How to Fix Common Tech Problems Yourself

Technology is a wonder when it does what it is supposed to. At which point of failure do your phone’s systems break down, computer’s performance drops off, or the Wi-Fi decides to play hard to get? We see tech issues at the most inopportune times. At first, there may be panic or desperation which those issues bring, but most basic tech issues can be resolved at home with a little patience and knowledge.

Sure, you don’t need a computer science degree to get past the everyday issues which present themselves with your tech. Most fixes are very simple once you know what you are doing. In this guide we will walk you through some of the most common issues which present themselves with your computer or phone — also we will show you how to fix them yourself.

1. Slow PC or Mobile.

One issue that users report is when their devices slow down over time. From a very slow boot up of a laptop which takes forever or a phone that is very responsive at first and then the app load time grinds to a halt; it is an issue that affects us all.

How to Fix It:

• Restart Your Device: A restart will see to it that temporary files and processes which use up resources are removed.
• Free Up Space: Check out your storage. If your phone is at its capacity it will perform slowly. Get rid of that which you no longer need — old files, pictures, or apps you don’t use.
• Close Background Apps: Too many applications open at once will slow things down. Close out of those you aren’t using.
• Clear Cache/Data: On issue of storage in particular, you can free up space and improve performance by clearing cached data from apps.
• Update Software: Make sure your systems and applications are current. Also we see that updates which improve performance are very common.

If after trying those adjustments your device is still performing slow, that may be a sign of hardware aging, but we have some easy solutions which should see great results.

2. Slow Response or Dead Device.

We have all had the experience of a computer, tablet or cell phone that has locked up on us and will not respond to anything we click on.

How to Fix It:

• Force Restart: In most cases you may force a phone to restart by holding down the power button for a few seconds. As for computers, holding down the power button until it turns off will usually reset it.
• For Windows: Open up Task Manager which you do by hitting Ctrl Alt Delete. Also you may shut down the cause which made it freeze.
• For Mac: Press Command + Option + Escape to force quit unresponsive apps.
• On Phones: If you are experiencing an app that has stopped responding constantly try to remove and reinstall it, or update it.

If you are experiencing continuous freezings of your phone go beyond the basic solutions — maybe there is a software issue or malware that is causing it.

3. Network Issues.

Losing that which you are in the thick of at the hand of an issue with the Internet is what many people put up with the most. But I can report to you that dealing with home network issues is not as great a challenge as some would have you believe.

How to Fix It

• Restart the Router: Plug out your router and the modem for 10 to 15 seconds and then plug them in again. This will fix most connection issues.
• Check Other Devices: If one of your devices is having issues the problem is with that device. If none of your devices are connecting there is probably an issue with the router or the provider.
• Forget and Reconnect: On your computer or mobile device go to Wi-Fi settings, forget the network out and then rejoin by putting in the password again.
• Check for Interference: Microwave ovens or cordless phones may interfere with your Wi-Fi. Try to get closer to your router.
• Update Router Firmware: If issues still present, check for router firmware updates.

At times internet speed issues are a result of your plan which may be outdated and not your equipment, we also see that easy fixes usually do the trick.

4. Draining Out Too Soon.

In my experience with phones, laptops, and tablets, we see that batteries wear out over time and when your battery dies out of the blue it’s very frustrating.

How to Troubleshoot It:

• Dim Brightness: Screen bright enough is a huge drain on battery life. Turn it down to a proper setting.
• Turn Off Unused Features: If you aren’t using the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or location services turn them off.
• Close Background Apps: Apps that run in the background are using up your battery.
• Enable Battery Saver Mode: Many of today’s devices are designed with battery saving features that, in turn, extend battery life.
• Check for Battery-Hungry Apps: In your settings check which applications are using the most battery. If possible remove or disable them.

If you see your battery drain fast after making those adjustments, it may be a sign that your battery is wearing out and should be replaced.

5. Printer Not Working to Print.

Printers do, at the worst possible time, decide to go out on you just as you need them most.

How to Fix It:

• Check the Basics: Check that the printer is on, that it is connected via Wi-Fi or to the computer and that paper is loaded.
• Be Careful for Paper Jams: Open up the printer covers and gently remove the jammed paper.
• Reboot the Printer: Turn off the printer for a few seconds and then turn it back on.
• Reinstall the Printer Driver: Reinstallation of the print drivers may also fix connection problems.
• Check Ink or Toner Levels: Low on ink or toner may be a cause of print issues. Replace cartridges if needed.

The most common printer issues are those which pertain to simple things like jams, dead cartridges, or connectivity problems.

6. Apps Which Don’t Open.

If you find that some apps on your computer or phone aren’t opening or are crashing don’t worry, there are easy solutions.

How to Troubleshoot It:

• Restart Your Device: Most times, a simple restart will fix the issue.
• Clear Cache (On Phones): Clear out the app settings cache. Also if that doesn’t work try to clear the data (which is a more in depth option and will remove saved info from the app).
• Reinstall App: Remove the app and do a fresh install.
• Update the App: Developers issue out updates which patch up issues like crashes.
• Check Device Storage: If you are out of space on your device that may cause apps to act up.

If it’s a new issue or related to an update try that — maybe they have a glitch which will be fixed in a patch or by contacting support.

7. External Hardware Not Recognized.

Plugging in a USB flash drive or external hard drive and having the computer reject it is also a common issue.

How to Fix It:

• Try Another Port: At times you may have a bad USB port. Try a different one.
• Restart Your Computer: A restart will often fix connection issues.
• Check Drivers: Make sure you have the drivers installed which will connect to the device.
• Use Disk Management (Windows): At times drives must be assigned a letter before they appear.
• Try Another Cable or Device: Faulty or substandard cables may also cause this.

Usually an in depth look at the cable, port and driver will fix this.

8. Issue with Sound.

No sound from your device? That is a bummer, especially in the middle of a video chat or movie.

How to Fix It:

• Check Volume Levels: Be certain your device is not on mute or at zero.
• Check Output Source: If you are using headphones or speakers which are plugged in check that your device is set to the correct output.
• Restart the Device: A restart will often fix sound issues.
• Check for Updates: Audio drivers can also be updated as required.
• Try Different Headphones or Speakers: Perhaps the problem is with the audio accessory.

First try out the most basic solutions which are put forth for most audio issues.

Conclusion

Technology may have its ways of getting you but that is not so with simple issues. With a little patience and by following proper steps you can fix most of those annoying tech problems yourself, which in turn saves you time, aggravation and even money.

Reboot, check connections, free up storage, and update software. We see that most day to day issues are resolved by these steps. Also by learning to troubleshoot as opposed to just having it done for you, you do it faster and at the same time increase your confidence in managing your devices.

Sure thing you don’t have to be a tech genius — a bit of curiosity and pla

ying around does the trick when it comes to tech issues. At the drop of a hat don’t break down. Take a breath, try these out and you’ll probably be back up and running in no time.