Mac Geek Gab — Apple Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting

MGG...Jeopardy Style — Mac Geek Gab 1092 episode image [https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/jeopardy-style-mgg1092.jpg?fit=750%2C750&ssl=1] This week on Mac Geek Gab, you’ll learn how to outsmart your tech before it tries to outsmart you. Pilot Pete, Adam Christianson, and Dave Hamilton deliver a barrage of Quick Tips, including reviving dead notifications by force-quitting Notification Center, rethinking your Dock layout for remote desktops, and leveraging iOS’s default translate app setting. You’ll also discover how to scrub orphaned system extensions from your Mac, and how Shortcuts can turn your Apple TV into a photo gallery masterpiece. Of course, you know the drill—Don’t Get Caught skipping the smart stuff. Got questions? We’ve got answers. Dig into iPhone VPN conflicts with CarPlay, backup reliability with Carbon Copy Cloner, and the surprising value of an AirTag in your car. You’ll learn about com.apple.asr snapshots, decluttering your Lock Screen, choosing the right Focus modes, and comparing Wi-Fi mesh systems like Eero, Deco, and Orbi. We even tackle the Nvidia SHIELD vs. Apple TV Plex showdown, then wrap it up with Cool Stuff Found like the BoostHero flashlight/jump starter, MailMaven, and a solar car battery. It’s everything your inner geek craves—and more. * 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1092 [https://mgg.fm/1092] for Monday, June 2nd [https://nationaltoday.com/june-2], 2025 * June 2nd: National Leave Work Early Day [https://nationaltoday.com/national-leave-work-early-day/] * Police Code 10-92 [https://policecodes.net/ten-codes/10-92] – Subject in custody / Parking violation * MGG Monthly Giveaway [https://www.macgeekgab.com/giveaway] – Win an eero Outdoor 7 * WWDC Is Next Week. Got any Predictions? Also, show will be about 17 hours late! * We’ll be doing MGG Live at Macstock [https://macstockconferenceandexpo.com/] on Saturday, July 12th! Join us, and use our coupon code: MACGEEKGAB50 to save $50! * Quick Tips * 00:00:01 Brad-QT-When Notifications Cease, force-quit Notification Center in Activity Monitor * 00:06:29 Hans-QT-Set up your Dock for your remote desktop on the opposite side for a visual reference * 00:07:40 QT-Set a default translate app in iOS 18.4 or later * 00:08:48 Scott-QT-1091-Use Shortcuts and ArtCast [https://artcast.tv/] to create custom Apple TV photo galleries * 00:10:38 Brad-QT-Remove Orphaned System Extensions with systemextensionsctl [https://discussions.apple.com/thread/254922617] * systemextensionsctl list * systemextensionsctl gc  – garbage collect orphaned system extension(s) * 00:15:26 SPONSOR: Square [https://square.com/go/mgg]. Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/mgg [https://square.com/go/mgg].  #squarepod #ad * Don’t Get Caught * 00:17:12 Michael-DGC-Your iPhone’s VPN Might Interfere with CarPlay * 00:21:16 Val-DGC-An AirTag in your car might just help the police locate it if stolen! * Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared! * 00:23:21 Shannon-What is com.apple.asr in Snapshots? * 00:28:44 Hans-How do I keep my iPhone lock screen free of notifications? * 00:34:01 What Focus modes do you use? * 00:39:30 SPONSOR: Insta360 X5 Camera [https://store.insta360.com/product/x5?utm_term=mgg]. To bag a free invisible selfie stick worth US$24.99 with your purchase, head to store.insta360.com [https://store.insta360.com/product/x5?utm_term=mgg] and use the promo code “mgg”, available for the first 30 purchases only. * Show Business * 00:41:28 MGG Review-BenTsuki from USA * 00:42:28 MGG Review-Gary-Goo-69 – Too Much Gab, Not enough geek! * 00:44:56 MGG Review-Ed-Houston THE Best Mac/Apple product-related podcast * 00:46:00 MGG Review-Moe Coffee * 00:46:48 MGG Premium [https://www.macgeekgab.com/shop/] Listener Contribution Appreciation Moment * MOAR Questions Answered * 00:50:38 Steve-Reliability of CCC Backup [https://bombich.com/] for a wipe and restore? * 00:56:25 Jedd-Which Wi-Fi mesh system(s) do you suggest today? * Eero [https://eero.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoroaFBM4GWqhkdW411SZAtcYxb5DiEfU-ULBlUT_rg1YyHu_-mq] * TP-Link Deco Mesh [https://www.tp-link.com/us/deco-mesh-wifi/product-family/] * NETGEAR Orbi [https://www.amazon.com/stores/NETGEAR/page/54AA6656-F644-4E52-B9CC-7F8ADDF0921B] * 01:02:46 Chris-Is the Nvidia SHIELD TV [https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B07YP9FBMM/macgeekgab-20] really best for Plex [https://www.plex.tv/]? * Infuse from Firecore [https://firecore.com/infuse] for Plex on Apple TV * Plex Pass [https://www.plex.tv/plans/] * Cool Stuff Found * 01:08:37 CSF-Limitless BoostHero flashlight and jump starter [https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0DLLB2N87/macgeekgab-20] * 01:12:37 CSF-MailMaven [https://mailmaven.app/] from SmallCubed * 01:14:48 Sunway Solar Car Battery [https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B01MYVUSRH/macgeekgab-20] * 01:17:00 MGG 1092 [https://mgg.fm/1092] Outtro * MGG Monthly Giveaway [https://www.macgeekgab.com/giveaway] – 1MORE Headphones * Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly [https://cachefly.com/] * Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts) [http://sothereiwas.us/] * The Debut Film Podcast [https://debutfilmpodcast.com/] – Adam’s new podcast! * Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) [https://businessbrain.show/] and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) [https://www.giggabpodcast.com/] Podcasts * MGG Merch is Available! [http://macgeekgab.com/merch] * Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw4n7jezVHKzJJW7MykDu7Q] * Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar [https://macgeekgab.com/calendar] * This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors [https://macgeekgab.com/premium] * MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews [https://macgeekgab.com/reviews] * feedback@macgeekgab.com [feedback@macgeekgab.com] * 224-888-GEEK [tel:224-888-GEEK] * Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List [https://www.macgeekgab.com/sponsors] * BackBeat Media Podcast Network [http://www.backbeatmedia.com/]

Is That Foreboding or Foreshadowing? – Mac Geek Gab 1091 episode image [https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/foreboding-foreshadowing-mgg1091.jpg?fit=750%2C750&ssl=1] Ever wished you could merge your Apple accounts or automate your lawn care? This week’s Mac Geek Gab has you covered! Discover how to finally merge your Apple accounts, combining your purchases and iCloud data seamlessly. Dave, Adam, and Pete dive into the long-awaited solution for those juggling multiple Apple IDs. Don’t get caught with fragmented accounts any longer! The hosts also explore the game-changing effect of robot lawnmowers while reviewing the new Eufy E15, discussing its features, setup process, and potential impact on lawn care. Other topics include managing podcast storage, finding hidden Wi-Fi passwords on your iPhone, and the importance of keeping work and personal data separate on company devices. Tune in for these insights and more, including Quick Tips, Cool Stuff Found, and Don’t Get Caught moments that will enhance your tech life. Listen now to learn at least five new things and join the Mac Geek Gab community! * 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1091 [https://mgg.fm/1091] for Monday, May 26th [https://nationaltoday.com/may-26/], 2025 * May 26th: National Paper Airplane Day [https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-paper-airplane-day-may-26] (and Memorial Day [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Day]!) * Police Code 10-91 [https://policecodes.net/ten-codes/10-91] – Pick up subject / Prepare for inspection / Animal * MGG Monthly Giveaway [https://www.macgeekgab.com/giveaway] – Win an eero Outdoor 7 * We’ll be doing MGG Live at Macstock [https://macstockconferenceandexpo.com/] on Saturday, July 12th! Join us, and use our coupon code: MACGEEKGAB50 to save $50! * Quick Tips * 00:00:01 QT-Tap Settings > Wi-Fi > Edit for a list of Wi-Fi networks on iPhone * 00:05:06 Joe-QT-1089 [https://mgg.fm/1089]–You Can Finally Merge Apple Accounts [https://support.apple.com/en-us/117294] * 00:09:44 Patrick-QT-Terminal Command to see SpaceHogs! * sudo du -h -d 1 * ~/Library/Group Containers/#######.groups.com [http://groups.com/].apple.podcasts/Caches * Also check the Books app’s storage of audiobooks * 00:16:45 Allison-QT-When you change a file’s “Open With…” you have to re-approve the new app in the System Settings > Privacy & Security * Open In [https://loshadki.app/openin4/] (also in Setapp [https://setapp.com/]) * 00:20:40 Drewski-QT-Pinned Contacts in Messages – And Quick Location without “FindMy” * 00:23:01 SPONSOR: Caldera Lab [https://calderalab.com/MGG]. Guys, don’t settle for drugstore junk or steal your partner’s products—elevate your routine with skincare made for you. Head to CalderaLab.com/MGG [http://calderalab.com/MGG] and use MGG at checkout for 20% off your first order. * Don’t Get Caught * 00:24:57 Bill-DGC-Keep Your Private Files PRIVATE! [Audio] * Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared! * 00:35:41 Barry-AppleTV Photos Screen Saver Limit Work-Around. * 00:40:15 QT-Switch Apple TV Screensavers with Remote [https://support.apple.com/guide/tv/activate-or-change-the-screen-saver-atvb6bd6a97d/tvos] (Swipe or Press Up) * 00:43:09 ATC-CSF-Apple TV Snoopy Screensavers * 00:44:17 Allison and all-Hazel still has App Sweep…and there might be a trick to making it work (again) * 00:46:18 SPONSOR: OWC’s Express 1M2 [https://www.owc.com/solutions/express-1m2] Ultra-fast, compatible, and portable USB4 NVMe SSD. * 00:47:58 PODCAST: Why?!?!?!?! is the internet like that? That’s the question the folks at Never Post Podcast [https://www.neverpo.st/] try to answer in each episode of their podcast. Never Post: a podcast for, and about, the internet. * Cool Stuff Found * 00:49:00 RG-CSF-1089-BXST Refrigerator protector [https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0B71H5X4G/macgeekgab-20] * Rob-CSF-1089-Refrigmatic Delayed Start Surge Protector [https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B07JMLSZFW/macgeekgab-20] * 00:52:24 CSF-Eufy E15 Robot Lawnmower [https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0DRVYDXWX/macgeekgab-20] review- $1,599 (with Amazon $200 coupon) * 01:16:06 MGG 1091 [https://mgg.fm/1091] Outtro * MGG Monthly Giveaway [https://www.macgeekgab.com/giveaway] – eero Outdoor 7 * Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly [https://cachefly.com/] * Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts) [http://sothereiwas.us/] * The Debut Film Podcast [https://debutfilmpodcast.com/] – Adam’s new podcast! * Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) [https://businessbrain.show/] and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) [https://www.giggabpodcast.com/] Podcasts * MGG Merch is Available! [http://macgeekgab.com/merch] * Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw4n7jezVHKzJJW7MykDu7Q] * Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar [https://macgeekgab.com/calendar] * This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors [https://macgeekgab.com/premium] * MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews [https://macgeekgab.com/reviews] * feedback@macgeekgab.com [feedback@macgeekgab.com] * 224-888-GEEK [tel:224-888-GEEK] * Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List [https://www.macgeekgab.com/sponsors] * BackBeat Media Podcast Network [http://www.backbeatmedia.com/]

Tab-itis Is Real...and It's OK! — Mac Geek Gab 1090 episode image [https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/tabitis-is-real-mgg1090.jpg?fit=750%2C750&ssl=1] Are you tired of struggling with Wi-Fi issues and tech frustrations? This episode of Mac Geek Gab has you covered with solutions to common problems and clever tips to enhance your tech experience. Dive into a world of Wi-Fi troubleshooting as the Pete, Adam, and Dave discuss solutions for UPS power-up issues and explore ways to improve network connectivity. Learn how to use Siri to delete all alarms at once and discover a nifty trick for sharing text messages directly from your Apple Watch. The episode also tackles questions about syncing dock preferences and managing RAM usage with multiple browser tabs open. But that’s not all! Get the scoop on the CenterCam 2.0, a tiny camera that hangs over your screen for better video calls. Plus, find out how to use smart plugs to solve power sequencing problems and explore options for creating a more efficient home office setup. Don’t get caught unprepared – tune in to this episode for a wealth of tech knowledge and practical solutions. Ready to upgrade your tech game? Listen now and discover the tips and tricks that will make your digital life smoother and more efficient! * 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1090 [https://mgg.fm/1090] for Monday, May 19th [https://nationaltoday.com/may-19/], 2025 * May 19th: May Ray Day [https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/may-ray-day/] (or National Devil’s Food Cake Day [https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-devils-food-cake-day-may-19]) * Police Code 10-90 [https://policecodes.net/ten-codes/10-90] – Bank Alarm Going Off * MGG Monthly Giveaway [https://www.macgeekgab.com/giveaway] – Win an eero Outdoor 7 * 00:02:56 We’ll be doing MGG Live at Macstock [https://macstockconferenceandexpo.com/] on Saturday, July 12th! Join us, and use our coupon code: MACGEEKGAB50 to save $50! * Quick Tips * 00:00:01 Todd-QT-Use Siri to delete all your old alarms * 00:04:32 QT-Easily Share (forward) a Message from your Watch * 00:07:46 David-QT-Option-Drag for Persistent Finder Column Width Changes * 00:08:40 John-QT-Adding A Spacer to your Dock! * defaults write com.apple.dock persistent-apps -array-add ‘{“tile-type”=”spacer-tile”;}’ * 00:11:20 Personalize ChatGPT to make it less of a people-pleaser * 00:12:26 Mack-QT-Retrieve Wi-Fi Passwords from The Passwords App * 00:15:39 Plume let me set up guest networks based on password, not just SSID * 00:18:29 Tim-QT-Conference to Separate Phones to Aid in Hearing * 00:20:00 SPONSOR: Insta360 X5 Camera [https://store.insta360.com/product/x5?utm_term=mgg]. To bag a free invisible selfie stick worth US$24.99 with your purchase, head to store.insta360.com [https://store.insta360.com/product/x5?utm_term=mgg] and use the promo code “mgg”, available for the first 30 purchases only. * Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared! * 00:21:54 Jarry-Why does my Apple TV freeze when I start playback? * Speedtest app for Apple TV [https://www.speedtest.net/apps/appletv] * Netflix-recommended internet speeds [https://help.netflix.com/en/node/306] * Wi-Fi Explorer [https://www.intuitibits.com/products/wifiexplorer/] (and a shout-out for iStumbler [https://www.istumbler.net/]) * NetSpot App – Map WiFi [https://www.netspotapp.com/wifi-heat-map/wifi-heatmaps-with-netspot.html] * 00:35:21 Jedd-How can I set a Phone-Call Focus Mode? * 00:39:42 SPONSOR: Quince [https://quince.com/mgg]. Elevate your closet, get free shipping, and 365 day returns at Quince.com/mgg [https://quince.com/mgg]. * MOAR Questions Answered * 00:41:19 Javier-I deleted files but don’t see the free space * 00:46:09 Christopher-Should I max out my RAM for…Safari? * Tab-itis is real…and it’s OK! * Quitter from Marco Arment [https://marco.org/2016/05/02/quitter] * 00:54:47 John-Connecting securely to my local NAS * 01:03:38 Port-forwarding practices * 01:06:04 SPONSOR: BBEdit [https://www.barebones.com/products/bbedit/], the power tool for text from Bare Bones Software; now with integrated Notebooks and extended language support. * Cool Stuff Found * 01:07:28 CSF-Center Cam v2 [https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0DTHBJQNM/macgeekgab-20] * 01:11:19 Scott-CSF-1089 [https://mgg.fm/1089]–SyncTime [https://desairem.com/wordpress/synctime/] to Sync your Dock .plist (and other files) * 01:12:36 Craig-CSF-1089 [https://mgg.fm/1089]-Use Kasa Smart Plug [https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0BYGRLRS1/macgeekgab-20] to delay starting a UPS * 01:16:05 Mark-CSF-1089 [https://mgg.fm/1089]-Use a Power Sequencer [https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0DRV4TNX5/macgeekgab-20] to keep from tripping circuits on startup * 01:18:12 MGG 1090 [https://mgg.fm/1090] Outtro * MGG Monthly Giveaway [https://www.macgeekgab.com/giveaway] – eero Outdoor 7 * Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly [https://cachefly.com/] * Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts) [http://sothereiwas.us/] * The Debut Film Podcast [https://debutfilmpodcast.com/] – Adam’s new podcast! * Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) [https://businessbrain.show/] and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) [https://www.giggabpodcast.com/] Podcasts * MGG Merch is Available! [http://macgeekgab.com/merch] * Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw4n7jezVHKzJJW7MykDu7Q] * Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar [https://macgeekgab.com/calendar] * This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors [https://macgeekgab.com/premium] * MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews [https://macgeekgab.com/reviews] * feedback@macgeekgab.com [feedback@macgeekgab.com] * 224-888-GEEK [tel:224-888-GEEK] * Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List [https://www.macgeekgab.com/sponsors] * BackBeat Media Podcast Network [http://www.backbeatmedia.com/]

iCloud Alter Egos, Dock Duplicates, and Synology's Shenanigans – Mac Geek Gab 1089 episode image [https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/icloud-alter-ego-dock-dupe-synology-shenanigans-mgg1089.jpg?fit=750%2C750&ssl=1] This week’s Mac Geek Gab is bursting with power-user gold, thanks to Dave, Pilot Pete, and Adam Christianson. You’ll learn how to command Time Machine from Terminal like a pro, tame your iCloud email identities, and even resize your Dock to fit your vibe. Quick Tips fly fast, from dragging contacts into Numbers alternatives to “Hide My Email.” And if your Dock’s perfect on one Mac and a mess on another? Listener dogstir shares a plist trick that syncs your setup in seconds. Don’t Get Caught doing things the hard way. But that’s just the start. You’ll dig into iCloud storage conundrums, managing Apple One, and what happens when uninstaller apps clash with ongoing updates. Bluetooth quirks on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, lingering Comcast email access post-Xfinity, and a potential Backblaze rethink all get tackled. And if you’re wrestling with UPS power spikes or Synology’s restrictive 2025 drive policies, yep, they’ve got hacks for that too. * 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1089 [https://mgg.fm/1089] for Monday, May 12th [https://nationaltoday.com/may-12/], 2025 * May 12th: National Nutty Fudge Day [https://nationaltoday.com/national-nutty-fudge-day/] * Police Code 10-89 [https://policecodes.net/ten-codes/10-89] – Bomb threat * MGG Monthly Giveaway [https://www.macgeekgab.com/giveaway] – Win an eero Outdoor 7 * We’ll be doing MGG Live at Macstock [https://macstockconferenceandexpo.com/] on Saturday, July 12th! Join us, and use our coupon code: MACGEEKGAB50 to save $50! * Quick Tips * 00:00:01 Greg-QT-Set a Timer Quickly in iPhone’s Control Center * 00:03:27 QT-Adjust Time Machine Quota Size from Terminal * sudo tmutil destinationinfo * sudo tmutil setquota [ID] 1500 (1500 is size in gigabytes) * 00:06:34 What to do when Time Machine says you don’t have enough space left? * 00:07:21 Joe-QT-iCloud eMail Alias alternative to “Hide My eMail” * Alter iCloud Egos! * 00:10:11 Roy-QT-You can resize the Mac’s Dock * 00:12:03 How do you use your Dock on your Mac * 00:15:49 Andy-QT-Drag Contacts to Numbers for an Easy Export * 00:19:38 SPONSOR: Caldera Lab [https://calderalab.com/MGG]. Guys, don’t settle for drugstore junk or steal your partner’s products—elevate your routine with skincare made for you. Head to CalderaLab.com/MGG [http://calderalab.com/MGG] and use MGG at checkout for 20% off your first order. * Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared! * 00:21:40 Bill-Let Uninstallers/Cleaners Work while an App is Updating? * CleanMyMac [https://cleanmymac.com/] * AVG [https://www.avg.com/en-us/avg-antivirus-for-mac] * 00:28:25 danbo99-Bluetooth and iPhone 16 Pro Max * 00:36:37 Bob-Can I keep my Comcast email even if I cancel Xfinity internet service? [https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/using-email-only] * 00:43:44 Pete’s audio issues: learning from our mistakes! * 00:46:04 SPONSOR: Square [https://square.com/go/mgg]. Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/mgg [https://square.com/go/mgg].  #squarepod #ad * MOAR Questions Answered * 00:47:56 Bruce-1086-Local Device Access Might Not Mean Everything * 00:51:33 Adam’s Running out of iCloud Storage * 01:02:32 Managing Apple One * 01:04:29 SPONSOR: Coda [https://coda.io/mgg], the one Doc to rule them all. Bring your text and tables together! Get six months of the team plan for startups for FREE at Coda.io/mgg [https://coda.io/mgg]. * EVEN MOAR Questions Answered * 01:05:56 Dave asks, Dogstir answers – To transfer your Dock layout to another Mac * Set up your Dock as desired on one Mac. * Copy the com.apple.dock.plist file to the same location on your other Mac(s). * After copying, run killall Dock in Terminal to reload the Dock configuration. * 01:07:07 Craig-Way to delay UPS Spikes on re-powering after a power failure? * Delay Timer Time Relay [https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B08CV4G9QC/macgeekgab-20] * 01:15:55 Dave-Do we need to worry about Backblaze [https://chatgpt.com/share/681366ba-d3a0-8010-ae50-0a7c7e5b276b]? * 01:20:59 Rob-CSF-Add Drives to Synology’s Approved List [https://github.com/007revad/Synology_HDD_db] (and bypass Synology’s 2025 restrictions!) * 01:32:39 MGG 1089 [https://mgg.fm/1089] Outtro * MGG Monthly Giveaway [https://www.macgeekgab.com/giveaway] – eero Outdoor 7 * Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly [https://cachefly.com/] * Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts) [http://sothereiwas.us/] * The Debut Film Podcast [https://debutfilmpodcast.com/] – Adam’s new podcast! * Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) [https://businessbrain.show/] and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) [https://www.giggabpodcast.com/] Podcasts * MGG Merch is Available! [http://macgeekgab.com/merch] * Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw4n7jezVHKzJJW7MykDu7Q] * Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar [https://macgeekgab.com/calendar] * This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors [https://macgeekgab.com/premium] * MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews [https://macgeekgab.com/reviews] * feedback@macgeekgab.com [feedback@macgeekgab.com] * 224-888-GEEK [tel:224-888-GEEK] * Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List [https://www.macgeekgab.com/sponsors] * BackBeat Media Podcast Network [http://www.backbeatmedia.com/]

iPhone Tricks, Gigabit Wi-Fi, and Life on 256GB – Mac Geek Gab 1088 episode image [https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/iphone-tricks-gigabit-wifi-256gb-life-mgg1088.jpg?fit=750%2C750&ssl=1] You’re sitting on a goldmine of Apple and tech hacks this week. From drag-and-drop magic on your iPhone to bypassing pesky paywalls with News+, you’ll pick up power-user moves fast. If your Mac’s hiding your Desktop folder, it might be time to nuke that Finder.plist…or maybe update your Finder’s sidebar settings. Need to upgrade your Wi-Fi to keep up with 2Gbps fiber? You’ll get step-by-step tips, plus real-world advice on NAS setups and whether Synology is still your best friend in 2025. Spoiler: Synology’s forcing their own drives now for a lot of newer units—don’t get caught unprepared. Rocking only 256GB of storage? You’re not alone—Dave, Pete, and Adam walk you through clever external drive picks and how to shift Documents and Desktop to external storage, or leaving it in place and having Hazel doing the heavy lifting. And when it’s time for Cool Stuff Found, strap in: from booming RockSteady speakers to the slick Thunderbird Identity Chooser and a genuinely helpful email app called eM Client, the crew keeps the hits coming. Don’t Get Caught missing the chance to boost your tech game this week. * 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1088 [https://mgg.fm/1088] for Monday, May 5th [https://nationaltoday.com/may-5/], 2025 * May 5th: Revenge of The Fifth [https://nationaltoday.com/revenge-of-the-5th/] * Police Code 10-88 [https://policecodes.net/ten-codes/10-88] – Advise phone number of officer * MGG Monthly Giveaway [https://www.macgeekgab.com/giveaway] – Win an eero Outdoor 7 * We’ll be at Macstock [https://macstockconferenceandexpo.com/] and so can you for $399 with MACGEEKGAB50 * Quick Tips * 00:00:01 Robb-QT-Don’t forget about drag-and-drop on iPhones * 00:07:08 Stephen Robles Video on Perplexity vs. Siri [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pQJ3ZyqKBw] * 00:08:25 Joe-QT-Open articles in News+ to bypass paywalls * Try Reader Mode on paywalled news sites * 00:13:08 Ben-QT-1086-Resolve Mysterious Disappearing Desktop Folder by Deleting Finder.plist [https://www.reddit.com/r/MacOS/comments/tad7e3/desktop_keeps_disappearing_from_finders_sidebar/] * 00:17:01 Change icon by refreshing the favorite in your Finder sidebar * 00:17:38 SPONSOR: Insta360 X5 Camera [https://store.insta360.com/product/x5?utm_term=mgg]. To bag a free invisible selfie stick worth US$24.99 with your purchase, head to store.insta360.com [https://store.insta360.com/product/x5?utm_term=mgg] and use the promo code “mgg”, available for the first 30 purchases only. * Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared! * 00:19:05 Terry-What steps do I need to take to upgrade my WiFi to match my 2Gbps fiber? * 00:30:02 Sean-Advice about Large Local Storage or NAS * Synology DiskStation as Personal Cloud [https://www.synology.com/en-global/dsm/feature/drive] * 00:44:18 SPONSOR: Storyworth [https://storyworth.com/MACGEEKGAB] uses quick, weekly email prompts to create a unique keepsake hardcover book for you or your loved ones. Save $10 on your first purchase at StoryWorth.com/MACGEEKGAB [https://storyworth.com/MACGEEKGAB]. * MOAR Questions Answered * 00:45:47 Synology to require Synology-branded Drives in 2025-plus units [https://www.zdnet.com/article/why-synologys-new-nas-drive-support-policy-isnt-as-bad-as-i-first-thought/] * 00:48:51 Glen-Living with 256GB storage in a laptop * 00:50:35 Brian-Using 256GB on an M2 MacBook Air * Buffalo External 2TB Thumb Drive [https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B09XS1972J/macgeekgab-20] * Transcend 2TB Thumb Drive [https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C6S44K2Z/macgeekgab-20] * 00:54:28 Chris-How can I move Documents and Desktop folders to an external drive? [https://www.lifewire.com/move-macs-home-folder-new-location-2260157] * Hazel from Noodlesoft [https://www.noodlesoft.com/] * 01:01:31 SPONSOR: ScreenCastsONLINE [https://screencastsonline.com/mgg]. Each week, ScreenCastsONLINE publishes two Apple-related videos to its ever-expanding library of over 1,400 tutorials. Visit ScreenCastsONLINE/mgg [https://screencastsonline.com/mgg] to try it FREE for 7 DAYS, then get a lifetime 20% discount on your subscription. * Cool Stuff Found * 01:03:15 P2-CSF-RockSteady Stadium 2.0 Speakers [https://rocksteadyaudio.com/products/rocksteady-stadium-speakers-2-0?srsltid=AfmBOorKr3l8RbRuA_rJgqUwFYjjB6MpIGozlKekPiEKoxL-5gwskPof]! * 01:07:19 Larry-CSF-Thunderbird Identity Chooser [https://addons.thunderbird.net/en-us/thunderbird/addon/identity-chooser/versions/] plugin * 01:09:13 David Jameson-CSF-eM Client [https://www.emclient.com/] – listens to user requests! * 01:13:26 MGG 1088 [https://mgg.fm/1088] Outtro * MGG Monthly Giveaway [https://www.macgeekgab.com/giveaway] – eero Outdoor 7 * Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly [https://cachefly.com/] * Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts) [http://sothereiwas.us/] * The Debut Film Podcast [https://debutfilmpodcast.com/] – Adam’s new podcast! * Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) [https://businessbrain.show/] and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) [https://www.giggabpodcast.com/] Podcasts * MGG Merch is Available! [http://macgeekgab.com/merch] * Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw4n7jezVHKzJJW7MykDu7Q] * Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar [https://macgeekgab.com/calendar] * This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors [https://macgeekgab.com/premium] * MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews [https://macgeekgab.com/reviews] * feedback@macgeekgab.com [feedback@macgeekgab.com] * 224-888-GEEK [tel:224-888-GEEK] * Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List [https://www.macgeekgab.com/sponsors] * BackBeat Media Podcast Network [http://www.backbeatmedia.com/]