Mac Geek Gab — Apple Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting

This week on Mac Geek Gab 1138, Pilot Pete, Adam, and Dave tackle your burning questions and deliver the tips that keep your tech humming. You’ll learn how to properly delete images from your iPhone, sort out mesh networking headaches with T-Mobile, and decide whether Updatest and HomeBrew belong in your app-updating toolkit (spoiler: brew install topgrade is a game-changer). Struggling with limited bandwidth? TripMode lets you pause iCloud downloads on demand. Plus, the crew digs into why Plex Remote Access suddenly quit working and how Claude Code can help you recompile apps on the fly.

The quick tips are stacked this week: skip the remount dance by using Finder Sidebar for network shares, generate QR codes straight from your clipboard, and tap Show Highlights in Notes to track edits. Listener Dave’s keyboard shortcut (Left-Control + Left-Command + Right-Shift…and then power) will save your Mac from accidental restarts while cleaning the keyboard, and a Synology power supply swap might save your wallet. Don’t Get Caught slipping on the latest Apple Pay hack that drains accounts from locked iPhones, or blindsided by Backblaze now excluding iCloud Drive from backups. Round it out with tickIQ for tracking your mechanical watches, and you’ve got another solid episode in the books.

00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1138 for Monday, April 20th, 2026

April 20th: National Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day

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Congrats to March’s SoundSource winners: Ian, Robert, and Jeff

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Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!

00:03:42 Gary-How do I delete images from my iPhone?

00:09:05 Jim-Which Mesh setup will work with my home and TMobile?

00:21:20 Ian-Is Updatest (and HomeBrew) good for updating apps?

00:23:35 Using Claude Code to recompile apps

brew upgrade

brew install topgrade

00:29:05 GW-How to Pause an iCloud Download when bandwidth is limited?

TripMode

00:38:02 Dr. Brad-Why did Plex Remote Access stop working

Plex Support Forum – for Plex Media Server

Sponsors

00:45:22 SPONSOR: CarGurus. Meet CarGurus Discover, a new search feature where you can look for vehicles based on the way you think—using your own words. No more being boxed in by filters. Check it out at https://cargurus.com/

00:46:41 SPONSOR: OneSkin. Born from over a decade of longevity research, OneSkin’s OS-01 Peptide is proven to target the visible signs of aging, helping you unlock your healthiest skin now and as you age. Get 15% off OneSkin with the code MGG at https://www.oneskin.co/MGG  #oneskinpod #ad

00:48:19 SPONSOR: Shopify. In 2026, stop waiting and start selling with Shopify. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at https://Shopify.com/MGG

Quick Tips

00:00:01 Jeff-QT-Instead of remounting network shares, just use the Finder Sidebar

00:49:56 Peter-QT-Shortcut to create a QR Code from Clipboard Contents.

00:51:51 QT-Show Highlights in Notes.app to see who edited the Note and when

00:54:09 Dave-Use Left-Control, Left-Command, + Right-Shift to keep your Mac from accidentally restarting

KeyboardCleanTool

00:57:50 JP-QT-Synology Power Supply May Be Cheaper Repair Option

Don’t Get Caught

01:02:05 DGC-Can you steal $$ from a locked iPhone?

This Apple Pay Hack Can Drain Your Account Without Unlocking Your iPhone

01:11:03 Paul-DGC-Backblaze now excludes iCloud Drive

Cool Stuff Found

01:14:13 DLH-CSF-tickIQ to measure and track your mechanical watches

01:18:26 MGG 1138 Outtro

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Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)

The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast!

Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts

MGG Merch is Available!

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You’ve got quick tips galore this week: if your iPad battery’s draining mysteriously, your Apple Pencil might be the culprit, so pop it off when you’re not using it. Want custom emoji? Now you can create your own. LaunchBar fans, there’s a slick way to jump straight into System Settings, and if you’re self-hosting Bitwarden, the guys walk you through adding a local server with Cloudflare Tunnels. Pilot Pete also breaks down getting your digital ID working at TSA — and makes a compelling case that it’s actually more secure than handing over your physical license — plus there’s a look at TSA’s new Touchless ID system.

On the AI side, if agentic browsing still makes you nervous, Dave and Pete have practical advice for easing in, and they dig into why the app you use matters just as much as the LLM behind it — including a look at Claude’s upcoming Mythos model. You’ll hear how to tighten your AI agent’s security awareness (Don’t Get Caught slipping on that one), use Comet to become the ultimate “Reply Guy,” let your LLM tell you which apps are available in Setapp, and even have your chatbot generate QR codes . Wrapping up, there’s a fix for Mail not seeing updated Contacts Groups, a cost breakdown of building your own 2026 27-inch iMac, and an honest conversation about whether Plex is getting worse. Press play and enjoy learning at least five new things, folks!

00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1137 for Monday, April 13th, 2026

April 13th: National Scrabble Day

The MGG Merch Store is Live!

MGG Monthly Giveaway – Enter to win a Plex Pass for a year!

Congrats to March’s SoundSource winners: Ian, Robert, and Jeff

Quick Tips

00:00:01 Ian-QT-1136-Apple Pencil can drain an iPad battery

00:03:37 PilotPete-QT-Create Your Own Emoji

00:06:24 Ben-1136-CSF-Use LaunchBar to launch System Settings

00:08:22 Adding a local Bitwarden server

Cloudflare Tunnels

Cloudflare Workers

Uplock app for Apple Passwords

00:21:39 PilotPete-QT- getting digital ID to work at TSA & why it’s likely more secure than your license

00:25:59 TSA Touchless ID

Sponsors

00:30:28 SPONSOR: CleanMyMac. Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use our code MACGEEK for 20% off at clnmy.com/MACGEEK

00:32:01 SPONSOR: Pocket Hose. For a limited time, you can get a FREE pocket pivot and their 10-pattern sprayer with the purchase of ANY size Copper Head hose. Just text MGG to 64000.

AI Side Quest

00:33:40 The Flora-Bama Club

00:35:59 Andy-What can I do if I’m not yet comfortable with agentic browsing?

00:41:20 Your AI app matters as much as the LLM

00:45:08 What’s up with Claude’s new Mythos LLM?

00:48:42 Jason-QT-Tighten Your AI Agent’s Security Awareness!

00:51:32 Using Comet to help you be “Reply Guy”

00:53:46 Todd-QT-Let your LLM tell you which apps you can get in Setapp

00:55:49 Roy-QT-Let your chatbot create QR codes

iQR for QR Codes

Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!

00:58:33 Joe-Why is Mail not seeing my updated Contacts Group?

01:04:12 Brent-Cost breakdown of the 2026 27″ iMac

01:06:16 Matt-Is Plex getting worse? If so, can it get better?

Emby

Jellyfin

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Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)

The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast!

Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts

MGG Merch is Available!

Mac Geek Gab iOS app

Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page

Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar

This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors

MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews

[email protected]

224-888-GEEK

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You get a rapid-fire run of Mac tips that actually make your daily workflow smoother instead of noisier. From finally being able to change your Gmail address and using Markdown to escape Apple Notes, to smarter ways to attach glass screen protectors, auto-mount network shares, prune that graveyard of old Bluetooth devices, and squeeze better battery life from your iPad Pro, this episode keeps you moving instead of doomscrolling. If you’re shopping monitors for a Mac mini, curious why Find My wants light, or looking to travel with the right iPhone car mount, you’ll walk away with practical, field-tested ideas you can apply immediately.

Then you dive into a real-world warning shot: Adobe quietly touching your /etc/hosts file and what that means for taking control back on your own Mac so you Don’t Get Caught. You’ll also hear listener-vetted iPhone cases—from rugged bumpers and leather shells to newer clear cases that don’t yellow—so you can carry your iPhone with confidence and a bit more style.

00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1136 for Monday, April 6th, 2026

April 6th: New Beer’s Eve

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Congrats to March’s SoundSource winners: Ian, Robert, and Jeff

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00:03:01 Grappling With The Weather

Quick Tips

00:00:01 QT-You can now change your Google/Gmail username

00:04:47 Todd-QT-Use Markdown to migrate from Apple Notes

Bear app’s instructions for migrating from Apple Notes

00:06:46 Clif-QT-Install Glass screen protectors in a steamy bathroom

00:09:33 Chris Powers-QT-Connect (more) Reliably to Network Shares on Startup

Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!

00:13:38 Greg in NC-How do I bulk-clean-up my Bluetooth devices?

ToothFairy for macOS

00:20:17 QT-Bluetooth name changes are saved on the Bluetooth device, not on your iPhone

00:23:57 Randy Walker-How long should my iPad Pro 11″ M2 be able to hold a charge?

CoconutBattery

Low Power Mode

Is it iCloud Syncing?

00:30:02 Larry-Which 5K monitor for my new Mac mini?

Refurb LG UltraFine 5K – $799

ViewSonic VP2768-4k – $549

ViewSonic VP2788-5K – $929

Philips 4K UHD 27” – $499 (unavailable)

BenQ PD2730S – $1,099

KTC 5K 27” – $549

LG 27UP850K-W 4K – $334

00:46:25 Joe-Why does Find My need light?

00:48:09 Leveraging Claude Code

00:50:08 Uncle Jamie-What iPhone car mount do you travel with?

USB A to USB C Adapters

iPhone Dash-mount Cradle

Sponsors

00:56:39 SPONSOR: Gusto. Get three months free when you run your first payroll when you start at gusto.com/MGG

Don’t Get Caught

00:57:59 Adam-DGC-Adobe Messed with My /etc/hosts file…and yours, too!

Your Favorite iPhone Cases

01:06:09 Chris-CSF-Incipio Duo iPhone Case

01:07:17 NASANut-CSF-Spigen iPhone cases and screen protectors

01:09:20 Clif-The new, cheap clear cases don’t yellow like they used to

01:10:35 Dan-Wuwedo is a bumper/open case for $13

01:12:40 Thad-CSF-Check out Bullstrap Leather Cases

01:13:43 Todd-CSF-Nomad Leather Case and the case for screen protectors

01:15:26 Tony-CSF-Fierre Shann Leather iPhone Cases

01:17:18 CSF-Mujjo Leather iPhone Case

01:18:36 MGG 1136 Outtro

MGG Monthly Giveaway

Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly

Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)

The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast!

Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts

MGG Merch is Available!

Mac Geek Gab iOS app

Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page

Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar

This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors

MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews

[email protected]

224-888-GEEK

Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List

BackBeat Media Podcast Network

You’re about to spend an hour geeking out about the moments when your tech life goes sideways and how to keep it all under control. You’ll hit World Backup Day prep, tame your email with smart rules and categories, turn your AirPods into stealth earplugs, and learn Mac power tricks like killing stubborn processes and using Reminders so your birthday rewards never slip by. Along the way, you’ll hear from listeners about pre-emptively swapping NAS drives, upsizing your Synology, and the best way to get your movie library playing cleanly on your iPad.

Then you’ll dive into the fun stuff that happens when the internet spits you out in the wrong place, from working around VPN restrictions to making sure you Don’t Get Caught when networks get weird. You’ll remember John Martellaro and his dents in the universe, plus load up on Cool Stuff Found like AirTag sleeves for your Apple TV remote, faster AirDrop-style sharing with Blip and LocalSend, and even AI that can drive your car with Comma 4.

00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1135 for Monday, March 30th, 2026

March 30th: National Pencil Day

Pentel Twist Erase

MGG Monthly Giveaway – Enter to win a copy of SoundSource from Rogue Amoeba!

00:05:05 World Backup Day is tomorrow!

Fastmail backs up your email!

Quick Tips

00:00:01 Bill-QT-1134-Set macOS to always open new documents in tabs

00:09:09 P2-QT-use noise cancellation with AirPod in one ear

Using AirPods as earplugs

Comply Foam Tips for AirPods

00:14:00 SXSW: Shokz OpenDots One

Shokz OpenFit Pro

00:18:46 David-QT-Host your own cloud mail rules

Spark Mail

SaneBox

Claude CoWork and Dispatch

00:24:48 n-Ben-QT-1131–Train Apple’s Mail Categories for your own emails

00:26:17 John-QT-Use killall -9 if you really need to kill a process

killall -9 “[process name]”

killall -KILL “[process name]”

Check Activity Monitor’s View menu

00:37:17 Tim-QT-Use Reminders to remember your birthday rewards

Sponsors

00:38:30 SPONSOR: BBEdit, the power tool for text from Bare Bones Software; now with integrated Notebooks and extended language support.

00:39:41 SPONSOR: Stamps.com With Stamps.com you can send from your computer or phone 24/7. No long lines, no low supplies, open any time. Go to stamps.com and use code mgg to get sixty days risk-free!

Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!

00:41:01 JP-Should I Replace Drives Pre-emptively in my NAS?

Synology Monthly Disk Health Report

Synology Hot Spare

00:47:14 How about adding larger drives to your NAS?

00:51:06 Roger-What’s a better way to display and play movies on my iPad?

VLC

Infuse

Plex

00:55:42 Mark-How can I use a VPN and bypass VPN restrictions

01:00:02 CSF-GoodReader for playing movies

01:00:43 GW-Glowing MacBook Apple Logo

01:03:00 Remembering John Martellaro and the dents he put in the universe

Finding John Martellaro’s Space Shuttle Lander Simulator for Apple ][

Cool Stuff Found

01:08:04 James-CSF-Elago AirTag sleeve for AppleTV 4K remote

01:09:45 -n-Ahkeens-CSF-1132-Blip is reliable, AirDrop-style replacement

Allison-CSF-Blip to give a better AirDrop-like experience

LocalSend

01:11:53 Greg-CSF-Comma 4 uses AI to drive your car

01:18:05 MGG 1135 Outtro

MGG Monthly Giveaway

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More shows

Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)

The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast!

Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts

MGG Merch is Available!

Mac Geek Gab iOS app

Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page

Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar

This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors

MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews

[email protected]

224-888-GEEK

Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List

BackBeat Media Podcast Network

You’ll come away from this episode with a faster, smarter iPhone and Mac workflow dialed in. You learn how to boss Siri around for brightness, Dark Mode, CarPlay directions, and per‑source audio levels, so your phone actually behaves in the car and on the couch. You tap into power‑user gestures like two‑finger‑tap to open links in a new Safari tab, Quick Actions to spin anything into a PDF, and Option‑click display rotation on the Mac. You even get sneaky with ad‑supported games by flipping Airplane Mode, and peek at where on‑device AI is heading with tools like Locally AI from the SXSW “more personal computer” session.

Then you shift into solving real listener problems so your Apple gear finally stays in sync with you. You clean up contact groups, fix that iPad Mail inbox that doesn’t match your other devices, and fight back against toll‑free robocalls. You hear which iPhone cases and glass protectors the geeks actually trust, plus protection options like Verizon Home Protect and automation tools like Crank to trigger actions based on what you’re doing. The whole way through, you’re reminded of the Mac Geek Gab mantra: Don’t Get Caught missing the tweaks, tricks, and Cool Stuff Found that make your Apple life smoother.

00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1134 for Monday, March 23rd, 2026

March 23rd: World Math Day

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Congrats to February’s winners!

The MGG Merch Store is Live!

Quick Tips

00:00:01 Ian-QT-Hey Siri, turn up the brightness

00:03:50 Scott-QT-1133-Tell Siri to toggle Dark Mode

00:10:08 Vira-CSF-Locally AI – run models on your iPhone locally

SXSW: A More Personal Computer: How AI is Transforming Desktops

00:11:58 Bill-QT-Spoken Directions in CarPlay

Adjusting the volume of the different sources on your iPhone (Siri, Music, Maps, more)

“Hey Siri, speak louder”

00:17:06 Henry-QT-Two-finger-tap to open links in a new Mobile Safari tab

00:18:03 ETC-QT-Use Quick Actions to create a PDF

00:22:44 Mickey-QT-Hold Option to get Display Rotation options in System Settings

00:23:40 Adam’s wife-Stop Ads with Airplane Mode in ad-supported games

Sponsors

00:28:37 SPONSOR: Gusto. Get three months free when you run your first payroll when you start at gusto.com/MGG

00:29:53 SPONSOR: Pocket Hose. For a limited time, you can get a FREE pocket pivot and their 10-pattern sprayer with the purchase of ANY size Copper Head hose. Just text MGG to 64000.

00:31:23 SPONSOR: Shopify. In 2026, stop waiting and start selling with Shopify. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/MGG

00:32:49 SXSW: Phil Schiller & David Pogue Fireside Chat

David Pogue Apple: The First 50 Years

Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!

00:43:49 Joe-Question about Contact groups

00:48:32 Bill-How come my iPad shows different Mail than everything else?

00:54:45 Craig-Robo Calls showing up from Toll Free Numbers

00:59:52 Scott-What iPhone cases does everyone use?

OpenCase

Mujjo Leather Case

Tempered Glass Screen Protectors

Cool Stuff Found

01:14:02 Steve-CSF-Verizon Home Protect for $25/month is a great AppleCare+ alternative

01:16:35 Joe-CSF-1133-Crank can launch actions based upon user-configurable criteria

01:19:23 MGG 1134 Outtro

MGG Monthly Giveaway

Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly

Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)

The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast!

Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts

MGG Merch is Available!

Mac Geek Gab iOS app

Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page

Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar

This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors

MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews

[email protected]

224-888-GEEK

Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List

BackBeat Media Podcast Network