Skip to Main Content

Mobile App How-To

Latest Mobile App How-To

Stop Robotexts: How to Block Smishing and Spam Text Messages

You don't have to put up with spam texts and junk messages. Here's how to block spammy texts.

By Lance Whitney
close up of robotext

How to Subscribe to and Manage Audio Content With Apple Podcasts

Apple's Podcasts app is available for mobile devices and desktops. Here's how to follow, listen to, and manage podcasts on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, in iTunes, or on the web.

By Lance Whitney
apple podcasts

3 AI Keyboard Apps That Can Help Spruce Up Your Emails, Text Messages, and More

Need to finesse an email or polish a blog post while on your phone or tablet? Enlist the help of a third-party AI keyboard like Wordtune, Microsoft SwiftKey, or Grammarly.

By Lance Whitney
Composite graphic with a phone screen showing "New Message" with a text typed in and AI suggestions overlaid

Write This Down: 24 Things You Didn't Realize Apple's Notes App Could Do

Apple enhances the Notes app with each new release of iOS and iPadOS. Here’s how to take advantage of the latest upgrades, from locking down notes to tapping into Apple Intelligence.

By Lance Whitney
notes app logo over screenshots of the app

Sick of Safari? How to Change the Default Apps on Your iPhone and iPad

As of iOS 18.2, Apple lets you select a default for a wider category of apps, including calls and messages. Here's how to pick your app of choice.

By Tyler Hayes
App Store icon is seen displayed on a phone screen

How to Create a Slideshow With the Photos App on Your iPhone or iPad

You can easily assemble and share a slideshow of your favorite photos from the Photos app.

By Lance Whitney
photos in the apple photos app

How to Share Your Location in Google Maps

Whether telling family your ETA or keeping friends apprised of your location during a first date, Google Maps makes it easy to share your whereabouts.

By Jason Cohen & Stephanie Mlot
person using google maps app on a phone

Walk It Off: How to Plan and Download a Hiking Route With Apple Maps

With iOS 18, iPhone users can download hikes or create their own in Apple's mapping app. Here's how to find your next route, and stay on track even when there's no cell signal.

By Clay Halton
hiker on her phone sitting on a mountain

Do the Math: 8 Hidden Features in Apple's Calculator App (Now on iPad, Finally)

Apple's Calculator app does more than help you calculate tips. With the latest OSes, it launches on iPad and lets you create a Math Note for more complex problems, among other things.

By Lance Whitney
iphone sitting on a desk with calculator app open

How to Use Apple's Built-In Translate App as Your Personal Translator

If you need a quick translation, the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch come with their own built-in translator app from Apple.

By Lance Whitney
closeup of the apple translate app

Get Lost, Siri: How to Replace Apple's Assistant With ChatGPT on Your iPhone

Don't want to wait for Siri's big Apple Intelligence upgrade? Here's how to replace Apple's voice assistant with OpenAI's chatbot using the Apple Shortcuts app.

By Clay Halton
iphone with chatgpt logo in place of siri

How to Record Phone Calls on an iPhone

Recording phone calls on an iPhone used to be a hassle, but soon, Apple will change that.

By Eric Griffith
How to Record Calls on an iPhone

Done With Google Maps? 18 Reasons to Try Apple Maps

The Apple Maps app has matured over the years and is now an effective navigation tool when you need to get somewhere or explore your destination.

By Lance Whitney
person looking at apple maps on their phone

How to Set Up Apple Family Sharing for Purchases and iCloud Storage

Using Apple’s Family Sharing plan, you can share iTunes and App Store purchases, Apple subscriptions, and even iCloud storage space.

By Lance Whitney
Apple Family

Can You Keep a Secret? How to Hide and Lock Apps on Your iPhone

With iOS 18 installed on your iPhone, you can add an extra layer of security to certain apps so people with access to your phone can't sneak a peek.

By Lance Whitney
iphone lock message

How to Do a Reverse Image Search From Your Phone

Google's reverse image search is a breeze on a desktop, but what about when you're on a mobile device? Google, Bing, and others have options.

By Eric Griffith
Credit: Grace Cary/ Getty Images

How to Get Water Out of Your iPhone Speakers

The iPhone doesn't have the Apple Watch's Water Lock feature, meaning there's no built-in way to eject water from an iPhone. That's where Apple's Shortcuts app comes in.

By Clay Halton
the back of an iphone covered in water droplets

Buyer's Remorse? How to Request a Refund From Apple's App Store

Did you mistakenly purchase an app or re-up a subscription? Here's how to request that Apple refund your money for an app, subscription, or service purchased through the App Store.

By Tyler Hayes
app store icon on iphone next to apple logo

How to Run iPhone and iPad Apps on Your Mac

If your Mac has an Apple Silicon chip, it can run supported iOS and iPadOS apps. Here's how to get your mobile apps running on your laptop or desktop.

By Tyler Hayes
app store

5 Ways to Run Android Apps on Your PC for Free

Want to use Android apps on a PC? These are the apps and services that can make it happen. Some tinkering may be required.

By Jason Cohen & Whitson Gordon
android mascot on windows pc