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In this December 5, 2024 AMA session, Dan addressed various tech questions ranging from message management and photo organization to email solutions and device synchronization. Participants received practical guidance on common Apple device issues, making this Q&A session valuable for users of all skill levels.
Deleting iPhone Messages on iPad
Dan and Jane discussed how to delete messages on an iPhone without deleting them on an iPad. Dan explained that to achieve this, one needs to go to the settings app, then to iCloud, and under iCloud, turn off the syncing of messages. This way, messages deleted on the iPhone won’t be deleted on the iPad. Jane confirmed understanding and planned to try this solution. Dan also mentioned a question from Kevin about organizing photos in the Photos app, but the details of this discussion were not included in the transcript.
Exploring iOS 18 Photos App
Kevin and Dan discussed the changes in the Photos app on iOS 18. Kevin was unsure how to use the new features, and Dan explained the difference between the Photos Library and Collections. He demonstrated how to view photos by month or year, and how to access albums. They also discussed how to take screenshots on an iPhone, with Dan explaining that it involves pressing the sleep/wake and volume up buttons simultaneously. The screenshots are saved in the Photos app under the category ‘Screenshots’.
Mail and Message Management Issues
In the meeting, Dan and the team discussed various issues related to mail and message management on Mac devices. George raised a concern about the standard registration form, which required him to select a category. Mary Ann’s issue was about the red flag for unread messages not disappearing, even after she had read all the messages. Dan suggested deleting the messages at the source, either through iCloud or Gmail, and marking them as read. He also demonstrated how to use filters to show only unread messages and how to set up a rule to find all unread messages. Dan also shared a workaround for the messages app, using Siri to show unread messages. The team agreed to try these solutions and report back on their effectiveness.
Deleting Emails and Clearing Open Apps
Dan and Gary discussed issues related to deleting emails and clearing open apps on various platforms. Dan explained that to delete emails, one should go to the cloud, sign in, and delete the mail from there. He also clarified that this method should be used for Gmail, Yahoo, and iCloud accounts. However, he admitted that he couldn’t find a way to clear all open apps at once. Gary expressed his need for this feature due to occasional users who haven’t cleared their apps for a long time.
Favorites Bar Disappearing Issue
Dan, Debby, and dsmith.nj@gmail.com discussed an issue where the favorites bar in Mail and Safari on Mac would randomly disappear. Debby mentioned that it was not something she was doing and it was fairly random. Dan suggested that it might be due to accidentally hitting a key command or a conflicting keyboard shortcut. He recommended checking the system settings for keyboard shortcuts and restoring defaults. Debby confirmed that the issue was mainly on the Mac as it was different on the iPad. Kevin also mentioned that he had experienced the same issue in Mail and Safari.
Device Issues and Software Queries
Dan, Jane, Debby, Gary, Jane, and Steve discussed various issues related to their devices and software. Dan suggested restoring defaults to fix an issue, which Debby agreed to try. Jane had to leave the meeting early but mentioned a problem with shared calendars and asked if there was a way to clear all shared events at once. Dan confirmed that this was not possible, and he would look into it. Jane also mentioned an issue with deleting text from her phone, which was resolved by turning off iCloud backup. Steve brought up an issue with unread messages not showing a badge in the left-hand column of the inbox. The conversation ended with Dan asking if anyone else had any questions.
Email Management and Organization Solutions
The team discussed issues related to email management and organization. Steve guided Dan on how to create a smart mailbox to isolate unread messages, which could help identify any discrepancies. Debby suggested using the filter function, but Steve recommended the smart mailbox method for a more straightforward approach. Steve also suggested checking the general settings for unread count and which mailboxes are appearing. The team agreed to try these solutions and build upon them if necessary.
iPhone-to-Android Text Security Concerns
Dan and Debby discussed the security of text messages between iPhone and Android devices. Debby mentioned an article she read about hackers targeting unencrypted texts between these devices. Dan explained that iPhone-to-iPhone texts are encrypted, but iPhone-to-Android texts are not. He also mentioned a new standard called Rcs, which is supposed to replace SMS and allow for larger files and group messaging. However, Dan noted that Rcs is not fully encrypted and its implementation varies by carrier. Debby asked about the possibility of encrypting texts between iPhone and Android, and Dan suggested using encrypted messaging apps like Whatsapp or Signal. The team also discussed the potential of Rcs, acknowledging that it is still in its early stages and not yet fully standardized.
Merging Photos to iCloud and iPhone
Marshall, a Mac mini user, sought assistance in converting his photos to iCloud. He had two photo libraries, one on a terabyte hard drive and another on his Macbook Air, which he wanted to merge into iCloud. Dan guided him through the process, explaining that he needed to select the Mac Mini library as the System Photo Library and then enable iCloud photos. Marshall understood the steps and was ready to proceed. Kevin, who recently acquired a new iPhone, also shared his intention to wipe his old phone clean and asked for advice, which Dan was prepared to provide.
Charger Compatibility and Data Transfer
Kevin and Dan discussed the use of different chargers for their devices, with a focus on the compatibility of iPhone 16 and iPad chargers. Dan advised Kevin to use a lower wattage charger for overnight charging to prolong the battery life. They also discussed the process of transferring data from an old iPhone to a new one, with Dan guiding Kevin through the steps to reset the old iPhone to factory settings. The conversation concluded with Dan sharing his plans for a mini vacation to Las Vegas to celebrate a friend’s 60th birthday.
