Our Tax Software Picks

Our Tax Software Picks

Don’t stress about tax season. CNET Money editors have tested the top online tax software options to make your tax return easier so you can get your refund faster.

See at TurboTax

Best tax filing service for most filers

TurboTax

See at TurboTax

See at H&R Block

Best free tax filing service

H&R Block

See at H&R Block

See at FreeTaxUSA

A great free or low-cost filing option

FreeTaxUSA

See at FreeTaxUSA

See at Cash App

A free option that’s great for confident filers

Cash App Taxes

See at Cash App

See at TaxSlayer

Best tax filing service for freelancers, gig workers and sole proprietors

TaxSlayer

See at TaxSlayer

See at TaxAct

Best accuracy guarantee

TaxAct

See at TaxAct

See at Jackson Hewitt

Best for filing multiple state tax returns

Jackson Hewitt

See at Jackson Hewitt

It’s not just the tariffs. President Donald Trump’s economic plans also call for an extension of his 2017 tax overhaul before it expires. These changes — commonly known as the «Trump tax cuts» — lowered tax rates and increased the value of certain tax incentives but also have been a political lightning rod over the years because of their benefits for corporations and the wealthy. It’s the sort of heated discourse that can leave the basic facts of the bill a bit murky.

That 2017 tax plan, officially known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, was one of the signature legislative accomplishments of Trump’s first term, and passing an extension has been a priority for the president since he entered his second term. While extending the cuts carries a big estimated price tag, Trump administration officials have suggested that newly imposed tariffs could raise enough money to cover the cost of extending the tax cuts, an important consideration in the budget reconciliation process. But the clock is ticking: Many of its provisions are set to expire by the end of 2025 without action from Congress.

That action is getting underway. As of April 10, the House and Senate have passed separate versions of a plan that would extend Trump’s tax cuts and slash more government spending to pay for them. The situation remains contentious, as shown by the slim margins by which the bills passed: 216-212 in the House, and 51-48 in the Senate. With two bills passed, they will now be merged in a process known as «reconciliation,» which can help Republicans bypass the 60-vote limit usually needed to overcome a filibuster. While the GOP has characterized extending the tax cuts as a bid for stability that will benefit everyone, Democrats have long countered that the benefits of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are overly weighted toward the wealthiest taxpayers.

For all the details about why there might be some truth to both statements, keep reading, and stick around to the end to find out how much it might cost. For more, find out if Trump could actually abolish the Department of Education.

What would extending the Trump tax cuts mean?

While the phrase «Trump tax cuts» has become a common media shorthand for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the current conversation around it might suggest that new cuts could be on the way. Although Trump has floated ideas for additional cuts, it’s important to note that extending the 2017 provisions would for the most part keep tax rates and programs at the levels they’ve been at since then.

So while it may be a better option than having the provisions expire — which would increase certain tax rates and decrease certain credits — extending the tax cuts most likely won’t change how you’ve been taxed the past eight years. However, some estimates have predicted that extending the cuts would boost income in 2026, with the conservative-leaning Tax Foundation in particular predicting a 2.9% rise on average, based on a combination of other economic predictions combined with tax rates staying where they are.

What would change if the Trump tax cuts expire?

Republicans contend that the tax cuts helped a wide swath of Americans, and the Tax Foundation predicted that 60% of tax filers would see higher rates in 2026 without an extension.

A big part of that has to do with tax bracket changes. The 2017 provisions lowered the income tax rates across the seven brackets, aside from the first (10%) and the sixth (35%). If the current law expires, those rates would go up 1% to 3%.

Income limits for each bracket would also revert to pre-2017 levels. Lending credence to the Democrats’ counterarguments, these shifts under the Trump tax cuts appeared to be more beneficial to individuals and couples at higher income levels than to those making closer to the average US income.

If you’re interested in the nitty-gritty numbers, you can check out the Tax Foundation’s full breakdown. Another point in Democrats’ favor? The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act also cut corporate tax rates from 35% to 21%, and unlike many of its other provisions, this one was permanent and won’t expire in 2026.

The cuts also capped the total amount that taxpayers can deduct based on «state and local property, income, and sales tax,» otherwise known as SALT, at $10,000. There was previously no limit, and as Lisa Greene-Lewis, a tax prep expert and analyst for TurboTax, told CNET in an email correspondence, this is a policy that could be detrimental to certain taxpayers if the TCJA is extended.

«Filers living in states with high state and property taxes are capped at a $10,000 deduction for total state and local property, income and sales tax — even when many of them may pay way beyond that amount,» Greene-Lewis explained. «If this part of the provision went back to the way it was prior to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) without caps, filers in states with high state and property taxes would be able to deduct the full amounts paid.»

Greene-Lewis also noted that there is talk about removing the SALT cap from the plan to extend the TCJA.

What would happen to the standard deduction?

This is another area in which a lot of people would be hit hard. The standard deduction lets taxpayers lower their taxable income, as long as they forgo itemizing any deductions.

For the 2025 tax year, the standard deduction is $15,000 for individual filers, and $30,000 for joint filers. If the tax cuts expire, these numbers will drop by nearly half, down to $8,350 for individuals and $16,700 for joint filers.

What would happen to the child tax credit?

The child tax credit is one of the most popular credits out there. Its current levels — $2,000 per qualifying child, which phases out starting at a gross income of $200,000 for single filers and $400,000 for joint filers — were actually set by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

If an extension or new bill isn’t passed, next year the child tax credit would revert to its old levels: $1,000 per child, which starts phasing out at $75,000 for single filers and $110,000 for joint filers.

Do the Trump tax cuts really favor the wealthy?

As mentioned above, higher-income individuals and couples made out notably better with the changes the Trump tax cuts made to tax brackets. Overall, numerous estimates have predicted that the wealthiest Americans would experience a greater proportion of the benefits, with the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center specifically estimating that households making more than $450,000 a year would reap around 45% of the tax cut benefits.

How much would extending the tax cuts cost?

Tax cuts more favorable to the wealthy are a big part of why some analysts say extension of the Trump tax cuts would add trillions of dollars to the national debt. An early estimate from the Tax Policy Center in 2018 found that extending the provisions through 2038 would add $3.8 trillion to the US deficit. A 2024 estimate from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget predicted that it would add $3.9 trillion to $4.7 trillion to the deficit through 2035, depending on which provisions were included.

The blueprint passed by the House last week included about $4.5 trillion in tax cuts, to be supported by $1.5 trillion in further government spending cuts. The rest would either go to the deficit or have to be made up for with additional cuts, adding fuel to the concerns that Republicans intend to substantially cut funding for Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security to pay for their tax plans.

For more, find out if IRS layoffs will hurt your tax return.

Are you eager to play a game but struggling to decide on one? Or perhaps you’re reluctant to spend money on a game that might not meet your expectations. Making the right decision is crucial, particularly with rising gaming costs and 2025 looking unpredictable for the gaming industry. Look no further than the Epic Games Store if you’re after something that makes decision-making easier. Each week, you can download a free game (often two or three, if you’re lucky) and keep it forever—without spending a penny. This is the best way to discover exciting new titles without financial risk.

Fortnite is a major influence in pop culture, and it’s also a video game that helped propel Epic Games into the limelight. Following the game’s success, Epic Games launched its own storefront in 2019, offering various games — from action titles to indie favorites — to attract gamers. It quickly became a direct competitor for Valve’s own gaming store, Steam, especially with its offering of free games to play each week.

Sorry console gamers, but the Epic Games Store is exclusively available on PC. This means you cannot access its free games on systems like the PS5 or Xbox. However, if you have a PC or laptop, now’s the time to dive into the Epic Games Store and take full advantage of its free discounts and deals. Creating an Epic Games account is completely free, and you’ll gain numerous rewards. Don’t miss out.

What is the new free game on the Epic Games Store this week? (April 10 to April 17)

Arcadegeddon

It’s time to head into the future with IIIFonic’s Arcadegeddon, a cooperative rogue-lite shooter multiplayer. It is a third-person POV, and players will go up against a virus injected into the arcade they are part of. To level up and progress, they’ll have to explore multiple biomes, take part in mini-games, search for hidden chests and defeat enemies and bosses.

The game came out in 2023, so its player base isn’t as active as one might expect — so be sure you’ll be able to enjoy the game with friends before you download it. Even so, Arcadegeddon has been praised for its «tight level design» as well as its satisfying gunplay. If you like a challenge, you’ll probably want to take advantage of this shooter.

Players can redeem 5,000 ARC coins, which can be used to purchase items and weapons in-game. So don’t miss out on this limited-time offer.

Arcadegeddon’s offer of 5,000 ARC coins is available for free via the Epic Games Store. Released in 2023, most gamers who enjoyed it liked its diverse characters and found gameplay relaxing. It has a 4.5 out of 5 rating.

Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms: Astarion’s Champions of Renown Pack

Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms is a strategy management game that dares to ask: What if your favorite Dungeons and Dragons characters united and embarked on a grand adventure together? Wouldn’t that be the coolest thing ever? If you think so, then this is the game for you.

If you’ve been a fan of Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms, you’ll already know that Baldur’s Gate 3’s most popular character Astarion is a huge reason to jump into the game. With Astarion’s Champions of Renown Pack, players will receive over $100 worth of rewards for free. You’ll need to hurry, though, because this offer ends on April 17.

The rewards of the renown pack are the following:

• Unlocks for the following Champions: Artemis (Seat 3), Karlach (Seat 4), Kalix (Seat 5), Astarion (Seat 10) and the Dark Urge (Seat 11)
• Exclusive Skin: Tuxedo Kalix
• Exclusive Familiar: Rumble the Angry Flumph
• Artemis Chests: 32 Platinum Artemis Chests with 2 shiny equipment cards guaranteed.
• Karlach Chests: 32 Platinum Karlach chests with 2 shiny equipment cards guaranteed.
• Kalix Chests: 32 Platinum Kalix chests with 2 shiny equipment cards guaranteed.
• Astarion Chests: 32 Platinum Astarion chests with 2 shiny equipment cards guaranteed.
• The Dark Urge Chests: 32 Platinum The Dark Urge chests with 2 shiny equipment cards guaranteed.
• Two Week-Long Buff Potions: 1 potion of the Gold Hunter and 1 potion of the Gem Hunter.

Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms: Astarion’s Champions of Renown Pack is free via the Epic Games Store. Idle Champions is a free-to-play game, with many gamers praising the game for its selection of iconic characters from the Forgotten Realms and how easy it is to jump into a game without worrying too much about controls.

River City Girls

You wake up one morning only to discover your and your best friend’s boyfriends have been kidnapped. What is a girlie to do? Find out who did it and beat them within an inch of their life, duh.

River City Girls can be best described as a chaotic, action-adventure beat-em up with glorious pixel-art aesthetic and graphics that will leave you wanting more. As the tough-as-nails heroines Misako and Kyoko, players who enjoy using an arsenal of weapons, items and wise-cracking dialogue to put the smackdown on their enemies will love the game’s zany energy.

Better yet, you won’t have to embark on this challenge alone (though you can, if you want to). With 2-player co-op, you and your friend can put the hurt on the bad guys who took your boyfriends while also enjoying the motion-comic story panels and anime cutscenes. If you love anime, you may even recognize some cameo characters featured in-game. And if not characters, recognizable voice actors such as Cristina ‘Vee’ Valenzuela, known for multiple roles in both anime and video games, are sure to entice you.

It isn’t just fights, however. River City Girls also features six large city regions to explore and participate in side quests. Some may even change the ending you get… depending on the choices you make.

Usually $30, River City Girls is now available for free via the Epic Games Store. River City Girls is well-liked, with 79% of critics recommending it, and it boasts a score of Strong on OpenCritic. Most gamers who enjoyed the game liked its appealing aesthetic and diverse characters.

What will be free on the Epic Games Store next week? (April 17 to April 24)

Firestone Online Idle RPG Epic Games Store Offer

If you’re someone who enjoys the aesthetics of fantasy RPGs but doesn’t have time to play them, then you’ll be intrigued by Firestone Online Idle RPG. Alternatively, if you’re someone who prefers the social aspect of multiplayer RPGs, you should also consider jumping in on this game before its offer next week.

While you might be sitting idle, your heroes never are. Even if you don’t have your eyes on the game, your characters will hack, slash and dice their way through waves of enemies. Of course, if you’d like to speed things up, you can treat the game as a clicker, giving you control of the ferocity of battle alongside other players.

With Firestone Online Idle RPG’s Epic Games Store offer, players will get the chance to claim special rewards and an exclusive skin — altogether valued at $100 altogether.

The offer contains the following rewards:

• Exclusive skin for the hero, Boris
• 2 Avatars for your Character Profile
• 10 Common Chests, each containing at least 1 piece of gear for Heroes
• 5 Uncommon Chests containing at least 1 Uncommon gear
• 10 Wooden Chests with at least 1 Heroes Jewels
• 5 Iron Chests with at least 1 Uncommon Jewel
• 360 Strange Dust to help train your Guardians or conduct experiments
• 50 Scrolls to enhance your stats in battle
• 35 Game Tokens to test your mettle at the Tavern
• 5 Prestige Tokens
• 200 Gems

To get this offer, log onto the game through the Epic Games store — it doesn’t matter if you’re a new or existing player. However, new players must reach stage 15 before obtaining the rewards.

Firestone Online Idle RPG Epic Games Store Offer will be available via the Epic Games Store. Firestone Online Idle RPG is a free-to-play game, with a review score of 3.8 out of 5. Many players enjoy the game’s playful visuals and easy controls.

Previous free games on the Epic Games Store

Unsure whether your favorite game has been selected as part of Epic’s free game of the week or curious about what deals you’ve missed? We’ve listed a selection of games from previous weeks.

Epic Games Store free games in 2025

• Firestone Online Idle RPG (April 17 to April 24)
• River City Girls (April 10 to April 17)
• Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms (April 10 to April 17)
• Arcadgeddon (April 10 to April 17)
• Cat Quest II (April 3 to April 10)
• Cat Quest (March 27 to April 3)
• Neko Ghost, Jump (March 27 to April 3)
• Jurassic World Evolution 2 (March 20 to 27)
• Mortal Shell (March 13 to 20)
• World of Warships: Anniversary Party Favor DLC (March 13 to 20)
• Them’s Fighting Herds (March 6 to 13)
• Mages of Mystralia (Feb. 27 to March 6)
• World War Z Aftermath (Feb. 20 to 27)
• Garden Story (Feb. 20 to 27)
• F1 Manager 2024 (Feb. 13 to 20)
• Humankind (Feb. 6 to 13)
• Beyond Blue (Feb. 6 to 13)
• Undying (Jan. 30 to Feb. 6)
• Behind the Frame: The Finest Scenery (Jan. 23 to 30)
• Escape Academy (Jan. 16 to 23)
• Turmoil (Jan. 9 to 16)
• Hell Let Loose (Jan. 2 to 9)
• Kingdom Come Deliverance (Jan. 1)

Epic Games Store free games in 2024

• Sifu (Dec. 31)
• [Redacted] (Dec. 30 to 31)
• Orcs Must Die 3 (Dec. 29 to 30)
• Kill Knight (Dec. 28 to 29)
• Hot Wheels Unleashed (Dec. 27 to 28)
• Ghostrunner 2 (Dec. 26 to 27)
• Control (Dec. 25 to 26)
• Dredge (Dec. 24 to 25)
• Darker and Darker: Legendary Status (Dec. 23 to 24)
• Wizard of Legend (Dec. 22 to 23)
• TerraTech (Dec. 21 to 22)
• Astrea: Six Sided Oracles (Dec. 20 to 21)
• Vampire Survivors (Dec. 19 to 20)
• The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria (Dec. 12 to 19)
• Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop, Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga (Dec. 5 to 12)
• Brotato (Nov. 28 to Dec. 5)
• Beholder (Nov. 21 to 28)
• Castlevania Anniversary Collection; Snakebird Complete (Nov. 14 to 21)
• Apex Legends Ash Unlock Bundle; Deceive Inc (Nov. 7 to 14)
• Witch It; Ghostwire: Tokyo (Oct. 31 to Nov. 7)
• Moving Out (Oct. 24 to 31)
• Kardboard Kings; Invincible Presents: Atom Eve (Oct. 17 to 24)
• Empyrion: Galactic Survival; Outliver: Tribulations (Oct. 10 to 17)
• Bear and Breakfast (Oct. 3 to 10)
• The Spirit and The Mouse (Sept. 26 to Oct. 3)
• TOEM; The Last Stand: Aftermath (Sept. 19 to 26)
• Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland; Super Crazy Rhythm Castle (Sept. 12 to 19)
• Football Manager 2024; Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts (Sept. 5 to 12)
• Wild Card Football; Fallout: Classic Collection (Aug. 29 to Sept. 5)
• Gigantic: Rampage Edition; The Callisto Protocol (Aug. 22 to 29)
• Death’s Gambit: Afterlife (Aug. 15 to 22)
• Cygni: All Guns Blazing; DNF Duel (Aug. 8 to 15)
• Lumbearjack (Aug. 1 to 8)
• F.I.S.T.: Forged in Shadow Torch; Olympics Go! Paris 2024 Exclusive Outfits Pack (July 25 to Aug. 1)
• Maid of Sker; Arcade Paradise (July 18 to 25)
• Floppy Knights (July 11 to 18)
• The Falconeer (July 4 to 11)
• Sunless Skies: Sovereign Edition (June 27 to July 4)
• Rumble Club Free Game of the Week Bonus; Freshly Frosted (June 20 to 27)
• Redout 2; Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms (June 13 to 20)
• Marvel’s Midnight Suns (June 6 to 13)
• Chivalry 2 (May 30 to June 6)
• Farming Simulator 22 (May 23 to 30)
• Dragon Age: Inquisition – Game of the Year Edition (May 16 to 23)
• Firestone Free Offer; Circus Electrique (May 9 to 16)
• Orcs Must Die! 3, Cat Quest II (May 2 to 9)
• Lisa: Definitive Edition, Industria (April 25 to May. 2)
• Town of Salem 2; The Big Con (April 18 to 25)
• Ghostrunner (April 11 to 18)
• Thief; The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition (April 4 to 11)
• Islets (March 28 to April 4)
• Invincible Presents: Atom Eve; Call of the Wild: The Angler (March 21 to 28)
• The Bridge; Deus Ex: Mankind Divided (March 14 to 21)
• Astro Duel 2 (March 7 to 14)
• Aerial_Knight’s Never Yield (Feb. 29 to March 7)
• Super Meat Boy Forever (Feb. 22 to 29)
• Dakar Desert Rally (Feb. 15 to 22)
• Lost Castle; Doki Doki Literature Club Plus (Feb. 8 to 15)
• Doors: Paradox (Feb. 1 to 8)
• Infinifactory (Jan. 25 to Feb. 1)
• Love (Jan. 18 to 25)
• Sail Forth (Jan. 11 to 18)
• Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy (Jan. 4 to 11)
• A Plague Tale: Innocence (Jan. 3 to 4)
• 20 Minutes Till Dawn (Jan. 2 to 3)
• Escape Academy (Jan. 1 to 2)

Epic Games Store free games of 2023

• Ghostrunner (Dec. 31, 2023 to Jan. 1, 2024)
• Saints Row (Dec. 30 to 31)
• Snakebird Complete (Dec. 29 to 30)
• Cat Quest (Dec. 28 to 29)
• Cursed to Golf (Dec. 27 to 28)
• Human Resource Machine (Dec. 26 to 27)
• The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition (Dec. 25 to 26)
• Ghostwire: Tokyo (Dec. 24 to 25)
• Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition (Dec. 23 to 24)
• Art of Rally (Dec. 22 to 23)
• Melvor Idle (Dec. 21 to 22)
• DNF Duel (Dec. 20 to 21)
• Destiny 2: Legacy Collection (Dec. 13 to 20)
• Predecessor, Gigabash (Dec. 7 to 13)
• Mighty Fight Federation; Jitsu Squad (Nov. 30 to Dec. 7)
• Deliver Us Mars (Nov. 23 to 30)
• Surviving the Aftermath, Earthlock (Nov. 16 to 23)
• Golden Light (Nov. 9 to 16)
• Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion (Nov. 2 to 9)
• The Evil Within 2; Tandem: A Tale of Shadows (Oct. 26 to Nov. 2)
• The Evil Within; Eternal Threads (Oct. 19 to 26)
• Q.U.B.E. Ultimate Bundle; Blazing Sails (Oct. 12 to 19)
• Godlike Burger (Oct. 5 to 12)
• Soulstice; Model Builder (Sept. 28 to Oct. 5)
• The Forest Quartet; Out of Line (Sept. 21 to 28)
• 911 Operator (Sept. 14 to 21)
• Spelldrifter (Sept. 7 to 14)
• Cave Story Plus (Aug. 31 to Sept. 7)
• Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak (Aug. 24 to 31)
• Dodo Peak; Black Book (Aug. 17 to 24)
• Orwell: Keeping an Eye on You; Europa Universalis IV (Aug. 10 to 17)
• Loop Hero, Bloons TD 6 (Aug. 3 to 10)
• Severed Steel; Homeworld Remastered Collection (July 27 to Aug. 3)
• The Elder Scrolls Online; Murder by Numbers (July 20 to 27)
• Train Valley 2 (July 13 to 20)
• Grime (July 6 to 13)
• The Dungeon of Naheulbeuk: The Amulet of Chaos (June 29 to July 6)
• The Hunter: Call of the Wild; Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms (June 22 to 29)
• Guacamelee 2; Guacamelee Super Turbo Championship Edition (June 15 to 22)
• Payday 2 (June 8 to 15)
• Midnight Ghost Hunt (June 1 to 8)
• Fallout: New Vegas Ultimate Edition (May 25 to June. 1)
• Death Stranding (May 18 to 25)
• The Sims 4 The Daring Lifestyle Bundle (May 11 to 18)
• Kao the Kangaroo; Horizon Chase Turbo, Against All Odds (May 4 to 11)
• Poker Club; Breathedge (April 27 to May 4)
• Never Alone (Kisima Ingitchuna); Beyond Blue (April 20-27)
• Second Extinction; Mordhau (April 13 to 20)
• Shapez; Dying Light: The Following — Enhanced Edition (April 6 to 13)
• Tunche; The Silent Age (March 30 to April 6)
• World of Warships Starter Pack: Ishizuchi; Chess Ultra (March 23 to 30)
• Warhammer 40,000: Gladius — Relics of War (March 16 to 23)
• Call of the Sea (March 9 to 16)
• Rise of Industry (March 2 to 9)
• Duskers (Feb. 23 to March 2)
• Warpips (Feb. 16 to 23)
• Recipe for Disaster (Feb. 9 to 16)
• Dishonored: Death of the Outsider; City of Gangsters (Feb. 2 to 9)
• Hell Is Others, Adios (Jan. 26 to Feb. 2)
• Epistory: Typing Chronicles (Jan. 19 to 26)
• Gamedec: Definitive Edition; First Class Trouble; Divine Knockout (Jan. 12 to 19)
• Shadow Tactics: Aiko’s Choice; Kerbal Space Program (Jan. 5 to 12)

Epic Games Store free games of 2022

• Eximus: Seize the Frontline; Dishonored: Definitive Edition (Dec. 29, 2022 to Jan. 5, 2023)

Our phones have completely changed the way we communicate with friends and family. While we can now chat at any time, keeping conversations private is more difficult than ever. Whether you want to spill some tea without anyone sneaking a peek, or you’re planning a surprise event, you don’t need to rely on third-party apps to keep your messages secure. By taking advantage of the iPhone Notes app, you can have a private conversation without needing to download anything at all. 

No matter the nature of your private conversation, you have plenty of options available. Sure, Signal and WhatsApp are popular for their focus on privacy. But why complicate things when you don’t have to?

The built-in Notes app for iOS is a secret weapon for private conversations. It’s always fun when you find a way to use an app outside of its intended use. It’s almost like you’re using it in a sneaky way that you shouldn’t be, but all the parts are there to make this a simple way to have private conversations with someone. We’ll lay it all out for you below. 

For more iOS tips, check out the new features in iOS 17.5 and how to easily view and copy Wi-Fi passwords on your iPhone or iPad.

Create a note in the Notes app

On your iPhone, launch the Notes app, and tap the Compose button on the bottom right to create a new note. Next, type anything into the note to keep it, or else it’ll automatically be deleted when you exit from the note. You can also just go into an existing note, but it’s better to start fresh with a new one.

Adjust your note’s share options to add collaborators

Once your note is up and ready to go, you can begin the process of adding another person as a collaborator, which means they can read and edit whatever is in the note. To start, tap the More button on the top right, and then hit Share Note.

Now tap Share Options and make sure the Can make changes option is selected under Permission. You should also toggle off Anyone can add people in case you want to be the only person who can add collaborators to your note. Go back to the last page when you’re finished configuring these settings.

Add people and share the link

Next, choose a method to share the note: You can send it via text message, email, social media and more. If you swipe on the share options, you can also select Copy Link, which copies the note link to your clipboard and allows you to paste it wherever you want. 

For this example, I’ll choose the Copy Link option to share the note.

At the top of the Copy Link page, enter the email address or phone number of the person you want to access the note. You can also tap the Add icon to search through your contacts. Adding a contact to the note is required. If you share the link without adding a contact, the other person won’t be able to see or edit the note, even with the link.

Lastly, hit Copy Link to copy the note link to your clipboard and share it with your collaborator.

Send secret messages using Notes

The person on the receiving end must now open the note link and accept the invitation. If they accept, they’ll be redirected to the Notes app and to the collaborative note you just created.

To communicate, simply type something into the note, which the other person will be able to see in real-time without you having to hit send. They’ll also receive a notification any time the note is altered. 

Each person in the note will have a corresponding color appear (only for a moment) so that everyone else knows who typed what. You can also swipe right from the middle of the note to see the name of who wrote the message, as well as a time stamp for when the message was written and any corresponding colors. 

You can also tap the Share Note button (with the check mark icon), go to Manage Shared Note and then toggle on Highlight All Changes. That way, all messages will stay permanently highlighted in their corresponding color, making it easier to read the conversation.

If you want to keep your communications more low-key, delete your message or the other person’s message to strike it from the note. That way your conversation is more like it would be on Snapchat, with ephemeral or short-lived messages that outsiders can’t see if they snoop through your notes. You can do this with any text in the notes, as well as photos, videos, links, drawings or any other attachments you add to the note.

Delete your secret chat for good

Not all secret conversations can go on forever, so it’s time now to end it. 

If you’re the owner of the note and want to keep the note intact for everyone but prevent them from editing it, you can easily do so. On the top right, tap the View Participants button and then hit Manage Shared Note. To remove a participant, you can either swipe left on their name and then hit Remove or you can tap on their name and then tap Remove Access.

Additionally, you can tap the Stop Sharing option, which will not only remove participants from the note but also delete the note from all of their devices.

If you’re not the owner of the note, you can just delete the note from the Notes application.

For more tech tips, don’t miss how to save money by borrowing an Airtag for travel and the two settings to change on your iPhone to go to sleep faster.