- Apple Thunderbolt cables and adapters (and list of compatible Macs)
- Apple Thunderbolt Adapters: Frequently asked questions (FAQ) (now archived)
- Adapters for the Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C port on your Mac or iPad Pro
(was titled "Adapters for connecting a display to the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port on your Mac")
- About the Apple Mini DisplayPort adapters
(was titled "Apple Mini DisplayPort adapters: Frequently asked questions (FAQ)".)
- Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter: Flickering and wake from sleep problems (now archived)
(Above issue was fixed in Adapter Firmware version 1.03.)
- About the Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter firmware update (now archived)
(The above firmware update released in 2009.)
- About Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapters is now titled
"Send audio and video to HDMI displays through Mini DisplayPort"
Includes list of Mac models that can output multichannel audio over Mini DisplayPort as well as video.
Also notes "If your Mac came with an HDMI port, the HDMI port supplies audio and video without an adapter".
(As of August 2017, article is 'archived, no longer updated'.)
- HT203758 was an Apple article on what to do if Thunderbolt Firmware Update 1.2 keeps reappearing in software update or Thunderbolt ports and Target Display Mode don't work after updating. Included notes this may be caused by having a self-powered Thunderbolt device connected when the update is applied. (The HT203758 Article was archived, but now no longer online.)
Apple Video Adapters for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch
- This article on USB-C and Thunderbolt adapters updated to add iPad Pro info.
- About Apple Digital AV Adapters for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
- About the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter (for Macs and iPad Pro)
- Includes info on Model A2119 and Model A1621, Supported Resolutions and Supported Macs, and iPad Pro.
- Lightning to 30-pin Adapter: Using video adapters or other 30-pin accessories (HT202606 was archived, but now removed)
- iPhone, iPad, iPod: TV out support article (HT1454/HT204231) with info on older docks & AV cable kits is no longer online.
- How to Identify counterfeit or uncertified Lightning connector accessories
About iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch connections via USB in iOS 11.4.1 and later
- Using USB accessories with iOS 11.4.1 and later notes
"Starting with iOS 11.4.1, You might need to unlock your passcode-protected iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to connect it to a Mac, PC, or a USB accessory..." (See linked article for more details.)
Apple Magsafe Adapters Info/Care/Troubleshooting
- Apple Portables: Troubleshooting MagSafe adapters
- Mac notebooks: Using and maintaining your Apple MagSafe Adapter
- Mac notebooks: Reducing cable strain on your MagSafe power adapter
- Mac notebooks: Troubleshooting power adapters with a barrel-type connector (archived)
- Find the right power adapter and cable for your Mac notebook (Intel CPU models)
- PowerPC-Based Mac notebooks: Identifying the right power adapter and power cord--US
- Using Apple power adapters, cables, and duckheads with Apple products
(Apple's Power Adapter Replacement Program (U.S. only) ended 1/31/2014)
Apple RAID Cards for Mac Pro and Xserves
- Xserve RAID Card: Identification and compatibility (archived)
- Mac Pro (Early 2009) RAID Card: Identification and compatibility (Original & Early 2009 versions)
- Mac Pro RAID Card and Xserve RAID Card (Early 2009): Enabling system sleep (archived)
- Mac Pro RAID Card or Xserve RAID Card: Volume may not mount after improper shutdown or restart (archived)
- Mac Pro RAID Card: Capacity for four-drive RAID 5 configurations may be different than expected (was archived, now no longer online)
- Mac Pro (Mid 2012 and earlier): Frequently Asked Questions about the Mac Pro RAID Card and Xserve RAID Card
- Apple RAID Utility User's Guide (PDF) (direct link)
("Instructions for setting up RAID volumes on a computer with a MacPro RAID Card or Xserve RAID Card.")
Mac Fusion Drives (Info and Repairs)
- About Fusion Drive, a storage option for some Mac computers
- How to fix a split Fusion Drive
- Preparing your Fusion Drive Mac for the macOS High Sierra install
(Above is an Apple beta program page, it was made for users of the BETA High Sierra install that allowed Fusion Drives to be APFS, which the macOS High Sierra public release DOES NOT support. (The public release of macOS 10.13 uses APFS for Flash/SSD drives - Fusion drives are a combination of SSD/Flash and a Hard Disk.) The linked page includes a step-by-step guide to converting an APFS Fusion drive back to "MacOS Extended (Journaled)" format. Requires a Time Machine backup to restore/migrate your data to the reformatted Fusion drive using the macOS High Sierra Setup Assistant that runs after the install.)
Apple Hardware Test and Apple Diagnostics (see above for Wi-Fi diagnostics)
- How to use Apple Diagnostics on your Mac (for June 2013 and later Macs)
- How to use Apple Hardware Test on your Mac for pre-2013 Intel-based Macs. (now archived)
- Apple Diagnostics: Reference (error) codes
(Info on Startup tones, POST RAM error codes in mac startup problems section.)
- Mac notebooks: Apple Hardware Test may report SNS alert when power adapter is not connected (now archived)
(Errors "4 SNS/1/40000001: IDOR" and/or "4 SNS/1/40000001: VPOR")
Troubleshooting Mac Startup or Power Up Problems (below are macOS/OS X Troubleshooting Tips)
- What to do if your Mac doesn't turn on
(was titled "if your Mac doesn't turn on or start up")
- Try safe mode if your Mac doesn't finish starting up
(now titled "How to use safe mode on your Mac") - Safe Mode also useful for installing OS Updates.
- About Mac startup tones (what the tones indicate)
- If there's an issue with your Mac, it might make one of these tones when it starts up.
(HT201702 article "About Mac Power On Self Test (POST) RAM error codes" no longer online.)
(Older article on Power On Self-Test Beep Definition - Part 2 Archived)
- Mac Startup Key Combinations (for Intel-based Macs)
(Doc on using startup keys with Apple Wireless Keyboards no longer online)
- About the screens on your Mac as it starts up (now titled "If your Mac doesn't start up all the way".)
- If your Mac starts up to a circle with a line through it
- If your Mac starts up to a question mark
- If your Mac starts up to a blank screen
- If your Mac starts up to an Apple logo or progress bar
- If your Mac starts up to error -1008F
(Error -1008F means the Mac tried to boot from macOS Recovery over the Internet, but failed.)
- How to Start Up your Mac in Single User or Verbose Mode
- Graphics performance limited in macOS Recovery, safe mode, or Guest User mode
- Resolve startup issues and perform disk maintenance with Disk Utility and fsck (archived)
- If your Mac doesn't start up from the Mac OS X Install DVD disc (older OS article, now archived)
Zapping the PRAM and Resetting the SMC
- How to Reset NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac
Hold the keys down until Mac startup tone is heard 3 times.
(The original HT1379 article had info on what's stored in it, when and why you should reset it.)
- How to Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) of your Mac (Intel-based Macs)
(Includes what to try before resetting SMC, and what problems may be fixed by resetting the SMC.)
TIP: What the current SMC reset article does not mention for Desktop Macs, is holding the power button down for 5 seconds after disconnecting A/C Power cord. (This fixed a Firewire 800 port problem on my old iMac. Just disconnecting A/C power for a period of time -did not- fix that problem. Holding the power button down for 5 seconds with power cord disconnected did restore FW800 port function.)
How to Reset the SMU on Power Mac G5 (Late 2004 or Late 2005)
- How to reset the SMU on a Power Mac G5 (Late 2004) or Power Mac G5 (Late 2005)
(Article HT1436 was archived, now no longer online.)
How to Reset the PMU (power management unit) on PowerPC Notebooks
- Resetting PowerBook and iBook Power Management Unit (PMU)
(Article HT1431 was archived, now no longer online.)
- PowerBook 100 through PowerBook 5300: Resetting Power Management Unit (PMU)
(Article HT1781 was archived, now no longer online.)
Mac/OS X Troubleshooting Tips
(Apple's HT203161 General Guide to Isolating issues in Mac OS X no longer online.)
- How to troubleshoot an OS X software issue (archived)
- How to test an issue in another user account on your Mac (HT204443 no longer online)
- If your Mac restarted because of a problem
- Resolve issues caused by changing the permissions of items in your home folder
(Apple article HT203538 no longer online.)
- Troubleshooting permissions issues in Mac OS X
(HT2963 was archived, now no longer online. I saved a PDF copy when it was archived.)
- Repair disk permissions with Disk Utility (Yosemite and earlier)
- In OS X Yosemite and earlier, Disk Utility can repair file permissions on a startup disk.
(HT201560 was archived, now no longer online. I saved a PDF copy when it was archived.)
- Disk Utility's Repair Disk Permissions messages that you can safely ignore (HT203172 no longer online)
Reset macOS/OS X Login or Account Password
- If your Mac keeps asking for the login keychain password
- How to change or reset the password of a macOS user account
Change macOS User Account Name and Home Folder
- How to change the name of your macOS user account and home folder
About OS X/macOS Recovery Mode and Recovery Disk Assistant (some articles renamed "OS X" to 'macOS')
- About macOS Recovery on Intel-based Mac computers
- How to reinstall macOS
- Has separate instructions for Apple silicon Macs and Intel CPU Macs.
- If you try macOS Recovery over the Internet, and Mac shows error -1008F.
Means your Mac tried to start up from macOS Recovery over the Internet, but couldn't.
(Article includes reasons for the error and suggestions to try.)
- OS X: About Recovery Disk Assistant (HT202294 article no longer online)
- OS X Recovery Disk Assistant v1.0 (download page still there as of July 2020)
"The OS X Recovery Disk Assistant lets you create OS X Recovery on an external drive that has all of the same capabilities as the built-in OS X Recovery: reinstall Lion or Mountain Lion, repair the disk using Disk Utility, restore from a Time Machine backup, or browse the web with Safari.
Note: In order to create an external OS X Recovery using the OS X Recovery Assistant, the Mac must have an existing Recovery HD."
(As noted above, the "About OS X Recovery Disk Assistant" article is no longer online.)
How to Upgrade to a later version of macOS
- How to upgrade to macOS Big Sur
- Down the page includes info on upgrading to earlier macOS Versions.
- Also before upgrading, check the article on 32-bit Apps.
(See below for info on making a bootable installer, reinstalls/recovery, etc.)
- How to get old versions of macOS
(Replaces previous separate articles on how to upgrade to older OS versions.)
- Enterprise management of legacy system extensions in macOS Big Sur
- About legacy system extensions
- "Some system extensions will not be compatible with a future version of macOS.
In 2019, Apple informed developers that macOS Catalina will be the last macOS to fully support legacy system extensions."
- Downloads of macOS Delta and Combo Updaters & macOS Security Updates are at tips.html#OS.
(Covers current OS version updates plus older OS X updates all the way back to OS X 10.6.8.)
- How to Install macOS 10.14 Mojave on Mac Pro (Mid 2010) and Mac Pro (Mid 2012) (now archived)
Includes notes on supported Graphics cards. Looking for feedback for our Radeon RX 580 in Mac Pros page. Reports on other graphics card models are also welcome of course. (Some 2009 Mac Pro owners have flashed their EFI/bootrom to Mac Pro 5,1 (2010-2012) for later macOS support.)
- macOS 10.14 Mojave - If you see the alert 'Installation cannot proceed with Boot Camp configured'
- "This alert may appear when installing macOS Mojave or later on certain iMac models that have a 3TB hard drive. Learn what you can do."
Read BEFORE you Upgrade to macOS High Sierra or later (info on APFS conversion)
- How to Prepare for APFS in macOS High Sierra (now archived)
"When you install macOS High Sierra on the built-in solid-state drive (SSD) of a Mac,
that drive is automatically converted to APFS.
Fusion Drives and hard disk drives (HDDs) aren't converted.
You can't opt out of the transition to APFS."
Includes info on APFS compatibility with Mac OS Extended (HFS+), FileVault, Boot Camp, file sharing, and Time Machine.
(Also check Apple's MacOS High Sierra user discussion forum, and
sponsor OWC's blog post on Common Problems During and After macOS High Sierra Installation.)
- Installing macOS on a separate APFS volume
- How to choose between APFS and Mac OS Extended when formatting a disk for Mac now goes to How to erase a disk for Mac
- How to Prepare for changes to kernel extensions in macOS High Sierra (now archived)
How to Reinstall macOS and Creating a Bootable macOS Installer
- How to reinstall macOS from macOS Recovery
- How to Create a Bootable installer for macOS
- Covers macOS Big Sur, Catalina, Mojave, High Sierra, and El Capitan.
- Installing macOS on a separate APFS volume
- How to create a NetBoot, NetInstall, or NetRestore image (now Archived/no longer updated.)
- How to install macOS at your organization (for system administrators)
- How to select a different startup disk
(No longer goes to HT202796. Tip below is from an earlier article revision.)
Previously included a tip if you can't boot from an external drive (originally reported after installing macOS 10.12.2 update). See the section down the page titled "If you can't select your startup disk or start up from it" that has a note on third-party external devices that use Option ROM firmware which isn't loaded by default now. It requires keystrokes at each boot.
"If you're in Startup Manager and can't see a third-party startup disk, the startup disk could be using Option ROM firmware. To enhance system security, Mac computers with up-to-date software don't show devices that use Option ROM firmware until you load their firmware. To do that, press Option-Shift-Command-Period while in Startup Manager. If your startup disk appears, do that each time you want to start up from it or from another disk connected to it.
(If you're using a firmware password, the ability to load Option ROM firmware is disabled as an additional security protection.)"
(They removed the original tip on terminal commands for Early 2015 and Older Macs, but a copy of it is here.)
- Use the Mac operating system that came with your Mac, or a compatible newer version
(Original Apple doc with list of OS X versions/builds that shipped with Macs, now routes to above.)
- Mac OS: Versions, builds included with PowerPC Macs (since 1998)
(HT2191 was archived, now no longer online. I saved a PDF copy when it was archived.)
- Mac OS X: About the Archive and Install feature
(HT1710 was archived, now no longer online. I saved a PDF copy when it was archived.)
- Intel-based Macs: "You inserted a disk containing no volumes that Mac OS X can read" alert message
- Intel-based Mac's volumes don't appear on Mac OS X 10.3.9 or earlier.
(HT2528 was archived, now no longer online. I saved a PDF copy when it was archived.)
Mac OS X Install Problems and Error Messages
- "You cannot install Mac OS X on this volume..." alert in Installer
(now goes to How to select a different startup disk)
- Installer reports "OS X could not be installed on your computer"
or "This disk cannot be used to start up your computer"
(now goes to How to reinstall macOS from macOS Recovery)
- Troubleshooting Mac OS X installation from CD or DVD (HT201817 article no loner online)
Reinstalling OS X Server 3.x/2.x for OS X 10.9.x / 10.8.x
- How to reinstall OS X Server for Mountain Lion or Mavericks from the Mac App Store (now archived)
- How to Turn on performance mode for OS X Server
- Changes introduced in macOS Server 5.7.1
- Apple published a PDF article to help with this transition.
DIY Guides on How To Repair and Upgrade 2019 Mac Pro
- How to Install and replace parts in your Mac Pro (2019)
- How to Install or replace SSD modules in your Mac Pro (2019)
- Referring to the SSD Upgrade Kit modules (1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB).
- Kit has 2 Modules. Mac Pro mating connectors are marked "1" and "2".
(See this photo of the 2019 Mac Pro SSD Connectors marked 1 & 2.)
- PCIe cards you can install in your Mac Pro (2019)
- How to Install PCIe cards in your Mac Pro (2019)
- Includes info on using the Expansion Slot Utility.
- How to Install and replace memory in your Mac Pro (2019)
- Mac Pro (2019) memory specifications
- How to Replace the Apple I/O card in your Mac Pro (2019)
- How to Replace the power supply in your Mac Pro (2019)
- How to remove or install feet or wheels on Mac Pro (2019)
2019 Mac Pro Status Light Indicators
- Mac Pro (2019) status indicator light behavior
- Info on Memory Error, PCIe card error, Firmware recovery mode, & more.
2019 Mac Pro Video Card Options
- How to Use the Radeon Pro 580X MPX Module with your Mac Pro
- How to Use the Radeon Pro W5500X MPX Module with your Mac Pro
- How to Use the Radeon Pro W5700X MPX Module with your Mac Pro
- How to Use the Radeon Pro Vega II MPX Module with your Mac Pro
- How to Use the Radeon Pro Vega II Duo MPX Module with your Mac Pro
- Using AMD graphics cards with Microsoft Windows on Mac Pro (2019)
2019 Mac Pro Afterburner Card
- About the Afterburner accelerator card for Mac Pro (2019)
2019 Mac Pro RAID Module
- About the Promise Pegasus R4i MPX RAID storage module for Mac Pro (2019)
Using Displays with a 2019 Mac Pro, including Apple Pro Display XDR
- How to use multiple displays with your 2019 Mac Pro
- How to set up and use Apple Pro Display XDR
(Includes Compatible Macs list and how to attach the Pro Stand or VESA Mount Adapter)
- How to use reference modes with Apple Pro Display XDR
- How to change the refresh rate on Apple Pro Display XDR
- How to use Pro Display XDR with Boot Camp
- What's new in firmware updates for Apple Pro Display XDR
- Tip for Missing XDR Display Presets after a Firmware Uupdate
- How to clean the nano-texture glass on your Apple display
(was originally titled "How to clean your Apple Pro Display XDR".)
Mac Guides to Upgrading/Replacing RAM (some models are not upgradeable)
- Mac mini: How to remove or install memory
- MacBook: How to remove or install memory (2006-2010 models, now archived)
- MacBook Pro: How to remove or install memory
- iMac: How to remove or install memory
- Mac Pro (2019): Installing or replacing memory
- Mac Pro (Late 2013): Installing or replacing memory
- Mac Pro (Mid 2012 and earlier): How to remove or install memory
- Mac Pro (Mid 2010): Registered DIMM support (HT4584 no longer online)
Info on Apple Notebook Batteries and iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch Batteries
- Apple's Tips for Maximizing Battery Life and Lifespan
- About battery health management in Mac notebooks (with macOS 10.15.5 and later)
"macOS Catalina 10.15.5 introduces battery health management,
a feature designed to improve the lifespan of your Mac notebook's battery."
- Calibrating your Mac notebook's battery for best performance (now goes to "Maximizing Battery Life and Lifespan" above)
- About Mac notebook batteries has info on Optimizing battery life, Troubleshooting & Servicing Apple batteries.
- How to store Apple notebook computers and their batteries (was "Mac notebooks: About Battery Storage Life")
- Determining battery cycle count for Mac notebooks
- MacBook Air (Original, Late 2008, and Mid 2009): Using the sleep indicator light (SIL) to diagnose battery issues (archived)
- About iPhone Battery and Performance
- About the battery and performance of iPhone 11 and later
- If you see "Your iPhone battery may need to be serviced"
- About the battery usage on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
- How to Use Low Power Mode to save battery life on your iPhone
- How to Charge your iPhone with an iPad or Mac notebook power adapter
- How to Fast charge your iPhone X, iPhone 8, or iPhone 8 Plus
- How to wirelessly charge your iPhone 8, or Later
- If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch won't charge
- About Apple Battery Replacement and Recycling
(includes info on iPhone, iPad and iPod batteries as well as Mac Notebooks)
About Cooling Fans in Macs and Temperatures
- About fans and fan noise in your Apple product
(includes notes on how Spotlight indexing your drive can increase fan speeds for cooling.)
- Keep your Mac notebook within acceptable operating temperatures
- See how apps affect Mac performance, battery runtime, temperature, and fan activity
(was titled "Runaway apps affect ...")
How to Identify your Specific Mac Model (Series/Year)
- Mac computers with Apple silicon (new Apple M1 Chip Macs)
- How to identify Mac Pro models (no longer lists 2008 and older)
- How to identify iMac models (no longer lists 2008 and older)
- How to identify Mac mini models (no longer lists 2008 and older)
- How to identify MacBook models (no longer lists 2008 and older)
- How to identify MacBook Pro models (no longer lists 2008 and older)
- How to identify MacBook Air models (no longer lists 2008 and older)
Info/Specs on PowerPC Mac Models (most articles now archived)
- PowerMac G5 (Late 2005) (Dual Core CPUs, PCI-Express slots)
- PowerMac G5 (Early 2005) (Last of the AGP and PCI-X slot models)
- PowerMac G5 (Late 2004) (AGP Slot for Graphics Card + PCI-X slots)
- PowerMac G5 (June 2004) (AGP Slot for Graphics Card + PCI-X slots)
- PowerMac G5 (2003, first G5 towers) (AGP Slot for Graphics card + PCI-X slots. All Air cooled)
- Power Mac G4: How to Differentiate Between Models
- PowerBook G3 Computers: How to Identify Different Models
How to Identify iPad, iPod, iPhone Models
- Identify your iPhone model
- Identify your iPad model
- Identify your iPod model
- Find the model number of your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
SIM and eSIM info - iPhone, iPad and Watch
- Learn which size SIM card your iPhone or iPad uses
- How to Remove or switch the SIM card in your iPhone or iPad
- Use Apple SIM with Wi-Fi + Cellular models of iPad
- Import contacts from your SIM card to your iPhone
- Find wireless carriers that support eSIM
- Using Dual SIM with an eSIM
- Get help with Dual SIM with an eSIM
- Get help with Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards
- Learn about Dual SIM with iPhone Xs Max in China, Hong Kong, and Macau
- Use Dual SIM with Apple Watch Series 4 (GPS + Cellular) and Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular)
- If you see No Service or Searching on your iPhone or iPad
- If you see a Cellular Update Failed or Apple Pay Not Available alert after iOS update or restart
Tips if your iPhone/iPad/iPod is Frozen or Won't Power On
- If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch won't turn on or is frozen
- If your iPod won't turn on or seems frozen
- How to force Restart your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch (now just "how to restart...")
- Keeping iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch within acceptable operating temperatures
- Get help with hardware features on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
(HT201401 was archived, now no longer online.)
Tips for Displays on iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch
- Get help with the display on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- Adjust the brightness on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- About the Super Retina display on your iPhone X, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max, and the Super Retina XDR display on your iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max (notes on Brightness, OLED Displays, Burn-In and more.)
Apple TV Setup, Tips, and Manuals
- Apple TV Manuals
- Identifying Apple TV models (includes ports/connectors info)
- How to Set up your Apple TV (includes Apple TV 4K)
- How to restart your Apple TV (there's no power button)
- How to Set up and use multiuser on your Apple TV
Apple TV App/Apple TV+ Compatible Devices
- Devices you can use with the Apple TV app and Apple TV+
- Info on compatible devices including Macs/PCs, iPhone/iPads, Smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire TV.
- Also 3rd party devices, players, TVs compatibility info at www.apple.com/apple-tv-app/devices/.
- Availability of supported apps in the Apple TV app
- Watch movies, TV shows, and live content in the Apple TV app
FYI: See this section for article on 4K/HDR/Dolby Vision movies (no downloading of 4K movies).
and this article about 4K, HDR, and Dolby Vision on Apple TV 4K.
- How to Use single sign-on with your iOS device or Apple TV
- TV providers that support single sign-on with your iOS device or Apple TV
Dolby Atmos with Apple TV
- How to Play audio in Dolby Atmos or surround sound on your Apple TV
(iOS 12 added Atmos support. Article was titled "Surround sound settings on your Apple TV 4K or 4th generation".)
Dolby's Info about Apple TV Audio Settings (from tvOS 10 era)
- Dolby Audio Support on Apple TV (4th Generation and later)
- Includes tips/explanation of 4th Generation and later Apple TV Audio Surround Sound Settings.
(Apple added Dolby Atmos support with tvOS 12 - see Apple article above.)
- How to Turn on audio descriptions on your Apple TV
Updating Apple TV Software
- How to Update the software on your Apple TV
- About Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD (4th generation) software updates (tvOS 11 and later)
- About Apple TV (4th generation) software updates (tvOS 10 and older, now archived)
- About Apple TV (2nd and 3rd generation) software updates
- About 4K, HDR, and Dolby Vision on your Apple TV 4K
(Also see footnote about HDR10 and Dolby Vision frame rates. Some TVs (like 2016 LG OLEDs) don't support 4K/UHD Dolby Vision at 60Hz/50Hz, so 30Hz or 24Hz would be used (or 25Hz for PAL TVs). In those cases Apple recommends 1080P at 60Hz/50Hz instead due to slower interface performance at 25/30Hz.
Update - Although Apple favors framerate over all else and considers mode switching (24Hz for movies, 60Hz or Interface) a negative due to TV re-sync causing a screen flicker, under "Other Formats" there are 4K options for 24Hz HDR, 24Hz SDR and 24Hz Dolby Vision (if connected to a Dolby Vision compatible TV).
Update 2: In tvOS 11.2, Apple TV 4K gets Native Mode/Frame rate matching option that many owners wanted. (See new Apple article - Automatic 4K Apple TV Video output switching of HDR/SDR and refresh rate to match the original video's content. tvOS 11.2 added a "Match Content" option in the Video Settings. Resolution doesn't change, but the option for HDR/SDR & frame rate matching with the original source is a big plus that many wanted. I think this will both increase sales and reduce returns.)
Update 3: tvOS 11.3 added Apple TV 4K support for the "low latency" Dolby Vision profile used by some Sony 4K/UHD TVs. (It's the first HDMI device to support the Dolby Vision profile used by Sony, which is different than the Dolby Vision profile used in other TV brands like LG, TCL and Vizio.)
Update 4: tvOS 12 added support for Dolby Atmos - see this article.
The above Apple doc recommends cables with a "Dolby Vision mark" - tested with 4K Apple TV they say. (Their example 2M Belkin Ultra High Speed cable is $29.95 at Apple's store and its specs list "up to 48 Gbps" - that's next-gen HDMI 2.1 spec's max rate and more than double the Apple TV 4K's listed HDMI 2.0a port spec.)
For HDMI 2.0 4K/UHD HDR/DV use I'd suggest a Premium Certified HDMI cable (HDMI 2.0/18GHz), as short as possible. 6ft Certified Premium HDMI 2.0/18Gbps cables are available under $10. (There's also a free HDMI Premium Cable Authentication iOS App to verify the code on the box label.) I've seen them work reliably with a 4K HDR10 60P movie, although DV on 4K discs are typically 24P. (HDR10 is 10-bit and DV supports 12-bit, but both are within the HDMI 2.0x spec using correct output settings. The test Oppo 203 set to "HDR Auto" always output 12-bit 4:2:2 to the 4K LG OLED, even with HDR10 discs. And per HDMI 2.0 Supported 4K formats, 4K @60Hz 12-Bit 4:2:2 is supported. (4K60 12-Bit 4:2:2 is appx 17.8Gbps, just under the 18Gbps HDMI 2.0 spec max.) Blu-Ray and HDR10 discs are 4:2:0, DV discs IIRC are 4:2:2. 4K @60Hz/50Hz 4:4:4 isn't supported at 10-bit or 12-bit in the HDMI 2.0 spec - too high a data rate.)
- About frame rate and dynamic range matching on Apple TV 4K (in tvOS 11.2 and later)
- How to Play HDR video on Mac
- Lists Mac models that support HDR video on HDR10-compatible displays and TVs.
Apps, Games, Streaming and Podcasts
- How to Download apps and games from the App Store
- Apple TV: Understanding podcast syncing with iOS and iTunes
(now goes to article Subscribe and listen to shows in the Podcasts app)
Contact App developer or Content Providers
- How to contact an app developer
- Contact streaming video content providers for Apple TV
Apple TV Wireless Keyboards and Wi-Fi Help
- Get help with Wi-Fi networks on your Apple TV
- How to Use Bluetooth keyboards with your Apple TV (now goes to doc below)
- How to Use Bluetooth accessories with your Apple TV (4K or 4th generation)
Apple TV Remote Control Info and Tips (hardware remote)
- How to use your Siri Remote with Apple TV 4K and Apple TV (4th generation)
- How to use Siri on your Apple TV (Apple TV 4K and 4th generation)
- How to Control your TV or receiver with your Siri Remote or Apple TV Remote
- How to Charge your Siri Remote or Apple TV Remote
- What to do if your Apple TV remote isn't working
- How to use the orignal (alum) Apple remote for Apple TV (now archived)
- Use a third-party remote with your Apple TV, a guide to learning/programming. (HT201856 article no longer online)
(Some universal remotes like the Harmon series also have Apple TV as a device option.)
About the Apple TV Remote App
- If you lost the remote for your Apple TV
- How to set up the Apple TV Remote on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- How to use the Apple TV Remote app - not goes to above article.
- App store link for Apple TV Remote App for iOS 9.3.2 or later
General Apple TV Info/Tips
- How to Use Display Accommodations on your Apple TV (4th generation)
(Vision aids on Apple TV, like Color Filters, Reduce White Point, Invert Colors, and more. Requires tvOS 10 or later.)
- How to arrange and hide apps on your Apple TV
- How to Enter text on your Apple TV (was "Dictate or enter text on your Apple TV")
- How to change the language on your Apple TV
- About Search on your Apple TV
- How to use Restrictions on your Apple TV
- How to put your Apple TV into sleep mode
Using AirPlay with Apple TV
- Manage AirPlay settings on your Apple TV
(was titled "About AirPlay restrictions and Conference Room mode on your Apple TV")
Learn how to control who can AirPlay content to your Apple TV, use Conference Room Display, and more.
Tips for Apple TV Problems
- Get help with third-party apps on your Apple TV now goes to
If an app unexpectedly quits, stops responding, or won't open
- If your Apple TV won't turn on (and other problems)
(was titled "Get help with audio, video, or power on Apple TV")
- Get help playing or streaming content on your Apple TV now goes to If you can't stream or watch video content from the iTunes Store or third-party apps
- If your Apple TV (2nd or 3rd generation) stops at the date and time screen during startup
- Get help with Wi-Fi networks on your Apple TV
- How to install a configuration profile on Apple TV (archived/no longer updated)
(now titled "Use Apple Configurator to connect to an Apple TV with USB")
- Apple TV (2nd/3rd generation): About Apple TV and HDCP now goes to Get help with audio, video, or power on Apple TV (later titled simply "If your Apple TV won't turn on"). A section on "HDCP" was originally in that article (finally) as of Jan 22, 2016, but now has been removed.)
Resetting or Restoring your Apple TV
- How to Reset or restore your Apple TV to the factory settings
(for info on earlier tips for Apple TV restore problems & micro-USB cables - see here.)
- How to Restore your Apple TV (with Troubleshooting Tips)
Apple Arcade
- Apple Arcade Home
- Join Apple Arcade
- Play games with Apple Arcade
- Access your Apple Arcade gameplay data on all of your devices
- Connect a wireless game controller to your Apple device
- How to Accept a friend request for Game Center
Apple HomePod Setup and Guides
- About Software Updates for HomePod
- How to update HomePod
- How to set up and use HomePod
- How to use the touch controls on HomePod
- How to change settings for HomePod
- If you can't set up HomePod
- What to do if HomePod isn't responding
- How to Reset HomePod
- How to Set up home theater audio with HomePod and Apple TV 4K
- How to create a HomePod stereo pair
- How to add and manage TVs and speakers in the Home app
- Cleaning and taking care of HomePod
- HomePod - Technical Specifications
- How to find the serial number for your HomePod
- HomePod Service and Repair (US)
- How to use Personal Requests on HomePod
- How to use HomePod as a speakerphone
- Using VoiceOver on HomePod
- How to use Touch Accommodations on HomePod
- How to use Siri to play music or podcasts
- How to Control your home with Siri
- How to Share control of your home
- How "Hey Siri" works with multiple devices
- Do More with Siri (was "... on HomePod")
Apple Homekit Related Help and Tips
- Learn about HomeKit and Home App
- Find accessories that work with Apple HomeKit
(list of devices by type/brand - Lights, Switches, Thermostats, Sensors, etc.)
- How to Get notifications for your HomeKit accessories
Apple Home App Setup and Tips
- How to set up and use the Home app
(now titled "Add a HomeKit accessory to the Home app".)
- How to Create home automations with the Home app
- How to set up your HomePod, Apple TV, or iPad as a home hub
Info for Hardware and Software developers at developer.apple.com/homekit.
iCloud Setup, Archiving, Backup and Restoring (See above for iCloud Mail info)
- System requirements for iCloud (includes requirements for using specific features)
- How to Set up iCloud on your Mac
- How to Set up iCloud on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- About Web-only access to iCloud
If you don't have an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac,
you can still use iCloud Drive, Pages, Numbers, or Keynote, Contacts, and Notes directly from iCloud.com.
- How to Change your iCloud feature settings
- iCloud Terms & Conditions
- Apple update on iCloud.com security
- iCloud security overview (with link to Privacy Policy)
- If you enter your iCloud Security Code incorrectly too many times (now archived)
(was titled "About iCloud Security Code alert messages")
- How to Set up iCloud Keychain (was titled "Frequently asked questions about iCloud Keychain")"
- OS X Mountain Lion: Start or stop using an iCloud service on your Mac (PH11453 no longer online)
- How to Archive or make copies of the information you store in iCloud
iCloud Drive Info
- iCloud Drive FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Access iCloud Drive files from your iPhone and other devices (was "Get help using iCloud Drive")
- Set up iCloud Drive on all of your devices
- Add your Desktop and Documents files to iCloud Drive
- Share folders with iCloud Drive
- About collaboration for Pages, Numbers, and Keynote
- Use the Files app on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
- Save and edit PDFs on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with the Books app
(was titled "Use iCloud Drive or iBooks to access your PDF files, ePub files, and books")
- Using iWork with iCloud Drive
- About the new iWork for Mac: Features and compatibility (archived)
- Open older iWork files in newer versions of Pages, Numbers, and Keynote
(was titled "iWork for Mac: Working with iWork '09 files")
- How to Use Pages, Numbers, and Keynote with Box
- About iWork and Box collaboration security
- About storage on your device and in iCloud
- Get help using iCloud storage
- Manage your iCloud storage
- How to Downgrade your iCloud storage
- iCloud storage plans and pricing
- Annual iCloud storage plans
- How to Buy more iCloud storage
- How to Share an iCloud storage plan with your family
iCloud Backup
- What does iCloud back up?
- If you can't back up to iCloud or restore from iCloud backup failed (iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch)
(was titled "If iCloud Backup couldn't be completed or you can't restore")
- About missing information after you restore your iOS device with iCloud Backup
(was titled "Get help finding missing information in iCloud after restoring an iOS device")
(Articles HT204058 "iCloud Backup alert messages" and HT203756 "Understanding alert messages when restoring from an iCloud Backup" and HT201418 "If you need help restoring your device from an iCloud backup" removed as of July 2016.)
- About backups for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch
- How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
- How to Remove a device backup from iCloud
- Restoring an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch backup from iCloud or from a computer when a later version of iOS or iPadOS is required
iCloud Calendar, Reminders and Contacts
- Get help using iCloud Contacts, Calendars, or Reminders
- Get help using Find My Friends (was "troubleshooting...")
- Troubleshooting Documents in the Cloud
- iCloud: Limits for Contacts, Calendars, Reminders, and Bookmarks
- Get help with duplicate iCloud calendars
iCloud Photo Library
- How to Set up and use iCloud Photos
- Get help with iCloud Photos
- Find out how much iCloud storage you need for your Photos Library on your Mac
- How to Manage your photo and video storage
(See above for info on Photos app for OS X 10.10.3 and later)
- Enjoy your Memories in Photos (automatically creates curated collections)
- How to Send photos on your iPhone or iPad with Messages
iCloud Photo Stream (and Sharing)
- My Photo Stream FAQ
- Get help using My Photo Stream
- How to delete photos from Photo Stream
- My Photo Stream and iCloud Photo Sharing limits
- How to use Shared Albums in Photos
- How to use Sharing Suggestions in Photos
- If Shared Albums aren't working
(was titled "Get help using iCloud Photo Sharing and shared albums")
- Get help with missing photos
- How to transfer photos and videos from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to your Mac or PC
- How to Delete photos on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
- How to Delete photos & video synced from iTunes when you can't access the originals
- Migrating from iPhoto for iOS to Photos on iOS 8 (now archived)
(Above are help/tips with mac OS X Photos App)
Problems with iCloud Log In or Verification
- Get help accessing iCloud.com (archived)
(was "Troubleshooting web browser issues with iCloud.com")
- If iCloud asks for the password to your previous Apple ID
- What to do after you change your Apple ID email address or password
- Using app-specific passwords (requires 2-factor authentication or 2-step verification)
- What to Do if You Can't sign in with two-step verification
- About Two-factor authentication for Apple ID
- About Two-step verification for Apple ID
- Recover your Apple ID with two-factor authentication account recovery
- How to Configure macOS for smart card-only authentication
- Prepare for smart card changes in macOS Catalina
- If you use smart card to log in to your Mac and reset your Active Directory password from another computer
Migrating Data from an earlier OS X to a later OS X Version
- How to move your content to a new Mac (using Migration Assistant)
- How to migrate data from another Mac using OS X Mountain Lion and earlier (now archived)
- OS X: Manually migrating data from another Mac (now archived)
Migrating Data from Windows to a Mac
- Move your data from a Windows PC to a Mac (was "About Windows Migration Assistant")
- How to transfer data from a PC to a Mac
- Mac tips for Windows switchers (has many basic tips)
Using Boot Camp to run Windows on a Mac
- System requirements to install Windows on your Mac using Boot Camp
- Covers Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows 7. (Only Windows 10 listed for macOS Mojave.)
- Boot Camp doesn't support RAID (now archived)
- How to install Windows 10 on your Mac with Boot Camp Assistant
- Includes Mac models that are supported by Windows 10 via Boot Camp.
(See below for guides to older Windows versions)
- If the Boot Camp installer doesn't open after using Boot Camp Assistant
- If you see the alert 'Installation cannot proceed with Boot Camp configured' (now archived)
- What to do if some Mac features don't work when running Windows in Boot Camp - install drivers for Windows.
(now titled "Download and install Windows support software on your Mac")
- How to Update AMD graphics drivers for Windows in Boot Camp
- How to use Apple Software Update for Windows (HT208038 no longer online)
- How to Restart your Mac in macOS or Windows
(if you installed Windows with Boot Camp of course)
- Tech Tip: How to Use Boot Camp on an External Drive (assisted by freeware VM VirtualBox.)
- How to create an ISO image for Boot Camp from Windows installation media (now archived)
- How to Set up a Windows partition on your Mac (now archived)
- Boot Camp: About keyboards and key assignment for Microsoft Windows
(now titled "Use your Apple Keyboard in Windows with Boot Camp")
- If you see a "No images are available" error message when you install Windows 10 (now archived)
- If installing Windows 10 on your Mac stops at RealTek software (now archived)
- Macs with Fusion drive: How to find BOOTCAMP partition in Windows installer (now archived)
- If you see a Partition alert message when using Boot Camp Assistant (HT203913 article no longer online)
Info on Older Versions of Windows and Boot Camp
- Use Windows 8.1 on your Mac with Boot Camp (now archived)
- Install Windows 7 on your Mac using Boot Camp (now archived)
- Boot Camp 5.1: Frequently asked questions (now archived)
- Boot Camp 4, OS X Lion/Mountain Lion: Frequently asked questions (HT201189 no longer online)
- Boot Camp 3.0, OS X 10.6: Frequently asked questions (HT201959 no longer online)
- Apple Boot Camp Support Home and Boot Camp users forum
(FYI: An alternative to using Bootcamp (for those that don't need maximum performance) is running Windows (or other OS) on a Mac via a "Virtual Machine" using OS X compatible VM software like Parallels Desktop, Fusion or (freeware) VirtualBox. Check requirements for the VM -and- for the software/app you plan to use with the VM OS. The VM software vendor's user forums are also worth checking for info on compatibility/problems/performance. There are also some 'emulators' (i.e. Crossover, Wine) that may be useful, but generally have more limited compatibility compared to running the full OS.)
Apple Firmware Restoration CD Downloads & Firmware Restore for T2 Chip Macs
These are for use when a firmware update fails (not to revert to a previous version). Each has a list of compatible Mac models.
- Revive or Restore firmware in Mac computers with T2 Chip in Apple Configurator (see below for Configurator info)
"In very rare circumstances, such as a power failure during a macOS upgrade, an Apple computer that has the Apple T2 Security Chip may become unresponsive and so the firmware on that chip must be revived...
This task covers the following Apple computers:
- iMac Pro
- Mac mini (2018) or later
- Mac Pro (2019)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports) or later
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018) or later
- MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018) or later"
(See instructions on linked page.)
Firmware Restore CDs for non-T2 Chip Macs
- About the Firmware Restoration CD (Intel-based Macs) (now archived)
- Firmware Restoration CD 1.9 for Mid-2010 Mac Pro (MacPro 5,1)
- Firmware Restoration CD 1.8 for Early 2009 Mac Pro (MacPro 4,1) and Xserve 3,1
- Firmware Restoration CD 1.5 for Early 2008 Mac Pro (MacPro 3,1)
- Firmware Restoration CD 1.7 (see list of Mac models in article)
- Firmware Restoration CD 1.6 (see list of Mac models in article)
- Firmware Restoration CD 1.4 (see list of Mac models in article)
The Firmware Restore CD v1.4 doc links to an even older v1.3, but the link 404's. In case anyone really needs it, here's the (Archived) Software License Agreement for Firmware Restoration CD 1.3 that has a D/L link. (Update: D/L link now redirects to Apple Support home as of May 2017.)
Apple Configurator 2 for Mac
- What's new in Apple Configurator
Version 2.13.2 changes:
- Support for macOS Big Sur.
- Support for restoring macOS on Mac computers with Apple silicon.
- Web Clip: Configure Ignore Manifest Scope & Target Application Bundle Identifier.
- Bug fixes and performance improvements.
(Version 2.12.1 added support for restoring firmware on a 2019 Mac Pro & iOS VPN features.)
- If your tags, organizations, or Blueprints are missing in Apple Configurator
- A bug in Configurator 2.11 was fixed in later versions (2.11.1 and later).
- Requirements for Apple Configurator 2 on Mac
To use Apple Configurator 2, you must have a Mac with macOS 10.14.6 or later.
Apple Configurator 2 supports the following devices:
- iPad
- iPhone
- iPod touch
- Apple TV (3rd generation) profile installation only
- Apple TV (4th generation or later)
- Apple T2 Security Chip revive or restore on Mac Pro (2019), iMac Pro, Mac mini (2018), MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports), MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018), MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018)
Apple Notes App Help and Tips
- How to Use Notes on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
- Draw with Notes on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- About Notes drawing migration to iOS 13 and iPadOS
- If you're missing notes on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- How to Share your notes on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac
- How to Upgrade your Notes app (now archived)
If you use Notes on an older operating system and then update to iOS 9 and later or OS X El Capitan and later,
you get the option to upgrade your notes and take advantage of all the features the upgraded Notes app offers.
AppleCare and Warranty Help
Forgot Your Passcode for iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch?
What to Do If your iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch, or Mac is Lost or Stolen (and Before)
- How to Locate a lost or stolen device
- Set up Find My on your iPhone, Mac, and other devices
- Use Lost Mode in Find My iPhone on iCloud.com
- What to do if your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is lost or stolen
- What to do if your Mac is lost or stolen
- What to do if your Apple Watch is lost or stolen
- How to report a lost or stolen Apple product (now archived)
- How to protect your data on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
- How to find the serial number, IMEI, MEID, CDN, and ICCID number
(includes tips even if you don't have the iOS device due to theft or lost)
- What is Find My iPhone?
- About Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
- How to Remove a device from Find My iPhone on iCloud.com
- Troubleshooting Find My iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac (now titled "Get help with Find My iPhone")
- How to Turn Off Find My iPhone Activation Lock
iPhone Activation and Unlocking
Before Selling or Giving Away your Mac or iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch
- What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Mac
(including Deauthorizing the computer if it was authorized for purchased iTunes content)
- Erase your AirPort Time Capsule drive before selling or giving it away.
- What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- How to Transfer content from your previous iOS device to your new iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- How to erase your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- How to Set up your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
What to Do Before Sending your Mac or iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch in for Repair
How to Check the Status of an Apple Repair or Problem Report
Cleaning your Mac, Display, Keyboard, iPhone, iPad, Watch, HomePod, or Apple accessory
Other Resources
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