Xbox Red Ring of Death: Does It Really Mean the End?

Xbox has produced some of the most beloved gaming experiences of the last twenty years. From Halo to Call of Duty, this console has long been a staple among gamers. However, its reputation also has a shadow side. Xbox fans going back to the 360 remember the horror stories about the Xbox red ring of death. It became common knowledge that once this ring struck your Xbox, it had met its doom. 

Unfortunately, the ring didn’t stop with the Xbox 360. Instead, it carried over to the Xbox One red ring of death. 

The red ring can occur in Xboxes of multiple generations. Fortunately, there’s some good news. It turns out that your console may be able to survive the red ring. 

How can you do this, you ask? To learn more, check out our guide below! We explain what causes the red ring of death and possible solutions. 

What Causes the Xbox Red Ring of Death?

Many Xbox players can tell you about the red ring of death, but not as many can inform you of its causes. Once you understand these, you have a better chance of fixing the Xbox. 

The red ring functions like lights in many other devices in that it informs you of an error code in the hardware. Think of it as being like a check engine light in your vehicle. 

What prompts this error code? Usually, it indicates a failure in one or more of your Xbox hardware components. Sometimes, though, it can signal that your console doesn’t receive enough power from the power supply.

How can you tell what caused the problem? Often, the system distinguishes issues by using different numbers of flashing lights. 

The Number of Flashing Lights and What They Mean

Different numbers of flashing lights indicate varying problems. Some of these problems are relatively quick fixes, while others may prove more strenuous. 

One Flashing Light: Hardware Failure

If you’ve experienced the Xbox red ring of death, you may have noticed that there are separate flashing lights coming from your console. Other times, though, there may only be one light. 

If there’s one red light, this indicates that a hardware component failed in the system. If you see this light, the TV will also display an error code along with texts in several languages. Hardware problems like this often  require professional help to fix. 

Two Flashing Lights:

When two flashing red lights appear on your Xbox, it indicates that the system overheated. To solve this problem, you can usually just let the system cool down.

First, turn off the Xbox console and unplug it from its outlet. From there, wait for at least thirty to sixty minutes before you start it again. While you wait, take the console to a ventilated area away from its other components.

Once you can tell the console cooled off, you can plug it back into its outlet and restart it. You can also avoid this problem by following some of these tips:

  • Place the console in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources
  • Keep the console and its power supply on a cool, steady surface
  • Clean the exhaust grill and side panels by wiping them down with a clean cloth
  • Keep the console away from heat-generating or vibrating appliances, such as subwoofers

Following these steps helps your Xbox system stay cool and avoid overheating. This way, you can enjoy your gaming experience without having to worry about the system’s health. 

Three Flashing Lights: Power Source Issues

There are a few ways that power sources can cause the Xbox 360 red ring of death. For example, if you have a faulty power supply, the console may not receive enough power to function correctly.

Another cause could be that the power supply cable isn’t fully connected to the console. Usually, this is a quick fix. All you have to do is make sure you plug the cable in all the way. 

A power surge could also cause Xbox 3 rings of death displays. If the power surge comes through the Xbox’s connected outlet, it may cause a failure in your console.

A power surge also provides a straightforward fix. In this case, follow these steps to solve the problem:

  • Turn off the console
  • Unplug all power cables
  • Plug the cables back into the Xbox
  • Restart the console

Generally, this process will solve power surge-related problems. In 2008, shortly after the Xbox 360 premiere, these three red lights caused a tremendous problem for users. Many decided to send their consoles back, costing Microsoft over one billion dollars to repair the damage. 

Four Flashing Lights: Power Surges or Connection Problems

In the Xbox 360 and Xbox One, power surges can cause the four flashing red lights. If a power surge or a brief outage occurs while the system is running, it leads to the four flashing lights. Fortunately, this has a quick fix.

All you have to do is unplug the system and plug it back in. Most of the time, this fixes the problem.

Another cause of the four lights can be a little trickier to fix, and it often faces the 360 in particular. This light appears when the console can’t detect an AV cable. 

In other cases, you may have an AV cable plugged in. However, the system doesn’t recognize it due to a severe connection issue. In a case like this, it may be best to take your Xbox in for professional repairs. 

There is some good news on this, though. If your Xbox uses an HDMI connection, it won’t generate this error code. 

Taking Your Xbox to Professionals

If you have the Xbox red ring of death, you may be able to fix it using the solutions in this article. However, hardware and connection issues generally require a little more expertise. Sometimes, it may be best to let professionals handle Xbox red ring of death repair. 

To that end, you can give us a call today! We’ve helped gamers throughout Virginia repair their consoles and resume their gaming experiences. Call us today for an estimate!

What Are a Few Common PS4 Problems and How Can They Be Fixed?

You never think it’ll happen to you. Technical issues with PS4s are an inevitable part of gaming life. But like many things in life, a little practical knowledge can go a long way! If you really care about your console and your quality time in the gaming world, then you’ll want to read this article from start to finish. 

We’ve collected a few of the most common PS4 problems along with how they can be fixed. These solutions are often more straightforward than you think, so stay with us for these easy-to-remember tips. 

PS4 Screen Color Problem

Screen color problems can vary. Some may experience their screen looking washed out while others may have huge color imbalances. This likely has to do with your RGB settings being mismatched between your console and TV/monitor.  If you’ve become a victim of this the solution is simple.

If you’re using a monitor, you’ll want to check its RGB Range—whether it runs on Limited, Full, or Automatic. Some monitors may only run on one range and it could be tricky to find out which. If that’s the case, you can google the TV or monitor’s model and check out its RGB Range.

Once you’ve tracked down this information, you want to now make sure that your PS4 is running on the same setting. To do this you want to go to Settings-> Video Output Settings-> RGB Range. Adjusting the setting to fit that of your TV or monitor will realign the colors and you can play your games as they were meant to be seen. 

PS4 Update Problem

Update issues can occur for a variety of reasons. It could be that there are some corrupted files on your system previous to downloading the update file. It could also be that the update file itself is corrupted. Whatever the cause is, you will know when your PS4 fails to update when you see the infamous “Error Code SU-42118-6”. 

To solve this issue, you’ll have to access the PS4’s Safe Mode. This is done by completely turning off your PS4 (just to clarify: this means not using Rest Mode). Wait for the white light on the console to stop flashing, indicating it has finished shutting down.

Now, to access Safe mode, you want to hold down the power button located on the console for 5-8 seconds. If you’ve done it successfully, the console should make two beeps while you’re holding down the power button.  Once the Safe Mode screen appears, you’ll have to connect your DUALSHOCK 4 to the console via a USB cable, as the wireless connection doesn’t work in Safe Mode.

Press the PS button on the controller and you should get access to 7 options. First, you want to give option 5, called “Rebuild Database,” a shot. This will help to clear out any corrupted files on your system. Your system should either shut down or reset after this process. Either way, return to Safe Mode and, this time, go to option 3, entitled “Update System Software”.

In this option, you will receive 3 additional options. Choose the third, called “Update Using Internet”. This should almost always give you a successful update. In fact, we recommend only ever updating your system using this method. 

PS4 WiFi Connection Problems

Something all PS4 gamers have to come to terms with is the fact that Ps4s have a poor wireless receiver. The best mode of internet connection for a PS4 is to use a LAN cable, which can increase your download speed by over 100%. but if you insist on using WiFi, the first thing you want to do is find a way to get your console as close to your router or booster as possible. 

There are a few things you will then want to check. One of the most common is to confirm that you have the latest update (see the previous tip). WiFi connection issues may stem from a firmware malfunction. 

Another trick could be to change the DNS server. To do that, access Settings-> Network-> Set Up Internet Connection-> Use Wi-Fi-> Custom-> (Your wifi network)-> Automatic-> Do Not Specify-> Manual. There you can type in a new primary and secondary DNS of your choice

If none of these options have worked, you could try resetting your network connection settings. Bear in mind this resets the majority of your console’s customized settings including your DUALSHOCK 4 settings. Your games and save data will be safe though.

To do this access Settings-> Initialization-> Restore Default Settings-> Restore. This will clear out any information that may be causing your WiFi connection issues. But only use this as a last resort. It’s worth checking that your router is not poorly connected or your provider or PlayStation Network are not having issues of their own.

PS4 Controller Problems

This is in reference to connection issues. Hardware issues such as drifting and sticking are best left to the pros.

If there are any connection issues, check first that the USB cable and that the charging port is not damaged in any way. 

A common mistake that often is made is that people try to connect while another pad may be connected first. To fix this, make sure that any other controllers are first switched off before switching or turning on a new controller. Connect the desired controller to the USB cable and press the PS button on the controller. It should connect instantly. At this point, you can then remove the cable if needs be. 

If that doesn’t work, try resyncing your controller to the console. To do this access Settings-> Devices-> Bluetooth Devices. On this page, select your controllers and select “Forget Device”. Now, resync them by, once again, reconnecting the controller to the cable and pressing the PS button. 

There is also a reset button on the back of the controller. it’s a small hidden button on the top right side of the device near a screw. using a small tool, like a toothpick or an unfolded paperclip, to press the button for about 5 seconds. Repeat the USB and PS button process to reconnect to the console. 

PS4 Problems Beyond Your Ken

Granted, not all PS4 problems can be solved by adjusting the settings. At times, there are deeper issues at work. In this case, it may be wise to contact the pros.

Your console is precious, and while some dare to open it up and start tinkering under the direction of a YouTube video, the cost of a single slip of the hand could mean having to buy a new console altogether. 

Leaving it to the pros is far cheaper and less painful. So why not find a repair store near you and give your PS4 and your gaming time the attention it deserves!

Having Issues With Your Handheld Games? Here’s What to Do Next

With the release of the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation Vita, handheld gaming earned renewed prominence. One of the primary appeals of the Switch was that players could enjoy a game anywhere. You could sit and play in your leisure hours at home or enjoy a game while traveling. 

Handheld games make for fun and convenient gaming experiences. However, handheld game systems suffer technical difficulties like any other console. When these occur, players often have no idea how to fix the issue. 

If that describes you, don’t worry! We’ll explore typical problems in the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation Vita, along with their solutions. So, let’s get started!

Dead Pixel Problems in Nintendo Handheld Games

In the past, Nintendo handheld games have experienced issues with dead pixels. By dead pixels, we mean dark patches and spots that appear on a device’s touchscreen because of stuck or dead pixels. 

While the Nintendo Switch is the most recent console to suffer from this problem, it’s not the only example. When the Nintendo DS first launched in 2004, a similar issue occurred with its touchscreen. 

Unfortunately, there’s not really a way to repair this problem. Dead pixels usually happen because of issues with individual LCD screens. 

Instead, your best bet is to return the Switch and purchase a new one. You have the highest chances of returning the Switch if you bought it online. The Consumer Contracts Regulations allow you to return any online purchase within 14 days.

If you bought the Switch in-store, you may have a tough time returning it. Nintendo does not recognize this issue as a defect, so warranties usually won’t recognize the issue in their coverage. 

Switch Handheld Game Console Won’t Turn On

This issue can be a little tricky. Sometimes, Switch owners can’t turn their handheld games on. The most common explanation for this is that the battery died. 

We’ll assume, though, that you’ve already thought of that and charged the device. If your handheld game console still won’t turn on, it’s possible that the screen froze in a black screen position.

How can you tell if this is the problem? Nintendo suggests taking your Switch into a dark room. If you notice light coming from the black screen, your console has frozen.

What’s the solution? Hold the POWER button down for at least twelve seconds. Doing so will turn off the console. 

Once you’ve done so, press the POWER button again to turn it back on. In most situations, this approach can solve the problem.

A similar problem sometimes occurs with the PlayStation Vita. Fortunately, if the Vita has a weak charge, it’s easier to tell. A blinking orange light will show that the Vita needs to charge.

If the screen is turned on but unresponsive, try a similar approach as for the Switch. Hold the power button down for about thirty seconds. Doing so will cause the system to shut down. 

From there, give the system a little time to rest. In about an hour, turn it back on and see if the screen operates this time. 

Running Out of Storage for Handheld Games

What happens if you download enough game software that you run out of storage? Unfortunately, this is easy to do on the Switch. Nintendo only provided 32GB of storage space, six GB of which run the operating system.

Fortunately, there’s an easy workaround! The console supports microSD cars, which you can insert in the opening beneath the kickstand. This way, you can significantly increase your storage capacity. 

Joystick Stops Responding

Joystick issues affect both the Nintendo Switch and the PlayStation Vita. However, they often happen for different reasons.

The PlayStation Vita’s joysticks and buttons may cease to respond because of sweat and grime. Over time, these materials work their way into the buttons, causing them to jam. 

Early in the Switch’s production, gamers noticed issues with their left Joy-Con when playing the system in its console form. Often, this happened as a result of a weak connection between the Joy-Con and the console. 

If you notice this problem in either system, the solution is usually to let professionals repair or replace the affected part. Find a reputable repair service today if you experience this issue. 

Memory Card Issues

The PlayStation Vita still uses a memory card system like many consoles before it. Sometimes, using a memory card comes with a set of difficulties.

A Vita system may have a hard time locating your memory card. Usually, this means that the card got bumped out of place. If your system can’t find the memory card, check to make sure it’s installed correctly.

If the card is in the right place and the system still won’t pick it up, turn off the system. Then, remove the memory card and inspect it closely. 

Do you notice any debris in the contact pins? If so, this could be the cause of your connection problems. Gently wipe the debris off of the card.

Next, turn the Vita back on. When you do, you should see a message that says there is no memory card installed. With the system on, re-insert the card. 

Make sure you hear a clicking noise when you put the card back in. This sound indicates that the card went in all the way. 

Sometimes, a similar problem happens for Nintendo Switch games. Since these games operate like SD cards, their contact pins could also get dirty. If your Switch doesn’t recognize your game card, wipe it down thoroughly and try again. 

Bring Your Device to Us

The solutions in this article can fix many issues found in handheld game systems. But, several other problems could affect your consoles that we haven’t covered here. 

If you can’t play your handheld games the way you’d like, bring your system to us! We have expertise in all sorts of technology, ranging from iPhones to handheld retro game console systems. Call us today to receive an estimate!

This Is the Solution if Your iPhone Is Stuck on Update

Has your phone been stuck on the same screen for a few minutes while it’s trying to update? Are you worried that there’s a larger issue that’s leading to the frozen screen? If so, then you need to learn all that you can about fixes when your iPhone is stuck on update.

Doing so can help you find the root of the problem. Rather than wondering what’s wrong or causing further complications, you can solve the problem in no time.

See below for an in-depth guide on the solutions if your iPhone is stuck on preparing update for you to use.

1. Wait for the Phone to Update

When it comes to phone usage, a few minutes can feel like an eternity. If your phone has been stuck on the same screen for a while, it’s easy to panic and worry that something’s wrong.

But the fact remains that your phone may just be taking that long to update. Some system updates can take up to 20 or 30 minutes, depending on the significance of the changes it’s making. So even though 10 minutes may feel like a long time, give it until the 35-minute mark to try rebooting or taking any drastic steps.

But why is it taking so long? There are a few common culprits, such as:

  • Not having a thorough Wi-Fi connection during the updates
  • USB cable isn’t connected properly to the charger
  • Your phone is updating other files (such as app updates) during the system update
  • You haven’t updated your phone the past few times it’s been available

The list goes on and on. We want to encourage you to wait at least half an hour before trying to disturb the system update in any way. Once it’s hit that point, you can start to proceed with a few other recommendations on this list.

2. Restart the iPhone

If the thirty to thirty-five minutes have passed, then it’s time to take action. The most logical step, from a DIY standpoint, is to restart your iPhone.

For iPhone 11s and iPhone Xs, you can start by holding down the power button and the volume up button simultaneously. After a few seconds, the “power slide off” button will appear on your screen.

Drag the slider from the left to the right; this will prompt the cellphone to shut off. Give the phone around 30 seconds or so to completely shut off. We recommend that you wait a full minute, just to ensure it’s had some time to rest (it doesn’t need much!). 

Once that minute is up of a fully-black screen, hold down the power button again until the big bold Apple logo pops up at the center of your screen, then release.

Again, give the phone a little time to recoup. Wait a few minutes for it to fully restart before you try to open any apps or get to the root of the problem. Restarting the phone should fix the issue, but if not, then there are other steps you can take.

3. Seek Professional Help

If the restart doesn’t help, then you might be stumped from that point on. There are many phone users out there that aren’t technologically savvy; that’s nothing to be ashamed of, just reach out for professional help!

Here at FruitFixed, there’s nothing we haven’t seen before. We’ve helped thousands of customers fix their smartphones that have been frozen on an update screen and can do the same for you.

All you have to do is visit our site to schedule an appointment. Start by letting us know what brand of phone you have (iPhone, in this case), then follow up with the iPhone model that you have.

We’ll ask what the phone needs and, based on your answer, give you an estimate on the service you require. Our team will have your phone repaired in minutes. We’re all about convenience and diligence for our customers.

Benefits of Professional iPhone Repair

If you’re looking for a quick fix, then there’s no better route to take than professional iPhone repair; see below for a few benefits of doing so.

Peace of Mind

We get it; experiencing a setback with your smartphone can be hectic. Your entire life essentially rides on that phone.

By using Fruit Fixed, you can get yours back in top condition in no time. We’ll fix the problem and make sure the issue doesn’t happen again. 

Meanwhile, you don’t have to worry about trying to fix the device for yourself, which could lead to even more problems if you make a mistake.

Timely Fix

Your entire day might be put on pause until you can get your smartphone back up and running. Since most updates are performed at night while the phone is charging, it can become an unwelcomed wake-up call to see your phone still sitting on the update screen.

Fortunately, we can get things back to normal in no time. Simply schedule an appointment and we’ll take care of the issue quickly.

Right after that, your day can continue as it normally would. No more setbacks or iPhone getting stuck on the update screen.

iPhone Stuck on Update Screen: Call in the Pros

Now that you have seen an in-depth guide on why you should call in professionals when your iPhone is stuck on update, be sure to use this information wisely.

Take the time to read this article for more information on how to clean your iPhone the right with a step-by-step guide. To get started, please call us at 804-698-0004 and we look forward to assisting you further.

5 Tips for Fixing a Repetitive Xbox Restart

Did you know that Microsoft has sold almost 50 million Xbox One units since their launch? 

With that much hardware, it’s no wonder that various problems can occur while using the console. Of these issues, a random Xbox restart while playing your favorite game can be one of the most frustrating. While it is annoying to lose your progress, most of the time, the problem will resolve with a few simple troubleshooting steps. 

In this article, we’ve compiled a list of 5 tips for troubleshooting a repetitive Xbox restart. Continue reading to learn more about the reasons behind the malfunction and how to fix it so that you can get back to gaming. 

Reasons for the Malfunction

There are a few reasons why your Xbox is restarting on its own. Below is a list of the most common causes for the issue. 

Overheating

When an Xbox becomes too hot, it will shut itself off to prevent heat damage to its internal hardware. When the Xbox does this, it doesn’t immediately mean there is something damaged or broken. Using this safety protocol prevents the development of an even larger problem down the road. 

Feel around on the console for areas that feel hot. Keep in mind that it is normal for the device to feel warm near the vents. 

Power Mode Settings 

Another reason you’re Xbox is stuck in a loop of perpetual restarting could be its power mode settings. The Xbox One allows you to set up a function that makes the console shut down after a certain period of inactivity.

Faulty Power Supply Unit

Because the Xbox One has an external power supply unit, it is more susceptible to power surges, elemental damage, and general wear and tear. If your PSU is damaged, the result could be a broken Xbox that keeps turning itself off and on again. 

Game Glitches

Sometimes games can have bugs that cause severe damage to your console’s operating system. If you notice that your Xbox crashes to the home screen or restarts when playing a certain game, it’s a safe bet that a bug is the culprit. 

Internal Hardware Failure

For some unfortunate users, the hardware inside of the console is damaged. Consoles require hundreds of tiny parts that are all designed to work in a specific way. When one of these components begins to fail, it is possible for other parts of the system to fail as well.

If none of the other reasons listed above seem to be the reason behind the system failure, it is likely that the internal hardware is damaged or broken. Problems like this are harder to diagnose and must be taken to a technician for a thorough review of the device. 

Fixing an Xbox Restart

So you’ve got a broken Xbox? When it comes to fixing it, it’s important to follow these specific tips. By doing so, you’ll have the issue resolved faster and will be back to playing in no time. 

1. Unplug the Xbox

A lot of times, the Xbox is overheating. If you’re Xbox begins to restart itself, the first thing to do is unplug it. 

2. Diagnose the Problem

After the console is unplugged, it’s important to look for the source of the problem. Check for hot spots on the console and PSU before looking at your console’s power mode settings.

3. Follow the Troubleshooting Steps

Once you’ve diagnosed the problem, it’s time to take action. Follow the troubleshooting steps listed below to get it running smoothly. 

4. Test Your Solution

After finding the source of the problem and implementing the necessary troubleshooting actions, it’s time to test it out. Plug your console back in and turn it on.

If the problem has ceased, congratulations! You’ve successfully fixed your console. If the problem persists, it’s time to take it to a professional. 

5. Take it to a Pro

Sometimes we can’t always fix Xbox One glitches from home, but lucky for us, there are professionals that can. If, after troubleshooting, the problem continues, take the device to a professional repair shop. 

Troubleshooting Action Steps

Depending on your diagnosis of the problem, there are a few different actions that will resolve it. Below is a list of troubleshooting steps that will get your console back to its former glory. 

For a Console that is Overheating

If your console is overheating and shutting itself down, it is important to leave the console off for at least an hour to prevent hardware damage. Once the device is off, take a can of compressed air and spray the vents to release built-up dust and debris. 

After the device has cooled down and the excess debris has blown off, place the device in an open area to prevent it from overheating in the future. Be certain to leave ample room around the vents to allow airflow. 

For a Broken PSU

If you notice that the PSU LED light won’t turn on or the entire unit is overheating, it is important to unplug it from the Xbox and outlet. 

If the PSU is overheating, unplug it for at least an hour. While you wait for it to cool down, take your can of compressed air and spray it around the unit. This will help clear up any airflow blockages. 

If the PSU LED, light isn’t turning on, follow this guide by Microsoft that will help you resolve the power supply failure. 

For a Game Glitch

If you’ve discovered that a certain game causes this problem, the first thing you’ll want to do is stop playing it. Game glitches can sometimes damage the console’s operating system and bring even more issues. If a game glitch is causing the Xbox restart, it is important to contact the proper customer support terminals for the game. 

For Wrong Power Mode Settings

One of the easiest and most annoying reasons for the malfunction is incorrect power mode settings. To adjust your settings, read this article by Microsoft. 

For Broken Hardware

If, after following the troubleshooting steps listed above, the problem still doesn’t resolve, it’s time to call in an expert. It’s probable that the internal hardware of your device needs replacing. For more information about electronic repair shops, and the benefits of working with one, check out this article

Get Back to Gaming

There’s nothing worse than a repetitive Xbox restart malfunction that never seems to end. By following our tips above, you’re guaranteed to have the problem resolved quickly, so you can get back to playing your favorite games. If you think you need a professional’s touch, contact us, and we’ll get it fixed in a jiff.

MacBook Keys Not Working: What Should You Do?

You’ve got an important email to send. Or maybe you’ve been struck with a genius idea, and you need to type it up. But then, as you sit down at your MacBook keyboard, you remember that you have a problem: 

You have a key or two or more that doesn’t work. 

MacBook keys not working can be a huge pain when you have things to do on your computer. But this problem doesn’t have to last forever. If you want to restore your laptop to its former, fully functioning self, here’s how to do it. 

1. Clean Your Keyboard

In many cases, your MacBook keys not working may be down to a few bits of dust and dirt in the keyboard. Perhaps you’ve spilled a drink or a bit of food on there — that could be the culprit, too. 

So, your first step is to clean your keyboard. Follow Apple’s advice to ensure that you’re not causing damage in your attempt to clean. For example, use a lint-free cloth, and don’t press too hard on your keys. That could lodge dirt and debris further into your keys. 

Compressed air is also a great way to clean between the keys. Hold your MacBook at a 75-degree angle to the floor, then spray behind your keyboard. This will dislodge any lingering dirt, too. 

Once you’ve cleaned your keys, test out your keyboard again. Did that solve the problem? If not, then keep going through the next few steps. 

2. Plugin Your MacBook

Have your keys stopped working all of a sudden? This problem could be down to your computer’s battery being low — it may not have enough juice to power the keyboard anymore. 

So, plug your laptop into a power source and let it charge up a bit. Then, start typing. If your keys start to work again, then you’ve solved your problem. 

3. Double-Check the Bluetooth Connection 

You might use a Bluetooth keyboard with your MacBook, and perhaps that add-on isn’t working. So, you’ll have to double-check that the Bluetooth connection is still alive. 

All you have to do is click the Apple symbol in the upper left-hand corner of your screen, then click System Preferences. From there, click Bluetooth to ensure that your keyboard is on and connected via this wireless feature. 

It only takes a few steps to connect a Bluetooth keyboard to your computer. So, if your Bluetooth keyboard has unpaired, you can quickly fix it and get back to typing. 

It may be that your Bluetooth keyboard needs new batteries, too. That’s another easy fix — one that will get your MacBook up and running in no time. 

4. Download Any Updates

If you keep clicking to ignore your MacBook’s operating system updates, you may not have a broken MacBook — you just have an outdated one. These vital updates may fix a bug with your keyboard, thus bringing it back to life. So, if you ignore it, you’re causing this must-have apparatus to stop working. 

Go back to the System Preferences control center, filed under the Apple logo at the upper left-hand side of your screen. There, you can click into the Software Update section to see if you are, indeed, missing out on a patch or update that could fix your keyboard’s problems. 

Download the new software and install it. Did that work? If not, keep going on to the next step. 

5. Delete Any Recent Downloads

Perhaps you’ve downloaded an app or program recently. Did that download coincide with your MacBook keys not working? If so, you may want to delete those apps and see if your keyboard comes back to life. 

We can’t help you troubleshoot why this is happening — unless, of course, you come and see us in person. However, for a quick keyboard fix, delete recent app additions and restart your computer. If your keyboard starts to work again, then you at least know why the issue arose. 

6. Turn Off the Slow Keys Setting

Maybe you have accidentally turned on a setting that’s causing your MacBook keys to stop working. One such setting is Slow Keys. As the name implies, it makes your keyboard-less reactive — you have to hold down the buttons for longer before your computer registers what you’re typing. 

Go back to the Apple menu in the upper left-hand corner of your screen. Then, click the System Preferences button again. There, you’ll find a section for Accessibility — click on that, then press the option that says Keyboard. 

Under the Keyboard umbrella, you’ll press Hardware. And, finally, under Hardware, you can check to see if you’ve accidentally switched on Slow Keys. If so, turn it off, and you’ll instantly enjoy a fully functional keyboard once again.

7. Restart the System Management Controller (SMC)

Your MacBook’s system management controller, or SMC, is responsible for many of your device’s core functions. If the above steps don’t fix your MacBook, you may have to reset the SMC to restore its vital functions. 

Resetting the SMC will vary by device, but it will always start with restarting your computer. After pressing the right combination of keys, your computer should restart with its SMC settings cleared, back to how they were when you got your MacBook. In many cases, this is what it takes to get a broken keyboard working again. 

What If I Still Find My MacBook Keys Not Working? 

The above are seven ways to fix the problem if you find your MacBook keys not working. However, they’re not the only options — at Fruit Fix, we know them all. 

So, if these tips don’t help you fix your MacBook, call us today. We can restore your MacBook, as well as any of your other Apple devices. Click here to get started on your computer repair now — and have that keyboard back to how it used to be in no time at all. 

5 Reasons Using Your iPad for Productivity Is a Great Idea

Our lives revolve around the use of technology, from robotic hoovers that clean our houses to iPhones that record our every movement on their camera. Did you know that using the internet can alter areas of cognition and make it difficult to recall certain memories? To say that technology is changing our world would be an understatement. Most of the world runs on technology nowadays. That being said, what if advancements in technology could help us improve our mental capacity? For instance, have you ever considered using an iPad for productivity? 

Most people own an Apple product; they are everywhere! But, what if these beautiful devices could offer you the solution for having more productive workdays and less stressed evenings worrying about to-lists…

If you need to boost your focusing skills, you should try using an iPad! 

Choose an iPad for Productivity

To get the most out of technology, you need to use online tools to your advantage. For example, there are many ways that iPad features can make your life easier and more organized. 

Let’s take a look at the different ways in which using an iPad for work is a great idea…

1) Add a Keyboard

iPads are associated with portable, fashionable devices that allow you to watch Netflix on an airplane or take photos on holiday. Yet, some people do not realize how efficient they are for business purposes. 

If you buy a keyboard to go along with your iPad, you will not need to worry about missing a deadline when traveling! 

In the age of remote work and digital nomad culture, this can be a blessing to those who need to work from anywhere. 

The only thing to look out for is size; a smaller keyboard design is the best choice for iPad work. 

2) Edit and View Documents

We all know the feeling when you have a mountain of paperwork to look through over the weekend, but you also have personal commitments, which make it difficult to complete work simultaneously. 

However, iPads provide you with the right tools to view and edit documents on the go. That way, you can achieve that perfect work-life balance that we all are chasing in our daily lives. 

You can use apps like SlideShark to store your documents, or the existing software Pages on iPads is also ideal for this! 

3) Remote Working Benefits

Traditionally, going to work involved commuting on either public transport or driving there and back every day. The working model included employees sitting in an office Monday-Friday and having weekends off. 

Now, we live in a world where remote working has become the norm. Since the global pandemic, more businesses are looking to employ people for remote positions to work from home with a laptop.

iPad Pros are very high quality which means that it operates with the same fast, efficient processing as PCs and has powerful battery life. Therefore, you do not need to worry about running out of charge at a coffee shop!

If you want the best iPad for work, then you definitely need to get an iPad Pro. 

4) Stay Up to Date

Not everyone likes to read the news on their phones because it can be hard to read mass amounts of text on a tiny screen. 

That is why the iPad is a perfect compromise between a phone and a laptop! 

The iPad gives you a bigger screen to read the news on, and it allows you to read as many articles as you want. If you want to jump to another, all you need to do is open a new tab. 

Being able to stay informed about world events is good for your productivity, as it can provide a moment away from work to relax. 

5) Conference Calls

If you work mostly online, you will be used to constant conference calls with your colleagues. It is a crucial part of remote working, but it can be a hassle organizing your day around several online meetings. 

Before iPads were created, you were tied down to a webcam on your PC, which meant you had to be at home and connected to your Wi-Fi. 

With the invention of the iPad, you no longer need to schedule your day around conference calls. You can take your iPad with you and take a call in your car or a quiet area outside. 

This means you have more freedom to do errands that need to be done or go on a quick outing before getting back to work. 

Productivity is not just about work. It is about balancing your personal life with your job. 

You can use an iPad for productivity, and it also you more flexibility to focus on different parts of your to-do list. 

Therefore, iPads are made for the modern, working person who needs to be able to check in on work as well as care for their family. 

What Happens if Your iPad breaks?

Even though iPads can be wonderful for our productivity, they can also break just like any other piece of technology. 

Thankfully, Fruit Fixed offers repair services for all the models of iPads, so you can be assured that if you run into any problems with your iPad, they can sort it for you! 

What sort of repairs do they offer? 

You can have a screen fixed or repairs of internal components. They also provide other services if you require them.

The people working at Fruit Fixed have their customers at the heart of their business, and they know just how much you rely on iPads for your everyday lives. 

Therefore, it is good to have somewhere you can go where you can trust that the job will get done! 

Use Technology to Your Advantage

There is a lot of speculation around the use of iPads and if they affect our attention spans, which is a valid argument against using them for work. 

However, when you use technology for the right reasons to improve your life, make work easier, and bring you closer to your goals, then there is definitely a use for them in our lives. 

If you choose wisely and use an iPad for productivity instead of procrastination, you will realize that they have the powers to help us! 

And, even if they fail you for a moment, you have the team at Fruit Fixed who will save the day. 

They are ready to help you!