Summary: When your devices aren’t working like they should be, things can get frustrating — quickly. If your technical know-how starts and ends with “Kick it” or “Restart it,” this article is for you. We’ve got the top steps to troubleshoot your own tech and how you know when it’s time to call in the experts.

For many of us, our technical know-how is mostly, “Turn it off and turn it back on again.” And, to be fair, that is how many problems are solved. But if that doesn’t solve the issue, should you continue to troubleshoot your own tech? How do you know when it’s time to call in the experts?

We’ve got our top suggestions for basic problem-solving plus who to call with a more complex problem.

How to Troubleshoot Your Own Tech: A Simple Guide

Tech issues always seem to arise at the worst moments, whether it’s your internet slowing down or an app freezing mid-task. While it might be tempting to immediately call for tech support, there are simple steps you can try before reaching for the phone. With the right troubleshooting techniques, many common tech problems can quickly and easily be resolved.

Expert Tip:

“Many common tech issues can be solved by simple steps like restarting devices or checking connections, which is why users should always start with basic troubleshooting before moving on to more complex fixes.”

– Jason Cipriani, Senior Editor, CNET

Restart Your Equipment

When technology misbehaves, one of the simplest and most effective solutions is to restart your device. Whether you’re dealing with sluggish internet or a frozen phone, rebooting can refresh software, install updates, and fix minor glitches.

Even if everything worked fine this morning, don’t skip this step—it’s often the fix you need. Pro tip: restart your router or gateway to address internet issues effectively. According to a 2022 Statista survey, over 70% of tech users reported that restarting a device resolved their issues. Proof that simple steps make a big difference!

Check Your Login Information

If restarting didn’t solve the problem, look at your account credentials. Double-check that the username and password you’re entering are correct. If you’ve recently changed your credentials, you may need to re-log into certain apps or reconnect devices to WiFi (especially if the WiFi password changed).

Struggling to manage multiple passwords? A password manager can be your best friend, helping you stay organized and secure. They take the hassle out of remembering login information while keeping your accounts safe. It’s a win-win!

Try a Different Device or Browser

Still stuck? Test the website or app on another device, like a different phone or laptop. Alternatively, try loading it in another browser, such as Firefox instead of Chrome.

If the issue resolves on the alternative device or browser, it’s likely specific to the original one you used. If not, the problem could be more widespread, such as network outages or service disruptions. This step helps isolate the cause, so you know where to focus your efforts.

When to Call in an Expert

How do you know when it’s time to call an expert? If you’re no longer making educated guesses, and you’re just guessing or pulling at random wires, it’s time to hand the problem off. (Or, if you’ve tried each of our tips to no avail, call in the professionals.) It’s possible to make things worse or to cause problems for more of your network. This goes double for equipment that has actual wires with it, like a smart doorbell.

There are a few ways to find support for your device. You could do a quick internet search, but that won’t always give you the right answer. Or one that feels safe to test out on your expensive tech. You could also contact the device manufacturer or software maker, either online or on the phone, and ask them for help. If you’re still within your warranty, you might even get your device replaced.

But guessing at the right fix can cause a lot of headaches along the way.

If figuring out exactly what to do next when tech you reply on breaks, sounds complicated or feels overwhelming, we’ve got a simple solution. EarthLink EasyTech offers on-demand expert support for an unlimited number of devices. Anything from your smart fridge to your TV to your voice-enabled speakers is covered. EasyTech is different from other technical support because it covers more than a glitch in your high-speed internet — and it’s unlimited. You’ll connect with our agents through the EasyTech app, and allow them to see into the device you’re working with so they can remotely solve issues (or talk you through how to fix them on your end). It’s tech support without the headaches. Easy, right?

As the internet continues to evolve — and we connect more and more devices to our home networks — technical issues are going to come up. The more you feel comfortable with how your current devices work, the better you’ll be able to keep up with future changes. But when you’re stuck, EarthLink EasyTech can help.

Key Takeaways

• Restart your device to refresh software and resolve glitches.
• Ensure you’re using the correct login information for your accounts.
• Test on another device or browser to pinpoint the source of the problem.
• Regularly update software and apps to prevent issues.
• Clear cache and cookies to enhance performance.
• Document any unusual error messages before contacting support.