How to Remove Pages on iPhone in iOS 14

With iOS 14, there are new ways to find and organize the apps on your iPhone — so you see what you want, where you want. It is called the App Library, the main feature of iOS 14.

With iOS 14, there are new ways to find and organize the apps on your iPhone — so you see what you want, where you want. It is called the App Library, the main feature of iOS 14.

The App Library is added and configured automatically once you install iOS 14.

To view the App Library page, swipe all the way to the left, or press on the Dots Bar at bottom of screen and swipe; it will be your last page. Refer to below image:

App Library Pages 5
The App Library page

Your apps are automatically sorted into categories. For example, you might see your social media apps under a Social category. The apps that you use most frequently will automatically reorder based on your usage.

Now that all apps are available in the App Library, it brings up the question. Why should you keep all those pages on the Home Screen as well? Let’s explore how to remove pages from your Home Screen.

This is for the iPhone and iPad running iOS 14

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Seldom Used Page(s)

If you’re like us, you probably have a couple of pages filled with apps that you almost never visit. You might want to remove some or all the pages between your first page and the App Library page.

First, go to a page you seldom visit or any page. In my example, I am on the last page of my Home Screen. See below image:

App Library Pages 1
A seldom used page

Editing a Page

Now, tap and hold on an empty part of your iPhone’s Home Screen to enter editing mode. See following image:

App Library Pages 2
Entering edit mode

Next, tap the Page Dots found above the dock at the bottom of the device’s display. In my example, I have 7 dots representing 7 pages.

This will bring up a new User Interface (UI) that lists all of the pages in a grid. Tap the checkmark below a page to remove it. You can do this for as many pages as you want (except for the first page).

You can come back here at any time to re-enable a page. Once you’re done editing, tap the Done button in the upper right-hand corner. In my example, I have checkmarked my last page. Refer to below image:

pp Library Pages 3
Selecting a page to be removed from Home Screen

Viewing Your Changes

Once you go back to the Home Screen, you will see that the page dots at the bottom of the screen have reduced in number. Depending on how many pages you have removed; allows faster access to the App Library page. The apps are not being deleted, just removed from a page. Notice I now have 6 dots or 6 pages. See below image:

pp Library Pages 4
Viewing your removal of page(s)

Once you are on the App Library page, swipe up to return to your Home Screen..

Now you have a cleaner look and fewer swipes for navigation of your pages.

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How to Disable Shake to Undo on iPhone

The Shake to Undo allows you to undo or redo an action, especially typing, by shaking your device. Mistakes are inevitable typing on your iPhone”s small screen. You get the annoying Undo Typing pop-up dialog message. This Shake to Undo feature is on by default. If you find this is being triggered unintentionally, you can disable this feature.

The Shake to Undo allows you to undo or redo an action, especially typing, by shaking your device. Mistakes are inevitable typing on your iPhone”s small screen. You get the annoying Undo Typing pop-up dialog message. This Shake to Undo feature is on by default. If you find this is being triggered unintentionally, you can disable this feature. Let’s explore how to disable.

This is for the iPhone and iPad

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First, launch the Settings app by tapping on the Gear icon, usually found on the first page of your Home screen. Refer to below image:

Undo Typint 1
Accessing the Settings app

Next, tap on Accessibility. See below image;

Undo Typint 2
Accessing the Accessibility option

Now, tap Touch. See following image:

Undo Typint 3
Accessing the Touch option

Next, scroll down until you see a toggle labeled Shake to Undo. Tap the toggle to turn it off. Refer to below image:

Undo Typint 4
Disabling the Shake to Undo option

Alternative Methods

Tap to Undo: Double-tap three fingers on the screen to undo typing. In some apps, the text you’ve just typed disappears. In others, you might see an Undo button pop-up that you need to tap.

Swipe to Undo: Swipe left with three fingers on the screen to undo typing. Just like above, some apps will immediately erase what you last typed, and others will present an Undo button pop-up. If so, just tap it.

That’s it. This should make your typing less intrusive by eliminating the pop-up message on your iPhone or iPad.

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How to Remove Audio From Video on iPhone or iPad

As an amateur video/photographer, I would take videos of ballroom dancer’ s showcase routines or competitions with the accompanying audio track and publish the video on YouTube, only to have YouTube block the audio due to copyrights. I would spend hours getting the video and audio “just right” for YouTube. If I had known about the copyrights, I would not have spent so much time on the productions. Sometimes you might want to share such videos without infringing on the copyrights or you find the audio distracting.

As an amateur video/photographer, I would take videos of ballroom dancer’ s showcase routines or competitions with the accompanying audio track and publish the video on YouTube, only to have YouTube block the audio due to copyrights. I would spend hours getting the video and audio “just right” for YouTube. If I had known about the copyrights, I would not have spent so much time on the productions. Sometimes you might want to share such videos without infringing on the copyrights or you find the audio distracting.

Fortunately, there is a quick way to silence the audio using the Photos app on your iPhone or iPad.

This is for the iPhone and iPad

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Edit the Video

First, open the Photos app on your iPhone or iPad. Now, locate the video you would like to silence and tap on its thumbnail to open. Refer to below image:

Remove Audio 1
Locate a video

Next, tap the Edit icon in the upper-right corner of your screen. See below image:

Remove Audio 2
Edit a video

Disable the Audio

If the audio is enabled, a yellow speaker icon will appear in the upper-left corner of your screen. To disable the audio, tap the icon. See following image;

Remove Audio 3
Disable the audio for a video

Unlike other speaker icons on the iPhone or iPad, this is not simply a mute button. Tapping the yellow speaker icon removes the audio track from the video file so that the audio will be silent when you share it.

With the audio disabled, the icon will change to a grayed-out speaker icon with a diagonal strike mark through it. Refer to below image;

Remove Audio 4
Audio disabled for a video

To save your change, tap Done in lower right-hand of your screen. See below image:

Remove Audio 5
Save your change

In Photos, you will see a grayed-out speaker icon on the toolbar if a video has no audio track. See following image:

Remove Audio 8
Audio has been disabled

If the icon looks like a crossed-out speaker, it could mean that you phone is merely silenced. If so, simply turn the sound back on and make sure the speaker icon is fully grayed out before sharing. Now you can share the video without the audio component.

Restore the Audio

The Photos app saves the original videos you edited, so you can undo your changes.

After sharing, launch the Photos app and inspect the video you would like to restore the sound. Tap Edit in the upper right-hand corner of the screen, then tap Revert at the bottom right. The audio for that video will be restored. Refer to below image:

Remove Audio 6
Select to revert back to the original

You will receive a confirmation message. Simply click the Revert to Original button. See below image;

Remove Audio 7
Message to revert back to original

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How to Disable Autoplay on iPhone and iPad

The decision to listen to Autoplay videos should be in your control. Fortunately, with iOS 13+ you are able to control Autoplay. Whether you want to enjoy Autoplay videos as you browse or you want to shut them down until you’re ready, here is a way you can finally control the noise.

The decision to listen to Autoplay videos should be in your control. Fortunately, with iOS 13+ you are able to control Autoplay. Whether you want to enjoy Autoplay videos as you browse or you want to shut them down until you’re ready, here is a way you can finally control the noise.

By default, Apple mutes your personal photos and videos in iOS 13+. What’s particularly annoying about this feature is that your iPhone will still Autoplay videos, but it won’t enable the volume by default.

The bad news is that there doesn’t currently seem to be a way to Autoplay with volume via your phone’s settings. The good news is that there is a way to get around this feature. Let’s explore how to do this.

This is for the iPhone and iPad running iOS 13 and above

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On your IPhone or iPad, open Settings. Next, scroll down to the Photos tab. Refer to below image:

Autoplay 1
Accessing the Photos option

Now, toggle off Auto-Play Videos and Live Photos.

Autoplay 2
Turning off Autoplay

It’s important to understand what this actually does. Basically, your personal collection of live photos and videos will no longer play automatically when you load them. The good news is that when you do choose to play them, the volume will be enabled. This is the best way to enjoy audio from the start without having to manually toggle it each time.

That’s it. I hope you like this post. If so, please let us know by leaving a comment.

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How to Setup Safari for Offline Reading of Web Pages

Whether you’re underground between subway stops, caught in a dead zone, or your internet is out, the most reliable way to catch up on your digital reading is to make sure it’s downloaded and accessible offline.

Whether you’re underground between subway stops, caught in a dead zone, or your internet is out, the most reliable way to catch up on your digital reading is to make sure it’s downloaded and accessible offline.

If you have an iPhone or iPad linked to an iCloud account, you can save articles to your Reading List for later reading offline using a feature buried in Settings. Let’s explore how to do this.

This is for iPhone and iPad using Safari browser

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Enable the Reading List

First we need to make sure iCloud is set up to save your Safari bookmarks and Reading List. To do that, open Settings and tap on your name at the very top. Refer to below image:

Offline Reading 1
Accessing Settings

Next, tap iCloud. See below image:

Offline Reading 2
Accessing iCloud

In iCloud settings, scroll down until you see Safari. Tap the toggle (it will turn green) to enable if it’s not already on. See following image:

Offline Reading 3
Accerssing Safari for iCloud

Return back to the Settings main screen. Scroll down to the Safari option and tap to open. Note! This is a different setting than the one mentioned above. Refer to below image:

Offline Reading 4
Accessing Safari from Settings

Now, scroll down to the Downloads option and ensure that iCloud Drive option is selected. In my example, the option is selected. See below image:

Offline Reading 5
Accessing Downloads

If not selected, tap the Downloads option and select iCloud Drive from the two available options. See following image:

Offline Reading 6
Accessing Downloads options

Continue to scroll down until you find the Reading List section. There you will see the toggle for Automatically Save Offline. Simply enable this toggle. When enabled, the toggle color will turn green. Refer to below image:

Offline Reading 7
Enabling offline reading

Save to the Reading List

Now exit Settings and launch Safari. Whenever you’d like to save a web page to your Reading List for offline viewing, tap on the Share button at the bottom of your screen. See below image:

Offline Reading 8
Accessing the Share button

A pop-up menu will appearr. Select the Add To Reading List option. See following image:

Offline Reading 9
The Add to Reading List option

View Your Reading List

To view your Reading List later, tap the Bookmarks button at the bottom of your screen. Refer to below image:

Offline Reading 10
Accessing the Bookmarks button

Now, tap on the tab that looks like a pair of glasses in the uipper center of your screen. See below image:

Offline Reading 11
Accessing your offline Reading List

From here, you can tap on any one of the items you’ve saved and it should load even if no internet connection is available. See following image for my offline reading list:

Offline Reading 12
Previewing your offline Reading List

I hope you found this post helpful. If so, please leave a comment and or a tweet.

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How to Control Text in Google Chrome

If you’re having trouble comfortably reading text that is either too small or too big on a website in Google Chrome, there’s a quick way to change it.

If you’re having trouble comfortably reading text that is either too small or too big on a website in Google Chrome, there’s a quick way to change it. Let’s explore how to do this.

Chrome includes a feature called Zoom that allows you to quickly make text and images bigger or smaller on any website. You can zoom a web page from anywhere between 25% and 500% of its usual size.

When you navigate away from a page, Chrome will remember your zoom level for that website when you come back to it.

This is for devices using Google Chrome

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First, open Chrome on your devuce,.

Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Press Ctrl and + (plus) to zoom in
  • Press Ctrl and (minus) to zoom out
  • Press Ctrl and 0 (zero) to return to the default size, normally 100%

Method 2: Using the Mouse

Press and hold the Ctrl key and rotate the scroll wheel on your mouse. Depending on which direction you spin the wheel, the text will become larger or smaller.

Method 3: Using the Menu

Select the Hamburger icon (the one with 3 dots) in the top-right of the Chrome web browser. Refer to below image:

Google Text 1
The Hamburger icon

In the Zoom section, select the + (plus) button to increase the size of text and images. Select the (minus) button to decrease the size of text and images. See below image:

Google Text 2
Selecting a Zoom level

Press the Esc key to hide the menu.

Reset Zoom

One way is to use any of the zoom methods listed above to set the zoom level to 100%.

Another way is to select the magnifying glass icon in the address bar (this will only appear if you are zoomed to a level other than 100%), then select Reset. If you dont see the magnifying glass (normally due to numerous icons), just press and hold the Ctrl key while pressing the + (plus) or (minus) key or mouse scroll. See following image;

Google Text 3
Resetting the Zoom

Set a Custom Default

You can customise the default zoom level used by the Google Chrome browser. This way, text and images will always appear larger or smaller whenever you use the browser. To do so:

Select the Hamburger icon (the one with 3 dots) in the top-right of the Chrome web browser. Refer to below image:

Google Text 1
The Hamburger icon

Select Settings from the menu. See below image;

Google Text 4
Accessing the Settings

In the search box at the top of the Settings page, type “page zoom”. See following image:

Google Text 5
Using the Settings search box

Under the Appearance options, select the drop-down menu for Page zoom and choose a new default zoom level. Refer to below image:

Google Text 6
Selecting a custome Zoom level

That’s it. Now you can make your Chrome browsing easier on your eyes.

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How to Close Safari Tabs

The Apple iPhone has a built in browser called Safari. The icon for Safari is usually located in the bottom right of the Home screen. Starting with iOS 9 through the current version, iOS 13, you can have up to 500 tabs open in Safari.

This is a repost on Apple iPhone and its open tabs in Safari web browser

The Apple iPhone has a built in browser called Safari. The icon for Safari is usually located in the bottom right of the Home screen. Starting with iOS 9 through the current version, iOS 13, you can have up to 500 tabs open in Safari.

This is for iPhone, iPad and Mac or similar devices

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To chose all your tabs or the current one is not obvious. Here’s how to close these open tabs in Safari.

  • Tap on the Safari icon to open
  • In the lower right hand corner you will see an icon represented by two rectangles.
  • Press down on the icon and hold
  • You will see several options. Tap “Close All xxx Tabs” where xxx is a number
  • Confirm you want to close the tabs

Your tabs will now be closed. That it’s.

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How to Navigate Outlook’s New Search Feature

Recently, Microsoft has changed how the Search works. It is now more robust with many new options. The Search box is now located at the top of the screen in the title bar. This is called Microsoft Search and is available in both client and web apps.

Recently, Microsoft has changed how the Search works. It is now more robust with many new options. The Search box is now located at the top of the screen in the title bar. This is called Microsoft Search and is available in both client and web apps.

This is for devices running Outlook. Screenshots are from Office 365

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The Search Box

Refer to below image for the new Search box:

Search 1
The new Search box

First, you will notice the Search box is bigger and longer. Also, Microsoft has added two keyboard shortcuts; CNTL+E and ALT+Q for those people who favor the keyboard over a mouse.

Now when you click inside the Search box or use a keyboard shortcut, a menu appears that shows recent searches, people and actions. See following image:

Search 2
The Search box menu

The menu is in a fixed position and covers up a lot of tools found on the Search tab ribbon. If you want to access these tools you have click on a blank space outside the Search results. See below image:

Search 3
Click off the Search box

Using the Search Box

As you type in the Search box, the menu will filter down search terms, people, and actions to match what you type. This is the biggest change in Microsoft Search: it no longer just searches through email. The new feature searches everything in Outlook, including Outlook functionality.

If you want to know how to edit emails, type “edit” in the Search box and, below any emails that match the word, the menu will display relevant commands. Refer to below image:

Search 4
The Search box actions

Filter Your Search

Unlike the old Search, Outlook now has a much better and easier user interface for filtering your search. Click the drop-down arrow next to the Search box and a simple search menu appears. See following image:

Search 5
The Search box filters

Type into these filters and Outlook will automatically add the correct syntax to the Search box (as noted below). You no longer need to remember the right commands to type. Refer to below image:

Search 6
Setting up a filter

You are not limited to the default search fields, now you can change the default search fields as well. Just click Add More Options. This will bring up additional options you can turn on or off. Click Apply when you’re done.See below image:

Search 7
More Search options

The Search Command

If you’re not a fan of the new dropdown, the Search tab on the ribbon is still there, although now it only appears when you click into the Search box, then click on a blank space in the ribbon. See following image:

Search 8
The Search command

The new Search has more power and functionality than the old Search box and provides more screen space for your actual emails. It’s a definite improvement. Enjoy the new Search feature.

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How to Use the Weather App on Your iPhone Lock Screen

There’s a hidden feature to view the weather report on your iPhone lock screen. This feature is built-in on an Android device.

There’s a hidden feature to view the weather report on your iPhone lock screen. This feature is built-in on an Android device. Let’s explore how to enable this on your iPhone.

We are going to use the Do Not Disturb Scheduled option available in iOS 12 and later. When enabled, you will see the weather report on the first tap of the lock screen after the Do Not Disturb time has passed. The Do Not Disturb feature automatically mutes all incoming notifications.

This is for the iPhone with iOS 12+

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Open the Settings app, go to Do Not Disturb section. Next, toggle the Scheduled option. Set the From and To time. Important! You want to set the “To” time frame to 10-15 minutes before you wake up. Finally, toggle the Dim Lock Screen. Refer to below image:

Weather Lock Screen 1
Setting the Do Not Disturb time frame

We are dimming the lock screen and sending all new notifications to the Notifications Center until the Do Not Disturb schedule is over.

Let’s go back to Settings and tap the Privacy option. Now, tap the Location Services option. Next, scroll down to the Weather app. See below image:

Weather Lock Screen 2
The Weather app

Now, tap the While Using the App button to enable. This gives the Weather app permission to see your location, so it show you the weather report. See following image:

Weather Lock Screen 3
Setting permission for the Weather app

The next morning, after the Do Not Disturb time has passed, you will see the day’s weather report on your lock screen. Refer to below image:

Weather Lock Screen 4
The Weather screenshot

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Covid -19 Contact Tracing Is Coming on Your Smartphone

Yes, it is coming for your iPhone and Android smartphones. As a matter of fact, some of the features have already been available in iOS 13.5 and above for the iPhone that was released in May 2020. Google and Apple are working with public health organizations on contact-tracing apps.

Yes, it is coming for your iPhone and Android smartphones. As a matter of fact, some of the features have already been available in iOS 13.5 and above for the iPhone that was released in May 2020. Google and Apple are working with public health organizations on contact-tracing apps.

The piece that is missing, for now, is authorized apps from your health authorities. This is where you’ll report any sickness. Apple and Google are not releasing apps; they are collaborating to allow these apps to work across iOS and Android to collect data and send out alerts.

The following guidelines are for the iPhone. Android devices will be similar.

This is for iPhone and Android smartphones. Screenshots are from the iPhone

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What Is Contact Tracing

Conventional contact tracing is a technique used by public health authorities to measure and slow the spread of infectious diseases. It requires manually gathering information from infected individuals about the people they have previously been in contact with. These people can then be notified by public health authorities to take appropriate safety measures, such as undertaking self-quarantine and getting tested to break the chain of transmission. While this process will continue to be important to contact tracing efforts, systems that are being developed can alleviate some of the challenges with this process.

First there is a significant organizational burden from a manual process, as many public health workers are needed to perform these tasks. Second, the process can be slow as it requires finding and interviewing infected individuals and then reaching out and talking to their high risk contacts; all of whom may not be able to remember or know all of the people that they came in contact with in the past days to weeks.

The contact tracing is called “COVID-19 Exposure Logging” and is automatically turned off. When contact tracing apps are installed, you can enable the feature.

Setting Up On iPhone

First, launch Settings. Refer to below image:

Contact Tracing 1
The Settings icon

Next, scroll down to the Privacy option and tap it. See below image:

Contact Tracing 2
The Privacy option

Now, tap the Health option. See following image:

Contact Tracing 3
The Health option

You wil see the COVID-19 Exposure Logging option; just tap it. Refer to below image:


Contact Tracing 4
COVID-19 Exposure Logging option

How It Works

Once enabled, users’ devices will regularly send out a beacon via Bluetooth that includes a random Bluetooth identifier; basically, a string of random numbers (IDs) that are not tied to a user’s identity and change every 10-20 minutes for additional protection. Other phones will be listening for these beacons and broadcasting theirs as well. When each phone receives another beacon, it will record and securely store that beacon on the device. Refer to below diagram:

Contact Tracing Diagram, 1
Contact Tracing Diagram

At least once per day, the system will download a list of the keys for the beacons that have been verified as belonging to people confirmed as positive for COVID-19. Each device will check the list of beacons it has recorded against the list downloaded from the server. If there is a match between the beacons stored on the device and the positive diagnosis list, the user may be notified and advised on steps to take next. See below diagram:

Contact Tracing Diagram 2
Contact Tracing Diagram

Active Apps

Now, scroll down to the Active App section. Here you will find your installed apps that works with contact tracing. Once available from local, state or federal authorities, you will need to install the apps then they will appear here. (As of this writing, there is one app available from Center for Disease Control; for a list of States that will participate or have an app available, click here . See below image:

Contact Tracing 5
Active Apps for contact tracing that are installed

For these apps to work, you will need your phone’s Bluetooth and location tracking features turned on, though your actual physical location is not tracked; the apps will not know where in the world you are or how many times you have left the house today. They’ll only know which random IDs your phone has come into contact with.

Check for Exposure

To see if the option is working, tap on Exposure Checks. See following image:

Contact Tracing 6
Accessing Exposure Checks option

Now, you will see the following image about any exposure within the last 14 days. Refer to below image:

Contact Tracing 7
Checking to see if you have been exposed

The Fine Print

Now, tap the Back button then tap on the Learn More blue link. See below image:

Contact Tracing 8
Accessing the Terms andConditions

Information on Exposure Notifications & Privacy terms and conditions will be displayed. See following image:

Contact Tracing 9
The Terms and Conditions for contact tracing and exposure

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