56 fast fixes for Mac, iPhone & iPad

Having problems with your Mac, iPhone, or iPad? Fix them fast with these top tips, tricks, and how-tos

- IAN OSBORNE

APPLE USERS ARE very well catered for when it comes to getting help with their gear.

Every Apple Store has a Genius Bar where you can take your Apple device and have it looked at by experts. Help and advice there is usually free, unless they have to make physical repairs that involve disassembly. Point your web browser at www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar, and make an appointment. For software help, arrange a phone call or a real-time chat from your Mac, iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch. There's also plenty of help available online. Forums – including Apple's own – are full of helpful tips and tricks.

But not every problem requires a trip to the Genius Bar. There's lots you can do yourself to fix issues with your Apple gear, quickly and easily. Most Mac problems, for example, are software rather than hardware related. There are plenty of fixes available to get up and running again. WiFi and Bluetooth problems can usually be fixed at home, too, and have you tried using the Mac's own recovery and first aid tools?

In this feature, we take you through some of the most-encountered problems with Apple devices, and show you how to fix them. As mentioned, most of the time, this can be achieved without spending money or a trip to the Genius Bar. We also show you how to back up and restore your Mac, fix iCloud syncing issues, solutions for problems on your iPhone and iPad, and more. Issues with files are quickly solved, as are problems with your Apple gear running too slowly.

Armed with this information, you can be your own Apple Genius, fixing your problems and getting up and running again in no time at all.

Fast fixes for your Mac

Quick solutions for bothersome technical issues

Bluetooth