Category: Technologies

If you’re like me, you likely have no less than ten tabs open at any given time. When you work from home on a laptop or desktop, it can be frustrating and time-consuming to try and toggle through each tab to find the one you’re looking for. Instead of doing this inefficient scan, you can split your screen to keep two windows open at the same time. Split-screen mode is great for looking at data for a report, keeping chat windows open while doing something else, or just having a video play on one side of your screen while you multitask.

Fortunately, Macs offer a split screen mode, which allows you to stick two apps (or two separate browser windows) on different sides of your display. That way, you can glance between windows without having to navigate with your mouse or pressing Command + Tab.

Here’s everything you need to know about setting up and navigating split-screen mode on Mac.

How to enter Split View on a Mac

1. Make sure neither window you want to use is in full-screen mode.

2. In one of the windows you want to use, place your cursor over the green button in the top left. Instead of clicking to maximize the window, hover until you see a drop-down menu.

3. Select Tile Window to Left of Screen or Tile Window to Right of Screen. Your Mac will automatically enter split-screen mode.

4. From there, other open windows will be displayed on the opposite side of the screen. Click the window you want on the rest of your screen, and it will fill the remaining half.

5. If you want to adjust the size of the windows, use the slider in the center of the screen.

In Split View, you’ll be able to look at both windows simultaneously. Multitask away!

Read more: This Is One Thing Every Mac Owner Should Know How to Do

How to exit split screen on Macs

If you’re done using the split screen layout, here’s how to get out of it:

1. Move your cursor to the top of the screen until you see the sizing buttons at the top left of each window.

2. Click the red button to close that window or the green button to exit split screen.

3. Don’t panic! Your other window is still open — it’s just hidden in full-screen mode. To access it again, press the Mission Control button (F3) on the top row of your keyboard.

4. You should see two options at the top of the screen: Desktop and whatever window you had in split-screen mode. Click the other window, and use the green sizing button in the top left if you want to exit full-screen mode.

If you’re the kind of person (like me) who might need more than two windows open, you can always manually resize windows to fit three or four on your screen at once. The experience just won’t be as visually clean as using tiled windows.

What is the keyboard shortcut for split screen on Mac?

Mac keyboard shortcuts are abundant and handy, including one for split screen. Start by using control + command + F to enter full-screen mode. From there you can hit F3 to pull up Mission Control, then drag and drop the second app you want in your split screen next to your original window. It should display a preview of what the split screen will look like, along with a “+” (plus sign) next to it. Click back into the newly tiled apps and you’ll be in Split View.

If you want to get into Split View even faster, you can create your own keyboard shortcut. Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > App Shortcuts. You can click the + button to add a command named “Tile Window to Left of Screen” using your desired shortcut. Once you’ve activated the shortcut, your active window will tile to the left side of the screen and you can simply select a second window to be added to your split screen.

Read More: The Keyboard Shortcut You’ll Use More Than Ctrl + Z

Why won’t my Mac do split screen?

First, make sure you’re not currently in fullscreen mode. The split screen only works from the normal window view. If that’s not the issue, go to System Preferences > Desktop & Dock and scroll to the bottom to see whether Displays have separate Spaces enabled. If not, enable it.

If you don’t see that option in the Mission Control menu, make sure you’ve updated to MacOS 10.11 or later. You can check your current OS version by clicking the Apple icon in the top left menu and then selecting About this Mac. If you’re using an earlier version, you’ll have to update by clicking the Software Update button on that screen.

Keep in mind that not all apps support split screens. If you’ve tried everything else and the app still won’t tile in split-screen mode, the app probably doesn’t offer split-screen mode.

How do you split screens on a Mac without full screen?

The official split-screen function on Macs (called “Split View”) automatically splits two windows in full screen. If you don’t want the full-screen view (perhaps because you want to be able to quickly navigate between browser tabs), you can manually drag your windows to fit the desired space. This option gives you a little more customization than Split View.

For more, check out what’s new in MacOS Sonoma and 10 MacOS tricks every Mac power user needs to know.

We’ve all been there. You flip open your AirPods and pop them in your ears, only to find that one isn’t working. Luckily, there’s a simple fix. The same steps apply to the original AirPods, the AirPods 2, the AirPods 3, the first-generation AirPods Pro and the AirPods Pro 2.

If you’re experiencing issues with your AirPods, it’s also a good idea to make sure your iPhone’s Bluetooth is turned on. To do this, swipe down from the top right corner of the screen to launch the Control Center. Then, make sure the circle with the Bluetooth symbol is blue. If it’s not, tap it to turn on Bluetooth.

Making sure your iPhone’s software is up to date can also mitigate any potential AirPods issues. Software updates usually include security fixes and sometimes add new features to your AirPods, so it’s a good idea to check regardless. Launch Settings, tap General and select Software Update.

How to fix one AirPod that isn’t working

1. Put both AirPods back in their case and make sure they’re charging. Let them charge for 30 seconds.

2. Open the case’s lid near your iPhone or iPad, and wait for the AirPods to pop up on screen.

3. Put both AirPods in your ears and play music or a video to make sure audio is working.

How to reset your AirPods

1. To get started, make sure your AirPods are in their charging case with the lid closed.

2. After 30 seconds, open the lid to connect your AirPods with your iPhone or iPad. Launch the Settings menu on your mobile device and tap Bluetooth.

3. Find your AirPods in the list of Bluetooth devices and tap the i symbol next to it.

4. Choose Forget this device. You may have to scroll down to find this option.

5. Once your AirPods are forgotten, open the charging case’s lid and hold down the button on the back for about 15 seconds. The light on the front should flash white.

6. Now, hold your AirPods in their charging case with the lid open near your iPhone or iPad. You should see on-screen instructions for pairing them, just like the first time you set them up.

Resetting your AirPods usually fixes this problem. But if you’re still experiencing issues with one or both AirPods, check to make sure there is no debris obstructing the speaker mesh. Check out our guide to cleaning your AirPods for instructions on how to safely sanitize your earbuds and their case.

Looking for more advice? Check out our iOS 17 cheat sheet and our list of Apple Watch tips.

If you’re having trouble understanding dialogue when watching movies or shows on TV, it might not be your hearing. It could be your TV settings or hardware that’s making it hard to hear speech. Either way, there are some quick and easy fixes.

The most likely culprit for poor sound is the TV’s tiny speakers. The latest TVs may be able to produce amazing images, but with such thin frames, they can also suffer from poor sound quality.

Read more: Best TVs of 2023

If you’re using a separate speaker or soundbar, perhaps errant settings are to blame. One quick fix is enabling subtitles on your TV, but if you want to have the set on in the background, then it’s sound quality we need to rectify. Let’s begin.

1. Check your TV’s sound settings

Television speakers sound terrible out of the box, but most TVs have settings you can use to improve their audio a little. For example, a while back some friends called me to fix their own TV sound — they said the dialogue was boomy and hard to understand. When I got there, I found the soundtrack was distorting at anything but the quietest levels. A look inside the settings uncovered why: Someone had created a weird custom mode that had the bass jacked all the way up.

Bass in particular is the enemy of understandable speech: It tends to hide the frequencies that help us decipher what people are saying. Rather than play with individual bass and treble controls, the easiest thing to do is to try the preset sound modes first.

1. Use your remote to access the TV’s Settings menu, then look for a section called Audio, Sound or something similar.

2. At the top of the menu, there should be a selection of presets such as Movie, User or Standard.

3. While watching a speech-heavy show or movie, cycle through the modes to see which ones sound best.

If you’re finding that the dialogue is mumbly, for example, try a Dialog, News or Speech Boost mode (or if you have an Amazon Fire TV, try this setting). If that’s not available, Movie or Standard is the next-best option.

Also, disabling audio enhancements like Bass Boost or Surround, which often harm dialogue, or Night Mode can help (or not). Every TV and every room sounds different, so it’s worthwhile to experiment.

If your TV has an individual bass control, you can also try reducing the individual level like I did in the example above. Also, a little boost to treble may help improve intelligibility. Once you’ve got the audio as good as you can, simply exit the menu. Press “save” if the TV asks you to, but otherwise, you’re all set.

2. Have a soundbar or speaker system? Try these tweaks

External speakers will sound better than what’s built into your TV, but they may need a little tweaking to help with dialogue, too. Your speakers might be too close to the wall, for instance, or stuffed inside a cabinet. There could be other causes — for example, if you find that people’s lips are moving but speech isn’t correlating, you may need help with a lip-sync issue.

Here are some common fixes for bad sound that don’t cost a cent. First, simply pick the kind of system that you have:

Soundbar

As with TVs in step 1, try setting the soundbar to a speech-enhancing mode, Movie or Standard.

If your system has a subwoofer, it could be too loud compared with the rest of the system. While explosions are fun, they shouldn’t be at the expense of a good story. If you have a separate bass or sub control, try turning it down. You can also try placing the sub in an optimal position with this guide.

AV or stereo system with speakers

If you have tower or bookshelf speakers, try moving them away from the walls and corners, and then point or “toe” them in toward the middle where you sit. Removing speaker grilles will also boost speech by a small amount. These little changes alone won’t be enough to transform Sly Stallone into Laurence Olivier, but they could be enough for you to discern what an actor is mumbling about.

The other thing to try is a calibration, whether via your receiver’s menu or app, or manual. I prefer to do a manual calibration by ear as automated routines almost always need manual tinkering anyway. See CNET’s guide to improving sound quality with your phone.

3. Buy a new soundbar

If the previous options aren’t cutting it, it may be time to invest in a soundbar designed to improve dialogue. Thankfully, excellent soundbars aren’t very expensive, and almost anything will sound better than a TV speaker. The Roku Streambar, for example, is affordable and offers HDMI connections and an onboard 4K streamer. Vizio also makes an excellent range of soundbars.

Read more: Best Soundbars to Enhance TV Dialogue

There are also soundbars specifically designed to make speech more intelligible. For instance, when Zvox branched out into hearing aid design, the company brought the tech to its range of AccuVoice soundbars. The company has models starting at $100 and it includes the flagship Zvox AV357.

Taking the next step and buying a surround system may be more expensive, but it also has added benefits — especially if the system has a dedicated center-channel speaker. In surround mixes, dialogue often comes primarily from the center channel, and being able to increase its volume independently can really help.

More sound system recommendations

• Best Soundbars Under $200 for 2023

• Best Home Theater Systems of 2023
• Best AV Receiver for 2023
• Best Speakers of 2023

Why use an ordinary cane when you can have one that also makes calls?

I found myself asking this question as I unboxed Can Go, a $400 smart cane with built-in cellular connectivity, GPS and activity tracking. The gold-and-black aluminum cane looks and feels almost like any other, but embedded in the handle are a call button, flashlight switch and small screen to show who’s calling or how many steps you’ve walked.

The idea is to give anyone who uses a cane, particularly senior citizens, emergency calling at their fingertips. Can Go has built-in speakers, a microphone and wireless connectivity through a partnership with AT&T announced in early December. The small screen on the handle shows the time, as well as your step count and active minutes. Can Go is an example of tech companies starting to cater to older consumers – but CEO Ahmad AlGhazi says existing efforts aren’t enough.

“This segment of the population is underserved,” AlGhazi said. “We need more innovators in this space.”

You can add an unlimited number of caregivers through an online portal, who will then have access to activity level reports. One caregiver can be assigned as the emergency contact, who you can reach by pressing the cane’s call button. GPS mapping enables contacts to find you in an emergency, while also helping you track down your cane if it’s misplaced. There’s also a fall detection feature, which is in beta, that’ll alert your emergency contact if you don’t take action after a fall. To prevent the call, push any of the control buttons. (For now at least, there isn’t a function for contacting emergency services.)

Around 7% of Americans struggle with walking or climbing stairs, according to the US Census Bureau’s 2021 American Community Survey. Adults over the age of 65 are most likely to report this kind of disability. While a growing number of companies, including major players like Apple and Google, are focused on making their platforms and products more accessible, there still isn’t much tech catering to older adults. In 2021, Amazon launched its Alexa Together service, which uses Echo devices to enable fall detection, activity alerts and emergency services. Safety and peace of mind have also become focus areas for Apple, with Apple Watch features like ECG, fall detection and Walking Steadiness, which tracks how even steps are and the timing of each step.

AlGhazi hopes Can Go will help people maintain independence as they age. Medical alert necklaces can be bulky, he says, and someone who uses a cane will most likely always have it within reach. Can Go’s simple interface is designed to be unintimidating, and despite the tech it’s loaded with, the cane weighs just over a pound.

“That actually was part of how we can make it familiar and make all the technology embedded in a very subtle, simple way,” AlGhazi said. “If you know how to use a normal cane, you could use this product.”

The cane comes with a charging cable and charging wall mount. The company says the battery lasts up to 48 hours, but recommends charging every night.

Can Go’s $400 price tag is obviously a significant hike over the $20 to $40 you’d pay for an average cane, but it’s around the price of an Apple Watch, which also includes fall detection. The argument could be made, however, that not all senior citizens would want something as techie as a smartwatch, and therefore a smart cane could be a more useful investment. Alternatively, medical alert bracelets and necklaces can cost anywhere from around $20 to $40, with monthly plans at around $30.

You can buy Can Go on the company’s website or at Best Buy. You’ll also have to pay a $20-per-month subscription, which is waived for the first 12 months.

Does Max take forever to load? Do the movies on Disney+ pause and stutter? Does the image quality of Netflix look blurry and pixelated? All these issues are often related to the same thing, which can also impact Zoom meetings, gaming online and other streaming-related activities. The issue is your internet speed, and while the best fix is to increase that speed through your provider, other options can help if you can’t get or afford the faster options from AT&T, Spectrum, Xfinity, Verizon or other ISPs.

The simple fixes listed below will help ensure your various internet-connected devices have the fastest possible connection in your home, so they get the most out of whatever speeds you have coming in from the world outside. These tips will work whether you’re streaming on an Xbox, PlayStation, iPad, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV or the apps in your smart TV.

Beyond these tips, also check out various settings to change on your streaming device and how to strategically cancel streaming services to save money.

Upgrade your internet speed for better streaming

Yes, this is certainly the most obvious, but when was the last time you asked your provider how fast its offerings are now? If it’s been a few years, it likely has new services (maybe even fiber) that could greatly increase your download speeds. Recently I switched from 250Mbps cable to 1Gbps fiber for $10 less a month. When I canceled the cable internet they said “Oh, we can reduce your rate by $30 a month, or increase your speeds for the same money.” They, of course, never offered that without me saying I was canceling. Just something to keep in mind.

You need at least 15Mbps download speeds for 4K streaming, but really, you want a lot more than that. It’s also possible there are new providers or services from other companies in your area.

This is definitely the first place to start. If you stay with the same provider, usually it’ll be able to flip the proverbial switch without sending a tech to visit your home. Afterward, you’ll have faster internet. If you switch providers (from cable to fiber, for example), the new provider will probably have to send someone to your house to install it.

Read More: Best Internet Service Providers of 2023

Upgrade your Wi-Fi streaming hardware

The Wi-Fi router that you get for free from your internet provider is likely terrible. I upgraded my router the day before my new internet service was installed and I got a 20% boost in speed just from that. Many providers even charge for their basic routers, so if your provider allows it, you could save some money long-term by buying a good one outright and reducing your bill a bit each month.

You’ll also likely get better range and better signal throughout your home with an upgraded router. If you’ve always had a bad connection in the back of the house, a better router might help with that.

A new or different router might also give you the option to connect via the 5GHz range (“normal” Wi-Fi is 2.4GHz). 5GHz is generally faster and has less chance of interference from other devices. It doesn’t go through walls as effectively. Our favorite all-around budget option is the TP-Link Archer AX21.

Read More: Best Wi-Fi Routers for 2023

If your house is particularly large, or the walls seem to be particularly obstructing, it’s worth considering a mesh Wi-Fi system. These use multiple devices spread around your home instead of one single device. CNET’s favorite mesh system is TP-Link Deco W7200.

Read More: Best Mesh Routers for 2023

Switch to wired Ethernet

Although convenient, Wi-Fi can be quite slow on some networks, especially if multiple people are streaming at once. Wired internet, aka Ethernet, is a lot faster and doesn’t have issues with walls, interference or distance (well, not in a house, anyway). Though running wires can be annoying, it provides the most reliable connection and can be worth doing on your main TV at least.

If you want to use a wire, check your device. Most streamers lack the Ethernet port required for a wired connection, but cheap $15 USB adapters are available for the Chromecast with Google TV and Amazon’s Fire TV sticks. Most Roku devices don’t work with Ethernet, unfortunately. The exceptions are the Roku Ultra, which has a built-in Ethernet port, and the Roku Express 4K, Roku Express 4K Plus, Streambar and Smart Soundbar Pro, which all work with an optional Ethernet adapter.

Streamers with Ethernet built in, no adapter required, are generally more expensive, but they could be worthwhile if you want a simpler hookup or prefer Roku’s system. Our favorite streamers with built-in Ethernet are the Roku Ultra and the Apple TV 4K.

Move your router

Simply changing the location of your Wi-Fi router could help a lot. If it’s on or near the ground, in a closet or at the far end of your house, you could be limiting the signal and speed without even realizing it. Wi-Fi can go through walls, but being high up and with fewer walls between the router and streamer will make a difference. If the router has antennas, positioning them correctly can also help (one vertical and one horizontal).

The same is true on the other end. If you’ve got the streamer in a cabinet, that’s not helping either. In a perfect world, the streamer would have a direct line of sight with the router. This isn’t necessary, but everything you place between the two of them decreases the signal and potentially lowers the speed.

An alternate version of this would be to get a Wi-Fi booster or run Ethernet to a second Wi-Fi router (or the mesh option listed above). If your house is long or large, there are lots of options beyond the scope of this guide.

Limit the number of people on your Wi-Fi

Think of your internet connection as a pipe full of water. There’s only so much water to go around. If you’re trying to stream in the living room, but the rest of the family is also trying to stream in other rooms, there might not be enough “water” to go around. Everyone will have issues.

Who gets priority in that case is entirely up to your discretion.

That said, moving some devices to wired instead of wireless might help that aspect of your overall home network performance. You might also try downloading your favorite shows and movies to devices such as phones and tablets to watch around the house when a balky internet connection precludes streaming.

Test your streaming speed results

An internet speed tester like Speedtest or Netflix’s Fast.com can give you an idea of what you’re dealing with now. If you use the Android or iOS version, make sure to place the phone or tablet near the streaming device to get the most accurate result. With each change you make, test again and see how it affects the signal.

Many streaming problems can be solved with the steps I’ve described. The key is getting the device the fastest internet possible, by any means necessary.

For more, check out Roku tips and tricks to up your streaming game and how to get rid of your old TV.

Note: This article was first published in 2017 but has been updated with new info and links.

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As well as covering TV and other display tech, Geoff does photo tours of things like cool museums and locations around the world, including nuclear submarines, massive aircraft carriers, medieval castles, epic 10,000-mile road trips, and more. Check out Tech Treks for all his tours and adventures.

He wrote a bestselling sci-fi novel about city-size submarines, and also Budget Travel for Dummies. You can follow him on Instagram and YouTube.

It’s a good idea to back up your PC or laptop, but that can require a ton of space. You could invest in an external solid-state drive, or grab yourself 10TB of lifetime cloud storage at a major discount and access all your files whenever and wherever. StackSocial currently has the Degoo Premium 10TB backup plan on sale for just $100, which is a pretty serious bargain considering that the 5TB plan is typically $10 per month. There’s no set expiration for this deal, so it could vanish at any time. We’d recommend getting your order in sooner rather than later if you don’t want to miss out on these savings.

Clearing space on your drive after every big project can be a hassle, and getting to the office only to find you’ve left your external storage or USB drive at home can be a nightmare if you have an important meeting or presentation. That’s why investing in a cloud storage service is so convenient. Degoo lets you upload everything from images, videos and music to software, files and other data, keeping your information safe and secure with 256-bit AES encryption.

With Degoo, you can access your data via your phone, tablet or web browser. Secure file sharing with friends or colleagues is easy, too. One thing to note is that this base plan does have a 1GB file size limit, but there are additional features available through in-app purchases, including a 50GB file size limit upgrade, which might be worth it if you have beefy files to upload. Just keep in mind that those add-ons are at an additional cost. Whether you’re working from home, the office or on the go, you won’t have to worry about losing files just because your hardware fails, and that peace of mind could be well worth the investment.

While you’re at it, consider grabbing one of these NAS deals as well to have an extra copy of local storage for your most important files.

Read more: Best Home Office Essentials for 2023

If you didn’t get all the new tech you wanted during the holidays, don’t fret. Dell has slashed prices on laptops, desktops, monitors and more for its New Year event, making it more affordable to snag anything left on your wish list. Whether you’re looking for an everyday device for streaming and surfing the web or you need a top-notch workstation that can handle all of your projects, these deals can help you snag the right tools to set you up for a successful year.

You can pick up an XPS 15 laptop for $1,749 right now, a $310 savings. It has a 15.6-inch screen with a 1,920×1,200 resolution and 500 nits of brightness, and it comes equipped with Windows 11 Pro and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 graphics. There’s also 16GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage — quite the powerhouse for the price. Creatives, gamers and anyone looking for a MacBook Pro alternative will find plenty to appreciate about this laptop.

Another solid option for the average user is Dell’s Latitude 3540 laptop. This model also comes with a 15.6-inch display and Windows 11 Pro. While it only offers 512GB of SSD storage, that’s plenty for most people. You can also expect up to 10 hours of battery life per charge. It’s down to just $1,249 with this sale, saving you $675 on its usual list price.

If you’re looking at a dedicated gaming laptop at a lower price, the G15 gaming laptop is discounted by $400, meaning you’ll pay just $1,050 for this model with the same amount of RAM and SSD storage, along with an upgraded Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card and a 165Hz display. It’s our favorite budget gaming laptop and it can double as a work PC if you need it to pull double duty.

For a stationary setup, you can nab the Alienware Aurora R15 gaming desktop while it’s just $1,800 — a $500 discount. There’s also a 38-inch curved gaming monitor from the same brand is also marked down by $100, bringing its cost to $900.

Be sure to shop the entire sale selection at Dell or check out our roundup of the best laptop deals happening now to find plenty of other brands including Samsung, Apple and HP.

Now that the holidays are behind us, you’re probably done shopping for the year. And if you have gifts that you or a recipient didn’t want or need, it’s important to know what the big retailers’ return policies are in case you need to make a return.

See below for the return windows and policies of Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy and Macy’s. For more shopping tips, here’s how to cut shipping costs at these retailers.

Amazon returns

When you purchase items on Amazon — even Amazon Warehouse — you typically have 30 days to return them, which is not a lot of time if you’re buying gifts you intend to give during the holidays. My suggestion? Open the item to check that it has all the parts and pieces, and to make sure it’s what you had in mind. If not, box it back up and ship it back as soon as possible.

If you do keep the item that you plan to gift past 30 days and the recipient finds that it doesn’t work for them, they can still get a refund for up to 80% of the total price on an Amazon gift card. They can also choose to exchange the item for another size or color, for instance.

Note that some Amazon sellers may have different return policies.

Walmart returns

If you buy something from Walmart either online or in-store, you typically have a 90-day window to return it. However, Walmart does offer extended holiday returns for items purchased between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, giving you until Jan. 31, 2024, to make a return. That way, if you buy something as a gift during a good holiday sale, you or the person receiving it will have ample time to take it back.

Target returns

If you buy something at Target and decide you’d like to return it, you have 90 days to do so. And if you have Target’s credit card, the RedCard, you have 120 days to make the return. If you’re returning a Target brand item or something from your registry, Target gives you a full year.

Target also has an extended holiday return policy for certain items. Here’s how it works:

• For all electronics and entertainment items (excluding Apple products) purchased between Oct. 1 and Dec. 24, a 30-day refund period will start on Dec. 26, and items must be returned by Jan. 24, 2024.
• For Apple products (excluding iPhones) purchased between Oct. 1 and Dec. 24, a 15-day refund period will start on Dec. 26, and items must be returned by Jan. 9, 2024.
• For mobile phones purchased in-store or online as a pickup order between Oct. 1 and Dec. 24, a 14-day refund window starts on Dec. 26, and items must be returned by Jan. 8, 2024.

Best Buy returns

Best Buy gives you 15 days to return items you’ve purchased, and 14 days if it’s an activatable device like a phone or tablet. If you’re a My Best Buy Plus or My Best Buy Total member, you have 60 days to return anything you’ve purchased, excluding activatable devices.

If you’re returning a gift you received, you’ll get store credit for the purchase price if you return it in a store. If you return the gift by mail, the gift buyer will get the credit.

If Best Buy follows last year’s holiday return policy, items purchased between Oct. 24 and Dec. 31 will have until Jan. 14 to be returned.

Macy’s returns

Any item purchased from Macy’s must be returned within 30 days. If it’s an item from a gift registry, you have 90 days from the event date to return it.

If Macy’s follows last year’s holiday return policy, items purchased Oct. 3 and later have a 90-day return window. This policy would end Jan. 31, 2024.

For more, here’s how to save on your next Target shopping trip. And here are nine Amazon Prime tips you shouldn’t forget.

Did you get a new iPhone for the holidays? While it can be a snap to get up and running with an iPhone, tweaking a few settings can really make a difference with how you use your Apple device. And if you’re new, well, you have an ocean of settings to tweak.

Maybe you’re set up but discover you’re burning through battery too quickly, or you want to save some time and set up a shortcut to turn on your favorite workout playlist as soon as you walk into the gym. Hacks and quick fixes are at your disposal — you just need to know where to look for them.

You’re bound to find some cool customization options, including some that you know and others that you might have never heard of. Want to declutter your home screen? Use your battery a little less throughout the day? You can do all that and more with these 23 iOS settings to optimize your phone’s performance.

If you want to take a look at other iOS features, check out how to unlock your iPhone’s hidden trackpad along with the rest of our iOS 17 tips and tricks.

1. Stop apps from tracking your exact location

Apps like Doordash and Postmates require your exact location to deliver food to the right location or directly to you. But that doesn’t mean every application on your iPhone needs to know precisely where you are at every moment. That’s why you have the ability to prevent an app from tracking your exact location.

In the Settings app, choose an application (like Instagram, for example), tap Location and then toggle off Precise Location. Any app with Precise Location off will only know your approximate location, within a few miles.

Read more: Why You May Want to Revoke Precise Location Permissions From Instagram

2. Turn the back of your iPhone into a button

The back of your iPhone can be used as a secret button to activate certain actions such as taking a screenshot, enabling low power mode or running a shortcut that can automatically play music when you arrive at the gym. The action button on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max does the same, but if you don’t have either of those two models, the back of your iPhone works.

However, the option is hidden deep in your settings — here’s how to find it.

In the Settings app, go to Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap and choose one of two options: double tap or triple tap. You should see a list of actions you can run by tapping the back of your iPhone, like opening your camera, turning on the flashlight and scrolling up and down. Tap an action or shortcut to enable it with Back Tap.

3. Enable Live Voicemail to get real-time voicemail transcriptions

You get a call and don’t want to necessarily pick up, unless it’s important. Unfortunately, the only way you’ll know is if you listen to a voicemail left after the call. With iOS 17, however, you can read a real-time transcription of any voicemail being left. That’s right: If someone is leaving you a voicemail, you can read it on your phone and choose to pick up the call, connecting you with the person leaving the voicemail.

The Live Voicemail feature isn’t on by default, so go to Settings > Phone > Live Voicemail and turn it on. That’s it!

4. Bring back full-screen incoming call alerts

If your iPhone is unlocked and you receive a phone call, a banner-style notification appears at the top of your screen, with a small photo and name or number of the person calling, and the options to pick up or deny the call.

This wasn’t always the default option. In the past, incoming calls would take over your entire display when your iPhone was unlocked. It was disruptive, sure, but it also got the job done. The banner may be a welcome change for many because it’s more discreet and allows you to use your phone while receiving a call.

However, if for any reason you’re not a big fan of the banner and want to revert to the more attention-grabbing full-screen alert, go to Settings > Phone > Incoming Calls and tap Full Screen.

5. Turn off 5G coverage you don’t want or have

Apple touts a Smart Data feature that’s specific to its 5G phones that will automatically switch between 4G LTE and 5G networks based on how you’re using your device. However, you may find that your iPhone’s battery drains faster than it did before. If you don’t want to sacrifice battery life for faster 5G speeds, shut it down. You can always turn 5G back on when you want it, or when service in your area improves.

To turn off 5G on your iPhone, forcing it to always use 4G LTE (even if you have 5G coverage), open the Settings app, then go to Cellular > Primary > Voice & Data and tap LTE. Alternatively, if you want your iPhone to exclusively use a 5G connection when available, you can select 5G On.

6. Fine-tune how much data is used by a 5G connection

If you’re happy with your 5G performance, here’s a network-related setting you should check out. Go to Settings > Cellular > Primary > Data Mode, where you’ll find three options: Allow More Data on 5G, Standard and Low Data Mode.

Even though you can read brief descriptions below the three settings, they don’t paint a complete picture for the first option. According to an Apple support document, allowing more data on 5G will give you high-quality video and FaceTime calls. It also lets your phone download software updates and stream high-definition Apple TV and Apple Music content, and it allows third-party developers to improve their respective apps.

The default setting on this page will depend on your carrier and data plan, so it’s a good idea to check your iPhone and make sure it’s correctly set to your preference.

7. Stop apps from cluttering up your home screen

The App Library is a place where you can quickly find and access all of your applications. And while apps are housed here, all newly downloaded apps also appear on your home screen. This may not be a problem if you download apps sparingly, but if you’re installing new apps on a consistent basis, they can quickly clutter up your home screen.

To stop downloaded apps from appearing on your home screen, go to Settings > Home Screen & App Library and select App Library Only. If you want to find the app, you’ll have to swipe left on your home screen until you reach the App Library.

8. Unlock your phone while wearing a face mask

If you wear a mask in public, unlocking your iPhone with Apple’s Face ID technology can be frustrating. Because half of your face is covered, Face ID just doesn’t work. And while entering your passcode to unlock your phone works, it’s not as convenient.

With iOS, you have the option to turn on a face unlock feature that makes it easy to unlock your iPhone when you’re wearing a face mask. Before the update, you could only unlock your iPhone if you owned an Apple Watch.

To unlock your iPhone with your Apple Watch, open the Settings app on your iPhone and then open the Face ID & Passcode option. Scroll down until you find the Unlock with Apple Watch section (you must be connected to an Apple Watch for the setting to appear), where you can turn on the feature for any watches linked to your iPhone.

If you have an iPhone running iOS 15.4 or later, you can unlock your iPhone while wearing a mask without an Apple Watch. Go to the Settings app and open Face ID & Passcode. From there, you can toggle on the Face ID With a Mask option. It’s pretty awesome.

9. Put the address bar in Safari back on top

The address in Safari migrated to the bottom of the screen a few years back — welcome for those with smaller hands who had difficulty reaching it with one hand at the top. While this move might feel more natural, since it’s closer to the keyboard and where you typically place your thumbs, it can be off-putting since some people are used to seeing the URL bar near the top of the screen.

If you want to put the address bar back at the top of the screen, go to Settings, tap Safari and choose the Single Tab option under the Tabs subheading.

10. Add features that can be used when your iPhone is locked

There are times when you might want to have certain info handy even when your phone is locked. That’s why Apple allows you to enable some features without having to unlock your device, such as the notification center, Control Center, the ability to reply to messages and the Wallet app.

To customize the features you’d like to access on the lock screen, launch the Settings menu, tap Face ID & Passcode and enter your passcode when prompted. Scroll down until you see the Allow Access When Locked section, and toggle the sliders based on your preferences.

11. Make your favorite email app or web browser your default

It’s not all about Safari. On your iPhone, you have the ability to choose your own default apps — at least for email and web browsing. That means that when you tap a link or an email send button, your iPhone will automatically launch the web browser or email provider of your choosing rather than Safari or Mail.

To get started, open the Settings menu and select the app you’d like to set as a default (such as Google Chrome or Outlook). You should then see a button that says Default Mail App or Default Browser App. Tap that option and select the app of your choosing instead of Safari or Mail.

Read more: If You Care About Your Privacy, You Need to Change These Browser Settings

12. Get full notifications on your lock screen

The first time you experience Apple’s Face ID tech, you’ll notice that you can’t see the content of new alerts and notifications on the lock screen. For example, instead of seeing who sent you a text message and what it says, you’ll only see a generic Messages alert.

By default, all iPhones with Apple’s Face ID tech will hide the content of an alert until you pick up your phone and unlock it. It’s a privacy feature that I rather enjoy, but I also understand how it could be annoying (I’ve heard a few complaints from readers and family members alike).

You can change how notifications appear on your lock screen by going to Settings > Notifications > Show Previews and selecting Always. Conversely, you can select Never if you want to keep the content of your notifications always hidden from the lock screen.

13. Turn off (or on) HDR video for sharing videos

The iPhone can record high dynamic range (HDR) video with Dolby Vision. That means your videos are typically brighter, with more accurate colors and improved contrast. That may be ideal for some, but if you don’t want videos that are automatically adjusted, because you want to do it on your own, there is a way to disable the feature.

You can turn off HDR video by going to Settings > Camera > Record Video and turning the switch next to HDR Video to the Off position. Going forward, all videos will be captured in standard dynamic range.

14. Customize your home screen with fancy wallpaper

Another home screen tweak you should make involves your wallpaper or background. Apple has many wallpapers of its own, with a pretty cool twist.

Open the Settings app on your iPhone and select Wallpaper from the list. Make sure the switch labeled “Dark Appearance Dims Wallpaper,” which you’ll see below the two thumbnail previews of your wallpaper, is turned on. Now, tap Choose a new wallpaper and select either Stills or Live. See the circle near the bottom of each wallpaper? It’s half black, half white.

That circle means that the wallpaper has both light and dark mode versions and will change automatically based on the system status of your phone.

You can also set live wallpapers as your background if you’re not sold on dark and light mode.

15. Turn on dark mode to save your battery

Speaking of dark mode, if you don’t want to have to repeatedly adjust your screen’s brightness, you can use your phone’s dedicated dark mode. Dark mode converts all of the white backgrounds in apps to, more often than not, a black background. In turn, your phone is able to save battery power thanks to the darker colors.

Turn it on by going to Settings > Display & Brightness and selecting the Dark option at the top of the screen. You can also just swipe down from the top-right of your iPhone and tap the Dark mode icon in the Control Center.

Apple’s apps will automatically switch to a dark color scheme, and most third-party apps have also adopted the feature.

16. Manage your notifications with Focus Mode

We get a lot of notifications every day, but not all of them are relevant all the time. That’s why Apple introduced a feature called Focus Mode. Think of it as a custom Do Not Disturb feature that’s tailored to specific circumstances.

Focus Mode blocks less relevant alerts while allowing notifications from important people and apps to come through so that you don’t miss anything. You can set up different types of Focus Modes for specific circumstances.

Apple currently offers options for Do Not Disturb, personal, sleep, work, driving, fitness, gaming, mindfulness and reading, but you can also create your own custom mode. You can schedule Focus Modes so that they turn on automatically when needed and display your status in apps so that others know you have notifications silenced.

To get started, open the Settings menu, tap Focus and choose one of the available options to set up your notification preferences. Tap the plus (+) symbol in the top right corner to add a new Focus.

17. Make your screen text bigger or smaller

With a couple of taps on your iPhone’s screen, you can adjust the font size to make it easier to read. Open Settings and go to Display & Brightness > Text Size where you can use the slider until you’re happy with the font size. For a little added oomph, you can turn on Bold Text (it’s just below the Text Size button).

18. Add an alternate appearance to Face ID

Apple’s facial recognition feature, Face ID, constantly learns different aspects of your face with each scan. If you’re struggling to get Face ID to consistently recognize you, try the Alternate Appearance option.

Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > enter your PIN > Set Up An Alternate Appearance and go through the process of enrolling your face again.

19. Disable auto brightness for longer battery charge

Your iPhone’s screen brightness level can have a big impact on battery life. By default, iOS will automatically adjust the display’s brightness based on how much light its ambient sensor detects. But if you want to take complete control, you can disable auto brightness, meaning the brightness level will stay where you set it until you adjust it again.

Open Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size and at the bottom of the page, you’ll find a switch to turn off Auto-Brightness.

Now, whenever you want to adjust your screen, you can do so by opening Control Center with a swipe up from the bottom of the screen on a device with a home button, or a swipe down from the top-right corner on newer iPhones.

20. Triage your privacy settings

The first time you set up an iPhone with all of your apps, you’re bombarded with prompts asking for permissions to access personal information ranging from tracking your location to your Apple Health information or your camera roll.

It’s far too easy to get in the habit of approving everything just so you can use the app, but take a few minutes and go through your privacy settings to tailor what each app can and can’t see. We walk you through the whole privacy process in two quick steps.

21. Use Control Center to access apps with a swipe or tap

The iPhone’s Control Center is a convenient spot to quickly change songs, turn on airplane mode, connect to Wi-Fi or start a timer, but there’s so much more to it than that. You can quickly turn on your flashlight, check on a timer or start recording your screen with a quick swipe and tap.

Customize which apps and features are available in Control Center by opening Settings > Control Center. Remove an option with a tap on the red minus button or add an option by selecting the green addition button. Drag features up or down using the three-line icon on the right side of the screen.

Personally, I like having quick access to the Wallet app and toggles for low-power mode and dark mode.

As a reminder, if you have an iPhone with a home button, like the iPhone SE, you can swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open Control Center. If you have an iPhone with Face ID, you’ll need to swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen where the battery icon is.

22. Organize alerts with Notification Summary

Apple wants to help you manage your notifications in iOS, starting with the Notification Summary feature. Rather than letting notifications pile up on your home screen, you can schedule alerts that aren’t urgent to arrive in a bundle at a specific time of day.

Important notifications like calls, direct messages and other time-sensitive alerts (like the status of your Uber or Lyft ride, for example) will still appear immediately.

To try this out, open Settings, press Notifications and tap Scheduled Summary.

23. Change Siri’s voice

If you’ve recently set up a new iPhone, you may have noticed that Siri no longer defaults to a female voice. Instead, you’ll be asked which Siri voice you want to use, including several more recent options. Once you’ve made your selection, Apple will change Siri’s voice across all of the devices linked to your Apple ID.

You can check out the voice options by going to Settings > Siri & Search > Siri Voice. To learn more, check out our complete guide to changing Siri’s sound. Apple also added a gender-neutral Siri voice option for English speakers.

For more, here are 17 hidden features on our iPhone you should know about and annoying iPhone features you can do something about.