<![CDATA[Geeks for your information

<![CDATA[Geeks for your information - Tips and tricks]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/ Sun, 03 May 2026 10:26:39 +0000 MyBB <![CDATA[Four iOS 26 Features That Quickly Became Everyday Tools]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=21493 Sat, 24 Jan 2026 08:11:19 +0000 harlan4096]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=21493 Quote:iOS 26 Focuses On Practical Improvements

iOS 26 delivers the usual long list of refinements, but only a handful of additions meaningfully change how the iPhone is used day to day. Several of the update’s smaller features improve core apps rather than introducing flashy new modes.

These four additions stand out for their frequency of use rather than their novelty.

1. Adaptive Toolbar Makes Notes Easier To Use

Context-Aware Editing Controls

Apple Notes gains an Adaptive Toolbar in iOS 26 that changes based on what you are doing inside a note. When editing text, formatting tools such as bold, italics, underline, and highlight appear automatically. Selecting multiple lines brings up list controls, indentation, and block quote options.

[Image: photo_2026-01-24_09-10-33-scaled.jpg]

[Image: photo_2026-01-24_09-10-33-scaled.jpg]

The full toolbar remains accessible with a swipe, but most common tools are surfaced automatically. This reduces clutter and makes features easier to discover without digging through menus.

2. Preview Comes To iPhone

Better PDF And Document Handling

The arrival of Preview on iOS brings Mac-style document handling to the iPhone. While many of its tools previously existed inside the Files app, Preview separates document viewing from file navigation.

[Image: photo_2026-01-24_09-13-19.jpg]

This makes it easier to keep a PDF open while browsing folders in Files, particularly when working with multiple documents. The setup feels closer to macOS-style multitasking and is especially useful for reading and comparing PDFs.

Continue Reading... ]]> <![CDATA[How to enable Stolen Device Protection on iPhone]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=19701 Thu, 25 Jan 2024 07:27:45 +0000 harlan4096]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=19701 Quote:Apple released iOS 17.3 this week, which brought an important security feature. Here's how to enable Stolen Device Protection on your iPhone.

How does Stolen Device Protection work?

Normally, when an iPhone is stolen, a thief who knows the device's passcode, may remove the Apple ID or reset the device.

Stolen Device Protection forces biometric authentication, i.e. Face ID or Touch ID, to perform sensitive actions such as accessing the passwords or passkeys saved in iCloud Keychain, disable Lost Mode, factory reset the phone, or use the iPhone to set up a new device. The security feature also prevents access to financial data such as autofill payment methods saved in Safari, applying for a new Apple Card, and certain actions in Wallet, e.g. Apple Cash or Savings transfers.

With Stolen Device Protection, a thief will not be able to make the above changes with a passcode, a successful biometric authentication is required before allowing access to the protected settings. This will prevent thieves from reselling the phone and making money. In which case, they would likely strip it for parts. That's a shame, but at least they are not going to trick someone into buying a stolen phone. That is why this feature is very important.

When Stolen Device Protection is enabled, you will need to wait an hour before making some changes. Apple calls these restrictions as Security Delay, these apply to changing the Apple ID password, signing out of the Apple account, adding or removing a trusted device, Recovery Key or Recovery Contact.
... Continue Reading]]> Quote:Apple released iOS 17.3 this week, which brought an important security feature. Here's how to enable Stolen Device Protection on your iPhone.

How does Stolen Device Protection work?

Normally, when an iPhone is stolen, a thief who knows the device's passcode, may remove the Apple ID or reset the device.

Stolen Device Protection forces biometric authentication, i.e. Face ID or Touch ID, to perform sensitive actions such as accessing the passwords or passkeys saved in iCloud Keychain, disable Lost Mode, factory reset the phone, or use the iPhone to set up a new device. The security feature also prevents access to financial data such as autofill payment methods saved in Safari, applying for a new Apple Card, and certain actions in Wallet, e.g. Apple Cash or Savings transfers.

With Stolen Device Protection, a thief will not be able to make the above changes with a passcode, a successful biometric authentication is required before allowing access to the protected settings. This will prevent thieves from reselling the phone and making money. In which case, they would likely strip it for parts. That's a shame, but at least they are not going to trick someone into buying a stolen phone. That is why this feature is very important.

When Stolen Device Protection is enabled, you will need to wait an hour before making some changes. Apple calls these restrictions as Security Delay, these apply to changing the Apple ID password, signing out of the Apple account, adding or removing a trusted device, Recovery Key or Recovery Contact.
... Continue Reading]]> <![CDATA[What is iOS 17 Sensitive Content Warning and how to enable it?]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=19182 Tue, 27 Jun 2023 08:54:47 +0000 harlan4096]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=19182 Quote:iOS 17, the latest release of Apple's operating system, brings a host of exciting features and reinforces its commitment to user security.

One notable addition is the iOS 17 Sensitive Content Warning feature, designed to enhance iPhone safety and provide users with greater control over their viewing experience.

[Image: iOS-17-Sensitive-Content-Warning_2.jpg]

[Image: iOS-17-Sensitive-Content-Warning_2.jpg]

iOS 17 introduces the Sensitive Content Warning feature, enhancing user privacy and control over sensitive content on iPhones - Image: Apple

What is iOS 17 Sensitive Content Warning feature?

The Sensitive Content Warning is a new feature introduced in iOS 17 that aims to protect user privacy by displaying warnings and shielding against sensitive content on your device.

This powerful tool acts as a safeguard for sensitive information received during FaceTime calls, text messages, and content shared through AirDrop.

Sensitive Content Warning feature serves as a valuable line of defense. It acts as a barrier against various forms of sensitive content, including explicit photos and videos, violence, animal and human abuse, sexual harassment, and other offensive material.

By locally storing data on your device, iOS 17 Sensitive Content Warning feature helps you to eliminate worries about potential data leaks and enhances the overall security of your iPhone.

[Image: iOS-17-Sensitive-Content-Warning.jpg]

[Image: iOS-17-Sensitive-Content-Warning.jpg]

iOS 17 Sensitive Content Warning serves as a barrier against sensitive content, including explicit photos and videos, violence, animal and human abuse, sexual harassment, and other offensive material - Image: Apple

How to enable iOS 17 Sensitive Content Warning feature

To ensure a safer and more controlled digital experience, iOS 17 allows you to enable the Sensitive Content Warning feature for select apps that support it.
Currently, this feature is available for AirDrop, Messages, FaceTime, and Contact posters.

Here is how to enable iOS 17 Sensitive Content Warning feature on your iPhone:

Open the Settings app on your iPhone
Scroll down and tap on Privacy & Security
Locate and select Sensitive Content Warning
On the following screen, you will find a toggle switch. Make sure it is turned on

Once activated, navigate to the Apps and Access section, where you will find individual toggle switches for AirDrop, Messages, and Video Messages. Enable each of these toggles.
... Continue Reading]]> Quote:iOS 17, the latest release of Apple's operating system, brings a host of exciting features and reinforces its commitment to user security.

One notable addition is the iOS 17 Sensitive Content Warning feature, designed to enhance iPhone safety and provide users with greater control over their viewing experience.

[Image: iOS-17-Sensitive-Content-Warning_2.jpg]

Open the Settings app on your iPhone
Scroll down and tap on Privacy & Security
Locate and select Sensitive Content Warning
On the following screen, you will find a toggle switch. Make sure it is turned on

Once activated, navigate to the Apps and Access section, where you will find individual toggle switches for AirDrop, Messages, and Video Messages. Enable each of these toggles.
... Continue Reading]]> <![CDATA[How To Use iPhone Emergency Satelite iOS?]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=18541 Tue, 17 Jan 2023 07:24:53 +0000 harlan4096]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=18541 Quote:With the launch of the new iPhone 14 in September 2022, users received quite a lot of new features. One of those includes the emergency SOS via satellite. While the feature name says it all, this article will look at this in detail and tell you how to use it.

What Is the SOS For?

Apple claims that the SOS is only for exceptional situations, and you have no way of reaching emergency services. For example, if you’re in trouble or lost and unable to get mobile or Wi-Fi signal, your iPhone 14 can send an SOS message using satellite and send help your way.

How Reliable Is the Connection?

Since the connection is made via satellite, you should know that it will be limited and slow. You should use this connection only to send out vital information like your location, your condition, and what kind of help you need.

The SOS function works only on the iPhone 14 series (14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max). Although the service is free for two years, chances are that Apple may have a long-term price associated with this.

How Does the SOS via Satellite Work?

The emergency SOS via satellite is activated only when you have no mobile network or Wi-Fi coverage. You can contact emergency services or one of your contacts in the same way you would through your mobile network. Apple also says that you should be in an area with clear skies as mountains or foliage can block satellite connectivity.

Once you have a satellite lock, your message may take about 15 seconds to go through. Although it may not seem like much, Apple has made a lot of effort to include satellite connectivity in the latest iPhones.

The best part is this SOS function will work even if the phone is locked. It is one of the best ways to get out of a difficult situation.

[Image: How-Does-the-SOS-via-Satellite-Work-scaled.jpg]

[Image: How-Does-the-SOS-via-Satellite-Work-scaled.jpg]

How To Use the SOS Function?

If you’re stuck in an unfortunate situation where you have to use the SOS via satellite function, you have to do some groundwork first. You need to open your health app and then tap on summary. You can then tap your profile picture and then tap Medical ID and then edit. Fill in your medical details, allergies, medications, and all relevant information. This information can be sent via the emergency SOS when the time comes.

You can also designate emergency contacts. These contacts will be given priority when you make a satellite connection. You should also share your phone location with these contacts using the Find my phone app.

To use the emergency SOS service, you must first make a 911 call. If you have no network, you will see the emergency text via satellite option on your screen.

Once you tap on this, you will see ‘report emergency’ on your screen. Once you tap that, you will be asked a few questions regarding your situation and your location, and the assistance you need. You can also mention if anyone is with you and if there have been any injuries. You can also choose what optional information is sent out. For example, you may want to send out your medical ID records.

Once you’ve done all this, you will get on-screen instructions on how to get a lock on a satellite passing by and how you can keep your lock. You may even be asked to shift your position if you’re unable to get a lock. Once locked, you may be asked for additional information via text and you will get responses on the next course of action.
... Continue Reading]]> Quote:With the launch of the new iPhone 14 in September 2022, users received quite a lot of new features. One of those includes the emergency SOS via satellite. While the feature name says it all, this article will look at this in detail and tell you how to use it.

What Is the SOS For?

Apple claims that the SOS is only for exceptional situations, and you have no way of reaching emergency services. For example, if you’re in trouble or lost and unable to get mobile or Wi-Fi signal, your iPhone 14 can send an SOS message using satellite and send help your way.

How Reliable Is the Connection?

Since the connection is made via satellite, you should know that it will be limited and slow. You should use this connection only to send out vital information like your location, your condition, and what kind of help you need.

The SOS function works only on the iPhone 14 series (14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max). Although the service is free for two years, chances are that Apple may have a long-term price associated with this.

How Does the SOS via Satellite Work?

The emergency SOS via satellite is activated only when you have no mobile network or Wi-Fi coverage. You can contact emergency services or one of your contacts in the same way you would through your mobile network. Apple also says that you should be in an area with clear skies as mountains or foliage can block satellite connectivity.

Once you have a satellite lock, your message may take about 15 seconds to go through. Although it may not seem like much, Apple has made a lot of effort to include satellite connectivity in the latest iPhones.

The best part is this SOS function will work even if the phone is locked. It is one of the best ways to get out of a difficult situation.

[Image: How-Does-the-SOS-via-Satellite-Work-scaled.jpg]

Before we proceed, let's take a look at the list of devices that support iOS 16 and iPad OS 16.

List of iPhones that will get the iOS 16 update

iPhone 13, Mini, Pro, Pro Max
iPhone 12, Mini, Pro, Pro Max
iPhone 11, Pro, Pro Max
iPhone XR
iPhone Xs, Xs Max
iPhone X
iPhone 8, 8 Plus
iPhone SE 2nd gen and 3rd Gen

List of iPads that will get the iPadOS 16 updateiPad Pro - all models

iPad Air 3rd gen and later - 2019, 2020, 2022
iPad 5th gen and later - 9.7-inches (2017, 2018), 10.2-inches (2019, 2020,2021)
iPad mini 5th gen and later - 2019 and 2021

How to install iOS 16 or iPadOS 16 public beta on your iPhone and iPad

1. Visit the following page in the web browser on your iPhone or iPad.
https://beta.apple.com/sp/betaprogram/

[Image: How-to-install-iOS-16-or-iPadOS-16-publi...scaled.jpg]

[Image: How-to-install-iOS-16-or-iPadOS-16-publi...scaled.jpg]

2. Tap the sign-in button, it should recognize the Apple ID that you're signed in to on your device, and offer a one-touch login option.
3. Accept the agreement, and the browser will take you to a page where you have to select your device, i.e., iPhone or iPad.
4. Scroll down the page, and look for the words "enroll your iPhone" or "enroll your iPad", and tap it.
5. A warning should appear advising you to archive a backup.
6. Now, tap on the option that says Install Profile.
7. A pop-up will appear asking if you want to download the configuration profile. Allow it.
8. Open the Settings app on your device, you should see a new option on the sidebar that says Profile Downloaded. Tap it. Alternatively, you can go to the page manually via General > VPN & Device Management > Configuration Profile.
9. The iOS 16 or iPadOS 16 beta profile will be listed there, tap on it to install the profile. It will prompt you to enter your device's passcode or password.
10. Tap on the install button, and a pop-up will prompt you to restart the device. Reboot the iPhone or iPad.
11. Go to the Settings > General > Software Update page. It should detect a new update for your device, tap the download and install button.
12. Enter your device's passcode, accept the terms and conditions to proceed with the download. Don't forget to plug in your device while updating it.

[Image: select-ios-16-or-ipados-16-beta-scaled.jpg]

[Image: select-ios-16-or-ipados-16-beta-scaled.jpg]

[Image: enroll-your-iphone-or-ipad-scaled.jpg]

[Image: iOS-16-and-iPadOS-16-beta-scaled.jpg]

If you change your mind and want to un-enroll from the public beta, all you need to do is simply remove the configuration profile from the VPN & Device Management page, and restart your device. You can restore your iPhone and iPad with a backup if required. Please refer to the official Apple documentation for more information.

Note: It is not advisable to install a beta operating system on your primary device. Users who are concerned about daily usage, should wait until September for Apple to release the stable version of the OS.

New features in iOS 16

The new customizable lockscreen in iOS 16 allows you to switch screens by swiping. You can change the colors and fonts, and add Widgets to it. Spruce up your lockscreen with the Wallpaper Gallery, Photo Shuffle, Suggested Photos, Emoji Wallpaper, and Astronomy Wallpapers with animations. The screen displays live Weather with animations. Notifications roll in from the bottom, it also shows Live Activities notifications for sports, rides, etc. You can control the music player from the lockscreen too.

Focus mode is customizable, and you can switch between modes with a swipe. You can group focus modes by activity like work, life, etc. It also displays widgets on the lockscreen. The Messages app in iOS 16 allows you to edit messages that you have sent. And if you make a mistake, hit the Undo Send option. You may mark a conversation thread as unread.

Share Play in iOS 16 has been extended to many apps so you can watch movies, listen to music with your friends. It also works with the Messages app, and can be accessed during Facetime calls. Dictation mode now supports new on-device dictation features that allow you to switchg between voice and touch input. It lets you select text with touch, and edit it with voice commands. The feature adds punctuation automatically as it types.

Live Text supports videos which lets you use the translate camera. The Visual Lookup feature can extract images and text from videos and send it via Messages. Quick notes is available in iOS 16. Passkeys is a Safari feature that allows you to create password-less logins for websites using FaceID and TouchID, providing a secure way to sign in to sites without a password. The encrypted data is stored on your device, and syncs via Keychain to the iCloud.

I have been using iPadOS 16 on my iPad 2017 for a couple of weeks after enrolling in to the Developer Beta. It is quite stable, all my apps work, I haven't faced any issues with it, and the battery life seems fairly normal.

Have you tried iOS 16 or iPadOS 16? Do you like it?
... Continue Reading]]> Quote:Apple has released the first public beta of iOS 16, iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura 13 for download. If you can't wait for the stable version of the update to arrive, you can opt in to test the beta right now.

[Image: iPadOS-16-beta-scaled.jpg]

If you change your mind and want to un-enroll from the public beta, all you need to do is simply remove the configuration profile from the VPN & Device Management page, and restart your device. You can restore your iPhone and iPad with a backup if required. Please refer to the official Apple documentation for more information.

Note: It is not advisable to install a beta operating system on your primary device. Users who are concerned about daily usage, should wait until September for Apple to release the stable version of the OS.

New features in iOS 16

The new customizable lockscreen in iOS 16 allows you to switch screens by swiping. You can change the colors and fonts, and add Widgets to it. Spruce up your lockscreen with the Wallpaper Gallery, Photo Shuffle, Suggested Photos, Emoji Wallpaper, and Astronomy Wallpapers with animations. The screen displays live Weather with animations. Notifications roll in from the bottom, it also shows Live Activities notifications for sports, rides, etc. You can control the music player from the lockscreen too.

Focus mode is customizable, and you can switch between modes with a swipe. You can group focus modes by activity like work, life, etc. It also displays widgets on the lockscreen. The Messages app in iOS 16 allows you to edit messages that you have sent. And if you make a mistake, hit the Undo Send option. You may mark a conversation thread as unread.

Share Play in iOS 16 has been extended to many apps so you can watch movies, listen to music with your friends. It also works with the Messages app, and can be accessed during Facetime calls. Dictation mode now supports new on-device dictation features that allow you to switchg between voice and touch input. It lets you select text with touch, and edit it with voice commands. The feature adds punctuation automatically as it types.

Live Text supports videos which lets you use the translate camera. The Visual Lookup feature can extract images and text from videos and send it via Messages. Quick notes is available in iOS 16. Passkeys is a Safari feature that allows you to create password-less logins for websites using FaceID and TouchID, providing a secure way to sign in to sites without a password. The encrypted data is stored on your device, and syncs via Keychain to the iCloud.

I have been using iPadOS 16 on my iPad 2017 for a couple of weeks after enrolling in to the Developer Beta. It is quite stable, all my apps work, I haven't faced any issues with it, and the battery life seems fairly normal.

Have you tried iOS 16 or iPadOS 16? Do you like it?
... Continue Reading]]> <![CDATA[How to set up a VPN in iOS manually]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=8036 Sun, 11 Aug 2019 10:00:22 +0000 harlan4096]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=8036 Quote:

[Image: How-to-set-up-a-VPN-in-iOS-1.jpg]

Earlier we told you how to configure custom DNS and Apple Safari in iOS. Continuing with our security focused tutorials, we are going to teach you how to set up a VPN in iOS manually.

Normally, when you buy a VPN subscription, you will use the app provided by the service. These VPN apps are designed for simplicity, and employ a login-and-use method. While that is the easiest way to get a VPN working on your device, it isn't the only way.

Depending on the app in question, it may also not be the best way if you experience stability or performance issues when you use an application to connect to a VPN server.

Say, if you want to use a VPN connection in a specific protocol (IKEv2, IPSec, L2TP) or to connect to your workplace's VPN, you will need to configure the settings manually on your iPhone or iPad.

It can enhance your security greatly but at a cost, you will only be able to connect to a particular server that you select. To change the server, you'll need to edit the VPN configuration again, as opposed to merely tapping a button in the app to select a different server location. Continue Reading]]> Quote:

[Image: How-to-configure-the-DNS-in-iOS.jpg]

We taught you how to configure Safari in iOS to take control of how the browser works. Continuing with our internet tweaks, we are going to tell you how to configure the DNS in iOS.

You should know that there is one huge drawback in iOS concerning DNS. You can only set a custom DNS if you are connected to a Wi-Fi connection. You cannot change the DNS on mobile networks, it’s just bizarre.

One option around this would be to use a VPN instead that uses its own DNS service.

When Android Pie was launched, many praised the addition of a native DNS option. Many iOS users aren’t aware that this option has been in their iPhone/iPad for a long time. The reason why they may not have known about it, is because it isn’t kind of visible in the settings. You’ll understand why we say this in a moment.

How to configure the DNS in iOS

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad

2. Navigate to the Wi-Fi options on the side-bar.

3. Now, on the right pane, you will see the name of the Wi-Fi network you are connected to. It will have a blue checkmark next to it, to indicate it is working fine.

4. Tap anywhere on the line with the Wi-Fi network’s name or the icons on the edge. This open’s the settings which are specific to the selected network.

5. Scroll down till you say the Configure DNS option. If it says “Automatic”, it means no custom DNS has been enabled, and the network is connecting to your ISP’s DNS servers.

6. Tap on Configure DNS, and then on the “Manual” option. Now you will see an Add server option.

7. Use this to set any DNS that you want to. Don’t forget to hit the save button on the top right corner, to finish adding the DNS server. Continue Reading]]> Quote:

[Image: How-to-configure-Safari-in-iOS-2.jpg]

Most iPhone and iPad users don't often pay attention to how their default browser works, unless they run into an issue. We have written a user-friendly and privacy focused guide, to teach you how to configure Safari in iOS.

This is more like a cheat sheet, we didn't want to bore you with technical jargon. So, we kept it pretty simple and straightforward.

How to configure Safari in iOS

You can't manage Safari's settings from, well, Safari. iOS is a little bit weird when it comes to that; instead, you need to go to the Settings app to configure the browser. You can find Safari on the side-bar to your left.

There are a slew of options that you can modify here. We will mention the most important ones which you may want to tweak.

Siri and Search - Do you use Siri? If your answer is no, disable everything under this option. This is a personal choice. If you use Siri, you can choose whether it should display suggestions, learn from how you use Safari, and whether it should display information/suggestions in search results.

Default search engine - No prizes for guessing what's default here, Google of course. You do however have 3 other options to choose from Yahoo, Bing and the privacy-centric DuckDuckGo.

Search suggestions - You may know this as auto-complete from desktop browsers. It can help you save a few seconds, which would have otherwise been wasted typing the rest of the search phrase. This can get finicky though, as you may get suggestions which may not be entirely relevant to what you are looking for.

Safari suggestions - This option is kind of similar to search suggestions, and pulls up information from sources like Wikipedia. The information is displayed inside the address bar, and maybe useful at times. It is powered by Siri, in case you were wondering.

Quick Website Search - Want to see a Wikipedia page of a particular topic, but too lazy to type it? Try typing something like "Wiki iOS", and it should load the relevant page.

Pre-load Top Hit - This is like a lottery, and depends on what you're searching for. It loads the most popular result for the term you searched for. I recommend disabling it, simply because it can be inaccurate and because it needs to connect to the site in question.

AutoFill - You can use Safari to automatically fill in your name, credit card info, to quickly checkout on websites.

Frequently visited sites - As the name so obviously suggests, this feature lists your most often accessed websites. It can be useful, if you like to visit the same sites everyday. For e.g. news, weather, sports, etc.

You can manage your favorites (bookmarked websites) separately, and also the behaviour of tabs. These are pretty basic options that are self-explanatory. Continue Reading]]> Quote: