• Keep Your Technology Clean and Dry – Avoid placing equipment in dirty or cluttered areas. This includes routinely checking for dust buildup which can impact the device’s performance and air circulation. Also keeping equipment in a dry area will decrease the chance for shortage or electrical shock.
• Keep Your Technology Updated – Most devices that are connected to the internet run firmware, which is software installed permanently on the device by the manufacturer. Some firmware updates happen automatically; others must be completed by you. Not all devices have auto-updates, so check to see if this will need to be performed manually-usually you can find available updates in the device’s app.
• Check charging instructions to maintain or extend battery life – Some equipment comes with specific instructions about battery charging and maintenance. For example, many new devices need to be plugged in to reach a full charge before being used for the first time. And some devices should not remain plugged in with a full battery. Following the manufacturer’s instructions will help extend the life of the device’s battery.

Common Issues and Solutions

Eventually, you are bound to run into an issue with your smart home technology. If you encounter an issue, open your device’s app first and look for a section called information, support, or troubleshooting. These sections typically contain information about the issue and any updates needed to correct them.

Below is a list of common problems and a few quick possible ways to repair the breakdown.