Blog

  • Troubleshooting Profile Migration Issues on New Machines: Help Needed!

    Hello everyone,

    I appreciate any assistance you can provide. I recently purchased a 2021 M1 MacBook Pro 16 to replace my older 2019 MacBook Pro.

    It’s a powerful upgrade, and I’ve typically relied on Migration Assistant for transferring data, but I’m encountering some issues this time. I am unable to get the 2019 MacBook Pro to show up in Target Disk Mode when connected to the new M1 MacBook Pro via a USB-C cable.

    I’ve tested multiple cables, and the current one works perfectly with other devices, including my Mac adapter. In addition to the Target Disk Mode, I attempted to set up a temporary Admin account on the M1 Mac and tried transferring files over WiFi while both computers were on the same network.

    Unfortunately, this method didn’t yield any results either, as the 2019 MacBook Pro did not appear. Any insights or solutions you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

    Thank you!

  • Searching for the perfect monitor to pair with your Mac Mini M4

    Hello everyone,

    I hope you’re doing well. I’m currently considering upgrading my setup from my two 27″ Dell monitors, which I enjoy, to a larger 32″ monitor. However, I have a few questions regarding compatibility, particularly with a specific USB-C monitor mentioned in an example I came across. Halfway down the page it states that the monitor “works with devices on macOS” and specifies that it has been tested with Mac devices, ensuring compatibility.

    Yet, I noticed that this information is missing for the 32″ variation of the same monitor. This leads me to wonder what variable should I be focusing on when assessing which monitors will work with my current setup. Additionally, I would like to understand why some monitors function seamlessly while others do not. I’ve recently installed an application called BetterDisplay, which has greatly enhanced my experience by allowing variable resolution and scaling.

    My question is whether software might resolve potential compatibility issues I could face with the new monitor. I appreciate any insights or clarifications you might have regarding these concerns. Thank you!

  • Is the M4 Air a viable replacement for the iPad?

    Hello everyone,

    I am seeking advice on what will likely be my final Apple purchase for the next five years, as it will ensure that all my devices continue receiving software updates over this timeframe. As a student on a somewhat tight budget, I currently own a Mac Mini M4 (16GB RAM, 256GB storage) gifted to me at Christmas and an iPad Mini 6th gen (256GB, 5G) paired with an Apple Pencil 2. I use these devices for schoolwork, but I anticipate needing CAD software in three years, at which point I plan to purchase a Windows machine. For now, I’m focused on consolidating my workflow and believe that a MacBook Air (16GB RAM, 256GB storage) would suit my needs, but I’d appreciate some additional perspectives.

    Initially, I relied on the iPad as a replacement for a school-issued Chromebook, which worked out well. The addition of the Apple Pencil transformed it into an effective digital notepad. I enjoy taking digital notes and am curious about how well I can utilize the MacBook’s trackpad for note-taking. However, I have accumulated a substantial amount of stationery over time.

    I feel that paper notes may facilitate communication with my teachers better than digital notes, as I prefer not to draw attention with my elaborate digital setup. Additionally, staring at my iPad for about seven hours a day raises concerns about my eyesight. Another consideration is the potential overlap with my Mac Mini, which I don’t intend to sell since it was a gift. I plan to sell the iPad to a family member for $350.

    I’m contemplating the practicality of having two M4 Macs. The new MacBook could run on a power adapter instead of relying on its battery when stationary, drive the same 27” 4K monitor as the Mini, and offer a quality built-in keyboard, unlike my current, less reliable one. I can afford the price difference, especially with educational pricing and by selling the free AirPods I received. Before making a decision, I want to ensure that choosing the M4 Air is the right move and that my plan makes sense.

    Thank you for any insights you can provide!

  • New Apple Users Encounter ‘Apple Account Cannot Be Created’ Issue

    I am assisting a family member in setting up their new MacBook Air M4, and they are a first-time Apple product owner. During the setup process, I was guiding them over the phone when they encountered an issue creating their Apple ID.

    The system repeatedly displayed a message stating that the Apple ID could not be created at that time. Despite the setback with the Apple ID, they continued the setup and proceeded to explore the computer’s features.

    We attempted to troubleshoot the Apple ID issue by watching some online videos together, but unfortunately, we were unable to resolve the problem. There could be several reasons for not being able to create an Apple ID.

    It could be a temporary issue related to Apple’s servers, which might be down or experiencing high traffic. It’s also possible that the family member’s internet connection was unstable at the time, which could have hindered the process.

    Another common reason could be related to the information being entered; if there are discrepancies or if the desired Apple ID name is already in use, the system may prevent creation. Additionally, there could be age restrictions if the family member is under a certain age, requiring parental consent to create an account.

    To resolve the situation, I recommend trying to create the Apple ID again after some time, ensuring a stable internet connection. It’s also a good idea to double-check the information being entered for accuracy.

    If the issue persists, reaching out to Apple Support directly might be the best course of action. They can provide more specific guidance and assistance for this issue.

  • Need a PIN to Access Apps?

    If you’re looking to prevent your kids from downloading apps on your Apple TV, you can definitely manage this through privacy settings. While there isn’t a direct setting that requires a PIN or password for app downloads specifically, you can restrict access to the App Store entirely.

    To do this, you should navigate to the Settings on your Apple TV. From there, go to the “General” section and then select “Restrictions.”

    You will need to enable restrictions and create a passcode. Once restrictions are active, you can choose to disable the App Store, which will stop any app downloads altogether.

    You may encounter an issue if some apps are already available on your other devices. In such cases, when you visit the App Store on your Apple TV, it might show a download option rather than “Get.”

    This can lead to confusion, especially if your kids are seeing the option to download apps that are already linked to your account. To solve this, remember that even if the apps are on your other devices, restricting the App Store on your Apple TV will prevent any downloading.

    You might also want to consider directly managing app downloads by not sharing your Apple ID with your children, which can help avoid future downloads across devices. Just ensure your devices are kept within your control to maintain the restrictions you’ve set in place.

  • Apple TV Disconnecting from Wi-Fi: Troubleshooting Tips on MacRumors Forums

    I am experiencing intermittent Wi-Fi issues with my Apple TV (model A2843), which is a few years old. The device occasionally loses its Wi-Fi signal, but interestingly, this issue does not affect any of my other devices connected to the network. Furthermore, I haven’t made any recent changes to my router settings that could explain the connectivity problems.

    The disconnections occur across multiple apps, including PBS Kids Video and Tablo, indicating that the issue is not isolated to a specific application. In an attempt to resolve the situation, I have restarted the Apple TV and gone through the process of forgetting and re-adding the network. Unfortunately, neither of these steps has solved the problem.

    Given that my other devices maintain a stable connection without any issues, I am beginning to wonder if the Wi-Fi component in my Apple TV might be malfunctioning. It’s concerning that this specific device is experiencing these connectivity problems, especially since the router works perfectly for everything else in my home. I would appreciate any insights into whether this could be a hardware issue with the Apple TV or if there might be other troubleshooting steps I haven’t considered yet.

    Have other users encountered similar issues with their Apple TVs, and is there a way to determine if the device’s Wi-Fi capabilities are at fault?

  • Why Is My iPhone Prompting to Relocate My Apple Watch?

    I used to own an Apple Watch Ultra, but I decided to give it to my dad. After handing it over, I reset the watch and set it up using his Apple ID. Now, all calls and notifications are correctly routed to his phone number and iPhone. However, I periodically receive notifications on my own iPhone that prompt me to move the Apple Watch to my phone.

    This situation is somewhat confusing. It seems like the notifications are a result of the Apple Watch still being associated with my iPhone in some capacity, even after the transfer to my dad’s account. The Apple Watch Ultra, like other devices, is designed to pair exclusively with one iPhone at a time. If the previous association with my iPhone hasn’t been properly severed, it could lead to these persistent notifications.

    To stop these notifications, I might need to ensure that the Apple Watch has been completely unlinked from my Apple ID. This can usually be achieved by checking the Apple ID settings on my iPhone and confirming that the Apple Watch is no longer listed as paired. Alternatively, I might consider resetting my iPhone’s Bluetooth settings or even reaching out to Apple Support for assistance. In summary, it seems there was a misstep in the unpairing process when I transferred the watch to my dad’s account.

    Correcting this should eliminate the notifications I am receiving on my iPhone, allowing things to run smoothly for both of us.

  • Has a recent update caused issues with phones and watches?

    Over the past two days, I’ve experienced persistent issues with both my watch and my phone. They have been incessantly requesting my location and asking for permissions related to the weather app and the weather widget.

    Additionally, the watch face only partially displays the time. Whenever I switch to another watch face, the problem seems to persist.

    It’s particularly frustrating that the ultra face, which shows the weather and sunset information on the second bar at the top, also appears to be malfunctioning. I’ve noticed numerous pop-up notifications concerning the weather, which have only added to my confusion.

    I can’t pinpoint anything specific that I’ve changed or done to trigger this issue. In an attempt to resolve these problems, I’ve tried rebooting both my phone and my watch.

    However, that hasn’t yielded any improvements. As of now, I haven’t undertaken a complete reset of either device, as I hope to find a simpler solution.

    This situation has left me puzzled, as I’ve not made any recent adjustments that would warrant such behavior from my devices. I remain hopeful that a straightforward fix will soon become apparent, allowing both the watch and phone to function as intended.

  • iOS 18.1 Battery Charge Limit Shortcut – Discuss It on MacRumors Forums

    With the iPhone 16 Pro running iOS 18.1, users have the ability to create shortcuts that adjust the charging settings of their device. Specifically, you can set a shortcut to change the battery charge limit from the standard 80% to the full 100%.

    Additionally, it’s possible to disable the optimized battery charging feature temporarily, mimicking the “until tomorrow” option that iOS offers for one-time adjustments. This functionality would be greatly enhanced by the inclusion of a dedicated button in the Control Center.

    Such a button could automate these command sequences, providing a seamless experience for users who wish to manage their battery settings quickly and efficiently. Being able to easily change battery charging limits and disable optimizing settings on demand would allow for greater flexibility, especially for those who may need their devices to be fully charged for specific tasks or trips.

    Overall, these improvements could greatly enhance the user experience, making it more intuitive and convenient to manage battery health and performance. Having a simple, accessible option in the Control Center would empower users to take control of their device’s charging behavior without navigating through multiple settings menus.

    Thank you for considering these suggestions, as they could lead to a stronger user experience for iPhone enthusiasts.

  • iOS 18 Beta 3: What’s New? Bug Fixes, Changes, and Improvements Discussed on MacRumors Forums

    The iOS 18 Beta 3 was released on July 8, 2024. This beta version is identified by the build number 22A5307f and is based on Darwin Kernel Version 24.0.0, dated July 3, 2024. Following this, the revised build or public beta was made available on July 15, 2024, with the build number 22A5307i.

    In terms of updates, the release notes for iOS 18 highlight some new issues alongside resolved problems and remaining concerns. Notably, a significant improvement has been made concerning the Mail app, which now accurately registers events for marking iCloud mail as read, unread, or trashed from other devices when Fetch New Data is set to “Push” in the settings. It’s important to note that even with these enhancements, a slight delay in fetching events may still occur.

    Users participating in the beta are encouraged to report bugs via the Feedback app. If users prefer to disable beta settings, they can access the Feedback app through a specific URL entered in Safari. For installation, iOS 18 beta can be installed over-the-air or using a Mac.

    When using a Mac, users must enable Beta Updates and ensure they are signed into the appropriate Apple Account. Make sure to back up data before installing the beta. Restoring an iPhone necessitates a stable internet connection and recommends a backup in case of data loss.

    As for device compatibility, the beta supports a wide range of iPhone models from the latest iPhone 15 series to older versions like the iPhone XR and XS. Various carriers across different countries also back the beta, enhancing accessibility for global users.