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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Mikah Sargent takes viewers on a quick first look at macOS Tahoe, Apple's upcoming operating system that introduces a stunning "Liquid Glass" design language and powerful new features that blur the lines between Mac and iPhone. Get ready to see the future of Mac as Mikah explores the redesigned interface, enhanced integration features, and AI-powered tools coming to your desktop.

• Liquid Glass Design Language - Deep dive into the new "Liquid Glass" aesthetic with rounded corners, glassy background effects, and softer visual elements throughout the system
• Enhanced Appearance Customization - Comprehensive look at new theming options including light/dark modes, multicolor themes, icon styles (default, dark, clear, tinted), and customizable folder colors
• Native Phone App for Mac - Major addition of a dedicated Phone app to macOS with Wi-Fi calling support and notification management, separate from FaceTime
• Supercharged Spotlight Search - Revolutionary updates allowing quick message sending, in-app searches across Books and Shortcuts, and intelligent system settings access
• Clipboard History Feature - Long-awaited clipboard management finally arrives on Mac, accessible through Spotlight
• Apple Intelligence Integration - AI-powered shortcuts and features utilizing Apple's private cloud compute model for enhanced productivity
• Redesigned Control Center - Updated interface with new slider designs and glossy aesthetics
• Safari Content-First Design - Enhanced browsing experience with full-screen content display and adaptive color bars that match webpage content
• Live Translation Everywhere - System-wide translation capabilities extending to Messages and other applications across the platform
• Image Playground & ChatGPT - Creative AI tools for generating custom images, including ChatGPT integration for advanced image creation
• iPhone Live Activities on Mac - Cross-device integration bringing iPhone live activities (Uber, Instacart) directly to the Mac desktop
• Hold Assist Feature - Smart phone call management that notifies users when they're no longer on hold during calls
• Advanced Spotlight Intelligence - AI-powered suggestions for automatic playlist creation and intelligent split-screen app arrangements
• New Parental Controls - Enhanced family safety features with updated control options for parents
• Journal App for Mac - Popular iOS journaling application finally makes its debut on macOS platform
• Redesigned Games App - Comprehensive gaming hub for continuing saved games, accessing Apple Arcade, and coordinating multiplayer sessions with friends

Host: Mikah Sargent

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If you've been tuning in to Hands-On Mac for your weekly dose of Apple know-how, don't worry, we're not going anywhere. We're just thinking bigger. Starting next week, Hands-On Mac becomes Hands-On Apple.

Why the change? Because Mikah Sargent's tech tips have always gone beyond the Mac. Whether he's uncovering clever iOS settings, showing off Terminal tricks, reviewing must-have Apple accessories, or testing the latest from iPadOS, this show has always been more than just Mac. It's time the name caught up with the content.

Expect the same smart, bite-sized help with all your Apple gear. If it's in the Apple ecosystem, Mikah's got something fun and useful to share with you.

New episodes still drop every Thursday. Want it ad-free? Grab the show for $5/month, or get all our shows ad-free by joining Club TWiT for just $10/month.

Same Mikah. Same great show. Just a name that finally fits. See you on Hands-On Apple!

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.