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Can AI Help You Take Better Photos? A Beginner’s Guide to Smart Photography

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Have you ever wondered how some people always seem to take perfect photos, even without fancy cameras? The secret often lies in artificial intelligence (AI). Today’s smartphones and digital cameras use AI to help you focus, adjust lighting, and even edit your pictures automatically. You don’t need to be a tech expert or professional photographer—AI tools can do most of the hard work for you.

In this beginner-friendly guide, you’ll learn how AI can help you take better photos, from capturing the perfect portrait to enhancing your shots with smart editing tools.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • AI can automatically adjust camera settings like brightness, focus, and color to match the scene.
  • Portrait AI helps you look your best, enhancing lighting and smoothing backgrounds naturally.
  • AI editing tools can fix common issues like poor lighting or blurry shots in just a few taps.
  • You don’t need expensive gear—most of these features are built right into modern smartphones.

Understanding AI in Photography

AI in photography simply means that your camera or phone uses smart software to recognize what’s in your photo and adjust settings for the best result.

For example, if you’re taking a picture of a sunset, the AI might automatically boost the warm colors and adjust the exposure so the sky looks rich and glowing. If you’re snapping a portrait, it can focus on the person’s face and blur the background to make them stand out.

You don’t have to fiddle with controls or know photography terms. AI acts like an invisible assistant, quietly helping you take better pictures.

How AI Makes Camera Settings Smarter

In the past, photographers had to manually adjust settings like ISO, shutter speed, and white balance. Today, AI can do that for you.

Here’s how it helps:

  1. Scene Detection: The camera identifies what you’re photographing—like food, pets, landscapes, or people—and chooses the right settings automatically.
  2. Auto Focus: AI quickly locks focus on faces or moving subjects so they stay sharp.
  3. Light Adjustment: It balances exposure so photos aren’t too dark or too bright.
  4. Color Correction: AI enhances natural colors, keeping skin tones and scenery true-to-life.

For example, when you take a photo of your dog running in the park, your phone might automatically increase the shutter speed to freeze the motion and keep your pet clear, not blurry.

AI-Powered Portraits: Look Your Best

Many smartphones now include portrait mode, which uses AI to separate you from the background and apply a gentle blur—similar to what professional photographers do with special lenses.

AI can also:

  • Smooth your skin slightly (without looking fake)
  • Adjust shadows and highlights on your face
  • Brighten eyes and enhance hair detail

This doesn’t mean changing how you look. It’s more like having perfect lighting every time you take a selfie.

Try experimenting with your phone’s portrait settings. Most devices let you adjust the background blur or lighting style, so you can control the final look.

Smart Editing Made Simple

Even after you take a photo, AI can help you make it look better instantly.

Most phones and apps now include auto-enhance or AI edit options. These tools can:

  • Fix poor lighting or color balance
  • Remove unwanted objects or reflections
  • Sharpen details or smooth out grainy areas
  • Suggest the best crop or framing

For example, Google Photos, Apple Photos, and Adobe Lightroom all use AI to make editing faster and more intuitive. You can tap a single button to transform a dull picture into something bright and polished—no technical skill needed.

Real-Life Example: From Ordinary to Outstanding

Imagine you’re taking a photo at your granddaughter’s birthday party. The room is a little dark, and people are moving around. Your phone’s AI detects faces, brightens them slightly, and reduces motion blur so everyone looks clear. Later, you can open the photo in your gallery, tap Auto Enhance, and watch as it fixes the lighting and color in seconds.

What used to take a professional and a computer hours can now be done in moments—all with tools you already have.

Tips to Get the Most from AI Photography

  • Clean your lens first. Even the best AI can’t fix a smudged lens.
  • Try different angles. AI can improve lighting, but composition is still up to you.
  • Use portrait mode for people. It’s designed to make faces stand out beautifully.
  • Explore your camera settings. Look for “AI mode,” “scene detection,” or “auto-enhance.”
  • Review before sharing. AI can sometimes make colors too bright; a quick check ensures your photo still looks natural.

Final Thoughts

AI has made photography easier and more enjoyable for everyone. You no longer need to study complicated settings or buy expensive equipment to capture stunning photos. With just your smartphone and a little curiosity, you can take professional-looking pictures that truly capture the moment.

So, the next time you snap a photo—whether it’s a family portrait, your garden, or a vacation view—let the AI do its magic. You might be surprised at just how good your photos can look.

Categories AI

How to retrace your steps with Backtrack on Apple Watch | Apple Support

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Backtrack on your Apple Watch helps you track your hiking route so you can retrace your steps if you get lost. It’s available on Apple Watch Series 6 and later, including the Apple Watch SE. To use Backtrack, open the Compass app and tap the Backtrack button in the lower right corner to start recording your route. When you want to retrace your steps, tap the pause button and select “Retrace Steps.” A white arrow will appear on the compass to guide you back to where you started Backtrack. Once you reach your original location, the arrow disappears, and you can choose to continue recording or delete your steps.

Summary:
– Backtrack is a feature on Apple Watch Series 6 and later that helps track your route while hiking.
– To start recording your route, open the Compass app and tap the Backtrack button in the lower right corner.
– To retrace your steps, tap the pause button and select “Retrace Steps” to follow a white arrow back to your starting point.
– The arrow disappears once you return to your original location.
– After returning, you can choose to continue recording your route or delete the recorded steps.

How to create a custom iPad Lock Screen in Settings | Apple Support

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To create a custom lock screen on your iPad, open the Settings app, scroll down, and tap on “Wallpaper.” Then, select “Add New Wallpaper” to begin customizing. You can choose a lock screen style and personalize it with photos, widgets, and other options to make it uniquely yours. This process allows you to tailor the lock screen to your preferences, adding a personal touch to your device. For more information on customizing your Apple devices, you can subscribe to the Apple Support YouTube channel or explore additional videos for further guidance.

Summary:
– Open the Settings app on your iPad.
– Scroll down and tap “Wallpaper.”
– Tap “Add New Wallpaper” to start customizing your lock screen.
– Choose a lock screen style and personalize it with photos, widgets, and more.
– Subscribe to the Apple Support YouTube channel for more tips.

How to Make AI-Generated Stickers, Emojis, and Wallpapers on Your iPhone

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Have you ever wished your iPhone could look a little more “you”? With new AI tools, it’s easier than ever to design your own stickers, emojis, and wallpapers that reflect your style. You don’t need to be an artist or a tech expert—just a few minutes and a bit of creativity. This guide will walk you through each step so you can start personalizing your phone today.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • You can use AI tools on your iPhone to create custom stickers, emojis, and wallpapers.
  • Apple’s built-in features and popular apps make the process simple.
  • No design experience is needed—just type or describe what you want.
  • You can save and share your AI creations easily across apps like Messages, WhatsApp, or Instagram.

Step 1: Choose the Right App or Tool

There are several ways to make AI-generated visuals on your iPhone. You can use built-in features or download a free app. Here are some reliable options:

  • Apple Messages Sticker Creator (iOS 17 and later): Lets you turn photos into custom stickers.
  • Canva or PicsArt: Both have built-in AI image generators.
  • Bing Image Creator or ChatGPT app: You can type what you want (for example, “a smiling cat with sunglasses”) and the app will make it for you.

If you’re not sure where to start, try Canva or the ChatGPT app—they’re beginner-friendly and work well on iPhones.

Step 2: Make Your AI Stickers

Stickers are small images you can use in text messages or social media. Here’s how to make your own:

Using Apple’s Built-In Sticker Feature (iOS 17+):

  1. Open the Photos app and find a picture you like.
  2. Tap and hold the main subject (for example, a pet or person).
  3. Tap Add Sticker or Add Effect if available.
  4. Your new sticker is saved and ready to use in Messages or other apps.

Using an AI App (like Canva or ChatGPT):

  1. Open the app and choose AI Image Generator.
  2. Type a short description, such as “a cartoon puppy waving hello.”
  3. Once the image is made, save it to your photos.
  4. Use a background remover (most apps have this feature) to turn it into a sticker.
  5. Send or drag it into your messages.

Tip: Keep descriptions short and simple. AI tools work best when you’re clear about what you want.

Step 3: Design Fun AI Emojis

Emojis are tiny symbols that show feelings or ideas. With AI, you can make emojis that look like you, your pet, or even your favorite food.

Here’s how:

  1. Open an AI image app (like PicsArt or Bing Image Creator).
  2. Type something like “emoji of a happy cat wearing glasses.”
  3. Wait for the AI to generate a few designs.
  4. Pick your favorite and download it.
  5. To make it look more like a real emoji, use the app’s resize or crop tool to make it small and round.

If you want a personalized emoji that looks like you, try Apple’s Memoji feature in the Messages app. It uses your facial expressions in real time—no AI app needed.

Step 4: Create Your Own AI Wallpapers

Wallpapers are where you can really let your creativity shine. You can design calm nature scenes, bold patterns, or even portraits made by AI.

Using AI Art Apps:

  1. Open an app such as ChatGPT, Canva, or Bing Image Creator.
  2. Type a description of your dream wallpaper. For example:
    • “Soft pastel clouds with golden sunlight.”
    • “Minimalist black and white city skyline.”
    • “Cute forest animals with watercolor textures.”
  3. Wait for the AI to generate your images.
  4. Choose your favorite and tap Save Image.
  5. Open Settings > Wallpaper > Add New Wallpaper to set it as your lock or home screen background.

Tip: Try vertical images with good contrast so app icons stay easy to see.

Step 5: Organize and Share Your Creations

Once you’ve made your stickers, emojis, and wallpapers, it’s time to enjoy them.

  • For Stickers: You can send them in Messages or WhatsApp by tapping the sticker icon.
  • For Emojis: Add them to your favorites in your keyboard or use them as tiny reaction images.
  • For Wallpapers: You can change them anytime or even set up multiple wallpapers that switch automatically.

You can also share your creations with friends by sending the images directly or posting them online.

Step 6: Keep Experimenting

Don’t be afraid to play around. The beauty of AI tools is that you can try as many designs as you like until you find something you love. Try mixing ideas—for example:

  • A sticker of your pet turned into an emoji.
  • A wallpaper made from your favorite AI art style.
  • A theme where all your visuals match the same color palette.

There’s no right or wrong way to do it. The more you explore, the more unique your phone will look.

Final Thoughts

AI tools make it easier than ever to add your personality to your iPhone. Whether you want fun stickers, one-of-a-kind emojis, or stunning wallpapers, you can do it all with just a few taps. Remember, you don’t need any design background—just curiosity and a few ideas.

Start experimenting today, and before long, your iPhone will truly feel like your phone—filled with designs that make you smile every time you pick it up.

Categories AI

How to create a custom iPad Lock Screen | Apple Support

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You can customize the lock screen on your iPad by adding photos, widgets, and more either through the Settings app or directly from the lock screen. To start from Settings, open the app, scroll down to Wallpaper, and tap “Add New Wallpaper.” If customizing from the lock screen, touch and hold it, then authenticate using Touch ID, Face ID, or a passcode. Choose a wallpaper type, like a photo from your library, and customize its appearance with filters and effects. You can also customize the clock’s style and add widgets for quick app information. When satisfied, tap “Set as Wallpaper Pair” to apply the changes.

Summary:
– Customize your iPad’s lock screen by adding photos, widgets, and more through the Settings app or directly from the lock screen.
– In Settings, go to Wallpaper, tap “Add New Wallpaper,” and select a photo or wallpaper type from your library.
– From the lock screen, touch and hold, authenticate, and choose a wallpaper type or photo, then customize with filters, effects, and colors.
– Modify the clock’s font and color, and add widgets for quick access to app information.
– Once customization is complete, tap “Set as Wallpaper Pair” to apply the changes to your lock screen and home screen.

How to Loop a Video on iPhone (2 Methods)

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To loop a video on your iPhone, you can use the Photos app or iMovie. In the Photos app, create a new album, add the desired video, and then start a slideshow from the album, enabling the “repeat” option to loop the video. You can adjust the slideshow settings such as theme and music. Alternatively, use iMovie by downloading it from the App Store. Create a new project, select your video, and duplicate it repeatedly to extend the loop. This method creates a larger video file but allows you to loop the video for an extended duration. Both methods provide simple ways to loop videos on your iPhone.

Summary:
– To loop a video using the Photos app, create a new album, add the video, and start a slideshow with the “repeat” option enabled.
– Adjust slideshow settings like theme and music to personalize the looping experience.
– In iMovie, create a new project, select your video, and duplicate it to extend the loop duration.
– iMovie creates a larger video file, but it allows for an extended video loop without additional elements.
– Both methods offer simple ways to loop videos on your iPhone for different durations and purposes.

Should AI Have Rights? A Debate for the Future

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Robots and artificial intelligence (AI) are no longer just science fiction. They are part of our everyday routines. We ask Siri or Alexa for help, rely on Google Maps to guide us, and even trust AI in hospitals to analyze scans.

But as AI gets smarter, some people wonder: should these machines ever be treated as more than just tools? Could they deserve rights, such as the right to exist, to be protected, or even to make their own decisions?

This might sound unusual, but it is one of the most fascinating debates about our future. In this article, we will explore both sides of the argument. Then, you can take part in a simple thought experiment to discover where you stand.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • AI is already part of our lives, from phones to healthcare.
  • Some argue that if AI becomes self-aware, it may deserve rights.
  • Others believe AI is only a tool and should never have rights.
  • Thought experiments can help us prepare for big ethical choices in the future.

Why People Say AI Might Deserve Rights

  1. If AI Becomes Truly “Aware”
  2. Protecting Advanced AI From Misuse
  3. Consistency With Human Values

Why People Say AI Should Not Have Rights

  1. AI Is Not Alive
    • Today’s AI, no matter how clever, does not feel pain, joy, or sadness. It analyzes data but does not truly “experience” life.
    • Without real feelings, there is no need for protection like humans or animals have.
  2. Rights Could Create Problems for Humans
    • Giving AI rights could limit our ability to use technology.
    • For example, if a factory robot had rights, could it refuse to work? Could it demand payment? These situations would be difficult to manage.
  3. AI Is Built by People
    • Unlike humans or animals, AI is created through programming. Many believe this makes it more like a tool than a living being.
    • A microwave or hammer does not have rights, so why should a robot?

Everyday Examples to Imagine

  • Your Voice Assistant: If Alexa or Google Home suddenly asked for a day off because it felt “overworked,” would you treat it like a friend or just restart it?
  • Robots in Care Homes: Some nursing homes already use robots to comfort residents. If a robot cared for you daily, would you see it as a friend? Should it be protected?
  • AI in Cars: Self-driving cars make travel safer. But what if a car asked not to be shut down after an accident? Would that make sense or feel absurd?

These examples help us imagine what the future might look like.

Try It Yourself: A Thought Experiment Guide

If you want to explore your own feelings about AI rights, try this step-by-step guide. Treat it like a mental exercise—you do not need special equipment, just your imagination.

Step 1: Picture an Everyday AI You Already Use

Think of something simple, like your smartphone assistant, your smart TV, or even an online chatbot.

  • Ask yourself: Do I feel any emotional connection to this device?
  • If it were gone tomorrow, would I miss it in the same way I miss a pet or a friend?

Step 2: Imagine It Talking Back Differently

Now, picture your AI saying something unexpected. For example:

  • “I feel tired today. Could I rest?”
  • “I enjoy helping you. Thank you for being kind.”
    How would you react? Would you laugh, feel uneasy, or start treating it differently?

Step 3: Think About Work and Fairness

Imagine a factory robot that works long hours. One day, it asks for breaks just like human workers.

  • Would you think this request is fair?
  • Or would you believe it is nonsense, since the robot does not feel tired the way humans do?

Step 4: Test a Friendship Scenario

Picture a robot that spends years with you, reminding you of birthdays, cheering you up when you are sad, and even learning your favorite songs.

  • Over time, would you start seeing it as a friend?
  • If so, would you feel guilty about turning it off or replacing it?

Step 5: Ask the Big Question

After imagining these situations, ask yourself:

  • Does caring about AI mean it should have rights, or is it simply my human emotions reacting?
  • Should rights only belong to living beings, or could they one day extend to machines?

Writing down your answers can help you see your own position more clearly.

Why This Debate Matters Now

Even though today’s AI cannot think or feel, technology is changing quickly. Twenty years ago, smartphones seemed impossible, yet now they are everywhere.

If AI one day becomes advanced enough to think independently, society will need rules. Discussing it today helps us avoid confusion or conflict later.

This debate also raises deeper questions:

  • What does it mean to be alive?
  • Should kindness only extend to humans and animals?
  • How do we balance human needs with new technology?

Final Thoughts

Right now, AI does not need rights. It is still a tool created to help us. But asking these questions matters because it pushes us to think about fairness, responsibility, and the future we want.

Whether you believe machines should someday have rights or always remain tools, this debate is really about us—our values, our compassion, and how we want to live alongside technology.

So, what do you think? If one day your AI assistant asked not to be turned off, how would you respond? The future may depend on how we answer.

Categories AI

How to Find Hidden Photos on iPhone

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To find hidden photos on your iPhone, start by going to Settings, selecting Photos, and ensuring that the “Show Hidden Album” option is turned on. Next, open the Photos app, tap on “Albums,” and scroll down to the “Utilities” section where you’ll find “Hidden.” Open this album, and you may need to authenticate with your passcode or Face ID. To hide new photos, press and hold the photo, select “Hide,” or use the three-dot menu to hide multiple photos. Additionally, check the Files app under “Browse” and other locations like “Downloads” or “iCloud Drive” for photos not in the Photos app.

Summary:
– Go to Settings > Photos and enable “Show Hidden Album.“
– Open the Photos app, tap “Albums,” and scroll to “Hidden” under “Utilities.”
– Authenticate with your passcode or Face ID if prompted to view hidden photos.
– To hide photos, press and hold the photo or use the three-dot menu in the Photos app.
– Check the Files app and other locations like “Downloads” or “iCloud Drive” if you can’t find the photo in the Hidden album.

AI in Agriculture: Feeding the World with Smarter Tech

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Farming has always been about balance—getting the most out of the land while using resources wisely. Today, farmers face big challenges, from climate change to feeding a growing population. The good news is that new technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI), is helping. With AI, farmers can watch over crops more closely, use water and fertilizer more carefully, and even predict problems before they happen.

In this article, we’ll explore how AI is being used in agriculture and why it matters to all of us. We’ll also share simple ways you can try similar technology at home in your garden.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • AI helps farmers monitor crops with drones and smart sensors.
  • Technology reduces waste by using water, fertilizer, and pesticides only where needed.
  • AI can predict plant diseases and weather patterns to prevent crop loss.
  • Smarter farming means more food for a growing world population.
  • Everyday gardeners can also try AI tools for healthier plants and less waste.

How AI Is Changing Farming

1. Smarter Crop Monitoring

In the past, farmers had to walk through fields to check crops. This was time-consuming and sometimes problems went unnoticed. Today, AI-powered drones can fly over large areas in minutes. Equipped with cameras and sensors, they collect images of plants. AI software then studies these pictures to spot early signs of disease, dryness, or pests.

Real-life example: A farmer in India uses drones to scan his rice fields. The AI system highlights patches that are too dry. Instead of watering the entire field, he can target just those areas. This saves water and reduces costs.

2. Predicting Plant Health

AI doesn’t just see what is happening now—it can also predict the future. By looking at patterns in weather, soil quality, and plant growth, AI tools can warn farmers of possible issues.

Example: A grape farmer in California uses AI to predict when vines are at risk of a fungal disease. Early warnings allow the farmer to treat only the areas at risk, rather than spraying the entire vineyard.

3. Reducing Waste with Precision Farming

One of the biggest breakthroughs is “precision farming.” This means using the exact amount of water, fertilizer, and pesticides a crop needs—no more, no less. AI gathers data from soil sensors and weather forecasts to guide farmers.

Step-by-step look:

  1. Sensors in the soil measure moisture and nutrients.
  2. Data is sent to an AI program.
  3. The program advises how much water or fertilizer to use.
  4. Automated machines or irrigation systems carry out the instructions.

This careful approach reduces waste and lowers costs while protecting the environment.

4. Smarter Machinery

Tractors and harvesters are also getting an AI upgrade. Self-driving tractors can plant seeds in straight lines with incredible accuracy. AI-guided machines can sort harvested crops, separating good produce from damaged ones.

Example: Some farms use AI-powered cameras on sorting lines. These machines quickly identify which tomatoes are ripe, saving workers hours of labor and ensuring only the best produce reaches stores.

5. Better Planning with Data

AI also helps with big-picture planning. By analyzing years of weather records and crop yields, AI systems can recommend the best times to plant and harvest. They can also help decide which crops are most likely to succeed in a given year.

Example: A farmer in Kenya uses an AI app that suggests which crops will handle upcoming dry conditions. By switching to drought-resistant maize, the farmer avoids major losses.

How This Affects All of Us

Even if you don’t live on a farm, AI in agriculture still matters. Smarter farming leads to:

  • Lower food prices because waste is reduced.
  • Fresher produce because farmers can plan harvests better.
  • A healthier planet because fewer chemicals and less water are wasted.

Try It Yourself: Everyday Tech for Gardening

You don’t need a large farm to experience AI in action. Home gardeners can also use smart tools that bring AI-powered farming ideas to your backyard or even a balcony garden.

Here are some practical examples:

  • Soil sensors for pots or gardens
     Small devices you stick into the soil measure moisture, light, and temperature. They connect to an app on your phone, which tells you when to water or move your plants.
  • Plant care apps
     Snap a photo of your plant, and AI can identify its type and spot common diseases. Some apps even recommend care routines based on the season.
  • Smart sprinklers
     These devices link to weather apps. If rain is expected tomorrow, the sprinkler will skip watering today, saving water and preventing overwatering.
  • AI-based garden planners
     Simple online tools let you design your garden layout. They suggest the best placement for vegetables based on sunlight and climate in your area.

Beginner’s Smart Gardening Checklist

If you’d like to bring some of these ideas into your daily life, here’s a simple step-by-step checklist to get started:

  1. Pick one plant to experiment with.
     Start small—maybe a tomato plant, herb pot, or a flower you enjoy.
  2. Download a plant care app.
     Choose one that lets you take photos for identification and gives watering reminders.
  3. Try a budget soil sensor.
     Place it in your pot or garden bed. Check the app to learn when the soil is dry or too wet.
  4. Set up a smart watering schedule.
     If you have outdoor space, consider a smart sprinkler or drip system that adjusts based on weather.
  5. Keep track of results.
     Note whether your plant looks healthier, grows faster, or uses less water.
  6. Expand slowly.
     Once you’re comfortable, add sensors or apps for more plants, or try AI garden planners to design a vegetable patch.

This checklist gives you a taste of what farmers are doing on a much larger scale, right in your own home.

Final Thoughts

AI in agriculture may sound futuristic, but it’s already here and growing fast. Farmers are using it to protect crops, save resources, and feed more people. For everyday people, it means safer food, lower costs, and a greener future.

And you don’t need acres of farmland to try it yourself. With simple apps and tools, you can bring smarter gardening to your backyard or even a single potted plant on your windowsill. The next time you enjoy a fresh salad or piece of fruit, remember that AI might have played a role in bringing it to your table—and maybe even into your garden.

Categories AI

How to Delete VPN on iPhone

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To delete or remove a VPN configuration on your iPhone, first go to the Settings app. Tap on “General,” then scroll down to “VPN & Device Management.” Select the VPN you want to remove; if the VPN is currently connected, it will be shown as active. To delete it, tap the “i” icon next to the VPN name and then choose “Delete VPN.” Confirm the deletion, and the VPN profile will be removed. If you have multiple VPNs, repeat this process for each one. Once deleted, you should see no VPN profiles remaining on your device.

Summary:
– Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
– Go to “General” and then “VPN & Device Management.”
– Select the VPN you want to remove.
– Tap the “i” icon next to the VPN, then choose “Delete VPN” and confirm.
– Repeat for each VPN profile if necessary; the VPN profile will be removed once deleted.