Online Tutorials and Learning Resources

There are many good sources for Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, photography, and general technology tutorials. Some are free, some require a subscription, and some are supported by libraries, schools, or employers.

One of the best paid resources is LinkedIn Learning, which was formerly known as Lynda.com. It offers online video courses on Mac basics, iPhone and iPad apps, photography, business software, creative tools, and many other subjects. Not every topic is covered, and the courses often go beyond the basics, but the quality is generally very good. Some public libraries and employers provide free access to LinkedIn Learning, so it is worth checking before paying for an individual subscription.

Apple also offers excellent free resources. The Apple Support website has current instructions for setting up and using the Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple apps, iCloud, backups, Migration Assistant, and many other Apple services. Apple Support also has a YouTube channel with short explanatory and how-to videos. While you are there, you can subscribe to the Apple Support channel. Apple also has a more general YouTube channel that is more promotional and informational than instructional.

YouTube itself is also a very useful resource for tutorials on almost anything. In addition to Apple’s official videos, there are many independent channels that explain Mac and iPhone features, software, photography, home networking, backup strategies, and troubleshooting. When using YouTube, it is best to check the date of the video, because instructions for older versions of macOS, iOS, or specific apps may no longer match what you see on your screen.

There are many other websites that offer a combination of free and paid tutorials. Some are better than others, and many older tutorial sites have disappeared or are no longer current. A few good places to try include:

Apple Support
Apple’s official support site is usually the best first stop for current instructions on Apple hardware, macOS, iOS, iCloud, Photos, Mail, Safari, Time Machine, Migration Assistant, and related topics.

Apple Support on YouTube
Apple’s official support channel offers short videos on common tasks and newer Apple features.

LinkedIn Learning
A subscription-based training site, formerly Lynda.com, with video courses on technology, business, creative work, photography, software, and productivity.

GCFGlobal / GCFLearnFree
A free site with basic technology, internet, email, office software, and general computer tutorials. This can be a good starting point for beginners.

O’Reilly Online Learning
A subscription-based resource with technology books, videos, live training, and courses. It is more technical and advanced than most beginner tutorial sites, but it can be valuable for people who want deeper training.

MacRumors How-To Guides
MacRumors regularly publishes how-to articles about Apple devices, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, apps, and Apple services. Their tutorials are useful, but they are mixed in with news stories, so it can sometimes take a little searching to find the topic you want.

When looking for tutorials, try to use current material whenever possible. Apple changes the names, locations, and appearance of settings from time to time, so a tutorial that is several years old may still be partly useful but may not match your Mac, iPhone, or iPad exactly.