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Hands-On Apple (Audio)
Hands-On Apple (Audio)
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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 Apple Watch. You'll get all the details on Apple's apps and the best apps in the App Store, you'll learn about awesome accessories for your Apple devices, and you'll explore updates to Apple's operating systems — including iOS, macOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. Hands-On Apple is your one-stop shop for Apple know-how. You can join Club TWiT for $10 per month and get ad-free audio and video feeds for all our shows plus everything else the club offers...or get just this podcast ad-free for $5 per month.
New episodes every Thursday.
New episodes every Thursday.
29 Episodes
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TextEdit has quietly been on your Mac for years, but most users overlook its power as the fastest way to capture, clean up, and organize daily notes. See why switching your workflow to this "basic" app might be the biggest upgrade you make this year.
Rich text versus plain text explained and compared
Setting TextEdit defaults for efficient daily use
Benefits of plain text: notes, code, and stripping formatting
Practical TextEdit workflows for editing and organizing notes
Key TextEdit settings for customization and accessibility
Spellcheck, grammar, and formatting options demystified
Detailed walkthrough of Find, Replace, and regex search
Using version history and document recovery in TextEdit
Speech tool for proofreading and accessibility highlighted
When (and when not) to use TextEdit versus other apps
Integrating TextEdit into workflow
Host: Mikah Sargent
Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple
Want access to the ad-free audio and 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.
Sponsor:
outsystems.com/twit
Sign in with Apple feels effortless, but is that convenience worth putting all your digital eggs in one basket? Get the practical advice you need to balance seamless logins with long-term account access.
How Sign In With Apple works across devices and platforms
Demonstrating account creation and login using Hide My Email
Managing, editing, and removing Sign In With Apple logins
Risks of account loss if Apple ID becomes unavailable
Tips for safely using Sign In With Apple for critical accounts
Benefits and limitations of federated logins like Apple, Google, Facebook
Key privacy advantages: no tracking, Hide My Email, and two-factor authentication
Recommended management routines and account recovery precautions
Host: Mikah Sargent
Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple
Want access to the ad-free audio and 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.
Focus modes on your Apple devices can be transformative, but they're also plagued by clunky settings and sync headaches. Mikah Sargent gets real about the practical benefits, dealbreakers, and smart workarounds.
Why most users ignore or misuse Focus modes
Building a useful "Work" focus mode step-by-step
Setting up allowed contacts, apps, and focus filters for work
Automating work focus mode with schedules and location triggers
Customizing visuals and widgets for work focus on Mac, iPhone, and iPad
Creating a "Wind Down" focus for evening transitions
Limiting urgency, contacts, and app notifications during Wind Down
Adjusting visuals and automations for a restful device experience
Designing a "Weekend" focus to reduce work-related interruptions
Silencing work contacts and apps; surfacing personal calendars and profiles
Scheduling weekend focus mode for Fridays through Sundays
Honest breakdown: Focus sync glitches, app limitations, confusing notification behavior, and abuse of "time sensitive" alerts
Host: Mikah Sargent
Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple
Want access to the ad-free audio and 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.
Sponsor:
threatlocker.com/twit
Find out how Apple's Focus filters quietly transform your entire digital environment, switching not just alerts but the apps, screens, and even info you see the moment you switch context. Mikah Sargent shows how to turn your Apple setup into a tailored workday powerhouse or a distraction-free oasis with just a tap.
Customizing app content and behavior with focus filters
Built-in focus filters for Mail, Calendar, Messages, Safari, and system settings
Third-party apps and the slow adoption of focus filter support
Lock screen and home screen pairing with focus modes
Crafting lock screens for work, mindfulness, and other custom focus modes
Environmental and contextual device changes triggered by focus modes
Combining notification rules, filters, and screen pairing for a unified experience
Real-world work and personal scenarios made easier with focus modes
Hands-on homework: setting up focus filters, screen pairings, and Safari tab groups
Host: Mikah Sargent
Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple
Want access to the ad-free audio and 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.
Most users barely scratch the surface of Apple's Focus presets and triggers. Find out how customizing these settings can turn your device into a smart assistant that truly gets your day-to-day routine. These overlooked Focus features can let you shape your own digital boundaries.
Differences Between Focus Modes and Classic Do Not Disturb
Overview of Built-In Focus Presets and Customization Options
Manual Activation and Scheduling of Focus Modes on Devices
Focus Automation: Timed, Location-Based, App-Based, and Smart Activation
Controlling Who and What Gets Through During a Focus
Allow Lists vs Block Lists for Contacts and Apps
Creating a Custom "Heads Down" Focus Mode Step-by-Step
Deep Work Focus: Customizing Allowed Notifications and Triggers
Homework Challenge: Set Up and Live With a Focus Mode
Host: Mikah Sargent
Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple
Want access to the ad-free audio and 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.
Sponsor:
Melissa.com/twit
Tired of autocorrect sabotaging your texts? This episode shows how small changes like persistent rejection and custom text replacements can actually make Apple's keyboard work for you.
Why auto-correct fails and how Apple devices handle corrections
Auto-correct's evolution with iOS 17 and transformer language models
How auto-correct learns and why personalized dictionaries matter
Key steps to retrain auto-correct for smarter suggestions
Resetting your keyboard dictionary: the nuclear option explained
iOS and macOS keyboard settings: making auto-correct work for you
Auto-correct's pain points: bilingual typing, jargon, and missing features
Text replacement: the ultimate hack for tricky words and shortcuts
Top text replacement use cases for emails, addresses, and custom phrases
Practical tips to tame auto-correct and improve your typing flow
Missing features Apple still hasn't addressed in auto-correct
Host: Mikah Sargent
Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple
Want access to the ad-free audio and 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.
Is Apple's Passwords app a true contender for your digital life, or does it fall short for tech-savvy households? Find out how it stacks up against premium managers and where it still leaves power users wanting more.
How shared password groups work in the Passwords app
Step-by-step walkthrough: creating and managing shared groups
Apple Passwords sharing vs. third-party apps like 1Password, Bitwarden (TWiT sponsor)
Wi-Fi password management and sharing via QR codes
Passwords app limitations: organization, secure notes, file storage, platform support
Migration challenges from other password managers
Travel needs and sensitive data: third-party travel mode vs. Passwords app
Who should use Apple's Passwords app and who needs more advanced tools
Hybrid approaches: combining Apple Passwords with third-party managers
Host: Mikah Sargent
Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple
Want access to the ad-free audio and 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.
Sponsor:
threatlocker.com/twit
What if logging in didn't mean juggling passwords and SMS codes? This episode demonstrates how Apple's Passwords app could make passkeys your new security upgrade and what may help protect your digital life.
Understanding and setting up two-factor authentication codes in Passwords
How to scan and autofill TOTP codes on macOS and iOS
Best practices for migrating 2FA codes from other authenticator apps
Passkeys setup, security benefits, and workflow
Passkey vs. password: what to expect when logging in
Apple security recommendations: flagged, reused, weak, and leaked passwords
Prioritizing which flagged passwords to fix first
Homework: add verification codes, create a passkey, and fix at-risk accounts
Host: Mikah Sargent
Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple
Want access to the ad-free audio and 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.
Sponsor:
outsystems.com/twit
Apple's standalone Passwords app gives Keychain a proper home! Ready to clean up your secure digital life? This episode walks you through using Apple's Passwords app to spot weak logins, organize old accounts, and take control of your online security with tools already built into your devices.
Quick history: Keychain to iCloud Keychain to Passwords app
How to access the Passwords app on iPadOS, iOS, and macOS
Passwords app interface tour: categories, search, and shared groups
What autofill and notifications options you can enable in Passwords
Exploring the main categories: All, Passkeys, Codes, Wi-Fi, Security, Deleted
Viewing, editing, and sharing individual logins in the Passwords app
Manually adding, updating, or deleting passwords and usernames
Using search and sort to find and organize your saved logins
How autofill password suggestions work in Safari and system settings
Tweaking autofill and 3rd-party password manager integration
Homework: review and clean up your Passwords app before next episode
Host: Mikah Sargent
Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple
Want access to the ad-free audio and 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.
Sponsor:
Melissa.com/twit
Ready for an iPhone security audit? This episode is your personal walkthrough to reclaiming control, explaining not just what each privacy setting does but why changing them actually matters. Discover how hidden iOS settings let you outsmart sneaky trackers that follow you across apps, home networks, and even your own calendar.
App permissions: location, tracking, calendars, contacts, health, photos
Restricting calendar and photo access for better privacy
App access to files, folders, focus modes, and health data
Managing smart home and Apple Music permissions
Third-party browser passkeys and selective photo sharing
Apps controlling reminders and using Apple Wallet features
Peripheral and Bluetooth permissions to limit device profiling
Camera, microphone, and local network access by apps
Motion, fitness, and nearby device tracking permissions
Research and sensor data sharing for studies and health
Speech recognition and journaling suggestions using device activity
Viewing and managing blocked contacts and sharing via Safety Check
Safety Check's emergency resets and granular access control
Sensitive content warnings for nudity in photos or videos
Sharing analytics with Apple and app developers (opt-in controls)
Reviewing app transparency logs and network activity reports
Accessory connection permissions and security update automation
Stolen Device Protection and Lockdown Mode explained
Host: Mikah Sargent
Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple
Want access to the ad-free audio and 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.
Sponsor:
joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT
Tired of losing your place online when moving between Apple devices? Hands-On Apple shows you how syncing Safari tabs can keep your workflow as smooth as your tech. Juggle dozens of tabs across Mac, iPhone, and iPad without missing a beat!
Setting up "Saved to iCloud" across Apple devices
Using Safari Tab Groups for task-specific browsing synchronization
Accessing and managing open Safari tabs with iCloud Tabs
Troubleshooting iCloud Tabs sync issues and solutions
Quick tips for customizing the Safari start page for cross-device workflow
Host: Mikah Sargent
Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple
Want access to the ad-free audio and 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.
Sponsor:
threatlocker.com/twit
Think saving webpages is just about hitting Print? Before you waste time on clunky printouts, learn how Safari's built-in options can actually preserve entire sites!
Export as PDF versus Print dialog
Saving web pages as images, HTML, or Safari web archive files
When to use PDF, HTML, PNG, or Web Archive for web page storage
File size differences and optimal formats for offline web saving
The best ways to keep web content on macOS
Host: Mikah Sargent
Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple
Want access to the ad-free audio and 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.
Sponsor:
Melissa.com/twit
The Home app just got a major overhaul, thanks to Matter compatibility and fresh features that are quietly transforming how Apple users control their homes. Mikah Sargent breaks down what you need to do, and why this update is bigger than you may think.
Why updating to the latest Apple Home version is required
How to prepare your devices and household for the update
Steps to manually update the Apple Home system
Overview of post-update Home app features and settings
Walkthrough of new Home app controls: activity, energy, hubs, security, and more
Matter accessories and updated connected services explained
Host: Mikah Sargent
Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple
Want access to the ad-free audio and 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.
Your iPad can do a lot more than you think. Full Screen, Windowed, or Stage Manager—which multitasking style actually fits your workflow? Mikah Sargent breaks down the pros and cons so you can finally decide which iPad experience wins.
How to customize multitasking modes on your iPad
Using gestures for multitasking and productivity
Four/five-finger gestures: switch apps, go home, open app switcher
Three-finger gestures: undo, redo, copy, paste, quick notes, screenshots
Windowed apps explained: resizing, moving, multi-window setup
Stage Manager basics and how it differs from other modes
Host: Mikah Sargent
Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple
Want access to the ad-free audio and 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.
With ChatGPT now tapping into Apple Health, sharing your personal metrics is easier (and riskier) than ever. Find out how to quickly spot and stop unnecessary data sharing before your most sensitive info lands in unexpected hands.
Auditing apps accessing your Apple health data on iOS
Managing health data sharing with Apple's Fitness app
Customizing third-party app access to health info
Reviewing and limiting individual health data categories for third-party apps
Checking what data third-party apps have written to the Health app
Identifying and managing health data from uninstalled apps
Host: Mikah Sargent
Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple
Want access to the ad-free audio and 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.
Sponsor:
threatlocker.com/twit
Turns out, making slick, professional-looking Pages templates is way easier than you think. Find out the productivity trick Mikah Sargent wishes more Mac users knew.
Creating custom Pages templates for faster document design
Modifying existing Pages templates and saving personalized versions
Step-by-step guide to building a Pages template from scratch
Using placeholder text and media placeholders for flexible layouts
Managing, sharing, and deleting custom templates in Pages
Practical uses for templates—recipe cards, newsletters, business cards
Host: Mikah Sargent
Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple
Want access to the ad-free audio and 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.
Sponsor:
Melissa.com/twit
Ever wished your iPad or iPhone could just "talk" to your Mac the way you want? Mikah Sargent uncovers lesser-known Continuity tricks that could change how you work between your Mac, iPad, or iPhone.
• Requirements for Continuity: Accounts, Proximity, WiFi, and Bluetooth
• How to Use "Import from iPad/iPhone" on macOS
• Taking Photos on iPad and Instantly Importing to Mac
• Scanning Documents on iPad to Create PDFs on Mac
• Adding Sketches from iPad Directly into Mac Documents
• Using Apple Pencil or Touch for Sketches and Edits
• Live Document Editing from iPad/iPhone on Mac
• Real-Time Edits and Markup Sync Between iPad and Mac
• Using iPhone as a Mac Webcam and Importing Media Across 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 audio and 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.
Think you know the Health app? Think again. This episode unpacks Apple's quiet rollout of powerful and important features, from crash detection to real-time medication reminders, that are quietly transforming the way you can track your wellbeing.
Dive into emergency SOS, medical ID, and safety alerts
Apple Watch-exclusive notifications: heart rate, crash, fall, and walking steadiness
Hypertension and blood pressure notifications arrive for Apple Watch users
Cardio fitness, ECG, and irregular rhythm alerts explained
Court drama and a workaround for Apple's blood oxygen feature
Monitoring vitals, hearing safety, and sleep apnea detection
AFib history versus irregular rhythm notifications
Health data trends and fresh health records notifications
Sleep tracking, wind down routines, and schedule-based alerts
Medication reminders with smart time zone adjustments
Mental wellbeing tracking with state-of-mind check-ins and depression/anxiety quizzes
Walking steadiness notifications and quick access to the checklist
Host: Mikah Sargent
Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple
Want access to the ad-free audio and 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.
Ever wonder why your iPad keeps popping up surprise notes every time you swipe from the corner? This episode breaks down the Quick Notes feature, why it keeps tripping up users, and the simple settings that put you back in control.
Activating Quick Notes with swipe gestures from screen corners
Quick Notes interface walkthrough: markup, multiple notes, screenshots, sharing
Using Quick Notes while multitasking—making fast notes during other activities
Quick Notes storage and organization in the Notes app
Apple Pencil integration with Quick Notes
How to disable or customize corner swipe gestures in iPadOS settings
Assigning screenshot function to corner swipes instead of Quick Notes
Universal app support for customized corner swipe gestures
Recurring accidental Quick Note activation and practical troubleshooting
Host: Mikah Sargent
Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple
Want access to the ad-free audio and 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.
Tired of scrolling endlessly to find that one hilarious link or important document someone texted you months ago? Mikah Sargent reveals how a simple click unveils every photo, link, and document from your conversations, saving you time and sanity.
Quick access to shared content using the disclosure arrow on macOS
Sorting and previewing photos, videos, and shared media within message threads
Accessing and managing links and documents shared via Messages
Filtering content types like photos, videos, screenshots, and collaborations for faster retrieval
Practical tips for recovering past shared files in Messages
Host: Mikah Sargent
Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple
Want access to the ad-free audio and 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.



