How to spring clean your smart home
It’s that time of year to clear out the clutter and get your home ready for the warmer months ahead.
But it’s not just carpets and curtains that need a clean. It’s a good idea to spruce up your smart home tech too. And the good news is it doesn’t take long to do.
Follow our step-by-step guide and keep your tech in tip-top condition.
1. Switch up your smart schedules
As the days begin to get longer and warmer, it makes sense to review the schedules for your smart heating and lights. So they only come on when you need them.
The quickest way to do this is through the smart home app. Open it up and follow these steps:
Go to your dashboard / device list.
Select Hive Thermostat.
You’ll see the schedule tab at the top of the screen where you can edit the schedule for the mode you are in. Just make sure 'Schedule' is selected from the options at the bottom of the screen to activate it.
To see the schedule for another mode in the app or web dashboard please select that mode first.
To change the settings for your Hive lights, open the app and:
Go to your dashboard / device list.
Select the Hive Light that you wish to edit.
Tap on 'Schedule' at the top of the screen. From this page you can amend the time slots and adjust the bulb settings by clicking on the relevant time slot.
Once you’re happy with your settings, tap 'Save'. Or if you change your mind, tap the back button.
Hive Hint: You can add time slots, copy or reset a schedule by tapping the three dots in the bottom corner of the screen.
2. Polish important passwords
Next up, change important passwords like your smart home app and WiFi. It doesn’t take long to do and is a great way to keep your tech secure.
To update your WiFi password, you’ll need to open your router’s configuration page and log in using your current details. From here, look for the wireless settings menu. Open this and you’ll find an option to update your password.
Don’t forget to then update the rest of your tech with your new password too. With Hive devices this is all done in the Hive app. Open the product page, tap the settings icon on the top right-hand corner and then tap ‘Change WiFi’.
Next, change the password for your smart home app. All brands will have slightly different ways of doing this. For Hive you can change it in the ‘account’ section of the Hive app or via the online dashboard.
Hive hint: To keep hackers at bay, passwords should be a complex combo of letters, numbers and symbols. If you’re worried about remembering all that, there are lots of simple password managers you can use. Check out PC Mag’s latest round up for some of the best.
3. Fix up your firmware
Check the settings section of your smart home app to see if there are any updates available. It’s a great way to get new features and improve existing ones. But, most importantly, it helps to fix any bugs you might not even be aware of.
And while you’re at it, check your smartphone for any updates. As most smart home tech can be controlled from your mobile, it’s really important to keep that up to date too.
4. Dust off your devices
Of course, it wouldn’t be a spring clean without a spot of dusting. Build-up isn’t just unattractive; it can get into the nooks and crannies which may affect its performance.
Give your hub and smart home thermostat a clean using a hoover with the brush attached. Used on the lowest setting, it’s a great way to remove dirt and debris.
Smart EV chargers can get grubby too since they’re constantly exposed to the elements. Switch it off, then use a damp cloth to wipe dirt from the body of the unit. If you need to give the actual connector itself a quick once-over, use a dry cloth only.
And don’t overlook your smart speaker either. Sitting in the middle of the kitchen or in the hallway this is usually pretty defenceless against everyday grime. But they’re also surprisingly tricky to clean. We’d suggest using a dry cloth and a hair dryer to get it looking as good as new.
Here at Hive we love finding ways to make daily life a bit easier. See for yourself at Discover Hive.
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