An AI-powered “Clean Up” feature reportedly coming soon to the Apple Photos app could let users eliminate unwanted objects from images. If true, Apple could showcase the rumored image-editing feature Tuesday at its “Let Loose” event.
During the prerecorded product launch, Apple should show off new iPads alongside some updated accessories, like Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard.
‘Clean Up’ feature coming to Apple Photos app?
As Apple races to catch up to competitors, the company seems uncharacteristically open about efforts to incorporate AI into its products. Just last week, Apple CEO Tim Cook said he and his colleagues “believe in the transformative power and promise of AI.” He also said Apple is “looking forward to an exciting product announcement next week” (without offering specifics, of course).
An update to Apple’s website Monday could offer a hint about the possible Clean Up tool coming to Apple’s Photos app. The homepage now lets users erase various promo images for the Let Loose event just by swiping a cursor over them, like a virtual scratcher ticket.
Clean Up feature uses generative AI to whip images into shape
If it’s a hint, it’s a pretty obvious one. The Clean Up rumor comes from AppleInsider, which cited anonymous sources in its Monday report:
People familiar with Apple’s next-gen operating systems have told AppleInsider that the iPad maker is internally testing an enhanced feature for its built-in Photos application that would make use of generative AI for photo editing. The feature is dubbed “Clean Up” in pre-release versions of Apple’s macOS 15, and is located inside the edit menu of a new version of the Photos application alongside existing options for adjustments, filters, and cropping.
The feature appears to replace Apple’s Retouch tool available on macOS versions of the Photos app. Unlike the Retouch tool, however, the Clean Up feature is expected to offer improved editing capabilities and the option to remove larger objects within a photo.
Advanced photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop already offers similar AI-powered features that let users quickly and easily remove unwanted elements from their images.
Cook last week said Apple sees “generative AI as a very key opportunity across our products. And we believe that we have advantages that set us apart there.”
Apple’s commitment to data privacy is certainly one such advantage. But another one that clearly could apply here is that the Photos app comes free on Apple devices. If Cupertino can bolster its stock apps with pro-level capabilities, that could help sway consumers to buy new Apple gear. Alternatively, Apple could begin charging for certain “pro” features, as it continues to lean on services revenue to bolster its bottom line.
Let Loose event: iPads, Apple Pencil and a hint of AI?
Is erasable imagery on Apple’s website a hint about the Clean Up feature? Screenshot: Apple
If the rumored Clean Up feature in Apple’s Photos app proves real, the company could mention it at the Let Loose event. Such a high-profile reveal could offer potential customers an easy-to-understand glimpse at how AI can improve their everyday experiences with iPads, Macs and iPhones.
The iPad Pros reportedly will feature OLED screens. And they might even run on an Apple M4 chip to better power AI tasks. Meanwhile, the iPad Air lineup is expected to add its first 12.9-inch model.
Apple probably will hold off on its major AI push until this summer’s Worldwide Developers Conference. At the June event, Apple will reveal new features coming to all its software platforms.
Until then, we’ll just have to take Cook at his word when it comes to Apple’s wide-ranging AI ambitions.
“We believe we have advantages that will differentiate us in this new era,” he said last week, “including Apple’s unique combination of seamless hardware, software and services integration, groundbreaking Apple silicon, with our industry-leading neural engines, and our unwavering focus on privacy, which underpins everything we create.”
Adding an AI-powered Clean Up feature to the Photos app could offer a glimpse of things to come.
If you’ve been following the news here on Engadget, you know there are always new smartphones coming out to outshine your old handset and inspire some real gadget FOMO. But once you’ve upgraded, what do you do with your old phone? If it’s still in good working condition, chances are that someone out there is willing to shell out a few bucks for your castoff. And that goes for so much more than just phones since you can always find somewhere to sell your old laptops, game consoles and other electronics for a pretty penny. Learn about all of the places where you can sell your used gadgets below.
Trade-in sites
If you’re looking for the least amount of hassle and easiest way to get money in hand as soon as possible, there are plenty of sites that automate the trade-in process. You’ll select your device from a list, get a quote within minutes and send the device to the company in return for cash in a matter of days.
Decluttr
Decluttr definitely lives up to its name. Not only can you sell phones from a number of manufacturers, including Apple, Samsung and Google, but the site also takes lots of physical media, including CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, video games and books. For devices, you’ll be asked to provide a general assessment of its condition before you’re given a quote immediately. Once you complete your order, the site will send you a free shipping label. Decluttr also will accept handsets as old as the iPhone 7, though it’ll offer you only $14 for a 32GB model in good condition.
uSell
uSell operates as a broker, searching other sites for their best offers on a given device and taking care of the rest. Like most buyback sites, it’s big on iPhones, but you can still sell off other manufacturers’ devices; it really depends on who’s buying them at that point. The selection is a bit of a grab bag — newer phones like the Galaxy S22 aren’t listed, though you can get a quote for the iPhone 15 ($672 for an unlocked, “flawless” 64GB model). Once you complete your order the site will send you a free shipping kit to send in your device, and you can get paid for the item via PayPal, Venmo or an old-fashioned check.
ecoATM
If you don’t want to have to worry about packaging up your old device and mailing it off, or would like to receive your payout right away, there’s always ecoATM. It’s literally all in the name: the company operates automated machines that you place your device into to get it examined, and it pays you out on the spot. It accepts the biggest brands (i.e., Apple, Google and Samsung), along with devices from a wide variety of manufacturers, including LG, Motorola and ZTE. If the machine determines that your device isn’t worth anything at all, you can still use ecoATM to responsibly recycle your old gadget. You’ll find ecoATM kiosks in Walmart and Kroger locations, as well as malls and check-cashing stores across the country.
Amazon
While browsing Amazon listings, it’s likely you’ve come across products marked as “refurbished.” Well, if you’ve ever wondered where those come from, a lot of them likely hail from Amazon’s trade-in program. The company will put its own products, like Kindle ereaders and Fire tablets front and center, but you can also send in phones and gaming products in for an Amazon gift card as well. It’s not great if you want cash, but if you’re looking to upgrade an Amazon device, this option is your best bet, as trading in an older one also nets you a 20 percent discount in addition to the store credit. You’ll need to print out a shipping label, or you can drop off your electronics at select Amazon Locker, Whole Foods or uBreakiFix locations.
Apple
This is a good option if you’re looking to upgrade to a newer Apple device. You can trade in iPhones, iPads, Macs and even Apple Watches. That’s notable as wearables are a category you don’t often see on trade-in sites. Apple will even take your old Android phone if you were thinking of making the switch. The trade-in values are on par with other sites, but you can get a smaller payout in the form of a gift card instead if you’d rather wait before making a new purchase, want to put it toward media purchases or even just use it in an Apple Store. The latter, by the way, also accepts trade-ins in case you’re not comfortable shipping your old but still expensive device.
It’sWorthMore
The nice thing about It’sWorthMore is that its on-site forms handle a larger variety of gadgets than other sites, incorporating companies such as Microsoft, AMD and even GoPro in addition to standards like Apple, Samsung and Google. You’ll answer a few standard questions about your device’s condition and whether you still have the original box — obviously, the more you’ve kept from the original packaging, the better. You’ll then get a ballpark estimate of its worth and a prepaid shipping label to print out. Once your device has been received, you’ll generally get the assessment and payment via check, PayPal, Zelle or a gift card in under 10 days.
BuyBackWorld
The appeal of BuyBackWorld is that device assessment is a streamlined process: Instead of having to answer a barrage of detailed questions for your device you give it a general assessment and let the site handle the rest. Just like with It’sWorthMore, BuyBackWorld will provide a printable shipping label in your confirmation email but, if you don’t have a printer or boxes to pack your device up, you can always have the site send you a free shipping kit, which can handle everything the site takes except desktop computers.
GadgetGone
If you’ve read through the other site descriptions, GadgetGone’s modus operandi should be familiar: To sell a product, you’ll have to answer a few questions about what type of device you have and what condition it’s in, after which the site will generate a prepaid shipping label. At least here you can find brands like OnePlus included among the options, and you can also sell MacBooks and Mac minis here. You can get paid a number of ways, too, including PayPal, virtual VISA card, Amazon and Target gift cards or just good, old-fashioned bank transfer.
Store trade-ins
Sometimes you need your money right now, or just don’t want to trust your device to the vagaries of various shipping companies. There are a few nationwide retailers that accept trade-ins for cash or store credit. Additionally, wireless carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T will all give you credit toward a new phone.
Best Buy
Best Buy also offers trade-ins both by mail and in-store — with more than 1,000 locations, this might be extremely convenient for you. You fill out the form online and bring that to customer service. It’s easy, but there’s one big downside: You can get your payout only via a Best Buy gift card. This is great if you spend a lot of money with them anyway, but not ideal if you need cash.
Target
Target isn’t as well known for its trade-in program, but it’s certainly a welcomed option. With over 1,900 locations across the US, it’s easy enough to bring your unwanted phones, tablets, game consoles, smart speakers and video games to a nearby Target’s electronics department for a quote. They’ll even package it up and ship it off to the processing facility for you. You’ll get a Target gift card via email within a week. If you can’t make it to a store, Target also offers a mail-in option.
GameStop
GameStop is infamous for buying games back at ridiculously low prices and flipping them at near retail, but don’t let that stop you from making some easy cash when you need to quickly clear your closet of old electronics and games. And yes, I said cash: GameStop offers store credit, a Visa prepaid card or actual money if you want to take your bounty elsewhere. For example, you can trade in Super Mario Bros. Wonder for the Switch and get $35 in store credit or $24.50 cash, which isn’t bad when new copies are going for $50 on Amazon. GameStop also accepts phones, tablets and Apple Watches, though the prices aren’t going to match what you’d get from an online trade-in site.
Consumer to consumer
Sometimes you prefer to cut out the middleman and get a bit more personal — a transaction where you’re selling your device directly to another person instead of letting a faceless site flip it for you as a “refurbished” unit. In those cases, you want a site that’s more user-to-user, though a few will still automate certain bits to make your sale as smooth and secure as possible.
Swappa
Swappa is a marketplace site, which means sellers can set their own price. So if you’re getting rid of a newer phone, this is probably the best way to go — the iPhone 14 fetches around $533, for example. That’s a huge improvement over what you’d get selling through a site like Decluttr, which is offering only $267 for a 128GB unit.
Amazon
When shopping on Amazon, you’ve probably been tempted by some of those marketplace deals in the past and, chances are, if you list an item on there, someone will give your old device a look. Since almost everyone on earth seems to have an Amazon account, your potential customer base is huge, and it costs only $0.99, plus a percentage based on category, to sell an item through the site. The downsides are that Amazon isn’t really optimized for individual sales; you’ll be competing with wholesale companies and even bots that will tweak the price of a product automatically in response to the competition.
eBay
eBay is sort of the Wild West of sales sites, but the biggest advantage is that you can sell anything there and hopefully find a buyer, regardless of how old a product is. Even so, the site has come a long way in the past decade or so, adding structured categories that can help lead customers to your product. For phones, you can search by network, color or storage capacity, and even filter for features like 4K video or fingerprint sensors.
In the end, it still works as it always did: You list a product and set an end date for the listing with a minimum price, or just set a “Buy It Now” price if you don’t want to wait to see how an auction turns out. Chances are you already have an eBay account with a feedback score, so there’s no extra setup required on your part. Your first 250 listings are free every month, and you’ll pay up to 15 percent of the purchase price only if an item sells. The biggest downside is that you’re competing with a lot more sellers, and chances are there’s always someone willing to undercut you on price.
Cash-back comparison
Ultimately, the site you go with should be whatever’s most useful and convenient, but if you just care about how much money you’ll get, we’ve priced out a few recent flagship handsets just to give you an idea of what each site will pay out.
All phone prices are for the lowest storage capacity, usually 128GB, and for devices that are in generally good condition with no cracks or scratches. The prices are for the unlocked models when available, or the carrier where it’s being traded. These prices were valid the day this post was written, but they fluctuate daily or, in the case of sites like Amazon and eBay, hourly.
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Google Pixel 7
$361
$268
$153
$455
N/A
N/A
$275
$185
$55
$364
$223
$127
$315
$210
$115
$330
$230
$130
$340
$235
$115
$498 credit / $349 cash
$181 credit / $127 cash
N/A
$664
$539
$293
$578
$460
$229
$350
$340
$214
$375
$275
$150
$446
$382
$165
$476
$411
$218
If you were looking to sell some games, we’ve also got a shorter list, because not every site accepts trade-ins. GameStop will offer you more money than what’s listed below if you’re a member of its Elite or Elite Pro programs.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Switch)
Final Fantasy XVI (PS5)
Diablo IV (Xbox)
Decluttr
$20
$16
$18
GameStop
$30 credit / $21 cash
$17 credit / $12 cash
$12 credit / $8 cash
Amazon
$10 trade-in / $45 marketplace
$34 marketplace
$34 marketplace
eBay
$12
$10
$15
Once you’ve picked a site and listed your item, there are a few important things to remember before you ship off your device. At the top of the list is to do a full factory reset before disposing of a phone or laptop (or any other device) containing personal data. That also means turning off “Find My iPhone” and the activation lock on iOS devices. See if you can unlock the phone, too; you’ll actually get more money selling it carrier-free. And finally, make sure you’ve backed up any important data you may have, like contact info, game saves and, of course, photos. Cash is great, but it won’t save your memories.
Images: Mike Blake / Reuters (ecoATM); Alamy (Gamestop); Getty Images for eBay (eBay)
We love tech of all shapes and sizes around here, but over the past decade it’s become increasingly obvious that our gadget fervor comes at a cost —especially when it comes to the environment. Metal and plastic don’t fully decompose over time, and almost everything we buy now has rare earth elements in it. But all is not lost as companies and consumers alike have become more cognizant of the problem, and offer possible solutions.
On your end, this means disposing of your old products responsibly, allowing companies and governments to reuse some components and dispose of others in a safe manner. That means taking the things you can’t give away or sell to a recycling center or, at the least, to a store that can pass it along for recycling. Check out our advice below on how to find a place that’ll take your old phones, computers and other broken or outdated gadgets.
National chains
There is no national electronics recycling law at this time, so you won’t find any federal programs to assist you with getting rid of old devices. The USPS does run a program for federal agencies and their employees, but it’s not available to the general public. Instead, the rest of us have to rely on nationwide retailers to toss out our old stuff.
Best Buy
With more than 1,000 locations in the United States, Best Buy may also be local to you, in which case, you can go to a location to drop off items to be recycled. You just need to take it to the customer service counter. They’ll issue you a receipt too, but keep in mind that you can’t claim the drop-off as a deduction on your taxes because Best Buy isn’t a charity.
As of 2023, Best Buy also has a mail-in option. You can purchase a small- ($23, up to 6 pounds) or medium-sized ($30, up to 15 pounds) box from the retailer, fill it up with as many approved gadgets as you can (while staying under the weight limit) and ship it back to Best Buy to be recycled. You can either drop off your boxes at a UPS drop-off point or schedule a UPS pickup (do not drop the boxes off at a Best Buy store).
You can even recycle televisions and monitors, though in most places you’ll be charged a fee of $30 per item to cover the higher costs of transporting and disassembling them. Best Buy’s in-house TV brands of Insignia and Dynex will always be accepted for free, though, as long as they’re smaller than 49 inches. (Consumers in California are not charged the $30 fee, while locations in Pennsylvania charge the fee but in return offer a $30 gift card as reimbursement. Connecticut locations will only accept Insignia and Dynex sets for recycling.) If you’re turning in any desktops, laptops or PC gaming accessories, you’ll get a voucher for 20 percent off toward the purchase of a new Logitech mouse, keyboard, webcam or headset. Just be aware that Best Buy limits you to three items per household per day, including up to two televisions.
Staples
Recycling your stuff at Staples is similar to Best Buy — just bring your products to the checkout counter and an associate will help you out. But you can only bring in seven items a day, and the store won’t accept televisions at all (monitors are allowed). Staples Easy Rewards members also receive points for bringing in goods to be recycled or shredded; the points can be redeemed at checkout for discounts on purchases (200 points = $1 off).
If you can’t make it to a store, Staples also offers a mail-in program. You’ll need to purchase a recycling box first, which start at $20 for a small box and go up to several hundred for a full pallet (only available for commercial locations). You can put as much as you want into a box as long as it fits inside and doesn’t exceed the weight limit (a large box can accept up to 70 pounds). A “serialized” option is also available for an additional charge, which includes an inventory list for everything you send back. The boxes are shipped to you and then back to Staples at no extra cost;, just drop off the sealed packages at your local UPS drop-off point or call for a pickup.
Office Depot
Office Depot has more than 1,300 locations, but unlike Staples and Best Buy, it won’t recycle your old gadgets for free. If you’re only getting rid of a few phones or batteries, those can be turned in at any store for no charge. For everything else, you must purchase a Tech Recycling Box ($8.39 for small, $18.29 for medium, and $28 for large) even if you’re already at the store. Once you have the box, you can fill it with as many items as you can fit inside, including smaller televisions, as long as it doesn’t exceed the weight limit. So it’s a great deal if you have a lot of stuff you want to dispose of. These must be turned in at an Office Depot store; an associate will check to make sure all the items are acceptable and prepare the box for shipping (you’ll be asked to fill out a form).
You can also return used ink and toner cartridges and get $2 each, up to 10 a month, if you’re a rewards member and spend at least $10 in-store on products within the same month.
Home Depot and Lowes
You can dispose of old rechargeable batteries, old phones and CFL bulbs in the dropoff boxes at any of 2,300 Home Depot or 2,200 Lowe’s locations. The bins are usually located in the front of the store, and Home Depot has an 11-pound limit on individual items.
Target
Target locations have drop-off bins for recyclables located near the entrance; in addition to bins for paper and plastics, there is a specially-designated bin for e-waste like cellphones and used ink cartridges.
Manufacturers
If you can’t make it to a retail location, especially when you need to get rid of only one or two items, many companies offer recycling programs for their own products. They’ll even pay for shipping. Some run their own programs while others use outside organizations. We’ve outlined policies from a handful of manufacturers below.
Amazon
Amazon would love for you to use its trade-in program and, if you’re looking to recycle Amazon-branded products like Kindles, Fire TVs and even Ring doorbells, you absolutely should. Amazon will send you a gift card as well as promotional discount to use on a future Amazon device purchase, even if the returned product is non-functional.
For products from other manufacturers that can’t be resold, Amazon offers mail-in recycling. You can send in your busted phones and tablets, as well as select peripherals like keyboards and mice. You’ll just need to fill out some forms online and generate a shipping label, which you can slap on any box. Drop it off at a UPS location, and you’re good to go; Amazon will cover all the costs.
Apple
Apple
If your iPhone or MacBook is still in good shape, you should consider selling it, but if it’s too old or beat up you can still score a gift card by turning it into Apple’s recycling program. For iPhones (as well as select handsets from Samsung and Google) and iPads, you’ll be asked to fill out a form attesting to the product’s condition and given a trade-in quote (at the time of writing this, a working iPhone 8 goes for $50 and an iPhone 12 scores you $220). For Macs and Apple Watches, you’ll be asked to provide a serial number as well. Though Apple won’t give you cash for anything it deems too old, broken or otherwise unacceptable, you can still mail it in or bring it to any Apple Store so it can be responsibly disposed of.
Dell
Dell offers drop-off recycling via a partnership with Goodwill. Not every location participates, but there are more than 2,000 that do. And, because it’s a charity, you may even be able to deduct it as a donation on your taxes. Dell also has a mail-back program on its site where you can generate and print out a shipping label and drop the package off at a FedEx location instead.
Epson
You can ship old products back to Epson by simply creating a shipping label on its site and dropping it off at a FedEx location. If you’re located in New York, you can even get free packaging sent to you by calling 866-922-8252. Epson also recommends getting in touch with a local charity via Digitunity, where your old equipment may be refurbished for use by people in need.
HP
If you can, HP recommends taking its products to the nearest Best Buy. HP does have a trade-in program, but it’s geared toward business customers looking to upgrade equipment that still has market value and individual consumers will be redirected to other recycling methods.
Ink and toner cartridges can be returned by mail; the company will mail you an envelope that can hold between 3 and 8 ink cartridges and can be dropped off in a mailbox or at the post office. For toner and large quantities of ink cartridges, you can print out a label and use your own box, or request a box be sent directly to you, which you’ll fill with items and drop off at a UPS location.
Other manufacturers
Many other companies use outside recyclers to dispose of their products, and you’ll often see the same names popping up again and again across different manufacturers. This should simplify things in some cases — you should be able to send in products from multiple sources in one package. You just need to fill in the make and model to generate a prepaid shipping label. However, different states have different rules on what you can return, so the drop-downs for selecting your product may vary by area.
Two major recycling companies you’ll notice a lot are RLG, which covers Acer, Canon, Google, Intel, Lenovo, and Microsoft, and MRM, which recycles products for Brother, Hisense, Hitachi, HTC, Logitech, Panasonic, TCL and Wacom.
States
There may not be a national law dictating that you must recycle your electronics, but at least 26 states have passed rules that vary widely on what they demand of manufacturers and consumers. Almost all states that do collect products for recycling provide this service free, with the bill footed by the companies in some way. Most provide some local programs to help you get rid of your stuff, regardless of whether recycling your gadgets is required or optional.
The following states have some special circumstances worth noting:
Connecticut
Does not allow recycling centers to charge you a fee for turning in electronics, so many organizations and retailers that would usually charge for recycling televisions and monitors do not accept them. Because you cannot dispose of them curbside, you can take them to a municipal transfer station for free.
New York
New York State has a law making it illegal to charge a fee at recycling centers, so this is your best bet for disposing of old televisions (retailers can still charge for the service). If you live in a New York City apartment building with 10 or more units, contact your landlord about getting an ecycleNYC drop-off box installed in your building. It’s super convenient and free.
Pennsylvania
Does not allow retailers to charge you a fee to recycle, so places like Best Buy and Staples will not accept most televisions or monitors. Many recycling centers have also closed as a result of underfunding, so check the list of open locations first. Some nonprofit recyclers may still accept the items, and you should check to see if your local government is hosting any drop-off events. Lancaster and Dauphin Counties also still run civic recycling programs.
Virginia
This state does not have a dedicated statewide recycling program, but some localities run their own programs including Fairfax, Loudoun and Rockbridge counties, and cities like Arlington. Check each municipality’s site for details.
Cell phones
Cell phones are the easiest gadget to recycle — if you haven’t already decided to sell yours off on eBay or via sites like Decluttr and ecoATM. But, if you can’t or won’t make some cash off of it, you can send it to:
Call2Recycle, which has drop-off centers all over the country in many chain stores, including Lowes and Home Depot. It will also accept rechargeable batteries.
Cell Phones for Soldiers accepts phones in any condition and sells them to refurbishers or recyclers. The proceeds go toward purchasing phone cards for troops so they can call their friends and family back home. To be clear, the phones are not given directly to the soldiers.
The three major US carriers — Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile — all offer free recycling. You can trade in your old device in-store or send it in for a credit toward a new phone, or let them straight up recycle it. AT&T also participates in Cell Phones for Soldiers.
If you do decide to try your luck with ecoATM to see if your old phone is still worth a few bucks and it turns out it’s worth nothing, you can at least rest easy knowing that the company will also recycle your phone responsibly.
This guide is designed to show you how to stop unwanted calls on your iPhone. To successfully eliminate unwanted calls on your iPhone, it’s essential to delve into the array of features and settings that iOS offers. These unwanted calls, which encompass a broad spectrum from persistent telemarketers to automated spam calls, not only intrude upon one’s personal space but also disrupt daily life.
Recognizing this, Apple has thoughtfully incorporated a variety of tools within its iOS platform, specifically designed to empower users in managing and controlling these unwelcome interruptions. This article aims to provide a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to navigating and effectively employing these integrated features, ensuring that users can maintain their peace of mind and focus without the constant bother of unwanted calls.
1. Understanding Call Blocking & Identification
Apple’s iOS provides a native call-blocking and identification function. This feature allows users to block specific numbers and, through third-party apps, identify potentially spammy calls.
Enabling Call Blocking
Manually Block Numbers: You can block numbers directly from your call log. Simply tap the ‘i’ icon next to the number and select ‘Block this Caller’.
From Contacts: If the number is saved in your contacts, open the contact, scroll down, and select ‘Block this Caller’.
Using Call Identification Apps
2. Leveraging Do Not Disturb Mode
‘Do Not Disturb’ mode can be a powerful tool to limit calls during certain hours.
Customizing Do Not Disturb
Scheduling: Set specific times for ‘Do Not Disturb’ to activate automatically, like during meetings or sleep.
Allow Calls From: You can allow calls from ‘Favorites’ or specific groups in your contacts, ensuring you don’t miss important calls.
3. Utilizing Silence Unknown Callers
A relatively new feature, ‘Silence Unknown Callers’, will automatically silence calls from numbers not in your contact list.
Enabling the Feature
Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Phone’.
Scroll down to find ‘Silence Unknown Callers’ and toggle it on.
4. Reporting Spam Calls
Reporting spam calls can help improve the call-filtering database for everyone.
How to Report
Through Voicemail: If a spam call leaves a voicemail, you can report it directly from the ‘Voicemail’ tab.
Using Third-Party Apps: Some call identification apps also offer the option to report spam numbers.
5. Regularly Updating Your Phone
Ensuring your iPhone’s operating system is up to date is crucial for maintaining the effectiveness of these features.
Steps for Updating
Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘General’ > ‘Software Update.
If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it.
Conclusion
By harnessing the capabilities of both the built-in features in the iPhone and various third-party applications, users can achieve a substantial decrease in the volume of unwanted calls they encounter. This integration of Apple’s native tools with externally developed applications creates a robust defense against the incessant barrage of telemarketers and automated spam calls.
To optimize this protection, it is crucial for users to engage in regular maintenance, which includes periodically checking for and implementing updates to both their device’s operating system and the third-party apps. These updates are often designed to address new tactics employed by spammers and telemarketers, ensuring that users are equipped with the latest defenses. It’s important to note that the effectiveness of these tools is not uniform; it can vary significantly depending on the user’s geographic location and the evolving tactics of spam callers. Therefore, adopting a multifaceted approach that combines the strengths of various methods is usually the most effective strategy. This comprehensive approach ensures a dynamic and adaptive defense system against the ever-changing landscape of unwanted communications, maintaining the user’s peace and privacy. You can find out more details about stopping unwanted calls on your iPhone over at Apple’s website.
This guide will show you how to block unwanted calls, emails and messages on your iPhone or iPad. In today’s digital age, it’s more important than ever to be able to control who can contact you. With the rise of spam and harassment, it’s important to have the ability to block unwanted messages and calls. Luckily, both iPhone and iPad offer built-in features that allow you to block phone numbers, contacts, and emails.
Blocking phone numbers is the most straightforward way to prevent unwanted calls and messages. You can block individual numbers, or you can block all calls and messages from unknown callers.
Blocking Individual Phone Numbers
To block an individual phone number, follow these steps:
Open the Phone app on your iPhone or iPad.
Tap the Recents tab.
Tap the phone number that you want to block.
Tap Block this Caller.
A confirmation dialog will appear. Tap Block again to confirm.
Blocking All Unknown Callers
If you want to block all calls and messages from unknown callers, follow these steps:
Go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers.
A confirmation dialog will appear. Tap Turn On to enable the feature.
By blocking phone numbers, you can take control of your privacy and reduce the amount of spam that you receive. If you receive a call from a blocked number, you will not see it in your Recents list, and you will not be notified of the call.
Blocking Contacts
You can also block contacts from contacting you. This can be useful if you have a contact that is sending you unwanted messages or calls.
To block a contact, follow these steps:
Open the Contacts app on your iPhone or iPad.
Find the contact that you want to block and tap on it.
Tap the Edit button in the top right corner of the screen.
Tap the Block Contact button in the bottom left corner of the screen.
A confirmation dialog will appear. Tap Block again to confirm.
By blocking contacts, you can keep unwanted callers and senders from reaching you.
Blocking Email Addresses
Blocking email addresses is a great way to stop spam from filling up your inbox. To block an email address, follow these steps:
Open the Mail app on your iPhone or iPad.
Open the email from the sender that you want to block.
Tap the Details button in the bottom right corner of the screen.
Scroll down to the More section and tap the Block Contact button.
A confirmation dialog will appear. Tap Block again to confirm.
By blocking email addresses, you can keep unwanted senders from reaching you.
Filtering iMessages from Unknown Senders
In addition to blocking phone numbers and email addresses, you can also filter iMessages from unknown senders. This will help to reduce the amount of spam that you receive.
To filter iMessages from unknown senders, follow these steps:
Go to Settings > Messages > Filter Unknown Senders.
Toggle the Filter Unknown Senders switch to On.
With this feature enabled, iMessages from unknown senders will be sent to your Junk Mail folder. You can still view and reply to these messages if you want, but they won’t be mixed in with your regular messages.
Reporting iMessages
If you receive an iMessage that you believe is spam or junk mail, you can report it to Apple. This will help to improve Apple’s spam filter and prevent other users from receiving the same message.
To report an iMessage, follow these steps:
Open the iMessage that you want to report.
Tap the i icon in the top right corner of the screen.
Tap Report Spam or Junk.
Tap Report Spam again to confirm.
By reporting iMessages, you can help to keep your inbox clean and prevent other users from receiving spam.
Summary
By blocking phone numbers, contacts, and emails, you can take control of your privacy and reduce the amount of spam that you receive. By filtering iMessages from unknown senders and reporting iMessages that you believe are spam or junk mail, you can help to create a more secure and enjoyable online experience for yourself and others. You can find out more details about how to block unwanted calls, messages and emails over at Apple’s website.
Image Credit: René Ranisch
Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Guides
Latest timeswonderful Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, timeswonderful may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Birds are fascinating creatures, celebrated for their graceful flight and melodic songs. However, when these feathered friends decide to make themselves home in your property or business, they can quickly become unwanted guests. From noise pollution to property damage, birds can present many problems.
Bird Netting is a solution that doesn’t involve drastic measures or harm to these creatures. In this blog post, we’ll delve into bird netting and how it is an effective and humane deterrent for keeping birds at bay.
The Avian Invasion
Birds are ubiquitous in our environment, and their instincts often lead them to seek shelter and nesting sites in places that happen to be our homes, gardens, commercial spaces, and agricultural fields. While they are a delight to observe in their natural habitats, their presence in these areas can lead to a variety of problems:
Health Hazards
Bird droppings can pose serious health risks, carrying diseases such as salmonella and E. coli. When birds nest near food production facilities, restaurants, or public spaces, the risk of contamination increases significantly.
Property Damage
Birds can cause extensive damage to buildings, machinery, and vehicles. Their droppings can corrode surfaces, and their nests can block ventilation systems, leading to costly repairs and maintenance.
Noise Pollution
Birds can be noisy neighbors, disrupting the peace and tranquility of residential and commercial areas. This noise pollution can lead to disturbed sleep, reduced productivity, and even stress-related health issues.
Crop Damage
Birds can wreak havoc in agriculture by devouring crops, leading to significant economic losses for farmers. This not only affects their livelihood but can also impact food availability and prices.
Enter Bird Netting
To address these challenges, many property owners, businesses, and farmers turn to bird netting as a humane and effective solution. Bird netting is a physical barrier made of lightweight and durable materials, typically polyethylene or nylon, designed to create a barrier between birds and the protected area. Here’s how bird netting works and why it’s an excellent choice for bird control:
Non-Lethal Deterrent
Unlike some traditional methods of bird control, such as poison or traps, bird netting is entirely non-lethal. It does not harm the birds but simply prevents them from accessing the protected area.
Customizable
Bird netting comes in various sizes and mesh configurations, making it highly customizable. This adaptability ensures that it can be tailored to the specific needs of your property, whether you need to protect a small garden or a vast agricultural field.
Versatile Applications
Bird netting can be used in a wide range of settings, from residential gardens and rooftops to commercial buildings, warehouses, and agricultural lands. It’s suitable for deterring a variety of bird species, including pigeons, sparrows, seagulls, and more.
Long-lasting Solution
When properly installed and maintained, bird netting can provide long-term bird control, offering a cost-effective solution that reduces the need for constant repairs and clean-up.
Installation and Maintenance
To ensure the effectiveness of bird netting, it’s crucial to have it installed by professionals who understand the behavior of local bird species. Here are some key considerations for installation and maintenance:
Proper Installation
Bird netting should be installed by experts who can identify potential entry points and nesting sites. The netting should be securely fastened to prevent birds from finding gaps or weak spots.
Regular Inspection
Regular inspections are essential to identify any damage or wear and tear in the netting. Prompt repairs can prevent birds from exploiting vulnerabilities.
Humane Removal
In some cases, birds may already be nesting in the protected area when bird netting is installed. In such instances, it’s important to consult with wildlife experts to safely and humanely relocate the birds.
Conclusion
Bird netting is a humane, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solution to the challenges posed by unwanted avian guests. Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or farmer, bird netting can help you reclaim your space from the inconveniences and damages caused by birds. By implementing this practical and ethical approach to bird control, you can enjoy the benefits of a bird-free environment while allowing these creatures to thrive in their natural habitats. So, when it comes to bird control, don’t wing it – choose bird netting and keep unwanted guests at bay.
