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Smart Home Guides

The Shark Rotator vacuum in action.

Shark vacuum not sucking? Here’s how to fix it

Is your Shark vacuum losing suction? That's a serious problem, but there are lots of troubleshooting tricks you can try. Here are the most effective DIY fixes.
Roomba on floor with dog.

The best Roomba name ideas for your robot vacuum

It feels a little weird calling your Roomba "Roomba" when giving commands or talking to it. Try out these stylish names instead!
Amazon Echo (4th Gen) on a kitchen counter.

The 8 best Alexa music stations

Looking for new music stations with Alexa? You have plenty of options! Here's how music stations work on Alexa devices and what stations are worth trying.
A computer showing off the stream of an IP camera.

How to view your IP camera remotely via a web browser

Steps to follow in order to view your IP camera's stream through a web browser.
Philips Hue Iris table lamp green

How to change your smart light colors

One of the greatest features of smart lights is being able to change them to all sorts of colors. Here's how you do it.
Herdio Speakers in a kitchen.

9 things you need to know about in-ceiling smart speakers

Smart speakers can go many places -- including inset speakers in your ceiling. Here's why that's an option for many smart homes, and everything you should know!
SimpliSafe bast station sitting on a table infant of a mirror.

SimpliSafe battery life and replacement tips

SimpliSafe is a complete DIY home security option. Learn how to replace the battery and how often you may need to do so for every unit.
iRobot Roomba i3 Plus cleaning a wooden floor.

Roomba not connecting to Wi-Fi? Here’s how to fix it

Are you having trouble connecting your new iRobot Roomba to your home network? Or does it keep falling off your Wi-Fi? Here are a few fixes you can try.

How to empty and clean a Roomba vacuum

Emptying the dirt and debris from your Roomba vac is an essential part of robot vacuum care. Here's a guide on how to do so.
Echo show 15 stands

How to mount an Amazon Echo Show 15

Amazon Echo Show 15 is made for wall mounting, but what if that's not in the cards for you? We include other options to try.
Nest hub with YouTube displayed on holiday background

How to watch YouTube on a Google Nest Hub Smart Display

Learn how easy it is to watch and control YouTube on your Google Nest Hub smart display.
The Instant Pot Duo Mini on a counter.

The most common Instant Pot problems and how to fix them

Instant Pots are safe, high-tech, and can do almost anything -- but they can be tough to figure out. We list common Instant Pot problems and how to fix them.
Tonal Home Gum arm training.

The best exercise tech to help you crush your 2022 fitness goals

Smart home fitness equipment has progressed in leaps and bounds over the past few years, so we rounded up some of our favorite products.
The Vizio OLED 4K HDR TV in living room.

How to connect Alexa to your TV

Alexa is a powerful smart assistant that can even control your TV. Here's how to connect Alexa to your smart TV, set-top box, or streaming device.
Talk to Samuel L. Jackson on Alexa.

How to talk to Samuel L. Jackson using Alexa

The Samuel L. Jackson voice is a fun skill for your Alexa-enabled devices. We show you how to get this skill on your Echo device and customize the options.

Which Instant Pot should you buy? All of the models compared

Instant Pot offers multiple different types of pressure cookers. This guide compares every Instant Pot model so you can decide which pot is best for you.
The Google Nest Audio speaker on a table.

How to make calls on your Google Nest, Home, or Mini

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to set up hands-free calling on the Google Home. Learn how to sync your contacts, and make and end calls.
Alexa listening indicator.

How to secure your Alexa device

Is Alexa safe and secure? You can certainly take some precautions to better secure your Alexa device. Check out our guide to improve Alexa privacy and security.
Alexa hey santa on Echo Show

How to talk to Santa with Alexa and Google Assistant

Who says you need to go to a mall to see Santa? Here's how to chat with Kris Kringle from home, using a smart speaker or digital assistant device.
Google Nest Cam Indoor Wired on table.

How to find hidden cameras in your Airbnb rental

If you’re worried about someone filming you in your Airbnb rental, here's how to find hidden cameras and ensure your rental space isn’t under surveillance.
Airbnb listings on a phone.

What is Airbnb? What to know before becoming a guest or host

Airbnb offers you someone's home to stay in instead of a hotel, and allows for a variety of hosting options. Here's what you need to know about the experience.
Stainless steel refrigerator in kitchen.

The best and most reliable refrigerator brands of 2022

Shopping for a fridge? Here are the best refrigerator brands in terms of durability, design, and features: From Whirlpool to LG, these models are worth a look.
google nest hub max group video conferencing news duo call

How to set up a Google Nest Hub Max

Before you start making those video calls or start controlling all of your connected smart home gadgets, we break down how to set up your Google Nest Hub Max.
how to clean a washing machine washingmachines

How to clean a washing machine

Is your washing machine in need of a deep clean? Do your clothes still smell funky, even after a cycle? Remove the grime and buildup with these easy tips.
air fryer deals instant vortex black decker philips amazon purify 2 liter hf110sbd 720x720

How to clean an air fryer

If your air fryer isn't cooking as well as it used to, it may be time for a cleaning. Here's a guide on how to clean and maintain your fryer in five easy steps.
A person using a smart light switch.

How to install a smart light switch

If you know the steps, installing a smart light switch is a relatively painless process. Check out our complete guide on how to install a smart light switch.
Echo 4th Gen on table.

How to hear and delete Alexa conversations

Alexa saves recordings of your voice conversations. Here's how to hear and delete Alexa conversations or delete your entire voice recording history quickly.
Amazon Echo Dot deal for Black Friday 2020

How to connect your Alexa-enabled device to Wi-Fi

Whether you just purchased a brand-new Alexa-enabled device or you're moving it to another network, connecting it to Wi-Fi is easy. Our guide shows you how.
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat mounted on an office wall above a desk and lamp.

How to add multiple users to your Google Home device

Want to personalize the Google Home experience for each individual member of your household? Here's how to add more than one user on your Google Home device.
The 3rd-generation Amazon Echo Dot on a wooden surface.

How to factory reset an Echo Dot

Need to get rid of an old Echo Dot? Here's our quick and easy guide on how to successfully factory reset your speaker and get it ready for sale or trade-in.
instacart settle 46 million

The best grocery delivery apps

Not in the mood to leave your house for a trip to the grocery store? Delivery services like Instacart, Peapod, and Amazon Prime Now can shop for you.
AmazonBasics Microwave

How to clean a microwave safely and correctly

If you don't often clean your microwave, it's time. Luckily, the process is easy and only requires some household supplies. We'll walk you through step-by-step.
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How to play Apple Music on an Alexa device

Alexa is happy to play Apple Music if you know how to set it up. Here's how to get songs from your Apple device or Apple Music to play on your Alexa device.
The Ring Video Doorbell 3 installed near a door.

Which Ring Doorbell should you buy on Black Friday 2021?

Looking Black Friday deals on your home security check list? Here are the deals and the detail you should know if you're shopping for Ring Video Doorbells.