Why The Lucky Stiff

One man's journey to be more just a lucky stiff

iOS

Apple iPod Won’t Turn On – How to Fix It

Last updated on

So, your Apple iPod won’t turn on and you don’t know how to get back to grooving with your favorite tunes? Here’s a complete guide to finding out what’s wrong with your iPod music player and what you can do it resurrect it back from the dead.

Music is more than just a way of expression that humans developed along the way, it is a form of culture that billions of people live and breathe all around the world. From vinyl records and cassettes to Walkman from Sony and the legendary Apple iPod – the means of audio entertainment have subliminally evolved in the past few decades. Back in the year 2001 when the very first Apple iPod was brought to the market, it created the modern standard of digital music playback, creating an entire genre of devices after it.

Apple solidified its position in the music player market by releasing one iteration of the iPod after another. From the iPod Classic that could hold millions of songs at once, to the tiny iPod Shuffle that could fit in the palm of your hand, the iPod series peaked in the 2000s. It wasn’t until the introduction of the Apple iPod Touch, a non-cellular slimmed-down version of the iPhone, that the iPod lineup moved into an entirely new direction. As of today, Apple has retired all of its iPod devices, except the iPod Touch, which continues to enjoy dwindling support from audiophiles all over the world.

Apple iPod won’t turn on – How to fix it

Even without the cellular capabilities of the iPhone, iPod Touch is pretty much a mobile network device. You still get the ability to make audio and video calls over the internet, playing games and watch videos for hours at a stretch. And just like any other piece of technology that you may own, there could be instances when the Apple iPod won’t turn on at all. The issue is unlikely to arise on a brand-new device, but owning one that has seen a few years of wear and tear may encounter such a problem. Lucky for you, we’ve sweat it out to find ways to resolve these issues so that you don’t have to, and here’s what you need to do:

Check to see if it’s a software problem

More often than not, when a mobile phone or tablet does not seem to turn on, the issue seems to lie with the software of the device, and not the hardware. The iPod Touch is no different, so it is safe to assume that a wonky update, a broken app file, or just an unfortunate instance can cause the device to spiral down and crash entirely. In such cases, here’s what you can do to resolve the problem with your iPod Touch:

Solution 1: Force reboot

It is within the realm of possibilities that your iPod Touch is not actually turned off, but frozen with a black screen. The first response to such a case should be rebooting the device, which needs to be done forcibly since the display isn’t active for you to “Swipe to Power Off” function.

  1. On your iPod Touch, press and hold the Power + Home buttons simultaneously.
  2. Keep holding down the Power button until to see the screen turn on and the Apple logo to appear.
  3. If the screen does not turn on, stay alert to notice if the iPod vibrates at all when the two buttons are pressed together.

Solution 2: Complete a battery cycle

The way batteries are designed is to limit the usage of the device before the capacity hits 0%, but this isn’t always how things go down. You could’ve ended up draining your iPod Touch entirely, which may have caused the battery to die down entirely. In such cases, plugging in the iPod Touch to a power source may boot it up, leading you to believe that the iPod won’t turn on at all.

  1. Leave the iPod Touch be for a few days and wait for the entire battery capacity to drain out.
  2. After a few days have passed, connect the iPod Touch to a power source and let it charge overnight.
  3. You can then check to see if the device turns back on again as it usually would.

Solution 3: Restore the iPod Touch

If you were trying to tinker with the software of the iPod Touch with jailbreaking tools, it could cause the device to brick and become completely unresponsive. Similarly, the iPod Touch could’ve also experienced a software crash, resulting in no feedback when the power button is pressed. The only thing to do here is to restore the iPod Touch and reinstall the iOS software on the device.

  1. Turn on your computer and launch the iTunes app.
  2. Connect the USB Lightning cable to the computer.
  3. Get a hold of the iPod Touch, press and hold the Home button.
  4. While holding the Home button, connect the iPod to your computer using the Lightning cable.
  5. Even if the screen does not turn on, wait to see if iTunes detects your iPod Touch.
  6. If the device is detected, you will be given the option to restore the software on the iPod Touch, and you can do so by pressing the Restore button.
  7. Wait for the software to be downloaded and installed on your iPod, and at some point, you should be able to see the Apple logo appear on the screen.

In case the computer is unable to detect your device, this signals the occurrence of a hardware problem with the iPod Touch, which is keeping it from turning on.

Check to see if it’s a hardware problem

If you own a new Apple iPod Touch, a hardware defect is an anomaly, and in such cases, Apple is quick to offer a replacement for the defective hardware. However, there can be external factors that may be the cause when iPod Touch won’t turn on. Whether you ended up rendering the display non-functional, or there’s a problem with the charging capacity of the device, here’s what you can try out:

Solution 1: Replace the charging cable

As simple as this solution may seem, you’ll be surprised how often users overlook the fact that the charger cable and power adapter could be the culprit. You can start off by using the Lightning cable of your iPod Touch with another Apple device to see if the accessory is fully functional in the first place.

Similarly, try replacing the charging cable for your iPod Touch and check to see if it makes any difference at all. We recommend that you test out this theory using original Apple certified charger cables since all Apple devices are designed to work only with the official accessories only.

Solution 2: Check the display screen

It wouldn’t be unheard of to find out that despite the iPod Touch being in perfect working condition, the display screen stopped functioning all of a sudden. Whether it is from a drop that caused the wires to come to lose within the chassis or defective hardware that finally died out, you would need to identify if it’s a hardware issue after all.

The initial test to confirm if the iPod is in fact working would connect it to your computer. Wait for a notification tone to ring on the computer, or the charging chime notification that rings on the iPod Touch when you plug it in. If you do hear a sound or a notification, this could point towards a possible malfunction of the display.

If the iPod Touch does connect to iTunes, we recommend that you create a backup of your data and music right away. Regardless of whether you choose to take the iPod Touch to the Apple Store or a certified technician, it is important to secure your files first, since the repair process might lead to factory resetting the device.

Solution 3: Clean out the charging port

Considering that you carry around your iPod Touch everywhere, it shouldn’t be entirely surprising to find all kinds of dirt, lint, and grit in the cervices and openings of your music player. One such opening on the iPod Touch is the Lightning charging port, which, if obstructed, could cut off the power supply to the device, and lead to the issue where the iPod Touch won’t turn on at all.

  1. Using a can of air and its pointed nozzle, spray out any minor dirt and sand particles that might have gotten lodged into the power port.
  2. Additionally, you can use a wooden or plastic toothpick to clean out the Lightning power port.
  3. Avoid poking too hard at the Lightning charging port, and avoid bending any of the charging pins inside.

Solution 4: Consider liquid damage

A popular misconception among users is that devices show signs of water damage immediately after coming in contact with moisture or water. However, water damage can sometimes take hours, and even days to wreak havoc on your device’s hardware, as it slowly begins to oxidize and erode the internal hardware components.

If you dropped your iPod Touch in the pool, or it came into direct contact with water before being unable to turn on, it is a tell-tale sign. Using dry rice to pull out the moisture from within the iPod Touch could work if the device was still functional. But in most cases when the iPod Touch won’t turn on, this signals that the damage has already been done. Taking the device to a professional and getting it checked up is the only viable solution at this point.

Final Words

The iPod has gone from being the highest selling product from Apple to an offering from the company that doesn’t even hold a highlighted spot on the website anymore. The advancement in music technology of streaming services like Spotify, Amazon Music, and Apple Music itself, has limited the need for a dedicated music player that does not offer cellular connectivity. Apple iPod Touch being released in 2019 signals that the company is yet to give up on the device, and neither has customers.

If you are stuck with a dead device and your Apple iPod touch won’t turn on at all, try out the tips mentioned above to breathe life back into it. Which of these solutions helped you get the iPod Touch back on and functioning? We’re excited to hear back from you, so reach out to us in the comments section right down below.

Best Tablet with Keyboard in 2019 – Buying Guide

Last updated on

Are you out in the market to look for a tablet with a keyboard that brings you a rich multimedia interface, along with plenty of productivity? We’ve done the browsing for you in this guide that includes the best keyboard-compatible tablets offered by Android, iOS, and Windows as well.

For as long as the human race has existed, we have innovated from the natural surroundings to create a world of our own. The stepping stone to the next generation in human evolution began with the development of electricity and the gradual rise of smart machines, which we later termed as “computers”. Today, a computer is not just a scientific discovery, it is a personalized piece of technology that has transcended the realm of what we once considered to be the absolute limit.

The modern workplace as well as the modern community as we know it exists on a different plane, known as the World Wide Web. The internet is what the world lives and breathes today, allowing everything from helping us connect to our loved ones across the world, to making business deals right from the comfort of our homes. However, it wasn’t until the need for portability pushed the big brand manufacturers to create lightweight laptops and tablets, allowing us to stay connected on the go.

Best Tablet with Keyboard to Buy in 2019

The high demand from the consumer market has forced the hand of the biggest innovation centers in the industry, leading to dozens of different top-end portable computer devices year after year. As the line between a laptop and a tablet becomes even more blurred with the release of large-sized tablet devices from Android and Apple, Windows 2-in-1 tablet computers have also taken over a significant portion of the sales in recent years.

While there may be dozens of large tablets offered and you can always choose to hook up a wireless keyboard to one. However, it simply does not live up to the comfort and ease of use provided by a tablet that comes with native support for an official keyboard accessory. We’ve sieved through the vast stretches of the tech market to bring you such devices, and here’s an entire buying guide on it.

Microsoft Surface Pro 7

Specs:

  • Display – 3-inch (2736 x 1824)
  • Processor – Intel Core i5 / Intel Core i7
  • RAM – 8GB / 16GB
  • Storage – 128GB / 256 GB / 512GB / 1TB
  • Operating System – Windows

The latest convertible laptop from Microsoft is the poster child for Windows and everything that the operating system is capable of doing. Available in different hardware configurations that allow you to handpick the setting perfect for your budget and usage, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 comes with a combination of USB-A and USB-C ports for unlimited connectivity, while driven by a powerful battery pack that will last you hours on the go. Speaking of the tactility, you get a patented hinge on the back for vivid viewing angles, a crisp and light keyboard that comes with a built-in trackpad – all at just 1.7lbs for effortless carrying all the time.

Get the Microsoft Surface Pro 7

Apple iPad Pro

Specs:

  • Display – 9-inch edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display
  • Processor – A12X Bionic chip with Neural Engine
  • RAM – 4GB
  • Storage – 64GB / 256 GB / 512GB / 1TB
  • Operating System – iOS

The entire tablet genre of gadgets gained momentum after Steve Jobs unveiled the very first Apple iPad, and the series hasn’t slowed down the pace since. Slimming down the bezels this time around to add more screen space, the iPad Pro is equipped with the latest in biometric Face ID, while adding new features such as the A12X Bionic chip that is built for smarter machine learning. Accessories such as the new and improved Apple Pencil, along with the Smart Keyboard Folio allows the iOS tablet to be turned into a powerful work machine instantly, while the brand-new USB-C port opens the doors to connectivity. 

Get the Apple iPad Pro

Samsung Galaxy Book 2

Specs:

  • Display – 12-inch SAMOLED display
  • Processor – Intel Core i5
  • RAM – 4GB RAM
  • Storage – 128GB
  • Operating System – Windows

You may not be used to relating Windows OS to the Galaxy brand, but Samsung changes it all with its entry into the 2-in-1 Windows PC market. The Galaxy Book 2 offers a powerful processor from Intel, packed with its in-house AMOLED display technology to reform the way you work on the move and enjoy entertainment on the big screen. While the hardware specs sheet may not break any records of sorts, but the combination of a tactile keyboard with a stylus pen for added productivity combine with this tablet to help you get ahead in the game.

Get the Samsung Galaxy Book 2

Microsoft Surface Go

Specs:

  • Display – 10-inch PixelSense display
  • Processor – Intel Pentium Gold
  • RAM – 4GB / 8GB
  • Storage – 64GB / 128GB
  • Operating System – Windows

A little sibling to the flagship computer from Microsoft, the Surface Go is designed to make the already-portable laptop computer even smaller and lighter not just to carry around, but on the wallet too. Weighing in at just 1.15lbs for that barely-there computing, you get the same crisp keyboard layout that the Surface series is known for while being large enough to ensure that you don’t compromise on productivity one bit. 

Get the Microsoft Surface Go

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6

Specs:

  • Display – 5-inch SAMOLED (2560 x1600)
  • Processor – Snapdragon 855 Octa-Core SoC
  • RAM – 6GB
  • Storage – 128GB / 256GB
  • Operating System – Android

Over the years as the demand for Android OS tablets has dwindled, Samsung has held the fort with its Galaxy Tab series. The frontrunner Galaxy Tab 6 is an evolutionary leap that combines mobility with power in the form of a slimmed-down Android tablet that comes with a desktop experience matching the likes of Chrome OS. The inclusion of the brand new S Pen allows those leaning on the artistic side to run wild with creativity, while the brand new keyboard accessory with its trackpad feature will make you forget that the bulky laptop was ever worth the trouble to begin with.

Get the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6

Lenovo Miix 630

Specs:

  • Display – 3-inch Full-HD display
  • Processor – Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
  • RAM – 4GB
  • Storage – 128GB
  • Operating System – Windows

In an attempt to break into the computer hardware space, Qualcomm processors are now being offered as an affordable replacement to the traditional Intel and AMD chips, and the Lenovo Miix 630 is one such device that offers it. Packing the Snapdragon 835 that you would expect in a flagship smartphone, the laptop runs the full-blown Windows 10 OS and is equipped with a 2-in-1 design that makes it ideal for work and play. The specs sheet isn’t going to break any records, but considering the budget price point, decent hardware quality, and plenty of battery life that it comes packing, the Miix 630 is a solid contender in the mid-range.  

Get the Lenovo Miix 630

Huawei MateBook E

Specs:

  • Display – 12-inch 2K display (2160 x 1440)
  • Processor – Intel Core M3
  • RAM – 4GB
  • Storage – 128GB
  • Operating System – Windows

The Chinese tech company may have fallen out of favor across the United States, but it continues to be the largest tech company across the majority of the world and has also made waves in the PC business with the MateBook series. The MateBook E attempts to replicate the success of the Microsoft Surface Pro with a similar 2-in-1 design that comes packed with the mid-range Intel M3 processor chip. The addition of a premium folio keyboard, Dolby audio premium sound, and a minimalist 2K display adds to the glory of this Windows portable tablet computer.

Get the Huawei MateBook E

Google Pixel Slate

Specs:

  • Display – 3-inch Molecular Display
  • Processor – Intel Core i5
  • RAM – 8GB
  • Storage – 128GB
  • Operating System – Chrome OS

Google may have shifted gears to make the Pixel Book as the flagship of the Chrome OS platform, but that does not change the fact that the Pixel State 2-in-1 tablet will be the most portable Chrome OS computer out there. Although the keyboard folio case and the pen is sold separately, these accessories are worth the extra cost for turning the tablet into a full-blown computing machine. Packing the powerful Core i5 processor, you get plenty of firepower under the hood that is backed by a vivid display, days’ worth of battery life, and the entire ecosystem of Google to keep you connected at all times.

Get the Google Pixel Slate

Final Words

As the technology behind modern computers progresses with faster charging speeds and smaller hardware, portable tablets are rapidly becoming the norm for those who work on the go. We’ve recruited the most popular tablet with keyboard computers available in the market today, so you don’t have to go around nitpicking the one that works best for you.

Which of these tablet computers is packed with enough firepower to support your work requirements and live up to your needs for entertainment as well? We’re waiting to hear from you, so write down what you have to say in the comments section right down below.

Fixed: There Was a Problem Downloading the Software for iPhone

Last updated on

As of lately, lots of people have been encountering the “There was a problem downloading the software for iPhone” issue. If you’re one of them, then keep on reading as we’ve got quite a few solutions that could help you out!

There are a ton of reasons for this issue to come up. Internet connectivity, lack of storage, and more. Our solutions are not guaranteed to work. But, what’s the harm in trying? A little something is always better than nothing!

1: Make Sure that Everything is Updated

If you’re trying to update your iPhone through a computer, then the very first thing that you should do is make sure that everything is on the latest version. The process of doing that will slightly differ depending on the kind of computer that you’re using. 

For Windows, the easiest way of making sure that every Apple program is on the latest version is by using Apple Software Updater. It should be

There was a problem downloading the software for iPhone

It’s very easy to find and use. All you have to do is: 

  1. Open Window’s search bar (Lower left corner of the screen – next to the Windows icon)
  2. Type “Apple Software Updater”
  3. Open the program
  4. Wait until it finishes its search for updates
  5. Select everything that needs to get updated
  6. Then click on “Install”

Installing the updates may end up taking a while – depending on how fast your computer and/or internet connection is. But, the wait is worth it. After all, this may end up fixing the “There was a problem downloading the software for iPhone” issue. 

The update process is even easier for Mac computers: 

  1. Open the Apple menu (Apple icon)
  2. Click on “System Preferences”
  3. Software update
  4. And that’s about it

Now all you have to do is click on the “Update Now” button, wait for the installation to finish, and then move on. Hopefully, that will be enough to fix your issue. If not, then keep on reading. 

2: Make Sure that Your Phone is Updated

It’s not just the computer that needs to be running the latest updates, but the phone as well. To update your iPhone, all you have to do is: 

  1. Open the Settings
  2. Head over to “Software Update”
  3. And if there are any available updates to install, select “Download and Install”

The exact same process can be applied to iPad and iPod devices as well. Do keep in mind that if you don’t have enough space to install the updates, then you’ll be forced to uninstall apps or delete content. 

Also, if there is a big update that needs to be installed and you’re on a slow network, make sure to leave the phone plugged in overnight or you’re running the risk of draining the battery and starting the day with a very little charge. 

3: Uninstall 3rd Party Security Programs

There are lots of people who can’t survive without a security program. Especially on Windows computers which are kind of more vulnerable to security threats. 

However, the truth is that Antivirus software will often block numerous programs from accessing the Internet. In our case, this is one possible cause for the “There was a problem downloading the software for iPhone” issue. 

That’s why you need to temporarily uninstall your security software, do what it is that you have to do, and then you can install the Antivirus/Anti-Malware again. 

To do that in Windows 10: 

  1. Click on the Windows icon
  2. Open the Settings (Gear icon)
  3. Go to “Apps”
  4. Find your security program
  5. And click on “Uninstall”

You could also try temporarily disabling it instead. But, the process of doing that differs from Antivirus to Antivirus. So, if that sounds like a better idea, Google is your friend. 

It goes without saying that if you want the security program back, then you’ll have to download and install it all over again. If it’s a paid program, then you’ll most likely need the login details or the premium key as well. 

For Mac, all you have to do is: 

  1. Open the Finder
  2. Select “Applications”
  3. Then find your security app and select “Uninstall”

There was a problem downloading the software for iPhone

Just like with Windows computers, you’ll be required to re-install the security software after you’re done with this whole ordeal. But, of course, whether you want to do that or not is completely up to you. 

4: Delete the .ipsw File

The .ipsw file is a sort of temporary space/file that your device relies on to download and install pieces of software. There is a chance that it got corrupted somewhere in the process and that’s why you’re experiencing the “There was a problem downloading the software for iPhone” issue. 

That’s why deleting this file and trying to re-download whatever it is that you were trying to download may end up fixing the problem. No promises, though. To do that, go to: 

  1. Finder
  2. Select the “Go” menu and head over to “Library”
  3. Look for the iTunes folder -> iPhone Software Updates
  4. Locate the file that should end in “Restore.ipsw”
  5. Delete it
  6. Then try to download your software again

There was a problem downloading the software for iPhone

That’s how the name looks on both Windows and Mac. You may see a few variations, depending on the software that you’re trying to download and the device that you’re using. But, the file should always end in Restore.ipsw. 

As you can see in the image above – when it comes to Windows computers, the file is located on C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPhone Software Updates

5: Make Sure that Everything is OK With Your Internet Connection

Maybe the computer and the phone are not to blame. Maybe there’s something wrong with your connection. Obviously, if you can read this article, then everything should be fine.

However, are you sure that you’re using the Wi-Fi? Maybe only one of the devices has access to the Internet and you just didn’t happen to notice. Maybe you just ran out of data on the iPhone. 

In any case, we’d highly recommend making sure that you’re connected to a functional Wi-Fi or data connection. You can easily do that through the settings of the phone. 

If your computer can get access to the Internet but the phone refuses to work through the same Wi-Fi, then we’re sorry to let you know that something may be indeed wrong with the iPhone. 

Still Experiencing the “There Was a Problem Downloading the Software for iPhone” Issue?

If you’ve tried everything that we mentioned till now and the issue hasn’t been resolved, then your only option is to perform a factory reset. This means that everything on the phone will be deleted.

We’d highly recommend keeping backups on the iCloud, Google Drive, on your computer, or any other place that suits you best before moving forward with the factory reset. Nobody likes losing precious data such as photos, documents, and things like that. 

To reset your iPhone, go to: 

  1. Settings
  2. General
  3. Reset
  4. Erase all content and settings
  5. Type in your password

And that should be it. 

After that, wait for the phone to reboot, restore any backups if you must, and try again. This brings the phone to a brand-new like state. So, there’s not much left to do. 

If this method fails as well, then perhaps the fault lies with the computer that you’re trying to use. 

Wrapping Up

In any case, that’s about all we’ve got for now. If you’ve got any questions, then let us know about them in the comments section down below! If something ended up helping you out, then do also let us and everyone else know about it. 

 

How to Bypass Activation Lock for iPhone iCloud

Last updated on

Are you searching for a solution on how to bypass Activation Lock on your iOS device but can’t seem to get one? Here’s our takedown of the best iCloud Activation bypass tool that are available online and how they fare against each other in providing you the best solution.

Back in the year 2007 when the late Steve Jobs unveiled the very first iPhone, it quickly became the gold standard by which all other smartphones were measured. More than a decade since its inception, Apple has developed the iOS mobile software platform to be exclusive with severely limited cross-platform capabilities. However, the closed-circuit design of the iOS has allowed the iPhone to be one of the most secure smartphone out there, beating most Android devices by miles.

A core aspect of this security layer that Apple boasts about is the iCloud Activation Lock that has been put in place by default. Apple introduced this security feature to counter the selling of stolen iOS devices and to help users secure their personal data at all times, but it isn’t quintessential by any means. Whether you ended up purchasing a used iPhone or simply forgot the login details of your own iCloud account, being locked out of your device can be quite frustrating to say the least.

Recommended Unlocking Service
AppleiPhoneUnlock is quick, convenient, cheap and safe. It doesn’t get any better than that right? Bypass Activation iCloud account with AppleiPhoneUnlock.

 

Please subscribe to our channel. 

What is a iCloud Activation Lock?

It was back in the year 2013 with the release of iOS 7.0 that Apple introduced an added layer of user data protection in the form of iCloud Activation Lock. Primarily introduced to deter the issue of widespread theft of devices and data, the iCloud Activation Lock forced the user to enter the iCloud password associated with the iPhone or iPad to get past the welcome screen after a factory reset was performed on the iOS device. The feature was enabled automatically once the Find My iPhone service was turned on by the user on the respective iPhone or iPad.

While the feature continues to be a security layer for most users, it does become a nuisance to those who have either lost access to their iCloud account username and password. The iCloud Activation Lock is especially a hindrance to purchase a used iPhone and were disappointed by stop in their tracks by the activation screen upon booting up the device. Whether you decide to jailbreak your iOS device or factory reset it into oblivion, none of it is going to help you understand unlock iCloud Lock on iPhone one bit.

How to Remove Your iPhone iCloud Lock

Fortunately, you’re among a strong majority of iOS users who have been looking for the solution on ways to bypass Activation Lock on iPhone the easy way. Owing to the widespread demand, a fair number of services have risen to the occasion to help bypass the iCloud Activation lock. But how do you pick the best iCloud Activation bypass tool among the long list of options available out there? We’ve done the hard work for you and tested through the different services out there to find the top 2 service providers that beat the competitor by a mile.

Since Apple or its affiliated brands would never endorse and name a certain service the best iCloud Activation bypass tool, we had to roll up our sleeves and analyze the options out there. After testing out 9 different service providers that guarantee to help you get past the iCloud Activation lock, and boiled it down to 2 names that worked best. After testing the unlocked iPhone with multiple carriers, we can confirm that you too can learn how to get past the iCloud activation screen and let that expensive piece of tech from Apple be more than just an attractive paperweight.

iCloud lock

Step 1 – Begin by visiting one of the two iCloud Activation service providers that we have reviewed and mentioned down below.

Step 2 – Enter the IMEI Number or the Serial Number of the iPhone or iPad when asked.

  • On an active iPhone – Head to the Phone app on the iPhone and type in *#06#* which will give you to the IMEI Number of your device, or you could locate it in Settings – General – About and scroll all the way down to view the IMEI Number.
  • On a locked iPhone – From the Activation screen, press the little “i” icon you see on the screen, which should give you the IMEI Number of the iPhone.

Step 3 – Confirm the IMEI Number in the activator tool and wait for the confirmation that the iCloud Activation lock has been removed.

Step 4 – You can now set up the iPhone as new or add an existing iCloud account to it and begin using the device without any hiccups.

How We Tested the Best iCloud Activation Bypass Tool

The best service providers out there for getting past the iCloud  lock used in this guide have been proven to work with all current generation iPhone and iPad devices, as well as older iOS devices in general. To find the most desirable service providers out there, we conducted a general test of the most popular names that show up in a regular Google search and boiled down a list of 9 names into the top 2, which we then looked into a little deeper.

To make the test as clinically accurate as possible, we reached out to our readers to find out who among them needed to learn how to unlock your iCloud Activation Lock on iPhone. After collecting the IMEI Codes from 12 users who owned different iOS devices with varying network carriers, were we able to gather a list of the following devices:

  • iPhone X
  • iPhone XS
  • iPhone XS Max
  • iPhone 8
  • iPhone 7
  • iPhone 7 Plus
  • iPhone 6
  • iPhone 6 Plus
  • iPhone 6s
  • iPhone 6s Plus
  • iPad Pro 2018
  • iPad Air

Criteria No. 1: Unlock Activation Pricing 

The service providers seem to charge a varying amount for unlocking the iCloud Activation lock on iPhone and iPad devices. While some of the contenders charged as low as a measly $15 fee for the unlocking service, the cost went all the way up to $149 for the more premium names in the business. Since you probably bought a used iPhone to save money, it is important to consider the price factor, which is why we’ve mentioned it right away.

Criteria No. 2: Customer Support

There is a reason why not just Apple, but every major mobile manufacturer keeps the IMEI Number of the device tucked away in a hidden menu. The ability to identify devices and prevent theft is the very reason each mobile device is offered a unique IMEI Number. Now imagine giving away this confidential IMEI Number to an unknown website and on top of it, handing over your hard-earned cash can certainly be unsettling at times. Hence we made it a point to test out the customer support provided by these unlocking services three times during the entire process:

  • Before making the purchase with the service provider.
  • After making the purchase but before the unlocking process has been completed.
  • Once the iCloud Activation unlock process has been completed.

Criteria No. 3: Remove iCloud Success Rate

A low price point for the service, profoundly quick and helpful customer care support means only so much if the entire process does not yield the appropriate results. The biggest qualifier in terms of choosing the best iCloud Activation bypass tool is whether you were finally able to have a solution to overcome the activation lock on iPhone is whether the unlock process actually works at the end of it all.

Criteria No. 4: Speed of the Bypass Process

Having an iPhone unlock service provider that works is great, but the amount of time you have to wait for the unlock process is also a determining factor in the hunt for the best one out there. Rather than taking the word of the service provider on how they “usually” take to help with the iCloud Activation unlock process, we assessed the time required ourselves to find out definitive results.

Best iCloud Activation Bypass Tool

Since no two unlock service providers can be same, we’ve tried the very best to break them all down based on the criterion above. After hours of hand-tested results, we’ve concluded that the two service providers listed below are your best shot to unlocking your iOS device which has been rendered useless due to the pesky iCloud lock.

  1. AppleiPhoneUnlock – 9.5/10 (The Best Unlock iCloud Provider)

We’ve picked the AppleiPhoneUnlock. UK to be the frontrunner in the race to being the best tool for unlocking Apple iCloud Activation lock which has plagued thousands of users for years now. When tested based on the criterion that has been established above, AppleiPhoneUnlock came out with flying colors, beating the competition and most importantly, ensuring an unlocked iOS device each time.

how to bypass activation lock

Pros:

Out of the several iPhone and iPhone unlock service providers that we tested out, AppleiPhoneUnlock was the only one to complete the request to unlock all of the iPhone and iPad models provided. Since it was the only one among the competitors to be able to do this, it gives the service provider a leading advantage.

Based on the test we conducted using the 12 different iOS devices IMEI Codes that were sourced from our readers, the unlock service provider was able to unlock all of the devices within a total record time of 24 Days.

  • iPhone X – 2 days
  • iPhone XS – 2 days
  • iPhone XS Max – 2 days
  • iPhone 8 – 3 days
  • iPhone 7 – 2 days
  • iPhone 7 Plus – 2 days
  • iPhone 6 – 1 day
  • iPhone 6 Plus – 2 days
  • iPhone 6s – 2 days
  • iPhone 6s Plus – 1 day
  • iPad Pro 2018 – 3 days
  • iPad Air – 2 days

Speaking of the customer service that AppleiPhoneUnlock provides, we did not spend more than 45 minutes in wait time when reaching out to the service provider. All of our questions before, during, and even after the completion of the unlock process were answered promptly, politely, and in a helpful manner. In regards to the price, this service is just $1 cheaper than its nearest competitor, but when it comes to savings, every dollar counts right?

Cons:

We looked long and hard, putting every aspect of the service provider under microscopic view before concluding that there are no deal-breaker downsides to the AppleiPhoneUnlock service. It would be unfair to grill the service provider over the fact that the customer representative took around an hour to respond or the unlock process could’ve taken less than 2 days per device, since AppleiPhoneUnlock still beats every other name in the business in delivery time, which forces our hand to mark it as nearly flawless.

Choose AppleiPhoneUnlock

  1. DoctorUnlock – 7.5/10 (Closest Activation Bypass Competitor)

When you look at DoctorUnlock individually, it stands no less than one of the best service providers for the solution on removing activation lock on iPhone. However, since it is being compared to a service which is, in our opinion, possibly the best unlock service out there, the flaws in the workings of DoctorUnlock begin to show. Yet, the service provider comes off as a strong contender and has plenty of reasons for which it is the next best thing in the world of iCloud Activation unlocking.

Pros:

Right off the bat, this unlock service provider, when put to the test with a list of 12 different iPhone and iPad devices, was able to successfully unlock 11 of the devices. Since most service providers that we previously check out offered barely a 50% success rate, DoctorUnlock trumps them easily.

Speaking of the overall duration that it took the service to unlock the 11 iOS devices, it was certainly more than what was advertised. It took the DoctorUnlock service around 30 days in total to complete the unlocking process for 11 devices, but the service provider delivered nonetheless.

  • iPhone X – 3 days
  • iPhone XS – 2 days
  • iPhone XS Max – 3 days
  • iPhone 8 – 3 days
  • iPhone 7 – 4 days
  • iPhone 7 Plus – 2 days
  • iPhone 6 – 2 day
  • iPhone 6 Plus – 2 days
  • iPhone 6s – 3 days
  • iPhone 6s Plus – 1 day
  • iPad Pro 2018 – 3 days
  • iPad Air – Unsuccessful

The customer service and support was not as quick to respond as the competitor service provider, but we did get insightful and friendly response within a few days of launching each query. Additionally, the fact that the service costs just $1 more than AppleiPhoneUnlock, helps it stay in the race.

Cons:

First things first, the service provider may have a decent track record when it comes to unlocking the test devices, but it still failed in unlocking one of them. While it was prompt to refund our money for the failed attempt, it still counts as a failure when it comes to delivering a success iCloud unlock experience.

In regard to the delivery time, it took DoctorUnlock as much as double the time that it took the topper on the list. Albeit, taking 3-4 days to unlock an iPhone or iPad is certainly not a deal-breaker, but the fact that AppleiPhoneUnlock is able to do the same in 1-2 days makes it far more desirable, especially since it is cheaper, even if it’s just one dollar.

Finally, when it came down to the customer support, the difference in receiving a response after a few days, and getting a friendly and courteous response from AppleiPhoneUnlock within an hour certainly made an impact.

Bypass iCloud with DoctorUnlock: Here

Final Words

Whether you’ve lost the access to your iCloud account and can’t seem to remember the credentials for the life in you, or bought an iPhone or an iPad that was plagued by the Activation lock right from the start, the need for a solution on how to unlock activation lock on iPhone is something that thousands of Apple users have requested for years. For a while, there wasn’t a viable solution to this problem, but now the market seems to be crowded with iCloud Activation unlocking service providers.

For the end-user who just wants to find out which is the best tool that gets the job done, it would be a nightmare testing through the dozens of alternatives out there. Which is why we did the dirty work for you, riding through 9 different unlock service providers and settling on the conclusion that AppleiPhoneUnlock is the way to go. Not only was this unlock service provider able to deliver a 100% success rate, but did so while being the cheapest, fastest, and most reliable among its competitors.

Were you able to get your iPhone or iPad liberated from the clutches of iCloud Activation lock for good? Do you need any assistance in getting your iOS device unlocked through the service providers that we’ve handpicked for you? Simply reach out to us in the comments section and we’ll be sure to get back to you as soon as possible.

For those wishing to unlock the Samsung FRP ReActivation Bypass Lock read this article. 

For Unlocking iCloud for all Apple Devices, read this article.

How to Convert M4A to M4R – How to Create iPhone Ringtones

Last updated on

Looking for a way to convert M4A to M4R audio format and get the latest ringtones playing on your iPhone right now? Here’s a complete guide on why you need to convert audio files to M4R format in the first place, and how you can do it in more ways than one.

No matter what car you drive out on the streets every day, there are always elements of your personality reflected in it. Similarly, a mobile phone is a personal gadget that not only symbolizes your preference but also showcases your likes and style to the ones who look at it. There hasn’t been a greater style quotient in the world of mobile phones since the invention of ringtones, and users have been crazy about it right from the start.

Ever since mobile phones came out with the most basic of features such as voice calling and text messaging, your notification tones and ringtones have been the defining elements. Whether it is about setting up a ringtone that you prefer listening to, or you just want your device to sound different compared to the regular chimes and ripples, custom ringtones are the way to go. While Android users have enjoyed the freedom to download and set up any and all ringtones, the same luxury is not enjoyed by iOS users.

Why Convert M4A to M4R Format?

Right from the start, phone ringtones were available in .MP3 format, and then the newer technology of audio coding (AAC) led to .M4A audio files. While it has become the universal standard for audio files to which all operating systems and devices adhere to, Apple, as it always does, has chosen to take another path.

Apple supports audio ringtone files for iPhone and iPad in .M4R format, which is simply not as common as the universally used M4A audio format. In an attempt to extend its closed environment and limit the content that iOS users can enjoy for free, the brand wants you to subscribe to Apple Music and pay for the ringtones you want. However, there isn’t just one, but multiple ways that allow you to convert M4A to M4R files. 

Easiest Method to Convert M4A to M4R Format

If you have been trying to look for a way to convert audio files into ringtones for your iPhone, you are sure to come across several options. The official way to convert M4A files to M4R files is by using Apple iTunes, which is also the only way you can upload ringtones to your iPhone. However, when it comes to the conversion, you’d be surprised to know that you don’t even need a converter software to begin.

Both M4A and M4R file extensions are based on AAC audio encoding, with the only difference being that the M4R format is exclusively used by Apple. While most of the online services that offer conversion may make it seem like rocket science, but the truth is that you can simply change the file extension manually and get any ringtone ready for use with your iPhone within seconds. 

  1. Download and save the ringtone you want to add to your iPhone on the computer desktop. 
  2. Right-click on the audio file icon and select the Rename option. 
  3. Change the file extension from “.M4A” to “.M4R” and click anywhere to save the changes made. 

You can now use the iTunes application to upload the newly “converted” .M4R file and add it to your iPhone as a ringtone. 

How to Create a Ringtone with iTunes

If you are looking for an easy and convenient way to get ringtones up and running on your iPhone without involving third-party apps and services, you’ll be glad to know that Apple’s very own iTunes allows you to do so. Thanks to the ability to crop sound clips that are built into the software, you can easily create ringtones right then and there. 

The feature is rudimentary and does not offer any audio guidance for you select the bits of the song that you wish to turn into a ringtone. However, you just want to turn a couple of verses from the song into a ringtone and know exactly when it starts and begins (in seconds on the timeframe), then iTunes is all that you will need to create an audio ringtone for your iPhone. 

Step 1 – Set up iTunes

There’s a good chance that you already have iTunes installed on your computer, but if you don’t, start off by downloading the latest version of iTunes using the link down below. 

Download Apple iTunes 

Step 2 – Choose the Song

With iTunes installed on your computer, you can choose any of the available ones to create your very own ringtone in minutes. However, since there are no additional controls offered within the app for editing the audio file, you will need to know the exact start and end time within the song. 

You can create a ringtone of up to 30 seconds for the iPhone, or have a shorter ringtone play on a loop. Make sure that you listen to the song separately and mark the exact minutes and seconds from start to finish before you begin cropping the song. 

Step 3 – Create the Ringtone

Once you’ve found the song that you want to turn into a ringtone, it is time to create your very own custom ringtone from the songs stored with iTunes on your computer. 

  1. From the iTunes app screen, click on the Songs tab on the left side of the screen. 
  2. Now go ahead and find the song you wish to turn into a ringtone and right-click on the file and select the Song Info option. 
  3. On the pop-up window, you should be able to see the Options menu, under which you can start cropping the audio file to create a ringtone. 
  4. Set the Start and Stop time for the ringtone clip in minutes and seconds and press OK to confirm. 

Step 4 – Convert to AAC File

Once you have cropped the song file into the size and duration that you wish your ringtone to be, it is time to convert it to AAC format. AAC audio format is preferred by Apple for all of its devices, as it creates a smaller file size. 

  1. Make sure that you have the cropped song file selected first. 
  2. On the iTunes app screen, select the File button on the top bar. 
  3. Hover over the Convert tab and then select Create AAC Version and click on it.

The AAC sound file that is now created will be available as a duplicate, so drag and drop it to the desktop. You can then choose to delete the originally cropped audio file that you had created since you only need the AAC audio format file for setting the ringtone. 

Step 5 – Change the File Extension 

The AAC file that you converted with iTunes will be available in .M4A format, and since you need a .M4R format file to work as a ringtone on your iPhone, you need to convert it. Fortunately, all you need to do is edit and rename the file without involving any converter or third-party application to the affair. 

  1. Right-click on the audio file and select the option to Rename the file. 
  2. Remove the “.M4A” file extension and type in “.M4R” instead.
  3. Click anywhere to confirm your action, which will effectively change the file extension. 

Step 5 – Add as Ringtone

With the ringtone cropped, ready, and converted to the supported format, you can use iTunes to easily upload and transfer the audio file to your iPhone. 

  1. Open iTunes on your computer and connect your iPhone using a Lightning cable. 
  2. Select your connected device from the side tab and then navigate below to find the Tones tab.
  3. Simply drag and drop the converted audio file here and select the checkbox next to it. 
  4. Press the Done button and then press Sync to transfer the ringtone to your connected iPhone. 

Step 6 – Set Ringtone on the iPhone 

Once the ringtone has been synced to your iPhone, you can go ahead and set it as your default ringtone from the device itself. 

  1. From the Home screen of your iPhone, head over to the Settings app. 
  2. Find the Sounds & Haptics tab and then scroll down to find the Sounds menu option. 
  3. You should be able to find the newly converted ringtone right here under the drop-down menu. 

Final Words

While iTunes is an official tool that does bring a great deal of confidence with it for the users, it is barely a dependable tool to convert M4A to M4R audio files. While it gets the job done, we recommend that you simply download your favorite audio files online from a reliable source in AAC format and rename the file extension to .M4R for the easiest and effective way to create ringtones and notification tones for iPhone. 

Don’t you feel that the least amount of freedom that Apple can allow iPhone users is to create and set their very own personalized ringtone without going through all of this hassle? Be sure to share your thoughts and if you have an easier way to convert M4A to M4R audio format that we haven’t uncovered above, be sure to share it in the comments section right down below.

Facebook Messenger not Working on iPhone? Here’s How to Fix It

Last updated on

The issues of Facebook Messenger not working on your iOS device makes you want to pull your hair out? Here’s a guide on how you can get the instant messaging app up and running on your iPhone in no time. 

The largest social media network website Facebook, was founded as a means for people to connect with their dear ones, no matter how far they may be. For years, Facebook catered to its users by including the Messaging feature right  into the platform itself, but it all changed with the release of Facebook Messenger in the year 2011. 

Set out to compete with the instant messaging giants such as WhatsApp and Telegram, Facebook Messenger has now become the go-to social media app for communication. Since the Facebook IM app has billions of users all across the world, a fair amount of people depend on it every day to communicate and share content, which is why the problem of Facebook Messenger not working is a troublesome one. 

How to Fix Facebook Messenger not Working on iPhone 

Being one of the most used instant messaging app all across the United States and garnering 1.3 Billion users each month, Facebook Messenger is a necessity for most. However, in recent years, mobile users, especially iPhone users have reported issues while using the Facebook Messenger app. 

From being unable to send out text messages to delay in receiving message notifications, there is no shortage of problems that users have been facing with the Messenger app on iOS devices. If you’re among those who have been pestered by issues with the Facebook Messenger app, here’s how you can work through them. 

Solution #1 – Restart the Messenger App 

Regardless of which app is giving you grief on your iPhone, the first step to take is restarting the app itself. More often than not, this simple process will your app up and running, and it only takes a couple of seconds to do this. Whether it is the Messenger app itself that is malfunctioning, or another app in the background that could be causing the issue, restarting the app can resolve all the issues. 

  1.  Exit the Facebook Messenger App on your iPhone.
  2. Press and hold the Home button until you see the “Cards” of all background apps appear on the screen. 
  3. On the iPhone X and higher, swipe up and hold to view the “Cards” of all background apps on the screen. 
  4. Press and hold each background app window until you see a”Red Cross” appear at the corner of it. 
  5. Tap on the red cross of the app windows to close them. 

You can then head back to the Home screen and open the Facebook Messenger app to see if the problem has been fixed. 

Solution #2 – Restart the iPhone 

The most cliche solution to fixing any tech related issues with your computer, gadget, or mobile phone, has to be this one. Turning the device off and then on again is an age-old tried and tested problem solver, and the same can be said when it comes to the iPhone. Since your iPhone is nothing short of a mini computer, giving it a quick rest and rebooting it can help you eliminate issues with the device in no time. 

  1. Press and hold the Power button on your iPhone.
  2. Keep holding the button down until you see “Swipe to Power Off” appear. 
  3. Slide over the button and wait while the device turns off. 
  4. Now go ahead and press down on the Power button until the Apple logo appears on the screen. 

Once the iPhone boots up, head over to the Facebook Messenger app icon, tap on it and check to see if the issue has been resolved. 

Solution #3 – Update the App

Being a widely used social media messaging app, Facebook Messenger is used on billions of devices each day, and is constantly updated and re-tweaked for better performance and new features. If you have automatic updates turned off in the App Store, you could’ve missed out on a recent app update, which could be the direct reason behind the Facebook Messenger not working on your iPhone. To find out if the problem behind the faulty Messenger app, you can check to see if there is indeed a pending update that you have not installed already. 

  1. From the Home screen of your iPhone, head over to the App Store.
  2. At the bottom of the App Store, tap on the Updates tab, where you should be able to see all of the apps with pending updates. 
  3. Here you can choose to select individual apps to update, or press the Update All button. 

If you do have a pending update for the Messenger app, chances are that the issues you’ve been facing with the app should be resolved after installing the update. 

Solution #4 – Delete and Reinstall the App

If the issue continues to persist on your iPhone, removing the app entirely, and then performing a fresh install might be one way to fix it. If there are certain temporary files of the Messenger app that have been corrupted by an unexpected error, removing the app and then reinstalling it can help you get rid of them, along with the usability problems. 

  1. On the Home screen of your iPhone navigate to where the Messenger app icon is, and then tap and hold on it. 
  2. You will be able to view a pop-up menu with the option to Delete the Messenger app from your device. 
  3. Once the app have been removed from your iPhone, head over to the App Store.
  4. Using the search bar, look for the Facebook Messenger app. 
  5. Press the Install button (cloud icon) on the Messenger app to begin the installation process.  

Once the Messenger app is installed once again on your iPhone, you can open it and sign in using your login credentials to see if the problem has been fixed for good. 

Solution #5 – Check Network Connectivity 

One aspect that you may be completely overlooking while looking for a solution for Facebook Messenger not working on your iPhone, is network connectivity. More often than not, it is the issues of your Wi-Fi connection or mobile network that cause the app to malfunction. Since the Messenger app entirely relies on access to the internet to work, you need to monitor if the app is able to connect to the World Wide Web in the first place. 

  1. Head over to the Settings app and turn off, and then on the Wi-Fi to see if that helps.
  2. You can even open the Wi-Fi connection tab, choose to “Forget This Network” and then connect to the Wi-Fi again to see if the issue has been resolved.  
  3. You can also check to see if the Mobile Data is enabled on your iPhone with the correct settings saved. 

Solution #6 – Update the iPhone 

You may have the latest version of Facebook Messenger up and running on your iPhone, but is the iOS version up to date as well? Whether you’re trying to hold off a gigantic update due to lack of a reliable Wi-Fi connection, or simply haven’t bothered to update your iPhone in a while, it could be the culprit behind the Facebook Messenger not working on your device. 

  1. Head over to the Settings app on your iOS device. 
  2. Go to the General menu and then scroll down to find the Software Update tab.
  3. If you are able to see an available software update, go ahead and install it to your iPhone. 

During the installation process, your iPhone will shut down and reboot, at the end of which you can check to see if the problem with the Facebook Messenger app are now a thing of the past or not. 

Solution #7 – Check the Facebook Messenger Server Status

There can certainly be times when you’re frantically looking for a way to get your favorite social media messaging app back online and start chatting, but no solution listed above seems to help. It may bring you some peace of mind to take a step back and see if the issue lies with the Facebook Messenger server, and not your iPhone. 

Since Facebook servers undergo maintenance and update on a daily basis, you might have just caught the app off guard. To find out if the Facebook Messenger app is down or not, you can check the server status and see if there have been issues with the server reported by other users as well. In such cases, your best bet is to wait it out and see when Facebook resolves the problem, which usually takes less than a few hours at most. 

Solution #8 – Reset the Network Settings 

As a final measure, you can reset the Network Settings of your iPhone to remove all of the saved Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Mobile Data settings that are stored on your device. 

  1. Head to Settings app on your iPhone from the Home screen. 
  2. Navigate your way to the General tab and then scroll down to find the Reset option. 
  3. Here you will find the Reset Network Settings to reset the Wi-Fi, Mobile Data, and Bluetooth connection settings to factory default. 
  4. Tap on the button and then confirm your action by pressing “Reset All Settings” button.

If you choose to reset the network settings, it is important to remember that all of your saved Wi-Fi connections will be reset. This method is effective in resolving most of the connectivity issues that users face on their iOS devices. 

Final Words

The sheer size of the Facebook Messenger user base is an ode to how popular the service has become in recent years all across the world. Capturing billions of users through it simplified and feature-rich multimedia instant messaging platform has helped the largest social media network form a strong  mobile presence on Android and iOS as well.

If you have been facing issues with Facebook Messenger not working on your iPhone or iPad, the steps mentioned above should help you get going. Be sure to mention down below in the comments, which of these solutions worked best for you, and reach out to us in the comments section right down below. 

How to Pair Xbox One, PS4, and Gamesir Controllers With iOS

Last updated on

Now that Apple Arcade is out, we have one more reason to grab our console or mobile controllers and pair them with our iPhone. It’s an easy way to enhance your overall gaming experience. 

That being said, the process of pairing a controller to iOS devices can differ from gamepad to gamepad. It’s no surprise that so many people don’t know how. 

So, here’s how to pair an Xbox, PS4, or Gamesir controller with your iPhone!

1: Inventory

First things first, let’s see what we need to have. 

  1. An Xbox One, PS4, or GameSir controller
  2. An iPhone
  3. And if possible, the latest version of iOS

But, one thing that may not be so obvious is that your controller needs to support Bluetooth and iOS compatibility. Some older wireless controllers like the Dualshock 3 may or may not work while there is no hope for wired ones. 

For example, the older Xbox 360 controller won’t work with our guide. The same thing goes for the Gamesir  G3W, Xbox 360, etc.  

With that out of the way, let us move on with the guide. 

2: How to Pair Xbox One and PS4 Controllers With iOS

To pair an Xbox One controller, all you need to do is: 

  1. Turn it on
  2. Press the “Sync” button
  3. Go to the Bluetooth settings of your iPhone
  4. Once there, the controller should appear on the list of available devices
  5. Tap on your Xbox One controller’s name
  6. And that should be it

As for a PS4 controller: 

  1. Hold down the PS icon along with the “Share” button until the lights start blinking
  2. Go to your Bluetooth settings
  3. And connect with the PS4 controller that should appear on the list

3: How to Pair A GameSir Controller With iOS

GameSir controllers are designed to work with numerous operating systems. For that reason, you need to know the various combinations that your model uses to connect with each different OS. 

For example, if you own the GameSir G3S, you need to: 

  1. Hold down the power + Y button
  2. Wait until the Apple icon starts flashing
  3. Head over to your Bluetooth settings
  4. Then connect with the controller

If you see nothing but a serious of numbers with letters, then wait for a few seconds and the name should eventually change to “GameSir G3S”. That being said, the controller doesn’t officially support Apple devices. But, if you own one, you can always give it a try. 

Wrapping Up

That’s all for now. If you’ve got any questions, let us and everyone else know about them in the comments section down below! Do keep in mind that not all games support controllers and that not all controllers play well with iOS. 

Even some options that are kinda optimized for iOS, like the GameSir G3S, may still not work at all in the end. Still, give it a try and let us know how that worked out for you. 

How to Track Someones Phone – 3 Best Phone Tracking Apps

Last updated on

How to Track Someones Phone – 3 Best Phone Tracking Apps

Are you looking for a solution of how to track someones phone when they’ve either lost it or you want to know their whereabouts? Here’s a complete guide on how you can do it on both Android, and iOS, and a list of phone tracking apps that help you always know where your friends and family are.

You may not be the biggest fan of how the current state of social media and instant messaging has taken over like a plague, but there is no denying the fact that smartphone technology has reshaped the way we stay connected to our loved ones all across the world. Whether you consider the ability to video call someone ten thousand miles away, or be able to enjoy high-definition entertainment anywhere at any time, mobile phones have been a blessing right from the start, and just continue to evolve into a piece of technology that is deeply personal.

What makes smartphones even more productive is the fact that they use location-based services to help you find places around you to visit, directions across cities, and even allow you to share your live location with other people to let them know where you are. But what about when you want to know how to track someones phone when they aren’t able to share their location, or are unable to do so because they’ve lost or misplaced their smartphone somewhere? The problem of losing your Android phone or iPhone isn’t a new one and can happen to the best of us, and fortunately, there is a safety net.

How to Track Someones Phone

If you’re worried about a loved one who isn’t responding to your messages and won’t answer your phone calls, or if you’ve misplaced your phone somewhere and worry that it might be stolen, tracking it is the first thing that should come to mind. Although you can expect the best results with the Wi-Fi, GPS, and Mobile Networks available when tracking a phone, there’s almost always a way to get a hold of the mobile phone’s location. By using not just the official services from manufacturers such as Find My Device by Google and Find My iPhone by Apple, but also a bunch of third-party mobile tracking apps available for users to download, you can always know where that loved one is.

Find an Android Phone with Google’s Find My Device

Back in 2016 at Google I/O, the company added an essential ability to Android OS in the form of the Find My Device service. This feature keeps all of your Android devices connected as long as the location services are enabled on the device. As a preventive measure, make sure that the service is enabled from the Settings – Security & lock screen – Device administrators – Find My Device.

  1. Download the Find My Device app from the Google Play Store. You can also choose to access the Find My Device web service using your computer or tablet.
  2. Open the Find My Device app or web service and sign into your Google account.
  3. If you are trying to learn how to track someones phone and not yours, make sure that you sign in using their Google account.
  4. Once you’ve signed in using the Google account, you should be able to see all of the devices that are synced to it.
  5. By selecting the device that you want to find out the location of, you will be able to see where it was last detected on the map by Google.

Apart from being able to see the last seen location of the Android device, you will also be able to perform certain actions which can help you find it.

Play Sound – When you press this button from the side menu, the Find My Device service will trigger playing a sound on the device. This is quite helpful if you’ve misplaced the phone in your vicinity and need some audio assistance to find it. Once you trigger the Play Sound option, it will make the device ring for 5 minutes at a stretch even if the phone is on Silent mode. After you’ve found the device, you can stop making it ring by pressing the Power button.

Secure Device – The option comes in handy when you’ve lost your device and reckon that the phone or tablet and has been picked up by someone. Using the Secure Device option, you can put the device on a lockdown and prevent anyone from accessing it, while putting up a phone number and message on the screen for the finder to contact you on. Although the device will sign out of the Google account after this action, you will still be able to track it.

Erase Device – If you’ve come to the realization that your phone is either lost or stolen for good, the only form of damage control you can do is keep your data on the device away from the perpetrator. Using the Erase Device feature is essentially a kill switch, erasing your device of all the data, including the Google accounts that are synced to it. After you’ve performed this action, you will no longer be able to track the location of the phone or tablet.

Find an iOS Device with Apple’s Find My iPhone

Released with the cloud storage platform iCloud in the year 2011, the Find My iPhone service allows you to keep a lookout on all of your iOS and even Mac OS X computers. As long as your iDevices are well-within the range of a mobile network or a wireless network, you will be able to track the location of it from anywhere. Similar to Android, you use the service to understand how to track someones phone as long as you have access to their iCloud account. You will need to service enabled on the iOS device in the Settings – Apple ID – iCloud – Find My iPhone and make sure that the toggle switch next to it is enabled.

  1. Access the Find My iPhone app from your iOS device or head over to iCloud from your web browser to access the Find My iPhone service online.
  2. Using your Apple ID and password, log into your iCloud account. If you are tracking someone else’s iDevice, you will need to enter their iCloud user credentials to use the Find My iPhone service.
  3. Open the Find iPhone app in the iCloud menu and select the All Devices tab you see at the top of the screen.
  4. You will now be able to see the iDevice on the map and even zoom in to track the whereabouts even closely.

There will be three different modes available on the upper-right corner of the screen for you to perform additional actions:

Play Sound – Selecting this option will begin to play an audible ringtone on your iOS or Mac OS X device even if the device is set to vibrate or silent mode. This mode should help you locate the iDevice if you’ve only misplaced it around the house or in any indoor setting.

Lost Mode – By selecting this option, you get to display a short message on the iDevice’s screen and set it on lockdown with your phone number put up on the screen for the phone’s finder to contact you. A ringtone will also be played alongside for others to be able to notice your misplaced device.

Erase iPhone – The final resolution if you are unable to find your iPhone or iPad and want to keep your private contents of the phone away from others. By selecting this option, you will be erasing all of the content that is present on your iDevice and the iCloud Activation lock will also be activated, which will ensure that the phone becomes unusable.

3 Best Phone Tracking Apps

Although the ability locating a phone that Google and Apple offer are reliable, these tracking services are centered around a single user. If you want to try out how to track someones phone or tablet, you will need access to their Google or Apple ID, which is not always feasible. To solve this problem, third-party app developers have come up with a few nifty solutions through their tracking apps. By simply having any of these apps installed and set up on Android or iOS devices, you can stay connected and know where your loved ones are at all times.

1. Life360: Find Family & Friends

Staying connect to each other in this digital world can sometimes seem impossible, especially when we’re all living our separate lives and surrounded by social media to keep us distracted. This is the very reason Life360 brings you the Family Locator app, allowing you to be well within reach of the people who matter to you the most. Using the Life360 app, you can create your private groups and chat with them for free, while being notified of their real-time location. Smart features of this tracking app include the ability to receive alerts when a family Circle member arrives or leaves a specific destination, so you are always updated of their safe journey.

Download Life360: Find Family & Friends for iOS

Download Life360: Find Family & Friends for Android

2. Prey Anti Theft

Mobile theft certainly isn’t an anomaly, and you never know when you could fall prey to one of the perpetrators out there, which is exactly what this app here is designed to prevent. Prey Anti Theft allows you to track the whereabouts of your device from anywhere using multiple factors such as GPS coordinates and MAC Address as well, helping the federal authorities gather enough evidence to take action. You can set up Control Zones which alert you when your Android or iOS devices enters or leaves a certain area, GPS Geolocation helps in triangulating precise location of your device, Front and Back Camera take silent snaps of the perpetrator, and additional features like Security Alarm and Security Message Alert to stay on top of your anti-theft protection system at all times.

Download Prey Anti Theft for iOS

Download Prey Anti Theft for Android

3. Sygic Family Locator

One of the most popular brand in GPS navigation technology is now personalizing the service by offering you a way to stay connected with your loved ones. The Sygic Family Locator app for Android and iOS allows you to get real-time location of your friends and family members and share messages for free among the inner circle. Designed especially for parents, the Sygic Family Locator app will notify you when your child reaches the school and exits, allows you to set up safe zones, and even get alerted when they go off the grid. The app gives you a complete breakdown of up to 7 days of location history of your family members, along with the built-in features to track and lockdown your stolen or lost phone.

Download Sygic Family Locator for iOS

Download Sygic Family Locator for Android

Final Words

Global Positioning System or GPS as we now call it in general, is a technology that has revolutionized the way we go around this world. Tech giants such as Google have privatized this highly resourceful technology in the form of Google Maps, which has now become the backbone of the industry, and your favorite services such as Lyft, Uber Eats, and many others would not exist without it. One such personalized use of GPS can be to learn to not only keep an eye on the whereabouts of your own devices, but also how to track someones phone and stay connected at all times.

Whether you choose to implement the Find My Device service for your Android phone or tablet, pick up the Find My iPhone app to have a closer look on where your iOS and Mac OS X devices are, or wish to go independent and choose one of the reliable phone tracking apps that we’ve mentioned above, you’re sure to stay connected with those who matter to you the most. If this guide helped you in finding a way to make phone tracking simpler and more convenient, be sure to let us know in the comments section down below.

How to Install and Use TweakBox on iPhone and iPad

Last updated on

Are you trying install TweakBox on iPhone and iPad, but what to know more about it before you proceed any further? Here’s everything you need to know about TweakBox, how you can install this app distribution service, and what it is actually capable of doing.

Apple iPhone and the entire ecosphere of iDevices that have existed, have been so in a closed-circuit environment. From restrictions over sharing media files across devices, and little-to-no cross-platform support between iOS and Android phones, Apple has a clearly defined path that it wants the customers to approach through. But ever since the beginning of the iPhone era, the user community has been tinkering with the software and trying to find loopholes that allow you to do a whole lot more than what Apple has intended the iPhone and the iPad for.

Jailbreaking has existed for almost a decade now, allowing iOS users to gain administrative access to the hardware and software of their iDevices. Over the years, Apple has made it harder for users to jailbreak its devices, and although jailbreaking is completely legal, it does pose a serious security risk. The need to do more with the mighty iPhone is the sole purpose behind the inception of TweakBox mobile app installer, which has taken the world of iOS devices by storm. If you own an iPhone or an iPad and want to be able install third-party apps, tweaked apps, and apps that don’t exist elsewhere, TweakBox is what you need.

What is the TweakBox App?

Apple has designed the iOS platform to be able to download and install apps and games only from the Apple App Store. The same pathway is used by Google on the Android OS as well, where users are expected to get their hands on all of the apps from the Google Play Store. However, the open-source structure of Android OS allows users to not only install apps manually, but also fetch them from third-party app stores such as Amazon Appstore and others. There had been no such way on the iOS platform to install apps through third-party sources, until now.

TweakBox has emerged as a one of a kind third-party app installer, which brings a slew of apps and services to your iPhone and iPad. Although there have been methods to install third-party apps directly on iOS devices, but all of them have required you to jailbreak your device and install them through Cydia. This is where TweakBox comes into play, acting as a third-party app installer without the need to jailbreak the device. Since the practice of jailbreaking is frowned upon by security experts, TweakBox is emerging as a brand new way of enjoying the freedom, without making any compromises.

Features of TweakBox

Plenty of thought and effort has gone into the development of the TweakBox app intaller service. Although the fact that the app installer does not require you to use Cydia is the biggest winning aspect of it, what makes the service worth trying out is the simplified categorization of the content that is available for you to try out.

App Store Apps – The TweakBox app comes with a category that includes a list of premium apps that are already available on the App Store. However, you can download these paid apps for free on your iPhone and iPad directly.

TweakBox Apps – TweakBox Apps category is a collection of apps, games, music directories, movies, and so much more. The list keeps being updated regularly, and you can find some truly unique offerings here, which includes game emulators and more.

Tweaked Apps – This category in TweakBox includes a list of apps that have been modified by the developer community to do more than they are originally intended to be used for. Here you can find modified versions of social media apps such as Snapchat, and entertainment apps such as YouTube, which includes some added features.

Hacked Games – If you’re tired of the pay-for-play design of some of the freemium games available for iPhone and iPad, this category in the TweakBox app is just what you need. With modified versions of games such as Clash of Clans and Pokémon GO, you can enjoy a premium gaming experience without spending a dime on in-app purchases.

How to Install TweakBox on iPhone or iPad

Now that you know what the TweakBox app installer is capable of, here’s how you can install it on your iPhone or iPad right now.

  1. Open the Safari browser on your iPhone or iPad and access the official download website of TweakBox – tweakboxapp.com.
  2. On the main screen of the TweakBox website, press the Install Now button.
  3. A pop-up window will appear, notifying you that the website is attempting to access the Settings app, so confirm the action by pressing the Allow button.
  4. You will now be prompted with a “Profile Downloaded” message, so continue by pressing the Close button.
  5. Now head back to the home screen on your iPhone or iPad and open the Settings app.
  6. In the Settings menu, you will be able to see a new tab called “Profile Downloaded”, so go ahead and tap on it.
  7. On the next screen, press the Install button, at which point you will be prompted to enter your Passcode if you have one set up.
  8. The pop-up screen will ask you to confirm your action, so go ahead and press Install to begin the process.
  9. Once the installation process is complete, press the Done button on the top-right corner of the screen.
  10. You can now go back to the home screen of your iPhone or iPad to see the newly installed TweakBox app icon available for use.

Before you proceed to using the TweakBox app, there is one additional permission that you need to enable first. Granting this specific permission will ensure that you can use TweakBox, along with its thousands of apps without any problems.

  1. Head over to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Tap on the General tab, and then scroll down to find the Profiles & Device Management menu option.
  3. Tap on the text that is shown under the Enterprise App menu.
  4. On the pop-up window that appears, press the Trust button and then press it again to confirm.

Once you’ve performed this action, the TweakBox app will be granted all of the required permissions by the system to function optimally.

Final Words

Back in the day when Apple had users on a chokehold when it came to the usability that iOS offered, jailbreaking your device was the only way out. Cydia installer offered a window into the world of possibilities that Apple restricted users from, but developers have figured out a way to get the good stuff over to users without the need for jailbreaking through the TweakBox app. Allowing you to try out modified versions of popular apps, download premium apps that are available on the App Store, enjoy freemium games, and also play around with a bunch of unique apps that cannot be found elsewhere, TweakBox changes everything.

Note: Despite the slew of features that it offers, TweakBox is, after all, a third-party app installer that is neither endorsed, nor supported by Apple. We advise you to use the TweakBox app with a certain amount of caution, since not every third-party app can be considered reliable.

Are you among the Apple fanboys and fangirls who wants more from iOS and can’t wait to see what TweakBox third-party app installer has to offer? For any questions regarding how to install TweakBox, what it can do, and what version of iOS is it compatible with, just reach out to us in the comments section right down below, and we’ll get back to you promptly.

Interesting related articles

How install Kodi on Firestick

How install Kodi on Roku

How to jailbreak iPhone

 

How to Buy a Refurbished or a Used iPad Pro Safely – Complete Guide

Last updated on

Are you on the lookout to buy a used iPad Pro but wonder what’s the best way to do it? Here’s our handcrafted buyer’s guide on how to get your hands on the iPad Pro at a great price without getting stiffed.

How to buy a refurbished or a used iPad Pro?

Back in the year 2012 when Steve Jobs took the center stage to unveil the Apple iPad for the first time, it changed the tech world for good. Setting the trend for the tablet market to follow, iPad has become an iconic piece of technology that continues to revolutionize the standards of entertainment and productivity. The Apple iPad has been around for almost a decade now, and each year, the brand rolls out a new and improved model. In recent years, the iPad Pro has become the industry standard in tablets, offering the best of hardware and software with premium build quality materials.

However, iPad is an expensive gadget and can burn a hole through your wallet, but only if you don’t choose to purchase a used iPad Pro. With a new and updated version released each year, millions of loyal Apple customers flock to get their hands on a new one, which has helped create a flourishing market for second-hand tablets being sold all over. A used or refurbished iPad Pro from even a couple of years ago has plenty of firepower, hence money-savvy users tend to wait out and are keen to buy older models at affordable prices.

But the world of second-hand gadgets and gizmos can be a confusing one, with plenty of sellers out there to make your head spin. To save you to trouble of browsing through a haystack of used devices to find the right one for yourself, we’ve done the research and created a How-To Guide to buy a used iPad Pro.

So lets’ go ahead and understand how you can make sure to select the right iPad for yourself and get the best of Apple tech at a fraction of what the new one costs…

For our highest rated refurbished iPhone reseller, use Swappa. All their used iphones are unlocked and tested for quality and function.
 Our Second Highly Rated Option is Amazon.com. There are lots of certified vendors who offer iPhones and more price options.  Plus Amazon provides a solid return policy and fast delivery with Amazon Prime. .

Why buy a used iPad Pro?

Reason #1 – Good value for your money

Apple continues to be among the select few manufacturers in the world which continues to offer software support to devices years after their release. Since the oldest iPad Pro is also just 3 years old right now, you can expect to receive the latest iOS updates for at least a few more years to come. Unlike Android OS where newer devices receive the latest updates first, Apple tends to roll out iOS updates for all of its supported iDevices at once.

If you don’t see the ultra-premium price tag of a brand new iPad Pro justifiable, then the next best thing is finding a used one with a steep price cut. The moment a brand new Apple device is broken out of its seal, it loses value in the second-market device market, making it a great bargain for those who know where to look. Rather than spending a small fortune on a brand new tablet, you can choose to get your hands on a used iPad Pro that is available in good condition, and still have plenty of dough left.

Reason #2 – No contract to hold you down

If you choose to purchase an iPad Pro that comes with cellular connectivity, you might need to get one that is locked to a certain network such as Sprint or AT&T. However, most used Apple devices online are available in unlocked state, so that they may be used with any carrier without restrictions. When you buy a used or refurbished iPad Pro, you get to choose among the available unlocked variants, this giving you the freedom to select the network carrier that you prefer.

Additionally, if you do go ahead a purchase a brand new iPad Pro on a contract, you are bound to it for years to come. Not only does it mean that you cannot switch to another network carrier, but it also limits you to using the same device even if you end up breaking the screen or damaging it somehow, since repairs can often cost hundreds of dollars. In most cases, you’re better off purchasing an older iPad than having your broken one repaired at the Apple Store.

Reason #3 – Plenty of choices out there

Just because Apple chooses to term the latest model of an iPhone or iPad to be “better” than the previous generation, doesn’t necessarily make it true. Apple tends to discontinue the selling of a particular model as soon as the newer one is launched, since it helps the company maximize the profits by advertising new features at a higher price. However, when you are purchasing an older iPad Pro, you get to choose the model that you want to buy, giving you a grip on what you really want.

How much does it cost?

Just as the market for used handsets and tablets usually works, you do end up paying significantly lesser when the device is older. However, the price of an older iPad Pro can also be based on the condition of the device, the accessories that are available with it, and whether it is under a carrier-based contract or not.

  • Apple iPad Pro 10.5-inch – Starts at $325
  • Apple iPad Pro 9.7-inch – Starts at $214
  • Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch 1st Gen – Starts at $459
  • Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd Gen – Starts at $499
  • Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd Gen – Starts at $775

Where can I buy a used iPad Pro online?

You can either choose to grab an old or refurbished iPad Pro from a local store, or try to look for better offers online. There are plenty of places online where you can look for second-hand electronics, but not all of them are worth your time. We’ve put the most popular online marketplaces to buy electronics under the microscope, so that you can get more bang for the buck every time.

OUR TOP RECOMMENDED CHOICES ARE Amazon.com AND SWAPPA

Swappa

Rather than taking a sell-it- approach that most online e-commerce platforms do, Swappa has its sole focus on electronics, and the second-hand market at that. Creating a strong and dependable reputation in being a trustworthy online portal for selling used mobile devices, tablets, home gadgets, and more, Swappa is one of the popular destinations online to find used iOS devices. Unlike a bunch of other online marketplaces out there that rely on the trustworthiness of the seller and depends on you taking their word about the quality and the condition of the electronics sold, Swappa comes in as a mediator to see through your purchase right from the beginning to the very end.

In our review of the range of mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and smart devices that are sold on Swappa, the range was significantly spread out with dozens of sellers available for each product at a varying price range. A rather impressive feature of this online second-hand electronics marketplace is its ability to offer you a sorted view of the devices, with a carrier-based breakdown of the mobile phone or tablet that is being sold. By doing so, Swappa makes it easier for you to either choose a specific network carrier, or go free with the “Unlocked” options that are available.

In regard to buying a used or refurbished iPad Pro from Swappa, you have the option of opting for the Wi-Fi only variants, select a carrier-specific version that you prefer, or go for an unlocked model that lets you go untethered on the go. Swappa holds a strict policy when it comes to the products that it allows the sellers to put up on the marketplace, with multiple quality checks, including complete transparency when it comes to the physical condition and visual quality of the device. Also giving you a direct line of communication with the seller, Swappa gives you the ability to clear out any doubts that you may have and hence help you make a well-informed purchase every time.

Pros:

  • Dedicated online marketplace that solely concentrates on used and refurbished electronics of all shapes and sizes.
  • The inventory of the electronics is well-categorized based on carrier status, specs, model, and more
  • The quality and condition of each device is closely inspected and it is mandatory for the seller to highlight all the details regarding it.
  • There’s a direct channel of communication with the seller for you to discuss and even negotiate the price if need be.

Amazon

The largest online shopping website does not need an introduction, and Amazon truly is a giant when it comes to purchasing brand new and even used electronics. Just like the topper on this lost, Amazon also allows private sellers to put up devices such as a used iPad Pro for sale, and since Amazon has potentially millions of buyers each month, this makes it a larger pool for second-hand products for you to browse through and purchase. The sheer size of Amazon allows you to find a used or refurbished iPad Pro at a lower cost in comparison to other online marketplaces.

However, there is one aspect that you must keep in mind when looking up a used device on Amazon and shouldn’t let yourself be compelled simply based on the lowest price point. The buying experience you will have on Amazon is directly tied to the seller who is offering it. The better rating and positive feedback that the seller has received from previous buyers, better is the chance that you will also experience a satisfactory purchase.

While the communication channel may not be as direct as it is on Swappa and Amazon does not intervene as a moderator for used devices the way Swappa does, you can still expect to get your hands on a great second-hand iPad Pro with Amazon as long as you keep an eye on the seller you’re purchasing it from. There is a silver lining however, all thanks to the return policy that Amazon has in place to protect your investment, so make sure that you’re covered by it before you to choose the right seller to buy a used or refurbished iPad Pro. Additionally, you are most likely to receive the product faster and also avail the Amazon Prime delivery service if the seller is covered by, which is always a pleasant addition.

Pros:

  • The largest online store that guarantees you a giant pool of sellers offering devices at varying prices.
  • The larger marketplace, in return, means more competition between the sellers to have their products sold, which in turn leads to lower pricing.
  • The sure-shot refund policy in place by Amazon to secure your purchase in case you’re not satisfied with the quality or the seller is not honest about the condition or specifications of the iPad Pro.

eBay

One of the oldest online marketplaces may not have the popularity and following that it once did, but eBay continues to be a viable choice for those who are looking to get their hands on second-hand items that come in all shape and form, including electronics such as the Apple iPad Pro. There certainly has been a drop in the number of listings that you can find on eBay for used devices over the years, but since it is one of the few open online marketplaces out there, you will find a healthy amount of sellers to choose from. There are filters in place for you to choose your preferred hardware specs, the version and year of make, price range, and condition (used, refurbished, open box, and more) of the device.

Sorting out the products is made easy, based on the lowest price, featured items, ending soonest (for products that are up for auction), giving you an easy way to find your preferred choice. One of the only mainstream shopping websites that allows you to put the system of auctions to good use, you can involve yourself into a bidding war and follow a listing that you have your heart set on and ensure that you buy it for the best price possible. While we’re not trying to throw shade at some of the genuine sellers trying to make a living on eBay, but the website has been related to a fair share of online scams and buying experiences that have been less than stellar in more ways than one.

Although eBay has put forth a safety net to secure the buyer’s money, it isn’t
foolproof and you can’t be certain about the condition, quality, or the
genuineness of the used product that you’re about to purchase. Additionally,
you’re at the mercy of the seller to ship the item and in case of a return, you
need to handle it yourself in most cases, all of which can add up to the
frustration of not getting your hands on the device that you sought out to buy.

Pros:

  • Large selection of private listings available for you to choose from.
  • One of the only online marketplaces to offer auction system, ensuring that you don’t pay a cent more than the best price.

Cons:

  • Little to no buyer’s protection offered by eBay in most cases when purchasing used products.
  • No moderator in place to ensure the authenticity of the seller or the products being sold by them.

Craigslist / Social Media

If you’re out looking for the cheapest used iPad Pro that you can find, you may encounter a few being offered over at websites like Craigslist and even on social media websites such as Facebook. Posting on Craigslist is completely free and accessible to millions of users which makes it a fine alternative for some. Similarly, social media allows you to directly find local sellers and by eliminating the middle man, the buyer is able to give you the best price possible.

But having a moderator is place is always beneficial to you and spending a few extra bucks for that security of purchase is well worth it. In our opinion, these online platforms should be the last place where you should be looking for a used or refurbished iPad Pro or any other second-hand gadget for that matter. Not only is Craigslist infamous for being a breeding ground for scammers, but making an uninformed purchase from a stranger is never a good idea to begin with.

You may be lured in by some offers that just seem too good to be true, and more often than not, they actually are. Rather than falling for a seller who is simply out there to make a quick buck, it is in your best interest to buy a used iPad Pro from a platform that is not only trustworthy, but legitimate in its way to
trade.

How to evaluate your iPad Pro before buying

Before you go ahead and make a purchase, you need to be confident about the product you’re buying, and buyer’s confidence is essential when you want to get your hands on a used electronic. While checking the physical condition of the phone through the pictures and inspecting the screen for any major scratches and hairline cracks is what you should start with, there’s more that you need to inspect when buying a used iPad Pro.

Before you start pulling your hair worrying about the purchase you’re about to make, take a few minutes to read the guidelines we’ve highlighted below. Using the pointers given below, you can understand the questions that you need to ask the seller before making your purchase and ensuring that the second-hand device is the right fit for you and worth the money that you’re putting into it.

Step 1: Ask for the IMEI number

To deter thefts and illegal trading of mobile phones and tablet, each and every manufacturer is required to assign a unique IMEI number to the products it sells. Consider IMEI number as a fingerprint of your device, which makes it easily identifiable by the manufacturer, as well as federal authorities. Before you even consider making a purchase, you should start off by asking for the IMEI number of the used or refurbished iPad Pro that you’re about to buy.

Apart from allowing you identify is the device has been reported stolen or blocked by the manufacturer, the 15-digit IMEI number also allows you to unlock it if it has been tied to a specific network carrier. If you’re planning to get your hands on a Wi-Fi variant of the iPad Pro and wish to use it openly with any network carrier SIM card, you will need to have it unlocked, if it isn’t already.

If the seller is unable to provide you the IMEI number of the iPad Pro or refuses to do so before the purchase, you may want to consider it a red flag. There could be an issue with the authenticity of the device and if this is the case, you’re better off looking for any other used iPad Pro in the market. Finding the IMEI code on the iPad Pro is super simple and can be found in Settings – General – About, so you can ask the seller to send you a screenshot and get a hold of the important information.

Step 2: Get the iPad unlocked

While you can choose to skip ahead of this step if you plan to buy a used Wi-Fi variant of the iPad Pro, but if you intend to get one with cellular support, ensuring that the device is factory unlocked or at least unlockable is essential. If the device has been listed as “unlocked” or “contract-free” by the seller, you should confirm if the device is factory unlocked (works with any network carrier right out of the box), which would be ideal if you plan to use different carrier SIM cards with the device.

However, even if the device is tied down to a network carrier, you can always choose to unlock the iPad Pro later on. You would usually expect a carrier-locked device to be cheaper than an unlocked one, since the network unlocking process does add up the cost to a few more dollars. Either way, it is important that you make a well-informed purchase and know exactly what you’re paying for and ask the seller for some form of proof regarding the network status of the device.

If you’re planning to buy the used iPad Pro locally, checking the device with a couple of different SIM cards can be the best way to find out more. Additionally, you can even ask your online seller to send your screenshots of the iPad working with at least a couple of different network carrier SIM cards before you go ahead and buy it. This is where we prefer using Swappa, since it breaks down the available listings on the basis of network carrier status, saving you the painstaking effort of manually identifying these factors.

Step 3: Understand how unlocking works

When choosing to buy your used or refurbished iPad Pro from Swappa, or purchasing a Wi-Fi only variant, you can confidently choose to skip over this step as well.

There are a few steps involved in the process of unlocking a device, and the iPad Pro is no different. The entire process comes as a premium service which will cost you somewhere between $40 to $150 on an average and should take at least 48 hours to be completed. We do recommend that you choose an unlocked iPad Pro as your first choice, especially if the price different between the locked and unlocked variant is not substantial.

When you do choose to go for a carrier-locked version and find the need to have it unlocked, you will need a couple of things to get started. First of all, you will need to get a hold of the IMEI number that is attached to your iPad Pro, which is an essential factor to have the device unlocked. The first course of action would be reaching out to the network carrier to which the device is locked to, as they can directly help you have the iPad Pro unlocked (for no added cost in some cases).

However, if you no longer have access to the original SIM or the network carrier is unwilling to help you get the device unlocked, your last resort may be looking towards third-party unlocking services. Online phone unlocking services such as DoctorUnlock allow you to provide your IMEI number along with other details, pay a small unlocking service fee, and have the device unlocked within a day or two. This is your best shot at using the iPad Pro untethered and saving yourself the hassle that comes with having the device unlocked officially by the carrier.

Step 4: Beware of iCloud Activation lock

Imagine going through all of the trouble of finding the right iPad Pro, fetching the best price and waiting patiently for it to arrive, only to find out the ominous iCloud Activation lock screen showing up. Apple added the iCloud Activation lock back with the iOS 7 update to deter the selling of lost, stolen, and illegally sourced iOS products, which is linked to the Find My iPhone app and allows used to track their devices geographically.

The app also allows users to remotely lock their iOS devices in case of suspicious usage or theft, which in turn guarantees that the device and the data in it is inaccessible without the activation code. While this is a nifty security feature, it can be a nightmare for those who have purchased a second-hand iOS device and find the screen pop up with no idea on how to get past it. The best way to ensure that you never come across such a grave issue is by selecting a dependable online marketplace such as Swappa.

The platform does not allow selling of devices with activation lock in place, thus guaranteeing that there is no buying or selling of potentially stolen electronics. Even if you do choose any other mode of purchase, it is best to ask if the device comes with the iCloud Activation lock. Choosing a lower-priced iPad Pro from a random seller online, only to have it locked and rendered useless is a complete waste of your time and money.

The Conclusion

Just as the value of a car significantly depreciates when you pull it out of the dealership store, the value of any mobile phone or tablet also falls down a couple hundred dollars once it is out of the original packaging. This is true especially for the premium-priced iOS devices such as the iPad Pro, which may seem like an expensive buy right out of the Apple Store, but you can certainly get your hands on a great online for the used and refurbished models.

The guide to buying a used iPad Pro that we’ve designed above, takes each and every aspect in consideration, right from the places to look to the inspection you must do before making the actual purchase. If you are still in two minds about buying yourself a second-hand iPad Pro and need more assistance regarding it, just reach out to us in the comments section right down below and we’ll surely get back to you.

 

Other similar articles:

How to buy used or refurbished iPhone

How to buy used or refurbished Samsung

How to buy used or refurbished Apple Watch