Why Does Alexa Need Wi-Fi?

It’s essential to know that Alexa requires a Wi-Fi connection to function optimally. When you ask Alexa a question or give a command, it sends an audio recording to Amazon’s servers via the internet (for which it uses Wi-Fi), processes it, and then sends back the response.

Connecting Alexa to Wi-Fi

There are two ways you can connect your Alexa to Wi-Fi. One of them involves using Amazon’s app for controlling and configuring Echo devices, and the other method omits the usage of their app. However, certain users have reported that they can no longer configure their Alexa without using Amazon’s app. So, we will take a look at both methods.

How to Connect Alexa to Wi-Fi Without Using the App

There are various reasons for wanting to set up Alexa without the app. Perhaps you don’t have access to a smartphone, or maybe you prefer using a computer. Regardless, here are the steps for connecting Alexa to Wi-Fi without using the app.

Be wary that this method is outdated and might not work correctly, if not entirely. If that is the case, then move on to our section explaining how to connect Alexa to Wi-Fi with the app.

1. Open a browser on your device and head over to Alexa.Amazon.com.
   

   

2. Log in using your Amazon account credentials. If you do not have an Amazon account, you can easily create one at the bottom of the page.
3. After logging in, click on “Settings“. This option will be available in the left-hand sidebar.
4. Click on “Set up a new device.”
   

   

5. Here, you can select the Alexa device you want to set up on your Wi-Fi network. 
6. Choose the device you own and press on “Continue.”
   

   

7. Now, you must plug your Alexa device into a power source to turn it on.
8. After turning it on, please wait for the right light to turn orange. The orange light means it is ready to connect to the internet.
   

   

9. Now, you must connect your system to the Wi-Fi with the SSID being Amazon-XXX without closing your browser.
   
   When connecting to the “Amazon-XXX” Wi-Fi, it’s the setup mode for Alexa devices. It acts as a bridge between the device and your browser or app, allowing you to provide your actual Wi-Fi credentials for Alexa to use.
10. After connecting to Amazon Wi-Fi, open your browser again and click on “Continue.” Now, you will be able to see “Your computer is connected” to your Alexa device.
11. Now, select the Wi-Fi network you want your Alexa to be connected to.
12. Enter your Wi-Fi password so that Alexa can connect to it and click “Connect.” 
13. Finally, your Alexa will soon be connected to the Wi-Fi network. Wait for a few minutes, and then test the connection by asking Alexa a question.

After these steps, your Alexa device will have internet access and be able to solve all of your queries.

How to Connect Alexa to Wi-Fi with the App

As we mentioned earlier, most people won’t be able to connect their Alexa to Wi-Fi without an app as Amazon has removed this functionality recently. Therefore, all you have to do is download Alexa’s app and start configuring. Here are the steps to accomplish this task:

1. Download and install the Amazon Alexa app on your smartphone.
   Play Store App Store.
2. Open the Amazon Alexa app and tap on “Devices,” you will see this option in the bottom-right corner of your screen.
3. Now, tap on the + in the top-right corner and select “Add Device.”
   

   

4. Select “Amazon Echo” from the list that pops up, then select your specific Echo device from the next list. 
   
   You might be asked for location and Bluetooth permissions, so allow those.
5. Next, it will show you a screen asking if your Echo device is turned on and in pairing mode—pulsing with an orange light. After you’ve turned it on, select Yes if it’s showing the orange light or No if it’s not. If you select No, it will show you on-screen instructions to pair it, otherwise it will start searching for Echo devices nearby if you select Yes.

   

6. After the searching is complete, select your Echo device from the list.
   
7. Next, choose your Wi-Fi network from the list of available networks, enter the Wi-Fi details and wait for it to connect.
   
8. Congratulations! Your Amazon Echo device is now connected to Wi-Fi. Continue with the on-screen instructions and start using Alexa when setup is finished. 

If you’re having issues connecting your Alexa to Wi-Fi because the light isn’t turning orange, check out our detailed guide on how to troubleshoot Alexa flashing yellow and green.

Conclusion

Connecting Alexa to Wi-Fi is no biggie. You can accomplish this with or without the app, ensuring your Alexa device is ready to respond to your commands, play music, provide weather updates, and more without needing a mobile application.

We can only hope Amazon will make this process a little more seamless in the future, to the extent that users can connect their Alexa to the Wi-Fi directly without needing an external device.

The post How to Connect Alexa to Wi-Fi Without the App [Updated] appeared first on Appuals.com.

This, without a doubt, is an issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Generally, the issue occurs when your router is too far away, there’s a glitch in the Ring app itself, or you’re using an incompatible network connection band.

There are a total of 10 fixes which include disabling the VPN, fully charging the Ring doorbell, rebooting the router, resetting the doorbell, and more.

In the next section, we’ll look at how these methods can help you get your Ring doorbell connected to your network again. Afterward, I’ll list down the step-by-step guide for each fix.

How Do I Fix a Ring Doorbell that Won’t Connect to WiFi

1. Connect to Ring Setup Access Point: While the initial setup, your Ring video doorbell will broadcast a WiFI network for a temporary period which you need to connect to on your mobile device. Make sure you do this as this is an important part of the setup process and will help you connect the Ring device to your WiFi afterward
2. Move your Router Closer to the Ring Doorbell: If the router is too far away, then the signals might not reach the Ring doorbell and it will be unable to connect to your WiFi network. Therefore, make sure your router is closer to the bell, or use network extenders.
3. Disable VPN on Your Phone: Enabling VPN changes your IP address and it’s a problem in connecting a Ring device to the network. So, turn the VPN off on your mobile device and connect to the doorbell again.
4. Uninstall Android Apps that Conflict with the Ring App: Some particular applications interfere with the Ring app and hinder its performance and connectivity to the doorbell itself. I’ll list all of them in the following section.
5. Use Another Mobile Device: If a mobile device is not able to connect to Ring, then try a different mobile for this purpose. Simply install the Ring application and see if the secondary phone can connect with the bell.
6. Reinstall the Ring App: A potential error in the Ring application can be the reason why connectivity issues are happening. In such cases, it’s a good idea to reinstall the app and connect your WiFi to the video doorbell again.
7. Fully Charge the Ring Doorbell: Make sure the Ring doorbell is fully charged. Because if it’s not, then it won’t join the WiFi network no matter what you do. It takes around 5-10 hours for the doorbell to charge 100%.
8. Use a 2.4 GHz Network Band if the Ring Doorbell is Incompatible with 5 GHz: All Ring doorbells are not compatible with the 5 GHz band. Check your bell and see if it uses 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. If it’s the former, then change your WiFi band from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz and the bell will connect to the network now.
9. Reboot Your Router or Modem: WiFi networks can freeze sometimes and rebooting the router fixes this problem. So if the Ring doorbell isn’t connecting to your WiFi, then reboot your router or modem and try again
10. Reset your Doorbell: Resetting the Ring doorbell is the last resort. If nothing else works, then most probably there’s an issue with the bell itself. In such a case, reset the device and then see if it connects to the network.

1. Connect to Ring Setup Access Point

1. Download the Ring – Always Home application.
2. Create your account or sign in if you’ve got an existing one.
3. Select Set up a Device and tap on Doorbell.

4. Scan the QR code or MAC ID barcode on the doorbell or instruction manual.

5. Enter the location info.

6. Select the doorbell’s name and turn on two-factor authentication.
7. Now the Ring device will be in setup mode and you’ll be able to see a blinking or spinning white light. If you don’t see it, then press and hold the setup button on your doorbell to put it into setup mode. If the light still doesn’t turn on, then charge the battery.
8. Now go to Settings > WiFi on your mobile.
9. The Ring access point will be showing up as ‘Ring’ and the last 6 digits of your MAC ID will be written. Or, it will be labeled as ‘Ring Setup’ and the last two digits of your MAC ID will be written.
10. Select the access point for connection.

11. Now go back to the Ring app and connect to your WiFi.

12. Once done, see if the doorbell functions now.

2. Disable VPN on Your Phone

1. Open your VPN application.
2. Select Disable/Off to turn it off.
3. Now reconnect your WiFi to the Ring device.

3. Uninstall Android Apps that Conflict with the Ring App

The following apps interfere with the Ring app and you should uninstall them if you don’t use them often:

1. 360 Security
2. 360 Battery Plus
3. AdGuard
4. All-In-One Toolbox
5. Avast Clean-up and Boost
6. AVG AntiVirus
7. Booster Kit
8. Clean Master
9. CM Security
10. DFNDR: Antivirus & Cleaner
11. Droid Optimizer
12. DU Battery Saver
13. ES File Explorer File Manager
14. Fast Cleaner
15. Free Shield
16. Lookout
17. McAfee Mobile Booster
18. Network Master
19. Power Clean
20. Purify
21. Samsung Max
22. Security & Privacy
23. Storage Analyzer
24. Super Cleaner
25. Super Fast Charger
26. Supo Optimizer
27. Zedge

4. Reinstall the Ring App

1. Go to Settings > Apps/App Management on your mobile.

2. Look for the Ring app and tap on it.
3. Now select Uninstall.

4. Go to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and search for Ring – Watch Home.
5. Install the app and set up your doorbell again.
6. Connect the doorbell to the WiFi network now.

5. Fully Charge the Ring Doorbell

Firstly, check the battery level of your Ring doorbell as follows:

1. Open the Ring app and tap on the hamburger menu.
2. Tap Devices > Your doorbell.
3. Select Device Health.

4. Check the Battery Level.

Now to charge 1st and 2nd Generation Ring Video Doorbells, follow the steps below:

1. Remove the security screws fit at the doorbell’s base.

2. Now take out the doorbell from the mounting bracket by lifting it.

3. Plug in the micro-USB cable in the charging port on the back of the doorbell.

4. Once the battery is completely charged, you will see the blue LED fully lit.

5. Reattach the doorbell to the mounting bracket using the security screws.
6. Now connect it to your WiFi again.

Here’s how to charge Ring Video Doorbell 2, 3, 3+, 4, and Battery Doorbell Plus:

1. Remove the security screw fit in the faceplate’s base.
2. Now gently squeeze both sides of the faceplate ridges and lift off the faceplate.

3. Release the battery by pressing the black tab.

4. Connect the doorbell with your micro-USB cable and let it charge. While charging, both red and green lights will be lit up. And once the charging is done, you will only see the green LED fully lit.

5. Now slide the battery back into the doorbell. You’ll hear a click sound if it’s placed correctly.
6. Wait a minute for the doorbell to power up and boot.
7. Now reattach the faceplate and the doorbell.
8. Fit it with the security screw.
9. Now connect the doorbell to the network again.

6. Use a 2.4 GHz Network Band if the Ring Doorbell is Incompatible with 5 GHz

1. Enter your default IP address or your router’s login URL.
2. Enter the username and password.
3. Now click on Wireless > Advanced.
4. Change the band from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz.

If you have a 5 GHz compatible doorbell but it’s still not connecting to the network, then again, shift to 2.4 GHz and connect the bell. Once done, shift back to 5 GHz again.

7. Reboot Your Router or Modem

1. Turn off your router/modem.
2. Wait for 30 seconds.
3. Now plug in the router and modem and wait for 30 seconds.
4. Turn them on now and wait for the internet lights to appear.
5. Reconnect the Ring doorbell to the network now.

8. Reset your Doorbell

The resetting procedure varies with the doorbell’s model as follows:

For 1st & 2nd Generation Ring Video Doorbells

Press the orange button on the doorbell’s back.

For Ring Video Doorbells 2, 3, 3+, and 4

Press the small black button under the faceplate on the front.

For Ring Video Doorbell Plus and Wired

Press the small black button having an orange dot located under the faceplate.

For Ring Video Doorbell Pro and Pro 2

Press the small black button on the doorbell’s right side. Wait 30-60 seconds until the light goes off.

For Ring Video Doorbell Elite

Press the small black button on the doorbell’s front.

Each of these methods has worked for many different users and they should work at your end as well. But if your Ring doorbell is still unable to join a network, then I suggest contacting Ring Support as there can be a hardware failure or something else. They will suggest some steps or replace your doorbell with a working one.

The post Fix: “Unable to join the network” Ring Doorbell Issue appeared first on Appuals.com.

Every thermostat, not exclusively the Nest thermostat, includes a built-in delay. When you try to quickly turn on a heating or cooling system right after powering it off, a delay is triggered. The primary objective of this delay is to protect the heating or cooling system from potential damage. Generally, this delay lasts between two to five minutes, allowing the system to stabilize before being powered on again.

The Nest thermostat uses these delays even when you change the temperature quickly. This delay is called a maintenance band, differential, dead band, or temperature swing.

Common Scenarios

Apart from the previously mentioned delay, if the thermostat shows the delayed message for hours or the message is shown more frequently, then another factor is triggering this message. This problem is reported on different variants or generations of Nest thermostats with different heating or cooling systems.

In some cases, when the delayed message will disappear from the thermostat and the heating or cooling unit will try to power on. However, the unit will turn off and again, the delayed message will be shown on the thermostat.

Additionally, there are cases when the issue only occurs on heating or cooling but not on both. At times, you will constantly see a delayed message on the thermostat whereas, the heating or cooling system will not start. If by any means, the system powers on, it fails to provide the required heating or cooling. 

Troubleshooting Prerequisites

• Check if you are not part of a peak-reducing plan or smart assistance with your energy company. If so, they will cut your energy demand at the peak time and cause delays in heating or cooling at peak times.
• There are reports where people got to the required temperature by increasing or decreasing the temperature one degree at a time from the room temperature. Do not use this method as this will cause permanent damage to your heating or cooling unit and its repair can be very heavy on your pocket.

How to Fix the Delayed Message on your Nest Thermostat?

We will start with the most basic troubleshooting methods and work our way down to more complex ones. Make sure you follow this guide step-by-step. 

1. Force Close the Nest App on Your Devices

The constant pinging of the thermostat by the Nest app may overload the device’s battery which might be running low. The app might be in the background on your devices but it can still send commands to the IoT device. This can especially be true if a C wire is not available to charge the battery.

In such a case, closing the Nest app, on all of your devices will solve the problem.

1. On your mobile phone, open the app switcher and swipe up the Nest or Home app.
2. For Android, go to Settings > Applications > Google Nest or Google Home and force close the app.

   

3. Close the app on other linked devices or systems, in the form of a browser or an app.
4. See if the thermostat is clear of the delayed message.

2. Restart the Nest Thermostat and Equipment

A malfunction in the core firmware components of the Nest thermostat can result in heating or cooling delays. Additionally, if the heating or cooling system is not in the state required by the thermostat, the IoT device will show delays.

In any case, restarting both i.e., the Nest thermostat and your heating/cooling equipment will resolve the issue, as it resets the necessary modules to their default startup state.

1. On the Nest thermostat, go to Settings > Reset.
2. Select Restart and once fully powered on, cut the power to the entire heating or cooling unit by turning off the respective circuit breakers.

   

3. Wait for a minute and power back everything. Check if the delay issue is resolved.

3. Use Heat Mode or Cool Mode

In a Heat – Cool mode, the Nest thermostat will try to keep your system within the specified temperature range. The range will sometimes need heating and sometimes, cooling. This mode is useful for hotter climates where cooling may be required during the day and heating may be required at night.

If there is frequent switching between the heat or cool mode, the thermostat will put a delay to avoid any potential damage to your heating or cooling unit. Here, switching to a single mode and then manually changing the mode will do the trick.

You can also increase the gap between your temperature range to avoid frequent switching between the modes.

1. On the Nest app, select the problematic thermostat and open Mode. You can also do these steps on the thermostat itself. 
2. Select Heat mode or Cool mode (but not Heat Cool mode) and check if the issue is resolved.

   

4. Disable Home/Away Assist

The Home/Away assist feature makes the Nest thermostat energy efficient. Through this feature, the thermostat detects that you are not home and as a result, it lowers the cooling or heating till you are back.

You will see a delay on the Nest thermostat if it is failing to detect your presence. This might have occurred due to a malfunction in the device’s firmware modules or due to a misconfiguration of the feature. In such cases, disabling the Home/Away Assist feature will do the trick.

1. On the thermostat, go to Settings > Home/Away Assist. You can also change these settings on the Nest or Google Home app. 

   

2. Disable it and check if the delay issue is resolved.

5. Disable Auto-Schedule or Reset Schedules

You will see a delay on the Nest thermostat if Auto-Schedule or manual schedules are holding the thermostat to start heating or cooling, till the scheduled time comes. To address this, disable Auto-Schedule or reset schedules on the thermostat.

Disable Auto-Schedule

1. On the problematic thermostat, navigate to Settings > Auto-Schedule.

   

2. Disable it and check if the delay issue is resolved.

Reset Schedules

1. On the thermostat, go to Settings > Reset > Schedules.

   

2. Confirm to reset the schedules and once done, verify if the delayed message has disappeared from the IoT device.

6. Disable Smart Features on the Nest Thermostat

The delayed message can also be shown on the Nest thermostat if any of its smart features are hindering the normal heating or cooling of the IoT device. To solve this, disable the thermostat’s smart features.

1. On the thermostat, go to Settings and disable the undermentioned. The availability of these features may vary depending on the thermostat model. If your particular thermostat includes any extra smart features, make sure to disable those as well. You can also do this in the Nest app

   Home/Away Assist
   
   Auto-Schedule
   
   Early on
   
   Cool to Dry
   
   Sunblock
   
   Eco Temperatures
   
   Leaf
   
   Motion Sense
   
   Learning Features

   

2. Once done, check if the thermostat is clear of the delayed message. If so, you may enable the smart features one by one and check which one is causing the problem.

7. Reset the Nest Thermostat to the Factory Defaults

The Nest Thermostat will not be able to turn on heating or cooling instantly and will show a delay if its firmware modules are damaged. This might have occurred when the latest firmware update could not properly be applied to the previous installation.

Here, resetting the Nest Thermostat to the factory defaults will solve the problem.

Remember that resetting the thermostat will erase any learned or manually created schedules. You can note the current wiring or configurations under the thermostat’s Settings > Equipment.

1. On the Nest app, go to Settings > Security.
2. Remove the problematic Nest thermostat from the app.
3. On the thermostat, navigate to Settings > Reset > All Settings.

   

4. Confirm to reset the thermostat and wait till the process completes.
5. Once done, set it up as per your requirements, and hopefully, that will make the delay go away.

8. Connect or Remove C or Common Wire

The Nest thermostat relies on the C or Common wire for charging its battery and if this wire is not connected, it will use other wires for charging. When a heating or cooling session is in process, the thermostat cannot charge through other wires.

If there is no break during the heating or cooling process, the thermostat will not be able to charge itself. Hence it will add a delay in the heating or cooling process to get itself charged. This can be fixed by connecting a C or common wire at both ends.

If the C wire is already connected but not correctly grounded, it will fail to charge the thermostat and the thermostat will also not charge through other wires, thus it will show a delay. Here, removing the wire will solve the problem.

Our primary focus will be on providing general guidelines for connecting the C wire, considering that the specific products and equipment involved can vary. For a successful implementation in your particular scenario, it may be necessary to conduct further research and delve deeper into the details. You can check the battery health under thermostat Settings > Technical Info > Power.

Connect the C wire

1. Connect the C wire to the Nest thermostat and your equipment. Your equipment may have a C or common wire written on the place where it has to connect. The circuit board near the thermostat may also have a point for the C or common wire.

   

2. Once done, check if the delayed issue is resolved.

Put the Thermostat on Charging

If you are not confident to attach a C wire, then

1. Remove the Nest thermostat from the wall and put it on charging by using a micro USB charger.

   

2. Wait for at least an hour and connect back the thermostat. See if it is working correctly. If so, then a C wire is required to keep the IoT device charged.

Disconnect the C Wire

If the Common or C wire is already attached:

1. Disconnect it from the thermostat and your equipment.

   

2. Verify if the delayed message is removed from the thermostat.

9. Clean the Heating or Cooling System

If a filter is choked or a drainage pipe is blocked, an equipment sensor will trip. Resultantly, when a power-on signal is received by the equipment from the thermostat, the equipment will report that it is not in a ready condition.

Hence, the thermostat will show a delayed message and will wait for the equipment to be back in working condition. In such cases, cleaning the heating or cooling system will solve the problem.

We will discuss some general guidelines and you may need to make them work in your particular scenario.

1. Clean the filters of your heating or cooling equipment.

   

2. Check the condensate drainage pipe for any blockage. If the flow is slow, the unit will trip whenever the reservoir will get filled.
3. In the case of heating equipment, clean the flame sensor of the heating equipment
4. After cleaning the heating or cooling equipment, power back the setup, and hopefully, the thermostat will be clear of the delayed message.

If the problem persists after trying the above-mentioned solutions, replace the Nest thermostat with another thermostat (if available) and check if there is no delay. If there is no delay with the other thermostat, the Nest IoT device is faulty. Otherwise, the issue lies within your heating or cooling equipment.

If the problem is in the thermostat, contact Google Support and ask for help in verifying the wiring of your setup. If the wiring is proper, ask the support to guide you to power on the equipment directly, without the thermostat. If the equipment powers on directly, the issue lies in the thermostat.

You can claim a replacement thermostat from the support if it is still under warranty. Otherwise, contact a repair service and get your heating/cooling system checked.

The post “Delayed” Message in Nest Thermostat (Explained & Fixed) appeared first on Appuals.com.

Most of the time, the issue is largely related to the power modules, and using an alternative supply usually solves the problem. In some rare cases, the firmware becomes corrupted and needs to be reinstalled. This situation is very common in newer versions where a heavy Android OS is installed on the TV.

Common Scenarios

Turning off when using a specific application: Occasionally, the TV may become unresponsive while running a specific app like Netflix. This will result in an automatic shutdown of the TV and subsequent failure to power on, leaving the screen blank or black. Changing the Picture Brightness to a higher setting, such as Brighter, has been observed to trigger this issue in certain cases.

Flickering on the screen: There are instances in which a momentary flicker occurs when attempting to turn on the TV. Surprisingly, this problem has been reported even with newly purchased TCL TVs. The majority of TCL TV models have been associated with this issue. Additionally, in certain instances, the TV’s audio functions properly, but no video is displayed on the screen. At times, the power-on light is enabled, but the TV shows no display.

Troubleshooting Prerequisites

• Check if the TV responds when you press the remote’s Home button. 
• Remove the Ethernet cable from the TV (if present) and check if the TV can be powered on. 

How to Fix a TCL TV That is Not Turning on

We will first cover the most common scenarios encountered in this situation and move on to more complex workarounds later on in the guide. 

1. Re-plug the TV into the Power Source

If the static current is affecting the TV’s circuit, your TCL TV will not power on because it will fail to detect a good power signal. Should the remote be non-functional, powering on the TV using it will not be possible.

In either case, re-plugging the TV into the power source and powering it through the TV’s power button will get the job done.

Re-plug the TV

1. Unplug the power cable of the TCL TV from the TV and power source.

   

2. Disconnect peripherals like an Xbox from the TV’s HDMI port.
3. Press and hold the TV’s power button without interruption for one minute.
4. Release the button and after 5 minutes, connect back the power cable.
5. Press the TV’s power button and see if it has powered on.
6. Should the above not yield results, detach the TV’s power cable and leave it overnight.
7. The next morning, plug back the TV and verify if it is turning on. 

Try Another Power Source

1. Remove the TV from the current power source and connect it to another source. Make sure no surge protector or extension cable is used.

   

2. Press the TV’s power button and check if the TV has powered on. If so, then the power source earlier used was not compatible with the TV.

Try Another Power Cable

1. Arrange a compatible power cable and use it to connect the TV to its power source.

   

2. Verify the TV’s status by pressing its power button.

2. Hard Reset the TCL TV

If the firmware of your TCL TV is damaged, you will not be able to power it on. This situation may occur if the latest update was unable to successfully patch the previous installation. To resolve this issue, perform a hard reset on the TCL TV, which will erase all information and data stored on the TV.

With a Reset Button

1. Make sure the TV is connected to the power source.
2. Locate the Reset button on the TV.

   

3. Use a toothpick or paperclip to press and hold the reset button.
4. Wait till the TV reboots (may take around 30 seconds) and hopefully, that will do the trick.

Without a Reset Button

1. Press/hold the following buttons on the back or side of the TV:

   Volume Up 
   
   Menu (If the menu button is not present, use the Input button)

   

2. While holding these buttons, press and release the power button.
3. Count to 5 and release the other two buttons.
4. Press the TV’s power button and check if it has powered on. 

Reset Through Remote

Confirm that the remote is operational, and the TV is properly connected to a power outlet.

1. Press the remote’s power button while pointing it to the TV.
2. 5 times press the Home button and then press the Up button once.
3. 2 times press the rewind button and then press the fast forward button twice.

   

4. Wait for a minute and check if the TV can be turned on.

3. Reinstall Firmware

If you have or can arrange the firmware (you can request TCL support), then reinstalling the firmware will solve the problem. Do not use firmware available on 3^rd party websites as it can cause security or privacy issues.

4. Stop the Recurrence of the Issue (Preventive measures)

If you have successfully powered on the TCL TV but encounter the problem again, certain settings on the TV may be causing the issue. To solve it, adjust those settings.

Change the TV’s Power Settings

1. Launch the TCL TV Settings and go to System > Power > Auto Power Savings.

   

2. Disable all the options shown and see if the problem reoccurs.

Disable Screenless Service

1. Go to Settings > System > Power and Energy Settings.

   

2. Disable Screenless Service and verify if that gets the job done.

Disable Fast TV Start

1. Go to Settings > System > Power.
2. Disable Fast TV Start and check if that solves the problem. In some models, you may see the option labeled as Quick Start which may be located under Settings > More Settings > Device Preferences.

   

Change Brightness to Normal

1. Open the TV Settings and navigate to Picture > Brightness.
2. Change it to Normal and check if that solves the problem.

   

Enable 1-touch and System Standby

1. Navigate to Settings > System > Control Other Devices (CEC). In some models, CEC may be labeled as T-Link and you may need to enable it.
2. Enable 1-Touch Play and System Standby. Confirm if that solves the problem. In some TCL TVs, there will be other options such as ARC and System Audio Control may also be present. If so, enable these options as well.

   

5. Check for Hardware Issues

If you have tried all the previous troubleshooting methods without success, a hardware issue may be causing the problem. To determine this:

1. The fault could be in the backlight or its power supply if the TV plays audio but shows nothing on the screen. You can use the flashlight on your mobile phone at an angle near the screen to verify this or put the TV in a dark room. If faint images are visible, it indicates that strips of the backlight are malfunctioning and need to be replaced.
2. If you possess the necessary skills and your TV’s warranty is expired, cautiously remove the back panel of the TV. Inspect the boards for visible physical damage, like a blown-out capacitor or burn marks. If such damage is detected, you will need to replace the affected part or board, such as the main board.

If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, contact TCL support. If the TV is under warranty, claim a replacement one. Otherwise, get the TV checked for a hardware malfunction. 

The post Is your TCL TV Not Turning On? Here Try These Solutions appeared first on Appuals.com.

It should also be noted that there are instances where the bike is completely bricked due to it sustaining substantial physical damage or because of a corrupt firmware update which is extremely rare. 

Common Scenarios

Issues when assembling for the first time: This scenario is extremely common where due to incorrect assembly of the machine, it is not able to initialize and doesn’t power on. 

Problems installing software: Another scenario that is common is ‘smart’ bikes not being able to turn on due to a bad software update or after a factory reset. If the software isn’t installed properly, you might even experience even with out-of-the-box equipment.

How to Fix Peloton not Turning on?

First, we will attempt to connect your Peloton bike to the power if it is already not connected. After performing troubleshooting steps for this, we will move on to connection issues and make sure all the connections are working. 

1. Re-seat the Power Cable of the Peloton Product

If the power cable is not properly connected to the power source, the Peloton product will not power on. However, simply reseating the cable will solve the problem.

1. Disconnect the power cable from the power source and the Peloton product.
2. Reconnect the power cable and properly seat the cord on both ends. See if the issue is resolved.

   

3. If not, leave the power cable unplugged for an extended time (such as overnight) and then plug it back. Check if the problem is solved.

2. Press and Hold the Power Button

If there is a static current on the Peloton product, it will prevent the main board from detecting the proper power signal from the power supply, causing the product to remain inactive. Here, pressing and holding the power button after disconnecting the power supply will get the job done.

1. Unplug the power supply from the Pelton product.
2. Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds. In case, the power switch is a toggle, toggle it to the on position, wait for 10 seconds, and toggle back the switch.

   

3. Plug back the power supply and check if the product can be turned on.
4. If not, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds while the product is connected to the power supply. See if it has powered on.
5. If this does not work, press and hold the power button.
6. While holding the power button, unplug and re-plug the power cable. Verify if the problem is solved.

3. Try Another Power Source

The Peloton product won’t turn on if the power source is failing to provide the required current to the product. To address this problem, try another power source.

1. Disconnect the Peloton product from the current power source.
2. Connect it to a different power source and see if that lets you turn on the product.

   

3. If not, connect the product to the power source by using a surge protector and see if that solves the problem.

4. Ensure Proper Connections

If the connections of the Peloton product are loose, it can prevent the device from powering on properly as the current fails to reach the main board. Vibrations from running or cycling sessions can potentially loosen these connections over time. To resolve this issue, carefully inspect the connections and ensure they are securely seated.

As there are multiple products, you must ensure that the right cable is connected to the right port during the reseating process. Remember some of these locations may not be available on your product but an equivalent may exist.

Verify and Secure Tablet Connection

1. Reseat the tablet connections and turn on the product.

   

2. See if the issue is resolved.

Review Back or Bottom Connections

1. Reseat the connections on the back or bottom of the product.
2. Power on the product and check if it has turned on.

Reseat Magnetic Area Connections

1. Remove the Sweat Guard (the plastic cover on the magnets).

   

2. Reseat the USB cable into the port and see if the issue is resolved.

Check the Connection Near the Water Bottle Holder

1. Locate the cable near the water bottle holder.

   

2. Make sure it is properly seated in the port on both sides. Verify if the problem is solved.

Reconnect the Cable Behind the Flywheel (Bike Only)

1. Get on the floor next to the cycle and look behind the flywheel.
2. Locate the cable running from inside the frame to the power unit.

   

3. Reset the cable on both ends and check if the bike has turned on.

Inspect the Connection Under the Red Knob (Bike Only)

1. Locate the red knob on the rider’s right side of the cycle and find the power connection under it. The space will be shaped like a triangle.

   

2. Reseat this connection and see if the Peloton product has turned on.

Reseat the Cable in the Frame

1. Locate the cable in the frame and reseat it on both ends. The cable may be hidden and you may need to locate it.

   

2. Press the power button and check if the product has powered on.

Reconnect All the Cables of the Product

1. Starting from the power cable, reseat each cable and then the next cable in the connection. Go through each cable. If you have packing of the product available, you may find cable locations on it or visit the Peloton website. 

   

2. Make sure each cable is inserted into the relevant port and seated properly. Check if this solves the problem.

Connect Power Directly to the Screen

1. Disconnect the power cable from the Peloton product and connect it directly to the screen.

   

2. Check if the screen turns on. If it does, it indicates that either a connection is loose or there may be a problem with the mainboard/frame of the product.
3. If the screen shows an error message, try searching for the specific error on the Internet to find information about the problem and potential solutions.
4. In some cases, the screen may attempt to update its firmware. If this occurs, allow the update to complete and then check if the issue is resolved.

Try Alternate Cable

If you can pinpoint the specific cable causing the issue, replacing it with a compatible cable should resolve the problem. Keep the cable’s wattage in mind before trying.

1. Identify the class and type of the cable e.g., pin to pin, pin to socket, etc.
2. Replace the problematic cable and check if the Pelton product has turned on.

If you are unable to identify the problematic cable, you can try a process of elimination by replacing each cable individually with a known working cable, such as a USB-C cable (make sure it supports the required wattage) from your laptop. By systematically replacing the cables, you can determine if any particular cable is causing the issue and replace it accordingly. This method can help narrow down the source of the problem and potentially resolve the issue with the Peloton product not turning on.

5. Use Another Power Brick

You will not be able to turn on the Peloton product if its power brick is faulty and as a result, the brick fails to provide the required current to the product. In such a case, trying another power brick will solve the problem.

1. Arrange another power brick and connect the product to that power brick. You can use a 30-watt USB-C iPhone charger, MacBook charger, etc.

   

2. Press or toggle the power button, and hopefully, the product will turn on.

If the previous troubleshooting methods do not resolve the issue, it is advisable to contact Peloton Support for further assistance. If your Peloton product is still under warranty, you may be eligible for a replacement part or even a new one. The Support team may guide you through specific tests or diagnostics to help identify the problematic component or issue.

The post How to Fix a Pelaton Bike That’s Not Turning ON? appeared first on Appuals.com.

Common Scenarios when the Nest Thermostat Does not Cool

Firmware update: A problem is observed across various generations and variants of Nest thermostats, where the thermostat or app may indicate cooling or precooling, but instead, hot air is being released from the unit. This issue can be triggered by a firmware update, causing a previously functional Nest thermostat to stop cooling.

Air conditioning option not shown: Some people may find that only the heating option is available on the thermostat, and the AC unit is not shown as a cooling choice. This problem is not limited to specific types of equipment, as it occurs with various manufacturers, including heat pumps, AC units, gas or electric systems, and forced air systems.

Only the heating option works or the thermostat goes offline: Interestingly, in certain cases, the heating option functions correctly despite the cooling problem. Customers have reported instances where the AC power turns on briefly and then switches off. Additionally, there are occurrences where the thermostat goes offline. The problem may arise with both new installations and previously well-functioning thermostats. Some people have experienced this issue after switching the thermostat from heat mode to cool mode after a season change.

Troubleshooting Pre-requisites

• Make sure none of the circuit breakers in your setup has tripped.
• Check if increasing or decreasing the temperature impacts the cooling.

How to Fix Nest Thermostat Not Cooling?

If you are indeed experiencing a hardware problem and your device is non-functional, you will have to ultimately either claim a warranty or get it replaced. In case of bugs & glitches that might be limiting your cooling, here are some steps you can take. 

1. Restart the Nest Thermostat and Equipment

The Nest thermostat will not send a required cooling signal to the cooling unit if the thermostat modules are in an error state. Resultantly, the cooling unit will not power on and thus will not cool the air. To address this issue, restart the Nest Thermostat and your equipment.

1. Press and hold the ring on the Nest thermostat.

   

2. Wait till the screen turns off (it may take around 10 seconds) and release the ring.
3. Wait for a minute and press the ring again.
4. Once the Nest logo disappears from the thermostat screen, check if the cooling problem is solved.
5. If not, manually restart your cooling system and check if that solves the problem. 

2. Verify the Wiring Configurations

If the wiring configurations on the Nest thermostat are not properly verified, the thermostat won’t be able to authenticate whether it can control the cooling unit. As a result, it will not send the necessary powering-on signal to activate the cooling system.

In such a case, verifying your wiring configurations on the thermostat will do the trick.

1. On the Nest thermostat, go to Settings > Equipment > Pro Setup.
2. On the warning screen, tap on Continue and check if a wire is showing a yellow wedge.

   

3. If a wire is showing a yellow wedge, select that wire on the thermostat and verify the wire connection is correct. It will turn green from yellow. Check each wire and make sure no wire is showing a yellow wedge.

   

4. Once done and all the wires are showing green wedges, exit the Pro Setup and check if the cooling problem is solved.
5. If the problem persists, ensure that you have correctly selected the type of heat or cool source on your thermostat, whether it’s electric or gas.

3. Change the Orientation Settings of the Heat Pump

The heat pump utilizes a reversing valve to alternate between hot and cool modes. The OB setting, also known as the Orientation setting, allows you to configure the heat pump type on the thermostat. If your cooling system is blowing out warm air when you’ve set the Nest thermostat to cool, it indicates an incorrect orientation setting.

Here, changing the orientation setting on the Nest thermostat will rectify the issue.

1. On the Nest thermostat, launch Settings and go to Equipment.
2. Tap on Continue and select Heat Pump.
3. If the O setting is selected, tap on B and if the B setting is selected, tap on O. You can also change these settings on the Nest app. 

   

4. Check if the cooling problem is solved.

4. Reset Your Schedule to the Defaults

If the learned or manually created schedule of the thermostat becomes invalid, it will be unable to send the cooling signal to the cooling system, resulting in the cooling issue at hand. In this situation, resetting the schedule back to its default settings will solve the problem.

1. On the Nest thermostat, go to Settings > Reset.
2. Select Schedule and once done, create a new schedule. Verify if the problem is solved.

   

5. Disable Home-Away Assist

The Home-Away Assist feature enables the thermostat to cool the area when you are present or about to arrive, and it reduces cooling when you are away to save energy. However, if there is a malfunction in the location modules of your phone, the thermostat will not detect your presence at home and consequently fail to activate the cooling.

To address this issue, disable the Home-Away Assist feature. This way, the thermostat won’t rely on your phone’s location and will follow a different cooling pattern.

1. Launch the Nest app and go to Settings > Home-Away Assist.

   

2. Disable it and see if the problem is solved.
3. If so, then enable back the feature, and under Home-Away Assist, open What Decides If You’re Home.
4. Disable the Nest Thermostat under Products and tap on your current device (such as your phone).

   

5. Set the Location permission to Always and see if the issue does not return. If it does, then you may disable the Home-Away Assist till the problem is solved permanently. Also, you can manually switch your location to the Home in the app setting if you do not want to disable Home-Away Assist.

6. Disable Auto-Schedule

The Nest thermostat utilizes the Auto Schedule feature to automatically cool down your home based on your daily routine. However, if you deviate from your regular schedule or the Auto Schedule feature malfunctions, the cooling system will cease to function properly.

This can be fixed by disabling Auto Schedule.

1. Launch the Nest app and select the problematic thermostat.
2. Go to Settings > Auto-Schedule.

   

3. Disable it and see if the cooling problem is solved.

7. Disable Safety Temperature

To prevent your home pipes from freezing or your home from overheating, the Nest thermostat comes equipped with the Safety Temperatures feature. This feature ensures that the thermostat will activate or deactivate cooling or heating, even if the thermostat is off when your home reaches a specific temperature threshold.

However, we’ve seen issues where this safety feature fails to initialize property and as a result, cooling doesn’t happen. To solve this problem, disable the Safety Temperature feature on the thermostat.

1. On the Nest thermostat, launch Settings and go to Safety Temp. You can also do these steps on the Nest app. 

   

2. Set it to off and observe if the cooling operation starts to work correctly.
3. If the cooling appears to be functioning properly after disabling Safety Temp, wait for one to two hours, and then re-enable the Safety Temp feature.
4. Monitor the cooling system for any recurring issues. If the problem does not occur again, you can continue using the thermostat with the Safety Temp feature enabled.

8. Reset the Nest Thermostat to the Factory Defaults

If the core firmware modules of the Nest Thermostat are damaged, the unit will be unable to initialize cooling, leading to a lack of cool air from your cooling system. To rectify this issue, perform a factory reset on the Nest Thermostat.

Be aware that this action will erase any learned patterns or schedules that the thermostat has accumulated. If you wish to preserve the current configurations or wiring, access the thermostat’s Settings and navigate to Equipment to make a note of them beforehand.

1. Launch the Nest app and open its menu.
2. Go to Settings > Security.
3. Remove the Nest thermostat in question.
4. On the Nest thermostat, launch Settings and go to Reset.
5. Select All Settings and wait till the process completes.

   

6. Set up the thermostat as you have done the first time and see if the problem is solved.

9. Reinstall the Nest or Google Home App

The Nest thermostat is tightly linked to the Nest app. If the latest update installation has damaged the core components of the app, the app will fail to convey the required commands to the thermostat properly and thus cause the issue.

Reinstalling the Nest app after resetting the Nest thermostat will get the job done.

1. Reset the Nest thermostat after removing it from your account (as discussed above).
2. On Android, go to Settings > Applications > Google Nest app or Google Home app. Uninstall it. For iOS, tap and hold the app’s icon and select Remove App.

   

3. Restart your phone and reinstall the Nest app.
4. Launch the app and use another Google account with the app.
5. Configure the Nest thermostat but disable the following settings during the process:

   Early on
   
   Cool to Dry
   
   Eco Mode

6. Save the configurations and see if the thermostat is working correctly.

10. Connect the C or Common Wire

Until now, we were trying to solve the problem on a software basis but now, we have to get our hands dirty. The last step in troubleshooting a cooling issue when using a Nest thermostat is checking and correcting its wiring. But as that is too specific in each case, we will just be limited to connecting the C or common wire.

We will exclusively focus on providing general guidelines for connecting the C wire, as they can vary depending on the specific products and equipment involved. To ensure successful implementation in your unique scenario, you may need to conduct further research and dig deeper into the details.

1. Make sure to connect the C or common wire on both ends, i.e., at the thermostat and the cooling/heating system. While some may consider the C wire unnecessary, not connecting it has often been identified as the main cause of the issue in many instances.
   In some cases, you may need to use a C-wire adapter. You can also charge the thermostat if a C wire is not available in your configurations.

   

2. Once done, hopefully, the Nest thermostat will be operating correctly.

If the issue is still there and another thermostat is available with you, replace the problematic Nest thermostat with it and see if the cooling problem is solved. If the cooling starts to work, then the thermostat is faulty, otherwise, the issue lies in your equipment.

If you identify that the problem is related to the thermostat but it is out of warranty, check its terminals for any visible damage. If it is under warranty, contact Google Support and request a replacement. The support may guide you on the wiring and you may need to ensure your setup meets those instructions.

If the issue is equipment related, then there can be various causes for this, such as a blown capacitor in the fan unit, a blocked drainage pipe, converter issues in the HVAC unit, or problems with pressure within the unit, etc. and you will need the help of repair service to identify and rectify it. If the issue is due to pressure in the unit, make sure there is no leakage in your cooling or heating system before refilling it.

The post Your Nest Thermostat Stopped Cooling? Don’t Worry, Try this! appeared first on Appuals.com.

Commons Scenarios

Lack of notifications for armed cameras: This is a common case where cameras fail to record motion detection and don’t send notifications as well. Interestingly, replacing the batteries can sometimes trigger these problems.

Unable to access through the Blink app: Another problem you may encounter is the inability to open or access cameras through the Blink app. In certain cases, only the Live View feature may be affected while other camera functions continue to work.

Pre-Troubleshooting Conditions

Before commencing the troubleshooting process, consider the following steps:

• Replace the batteries of the cameras, even if the app indicates their health as good, and observe if this solves the problem.
• Swap the power supply of the sync module with a compatible mobile phone charger and verify if this resolves the issue.
• Adjust the Video Quality settings of the cameras to Standard and confirm if this enables them to function correctly.

Once all these steps are done, you can move to proper fixes down below.

Fix 1. Force Stop the Blink App and Clear its Cache

You will not be able to utilize the cameras in the Blink app if the app’s execution modules are stuck in an error loop or the contents of its cache are no more valid. To fix this, force-stop the Blink app and clear its cache.

On an iOS device, open the App Switcher and Swipe Up the Blink app.

For Android:

1. Open the App Switcher and tap on the cross icon for the Blink app.
2. Launch the Android phone Settings and go to Applications > Blink > Storage.

   

3. Tap on Clear Cache and launch the Blink app. See if the cameras are working.

Fix 2. Restart the Cameras and Other Devices

A malfunction in the communication modules of your Blink cameras and other devices will result in their failure to function. To resolve this issue, restart the cameras and other devices.

1. Power off your router and unplug its power cable.

   

2. Unplug the power cord of the Sync Module and remove the batteries of the Blink Cameras.

   

3. Restart your phone and wait for 5 minutes.
4. Plug back the power cable of the router.
5. Put batteries into the camera and plug back the power cable of the Sync Module.
6. Wait for 5 minutes and then see if the problem is solved.

3. Re-add the Cameras to the Blink App

If a network change disrupts the trust relationship between the camera and the Blink app, the camera will stop working within the app. In such a case, re-adding the camera to the Blink app will solve the problem.

For multiple cameras, you may need to repeat these steps for each camera.

Delete Online Camera

1. Launch the Blink app and for the problematic Camera, go to Device Settings > General Settings > Delete Device.

   

2. Confirm to delete the camera and restart the phone.
3. Restart the router, sync module, and camera.
4. Launch the Blink app and tap on the Plus icon.
5. Select the problematic camera and see if the issue is resolved.

Delete Offline Camera

1. Launch the Blink app and tap on Offline Camera.
2. Near the bottom of the screen, tap on Delete Camera and confirm to delete the camera.

   

3. Restart the phone, router, sync module, and camera.
4. Add the Camera back to the Blink app, and verify if it is working correctly.

4. Re-log into the Blink App

If the Blink app is unable to retrieve necessary data from Amazon servers, you will not be able to use the cameras within the app. This situation may arise if the servers are encountering difficulties in properly authorizing the app on your phone.

To address this issue, re-log into the Blink app. This will re-establish the necessary authorization.

1. Launch the Blink app and go to its Settings.
2. Tap on Logout of Blink and restart the phone.

   

3. Log back into the app and verify if the problem is solved.

5. Disable VPN on Your Phone

While Blink cameras generally work well with VPNs, it’s important to note that VPNs can sometimes cause unforeseen complications. If you are experiencing issues with your Blink cameras and have a VPN enabled on your phone, disabling the VPN will do the trick here.

If you are using a 3^rd party VPN, disable it within the app.

1. Navigate to the iPhone Settings > VPN.

   

2. Disable VPN and see if the issue is resolved.

6. Manage the USB Drive

Blink cameras will not work if the storage drive is not operating correctly and as a result, the camera is not able to use the drive in its operations. Either the storage modules are malfunctioning or the file system is damaged. In a worst-case scenario, the storage media of the drive is damaged.

Here, reinserting the drive, deleting some videos from it, formatting it, or replacing it will resolve the issue.

Reinsert the USB Drive

1. Launch the Blink app and go to Sync Module > Local Storage.
2. Tap on Safe Eject USB and check if the cameras are working. Recordings will not work if you are not subscribed to a cloud storage plan but other features such as live view will work.

   

3. If the cameras are working, unplug the power cable of the Sync Module and wait for 5 minutes.
4. Plug back the power cable of the Sync Module and insert back the USB drive. See if the problem is solved.

Delete Old Videos

1. Launch the Blink app and go to Clips.
2. Tap and hold a video that is not required.

   

3. Select the Trash icon and select any other videos that are not required.
4. Tap on the Trash icon and check if the cameras are working as expected.

Format the Drive

If both the above methods didn’t work and you are still experiencing problems, you can move ahead and attempt to format the drive.

Through the Blink App

This will work only on supported devices such as Sync Module 2.

1. Launch the Blink app and go to the Sync Module Settings.
2. Open the Format Settings and format the drive in exFAT.

   

3. Once done, check if the cameras are working correctly.

On the Windows PC

1. Safely Eject the USB drive from the Sync Module (as discussed earlier).
2. Insert the USB drive into the Windows PC and open File Explorer.
3. Go to This PC and right-click on the USB drive.
4. Select Format and set the File System to exFAT.
5. Select the checkbox of Quick Format and click on Start.

   

6. Once done, click on OK and safely eject the drive from the PC.
7. Insert back the drive into the Sync Module and see if the issue is resolved.

Replace the Storage Drive

1. Safely Eject the USB drive from the Sync Module and insert a new drive. Make sure the drive is formatted in exFAT and has a capacity between 1 GB to 256 GB.
2. See if the Blink cameras are working.

If the issue persists, do a free trial subscription to the cloud storage and see if the cameras start working. You can cancel the subscription later on if it doesn’t work for you.

7. Re-add or Reset the Sync Module

The primary function of the Sync Module is to act as a central hub, responsible for relaying commands and network information to the Blink cameras within its designated system. If its settings are invalid or its firmware is damaged, the cameras & sync module will fail to work.

Here, re-adding or resetting the Sync Module will resolve the issue.

1. Launch the Blink app and go to the system in which the camera is present.
2. Open Sync Module and tap on Delete Sync Module.

   

3. Use the phone’s camera to scan the QR code shown and confirm to remove the Sync Module. After scanning the QR code, all previously connected cameras will remain connected, and will automatically be added back when you will re-add the sync module.
4. Navigate to the Home screen of the Blink app and tap on the plus icon.
5. Select the Sync Module and scan the QR code shown.
6. Follow the prompts on the screen to complete the process and once done, see if the camera’s issue is resolved.

Reset the Sync Module

If deleting doesn’t work, you can move ahead and reset the sync module completely. Make sure to follow the instructions to reset the module & note that all existing devices will be forgotten. 

The post Are your Blink Cameras Not Working? Try these Fixes! appeared first on Appuals.com.

The Blink Sync Module functions as the central hub for the Blink wireless home security camera system. It serves as a connection point between your Wi-Fi network and the Blink cameras, enabling you to remotely control and access them. Its main role is to facilitate the transfer of data and video footage captured by the cameras, which can be conveniently viewed and managed using the Blink app.

With the assistance of the Blink Sync Module, you can effortlessly keep an eye on your home or other locations from a remote location. It provides features such as motion alerts and the ability to review recorded video footage, enhancing your security and providing peace of mind. However, if the sync module itself goes offline, all of these functionalities become inaccessible.

Common Scenarios

It can be pretty frustrating when you open the Blink app and it indicates that the Blink Sync Module is offline. This issue has been reported across various versions of Sync Modules and with different types of Blink Cameras. Moreover, it can occur with different network setups or routers.

How to Fix Blink Sync Module being Offline?

Before trying to fix this issue please make sure that:

• Your Internet is up and running.
• Check the online status of Blink servers.

If the servers and internet is running with any issues then you can start following our solutions down below.

Solution 1. Restart the Sync Module and Router

If the Sync Module fails to establish a proper handshake with the router, it will result in the module being offline. This situation can occur when the communication modules of the devices are experiencing errors. To address this problem, restart the Sync Module and the router.

Restart the Router

1. Power off the router and unplug its power cable.

   

2. Wait for a minute and plug back the power cable.
3. Power on the router and once properly powered on, see if the Blink Sync Module is online.

Restart the Sync Module

1. Unplug the power cord from the Sync Module and wait for 10 seconds.

   

2. Plug back the power cable and check if the issue is resolved.
3. If not, unplug the power cable of the Sync Module and power off the router.
4. Unplug the router’s power cable and wait for a minute.
5. Plug back the power cable and power on the router.
6. Once properly powered on, plug back the power cable of the Sync Module and verify if the problem is solved.

If you are a frequent traveler, then use a smart plug to connect the router and Sync Module to the power source. Then whenever the modules go offline, simply restart the smart plug remotely and that will do the trick. Another point to remember is that Blink Support can remotely restart the Sync Module if you are outstation.

Solution 2. Try Another Power Source

Insufficient current from the power outlet or a faulty power cable connected to the Sync Module can lead to intermittent power interruptions. As a result, the module will turn off and on, causing it to go offline. Unfortunately, these devices are known for having difficulty reconnecting to the network until the router is restarted. 

This can be fixed by using another power source or cable.

1. Disconnect the Sync Module from its current power outlet.
2. Connect the Sync Module to a different power outlet by using a different power cable (preferably, the genuine cable). Avoid using a surge protector or extension cable during this process.

   

3. Observe if this resolves the issue and stabilizes the online status of the module.

Solution 3. Disconnect Devices from the Network

When there is a malfunctioning device or a conflicting device on your network, it can cause disruptions to the Sync Module’s operation. This can lead to two possible scenarios: either the Wi-Fi network will come to a halt or the module itself will go offline. In such situations, disconnecting the problematic devices from the network will solve the problem.

Echo Dots are reported to cause this issue and if you have any of these in your network, it may be causing the problem.

1. Disconnect all devices from your network, leaving only the Sync Module connected.

   

2. Check if the problem is resolved and the Sync Module remains online without any issues.
3. If the Sync Module functions correctly, reconnect your devices to the network one by one, starting with the most essential or frequently used devices.
4. Monitor the network after each device is connected to identify if any particular device causes the Sync Module to go offline.
5. Once the problematic device is identified, you may need to investigate further or seek assistance to address the issue specific to that device.

Solution 4. Disable Mobile Data on the Phone

If you encounter the issue of the Sync Module going offline when adding it to the Blink app, it could be due to the app attempting to utilize mobile data to connect with the module, resulting in issues. Some mobile phones tend to automatically switch to mobile data when Wi-Fi signals are weak.

Here, disabling the mobile data on the phone will solve the problem.

On an iOS device, go to Settings > Mobile Data or Cellular, and disable it.

On an Android phone:

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Internet.

   

    
2. Tap on Settings, next to the service provider name (such as Airtel) and disable Mobile Data.

   

3. Launch the Blink app and check if the Sync Module problem is solved

Solution 5. Enable Local Network Access for the Blink App (iOS Only)

Enabling Local Network Access for the Blink app is essential to ensure proper communication with the Sync Module on iOS devices. Without this feature enabled, the app will be unable to connect with the module, resulting in its offline status.

Therefore, enabling Local Network Access for the Blink app will solve the problem.

1. Navigate to Settings > Privacy > Local Network.

   

2. In the list of apps, locate Blink and enable it. Verify if the Blink Sync Module is not offline anymore.

Solution 6. Enable 2.4 GHz Band on the Router

To maintain a stable connection with Blink Sync Modules, it is crucial to ensure they are connected to the 2.4 GHz band on your router. These IoT devices, like many others, are natively incompatible with the 5 GHz band, which can lead to frequent offline status.

If you encounter this issue, enabling the 2.4 GHz band on your router will get the job done and allow the Blink Sync Modules to remain online consistently.

1. Navigate to the admin portal of your router and go to Settings > Wireless Settings.
2. Enable 2.4 GHz and disable 5 GHz.

   

3. Save the changes and restart the router.
4. Connect the Sync Module to the 2.4 GHz and see if it has become online.

Solution 7. Re-add the Sync Module to the Blink App

Sync Module is the central hub of a Blink cameras system and if its configurations within the app are not valid anymore, the app will show the module as offline. This can happen due to a network change. To address this problem, re-add the sync module to the Blink app.

1. Launch the Blink app and navigate to the system where the Sync Module is present.
2. Select the Sync Module and tap on Delete Sync Module.

   

3. Scan the QR code shown and confirm to remove the Sync Module. Scanning the QR code will keep all previously connected cameras and will be automatically added back when the Sync Module is readded.
4. Go to the Home screen of the Blink app and tap on the plus icon.
5. Select the option of the Sync Module and use the phone’s camera to scan the QR code shown.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process and once done, check if the offline issue of Sync Module is resolved.

Solution 8. Rename SSID or Enable Guest Wi-Fi

If the network configurations in the operational memory of the Blink Sync Module are not valid anymore, the module will fail to connect to the network and thus will remain offline. To solve this, rename SSID (Service Set Identifier) or enable the guest Wi-Fi on the router.

Rename SSID

1. Go to the router’s admin portal and go to Settings > Wireless Settings.
2. Change the Wireless Network Name (SSID) and save the changes.

   

3. Restart the router and connect the Sync Module to the newly named Wi-Fi network. Check if the Sync Module is no more offline.

Enable Guest Wi-Fi

1. Navigate to the router’s web portal and go to More Functions > Wi-Fi Settings > Guest Wi-Fi.

   

2. Enable it and fill out the details as per your requirements.
3. Connect the Sync Module to the Guest Wi-Fi and verify if the problem is solved.

9. Reset the Router and Sync Module

If the firmware of either the Blink Sync Module or your router is damaged or malfunctioning, the module will go offline. In such cases, resetting both the router and the Sync Module to their factory defaults will resolve the issue.

Reset the Router

Before proceeding with the reset, it is crucial to make note of the information that will be needed to set up the router again. This includes details such as network name (SSID), password, and any specific configurations or settings that were previously in place.

1. Locate the reset button on the router. Generally, on the back or bottom of the router.
2. Use a pin or paperclip to press and hold the reset button for 30 seconds.

   

3. Wait till the router restarts (it may take around 30 seconds) and then release the button.
4. Set up the router as per the ISP instructions and then check if the offline problem of the Sync Module is solved.

Reset the Sync Module

Before proceeding with the reset, it’s important to mention that this operation will result in the deletion of any saved data on your storage drive. To prevent any data loss, it is highly recommended to back up the data stored on the drive.

1. Disarm the System and safely eject the USB drive from the module.
2. Delete the Sync Module from your system by using the Blink app (discussed earlier).
3. Unplug the power cable of the Sync Module from the power source.
4. Use a pin or paper clip to press and hold the module’s reset button (near the USB port).

   

5. Plug back the power cable to the Sync Module while keeping the reset button pressed,
6. Release the button when the module shows red light (it may take around 20 seconds).
7. Wait till the module shows solid green and blinking blue light.
8. Disable Mobile or Cellular Data in the phone’s settings. For iOS devices, enable Local Network for Blink.
9. Open a website on the phone or PC to confirm if the network is working correctly.
10. Launch the Blink app and tap on the plus icon.
11. Select the Sync Module, and when asked, scan the QR code.
12. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process and reinsert the USB drive. Hopefully, this will solve the problem. If the firmware of the Sync Module was outdated, it will be updated when the module is added back.

If you continue to experience issues despite attempting previous troubleshooting steps, you can try deleting the entire system from the Blink app and creating a new camera system. Start by removing all cameras and the Sync Module associated with the problematic system. Then, create a new system from scratch and add the Sync Module to it. Check if this resolves the problem.

If the issue persists even after creating a new system, it is advisable to reach out to Blink Support for further assistance. If your Sync Module is still under warranty, you may be eligible to claim a replacement module to resolve the connectivity issues. Blink Support can guide you through the warranty claim process and provide additional troubleshooting steps if necessary.

The post Why is my Blink’s ‘Sync Module Offline’ & How to Fix it appeared first on Appuals.com.

All variants of the doorbell are reported to show the issue with different make/models of routers or phones. Sometimes, the issue occurs with a brand new doorbell while in other cases, a functioning ring doorbell stopped connecting to the WIFI.

Before starting the troubleshooting process, make sure the following points are met.

• The Ring Doorbell is within the range of the Wi-Fi network. If the doorbell connects to the Wi-Fi when close to it but fails in its required location, you may need a Wi-Fi extender to boost the wireless signals. You can confirm this by checking the RSSI of the bell in the Ring app.
• Only a certain number of devices can connect to a Wi-Fi network. Make sure that limit is not reached on your router. You can confirm this in the router settings or by connecting a new device (e.g., a phone) to the Wi-Fi network.
• If your doorbell is battery-powered, make sure it is fully charged or replace its battery.
• Disable Cellular or Mobile data on your phone. Some phones automatically switch to cellular data when Wi-Fi signals are weak. This can break the phone’s communication with the doorbell. 
• The power adapter used with the doorbell meets the power requirements of the doorbell.
• Make sure the wiring to the doorbell is proper and no corrosion on the wires.
• The screws of the doorbell are not loose or not too tight.

1. Restart the Ring Doorbell, Phone, and Router

You will not be able to connect a Ring doorbell to a Wi-Fi if the communication modules of the doorbell, phone, or router are stuck in an error state. In such a case, restarting all the modules will solve the problem.

1. Power off the router and unplug its power cable.

   

2. Power off your phone and then power off the Ring doorbell.
3. Unplug the doorbell from the power source and if it has a battery, remove its battery.
4. Wait for a minute and put back the battery in the doorbell if the model supports it.
5. Plug back the power cables of the devices and power on the router. Make sure all the devices are directly connected to a power source, without any surge protector or extension cable.
6. Power on the phone and then the doorbell. Check if the Wi-Fi connection issue is cleared.

2. Disable VPN on the Phone

To configure a Ring doorbell, the phone, and doorbell must be on the same local network. If a VPN is enabled on your phone, the doorbell won’t be on the VPN network and thus the doorbell will not connect to the Wi-Fi.

To solve this, disable VPN on the phone. To do so on a Google Pixel phone:

1. Launch the Google Fi app on the Pixel phone and go to Privacy & Security > Protect Your Online Activity (Show Details) > Advanced Settings.

   

2. Add the Ring app as an exception and check if the doorbell problem is solved.

If this does not work and your router has a built-in VPN, disable the router’s VPN and check if the problem is solved. 

3. Reset the Network Settings of Your Phone

Your phone will not be able to connect to the Ring Doorbell if the network settings of your phone are not valid. Due to this, the phone will not be able to communicate properly with the Ring Doorbell. This can be fixed by resetting the network settings of your phone.

To reset network settings on an iPhone:

1. Navigate to the iPhone Settings > General > Reset.
2. In the list of options, tap on Reset Network Settings and confirm to reset the phone’s network settings.

   

3. Restart the phone and Ring Doorbell. Check if the doorbell is connecting to the Wi-Fi.

4. Edit the Router Settings

Ring Doorbell won’t connect to Wi-Fi if your router’s configurations are not as per the requirements of the doorbell requirements. In such a case, editing the router’s settings will resolve the issue.

Access the admin portal of the router through a web browser or app and try the configurations discussed below.

Rename the Network and Change the Wi-Fi Password

1. Navigate to Settings > Wireless Settings.
2. Change the network name. Make sure not to use space in or at the end of the name. Also, do not use any special character (such as @#$#%_-‘/\!) in the name. Just use an alphanumeric name (e.g., abcd1234).
3. Change the Wi-Fi password. Make sure not to use any space or special characters in the password. Just use an alphanumeric password (such as abcd1234).

   

4. Make sure the Wi-Fi’s SSID is not set to Hidden.
5. Save the changes and restart the router.
6. Connect your phone to the renamed network and check if the doorbell is connecting to the Wi-Fi.

If you have recently changed your Wi-Fi router, set up the SSID and password of the new Wi-Fi network as the same as the old one. See if the Ring Doorbell connects to that network.

Disable Auto Optimize

1. Navigate to Settings > Site > Auto-Optimize Network.

   

2. Disable Auto Optimize and save the changes.
3. Restart the router and check if the Ring Doorbell connects to the Wi-Fi.

Change the Wi-Fi Mode of the Wireless Network

1. Go to Settings > Wireless Settings.
2. Change the Wireless Mode to 802.11 b/g/n. For some models, you may need to disable 802.11R.

   

3. Save the changes and restart the router. Check if the doorbell is connecting to the Wi-Fi.
4. If not, set the Wireless Mode to 802.11g and check if that clears the problem.

Change the Wi-Fi Security

1. Navigate to Settings > Gateway > Connection > Wi-Fi.
2. Select Edit and change the Security to WPA/WPA2. For some models, you may need to disable other encryption settings (such as WEP3).

   

3. Save the changes and restart the router. Verify if the issue is resolved.

Disable Multicast and Broadcast Filtering

1. Navigate to Settings > Wireless Networks > Multicast and Broadcast Filtering.
2. Deselect Block LAN to WLAN Multicast and Broadcast Data. If the option is already unchecked, enable it.

   

3. Save the changes and restart the router. Verify if the problem is solved.
4. If not, enable Multicast DNS and save the changes.
5. Restart the router and check if the problem is solved.

Enable 2.4 GHz Band Only

1. Navigate to Settings > Wireless Settings.
2. Disable the 5 GHz band and enable the 2.4 GHz option.

   

3. Restart the router after saving the modified configurations and connect your phone to the 2.4 GHz band.
4. Connect the doorbell to the 2.4 GHz band and check if the Wi-Fi connectivity issue is resolved.

If this does not work and you have a smart Wi-Fi feature (that combines both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands), disable Smart Wi-Fi and retry to connect the doorbell to the Wi-Fi.

Change the Wi-Fi Channel

1. Navigate to Settings > Change Wi-Fi Settings > See Network > Advanced Settings.
2. Open the 2.4 GHz band and set the channel to 1.

   

3. Save the changes and restart the router. See if the issue is resolved.
4. If not, set the channel to anything below channel 11 and check if that clears the issue.

Disable Router’s Firewall

1. Navigate to Settings > Expert Mode > Internet > Firewall.

   

2. Disable Firewall and save the changes.
3. Connect the doorbell to the Wi-Fi and check if the issue is resolved.

If so, then you may enable back the firewall but exempt the doorbell in the firewall settings.

Enable DHCP or DHCP Configurations

1. Navigate to Settings > Wi-Fi Settings > Advanced Setup.
2. Enable DHCP and save the changes. For some routers, you may need to enable DHCP Direct Assignment.

   

3. Restart the router and verify if the problem is solved.
4. If not, change the DHCP mode from DHCP Server to DHCP Relay and check if the issue is resolved.

If this does not work, enable manual IP in the router settings and set a manual IP for the doorbell. You will need to use the MAC address of the doorbell to set a static IP for the doorbell. If you have Mac filtering enabled on your router, add the MAC address of the doorbell to the allowed list.

Reset the Router to the Factory Defaults

If none of the above changes worked, you can try resetting your router to default settings. This will remove all custom settings and revert back to stock ones which usually work with the Doorbell. 

1. Use a pointy object to press/hold the Reset button of the router for 30 seconds or until the router restarts.

   

2. Upon restart, set up the router and connect your phone to the Wi-Fi network.
3. Connect the Ring doorbell to the Wi-Fi and check if the issue is resolved.

If the issue persists, generate a QR code on the router for your Wi-Fi network (you can use QIFI) and use that to connect the Ring doorbell to the Wi-Fi.

If this does not work, arrange another router and check if the Ring doorbell connects properly with the Wi-Fi network from that router. If so, then the router is natively incompatible with the doorbell and you will need to use another router to make the Ring device work.

5. Try Another Network

You will not be able to connect the Ring Doorbell with the Wi-Fi if your network is natively incompatible with the doorbell. The network may be missing some features that are required for the completion of the operation of the doorbell.

Here, trying another network will let you confirm if the issue is with the Ring device or with the Wi-Fi network.

1. Disconnect your phone from the current network and connect to another network. If no other network is available, enable a hotspot on another phone and connect your phone to the hotspot.

   

2. Launch the Ring app on your phone and check if the doorbell connects to the hotspot. If so, then either the router or your network is not compatible with the doorbell.

6. Reset the Ring Doorbell to the Defaults

If none of the above methods worked, you can move forward and reset the Doorbell to its default settings. 

1. Delete the Ring doorbell from the Ring app (if shown).
2. Remove the doorbell from its bracket and locate its setup button. The button can be on the back, top, or side of the Ring device (depending upon the generation of the doorbell). Usually, an orange button.
3. Press and hold the Setup button for 10 to 20 seconds.

   

4. Release the button and the reset process will start.
5. After the doorbell’s status light turns off, which may take a few minutes, the reset process will be complete. Then, proceed to set up the bell from scratch in the hopes of resolving any Wi-Fi issues.

If none of the above works, you may contact Ring Support and ask for a replacement (if under warranty).

The post Ring Doorbell not Connecting to WiFi? Try These Fixes appeared first on Appuals.com.

Roomba robots show the charging error 8 on used as well as on out-of-the-box units. Charging Error Eight or 8 Blinks means that the robot is unable to communicate with its battery or there is a battery issue – this varies with the robot model.

The error is shown when the robot is connected to the charging base. Sometimes, the error occurs when the robot was charged for a few minutes. A flash red warning triangle with the exclamation mark (!) is shown and an audio message of Charging Error 8 will be played.

1. Discharge the Static Current from the Roomba Robot

You will face this error if the static current present on the internal circuitry of the robot is not letting it properly detect the charging signal. Here, discharging the static current from the robot will resolve the issue.

1. Remove the screws (you will need a flat head and Philips screwdriver) from the back cover of the robot and detach the back cover from the robot.

   

2. Remove the battery from the robot and then press/hold the Clean button for 20 seconds.
3. Put back the battery into the robot and install the back cover. Make sure the screws are properly tight.
4. Connect the Roomba Robot to its charging unit and verify if error 8 is fixed.
5. If not, take the battery out of the robot and leave it for 15 minutes.
6. Put back the battery into the robot and press/hold the Clean button on the robot for 20 seconds. Now check again if the issue is resolved.

2. Clean the Roomba and Charging Unit

If there is debris or junk present on the Roomba robot or its charging unit, a proper connection will not establish and thus cause you’ll face the charging error 8. Here, cleaning your robot will solve the problem.

1. Remove the Roomba robot from the charger and clean the charging points of the charging unit. You may use a pink eraser, magic eraser, or something metallic (such as a knife) after disconnecting the charging unit from the power source. You can also use a cleaner (such as Windex) but make sure it dries out before connecting back to the power source.

   

2. Make sure the springs of docking station terminals are properly seated and operating correctly.
3. Disassemble the Roomba robot and make sure the internal circuitry is clean, especially the fan.
4. Remove the screws of the bin and clean its fan.
5. Make sure the fan is not stuck. Use a screwdriver to move the blades of the fan until it starts spinning freely.
6. Grab a cotton swab and spin it in the fan’s compartment. Thoroughly clean the fan’s chamber.
7. Grab a compressed air can and blow air in the bin and Roomba robot. Rember to blow air under and around the battery.
8. Make sure nothing (such as a tiny piece of cardboard) is not stuck under the spinning wheels of the robot.
9. Clean the charging points on the Roomba robot. You will need to scrub really hard but make sure not to damage the point.
10. Clean the bin sensors (2 in the robot and 2 in the bin) and assemble back the things. Check if the robot is clear of error 8.

3. Charge the Roomba Robot

If the robot’s battery has gone critically low, it will not start charging and instead show error 8 when charging. Charging the Roomba robot for an extended time will solve the problem.

Charge the Robot for Extended Time

1. Put the robot on charging for an extended time. Charging it overnight often does the trick.

   

2. Once it is fully charged, try operating it and check if the problem is solved.

Properly Seat the Robot on the Charging Unit

1. If this doesn’t work, slightly nudge the robot right, left, up, and down while charging.
2. Check if it has started to charge at a particular angle. Then charge the robot on that angle as there is some alignment issue between the robot and charger. 

Completely Drain the Robot’s Battery

1. If the above does not work, leave the robot without charging for a day.
2. On the next day, check if it has started to charge without showing charging error 8.

Use Another Battery to Charge the Robot’s Battery

1. If the issue persists and you have another battery with similar volts as the robot (such as a 9V battery), connect the other battery’s positive terminal to the positive terminal of the robot’s battery and the negative terminal to the negative terminal. You may use wiring cables to connect the batteries.
2. Connect the robot on charging in this condition and check if the charging issue is resolved.
3. If so, wait for an hour and remove the robot from the charging.
4. Disconnect the batteries and connect the robot to its charger. See if error 8 is cleared.

4. Reset the Roomba Robot to the Factory Defaults

The robot will not be able to charge while showing error 8 if its firmware is no more valid and holds invalid charging configurations. In this case, resetting the Roomba robot to its factory default settings will solve the problem.

To reset, 600 & 800 Series Roomba Robots:

1. Press and hold the following three buttons at once:

   Dock
   
   Clean
   
   Spot

   

2. Wait till a tone is heard and then release the buttons. This may take around 10 to 20 seconds.
   For some models, you may need to press the Clean button and then press/hold the Dock button along with the Spot button. 
3. Put the robot on charging for 3 hours and then verify if it is clear of the charging error 8.
4. If not, remove the robot from the charger and unplug the charging unit from the power source.
5. Wait for a minute and plug back the charger into the power source.
6. Connect the robot to the charger and hopefully, its charging problem will be cleared.

If none of the above works, contact Roomba Support. The battery may need replacement. Otherwise, the robot or its charging unit will be faulty. You may claim a replacement under warranty.

If the robot is out of warranty, Roomba Support will run some tests to find out the problematic part. If the part is found, you may purchase the replacement part from Roomba.

The post Roomba Error 8: Couldn’t charge your Roomba? Try these fixes appeared first on Appuals.com.