Hands-On Apple (Audio)

By TWiT

Hands-On Apple explores and explains the Mac — and beyond! From clever Terminal commands to little-known iOS settings, Mikah Sargent shares all the best tips and tricks for your Mac, iPad, iPhone, and... more

· Technology

4.2

1717 ratings

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FAQs about Hands-On Apple (Audio):

How many episodes does Hands-On Apple (Audio) have?

The podcast currently has 155 episodes available.

Hands-On Apple (Audio) episodes:

August 21, 2025 HOA 196: Troubleshooting Universal Control & iPhone Mirroring
Don't let misbehaving Apple features derail your workflow. This episode explains the settings, strategies, and overlooked requirements that separate smooth users from the frustrated.

• Common Universal Control issues: disconnects, lag, and connection failures

• Universal Control requirements: hardware, Apple ID, iCloud, and keychain

• Network setup tips for reliable Universal Control across devices

• Fixing Universal Control with iCloud sign-out, restarts, and patience

• Advanced Universal Control troubleshooting: deleting preference files and toggling settings

• Resolving conflicts with display options, Stage Manager, Sidecar, and internet sharing

• How to use USB connection to kickstart Universal Control

• iPhone mirroring basics: behind-the-scenes tech and requirements

• Fixing iPhone mirroring: ensure device compatibility, settings, and proximity

• Step-by-step network troubleshooting for iPhone mirroring failures

• Force quitting and resetting iPhone mirroring and device access

• Diagnosing persistent issues with console logs and error messages

• Mesh network quirks and system requirement confusion as common culprits

Host: Mikah Sargent

Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple

Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
...more
29min
August 14, 2025HOA 195: Slow Mac Startup Speeds
Is your Mac taking forever to start up? Mikah Sargent reveals the hidden culprits slowing down your macOS boot times and walks through proven solutions to get your machine running like new again.
Login Items Management - How to identify and remove unnecessary apps that automatically launch at startup using System Settings - General - Login Items and Extensions

Terminal Commands for Advanced Users - Using "launchctl list" to view all startup processes and "launchctl remove" to eliminate problematic items from the command line

Hidden Launch Agents and Daemons - Navigating to /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons through Finder to manually remove stubborn startup services

Spotlight Re-indexing Fix - Using Terminal command "sudo mdutil -E /" to rebuild corrupted Spotlight indexes that can cause system hangups

Cache Clearing Strategy - Removing cached files from ~/Library/Caches and /Library/Caches to free up system resources

Visual Effects Optimization - Disabling animations, transparency effects, and the genie effect in Accessibility settings to reduce graphics processing load

Stage Manager Performance - Why turning off Stage Manager can help improve startup times on older Macs

Host: Mikah Sargent

Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple

Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
...more
20min
August 07, 2025HOA 194: Apple TV Color Balance
Mikah Sargent reveals a powerful but often overlooked calibration tool that automatically adjusts your TV's color balance for optimal picture quality. This step-by-step demonstration shows exactly how to access and use this game-changing feature that most Apple TV owners never know exists.
Accessing the Settings - Navigate to Settings > Video and Audio > Calibration > Color Balance

Prerequisites and Setup - Requires iPhone with Face ID, iOS 14.5 or later, and avoid vivid or dynamic picture modes during calibration

Step-by-Step Calibration Process - Detailed walkthrough of bringing iPhone close to TV, receiving notification, entering authentication code, and positioning phone against screen

Results and Implementation - Review of "original" vs "balanced" options and selecting the improved color profile for ongoing use

Limitations and Compatibility - Discussion of why this feature won't work with projector setups due to positioning constraints, but works with standard televisions

Host: Mikah Sargent

Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple

Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
...more
7min
July 31, 2025HOA 193: Public Betas for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, & macOS Tahoe 26
Ready to get your hands on Apple's latest software before everyone else? This episode covers the complete process of enrolling in Apple's public beta program, from signing up to providing valuable feedback that shapes the future of Apple's operating systems.
Getting Started with Beta Enrollment - Navigate to beta.apple.com and sign up for the Apple Beta Software Program using your Apple ID, including agreeing to the terms that remind you this is pre-release software

Device Enrollment Process - Choose "enroll your iOS device" and follow the streamlined process for iOS 16.4 or later, which no longer requires downloading special configuration profiles like earlier versions

Finding Beta Updates in Settings - Access the new "Beta Updates" option under General > Software Update > Automatic Updates, where you'll see iOS 26 Public Beta options (developer betas won't appear unless you're a registered developer)

The Importance of Feedback Assistant - Learn about the dedicated app Apple installs for beta testers to report bugs, capture diagnostic files, and submit screenshots of issues you encounter

Quick Diagnostic Capture Trick - Use the volume up, volume down, side button combination for 1-1.5 seconds to instantly capture diagnostic files when you encounter problems, complete with haptic feedback confirmation

Beta Support Across All Platforms - The same enrollment process works for iPadOS, tvOS (though slightly more complex), and macOS Tahoe, with each platform getting its own enrollment path

Exiting the Beta Program - Turn off beta updates in Settings to stop receiving new beta versions and automatically return to public releases, or completely leave the program through the beta.apple.com unenroll page

Host: Mikah Sargent

Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple

Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
...more
11min
July 24, 2025HOA 192: Locking & Hiding Apps
Mikah Sargent reveals the handy security features in iOS and iPadOS that let you lock and hide apps from prying eyes, whether you're lending your phone to a child or keeping sensitive information away from untrustworthy individuals.
App Locking vs. Hiding Overview - Mikah explains the key differences between locking apps (requires authentication but stays visible) and hiding apps (completely removes from home screen except in special hidden folder)

Important Limitations to Know - When apps are locked, their information won't appear in CarPlay, notifications, search results, or Siri suggestions, and the feature only works on the specific device where it's enabled

Family Sharing Restrictions - Children under 13 cannot lock or hide apps, while teens 13-17 can use the feature but parents can still see download history and Screen Time data

Apps That Cannot Be Locked - Built-in iOS apps like Calculator, Camera, Clock, Contacts, Find My, Maps, Shortcuts, and Settings are off-limits for locking (Screen Time or Guided Access recommended instead)

Step-by-Step App Locking Demo - Live demonstration using the Home app, showing how to tap and hold an app icon, select "Require Face ID" from the quick actions menu, and authenticate to enable the lock

How to Unlock Apps - Simple process of tapping and holding the locked app icon, choosing "Don't Require Face ID," and entering your passcode to remove the protection

App Hiding Requirements - Only third-party apps downloaded from the App Store can be hidden; built-in iOS apps and default web browsers cannot be hidden

Complete App Hiding Walkthrough - Detailed demonstration using the Annotable app, showing the "Hide and Require Face ID" option and explaining that hidden apps won't send notifications or alerts

Accessing Hidden Apps - Two methods revealed: through Settings > Apps > Hidden Apps, or by going to App Library, scrolling to the Hidden folder at the bottom, and authenticating with Face ID

Host: Mikah Sargent

Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple

Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
...more
12min
July 17, 2025HOA 191: Audio Settings for Apple Devices
Unlock the potential of your AirPods with these game-changing settings that most users never experiment with! Mikah Sargent plugs into the comprehensive settings menu for Apple's audio devices, revealing advanced features that can transform your listening experience from basic to spellbinding.
Battery monitoring and case connectivity - How to check AirPods and case battery levels, plus troubleshooting charging animations and Bluetooth connection issues

Device naming and identification - Customizing your AirPods name to distinguish between multiple pairs and ensure you're connecting to the right device

Noise control modes - Deep dive into Transparency, Adaptive, and Noise Cancellation modes, including how each works differently and when to use them

Adaptive audio intelligence - How this feature automatically switches between noise cancellation and transparency based on your environment and conversations

Hearing health features - Comprehensive look at hearing protection, loud sound reduction, and the 85-decibel safety threshold

Ear tip fit testing - Using built-in tools to ensure you're using the correct size ear tips for optimal performance and comfort

Hearing assistance - How AirPods Pro can function as hearing aids and perform actual hearing tests to customize audio

Customizing press and hold controls - Programming left and right AirPods for different functions like noise control or voice assistant activation

Call management features - Setting up tap controls for answering, muting, and ending calls with simple gestures

Personalized volume and conversation awareness - Auto-adjusting volume based on environment and automatically pausing media during conversations

Connection preferences - Solving the common annoyance of AirPods connecting to the wrong device by adjusting automatic connection settings

Spatial audio and personalization - Understanding 3D audio features and how they adapt to your specific ear shape and hearing pattern

Microphone selection and head gestures - Choosing which AirPod serves as your microphone and using head nods/shakes to control calls

Advanced features - Charging case sounds, optimized battery charging, Find My integration, and accessibility options

Troubleshooting tips - Using disconnect and forget options to resolve connection issues across all your Apple devices

Host: Mikah Sargent

Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple

Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
...more
30min
July 10, 2025HOA 190: Adding CarPlay on a Budget
Your 2015 Honda Civic doesn't have CarPlay, but that doesn't mean you're stuck without it! Mikah Sargent drives into the world of aftermarket CarPlay solutions, from portable units to full head unit replacements, helping you bring modern connectivity to your older ride without breaking the bank.
Mikah's Personal CarPlay Experience - Mikah shares his own journey installing wireless CarPlay using an aftermarket head unit through Crutchfield, highlighting the convenience of automatic phone connection

Crutchfield Integration Benefits - How Crutchfield provides vehicle-specific wiring harnesses and installation instructions, plus the advantages of full integration like steering wheel controls and built-in microphone support

Car and Driver IntelliDash Pro X10 - A $180 wireless CarPlay unit featuring a 10-inch touchscreen, cigarette lighter power, and crucial auxiliary audio output for car speaker connection

Eonon 10.26-inch Unit - A less expensive alternative that includes backup camera connectivity and built-in front-facing camera for insurance purposes

Budget CarPlay Warning - Why you should avoid cheap $20-50 CarPlay units!

Car and Driver Intellidash Pro X10 (affiliate) - https://amzn.to/4nSwJqi

Eonon 10.26 Inch Wireless Apple CarPlay (affiliate) - https://amzn.to/3GrIaV0

Crutchfield - https://www.crutchfield.com/

Host: Mikah Sargent

Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple

Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
...more
13min
July 03, 2025HOA 189: macOS Printers & Scanners
Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered a serious flaw affecting nearly 700 Brother printer models that allows attackers to extract serial numbers and generate admin passwords without any authentication. Host Mikah Sargent walks through the step-by-step process of securing your Mac-connected printer using built-in macOS tools to access your printer's web interface and change those dangerous default passwords.
Major Printer Security Vulnerability Discovered - Rapid7 cybersecurity company found flaws affecting Brother, Toshiba, and Fujifilm printers, with 689 Brother models impacted by the most serious vulnerability

How the Attack Works - Bad actors can access printers without authentication, extract serial numbers, and use them to generate default admin passwords since manufacturers use predictable password generation methods

Viewing Printer Details and Options - How to check printer queue, sharing settings, driver information, and supply levels through the macOS interface for connected Brother printers

Opening Your Printer's Web Interface - Step-by-step guide to accessing the "Show Printer Web Page" option to reach your printer's built-in web server for advanced configuration

Checking and Updating Firmware - Importance of keeping printer firmware current, though updates don't completely solve the manufacturing-level vulnerability that requires Brother to address

Changing Default Admin Passwords - Critical security step of accessing the administrator login settings through the printer's web interface to replace factory default credentials

Host: Mikah Sargent

Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple

Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
...more
12min
June 26, 2025HOA 188: Wi-Fi Troubleshooting
Struggling with slow Wi-Fi and apps that won't load properly on your iPhone or iPad? Mikah Sargent shares a look at the hidden Wi-Fi settings that could be sabotaging your internet experience, uncovering the specific toggles that might be causing Instagram videos to stop mid-scroll and social media sites to fail loading.
Managing Saved Networks - How to view and connect to your commonly used networks, plus adding hidden networks that don't broadcast their SSID

"Ask to Join Networks" Settings - Why Mikah chooses "Off" to avoid constant network prompts

Auto-Join Hotspot Feature - How your device can automatically connect to personal hotspots and when to use "Ask to Join" vs "Automatic"

Network Management with Face ID - Using the Edit button to access your complete network history stored in iCloud Keychain and removing unwanted connections

Auto-Join Problems - Why devices sometimes connect to guest networks instead of main networks and how to prevent this frustrating issue

Low Data Mode - A crucial setting for hotspots and limited data connections that disables background tasks like photo syncing and automatic updates

Private Wi-Fi Address Explained - How MAC address randomization protects your privacy but can cause connection issues with certain networks that use MAC filtering

IP Address Tracking - Why Apple's "Limit IP Address Tracking" feature (a premium service) often causes slow connections and social media loading failures

Host: Mikah Sargent

Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple

Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
...more
16min
June 19, 2025HOA 187: Windowing System in iPadOS 26
Get ready to experience the future of iPad productivity as Mikah Sargent takes us on an exclusive first look at iPadOS 26's intuitive windowing system that finally brings true multitasking to Apple's tablet platform. Mikah explores Apple's latest iPadOS 26 beta, revealing how the iPad is evolving into a more desktop-like experience with powerful new windowing capabilities and familiar Mac-inspired interface elements.
Windowing System - Detailed walkthrough of the new multi-window functionality, activated by tapping a curved "macaroni noodle" icon in the bottom-right corner of compatible apps

Mac-Style Window Controls - Demonstration of the familiar red, yellow, and green "stoplight" buttons borrowed from macOS that allow users to close, minimize, and resize windows with precision

Multi-App Window Management - Live demo showing how multiple apps (Safari, Music, Settings) can run simultaneously in resizable windows, creating a true desktop-like multitasking experience

Menu Bar Integration - Exclusive look at how traditional menu bars have arrived on iPadOS, providing access to app-specific settings, file operations, and system controls just like on Mac

Safari Windowing Features - Exploration of how web browsing works in the new windowed environment, including tab management and window manipulation capabilities

Settings and Music App Integration - Demonstration of how system apps adapt to the windowing interface, including quick access to app settings via Command+Comma keyboard shortcut

Host: Mikah Sargent

Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple

Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
...more
10min

FAQs about Hands-On Apple (Audio):

How many episodes does Hands-On Apple (Audio) have?

The podcast currently has 155 episodes available.

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