Lifestyle Smart Home

DirecTV Genie Keeps Freezing? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

The best way to catch up on your favorite shows is by recording them when they air and saving them for a later date. However, you need your recording device to be working properly for this to happen.

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Lux Thermostat Not Working? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

The best way to keep your home safe and comfortable throughout the year is to have a high-quality thermostat that can properly control your heating and air conditioning (HVAC) system. One popular option on the market are Lux thermostats due to their convenient features and affordable products. That said, even the best thermostat in the world can have its faults.

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Alarm.com Thermostat Not Cooling? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

When summer rolls around, your home’s air conditioner is one of the only things that can offer you respite from the heat. As far as smart thermostats go, the Alarm.com thermostat is a strong contender. However, as is the case with many thermostats, its cooling capabilities can malfunction.

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What Size Screws For A Samsung TV Mount? (Find Out Now!)

Nothing is more frustrating than buying a new appliance or other item and finding that the package is incomplete. Missing or inadequate screws are one of the most often found missing items. This is true for Samsung TVs, especially the screws to mount the Samsung TV to the legs or a wall mount.

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Internet Goes Out Every Night At The Same Time? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

The Internet plays such a pivotal role in our everyday lives. One of the biggest modern inconveniences is when it stops working. Why does your Internet go out every night at the same time, and what can you do to fix it?

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Ecobee Not Turning On AC? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

It’s a major drag when your AC stops working, but that doesn’t always mean it’s time to replace it. Sometimes, the fix is really quite simple.

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What Does Green Light On Comcast Cable Box Mean?

We love our cable, and as Americans, we love our television programs enough to schedule our week around our favorite shows. After all, there is no way anything can be planned on Tuesday, because that is the season finale, right? What happens though when our cable box stops being that reliable and beloved device? Don’t panic, this is fixable, and it won’t be long before you get tuned back in.

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Magnavox Remote Isn't Working? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Magnavox universal remotes simplify your life by combining controls for all of your audio-visual equipment in a single device. As convenient as this is, when the remote stops working, things get a bit complicated. You have to juggle individual remotes or manually adjust each piece of equipment.

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Comcast Cable Box Says Not Authorized? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

It’s disappointing when you’re trying to watch something on TV, and the Comcast cable box flashes the message, ‘Not Authorized.’ What went wrong?

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How Many Motion Sensors Do You Realistically Need?

The continued boom of home security options has made it easier and easier to keep a home safe, and the owner informed. Smart technology allows you to see who is ringing your doorbell with a video on your cell phone.

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Thermostat Not Working After A Power Outage? (We Have a Fix!)

Nothing is more frustrating than when your power goes out, except for when your thermostat won’t work when the power comes back. Many modern thermostats can work during a power outage, but not all homeowners are so lucky. So, what should you do when your thermostat is not working after a power outage?

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Prime Video Not Working On Roku? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Prime Video not working on your Roku device can be earth-shattering. I mean, how are you supposed to watch the latest season of Billions?

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Ring Doorbell 2 Motion Detection Not Working? (We Have a Fix!)

The Ring Doorbell 2 uses motion detection sensors and a camera to help homeowners optimize home safety. When the motion detection stops working, homeowners no longer receive push alerts when someone approaches the door, and the camera does not kick on to take video footage. 

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5 Ways to Fix Alexa Sorry Something Went Wrong (Guaranteed)

As the proud owner of an Amazon Echo, I can tell you that Alexa became a pretty good part of my nightly routine. The majority of the time, it makes my life easier. Once in a blue moon, though, you’ll hear it say “Sorry, something went wrong.” When this happens, we’ll have to troubleshoot ourselves before we call Amazon’s customer service.

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Ecobee Not Connecting To Wi-Fi? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

One of the advantages of an Ecobee thermostat is the ability to control it remotely. But to do this, the Ecobee needs a strong and secure Wi-Fi connection. So what happens if your Ecobee won’t connect to your Wi-Fi?

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Ring Video Doorbell Has Buzzing Sound? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

The Ring Video Doorbell is a wildly popular doorbell option because it combines home security with front-door alerting. However, when it starts a random buzz after only weeks or months of use, it becomes quite an unparalleled annoyance. This buzz can be in the outdoor unit itself, which is not as bad, or it can be in the home’s doorbell chime which is unbearable.

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Is Hulu Activate Not Working? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

POV: You just sat down to veg out on a Friday night, and unfortunately, Hulu activate isn’t working. What can you do to fix it?

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Echo Remote Not Working? (We Have a Fix!)

An Echo remote is a pinnacle of convenience. It allows you to communicate with Alexa and easily control your home entertainment system using only your voice. But what do you do when the remote you use to make modern life more convenient stops working?

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"Send To Kindle" Function Not Working? (We Have a Fix!)

So, getting an e-reader is kind of a big deal especially if you want to get a good scoop on the hottest new home improvement books. The problem with e-readers, even Kindles, is that they don’t always work. This is a particularly common issue when it comes to matters of sending guides to Kindle. So, what gives?

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Why Are There Horizontal Lines On My Samsung TV?

Samsung TVs, particularly the new generation of Smart TVs, have an excellent reputation. Purchasers of Samsung TVs give above-average comments and reviews. However, a few known issues occur with the display screens and graphics on some Samsung TVs. In particular, the appearance of black horizontal lines on the screen is mentioned

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5 Ways To Solve Red Globe On Verizon Router

Verizon is a great service provider, but that doesn’t mean you’ll always be free of problems when it comes to their internet. There are many things that can happen when you have hardware or wireless service involved, which is why there are indicator lights on the router and modem. But what if there is a red globe on your Verizon router? How do you fix it?

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Do Smart Plugs Save Energy?

Countless homeowners have done everything that they can to transform their houses into smart homes. It’s easy to overlook certain simple devices that make it easier to go about your day as a homeowner, such as smart plugs. So, do smart plugs save energy?

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Schlage Smart Lock Not Working? (Fix It Without a Locksmith)

When you install a smart lock, you expect it to work. I mean, they’re supposed to be the leader in security. This is doubly true if you got a smart lock from a company like Schlage. Schlage has been a major mainstay in the home security field for ages. So, how do you fix a Schlage smart lock that isn’t working?

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TV Keeps Going Black For A Few Seconds? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

TVs are wonderful additions to your home — when they work correctly. There are many issues that can come up, from TVs being too loud or too quiet,  being too dim, all the way up to the dreaded ‘black screen of death’. But luckily, many of these issues are relatively simple to fix.

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SimpliSafe Flashing Blue? (We Have a Fix!)

You have made the decision to get a home security system. There are plenty of options out there but which one do you go with? In the end, you have chosen SimpliSafe for their reputation and comprehensive offerings.

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Can You Mount A Curved TV On The Wall? (Find Out Now!)

Curved TVs are not as popular as they were when they first came on the scene a couple of years ago. Although sales numbers didn’t quite measure up to industry expectations, these screens still offer a very immersive experience that many choose to include in their home theaters. Whether you just purchased a fancy new curved TV or you’re considering adding one in your home, one main question often comes to mind: Can you mount a curved TV on the wall?

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Heater Is Still On When Thermostat Is Off? (We Have a Fix!)

Your thermostat is meant to be the “brain” of your HVAC system. It’s supposed to control the goings-on involving your AC unit, heater, and to a point, your ventilation. Once in a blue moon, your thermostat will stop working or will just shut off. So, what does it mean when your heater is still on when this happens? Should you panic?

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SimpliSafe Base Station Flashing Blue? (We Have a Fix!)

Making the move to a home security system is becoming a necessity these days. SimpliSafe, one of the top choices on the market, oftentimes ends up being one of the first names thought of by new customers. Setup is relatively easy and their products are reliable.

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Home Security Tips: Living Alone For The First Time

You only get to live alone for the first time once, and it’s important to make the most of it. But moving into your own place can also feel a bit daunting. There is all the stuff you need to buy, and a home aesthetic to think about.

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Vizio TV Legs Too Wide For The Stand? (Here's What You Can Do)

Many typical issues come with getting a new TV. Those common issues can include things like connection and setup to  mounting the television. In most cases, these are less like problems and more like learning curves. And like every new television, often even with the same manufacturer, there are new things to figure out. That includes learning how to deal with issues like when Vizio TV legs are too wide.

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No Menu Button on Vizio Remote? (Here's How to Access Settings)

If you have recently bought a Vizio smart TV and have taken a look at the remote, you have probably noticed something a little strange right off the bat: there is no menu button on a Vizio remote.

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Why Is My Ecobee Not Responding? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

When one smart device can talk to another, it’s just the best. Ecobee has the ability to pair with other devices like Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit. In addition, Ecobee has touch screen capabilities so you can interact directly with the thermostat.

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Vizio TV Stuck On Wide Mode? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Unlike old TVs with one aspect ratio available, Vizio TVs offer you several options for viewing programs at the best aspect ratio. Most times, your Vizio TV adjusts the display’s aspect ratio for the best with the program you watch. However, you may experience your Vizio TV getting stuck in the Wide Mode aspect ratio.

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Why Does My Vizio TV Keep Changing Input? (Find Out Why!)

In today’s world, there are so many different devices to plug into your Vizio TV. Many people have an Xbox or PlayStation they use via an HDMI port. So, how do you stop your Vizio TV from constantly changing inputs?

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Is A Ring Doorbell Waterproof? (Find Out Now!)

The Ring Video Doorbell is made to be mounted outside of a home, typically underneath eaves or under a porch where it will be subjected to some weather but not the full force of soaking rain or driving winds. It is also assumed that it will not be regularly sprayed by landscaping irrigation sprinklers or doused by splashing pool water.

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Can Alexa Play SoundCloud? (Find Out Now!)

The convenience of smart home technology has taken the world of home design by storm. Often, the first smart home technology that many households adopt are smart speakers with AI assistants like Alexa. These small, yet powerful devices can answer your questions, set timers, and more. Most importantly, they can easily play your favorite music on command.

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Can Smart Bulbs Be Used In Any Lamp?

Countless homeowners will do anything to update their technology and appliances. Smart technology has crept into every aspect of the home, and that includes lighting fixtures. So, can smart bulbs be used in any lamp?

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Is Your Cox Modem Blinking Orange? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Cox Communications is an Internet Service Provider (ISP) that offers dial-up, DSL, and cable internet service to homes and businesses across the United States. Regardless of their reach, no service provider is error-free (although we wish that were the case). What should you do when your Cox modem is blinking orange?

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Thermostat Flashing "Cool On" But Not Working? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Troubleshooting a thermostat can be tricky between all of the messages and error codes that they display. Many homeowners have scratched their heads the words “cool on” flash on the display yet the thermostat won’t work. So, what does this message mean, and what can you do to fix it?

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The 26 Best Video Doorbells Without A Subscription

I love the idea of video doorbells, don’t you? It’s so nice to see a video of who’s outside your home and actually have proof of porch pirates. Video doorbells are a smart investment in home security, but most require you to pay a monthly subscription. Want to get a video doorbell that doesn’t need one? We have you covered.

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Why Is My Router Blinking Red? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

A router blinking red is a common symptom of many different problems. Knowing what this means can help you get it back up and running ASAP!

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ARRIS Modem "Sync Timing Synchronization Failure" (Possible Causes & Fixes)

If your Arris SURFboard modem is showing a “Sync Timing Synchronization Failure,” it can be confusing, to say the least. Why is this happening, and what’s the recommended plan to fix it?

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Why Is My Ecobee Blinking Green? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Smart thermostats, like those from the Ecobee brand, come equipped with many special features. It’s tough sometimes to keep up with everything our smart devices can do.

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Is Your Vivint Thermostat Not Working? (We Have a Fix!)

The Vivint Smart Thermostat plays an important role in the brand’s home security lineup. It uses sensors to determine when you’re home or away. With that information, it adjusts the temperature in your house. But what happens when your digital thermostat stops working?

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Sony TV Blinking Red Light 6 Times? (Possible Causes and Fixes)

The Sony TV blinking a red light 6 times is usually an indication of error. While there are many possible causes and fixes, some require the user to be more technically inclined than others.

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Samsung TV Mount Screws Don't Fit? (Find Out Why!)

You got your new Samsung HD Smart TV home from the retail store. You mount the new bracket on the way and get ready to hang your new Samsung TV on the bracket. It quickly becomes apparent that there is a problem. The screws that came with the bracket and the Samsung TV don’t fit.

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Pro 1 Thermostat T705 Not Working? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

The Pro 1 t705 is an effective and versatile thermostat that is ideal for many homeowners. It can run solely on batteries, a hardwire, or a combination of both for consistent performance. With that said, what are you supposed to do when your Pro 1 t705 thermostat is not working?

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What Size Screws For A Vizio TV Mount? (Find Out Now!)

You may have a brand new Vizio TV or have purchased a used model. Now you want to mount that Vizio TV on the wall in your home. You may even have an existing mount already in place. If this is the situation and you can’t find the screws that came with the mount or the Vizio TV, you have a slight problem. What size crews do you use to mount your Vizio TV?

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Can You Install A Nest Thermostat In Your Apartment?

Installing smart devices into your home is a great way to make your life easier and upgrade your space. Products such as Nest make it easy and convenient to manage your home’s temperature.

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Is Your Roku Light Blinking? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Ah, a Roku device- your one-stop-shop for all things streaming. If your Roku light starts blinking, that throws a pretty big wrench in your Saturday night plans (that may or may not have included leaving the couch).

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Ring Doorbell Hardwired But Not Charging? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

The Ring Doorbell is designed to be hardwired into the existing doorbell transformer. This does two things. It allows the Ring doorbell to activate the home’s interior chime, and it trickle-charges the Ring’s lithium-ion battery pack.

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Is Your Luxpro Thermostat Not Working? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Thermostats have come a long way in a relatively short time. Central air itself is still a relatively new invention in the grand scheme of things. The way that we control the settings have changed throughout the years, with smart thermostats currently being the best option out there.

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Why Is My Broadband Light Red? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Whenever our phones or laptops aren’t working, we often blame the  WiFi. However, what if you notice the broadband light on your router is red?

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Nest Thermostat Not Heating? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Nest thermostats are great for people who want to have a little extra efficiency. They keep your home warm and nicely climate controlled. However, things don’t always work the way they should. There are going to be times when your Nest thermostat won’t heat up your home. What gives, anyway?

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Is Your Ring Doorbell Not Charging? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

All Ring doorbells, except for the Ring Doorbell Pro and the Ring Doorbell Elite, run on batteries, even if they are hardwired to the home. The battery is a rechargeable lithium-ion pack that charges via a USB cable. The battery charge should last an average of 6 to 12 months, but frequent use discharges them sooner.

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DISH Signal Code 11-11-11? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Signal codes are a series of numbers technicians use to diagnose and troubleshoot DISH network problems. A common DISH signal code is 11-11-11; knowing what this means will help you better understand the problem and how it can be fixed!

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Could Not Communicate With Your Google Home Mini (Fix Now!)

Your Google Home Mini is a helpful and handy pocket-sized piece of technology. It can play your favorite music and podcasts, and help you accomplish all your tasks on time as dictated by your calendar.

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Google Home Routines Not Working? (We Have a Fix!)

If you have a Google Assistant, you can utilize routines to make your day-to-day life easier. In fact, 72% of people who own voice-activated technology say that it is an integral part of their daily routine.

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Ring Doorbell Power Status Is Poor? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

It is common for Ring Video Doorbells to have trouble keeping the lithium-ion battery pack fully charged. There are a few possible reasons for this, most of which can be solved by the Ring owner. 

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Altice One WiFi Not Working: 8 Things to Check & Fix

It’s no secret that we need reliable internet in this day and age. This fact makes it all the more frustrating when your WiFi unexpectedly stops working. If you have an Altice One router that is not working, you’re in the right place to learn about how to troubleshoot issues with WiFi connectivity.

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