All articles tagged with #how to
A concise guide of 15 practical Apple Watch tips—from quickly switching and organizing apps, pinging your iPhone, and skipping workout countdowns to customizing haptics, speaking the time, and using wrist gestures to mute alerts—designed to help users get more from watchOS 26 and beyond.
A Tom's Guide writer tests a viral TikTok tip that uses a damp dryer sheet to scrub away soap scum and limescale from a shower door. After using several sheets (since the stain was long-standing) and a quick spritz of glass cleaner, the shower glass ends up sparkling, suggesting dryer sheets can be a cheap, effective tool for bathroom cleaning—though you may need multiple sheets and a follow-up wipe to remove residue.
A Tom's Guide feature explains the Patch prompt, a simple AI method that breaks any problem down into a few actionable steps. By describing the situation, identifying what’s causing it, and generating a handful of quick fixes (including one you might not have considered), you get a clear starting point to act on right away. The piece includes practical examples (feeling scattered, social invites, finding a job) and notes you can save the prompt in a prompt library or build a custom GPT to reuse it. The approach emphasizes realistic, easy-to-try actions over broad, vague solutions.
Tom's Guide explains how to turn a short audio clip (under 30 seconds) into an iPhone ringtone using iOS 26, via the Files or Voice Memo apps: save or import a sample, tap Share and choose Use as Ringtone, then set it as your ringtone in Settings > Sounds & Haptics. If the clip is longer than 30 seconds, trim it or grab a shorter sample from Pixabay. This offers a simpler alternative to older ringtone methods and may involve affiliate links on the site.
A sponsor-supported Tom’s Guide piece introduces a single, beginner-friendly AI prompt: “I’m new to using AI. Based on what most beginners get wrong, how should I be using you in my daily life? Give me a few simple examples I can try right now.” The idea is to have AI teach you how to use it and demonstrate practical use cases, then follow with quick, actionable prompts (planning a day, drafting emails, decision-making) to reduce friction and build confidence in using AI for everyday tasks.
The article argues you don’t need to master AI to benefit from it. Start by posing a real-life question, apply AI to a task you already do, don’t stress about crafting the perfect prompt, stick with one tool at first, and treat AI as a helpful assistant rather than an expert to make AI adoption simple and practical.
The article explains how to create a variety of habitats in Pokemon Pokopia by arranging grass, flowers, water, lighting, and furniture to attract different Pokemon. It provides a catalog of habitat types (from Tall Grass and Seaside to Flower Beds and Campsite) with their specific setup requirements and the Pokemon they yield, while noting some species are weather- or location-restricted and that the list will be expanded as more habitats are discovered.
The article offers expert tips on how to start various new activities and habits, including reading, lucid dreaming, dog training, exercise, cooking, skincare, running, weightlifting, therapy, dating, budgeting, meditation, conversation, and environmental impact, emphasizing small steps, consistency, and enjoyment to build new routines effectively.
Google has introduced a new "Web" search filter that allows users to see only text-based links in their search results, eliminating ads, AI summaries, images, and videos. This feature can be accessed by selecting the "Web" filter from the search options or by customizing browser settings to use a specific URL. The article provides detailed instructions for setting up this filter on Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari.
Google Maps allows users to blur their homes on Street View for privacy reasons, but the process is permanent and cannot be undone. To blur your house, locate it on Street View, click "Report a problem," and follow the instructions to submit your request.
This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to hide apps on your iPhone to maintain privacy and declutter your home screen. It includes instructions for hiding single apps, entire pages of apps, and preventing apps from appearing in search. The process is reversible, allowing flexibility to change settings as needed. The author emphasizes the importance of privacy and user experience customization, and invites readers to share their reasons for concealing apps on their iPhones.
The Illinois Tollway's new I-PASS stickers are available for purchase at various locations, including online at getipass.com, where users can order one or more stickers to be shipped. To order online, users need to log in or open an I-PASS account, navigate to the "Transponders" section, select "Order Transponder," choose the vehicle class and transponder type, and confirm the order. The stickers are free, and once ordered, users will receive a confirmation number and shipping address. It's important to note that the stickers are non-transferable and limited to one per vehicle, and they can be used on the Illinois Tollway, the Chicago Skyway, and other E-ZPass roadways.
A tape measure is a versatile tool that can simplify various tasks, but it's important to use it correctly. Tips include choosing the right tape for specific tasks, understanding markings, leveraging the nail notch, avoiding tape bends, using precision marking techniques, and employing digital assistance for convenience. Additionally, bringing a tape measure when furniture shopping, marking two points for accuracy, using a pencil for corrections, and attaching a sticky note for quick measurements are recommended.
This article provides a guide on how to transfer subscriptions from Google Podcasts before its shutdown, offering steps to ensure a smooth transition to another podcast platform.
Apple's Visual Look Up feature, similar to Google Lens, is a powerful tool built into iPhones that can intelligently scan photos and videos to detect subjects and provide online information. With iOS 16 and iOS 17, new functionalities have been added, including identifying plants, pets, laundry instructions, motor issues, food, and lifting subjects out of photos and videos. The feature is easy to use and offers a range of practical applications for users.