Justin Drake Carroll MAC

Getting Free: How to Clean Up Your Mac Storage Space

Mac computers continue to become more popular because of the quality experiences that they provide. In fact, Apple recently became the first company in the United States to reach a market cap worth more than $3 trillion!

At the same time, many people struggle with their Mac storage space. Once they have used up their storage space they are no longer able to do the things with their computer that they enjoy.

Fortunately, this is a common problem that many people have already thought about how to solve. With the right solutions, you can generally enjoy plenty of ac storage space again.

Read on to learn all about the most important things to do to clean up your Mac storage space!

Free up Storage Space by Removing Duplicates

If you are unlucky, you may have to sacrifice important files to make room for new ones. However, in the vast majority of cases, you can find unnecessary files that are painless to eliminate. In particular, if you have duplicate files, you almost never have any reason to hesitate in deleting them.

That makes freeing up storage space a lot easier than managing more serious problems like frozen screens.

The longer you use your computer, the more likely you are to develop duplicate files. If you go through your files, you might be able to manually identify duplicates that you do not need.

At the same time, this can be an extremely time-consuming process. Fortunately, people have already solved this problem.

There are also programs you can install that will automatically search your computer for duplicate files. If you desire, you can also set them to automatically delete files.

Decrease Storage Usage by Emptying Your Trashcan

Many people try to maintain some available storage space by sending files to the trashcan. The trashcan is the same thing as the recycle bin on Windows computers.

However, not everybody realizes that sending files to the trashcan does not actually free up space. This is because those files are still being kept somewhere where you can access them.

In order to truly free up space, you were going to need to manually empty your trashcan. If you look in your trashcan, you might be surprised that it contains huge quantities of data. Simply emptying the trashcan can free up all of that data in a single fell swoop.

In many cases, the solution alone is enough to provide people with plenty of extra storage space.

However, it is important to keep in mind one potential complication. Mac computers often have multiple trashcans. For example, iMovie and iPhoto might both have separate trashcans. On top of them, there will be a general trashcan for general use.

If you are looking to maximize storage space, make sure to empty all of these trashcans. To find them, simply type the trashcan into the search bar associated with each application.

Free up Space on Your Internal Drive By Uninstalling Applications

Applications tend to accumulate over time. If you manually look through your applications, you might be surprised how many old ones you have forgotten about. Fortunately, if you have forgotten about them, that is a clear sign that you do not use them anymore.

In that case, you should feel free to uninstall them. Applications often take up hundreds of megabytes or even multiple gigabytes of space. A quick scan through your list of applications can help you free up huge quantities of storage space.

Enjoy More Space By Deleting Unnecessary Backups

Some of your applications might automatically create backups of huge quantities of files. For example, iTunes has a tendency to store backup files for every song you have access to. If you use iTunes, you can free up a ton of space by opening it up and deleting its backup files.

You might also have programs that automatically back up all kinds of files. Many people consider it worthwhile to have backups in case they lose their primary files. But if you are struggling to access the storage space you need, it might be worth it to get rid of some of your less important backup files.

Delete Temporary Files Stored on Your Solid State Drive

The longer you use your computer, the more temporary files it will accumulate. These files are sometimes useful, but they are usually not worth taking up storage space with.

For example, your Internet browser might keep a detailed history of every website you have visited. Considering how often many people use their computers, you can imagine how much data these files represent.

Clearing your browsing data can free up a ton of space that you can use for more important purposes. Keep in mind that after you do this, your browser will go right back to restoring future temporary files as you visit new websites.

As a result, you might find it useful to regularly clear your browsing data or other temporary files.

Check Storage Space Information to Identify Problem Areas

If these solutions are not working for you, it can help to get some more information. You can simply open up your hard drive to see what is taking up the majority of your space. At that point, you will know what you need to eliminate in order to free up storage space. 

Understand How to Clean up Mac Storage Space 

We hope learning about how to manage your Mac storage space has been helpful for you. Many people struggle with a lack of Mac storage space for a long time without understanding that there are established solutions that can generally solve their problems. In the vast majority of cases, you can have plenty of storage space within just a few minutes.

To learn more about how to clean up your Mac storage space or to speak with experts in computer maintenance and repair, feel free to reach out and get in touch with us here at any time!

Justin Drake Carroll iPhone

iPhone Not Connecting to Your Wi-Fi: Tips, Tricks, and Things to Try

Did you know that 1.8 billion Apple devices are now active worldwide? Of that impressive number, more than a billion are of the iPhone product line. That popularity, in turn, has a lot to do with iPhones being sleek, fast, and user-friendly. Moreover, they’re easy to integrate with other Apple devices.

Unfortunately, Apple’s smartphones aren’t impervious to technical issues. A perfect example is an iPhone not connecting to Wi-Fi, a pervasive problem many users face.

If you’re in the same boat, don’t panic yet, as you can try several DIY fixes before getting your iPhone repaired by a tech.

This guide covers the top troubleshooting steps you can take, so read on.

Go Closer to Your Router

The average Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz router has an operating range of about 150 feet indoors. However, that goes up to 300 feet outdoors. Newer models can reach even greater distances.

Routers have longer ranges outdoors because there are fewer physical obstructions. Thus, their indoor effectiveness dips because of interferences like siding, walls, and floors.

Therefore, the farther your iPhone is from the wireless router; the poorer your signal can be. The more obstructions between the two, the higher the odds of your iPhone Wi-Fi not connecting.

If you can’t get any Wi-Fi connection, try moving your phone next to the router itself. Its network name should now appear in your list of Wi-Fi networks, or your phone may even auto-connect to it.

Forget It

In many cases, a Wi-Fi password change disconnects all devices connected to the router. If that happened to your network, your iPhone might keep trying to auto-connect to it.

You can fix that by going to your iPhone’s network list and forgetting the one that just had a password change.

Open your phone’s Settings, tap Wi-Fi, and tap the blue ‘i’ icon next to that network. Next, select Forget This Network and tap Forget to confirm your choice.

Go back to the Wi-Fi page of your iPhone Settings and tap the network’s name. Next, enter the new Wi-Fi Password and tap Join. As long as you key in the proper login credentials, your iPhone should connect to it within seconds.

Check for Network Outages or Problems

Perhaps it’s not your iPhone that has a Wi-Fi problem but your network itself, such as in the case of a service outage. That means your iPhone does connect to the network, but there’s no Internet service at all.

Such outages are already prevalent, but experts expect them to worsen this 2022.

You can check if your problem has to do with your Internet service by going to the Wi-Fi Settings page again. If it is, you might see a note that says “No Internet Connection.”

Before you call your Internet service provider, though, check your other devices first. If they don’t have a connection either, then it’s likely an Internet or network outage.

Your router itself may be the culprit; for instance, a power outage may have messed with the device. That can cause signal interruptions, leading to your No Internet Connection problem.

Try rebooting your router by unplugging it from the wall outlet. Wait for about 10 seconds, and then plug it back in. Next, check if your iPhone and other devices now connect to the Internet.

If not even one of them does, it’s time to contact your ISP to inform them about the problem.

Restart Your iPhone

If your iPhone is the only device not connecting to Wi-Fi, try restarting it. That may help purge your phone’s RAM of glitches interfering with the Wi-Fi connection.

Here’s how to restart an iPhone from models X to 13:

  • Press and hold either the volume up or volume down button
  • Press and hold the side button
  • Keep holding both buttons down until you see the power-off slider
  • Drag the slider to the right

If you have an iPhone 6 to 8 or 2nd to 3rd gen SE, you only have to press and hold the side button. The power-off slider should appear after a few seconds, so slide it to the right once it does.

If you have an iPhone 5 or earlier model or a 1st gen iPhone SE, the top button is what you need to press and hold down. Then, follow the rest of the steps above.

Once powered off, count to ten before turning on your iPhone.

  • Hold down the side button on iPhone models X to 13
  • Long-press the side button on iPhone models 6 to 8 or 2nd to 3rd gen SE
  • Press and hold down the top button on an iPhone 5 or older model or 1st gen SE

Keep pressing until the Apple logo appears. Wait until your phone’s screen lock page appears. Unlock it, and try connecting to the Wi-Fi again.

Update Your iPhone

Updating a Mac, iPad, and iPhone ensures they get loaded with the latest security features. Moreover, these updates usually fix hardware and software issues. That includes prior Wi-Fi bugs and other connectivity glitches.

So, download and install all available updates as soon as your iPhone prompts you. Doing so may help fix incompatibilities or problems affecting your Wi-Fi.

Reset Your iPhone’s Network Settings

If your iPhone still doesn’t connect to the Wi-Fi, try resetting its Network Settings.

If you’re running iOS 15 or later, open Settings, tap General, then choose Transfer or Reset [Device]. Next, tap Reset, and finally, select Reset Network Settings.

The steps are almost the same if you have an older iOS, except you don’t need to choose Transfer or Reset [Device].

Fix That iPhone Not Connecting to Wi-Fi Now

As you can see, there are many ways to troubleshoot and fix an iPhone not connecting to Wi-Fi. It may not even be your phone but your router or ISP. Either way, rebooting or resetting your devices may help address the issue.

However, if your iPhone still doesn’t work even after all the steps above, you might have a hardware issue.

In that case, it might be best to have our team here at Fruit Fixed check your device. Email or call us now, and we’ll be happy to fix your phone ASAP.

Justin Drake Carroll Repair

Your Guide to Quickly Improving Your PC Performance

Very few things are as annoying as a sluggish PC. Unfortunately, that’s something most people have to contend with every day.

It’s worse for businesses because slow computers hurt productivity. In fact, businesses lose about $4,980 per employee because of slow computers.

The good news is that dealing with a slow PC is completely optional. There are plenty of things you can do to improve your PC’s performance. If you’ve been struggling with a slow PC, we’re here to help.

In today’s post, we’ll be discussing some of the most effective ways to quickly improve your PC performance. That way, you can enjoy a smooth and speedy computing experience.

Remove Bloatware and Unwanted Programs

The first thing you want to do is remove any bloatware on your PC. Bloatware is any piece of unnecessary software that comes pre-installed on your PC. These can take up valuable space and resources, which slows down your machine.

Removing any bloatware is as easy as going to your PC’s Control Panel and looking for the “Add/Remove Programs” or “Uninstall a Program” section. In the drop-down list, find the programs you want to remove and click “Uninstall.” If that doesn’t work, you can download a third-party cleanup program to help you out.

Scan and Remove Malware

Malware is a type of malicious software that disrupts the normal functioning of your PC. It can come in the form of viruses, worms, Trojans, and much more. Not only is malware a nuisance, but it can also lead to serious security threats.

Malware could be the reason why your PC’s performance is so lackluster, but it’s hard to tell. The only way to know if your PC has viruses is to check for viruses using a trusted anti-malware program. These programs will scan your machine for any malware and remove it safely.

Once you’ve removed any malware, be sure to run a full scan of your PC with your security program to make sure that all the threats have been taken care of.

Limit Startup Processes

Does your computer take ages to boot? If it does, it could be because of too many startup processes. When you turn on your computer, a lot of programs automatically start up as well. This can be anything from your antivirus software to Dropbox.

While some of these programs are essential, others are not. Having too many startup processes can significantly slow down your machine. To fix this, open the “System Configuration” tool and go to the “Startup” tab.

Here, you can disable any programs that you don’t want to start up automatically. Be sure to only disable programs that you don’t need running when you start your computer.

Get Rid of Old Files

“Digital hoarding” is a terrible habit that could slow down your computer’s performance. Digital hoarding is the habit of storing too many files on your computer, even those you don’t need. This only takes up your PC’s space and hurts its performance.

If you want to improve your machine’s performance, it’s time to declutter your PC. Go through your files and folders and delete anything that you don’t need. This includes old photos, videos, documents, and more.

Again, if you don’t want to do it manually, you can use a third-party clean-up tool. Once you’ve cleared out the clutter, you’ll be surprised at how much faster your computer runs.

Add RAM

RAM, or Random Access Memory, is a volatile type of storage that holds programs’ data while they run. When you close the program, all its data gets wiped off the RAM.

That said, the more RAM you have, the more programs you can run on your PC simultaneously. Most people can’t run more than two programs on their PCs without them freezing. If this describes you, adding extra RAM will solve all your problems.

If you don’t know how to install RAM chips on your PC, get a professional to help you out. Otherwise, you may end up damaging your PC.

Disable Background Applications

Background applications are programs that run in the background, even when you’re not using them. Although subtle, these background apps are detrimental to your PC’s performance. If you want better performance from your PC, consider disabling them.

It’s worth noting that not all background applications are unnecessary. Disabling all background applications might do more harm than good. Thankfully, your PC lets you decide which apps you want to disable.

To disable these applications, go to your “Task Manager” and click on the “Startup” tab. Here, you’ll see all the applications that start up when you boot your machine.

From here, you can disable any application that doesn’t need to run in the background. Once you’ve made your changes, restart your PC and see how it performs. You can also run a performance test to check if you

Delete Cookies and Browsing History

Some folks don’t need a blog post to tell them to delete their browsing history, ahem! If you’re not one of them, you should know that cookies and browsing history could be slowing down their PCs.

When you visit a website, it stores a small amount of data called “cookies” on your machine. Over time, these cookies can accumulate and take up space on your hard drive. Additionally, your browsing history can also bloat up over time and affect your PC’s performance.

That said, it’s a good idea to delete your cookies and browsing history every once in a while. Doing so will free up some space on your hard drive and potentially improve your machine’s performance.

Take Your Machine for Repairs and Tune-Ups

If your PC is still running slow, it might be time to take it for repairs. A professional can diagnose any hardware or software issues that might be causing your machine to underperform.

Additionally, they can also tune up your PC to help it run faster and smoother. Although you’ll have to pay for these services, they’re worth it if you want to get the most out of your machine.

Improve Your PC Performance Today!

There are many ways you can improve your PC performance. Try some of the tips and tricks mentioned above and see how they work for you. With a little effort, you can get your PC running like new in no time!

Still having trouble? Bring your PC to the professionals at Fruit Fixed for a diagnostic and repair at a location near you.

Justin Drake Carroll Gaming Systems

Xbox Updates: How to Make Sure They Load

During the last year, Xbox subscriptions rose by 40 percent. Online connections have revolutionized gaming, doing away with the use of physical discs and allowing constant improvements with updates. Yet do you know how to deal with problems when they go wrong?

One of the most frustrating aspects of this is when updates won’t load. Read on as we discuss how to load Xbox updates. 

Reasons Your Xbox Won’t Update

Your Xbox system updates may fail for several reasons. We have listed the most common below.

Internet Connection Issues

Your home network may be one of the reasons your Xbox won’t update. You should check and see if there are any issues with your internet connection. It may be stopping or dropping out, in which case updates may take longer or not work at all. 

You can do a connection test using the Xbox itself. Press the Xbox button on the controller to open up the guide. Go into settings, followed by all settings. 

Travel to network and network settings. On the right-hand side, you should be able to select an option to test the network selection. Run the test and it will inform you if you have an issue with the connection. 

Server Issues

Occasionally, Xbox itself will update its servers. This may result in downtime for the system. You can check online to see if this is the problem or Microsoft’s own social media accounts may be able to tell you. 

Corrupt System Cache

To load games and apps quickly, the Xbox will use a temporary set of files in the system cache. When you have corrupted files it can cause issues and prevent updates from loading. You can try clearing the cache to see if the system updates. 

Corrupted Gamertag

It is rare but some problems can be caused by bugs in your Gamertag. Corrupted profiles can result in it not being able to load. In this instance, you will need to download the profile again. 

Troubleshooting When Your Xbox Won’t Update

Luckily, several solutions may solve the issues. After checking the points above, you can start the methods below to get updates working.

Power Cycling

It is a simple solution but one that is often effective. Begin by holding down the power switch on your Xbox One console and shutting it down fully. You can then turn the system back on and see if the problem is still there. 

Do a System Reset

There are two types of system reset. One will keep your games and apps and the other will remove everything. Begin by pressing the Xbox button on your controller to bring up the menu. 

Select settings then go to all settings. Go into the system menu then select the console info and updates option. Choose the option to reset your console. 

Do this using the option to keep your games and files first. As a last option, you could try a total reboot but understand that you will lose everything. 

Add a Wired Connection

If you think that part of the problem may be due to your internet connection, then you can try connecting with a LAN connection instead. Move the Xbox closer to your router and connect an ethernet cable from one end and into the back of your Xbox. Try testing the connection again and see if the problem has been resolved. 

Is There an Error Code?

When your Xbox begins to update but fails, it can give you an error code. These are used by Xbox to diagnose problems and it is possible to use them yourself to assess the situation. 

Write down the code or error message. Do a quick search online. Even if you can not find an official announcement about it, forums such as Reddit often have lots of people with the same issue discussing how they solved it. 

How Do I Bypass an Update?

Should you want to play a game without the update, it is possible. To do this you will need to go offline.

Travel to settings, go into network, and tag the offline option. If you want to turn online mode back on, then simply repeat the process. 

What Do I Do When a New Game Gets Stuck on 0%?

One update problem many people encounter is during the preparation of a new game. The console can often say ‘Preparing 0%’ and never go past this point. This can be frustrating when you are eager to play a new title you have just paid for. 

Numerous problems can cause this. Below are the main solutions that you can try.

  • Install all updates
  • Reset the cache
  • Restart the console

Failing this, if the game is a new release check online. Other people may have the same problem and the developers may be working on fixing it. 

How to Fix a Black Screen After an Update

In some instances, once an update occurs you may be met with a black screen. Start by checking it is not an issue with your television and its connection to the console. Make sure they are both on and ensure you have the right HDMI input set.

Make sure your HDMI cable is in the out to TV port on the Xbox. If it is still not working then try plugging it into a different HDMI port. Try a new HDMI cable if you still have issues. 

Should none of these happen, then follow the instructions for a full reset in the previous section. A black screen is usually an indicator of connection problems and not something to do with the Xbox itself. 

Further Troubleshooting

Now you know how to troubleshoot these Xbox updates you should be able to solve the problem. There are other related issues, but in many instances, Xbox can fix them on its end. Contact support if you can still not get it right.

Fruit Fixed should be your first stop for all your device problems. From phones to game consoles we can repair it all. Click here for information on all game consoles repairs. 

Justin Drake Carroll Uncategorized

9 Signs It’s Time for a Phone Battery Replacement

44% of people experience some kind of frustration when it comes to their phone batteries. What they don’t realize is that their problems can be easily solved!

Your phone has a natural battery life, and as a battery is used it becomes less and less efficient. This isn’t anything to be worried or frustrated about, it’s natural for a small piece of technology to decline over time. Instead of facing frustration with your phone, simply get a phone battery replacement.

Here are the signs that it’s time to replace your phone battery.

1. Your Charge Never Reaches 100%

When you charge your phone, it should incrementally gain battery until the battery percentage is 100%. If your phone never reaches that 100% mark or worse, if it loses battery while plugged in, it’s definitely time to look into a battery replacement.

2. Your Phone Dies Quickly

When you first got your phone, you probably found that you could go a whole day using it without needing to charge it. It’s normal for the battery function to diminish a bit as it nears the end of its battery life, but eventually, you’ll need to replace it.

If you find that you need to bring a portable charger with you everywhere or that your phone dies after just a few hours of use, you should take it to be serviced and receive a new smartphone battery.

3. Your Phone Won’t Turn On

This is one of the most obvious signs that there’s something wrong with your phone. If your phone turns off or runs out of battery, and you can’t turn it back on, you likely have a battery problem.

Of course, this could be a symptom of a couple of other phone issues including water damage. The best course of action for a phone that won’t turn on is to bring it into the store to be checked out by a professional. They’ll let you know if you need a new battery or a whole new phone.

4. You Have to Leave Your Phone Plugged In

We left the days of the landline a long time ago. There’s absolutely no reason that your phone should need to be connected to a wall in order to work.

If your phone will only work or stay on while it’s plugged in and charging, you definitely need to get the battery replaced. Your battery’s role is to hold onto the charge for an extended period of time and provide your phone with the power it needs. It shouldn’t need a constant source of energy from the outlet.

5. Your Battery Is Bulging

Did you know that a dead smartphone battery can leak and even explode? It can once it reaches the end of its life, and the result will be visible from the outside of your phone.

If you notice that your phone looks misshapen, has a bulge in the back, and isn’t working you may have some kind of battery leakage. That battery content can be harmful to you, so make sure that you replace it right away.

If you aren’t sure if there’s a bulge, here’s an easy test. Place the phone on its back on a flat surface. If it spins, there’s a slight bulge allowing that to happen.

6. Your Phone Heats Up Quickly

Electronics give off a certain amount of energy in the form of heat as they perform their tasks. However, technology has come far enough to mitigate some of the heat so that our electronic tools are still comfortable to hold.

If your phone heats up quickly or becomes too hot to hold while performing normal tasks, then it’s expending too much energy. This is a tell-tale sign of a battery having trouble efficiently using battery power.

This sign is especially important to notice because an overheating phone can result in an explosion. You don’t want that to happen while you’re holding your phone in your hands or close to your face.

Another important thing to notice is how hot your phone gets while charging. Overheating phones connected to power have started fires – so it’s about more than making sure you have the battery to get through the day. It’s a matter of safety too.

7. The Battery Reading Is Erratic

When you charge your phone, the battery percentage should go up. When you use your phone, the battery percentage should gradually go down. Simple enough, right?

Unfortunately, things don’t always go the way that they logically should. If you notice your phone battery fluctuating throughout the day instead of gradually decreasing, you have a battery problem. In all likelihood, the percentage reading is totally off and you don’t have as much charge as it claims you do. 

When this happens, you may find that your phone suddenly dies when it claims to have a fairly full charge.  

8. Your Phone Is More Sluggish Than It Used to Be

Have you noticed your apps functioning more slowly than they used to? Does your phone freeze, lag, have trouble saving and downloading things, connecting to the internet, sending messages, and other simple tasks? 

These are all signs of a battery problem. While it’s normal for your phone to eventually decrease in speed and efficiency as it ages, it should still be usable without frustration. A slow and lagging phone could mean a battery problem if there’s no other source to the issue.

9. Check the Battery Report

Here’s a very easy way to find out it’s time for a battery replacement. Check the battery report!

Most smartphones today have an option in the settings to read about how well your battery is functioning. If its battery function is below 80%, the problem will be noticeable, and it’s time to get it fixed!

Even if you can’t access the report yourself, you can take it to a repair store, and they should be able to check for you before going through the repair process.

Phone Battery Replacement Made Easy

Once you know the signs of a declining battery, you’ll be able to choose to get a phone battery replacement quickly. At the first sign of trouble, go find a repair shop to get a new battery. Then you won’t have to face any of the frustrations of a sluggish or quickly dying phone.

Need some battery repair for your phone? Find a repair location near you.