Home Tech Hacks & How Tos
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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
How to find out which devices use the most power in your home
If you want to save money, you need to understand your power use. You know what your appliances and devices cost to buy, but what do they cost to run?
Tip
Why long dishwasher and laundry cycles are key to saving money
People worry that longer washing machine and dishwasher programmes are costing them money. But the opposite is true. Here's why.
How-To
Heatwave hacks: how to use your home appliances to stay cool
Top tips for staying cool when you're working through a heatwave.
How-To
You can finally view your Quest 2 fitness data on your phone
The Move app is a great way to track your fitness on the Quest 2, but you've only been able to view stats in-headset – until now
How-To
How to use Google Nest cameras and doorbell with Alexa
You can now see video feeds and use Alexa to control Google’s latest cameras
How-To
How to listen to music for free on Alexa and Amazon Echo
You don't have to be a Spotify, Amazon or Apple Music subscriber
How-To
How to sell, donate and recycle your old electronics
Declutter, sell, donate and recycle for fun and profit
How-To
How to clean your coffee machine
Essentially, the tip is to let your coffee machine clean itself
How-To
How to share your Alexa shopping list with someone else
We explain how to send someone a list of groceries to buy
How-To
How to set up NordVPN on your router
Installing NordVPN on your router means every device gets a protected, private internet connection
How-To
How to load your dishwasher (properly)
What can go in, what should stay out and where to put it all
How-To
How to clean your dishwasher
It's a gross job but somebody has do it. Let's face it: that's probably you
How-To
How to choose a dishwasher
Integrated or freestanding? How many place settings? And how quiet is a quiet model?
How-To
Top Oculus Quest 2 tips and tricks
From the mirroring your phone notifications to using the headset wirelessly on PC, there's plenty to learn about the Quest 2
How-To
How do I update the software on the Oculus Quest 2?
The Quest 2's automatic software update doesn't always work – but there's a way to trigger it yourself too
How-To
How to fix Alexa when she can’t connect to Wi-Fi
Six things to try to fix an Amazon Echo that has no internet connection
How-To
How to set up a broadband connection
This step-by-step guide explains how to set up new broadband equipment
How-To
How to see your phone notifications on Oculus Quest 2
A new update can mirror your iPhone or Android notifications to the headset
How-To
How to add and edit favourite devices in the Alexa app
You can now control your favourite smart devices easily
How-To
How to stop the wrong Amazon Echo responding when you say Alexa
How to stop the wrong Amazon Echo replying when you say Alexa
How-To
How to play online games at University
You'll want to read this if you're a gamer headed to student halls later this year
How-To
How to set up Ring’s end-to-end video encryption
Which devices are supported and step-by-step instructions
How-To
How to get Alexa notifications when someone rings the doorbell
Turn your Amazon Echos into Ring Chimes & see who’s at the door
How-To
How to watch England vs Italy in 4K on BBC iPlayer
Ultra HD football on compatible TVs and streamers
How-To
How to create and manage profiles on Virgin TV 360
Here's how to get tailored channel lists and content recommendations
How-To
What to ask Alexa about Euro 2020 scores and matches
Alexa can remind you when your country is next playing – and more
How-To
How to make any LED strip smart and control it with Alexa
Way cheaper than Philips Hue and LIFX Z
How-To
How to set up Sleep Sensing on Nest Hub 2
We show you how to use sleep tracking on Google's new smart display
How-To
How to create Alexa routines: automate your smart home
Make stuff happen automatically with Alexa routines
How-To
How to set up rooms in the Alexa app & group your devices
If you have several Amazon Echos, put them in 'rooms' in the Alexa app
