Smart Home Basics
A guide to smart home devices for beginners
A smart home is a set of devices you control from an app, a voice assistant or a schedule. Device types, a starter setup and a pace for the first month, explained for beginners.
The collection
Smart Home Basics
Starting out with connected devices: what smart home gear does, how it joins your network, and how to set up a first few devices without frustration.
Smart Home Basics
Common setup mistakes with new smart home devices
Many new smart devices misbehave because of setup choices rather than faults. Learn the common placement, pairing, update and account mistakes and how to avoid each one.
Smart Home Basics
Do you need a smart home hub?
Some smart devices need a hub and others do not. Learn what a hub does, which devices work without one and how cost and reliability change your decision.
Smart Home Basics
How smart home devices connect to your home network
Smart devices connect directly over Wi-Fi, or through a hub that bridges low-power radios such as Zigbee, Z-Wave or Thread. Learn why devices drop offline and which router settings help.
Smart Home Basics
Starting a smart home on a small budget
You can start a smart home without spending much by choosing one useful device first, reusing what you have and knowing where paying more is worth it. Renters get extra guidance.
Smart Home Basics
What to check before buying a smart home device
Before buying a smart home device, check compatibility with what you own, the accounts and apps it requires, how long it will receive updates and the return terms.