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Smart Home Guides

Woman using Shark Ninja Rocket vacuum.

How to reduce high pitch noise of Shark vacuums

Is your Shark vac starting to make annoying noises? That's an important sign to do some maintenance. Here's how to handle it and what to check.
Instant Pot Duo Plus on a kitchen countertop surrounded by food.

What is a pressure cooker, and how do you use it?

We've broken down exactly what a pressure cooker is, how to use one, and what you can make with one of these great time-saving devices.
Instant air purifier with pet.

5 health benefits of smart air purifiers, according to science

Interested in an air purifier but want to make sure it works? Here's how air purifiers can help (and what they can't do), according to scientific research.
Google Nest Cam NC2400ES Outdoor Security Camera 2-pack

How to hide security camera wires outside your home

Unsightly wires got you down? Here is a list of 5 different ways you can hide the cords that come from your outdoor security cameras.
iRobot Roomba j7+ on hardwood floor.

Why does my Roomba keep cleaning the same area?

Roombas may malfunction and go over the same area multiple times. Here are some tips to help fix that behavior.
Underside and brushes of iRobot Roomba j7+.

How to connect a Roomba to Wi-Fi

Roombas are incredibly smart robot vacuums, but you'll need to connect them to your Wi-Fi network to enable the best features. Here's what you need to do.
The Amazon Echo 4 on a counter.

How to play Sirius XM on your Amazon Echo

Love SiriusXM and have an Echo device? Now you can play your SiriusXM stations on an Echo thanks to Alexa compatibility. Here's how to set it up.
best google home compatible devices hands on 4652

The most common Google Home problems, and how to fix them

Google Home and Nest devices are smart, but they aren't perfect: Here are the most common issues, and what solutions we've found work best to address them.
A pile of old iPhone batteries.

How to responsibly recycle old and unused batteries

Figuring out how to recycle batteries can be a bit of a challenge depending on where you live, so we put together this guide to help out.
irobot roomba spraying water on wood floor with vacuum Roomba in dock behind it.

Should you buy a smart robot mop? Pros and cons

A robot mop vac can help clean a variety of hard flooring -- but should you get one? Our guide covers the pros and cons you should know beforehand.

The best meal delivery services

You can find many different meal delivery services out there, and finding the best option can be difficult. These companies offer dietary options for everyone.
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.