Tutorials

What to do if you use two-factor authentication and can’t sign in or reset your password

In today's day and age, there are chances that your various passwords can be compromised. This can happen even if you have taken just about every precaution possible.

One of the most prevalent and popular precautions has been the introduction of two-factor authentication (2FA). For the unaware, 2FA requires a second input from the user whenever signing into your account.

Thankfully, Apple has joined the movement in recent years in an effort to keep Apple ID's protected. However, there are sometimes where you forget your password, don't have your device handy, and are locked out.

We are going to take a look at what you can do in the event that you are locked out and can’t sign in or reset your Apple ID password.

How to turn off your HomePod microphone

Turn off Hey Siri on HomePod

Unlike many other smart speakers, there is no physical switch to mute the HomePod’s microphone.

However, you can disable the always-on “Hey Siri” feature using the iPhone Home app or by asking the speaker. This turns off the microphone at the software level and stops it from always listening in on you.

How to view available keyboard shortcuts in every Mac app

CheatSheet app on Mac showing keyboard shortcuts of an app

Veteran users are privy to the power of the Mac modifier keys. Those special keys on your Mac's keyboard, like Command (⌘), Option (⌥), Control (⌃), and others, are most commonly used in conjunction with regular keys as feature shortcuts.

Frequently-used macOS commands have their dedicated keyboard shortcuts, many of which are the same across apps like copy/paste and undo/redo. Others are app-specific.

Memorizing regularly used keystrokes boosts your productivity and multitasking prowess, but Apple doesn't provide an easy way to view all the keyboard shortcuts in any given app.

You can, of course, view and customize some of the system and app shortcuts in System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts, but wouldn't it be nice if there were a better way?

Thankfully, there actually is.