Mac Geek Gab — Apple Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting

It’s All About Learning How To Fish

7 snips

Jul 28, 2025

Discover clever tips like creating folders in Finder with a simple drag. Learn about a new affordable AppleCare plan that could save you money while managing multiple devices. Uncover how to use AirPods Pro as makeshift earplugs and scan large documents with ease. Listen in as they tackle iMac crashing issues and password management strategies for families. Plus, explore the idea of repurposing old tech for educational purposes. It’s a treasure trove of practical advice and humorous insights for Apple enthusiasts!

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ADVICE

Finder Folder Creation Shortcut

Dragging multiple files to a blank space in Finder prompts folder creation automatically.
Use this to quickly organize files into a new folder without manually creating it first.

ADVICE

Audit AppleCare with App

Use the Apple Support app to view and manage all your Apple devices and their AppleCare coverage.
This helps you audit subscriptions and avoid paying for unused AppleCare plans.

ADVICE

Bulk Scan to Thumb Drive

Use the USB port on your all-in-one printer to scan documents directly to a thumb drive.
This method speeds up bulk scanning and avoids connectivity issues with your Mac.

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It’s All About Learning How To Fish — Mac Geek Gab 1100 episode image

You’re diving into Mac Geek Gab 1100, where quick tips flow faster than USB-C power. Learn how dragging files into a blank Finder space automatically creates folders, and why AppleCare One’s $20/month plan might be worth a look. You’ll get hacks for AirPods Pro as earplugs, scanning docs to a thumb drive, and managing your Mac’s noisy notification overload. Curious about how to bulk scan like a pro or fix TestFlight Apple ID merge issues? Adam, Pete, and Dave have you covered.

Things get deeper with listener questions—from phantom iMac reboots to the clever use of dry-erase markers when fixing hardware. You’ll also get practical ways to manage family passwords and discover why teaching someone to fish (figuratively, of course, though fish can be yummy, too!) beats fixing their tech woes every time. Cool Stuff Found includes compression tools, trackable flashlights, and ChromeOS Flex as a Mac revival trick. Don’t Get Caught missing this one—it’s packed with geeky gold.

00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1100 for Monday, July 28th, 2025
- July 28th: National Milk Chocolate Day
- MGG Monthly Giveaway – Victrola Turntable
Quick Tips
- 00:00:01 David-QT-Drag files to a blank space and Finder creates a folder for you
- 00:06:05 Gary-QT-Apple released a new AppleCare One plan for $20/month
  - Apple Support App
  - 9to5 Mac’s Article about AppleCare One
- 00:14:34 Rob-1099-Phonetic vs. Pronunciation Contact Fields
Sponsors
- 00:16:48 SPONSOR: OpenPhone is the #1 business phone system that streamlines and scales your customer communications. Get 20% off your first 6 months at OpenPhone.com/MGG
- 00:18:17 SPONSOR: TransLoader. Initiate downloads on your Macs, remotely from your iPhone, iPad, and other Macs.
- 00:19:50 SPONSOR: OWC’s Thunderbolt 5 Dock is now shipping!
MOAR Quick Tips
- 00:21:07 Adam-Bulk Scanning Quick Tip – Use your all-in-one printer’s direct-to-thumb drive scanning option
  - Using ChatGPT’s summarization feature to jog your memory for public performance and public speaking
  - Apple’s Files app scanning option
- 00:25:00 For AirPods Pro as earplugs, AirPods > Accessibility > Loud Sound Reduction needs to be on
  - AirPods Magnetic Strap
- 00:33:41 David-TestFlight can get in the way of merging Apple accounts…and there’s a fix!
- 00:37:19 Andrew-QT-Some USB-C devices need a USB-A to USB-C cable to properly charge
- 00:43:05 Chris-QT-Turn Off Notification Sounds on Mac & iPad to Avoid Notification Overload (aka MacProCT)
Sponsors
- 00:46:05 SPONSOR: Mint Mobile. Cut your wireless bill to just $15 per month at MintMobile.com/MGG
- 00:47:37 SPONSOR: Private Internet Access VPN – Save 82% off your VPN service PLUS four free months with a two-year plan at PIAVPN.com/mgg.
Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!
- 00:48:50 Tim-My 2019 iMac intermittently reboots without warning every few days
  - Reset SMC on Intel Mac
- 00:56:50 QT-Remembering where screws go when removing them from a computer
  - Dry Erase is better than Permanent Marker
  - Speaking of things you might need alcohol for
- 00:59:36 Managing passwords for our extended family members
  - It’s all about learning how to fish!
- 01:07:41 Randy-WHY Thousands of Photos in “Recently Saved?”
Cool Stuff Found
- 01:13:21 Andrew-CSF-Compress for videos and photos on iPhone and iPad
- 01:14:32 Kirschen-CSF-FlashFinder combo flashlight and FindMy device
- 01:17:46 Scott-1099–ChromeOS Flex instead of OCLP
01:20:42 MGG 1100 Outtro
- MGG Monthly Giveaway – Victrola Turntable
- Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly
- Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)
- The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast!
- Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts
- MGG Merch is Available!
- Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page
- Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar
- This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors
- MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews
- feedback@macgeekgab.com
- 224-888-GEEK
- Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List
- BackBeat Media Podcast Network