Let’s fix it together.

No internet at all

1. Check if it's every device. Try a phone (on WiFi, not cellular) and a computer. If only one device is offline, use "One device won't connect" instead.
2. Restart the modem and router. Unplug both for 30 seconds. Plug the modem in first and wait until its lights settle (2 to 3 minutes), then plug in the router.
3. Check the cables. Make sure the cable from the wall to the modem, and from the modem to the router, are pushed in firmly at both ends.
4. Look at the lights. A red or blinking warning light on the modem usually means the problem is on your provider's side.
5. Check for an outage. Using your phone's cellular data, open your internet provider's app or website and look for an outage in your area.

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WiFi is slow

1. Run a speed test near the router. Search "speed test" and run one standing next to the router, then again where it feels slow. A big difference means a coverage problem, not your plan.
2. Restart the router. Unplug it for 30 seconds and plug it back in. Routers that run for months can slow down.
3. Check what else is online. Big downloads, game updates, cloud backups and several streams at once all share the same connection.
4. Move the router. Put it in the open, up high and near the middle of the home. Not in a cabinet, behind the TV or on the floor.
5. Compare with your plan. If the speed next to the router is close to what you pay for, the plan itself may be the limit.

Our WiFi setup service · Read: Why is my WiFi slow?

WiFi keeps dropping

1. Restart the router. Unplug it for 30 seconds and plug it back in.
2. Check for interference. Keep the router away from microwaves, cordless phone bases, fish tanks and thick walls.
3. Update the router. Open your router's app (or ask your provider) and install any available updates.
4. Note when it happens. Is it one device, one room or one time of day? That pattern points to the cause.
5. Consider the router's age. Routers more than five or six years old often struggle with how many devices homes have today.

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Weak WiFi in some rooms

1. Move the router to the middle. WiFi spreads out from the router, so a router in a corner wastes half its signal outside.
2. Get it up and in the open. A shelf works better than the floor, and open space works better than a cabinet.
3. Remove obstacles. Mirrors, metal, appliances and brick or concrete walls block the signal.
4. Check your extender. If you use a range extender, put it halfway between the router and the weak room, not inside the weak room.
5. Consider mesh WiFi. Larger or multi-floor homes often need a mesh system with more than one unit.

Our WiFi setup service · Read: What is mesh WiFi?

One device won't connect to WiFi

1. Turn WiFi off and on. On that device, switch WiFi off, wait 10 seconds and switch it back on.
2. Restart the device. A full restart fixes many connection problems.
3. Forget the network and rejoin. In the device's WiFi settings, choose "Forget" on your network, then connect again and type the password carefully.
4. Check airplane mode. Make sure airplane mode is off.
5. Install updates. Older software can have trouble with newer routers.

Our Network troubleshooting service

Forgot the WiFi password

1. Check the router sticker. If no one changed it, the password is printed on a sticker on the router.
2. Look it up on an iPhone. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the (i) next to your network, then tap Password.
3. Look it up on Android. In Wi-Fi settings, tap your network and choose Share. Many phones show the password under the QR code.
4. Look it up on a Windows PC. On a PC that's connected: Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > your network's properties > View Wi-Fi security key.
5. Check your router's app. Most providers' apps show and let you change the WiFi password.

Our WiFi setup service

Computer is slow

1. Restart it properly. Choose Restart, not just closing the lid. Many computers go weeks without a real restart.
2. Close extra tabs and apps. Dozens of open browser tabs use a lot of memory.
3. Turn off startup apps. Windows: press Ctrl+Shift+Esc, open Startup apps and disable ones you don't need. Mac: System Settings > General > Login Items.
4. Install updates. Windows: Settings > Windows Update. Mac: System Settings > General > Software Update.
5. Free up storage. A nearly full drive slows everything down. Keep at least 15 to 20% free.
6. Run a security scan. Windows: open Windows Security and run a quick scan.

Our PC tune-up service · Read: 5 signs your PC needs a checkup

Computer is frozen

1. Wait a minute. Sometimes it's busy. Give it 60 seconds before doing anything.
2. Close the stuck app. Windows: press Ctrl+Shift+Esc, select the app and choose End task. Mac: press Option+Command+Esc and choose Force Quit.
3. Force a restart if nothing responds. Hold the power button for about 10 seconds until it turns off, then turn it back on. Unsaved work will be lost.
4. Install updates after it restarts. Freezes are often fixed by updates to the system or the app.

Our PC tune-up service

Computer won't turn on

If you smell burning or a laptop looks swollen or bulging, stop, unplug it and don't charge it again.

1. Check the power. Make sure the outlet works and any power strip is switched on. Try a different outlet.
2. Charge a laptop for 30 minutes. Plug it in and leave it. A fully drained battery can take a while to respond.
3. Drain leftover power. Unplug it, hold the power button for 15 seconds, plug it back in and try again.
4. Look and listen. Lights or fan noise with a black screen is a different problem. See "Screen is black".

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Screen is black, but it's on

1. Turn up the brightness. It sounds simple, but brightness keys get pressed by accident.
2. Check the monitor. For a desktop, check the monitor is on, on the right input, and both ends of the cable are firm.
3. Wake it up. Press a key or move the mouse. On Windows, press Windows+Ctrl+Shift+B to reset the display.
4. Restart. Hold the power button for 10 seconds to force it off, then turn it back on.

Our PC tune-up service

No sound

1. Check the volume and mute. Check the computer's volume, the app's volume and any speaker volume knob.
2. Check the output device. Windows: Settings > System > Sound > Output. Mac: System Settings > Sound > Output. Pick the speakers you're using.
3. Check Bluetooth. Sound may be going to headphones or a speaker connected somewhere else. Disconnect them and try again.
4. Restart. A restart fixes many sound glitches.

Our PC tune-up service

Storage is full

1. See what's using space. Windows: Settings > System > Storage. Mac: System Settings > General > Storage.
2. Empty the trash. Empty the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac).
3. Clean up Downloads. Old installers and duplicates pile up in the Downloads folder.
4. Uninstall apps you don't use. Large games and old programs take a lot of space.
5. Move photos and videos. Copy them to an external drive or cloud storage, and check they opened there before deleting the originals.

Our PC tune-up service

Laptop battery drains fast

If the laptop case is bulging or the trackpad is lifting, stop using it and don't charge it.

1. Lower the brightness. The screen is one of the biggest battery users.
2. Use battery saver. Windows: Settings > System > Power & battery. Mac: System Settings > Battery > Low Power Mode.
3. Find power-hungry apps. The battery settings show which apps use the most.
4. Check battery health. Mac: System Settings > Battery shows the battery's condition. Batteries wear out and can be replaced.

Our PC tune-up service

Keyboard or mouse not working

1. Replace the batteries. For wireless ones, fresh batteries fix most problems.
2. Check the receiver. If it uses a small USB receiver, unplug it and plug it into a different port.
3. Re-pair Bluetooth. Remove it from Bluetooth settings and pair it again.
4. Restart the computer. This resets the connection.

Our PC tune-up service

Windows Update stuck or failing

Don't force the computer off while it says "Working on updates" unless it hasn't changed for several hours.

1. Give it time. Big updates can take an hour or more. Keep a laptop plugged in.
2. Restart and try again. If nothing has moved for a long time, restart and check Settings > Windows Update again.
3. Free up space. Updates need free storage. See "Storage is full".
4. Run the troubleshooter. Settings > System > Troubleshoot, then look for the Windows Update troubleshooter.

Our PC tune-up service · Read: Still on Windows 10?

Blue screen or keeps restarting

1. Write down the stop code. The blue screen shows a code. It helps whoever fixes it.
2. Unplug new devices. Remove anything plugged in recently, like a new printer or drive.
3. Undo recent changes. If it started after installing a program or driver, uninstall it.
4. Install updates. Settings > Windows Update.
5. Back up your files now. Repeated crashes can mean failing hardware. Copy your important files somewhere safe.

Our PC tune-up service

Still on Windows 10

1. Check if you can upgrade. Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. It will say if your PC can get Windows 11 for free.
2. Or enroll in extended updates. On the same page, look for Enroll now to keep getting security updates until October 12, 2027.
3. Back up first. Back up your files before any big upgrade.

Our PC tune-up service · Read: Still on Windows 10?

Mac is slow or shows the spinning wheel

1. Quit apps you're not using. Closing the window doesn't quit the app. Press Command+Q.
2. Force quit a stuck app. Press Option+Command+Esc and choose Force Quit.
3. Restart. Apple menu > Restart.
4. Check storage. System Settings > General > Storage. Keep at least 15 to 20% free.
5. Install updates. System Settings > General > Software Update.

Our PC tune-up service

Mac won't update

1. Plug in the charger. Updates may not start on battery.
2. Free up storage. macOS updates need a lot of free space.
3. Restart and try again. Apple menu > Restart, then System Settings > General > Software Update.
4. Check if it's supported. Older Macs can't install the newest macOS. That's normal, and the Mac may still get security updates for a while.

Our PC tune-up service

Phone storage is full

1. See what's using space. iPhone: Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Android: Settings > Storage.
2. Remove apps you don't use. iPhones can also offload unused apps, which keeps their data.
3. Back up and clear videos. Videos take the most space. Make sure they're backed up first.
4. Clear old message attachments. Photos and videos in text threads add up.
5. Empty Recently Deleted. Deleted photos stay in a Recently Deleted album for a while and still use space.

Phone won't charge

If the phone is hot, swollen or the screen is lifting, stop charging it.

1. Try another cable and charger. Cables are the most common failure.
2. Try another outlet. Or a different USB port.
3. Clean the port gently. Turn the phone off and look for lint. Remove it carefully with a wooden toothpick, never metal.
4. Restart the phone. Then try charging again.

Phone battery drains fast

1. Check which apps use it. iPhone: Settings > Battery. Android: Settings > Battery.
2. Turn on Low Power Mode or Battery Saver. It limits background activity.
3. Lower the brightness. Or turn on auto-brightness.
4. Install updates. Updates often fix battery bugs.
5. Check battery health. iPhone: Settings > Battery > Battery Health. Old batteries can be replaced.

Photos aren't backing up

1. Check backup is on. iPhone: Settings > your name > iCloud > Photos. Google Photos: tap your profile picture to see backup status.
2. Connect to WiFi and charge. Backups often wait for WiFi and power.
3. Turn off Low Power Mode. It can pause photo uploads.
4. Check cloud storage. If your cloud storage is full, backups stop.

Our Data recovery service · Read: How to back up your photos and files

Printer says offline

1. Restart the printer. Turn it off, wait 30 seconds and turn it on.
2. Check it's on your WiFi. Look on the printer's screen. Some printers only connect to the 2.4 GHz network.
3. Restart your router. Unplug it for 30 seconds.
4. Remove and re-add the printer. On your computer or phone, delete the printer and add it again, or use the maker's app.
5. Update the printer software. Download the latest driver or app from the maker's website.

Our Network troubleshooting service · Read: Printer won't connect?

Paper jam or paper won't feed

1. Turn it off. Always turn the printer off before reaching inside.
2. Pull paper out gently. Open the doors and pull jammed paper slowly in the direction it normally travels.
3. Check for torn pieces. A small torn piece left inside will keep causing jams.
4. Reload the paper. Fan the stack, don't overfill the tray and slide the guides against the paper.

Prints are blank, streaky or faded

1. Check ink or toner levels. Look on the printer's screen or app.
2. Run a cleaning cycle. Inkjet printers have a print head cleaning option in the maintenance menu.
3. Check new cartridges. Remove any protective tape left on a new cartridge.
4. Check the print settings. Make sure draft or economy mode isn't turned on.

Locked out or forgot a password

1. Use the official Forgot password link. Go to the real website or app yourself. Never use a link from a text or email you didn't request.
2. Check your spam folder. Reset emails often land there.
3. Check your recovery phone and email. The code goes to whatever recovery info is on the account.
4. Use the account recovery form. If your recovery info is out of date, most services have a recovery form.

Our device protection service · Read: 6 password habits

Not getting emails

1. Check spam and other folders. Also check tabs like Promotions or Other.
2. Check your storage. If your email storage is full, new mail can bounce.
3. Check filters and forwarding. A rule may be moving or forwarding messages.
4. Ask the sender. Confirm they used the right address and ask them to resend.

My account may be hacked

If it's your email or bank account, act now. Call your bank using the number on your card.

1. Change the password. Do it from a device you trust, using a new password you haven't used anywhere else.
2. Sign out other devices. Most accounts have a security page with "Sign out of all devices".
3. Turn on two-step sign-in. It stops someone getting in with just the password.
4. Check recovery info and forwarding. Make sure the recovery phone and email are yours, and remove any forwarding rules you didn't set.
5. Warn your contacts. Tell them to ignore strange messages from you.

Our device protection service · Read: 6 password habits

A pop-up says my computer is infected

1. Don't call the number. Real security warnings never ask you to call a phone number.
2. Close the browser. Windows: press Ctrl+Shift+Esc and end the browser. Mac: press Option+Command+Esc and force quit it.
3. Reopen without restoring tabs. If the browser offers to restore the page, say no.
4. Run a security scan. Windows: open Windows Security and run a scan.
5. Block site notifications. In your browser's settings, remove notification permission from sites you don't recognize.

Our Virus removal service · Read: “Your computer is infected” pop-up

I let a stranger into my computer

This one is urgent. Do these steps now, then have a professional check the computer.

1. Disconnect from the internet. Turn off WiFi or unplug the network cable right away.
2. Call your bank. If you shared card or bank details or logged into banking, call your bank using the number on your card.
3. Change passwords from another device. Start with email and banking.
4. Have the computer checked. The scammer may have installed software to get back in.
5. Report it. Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Our Virus removal service · Read: Protect your parents from scams

Got a suspicious text or email

1. Don't click or reply. Even replying STOP tells them the number works.
2. Check with the real company. Open the company's app or call the number on your card or statement, not the one in the message.
3. Report it. In the US, you can forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM).
4. Delete it. Then block the sender.

Our device protection service · Read: Protect your parents from scams

Browser shows strange ads or a new search engine

1. Remove unknown extensions. Open your browser's extensions page and remove anything you don't recognize.
2. Reset the search engine and home page. In browser settings, set them back to what you use.
3. Block site notifications. Many ad pop-ups come from notification permissions.
4. Uninstall unknown programs. Check your installed apps for anything you didn't install.
5. Run a security scan. Windows: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.

Our Virus removal service

Streaming keeps buffering

1. Restart the TV or streaming device. Unplug it for 30 seconds.
2. Restart the router. Unplug it for 30 seconds.
3. Check the WiFi at the TV. The TV may be at the edge of your signal. A network cable is the most reliable fix.
4. Check what else is online. Big downloads in the house compete with streaming.

Our WiFi setup service · Read: Why is my WiFi slow?

TV says "No signal"

1. Check the input. Press Input or Source on the remote and pick the right one, such as HDMI 1.
2. Turn on the other device. Make sure the cable box, game console or streaming stick is powered on.
3. Check the HDMI cable. Push it in firmly at both ends, or try another HDMI port.
4. Restart both. Unplug the TV and the device for 30 seconds.

Our Smart home setup service

Remote not working

1. Replace the batteries. This fixes most remotes.
2. Point it at the TV. Some remotes need a clear line of sight.
3. Re-pair it. Many newer remotes need pairing. Check the TV or device menu.
4. Use the phone app. Most smart TVs and streaming devices have a free remote app.

Our Smart home setup service

Streaming app won't sign in or activate

1. Type the activation address yourself. Use the exact address shown on your TV. Fake sites in search results ask you to pay or call.
2. Activation is free. No real service charges to activate an app.
3. Update the app. Or delete and reinstall it.
4. Check your subscription. Sign in on the service's real website to check your plan is active.

Our Smart home setup service · Read: Smart TV setup

Camera or doorbell is offline

1. Check power. Charge the battery or check the wiring or plug.
2. Check WiFi at the camera. Outdoor cameras are often at the edge of the signal.
3. Restart the camera and router. Unplug or remove the battery briefly.
4. Did the WiFi password change? If so, the camera needs to be set up on the network again in its app.
5. Update the app. And check the device for updates in the app.

Our Camera installation service · Read: Are security cameras worth it?

Smart device won't connect during setup

1. Use the 2.4 GHz network. Many smart devices only work on 2.4 GHz WiFi.
2. Stand near the router. Set up close by, then move the device.
3. Allow Bluetooth and location. Setup apps often need these permissions on your phone.
4. Reset the device. Follow the maker's reset steps, then start setup again.

Our Smart home setup service

Voice assistant isn't responding

1. Check the microphone button. A red light usually means the microphone is muted.
2. Check WiFi. Make sure the speaker is still online in its app.
3. Restart it. Unplug it for 30 seconds.
4. Update the app. Then check the device for updates.

Our Smart home setup service

Video call freezing or choppy

1. Use a cable or move closer. Plug into the router with a network cable, or sit closer to it.
2. Check your upload speed. Run a speed test and look at upload, not just download.
3. Pause other internet use. Stop big downloads, game updates and cloud syncing during the call.
4. Turn off your video. If audio keeps cutting out, turning video off frees up bandwidth.

Our Network troubleshooting service · Read: Video calls freezing?

Camera not working in calls

1. Check the app's camera setting. In the call app's settings, pick the right camera.
2. Check privacy settings. Windows: Settings > Privacy & security > Camera. Mac: System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera.
3. Check the privacy shutter. Some laptops have a slider or a camera key.
4. Close other apps. Only one app can use the camera at a time.

Our PC tune-up service · Read: Video calls freezing?

People can't hear me

1. Check mute. Check the call app's mute button and any mute switch on your headset.
2. Pick the right microphone. In the call app's audio settings, choose the microphone you're using.
3. Check privacy settings. Windows: Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone. Mac: System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone.
4. Reconnect your headset. Unplug it or reconnect Bluetooth.

Our PC tune-up service · Read: Video calls freezing?

Deleted a file by mistake

1. Check the Recycle Bin or Trash. Right-click the file and choose Restore (Windows) or Put Back (Mac).
2. Check your cloud trash. OneDrive, iCloud, Google Drive and Dropbox keep deleted files for a while.
3. Check Recently Deleted for photos. Phones keep deleted photos in a Recently Deleted album for a limited time.
4. Check your backups. Restore from File History, Time Machine or your backup service.
5. Stop using the drive. If it's not anywhere, stop saving new files on that computer. New files can overwrite what's recoverable.

Our Data recovery service · Read: How to back up your photos and files

USB or external drive not showing up

If the drive is clicking or beeping, unplug it and stop trying. More attempts can make recovery harder.

1. Try another port and cable. Plug directly into the computer, not a hub.
2. Try another computer. This tells you if the problem is the drive or the computer.
3. Check it's powered. Some larger drives need their own power adapter.
4. Don't format it. If the computer asks to format or initialize the drive, say no. That erases it.

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Set up a backup

1. Turn on phone backup. iCloud or Google Photos, and check it actually finishes.
2. Back up the computer automatically. Windows Backup or File History on a PC, Time Machine on a Mac.
3. Add a second copy. An external drive plus cloud storage is a safe combination.
4. Test it. Try opening a backed-up file now and then.

Our Data recovery service · Read: How to back up your photos and files