Sooner or later, everybody needs information from Apple or help solving a problem. 10 little-known pages at apple.com can resolve virtually any issue you may encounter. Here’s a handy quick-reference to 10 crucial Apple URLs.
1. My Apple ID
URL: appleid.apple.com
Your Apple ID is what you use to login to all of Apple’s various services, including iTunes purchases, iCloud, messaging (iMessage/iChat), FaceTime, iBooks, and plenty more. Chances are, you already have an Apple ID. But if you don’t, you can sign up for one right here. It’s 100% free. At this same website, you can retrieve your Apple ID if you’ve forgotten it, or change any of the details of your account, such as your primary email address or billing information.
2. iForgot
URL: iforgot.apple.com
If you forget your Apple ID’s password, here’s where you can reset it.
3. Apple Services Status
URL: apple.com/support/systemstatus
If you’re having trouble accessing iCloud, iTunes, Siri, Maps, FaceTime, or any of Apple’s 30+ other services, take a quick glance at the Apple Services Status page [. It’ll show you if Apple is experiencing an issue with the service on their end. If they are, then there’s not much you can do but wait for them to fix it. If everything is working properly on Apple’s end and you’re still having a problem, then the problem is coming from your device. (See #4.)
4. Genius Bar Reservations
URL: concierge.apple.com/reservation/us/en/techsupport
If you’ve got a problem with your device that you can’t resolve on your own, then you’re going to want to see a Genius. That’s the smarty types that work behind the counter at the back of your local Apple Store. They’re tech gurus who know how to fix just about anything Apple-related that can be fixed. But you can’t just walk in and expect to see a Genius; you have to make a reservation. This webpage lets you make your reservation online, no phone call required.
5. Support Database
URL: support.apple.com
If there’s a feature of your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or other device that you don’t know how to use but would like to learn, the Support database page is what you want. There are also suggestions you can try for troubleshooting. Dig deep enough and you’ll find an incredible wealth of knowledge and instructions here. And since it’s Apple, you won’t have to worry about deciphering any heavy tech jargon.
6. Contact Apple Support
URL: expresslane.apple.com
Some issues can only be resolved by talking to a real human being — but may not require a trip to the Genius Bar. Billing issues, for example. You can get that process started on this page. Or if you’ve already been to see a Genius but you had to leave your device there for repairs, you can get status updates on how it’s going at this URL.
7. My Support Profile (Serial Numbers)
URL: supportprofile.apple.com
If you accidentally leave your iPhone at the airport, or your home is broken into and your MacBook Pro is gone, then you have to report what’s happened to the authorities. Apple Inc. can’t do much to help you track down your stuff, although the Find My… apps can be a lifesaver. Assuming you’ve activated them, of course. When you’re ready to contact the police or security or whoever to report your stolen item, one of the first things they’ll ask you for is your device’s serial number. The My Support Profile page has a helpful list of every device you’ve registered with Apple, and the serial number for each one.
8. Product Manuals
URL: manuals.apple.com
These days, very few (if any) Apple products ship with manuals. The thinking behind this is that Apple products are so user-friendly that you already know how to use them, no manual required. In spite of this, Apple does create manuals for every single product it creates. (And they can be mighty handy if you take the time to look through them and learn all the tips and tricks.) You just have to download them. This page is where you can find them all.
9. Apple Security Updates
URL: support.apple.com/kb/HT1222
“Security” is one of the Internet’s biggest buzzwords, because you’re always hearing horror stories about identity theft online. Anytime a hole is found in a device’s security that can be exploited, Apple identifies the problem and releases a patch to fix it. It’s a good idea to periodically check the Apple Security Updates page to see if there are any new patches (apple calls them “security updates”) you need to download to keep your personal information safe.
10. Privacy Policy
URL: apple.com/privacy
Speaking of security, these days you have to be proactive about maintaining your personal privacy. Stay aware of Apple’s security policies and practices by keeping an eye on this page. It hasn’t been updated in about a year now at the time of this writing, but if and when Apple makes a change to its privacy policy, this is where you’ll find it. It’s got some other useful info, too; I had no idea there was a page iOS device users can go to, to opt out of how Apple and its partners keep tabs on your ad impressions and effectiveness.
you missed:
http://www.apple.com/legal
it has all kinds of fun