Tips

Finding what version and build number of macOS you have on your Mac

Anthony Bouchard ∙ Updated June 28, 2019

There come times when you need to know not only what version of macOS that you're running, but also where you may want to know the actual build number.

This information usually comes mostly in handy when you're running betas, but sometimes when filing bug reports with Apple, they might ask you to provide them with what version of macOS you are running on your Mac and the build number it shows.

In this tutorial, we'll show you not only how to find out what version of macOS you're running, but also where to find the build number of the version of macOS you have installed.

How to cancel and delete your Netflix account

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated February 21, 2020

The slow but inevitable fraying of the cable TV bundle continues unabated. One major network after the other is relenting and finally appeasing cord-cutters with online-only streaming packages that don't require a cable subscription.

As a result, the modern customer today is faced with an ever increasing number of options. If you've arrived at the conclusion that Netflix no longer offers the biggest bang for your buck and want to cancel your streaming plan, you've come to the right place.

In this step-by-step tutorial, we'll take you through the process of cancelling your Netflix membership and closing your account, regardless of whether you signed up for the service through the website or on your Apple TV or iOS device. As a bonus, we'll also lay out how to easily rejoin Netflix later on.

How to transfer your liked songs and playlists from Spotify to Apple Music

Ankur Thakur ∙ Updated October 30, 2022

This tutorial shows you how to move your songs and playlists from Spotify to Apple Music and vice versa. These steps to transfer music also apply to several other music streaming services mentioned below.

Here’s how to add a WWDC 2016 countdown widget to your Mac

Anthony Bouchard ∙ Updated May 19, 2019

If you're waiting patiently for WWDC 2016 to see what Apple has in store for iOS and OS X this year, then you've probably marked your calendars, or you may even be attending the event in person.

Those of you looking forward to the event can now add a countdown widget to your Mac's Dashboard that counts down to the day of WWDC 2016.

In this tutorial, we'll show you how to get the widget and how to install it.

How to allow only age-appropriate apps and media on child’s device

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 24, 2025

Are you worried that your child may download an app, watch a movie/TV show, play a song, see a news story, or read a book that is not suitable for them? Learn how to block your kid’s access to explicit, vulgar, gambling, violent, or inappropriate apps and media on their iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV.

Use text replacement in iOS to input email addresses faster

Anthony Bouchard ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Email addresses can be long and annoying to type, especially when you're one of those goofballs out there with the weird emails like iph0n3_fan_09325@emailaddress.com, or something else with a bunch of wonky characters you don't care to remember or spend the time typing.

This is why when I came across this tip on how to make email address entry simple and fast from a friendly iDB reader, I wanted to share it with the rest of you.

How to increase your privacy by removing location from Diagnostic & Usage Data logs

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated April 13, 2018

Apple collects anonymous information about how you use your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and other devices so that it can improve its products in future releases. End users can easily opt in and out of diagnostic collection in the Settings → Privacy → Diagnostics & Usage section.

I have this enabled to help Apple improve their products, but privacy-minded people might opt out of diagnostic collection on the grounds that the logs include their approximate location.

In this tutorial, we'll explore increasing your privacy on iOS by having your location excluded from diagnostic data that iOS creates.

Quickly and easily record animated GIFs with Giphy Cam

Anthony Bouchard ∙ April 18, 2016

Animated GIFs are fun, the only thing is, creating them generally requires a computer and either some fancy GIF-making software, or a website that can convert video files to animated GIFs.

Fortunately, for those of you that spend most of your time mobile, rather than at a computer, the free GiphyCam app from the App Store provides an all-in-one experience for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad users.

We'll talk about GiphyCam in this piece and show you how you can use it to record your own animated GIFs right from your mobile device.

Can’t activate your iPhone? Here’s why and how to fix it

Anthony Bouchard ∙ Updated May 24, 2025

Learn what to do if your iPhone or iPad won't activate after being erased, preventing you from finishing iOS setup and configuring the device for everyday use.

How to submit feedback and bug reports to Apple

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated December 15, 2022

If you're annoyed by buggy Apple software, why not take the time to submit a bug report to them so that they're aware of it?

You see, it's in Apple's interest to improve its products and give customers the best possible experiences.

Letting the company know about a software problem you've been plagued with is always helpful, and if enough people report the same bug, the issue will hopefully be escalated to someone who's in charge.

In this tutorial, we'll show you how to file a bug report or submit feedback using Apple's many bug-reporting tools and services.

How to fix IP address conflicts on your Wi-Fi network

Anthony Bouchard ∙ Updated September 19, 2018

Every so often, you might end up with two devices on your Wi-Fi network that have the same IP address. This conflict can cause a plethora of problems with trying to use the internet on any of the devices affected.

Fortunately, there's a really easy to way reset your IP addresses on your iOS devices or Macs, and in this tutorial, we're going to show you how!

How to show the fingers assigned to Touch ID on iPhone and iPad

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated February 6, 2024

In my opinion, Touch ID is one of the finest iOS features ever! It's an excellent mix of hardware and software that solves a real problem.

As you may know, Touch ID allows users to store up to five fingerprints. In turn, any of the registered prints can be used to unlock your iPhone and authenticate purchases associated with your Apple ID, such as App Store purchases.

But how does one go about remembering which fingers were used to set up Touch ID? We show you how easy it is to find out.