TechKnowledge

TechKnowledge

Understanding Your Apple ID

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It’s not uncommon for me to receive a call from a client complaining about a few things that may seem unrelated, but in fact are all connected. The complaints could sound like this… “My contacts aren’t synchronizing between devices.” “Music I purchased on my iPhone I can’t get on my iPad.” “My device keeps asking me for an iCloud password, but I don’t know if I have one…” All these questions relate to your Apple account, which effects synchronizing data, music purchases, iCloud, and a lot more.

 

Your Apple account is accessed with two pieces of information; your Apple ID and password. Just as your Amazon account or any  online account has a User ID and a password, your Apple account is no different. However, Apple calls your User ID, an Apple ID. Your Apple ID borrows your email address (like many online accounts), which uniquely identifies you when you sign in. Think about it… lots of people may use the same first and last names as you, but nobody else in the world has the same email address!

 

Your Apple account connects you to Apple’s various digital media stores and services. If you’ve been an Apple device user for a long time, you may remember the precursor to what is now your Apple account: An iTunes account. These two account names can cause a little confusion, so here’s the story.

 

Many moons ago Apple created the iTunes application, which made it possible to listen to the music CD’s that you own, using your computer. iTunes could even import the songs from the CD into a digital music library on your computer. At that time, there was no need for an account.

 

Soon after, the iTunes Store was created as a new feature in the iTunes application. This made it possible to purchase new (and digital) music directly from Apple. Enter now the need to create an account. This involved providing Apple with contact and payment information. A password was created, and together with your email address this became your iTunes account.

 

Fast forward to today, Apple now sells more digital media than just music. The iTunes Store now sells movies, tv shows, books, apps for  iPhone/iPad, and more. Some of Apple’s digital media stores have spun off from the iTunes Store into a dedicated app. One example  is the iBooks app, which sells digital books on both Mac and  iPhone/iPad.

 

There’s also a dedicated App Store, again on both Mac and iPhone/iPad. Now that Apple sells more than music, the term ‘iTunes account’ is inaccurate. So what was once your iTunes account, is now your Apple account. There are, however, still moments when you will see a request for your iTunes account password. Rest assured, your iTunes account and your Apple account are one in the same account.

 

Not only can you purchase music, movies, and apps with your Apple account, you can also use this account to access other Apple services. Using FaceTime, Messages, and iCloud all require your Apple account. Your Apple account is used for so many things that your Apple ID and password should be kept at the ready. If your password is lost or forgotten, it can be reset. Apple won’t tell you what the password is, but they will let you change it. Visit iforgot.apple.com to change your Apple account password.

 

On a final note, it’s critical to address a misconception that often comes up after it’s too late. It goes like this: “My Apple ID is using an old email address that I no longer use. I guess I should create a new Apple account with my new email address, right?” The answer is ‘No’, never create a second Apple account when you’ve changed your email address!

 

This is important for several reasons. When you download an app to any Apple device, the app will at some point request an update. To complete the update, you’ll need to enter the password for the Apple account that purchased it. If you have apps purchased from two different Apple accounts, then you have two passwords to remember on the same device.

 

Multiple Apple accounts can also prevent devices from synchronizing with each other. Many people like to have their iPad and iPhone sync contacts and calendars. Synchronizing requires use of the same Apple account on all devices. Therefore, an iPad using an old Apple account and an iPhone using a new Apple account will not sync.

 

Additionally, if you begin using a new Apple account, then purchases like music or movies can get lost. Imagine you’d like to download an album you’ve already purchased in the iTunes Store. If your device is using a new Apple account, then purchases made with an old account will not be available to you.

 

Sound like a nightmare? It is… and there are even more reasons why you should never create a second Apple account. For many people, it’s too late. So what do you do if you’ve already created two Apple accounts before you read this article? Unfortunately, you can’t merge two accounts. You can update an Apple account to use a new email address, but not if it’s already in use with a second Apple account.

 

If you’ve already created a second Apple account, you’ll want to choose one of your Apple accounts to use moving forward. Don’t use the other account, let it fade into obscurity. Choose the account that has the most purchased content associated with it.

 

If you have one Apple account, but it is using an old email address, you’ll want to update your Apple account with your new email address. Visit appleid.apple.com, and sign in with your Apple ID and password. Once inside your account profile page, click Edit to change the email address. The new email address must be verified. This means that Apple will send a link or a code to that email address to confirm that you own that email address. Check your email, and either click the link, or enter the code on the website. Once the new email address is verified, you’ve successfully updated your Apple account.

 

This is not a new Apple account, it is an old account that has a new Apple ID. The new email address becomes your Apple ID for the same account that you’ve always used. We could liken this process to someone getting their legal name changed. They may have a new name, but are still the same person.

 

It should be known that at times when attempting to sign in to your Apple account, that you may see a link or button that says “Create Apple ID.” The language here is a little strange, as this really means creating a whole new Apple account. This is only for those who do not already have an Apple account. It might become tempting to do this when it becomes difficult to sign into your Apple account. Don’t forget you can always reset your password.

 

In summary, everyone should be using only one Apple account on all devices they own.

Avery Label Template for Apple Pages users

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For anyone who needs to print their own address labels using Pages on their Mac, I have made a template that is available for download here –> avery-5160-template. Templates for Avery labels can also be found on Avery’s website, however, they are all provided in Microsoft Word format, and they don’t translate well into Apple’s Pages application. Mac users have long been able to print address labels using the Contacts application by creating a Group, but there is no automated way to print return address labels. So this template is home-made, it works great, and it’s yours for the taking if you need a return address label template (it works for regular address labels as well). This template fits Avery labels 5160, a standard and popular size for address labels. Please note that many Avery label stocks have different numbers due to label colors, etc., but many of these labels still use the standard 5160 label template, which is always noted on the label packaging. You can purchase these labels at any office supply store. Happy labeling!

 

After clicking the link to download the template, be sure to find it in your Downloads folder. Your Downloads folder can be usually be found by opening the Finder (blue happy face icon), and then locating Downloads in the left side bar of the window that opens. Good luck :o)

Watch out! – The latest scam…

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I’ve been receiving almost one call a week regarding this latest scam going around now. I want to make you aware of what it is, and what to do. What can happen is while you are visiting a website, a pop up window appears saying that you have a virus so call the listed phone number immediately for help. Unfortunately, the pop up window locks your cursor so that you can’t do anything, creating panic and prompting people to call the phone number. People who have called the number have reported the voice on the other end to have a strong eastern Indian accent, so this is one way to know immediately to hang up the phone. The person answering the phone will unlock your machine, remote control your computer, navigate to some strangely named system files as evidence of a virus, install some free anti-virus software and pronounce your computer free of viruses. Then it comes time for the bill which can be as outrageous as $600 or more for the (free) anti-virus software that they’ve just installed.

 

It’s all a scam!! If you see a window pop up like the one described above, DO NOT call the phone number. On a Mac, Force Quit your browser by holding down the Command + Option keys and then press ESC. Select your browser (Safari, FireFox, or Chrome) and click Force Quit. Restart your Mac and all should be good. On a Windows PC, Force Quit your browser by holding down the Control + Alt keys and the press DELETE. Select your browser (Edge, Explorer, FireFox, or Chrome) and click End Task. Restart your PC and all should be good. If these options are not available, press and hold your power button in for 5 seconds to turn your computer (PC or Mac) off. Let it rest 30 seconds and turn it back on. This option is a last resort as it’s not healthy for the computer for it to be turned off via the kill switch.

 

Update: Recently I’ve been now receiving as many as 3 calls per week regarding the scam above. The scammers are getting serious, and they’re getting smarter! Recent reports now tell me that the Indian accent is gone and the voice on the other end of the call speaks clear, native English, making it more difficult to discern a scammer from a legitimate technician. Here’s another way to discern the scam if you do end up on the phone: Ask how much the service will cost. You’ll first be given a number as high as $600. Tell them you don’t have that much money and see if they lower the price. What technician haggles on their service price!? If they lower the price, you know that you’re speaking with a scammer who is trying to get whatever money you can afford. If they won’t haggle the price and stick to $600, then you’re better off buying a new computer for that much money.

 

The bottom line is this – If any window pops up while you’re surfing the web that says you’ve got a virus and to call a provided phone number for help, it can only be a scam. Let me also add that you may read this article and think that it all seems so obvious that it’s a scam, but when it happens to you, it will be terrifying, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you’ll consider calling the number for help. But stay calm and follow the instructions above and you’ll be just fine. If by chance you’ve already been victimized by this scam, be sure to call your credit card company and let them know you’ve been scammed so that they can remove the charges. I would ask them if reissuing the card is an option they recommend as well.

Yosemite and Google misunderstanding

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If you are a Gmail AND a Mac user and you’ve recently upgraded to OS X 10.10 Yosemite, you may have recently seen the message below in your email inbox;

Google Block

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have you seen this? If not, then you’ve got nothing to worry about. If you have, then what you need to know is that Google has recently begun tightening up their security measures, and an application on your Mac that accesses your Google account (Apple Mail) is somehow not viewed by Google as secure. Something in Yosemite seems to be triggering a raised security flag with Google, who then blocks the sign in attempt and then lets you know with an email message like the one above. It’s a bit confusing to receive these notices and to know what to do.

 

You’ve got a couple choices. The first option is a better option, but it’s a little more work. Option 1 requires that you remove your Gmail account from your Mac and set it back up again. To do so, visit your System Preferences, where you’ll click Internet Accounts. Select your Gmail account in the list on the left side and then click the minus (—) symbol at the bottom left. Doing this will remove access to your Gmail account on your Mac (for the moment). After confirming the removal of the account, while you’re still in the same window, click the plus (+) and follow the prompts to add your Gmail account back into your Mac. This will require your Gmail password, so be absolutely sure you have this before you proceed with this option! It will take a few minutes before you’re able to check your email in the Mail application, so you’ll need to be patient. I recommend this option for those who are a bit more familiar and comfortable with changing the system settings on their Mac.

 

Option 2 is much easier and faster, but can reduce the security of your account. This requires following the second link that appeared in your email from Google, or click here. The website that opens may ask you to login to your Google account, which requires your Gmail address and password. Once logged in, the following page gives you two options regarding ‘Access for less secure apps.’ You can choose to Turn On or Turn Off. Choosing Turn Off should prevent those emails from Google. Changing these settings prevents so many raised security flags with Google so that they don’t block your sign in attempts, most of which are legitimate sign in attempts made by your Mac when you check your email. It’s hard to say if this is really an important security measure, or if this is Google trying to get people to use their products instead of those of their competitors. Ironically, the Apple Mail app on your Mac is NOT listed on Google’s information page as an app that uses poor security standards.

 

Email accounts are compromised all too often, and you’ll know if it happens to you when someone asks you why you sent them an email on where to buy cheap Viagra, etc. The solution to this is always to change your password, which you have to do at the website of your email provider, i.e. Gmail.com. No need to panic if this happens to you, just change your password and apologize to your friends for the weird email ‘you’ sent them.

 

Updating Flash

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First of all, what is Flash Player? Flash Player is software, made by Adobe, that allows your computer to play files that are saved in a Flash file format. We find Flash files on websites that stream video like YouTube, and on sites that offer games like those on FaceBook. Sites like Lumosity also use the Flash file format for their brain training exercises. Flash is a file format that is widely used on many websites, but the unfortunate thing about Flash is that it requires an update seemingly every couple months. On top of that, the process for updating is not all that simple. So, the steps to update your Flash Player are below. This guide was created for Mac users, but the process would be similar for PC users (Instead of System Preferences, look for Control Panels, instead of Finder, you’ll need My Computer, and instead of Safari, another browser like Edge, Chrome, or Firefox. Please also note that this process can vary slightly depending on what system software you’re currently running, so be sure to read each pop-up window on-screen as you compare and read through this guide. If you would prefer a document to print with these same step by step instructions that has helpful images inserted, you can download it here; Updating Flash.

 

These instructions begin as if you want to update Flash without following any pop-up windows that say you need to update Flash (perhaps one did appear but is now not on the screen, begin at step 1). If you are prompted to update Flash with a pop-up window, then you’re instructions will begin at step 6.

 

1. Click the Apple logo top left of your screen, then click System Preferences.

 

2. Near the bottom of the System Preferences, click Flash Player.

 

3. In the window that appears for the Flash Player preferences, click the Updates tab (or the Advanced tab if there is no Updates tab) at the top right.

 

4. Click Check Now near the bottom to see if there are any updates available.

 

5. If you get a message saying you’re up to date, then all is well. Close all windows and return to life as usual. If you get a message saying that there is an update available, click the button that would begin the process; OK, Update, or Install, etc.

This should open Safari and take you directly to the Adobe Flash Install website.

 

6. If you originally saw and clicked a pop-up message about updating Flash, it should jump you directly to this step. From this website, click Install Now (this step actually downloads Flash, the install is later). It should only take a minute or two to complete the Flash Player download.

 

7. Open your Downloads folder to find the Flash installer file. Click the Finder (blue happy face) on your Dock (typically at the bottom left of your screen). Once you’ve clicked the Finder icon, in the window that appears click Downloads in the left sidebar to display its contents which should reveal the compressed Adobe Flash Installer program. Find and double click the Adobe Flash Installer file (ends with .dmg).

 

8. Double clicking the compressed Flash Installer file in step 7 will uncompress the file and reveal it to you in a new window. Again, double click the Install Adobe Flash Player file (the red box icon).

 

9. Before the Installer can work, your Mac wants to know if it’s a safe file, so you’ll see this message saying “Install Adobe Flash Player is an application downloaded from the Internet. Are you sure you want to open it?” It’s safe so click Open.

 

10. Your Mac now asks for your authorization to install software. Enter your Mac administrator user account password, the same password you use to log into the Mac. This is NOT your Apple ID password. Enter the password and click OK.

 

11. The Flash Installer will ask you to set updating preferences, (the recommended option is fine). Click Next and the Flash begins an attempt to Install.

 

12. If Safari is still running in the background, you’ll see a request to close Safari. Click Close Safari and the install resumes. Click Finish when the install completes.

 

13. Safari reopens on its own to a website where Adobe offers a product to you. Don’t buy anything, just close Safari as you normally would.

 

14. You may still have an Adobe Flash Player Installer on your Desktop and in your Downloads folder. The one on your Desktop is the uncompressed version of what is in your Downloads folder. But after the installation is complete, these can both be placed  in the trash.

 

15. You’re all done! You can now return to life as usual. Hold onto these instructions, as Flash will undoubtedly need to be updated again in the next couple months!

iOS 8.1 has arrived.

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What is iOS 8.1? iOS 8.1 is the Operating System software for your iPad and/or iPhone. This is a minor software update but everyone should complete it. iOS 8.1 is a follow up to iOS 8, which first released on Sep 17, 2014. A few things to know before you initiate the update;

 

1. Make sure your device is plugged in and charging before you begin. You will need to be connected to a WIFI network to complete the update.

 

2. Minor updates like this one usually will squash a few bugs, but can also bring in some new features. People may have heard that there was a major problem with iOS 8, and to be precise, that problem came in with version 8.0.1, which fixed one bug but created another BIG bug. That bug was then corrected with version 8.0.2. The update to version 8.1 will include the fix for the bug that was introduced with 8.0.1. For a minor update, version 8.1 brings in quite a few new features, including; support for ApplePay (Apple’s new digital payments initiative), Continuity (features that allow the iPhone and iPad to interact with a Mac computer in some interesting ways), a new Health app (to help users monitor healthy living), and the return of the Camera Roll in the Photos app, among a few other small features.

 

3. During the update, your device screen will go black on it’s own and that’s OK, it will power back on when the update has completed. Please do NOT turn off your device while it’s conducting the update, which could also prove seriously problematic. During the installation of the update the device will be unusable and will not receive any calls or texts, but any messages coming in during that time will be there waiting for you when the device completes the install and reboots. If the device screen has been black for a while, tap the Home button once to see if it wakes up for you. The Home button is the only button on the front screen surface of your device.

 

4. As always, repeat the steps below from time to time to see if their are any new updates to complete. You can also visit my blog again and I’ll keep you posted on when important updates are released.

 

So how do I do this update?

 

1. Find and tap the Settings app on your iPad and/or iPhone. This app looks like silver gears.

 

2. Tap ‘General’ in the list. (In the left sidebar if on iPad)

 

3. Tap ‘Software Update’ in the list (Located top right on iPad)

 

4. Tap ‘Download and Install’

 

5. That’s it! If by chance you don’t get a ‘Download and Install’ button but instead you get a ‘Usage Settings’ button, then it means you have too much stuff on your device to do the update. Delete some unused apps, undesired photos or other media to free up some space and then try again. Don’t delete emails to release space, emails are very small and depending on what type of email account you have, they aren’t really taking up space on your device anyways.

 

6. When your device has completed the update, it may ask you a few questions. If it asks you about something called Location Services, choose the option to Enable Location Services. Without Location Services enabled, features like Mapping and tracking a lost or stolen device become more difficult and/or impossible. You may also be asked to log into iCloud. Log into iCloud using your Apple ID and password, the same information you use to download apps/games. If you are asked about upgrading to iCloud Drive, go ahead and follow the prompts to complete that upgrade. Finally, you may also be asked to create a passcode to lock your device. Create one if you like, but I find most people don’t want or need one. There should be a small button on this screen that says ‘Skip’, or, ‘Don’t Add Passcode’, so tap that button to bypass creating a passcode.

 

Good luck!

OS X 10.10 Yosemite has arrived!

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What is OS X 10.10 Yosemite? OS X is the Operating System software for your Mac. This is a major software update that everyone should do… eventually. It’s possible that some older Macs may not have the hardware needed to support this update, but I would expect many Macs out there to be capable. A few things to know before you complete this update;

 

1. If you have a laptop, make sure your Mac is plugged in and charging before you begin. Running out of power mid update could create some potentially large problems. You will also need to be connected to the Internet.

 

2. Major updates like this one will always add in some new and interesting features which can be exciting, but in these updates Apple may change the way things look and potentially move buttons around. So don’t panic, this just means being diligent and patient to scan the entire screen if by chance you can’t find the button you’re looking for in the place where it was before. Yosemite brings in a significant visual overhaul, changing a lot of the icons and buttons to a much flatter appearance. It won’t look completely different, but a bit different should be expected.

 

3.  The software update process has two steps; The Download and then the Install, both of which can take some time. Your Mac screen will display various things  (all black, all white, Apple logo, etc.) on it’s own during this process and that’s OK, it will power back on when the Install has completed. Please do NOT turn off your Mac while it’s conducting the update, which could prove seriously problematic. It may take a while to do the update, hard to say how long, depends on the speed of your internet connection, maybe 30 min, maybe several hours. My Mac completed the Download and Install in about one hour each, totaling a 2 hr process. The Mac is usable during the Download, but during the Install  the Mac will be unusable. I suggest initiating this long process before you go to bed at night so it has plenty of time. If the Mac screen has been black for a while, tap the space bar once to see if it wakes up for you so you can see where the Mac is in this process. During this process, you’ll be asked for 2 passwords. Initiating the Download will require your Apple ID password, and initiating the Install will require your Mac administrator user account password, which is the same password you use to sign into the Mac whenever it starts up. Be sure you have both of these passwords handy before you begin the process.

 

4. A general rule I usually follow when running major software updates; Wait for the ‘.1.’ The version of OS X that was just released is numbered at version 10.10. I always wait a few weeks after the initial release date (which was Oct 16, 2014) to update my Mac until the first software patch releases. Waiting for that first software patch would allow the Mac to update to version 10.10.1 all at the same time, skipping over any bugs that came in with version 10.10. I wait for the ‘.1’ patch in order to hear what the public reaction is to the new software and to see what bugs people are experiencing. A good place to read about these issues is; macrumors.com. After a major update like this one to version 10.10, the ‘.1’ software patch is usually released fairly quickly in order to address any initial bugs in the software.

 

UPDATE 4/2/15 – Apple has updated Yosemite now to 10.10.2 with 10.10.3 due out any time. Unfortunately, there was a big bug in 10.10, and the patch that arrived in 10.10.1 did not resolve the issue. But with the release now of 10.10.2, all is well. One big change to be aware of is that iPhoto is being discontinued this Spring. Apple has a new app to take its place, and that is an app called Photos, and it has the same look and feel of the Photos app on your iPhone and iPad. This is expected to be a part of the 10.10.3 update coming very soon, so don’t be shocked when iPhoto disappears. If you’re not ready to let go of iPhoto, hold off on doing this update.

 

So how do I do this update?

 

1. Click the Apple logo in the top left of your screen. Click ‘Software Update…’ in the menu that appears.

 

2. The previous two clicks will open the ‘Updates’ section of the App Store application. Here you’ll see a large graphic of Yosemite park, and on the right side of this image is a button that says ‘Free Upgrade.’ Click ‘Free Upgrade’ and then Sign in with your Apple ID and password. Click ‘Sign In.’ Some people may not see a ‘Free Upgrade’ button, but rather ‘Download’ or ‘Get.’ These will all get the process going.

 

3. Those few steps there should initiate the Download! If you want to track the progress of your download, click ‘Purchases’ at the top of the App Store window where you’ll be able to see a blue progress bar indicating your progress of the software update download.

 

4. When your Mac has completed the Download, it should ask you for permission to begin the next phase of the update; the Install. Click ‘Continue’ at the bottom to initiate the Install. At this point, you’ll need to agree to the Software License Agreement. Click ‘Agree’ at the bottom and then click ‘Agree’ once again at the top.

 

5. After you agree to the License Agreement, click ‘Install.’ You’ll now be asked for your Mac Administrator password, which may be a different password than your Apple ID password. If your Mac asks you for a password when you turn it on or wake it up from sleep, this is the same password being asked for now. Enter the password and click ‘OK.’

 

6. The screen will now cycle through a few phases while the Install completes. The screen may go completely white or black, and at times you’ll see an Apple logo with a thin progress bar or a large circle with an X in the middle of it. You may see each of these screens more than once during the Install. When the Install completes, your Mac will ask you a few questions;

 

1. Sign in with your Apple ID… again. Do so and then click ‘Continue.’ Doing this ensures that you will already be logged into iTunes, iCloud and the App Store.

2. You may be asked; ‘Allow this Mac to be used with Find My Mac?’ If it does, click ‘Allow’ to enable this function, which will allow your Mac to be tracked if it’s lost or stolen.

3. You’ll need to agree to the ‘Terms and Conditions’ of the new software. Click ‘Agree’ at the bottom and then click ‘Agree’ once again at the top.

4. You’ll also be asked to upgrade to iCloud Drive. You may not need this right away, and you can skip it if you like, but storing important documents in the cloud is growing ever so more popular. I recommend doing the upgrade. Select the button in front of ‘Upgrade to iCloud Drive’ and click ‘Continue.’ You’ll see a reminder to also update your iPhone and/or iPad to iOS 8 and then you’ll be asked for confirmation on the upgrade to iCloud drive. Click ‘Continue.’

4. Last question is about sending Diagnostics information to Apple. Click ‘Continue.’

 

At this point, the Mac should say ‘Setting Up Your Mac’ and then start up and automatically open the App Store. Click ‘Updates’ at the top right of this window to see if there are any additional smaller updates to complete. Click ‘Update All’ at the top right if you have the option, which will enable any other smaller apps requiring an update to initiate their own Download and Install.

 

You may also be asked to ‘Turn on Auto Updates?’ in the top right of your screen. Click ‘Turn On.’

 

That’s it, you’re all done. Close the App Store application if you haven’t done so already by clicking the red dot at the top left of the App Store window.

 

Good luck, and enjoy Yosemite! Check back in a few days or weeks and I’ll let you know when 10.10.1 has been released.

iOS 8 has arrived!

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What is iOS 8? iOS 8 is the Operating System software for your iPad and/or iPhone. This is a major software update that everyone should do. It’s possible that older devices may not support this new update, but I would expect most devices out there to be able to handle it. A few things to know before you initiate the update;

 

1. Make sure your device is plugged in and charging before you begin. Running out of juice mid update could potentially mean erasing the device to remedy any problems. You will also need to be connected to a wifi network, the update will not complete using cellular data service.

 

2. Major updates like this one will add in some new features which will be nice, but in these updates Apple often may change the way things look and potentially move buttons around. So don’t panic, this just means being diligent to scan the entire device screen if by chance you can’t find the button you’re looking for in the place where it was before. It won’t look completely different, but a little different should be expected.

 

3.  Your device screen will go black on it’s own and that’s OK, it will power back on when the update has completed. Please do NOT turn off your device while it’s conducting the update, which could also prove seriously problematic. It may take a while to do the update, hard to say how long, depends on the speed of your wifi connection, maybe 30 min, maybe several hours. During this time the device will be unusable and will not receive any calls or texts, but any coming in during that time will be there waiting for you when the device completes the install and reboots. If the device screen has been black for a while, tap the Home button once to see if it wakes up for you. The Home button is the only button on the front screen surface of your device.

 

4. I usually wait a few days/weeks after the initial release date (which was Sep 17, 2014) to update my mobile devices, in order to hear what the public reaction is and to see what bugs people are experiencing. A good place to read about these issues is; macrumors.com. After a major update like this one to version 8.0, there is usually another update that comes out fairly quickly to address any initial bugs. So after you do this major update, check back again in a few days/weeks (using the same steps below) to see if there are any more smaller updates to do.

 

So how do I do this update?

 

1. Find and tap the Settings app on your iPad and/or iPhone. This app looks like silver gears.

 

2. Tap ‘General’ in the list. (In the left sidebar if on iPad)

 

3. Tap ‘Software Update’ in the list (Located top right on iPad)

 

4. Tap ‘Download and Install’

 

5. That’s it! If by chance you don’t get a ‘Download and Install’ button but instead you get a ‘Usage Settings’ button, then it means you have too much stuff on your device to do the update. Delete some unused apps, undesired photos or other media (excluding email) to free up some space and then try again.

 

6. When your device has completed the update, it may ask you a few questions. If it asks you about something called Location Services, choose the option to Enable Location Services. Without Location Services enabled, features like Mapping and tracking a lost or stolen device become more difficult and/or impossible. You may also be asked to log into iCloud. Log into iCloud using your Apple ID and password, the same information you use to download apps/games. Finally, you may also be asked to create a passcode to lock your device. Create one if you like, but I find most people don’t want or need one. There should be a small button on this screen that says Skip, or, Don’t Add Passcode, so tap that button to bypass creating a passcode.

 

Good luck!