Mesh Networks, iCloud Bandwidth Fixes, and Must-Know Mac Tips

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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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
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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
MGG Monthly Giveaway
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Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)
The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast!
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