6 Most Common Problems with Smart Appliances and How to Fix The

Currently, smart appliances can be found in 10.5 percent of homes throughout the U.S. By the year 2023, they’re expected to be in 19 percent of homes.

Have you recently purchased a smart appliance? Are you loving it, or has it been causing you more problems than you expected? Smart appliances offer tons of benefits for homeowners. They’re not without their issues, though.

Read on to learn about some common smart appliance malfunctions, along with tips on how you can fix them.

1. Poor Connections
One of the most common issues people experience when they start using smart appliances is a poor Internet connection. Without a strong connection, it’s difficult (if not impossible) to unlock the full potential of a smart home device.

A poor connection can contribute to a whole host of problems. For example, your devices may have trouble connecting or staying connected to the Internet. They may be slow to respond to commands as well. You can overcome this issue by buying a cheap internet plan.

2. Damaged Hardware
Sometimes, the problem is with the hardware of the appliance. If there’s something wrong with the circuit board or a fuse, for example, your appliance will not work as well, or it might not work at all.

If your device doesn’t seem to be working and you don’t think the connection is the problem, you may want to take a look on the inside to see if you spot any issues. Use caution and unplug it first, though, to prevent electrical shocks or other serious accidents.

3. Power Interruptions
In some cases, if you don’t have a consistent power supply to your smart appliance, it might not be as functional as you’d like.

For example, if the cord often comes loose, or if the device takes batteries and you haven’t changed them in a while, this could cause a malfunction or cause it to stop powering on at all.

4. Poor Battery Life
What if your device powers on and seems to work fine but doesn’t have a very long battery life? Are you always having to plug it in or replace/recharge the batteries to keep it functioning?

If this is the case, you may need to look more closely at issues that could be draining the batteries and putting too much strain on your appliance.

5. Internal Errors
As with any other smart device, you may receive an error message from time to time when using your new smart appliance.

Error messages are irritating, for sure, and it’s not always clear what’s causing them. Usually, the issue has to do with the appliance’s internal software or connection.

6. Surprise Activation
As a smart appliance owner, you’ve likely dealt with a surprise activation at some point or another. Maybe your thermostat adjusted itself without you telling it to, or you accidentally turned on your TV in the middle of the night.

These activations aren’t a sign that you have ghosts in your house. They’re often an indicator of improper device setup.

How to Fix Problems with Smart Appliances

There’s plenty that can go wrong with smart appliances. The good news, though, is that there are also lots of steps you can take to fix these problems. However, if you don’t have prior experience with doing these things and want to get in touch with a professional, you can contact Asurion.

Here are some tips you can try the next time an appliance stops working the way it’s supposed to:

Addressing the Connection
If you suspect that a poor connection is the source of your smart home appliance malfunction, there are a few steps you can take.
First, try adjusting the location of your appliance so that it’s closer to your router. You should also ensure your router isn’t located near smart TVs or other devices that can interfere with its connection.

If these changes don’t work or aren’t possible (you probably can’t change the location of your smart fridge, for example), you may want to look into upgrading to a more powerful router or Internet package.

Correcting Power Issues
If the power supply is causing your problems, look for ways to strengthen the connection. Start using rechargeable batteries, for example, so you don’t have to constantly buy new ones to replace what’s in your device.

The solution might also be as simple as checking to make sure your appliances are receiving power when they’re plugged in before you leave them.

Improving Battery Life
Moving your device within range of a strong Wi-Fi signal can make a huge difference when it comes to improving its battery life. You may also want to adjust its settings so that it conserves more energy at certain times of the day.

Combating Error Messages
If you receive an error message, write it down. Then, check the device’s manual or search online to find out what it means. Often, you can address the problem with a reboot of the appliance.

If nothing else, though, writing down the message will give you something concrete to share with the tech support team should you have to contact them.

Preventing Surprises
To avoid surprise reactions, you may need to change the “wake words” that set off your appliance. Customizing this aspect of your appliance can reduce the chances that it’ll get set off while you’re watching TV or having a casual conversation with your friends.

Fixing Damaged Hardware
In the event of damaged hardware, there’s not a lot you can do on your end (unless you’re an expert in all things electrical).

If you have a hardware issue, you’ll need to reach out to the manufacturer to get it taken care of. Depending on when you bought your device and when the problem occurs, it might still be under warranty, and you might be able to get it replaced for free or at a low cost.

You can read more here on how to tell if the issue with your appliance is mechanical or digital and what to do about it.

Get Your Appliances Working Properly Today
Now that you know more about the common problems that can befall owners of smart appliances, as well as how to fix those problems, it’s time to get to work.

Keep these tips in mind for the next time your smart appliance starts to malfunction. You might be able to save money on a repair, and you’ll feel empowered knowing you conquered the robots!

Do you want more home repair and improvement advice? Check out some of our other blog posts today for additional tips and tricks.