Introduction
We love our tech—until it stops working.
The Wi-Fi cuts out during a Zoom call, your phone freezes while you’re trying to pay, and your printer growls at you for reasons unknown.
Before considering drastic measures, such as hurling your device across the room or enduring a lengthy support call, try these straightforward fixes for common tech problems. No advanced technical knowledge is required, just simple tricks to restore your peace of mind (and your devices).
Wi-Fi Slowing Down? Restart Your Router
It may sound too easy, but these solutions are tried and tested.
Unplug your router for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This clears out background traffic and refreshes your connection. Still slow? Move closer to the router or check if too many devices are hogging the bandwidth.
Phone Running Slow? Close Background Apps
Apps running in the background can drain speed and battery.
On iPhone or Android, swipe up or press the multitasking button and clear out apps you’re not using. Restart your phone once a week to keep it feeling fresh.
Browser Won’t Load a Page? Clear the Cache
Websites acting weird? Images not loading?
Clear your browser’s cache and cookies. It’s like giving your browser a power nap. Also, try opening the site in a private or incognito window to check if the issue is just with your regular settings.
Your Laptop Is Hot and Loud? Check for Dust
If your laptop sounds like a jet engine, it’s probably overheating.
Use a can of compressed air to clean out the vents. Keep it on a flat, hard surface—not your bed or lap—so air can circulate. A little airflow goes a long way.
Printer Not Printing? Turn It Off and Back On
Yes, really.
Power off the printer, unplug it, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Check the paper tray, ink levels, and whether the printer is selected in your device settings. Bonus tip: restart your computer, too—it’s the tech version of a reset button.
Keyboard Not Responding? Check the Connection
The Bluetooth keyboard acting like it’s on strike?
Turn the keyboard off and on. Unplug and replug it into a different USB port if it’s wired. Still nothing? Restart and test your device with a different computer to rule out hardware issues.
Can’t Hear Audio on Zoom (or Anywhere)?
First—check the obvious. Is your device muted? Are your headphones plugged in all the way?
If not, open your audio settings and toggle between available speakers or outputs. Sometimes, your computer sends sound to the wrong place (like a Bluetooth speaker in another room).
Apps Keep Crashing? Check for Updates
Outdated apps are often buggy.
Visit the App Store or Google Play and check for updates. The same goes for your operating system. Tech loves updates; it’s how bugs get squashed and performance improves.
Random Glitches? Try a Restart Before Anything Else
When in doubt, restart.
A good old-fashioned reboot fixes everything from slow apps to weird pop-ups. It clears memory, resets functions, and gives your device a fresh start, like a nap, but for electronics.
Forgot a Password Again? Use a Password Manager
If you’ve reset the same password 47 times, it’s time for a better system.
Use a secure password manager like LastPass, 1Password, or your browser’s built-in manager. They generate strong passwords, store them securely, and auto-fill them when needed, so you can stop relying on sticky notes or your memory.
Final Thoughts: You’re More Tech-Savvy Than You Think
You don’t need to be a “computer person” to fix most everyday tech issues. With patience—and the right hacks—you can solve problems faster, avoid panic, and maybe even impress yourself.
Next time something goes wrong, take a breath and try one of these tips. Chances are, you’ve got this.
Call to Action
Do you have a go-to tech hack that saves your sanity? Please share it in the comments or tag me on Pinterest, Instagram, or Facebook. Your tip could rescue someone from a Wi-Fi meltdown.
