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TVs, streaming & smart home

Smart TVs, streaming, speakers, consoles and smart gadgets. 20 guides in 4 sections.

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TV problems

TVs, streaming & smart homeEasyMy TV has sound but no pictureIf your TV plays sound but the screen stays black, the problem is often a setting or a loose cable rather than a broken TV.TVs, streaming & smart homeEasyMy TV will not turn onA TV that will not switch on can be alarming, but the cause is often simple.TVs, streaming & smart homeEasyFreeview channels are missing: how to retuneIf some Freeview channels have disappeared, or you see "no signal" on channels such as BBC One or ITV1, retuning your TV usually brings them back.TVs, streaming & smart homeMediumMy TV keeps disconnecting from Wi-FiSmart TVs rely on Wi-Fi for apps like BBC iPlayer, ITVX and Netflix.TVs, streaming & smart homeMediumNetflix or iPlayer keeps buffering or crashing on my TVWhen Netflix, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Disney+ or Prime Video stalls, shows a spinning circle or closes by itself, the cause is usually a weak internet connection, a busy TV or an out-of-date app.TVs, streaming & smart homeMediumMy Fire Stick, Chromecast or Apple TV is not workingStreaming sticks and boxes plug into your TV and give you apps such as BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Netflix and Disney+.TVs, streaming & smart homeEasyTV remote control not working or needs pairingWhen a remote stops working, it is usually the batteries, but there are other quick fixes.

Connecting, sound & picture

TVs, streaming & smart homeEasyHow to connect a laptop to your TVConnecting a laptop to a TV lets you watch videos, photos or a presentation on the big screen.TVs, streaming & smart homeMediumHow to show your phone screen on your TVYou can show photos, videos or apps from your phone on your TV without cables.TVs, streaming & smart homeMediumHDMI: no signal and HDMI-CEC explainedHDMI is the cable that carries picture and sound between your TV and devices such as a Sky box, games console or soundbar.TVs, streaming & smart homeMediumSoundbar setup and no soundA soundbar can make TV speech and films much clearer.TVs, streaming & smart homeEasyTV picture settings explained simplyTVs come with picture modes and settings that can look confusing.TVs, streaming & smart homeMediumHow to limit adverts and data tracking on your smart TVSmart TVs often collect information about what you watch and use it for adverts.

Smart home & cameras

TVs, streaming & smart homeMediumAlexa, Google Home or HomePod says it is having troubleSmart speakers such as Amazon Echo, Google Nest and Apple HomePod need Wi-Fi to work.TVs, streaming & smart homeMediumSmart plugs and smart bulbs will not connectSmart plugs and bulbs from makers like TP-Link, Philips Hue, Wiz and others let you control lights from your phone or voice.TVs, streaming & smart homeMediumVideo doorbell or camera shows offlineVideo doorbells and cameras, such as Ring, Google Nest, Blink and similar, need a steady Wi-Fi link.TVs, streaming & smart homeMediumSmart home safety: updates, strong passwords and two-step sign-inSmart TVs, speakers, plugs, cameras and doorbells are all connected to your home network.

Games consoles

TVs, streaming & smart homeMediumPlayStation, Xbox and Switch: connection and slow download problemsGames consoles use your home internet for game downloads, updates and online play.TVs, streaming & smart homeMediumConsole storage full and controller will not connectTwo common console problems are running out of storage and a controller that will not pair.TVs, streaming & smart homeEasyGames console parental controls basicsParental controls help you decide what children can play, who they can talk to and how long they can spend online.