Mac Geek Gab — Apple Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting

This week’s Mac Geek Gab is packed with quick tips and clever workarounds you can actually use. You’ll learn how to silence your partner’s alarm with Siri, calm down watchOS 26’s Liquid Glass by reducing transparency, and keep your AirPods secure with Croakies or a magnetic strap. You’ll even pick up tricks like delaying Low Power Mode automation, grabbing CarPlay screen captures, and—yes—using your nose to turn off your Apple Watch alarm. Along the way, the crew reminds you: don’t get caught making common mistakes like letting Wi-Fi calling charges sneak up on you or letting toxic content hijack your online focus. From cool gear like LG’s Ultrafine 4K monitor to smart app swaps like Notion over Notes, you’ll discover fresh tools to boost productivity. Listener questions spark sharp advice, too—whether it’s saving corrupted data volumes, choosing the right budget Mac mini, or bringing an old scanner back to life. And as Apple Intelligence hype builds, the takeaway is clear: we’re not there yet. Stay sharp, stay curious, and don’t get caught missing the hacks that make your tech work smarter for you. 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1105 for Monday, September 1st, 2025 September 1st: Ginger Cat Appreciation Day MGG Monthly Giveaway – UniFi Cloud Gateway Fiber and U7 Pro XG The MGG Merch Store is Live! Quick Tips 00:00:01 Rick-QT-Ask Siri to turn off your partner’s alarm 00:06:07 QT-Tame Liquid Glass by using Accessibility – Reduce Transparency 00:10:15 Mike-QT-Use Croakies to retain the AirPods AirPods Magnetic Lanyard and Strap 00:17:15 QT-Add a delay to the automatic Low Power Mode Shortcut A Mango-Shaped Space 00:23:10 Mr. Ed-QT-CarPlay Screen Capture 00:24:21 Turn off your Watch alarm with your nose Don’t Get Caught 00:25:32 Paul-DGC-1103-WiFi Calling might cost you 00:27:24 Mint Mobile – T-Mobile Home Internet for $35/month 00:29:56 Apple TV+ Pricing Increase 00:34:04 Don’t Get Caught engaging with incendiary content online Tips on tuning social feed and news algorithms to your advantage Sponsors 00:38:17 SPONSOR: Strawberry.me. Own Your Future. Discover what’s possible with a professional coach by your side. Visit Strawberry.me/MGG or use code MGG to claim your $50 credit today. 00:39:44 SPONSOR: Quince. Elevate your closet, get free shipping, and 365 day returns at Quince.com/MGG. 00:41:11 SPONSOR: Private Internet Access VPN – Save 82% off your VPN service PLUS four free months with a two-year plan at PIAVPN.com/mgg. Cool Stuff Found 00:42:58 Jerry-CSF-LG 27-inch Ultrafine 4K UHD is the best bang for the buck 00:47:28 Bram-CSF-1104-Use Notion instead of Notes 00:48:17 Donald-I Vibe-Coded California State Landmarks app GitHub CoPilot (into VSCode) Show Business 00:56:46 MGG Premium Listener Contribution Appreciation Moment Fountain.fm Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared! 01:00:38 Ron-My Data Volume is Corrupted…what should I do? 01:05:38 Paul-1104-Is Restart the same as TOTO? 01:08:04 Dan-Mac-Mini 16Gb/256Gb <$500 worth it? Apple Intelligence: Are We There Yet? No, kids, we’re not there yet. 01:13:04 Rob-What do I do when my MFC won’t scan anymore? VueScan 01:23:47 MGG 1105 Outtro MGG Monthly Giveaway 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

Learn how to use hyphens for strike-through in Messages, schedule a Mac restart, and even tell Siri or Alexa to run one-time automations. Master plus-addressing in iCloud Mail for cleaner inboxes and privacy with Hide My Email, and keep Safari’s tab bar neat by ditching Favorite Icons. And of course, Don’t Forget TOTO—Turn it Off, Turn it On again—to solve more problems than you think. Don’t Get Caught missing these fixes, including ways to recover from a too-dim iPhone screen or undo accidental changes in Notes. Then it’s a flood of Cool Stuff Found: from an AI-built Coffee Finder app to the Scosche PBJ2000 jump starter, US Mobile’s pick-your-network option, and ViewSonic’s 27” 5K Thunderbolt display. Discover tools like vFlat for clean scans, WATTBOX for remote gear reboots, and GL-iNET’s Brume VPN appliance. Add in Braxley Bands for Apple Watch, EVapo-Rust for metal cleanup, and Treedix’s USB Cable Tester, and you’ve got an arsenal of gear to make your life easier. This episode is packed with shortcuts, hidden features, and gadgets you didn’t know you needed. Press play and enjoy, folks! 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1104 for Monday, August 25th, 2025 August 25th: National Banana Split Day MGG Monthly Giveaway – Default Folder The MGG Merch Store is Live! Quick Tips 00:00:01 Ben-QT-Use hyphens to create strike-through text on iPhone Messages 00:03:33 Robert-QT-Don’t forget to try the restart Don’t Forget TOTO! (Turn it Off and Turn it On) Schedule a Restart Of Your Mac 00:06:54 QT – Tell A-Lady or S-Lady to do something at a set time 00:10:30 Where does it store those one-time automations 00:12:40 Scott-QT-Use plus-addressing for your iCloud email (and also iCloud’s Hide My Email) RFC for email plus-addressing Duck.com/email 00:20:46 SteveHammond-QT-Disable Favorite Icons to clean up Safari’s tab bar Sponsors 00:22:31 SPONSOR: Function Health gives you access to the kind of data most people never see—and the insights to actually take action. Visit www.functionhealth.com/MGG. The first 1000 get a $100 credit toward their membership. 00:24:00 SPONSOR: Webroot. Get 50% off Webroot Total Protection or Webroot Essentials when you go Webroot.com/MGG. 00:25:27 SPONSOR: Constant Contact makes marketing easier and more effective for small businesses like yours. Try Constant Contact free for 30 days at ConstantContact.com Don’t Get Caught 00:26:40 Stephen-DGC-You can’t delete custom-created Stations in Apple Music 00:29:59 Ed-DGC-Don’t turn your iPhone brightness all the way down…and some fixes if you do! Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap 00:32:37 David-DGC-Apple Notes doesn’t have a undo revisions Cool Stuff Found 00:39:47 Brian8944-Stephen Robles Coffee Finder app that he built with ChatGPT-5 PayFinders’ Brian Roemmele on Maccast 00:43:43 Ben-CSF-HomeCare for Troubleshooting HomeKit 00:45:00 CSF-Scosche PBJ2000 Portable Car Battery Jump Starter (Scosche PBJ2000 @ Walmart) Sponsors 00:50:24 SPONSOR: OWC’s Thunderbolt 5 Dock It’s now shipping and it’s built for serious connectivity! 00:51:39 SPONSOR: Fireflies AI. Fireflies is the number one AI teammate that transcribes, summarizes, and analyzes your conversations so you can get the most out of every meeting. Get 2 months free at Fireflies.ai/mgg. MOAR Cool Stuff Found 00:53:08 PorthosJon-CSF-US Mobile lets you choose your own network for your mobile 00:55:45 CSF-ViewSonic VP2788-5K 27” 5K Thunderbolt Display 01:03:15 John-CSF-vFlat Scanner takes page roll and fingers out of scans 01:05:05 Dan-CSF-WATTBOX to remotely reboot equipment from anywhere OvrC.com 01:07:42 n-Ben-CSF-Braxley Bands for Apple Watch 01:11:14 CSF-EVapo-Rust rust remover 01:13:26 Rich-CSF-GL-iNET Brume VPN Network Appliance 01:15:42 Andrew-CSF-Treedix USB Cable Tester 01:18:07 Quick follow-up on the Eufy E15 01:19:29 MGG 1104 Outtro MGG Monthly Giveaway 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

Discover quick tips to transform screenshots into PDFs and improve your document scanning skills. Learn why most Macs can't handle 20Gbps USB and get the lowdown on better CarPlay cables. Dive into the battle between Apple Music and Spotify, exploring playlist strengths and audio quality. Troubleshoot blank email previews and keep your U.S. number while abroad. Plus, uncover strategies to negotiate lower mobile and ISP bills, ensuring your Apple devices run smoothly!

Ever wondered if mirrors can mess with your Wi-Fi? You're not alone! Discover how reflective surfaces sabotage signals and strategies to counteract it. Learn clever tips for managing Apple Watch unlocks to avoid accidental calls and ways to clear your iPhone's keyboard dictionary easily. Need help with your Dock on multiple monitors? An AppleScript has got you covered! Plus, explore the world of data-blocking gadgets, enhanced password management, and how to troubleshoot pesky AirPlay issues—all while answering listener questions!

Discover clever ways to color-code and organize your USB and Thunderbolt cables for hassle-free access. Get savvy tips on using ChatGPT for voice responses and automating Time Machine backups. Learn to determine USB-C cable speeds and how to avoid unwanted pocket calls. Find out about useful apps like Dory for easy app switching and VueScan for reviving old scanners. Plus, explore practical advice on traveling with tech, optimizing your Mac experience, and cleaning up cloud clutter. Stay sharp and efficient in your digital life!

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!

Live from Macstock 2025, tech enthusiasts face off in a lively Q&A. Discover how to enable iPhone Mirroring for notifications and troubleshoot pesky Dock issues. The hosts tackle everything from Drobo debates to strange Apple Maps problems, all in real-time. Tips for multi-monitor setups and VPNs keep the crowd engaged. Unscripted, with laughs and tech dilemmas from the audience, this session is a treasure trove of quick fixes and community bonding. Plus, enjoy a toast to favorite wines amidst the tech chatter!

Discover quick tips for enhancing your Apple experience! Learn how to fix flaky Apple TV Wi-Fi and make AirPods fit better by flipping them. Uncover the secret behind renaming email flags for better organization and explore custom routes in Apple Maps. Plus, get advice on navigating the world of USB-C cables and boosting display brightness for optimal productivity. With engaging listener questions, you'll find out how to streamline your digital life and avoid common tech pitfalls while exploring exciting tools and apps.

Join the hosts as they unveil power-user tips for mastering your Apple devices. Learn how to navigate Notes swiftly and create personalized music stations in Apple Music. They tackle real-world tech snags, like troubleshooting a HomePod mishap and the woes of merging Apple IDs. Discover cool finds, from vintage turntables to AirPods sound insights. Plus, hear fresh takes on the latest beta releases and tech innovations, ensuring you're always ahead in the Apple ecosystem.

You’re about to level up your tech game with Quick Tips and Cool Stuff Found that’ll make you wonder how you ever lived without them. From keeping tabs on low AirPods battery via the Today view widget to renaming your Spaces for better Mac workflow, it’s all here. Discover magnetic AirTag mounts, a Zulu Time converter, a portable vac/blower combo, and even a 10Gbps SSD that’s thinner than your AirPods case. And if you’ve been craving better backups, networked Time Machine options from Synology and Buffalo make an appearance, too. Don’t Get Caught without them. Ever thought of doing a clean install straight from macOS Settings? You can. Migrating from Intel to Apple Silicon? Yeah, it “just works.” Plus, we answer listener questions on fixing autocorrect quirks, exporting text replacements, and balancing podcast audio using tools like Overcast and Levelator. Got a slow-booting iMac? Try verbose mode and dive deep with the Terminal. And if you’re monitor shopping, we’ve got budget picks ranging from Sceptre to Philips. This episode’s packed—just the way you like it. 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1096 for Monday, June 30th, 2025 June 30th: Social Media Day What is “Wook Flu”? Police Code 10-96 – Mental patient / Detain suspect MGG Monthly Giveaway – 1MORE Sonoflow Headphones We’ll be doing MGG Live at Macstock on Saturday, July 12th! Join us, and use our coupon code: MACGEEKGAB50 to save $50! Quick Tips 00:00:01 Scott-QT-Use the Batteries widget in Today view to see low AirPods Cool Stuff Found 00:03:29 Richard-CSF-AirTag Magnetic Aero 00:05:02 Ben-CSF-Spaces Renamer to assign names to your Mac’s spaces 00:06:25 Andrew-CSF-Time Zone Converter for Zulu Time 00:09:01 CSF-Ampace Andes 1500 Power Station 00:13:18 CSF-Scosche Portable Vac / Blower Sponsors 00:16:16 SPONSOR: Wix puts incredible website creation at your fingertips with their AI site builder. It’s fun and it’s drag-and-drop easy. Go to Wix.com to start building your website today. Click this link https://bit.ly/43XQ3JB to start your free trial with Wix. 00:17:34 SPONSOR: Surfshark. Secure your privacy with SurfShark. Go to https://surfshark.com/mgg or use code MGG at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Cool Stuff Found for backups and more 00:18:51 CSF-Crucial 2TB SSD – 10GBps USB-C – $121 (about the size than an AirPods case) CSF-Anker 4-in1 USB-C Hub Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI) 00:24:18 Partitioning vs. Multiple Volumes with APFS 00:30:25 Brian-What device for simple networked Time Machine? Buffalo LinkStation LinkStation Time Machine support Synology BeeStation (also with TimeMachine support) 00:39:27 What about a WiFi NAS? 00:41:12 Darrin-QT-Clean Install right in macOS Settings 00:45:47 Peter-QT-1095-Migrating from Intel to Apple Silicon “just works” Sponsors 00:49:09 SPONSOR: ScreenFloat 2. From the folks who brought us Yoink comes ScreenFloat 2, the Mac’s Screen Capture All-Rounder. Capture screenshots & recordings, then trim/crop/cut to your heart’s content. 00:50:38 SPONSOR: Constant Contact makes marketing easier and more effective for small businesses like yours. Try Constant Contact free for 30 days at ConstantContact.com. Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared! 00:52:01 TonyB-How do I stop macOS from correcting a single word/name? 00:54:07 Right-click on your Mac to export your text replacements 00:55:58 Hinches-How can I balance podcast audio when one person is louder than the other? Overcast Levelator AES “Recommendation for Loudness of Audio Streaming & Network File Playback.” 01:01:48 Bob-My 2019 iMac started booting very, very slowly MacPaw – How to boot your Mac in verbose mode sudo nvram boot-args=”-v” 01:07:21 Dan-Which 27″ Display should I get? Samsung for $250 Sceptre for $180 Monoprice (refurbished) for $250 Dell for $280 LG for 399 Philips Creator Series for $433 01:14:43 MGG 1096 Outtro MGG Monthly Giveaway – 1MORE Sonoflow Headphones 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