Home Tech Hacks & How Tos
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How-To
How to block phone numbers
If you're being pestered by cold callers and private numbers and looking for a way to block them, look no further than our quick guide on how to block phone numbers
How-To
6 ways to extend your Wi-Fi range
Got weak Wi-Fi? We show you how to make it better—and get a more reliable internet connection—with six expert tips
How-To
How to connect an Android phone or tablet to a TV
Use your favourite apps on the big screen by connecting or casting your Android phone or tablet, either wired or wirelessly
How-To
Can an air fryer save you money? Yes – and these tips will help
Test after test confirms that an air fryer is cheaper than using your oven. But these tips will help you save even more and make the most of your air fryer
How-To
What to use if you don’t have dishwasher tablets
Your dishwasher is full but you've run out of dishwasher tablets. Here's what you can use to get your dishes clean – and what you should absolutely avoid
How-To
How to cancel your Amazon Prime subscription
Had enough of Prime or just want to avoid being charged after a free trial? Here's how to cancel your membership via either the website or app
How-To
How to clean your vacuum cleaner
Poor pick-up, lack of suction and stale smells are signs that your vacuum cleaner itself needs a clean. Here’s how to bring it back to box-fresh efficiency
How-To
Your Roomba is filthy. Here's how to get it completely clean
Think you’ve been taking good care of your Roomba? Think again. Here’s how to get your filthy Roomba clean as a whistle.
Deal
This air fryer cleaning hack will cost you pennies and save you hours
Hate cleaning your air fryer? A small investment could mean that's one annoying job you rarely need to do
How-To
How to clean your Roomba’s dust bin the right way
You've been diligently emptying your Roomba's dust bin every week, but it's still filthy. Here's the right way to clean it.
How-To
How to log into the Wi-Fi on your smartphone without a password
Smartphone users can share their Wi-Fi access and password using a QR code. This simple hack is great for guests and new devices
How-To
Got a Roomba? Clean these filthy components right now
If your Roomba is having trouble docking or has slowed to a crawl, a good scrub might make things right.
How-To
The best way to clean your Roomba’s hairy brushes
Your Roomba’s brushes are covered with hair. Here’s how to get them clean.
How-To
Why your Roomba keeps saying it's time to empty the dust bin
Even if you dutifully empty your Roomba's dust bin, the bot might still insist it's full. Here's why, plus a couple of fixes.
How-To
How to beat the Ring subscription price hike
Ring's Basic subscription package will rise to $49.99/£49.99 per year soon, but this cash-saving hack gets you another 12 months at the current price
How-To
How to use your iPhone to get perfect laundry
If laundry care symbols might as well be hieroglyphs to you, there's an iPhone trick that'll decipher them. Here's how
How-To
How to move a device to a different room in the Alexa app
Want to move an Echo, a smart plug, or something else to a different room? Here's what to do in the Alexa app.
How-To
How to access blocked websites and videos
Here's how to read a blocked website, watch a geo-restricted video, and access other blocked services even if you can't download an app on your device
How-To
How to organise cable clutter with 10 simple cable tidy tips
Inexpensive cable tidy tips and products to keep chargers under control
How-To
How to add HDMI ports to your TV
If you have more devices than ports on your TV, don't waste time unplugging and plugging in cables. Here's how to add more HDMI ports to your TV
How-To
New to robot vacuums? 7 things to know before you buy one one
Robot vacuums are one of our favorite smart appliances, but the labor-saving gadgets need more help than you might think.
How-To
How to use an Amazon Echo to extend your Eero Wi-Fi network
Got an Eero mesh Wi-Fi system? You can use Echo smart speakers to expand its coverage thanks to Eero Built-in. Here’s how.
How-To
How to wire an Ethernet wall socket
No matter how good Wi-Fi gets, you can’t beat good old-fashioned copper wire for reliability, if not speed as well. Here's how to wire an Ethernet faceplate.
How-To
How to use Google Assistant on Windows 11
Google Assistant is available on your PC. Making it happen is quite tricky but we show you how in this complete guide
How-To
Is BT down?
BT is one of the most popular providers of broadband and phone lines – here's how to tell if either services are down right now
How-To
How to use Alexa on Windows 11
Cortana is no longer available on Windows 11, but Amazon's Alexa is a great alternative. Here's how to get started using it
How-To
What temperature should your fridge be?
If your fresh food isn't lasting as long over summer, your fridge may not be cold enough. Here's how to ensure that it's at the right temperature
How-To
How to enable 5GHz Wi-Fi on your laptop
5GHz Wi-Fi is typically faster than the default 2.4GHz, provided you're relatively close to your router
How-To
Got hay fever? Follow these steps to breathe better at home
If hay fever is making you miserable, we've got tips on how to clean your air at home to lessen your symptoms
How-To
How to improve Wi-Fi in your garden
5 ways to get a strong Wi-Fi signal outdoors for a fast internet connection in your garden
How-To
How to make sparkling water at home
If you enjoy sparkling water or use fizzy mixers in cocktails, mocktails and cordials, don't buy endless heavy plastic bottles: make it yourself. Here's how
How-To
How to get cheap BT broadband if you’re on benefits
BT Essentials is a broadband plan that gives discounted internet for families on benefits. Here's who is eligible, what's on offer and how to apply.
How-To
How to choose a Wi-Fi router
Should I buy a Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E router? What about mesh Wi-Fi? We explain everything you need to know about buying a router.
How-To
How to Speed up a Home Network: Tips to Boost Wired & Wi-Fi
Get faster streaming, data, Wi-Fi at home
How-To
How to use Twitter's edit button
Twitter's edit button is now available across the world, both on smartphones and on web browser – here is how to use it
Updated
How to join the Demand Flexibility Service
Some households are now being paid to not use power-hungry appliances during peak hours. Here's what you need to know.
How-To
How to watch Samsung’s CES 2023 press conference live
Samsung has already announced plenty of new tech this week, but it's expected to shift the focus to smart home at today's CES keynote
How-To
How to set up Alexa on an Amazon Echo
With the Alexa app on your phone, setting up an Echo is a quick and easy process
How-To
Alexa’s funniest jokes, songs & more: here’s how to hear them
Amazon's assistant loves a laugh. Here's what to say over the festive period, and how to turn Alexa into Santa
How-To
Is it cheaper to use an electric heater or gas central heating?
If you're not sure whether it's more cost-effective to switch on an electric heater or use your central heating, read on: we'll show you how to work it out.
How-To
How to connect a laptop to a TV
Mirror your screen and send video from your laptop or PC to your TV – here's how and what to do when things go wrong
How-To
How do I connect my TV to the Internet?
If you've recently bought new a television from a big brand like LG, Panasonic, Samsung, TCL, Hisense or Sony in the last year it's likely that you’re going to need to connect it to the internet in order to get the most from it.
How-To
Use Alexa’s new music to calm cats on fireworks night (plus these expert tips)
Alexa now has specially composed music music to help anxious cats and dogs when there are fireworks outside, and experts offer their tips, too.
How-To
Does turning down your boiler really save money on your gas bill?
Don't heat water as hot, save money. It sounds simple, but we explain whether this heating hack actually works, and if it's a good idea.
How-To
Roomba won't dock? Try these 4 fixes
Is your Roomba having trouble finding its way to the charging dock, or does it refuse to settle in the dock once it gets there? Try these troubleshooting steps.
How-To
How to log in to a router and change settings
We explain how to find your router's IP address and get to the settings such as the password or Wi-Fi name.
How-To
How to check Wi-Fi signal strength anywhere in your home
We explain how to measure the strength of any Wi-Fi signal using free apps for Android and iOS.
How-To
How to monitor the air quality in your home
What are you breathing in at home? We've got information on the most common forms of air pollutants and how you can test for them
How-To