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Smart Home Guides

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Your Christmas tree might be bright, but here’s how to make it smart

Making a smart Christmas tree is easier than you think with the right products and apps. Here's how to set schedules, control colors, sync to music, and more!
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How to factory reset a Google Home Mini

If you’re thinking about swapping out Google's entry-level smart speaker, you’ll first need to wipe your device. Here's how to factory reset a Google Home Mini.
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How to prevent your Ring smart cameras from being hacked

Here are some simple ways to keep hackers from using your Ring smart cameras and invading your privacy at home -- even if you have many users on the account.
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How to create spooky Halloween effects with smart home lighting and sound

Up your Halloween decorating game this year by using smart home lighting and sounds to spook your neighbors and trick-or-treaters.
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How to enable Halloween sounds on your Nest Hello video doorbell

The Nest Hello video doorbell lets you add spooky sounds for Halloween. Here's everything you need to know about enabling it and the sounds to expect.
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iRobot Roomba j7+ vs. Samsung Jet Bot AI+: Robot vacuums offer distinct features

Both the iRobot Roomba j7+ and the Samsung Jet Bot A.I.+ are powerful robot vacuums. Which one is the right pick for your home?
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5 best smart fitness mirrors

Looking to work out in your home without filling it with bulky home gym equipment? Then one of these smart fitness mirrors may be the perfect solution for you.
Stainless steel refrigerator in kitchen.

The best refrigerators

We regularly test appliances both large and small. See our picks for the best refrigerators for all budgets and styles, from smart features to solid designs.
Amazon Echo 4th Gen on a table.

How to change Alexa’s voice

Tired of Alexa's voice? In this guide, we'll show you how to change your Alexa's accent and spoken language, as well as how to add skills for celebrity voices.
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The best Apple HomeKit video doorbells for 2022

Video doorbells keep your home safe from burglars and package thieves. Boost security and add convenience with these HomeKit-enabled models.
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Most common Amazon Echo and Alexa problems and how to solve them

Amazon Echo speakers are incredible smart home devices, but they're not without their bugs. Here's a quick roundup of common Echo problems and how to fix them.
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6 annoying things that smart speakers do and how to fix them

Smart speakers can do everything from music streaming to remotely locking doors, but that doesn't make them perfect. Here are six annoying glitches we've found.
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How to use your smart display as a security camera

Smart displays like the Echo Show or Nest Hub Max can serve as security cams for your home. Here's how to enable the modes, optional subscriptions, and more!
The 2021 Amazon Echo Show 8 in an angled view.

How to listen to podcasts on your Alexa device

In addition to music streaming, you can also connect and listen to a number of podcast services using an Alexa-powered device. Here's a guide on how to do so.
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How a smart thermostat can protect your home from brownouts

Notice your lights are dimmer in a heatwave? It may be a brownout. Fortunately, a smart thermostat can help you keep your home's voltage strong and consistent.
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Amazon Echo Show 5 vs. Echo Show 8

The Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8 are similar in many ways, but the Echo Show 8 has a larger screen and other upgrades that might be worth the extra cost.

The best robot vacuums under $200

When purchasing a robot vacuum, one of the biggest deterrents is too high a price. We’ve listed our picks for the best robot vacuums you can buy for under $200.
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Not keen on Ring? Try these Ring video doorbell alternatives

Ring has filled the market with video doorbell options. If recent headlines about the company have you thinking twice about them, check these alternatives.
Black and Decker Portable Air Conditioner

How to install a portable air conditioner

Installing a portable AC can be a bit of a pain, but with our how-to guide and a sliver of patience, you'll have your new appliance up and running in no time.
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Vivint vs. Ring: Which home security system is right for you?

Choosing a home security system can be daunting, but two of the biggest names are Vivint and Ring. We detail how they compare against each other.
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We tried these weird cooling gadgets on Amazon to see what’s practical to use

Amazon carries a ton of weird stuff, but if you're looking for some relief from the heat this summer, then check out these cooling gadgets you can buy.
A Zoom conference on the Echo Show 10.

How to use Zoom on your Amazon Echo Show smart display

Even though it was quietly announced a while ago, you can now use Zoom on your Amazon Echo Show smart display for all of your videoconferencing needs.

The best cordless vacuums

Let's face it: cords can be annoying. To make your chores a little easier, why not choose a cordless vacuum? We've rounded up the best options.