Even if you follow our end smart home guide Step by step, setting up connected devices may require some troubleshooting. And even with unifying initiatives like material Promising to make your smart home more consistent, you'll likely still face common questions and concerns about your smart home.
Whether you're new to the best smart home devices or live with dozens of app and voice-enabled gadgets for your smart home to work exactly the way you want it to. Can't associate your most recent smart home purchase with your Wi-Fi network? Worried about spending too much on all things IoT? Stuck at point one, are you struggling to understand the difference between the best smart home platforms?
We know how to answer your questions because we asked them at some point. I set up a DIY smart home, after all these. Here are the top five smart home problems and how to solve them.
I can't connect my smart home devices to Wi-Fi
Perhaps the most common problem with setting up a smart home device is the failure to connect it online. Either you have one of the the best Wi-Fi routers or the Best Wi-Fi Mesh Systems, you need your smart home device to recognize your Wi-Fi network so that it can communicate with other connected products that you have.
There are a few reasons why you might see error messages related to your network. First of all, not all smart devices in your home are compatible with both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands - in fact, most will only connect to the 2.4 GHz band. You can check the bandwidth that your setup device (your smartphone) is connected to by viewing your network profile or settings.
Alternatively, you may need to read on how to make your Wi-Fi faster or where to place the router for the best Wi-Fi signal. Your network may be blocked or may not reach the location of your new smart device at home. In this case, you may need one of the best Wi-Fi extensions. And if all else fails, try restarting the router - yes, the on / off method sometimes works.
I can't drill holes in the walls
Do you rent your living space? You may face restrictions when it comes to renovations, no matter how minor. Maybe you can't even make holes in the wall. Fortunately, all the best tenant-friendly smart home devices it can be powered by batteries or using existing sockets. No need to learn which is a neutral thread or why you need a C-Wire.
You will probably want to avoid installing any of these the best video ringtone or the best smart thermostats, and replacing existing switches with smart ones it is a lot of work for a temporary place to live. Instead, consider raising your home's IQ with smart speakers, lights, and outlets. Or using stick-up cameras instead of video ringtones. Routines then introduce automation that anyone can do with the right hardware - even in a rented home.
Check the best smart speakers, the best smart light bulbs and the best smart outlets to create a smart space without damaging your rented door, walls, or cables.
Should I use Alexa, HomeKit, or Google Home?
You can use Alexa, HomeKit, and Google Home if you like. Not all, but many the best Alexa compatible devices are also the best devices compatible with Google Home and the best HomeKit devices. However, when it comes to creating routines and a dashboard organized to control your smart home (who wants to download a dozen different smart home apps?), It can help you get started on a single platform.
In our smart home DIY us chose Alexa instead of Google Assistant due to services such as Alexa Guard and Alexa Hunches. But so do we I used HomeKit more regularly, because it integrates easily with iPhone and Apple Watch. And if you use Google services on a daily basis, you may want to use Nest and Google Assistant devices instead of Alexa or Siri.
Anyway, at least I didn't go down without explaining myself first the best Alexa speakers, the best Google Home speakers or a HomePod mini to lay the foundation for your smart home. Before you buy new smart home devices, look at the packaging or small print to make sure it supports the platform you choose.
I have a tight budget
Building a smart home doesn't have to be expensive. In fact, taking the DIY route can it helps you save thousands. All the best cheap smart home devices it costs less than $ 100 and often much less. Smart plugs cost about $ 20, as does a pack of smart bulbs. Echo Dot costs only $ 49. There are even brands like Wyze that are committed to creating affordable gadgets for every part of your home. You heard about the $ 25 Wyze Cam v3?
So don't feel pressured to mess up Philips Hue lights if I'm out of your budget. Of course, cheap devices could, and often do, have their share of warnings. We suggest that you stick to well-known brands and smaller configurations within your budget.
Do I have to worry about privacy?
Smart home devices often use our learned behavior to better fit our needs and routines. Many have built-in microphones so they can wait for an order or pay attention to suspicious sounds. Some even have cameras that you can watch anywhere on your smartphone.
So yes, you should be concerned about privacy, but it's not out of your control. The vast majority of smart home "hackers" were the result of people's use of weak passwords. When setting up accounts for various smart devices in your home, make sure you read on how to create strong passwords. It might give you peace of mind to buy products with physical mute switches or shutters, so you can turn off the microphone or camera whenever you want.
Also, run firmware updates as they become available to your devices. Firmware updates can protect your devices from potential vulnerabilities or hacking. You will want to know how to secure your Wi-Fi, also.
