I’d always prefer living in a smart home over traditional houses. There’s no comparison to waking up to a freshly brewed cup of coffee. Or, to have the privilege of ordering groceries at your doorstep.

However, living in a smart home is all fun and cozy until one of your devices starts malfunctioning. And, as smart home gadgets are no different than other smart devices like smartphones, laptops, tablets, etc, they can also act up without any warning.

Nonetheless, I believe it’s important for to-be smart home owners to understand some common problems. Most importantly, they should also know how to fix them, and this is what I’ll explain in this article.

So, let’s start!

Connection’s Bandwidth

It is one of the most common reasons why smart home devices start malfunctioning. Technically, the issue here is not with the smart home devices, but the internet connection that they require to work efficiently.

Most smart home owners don’t understand that every connection has a limited bandwidth. And, all smart home devices need that connection’s bandwidth to work. Now, couple it with a household’s online needs, and any network’s bandwidth can shrink and ultimately affect the performance of a smart home device.

How to Fix This Issue?

Preferably, fiber internet is the best option to ensure that your connection never runs out of bandwidth. It is the only connection capable of offering fast symmetrical speeds, i.e., similar upload and download speeds.

I have also subscribed to one of the high-speed and uncapped ATT Internet plans. And, though my devices frequently glitched on my previous connection, they have worked like a breeze on this one.

Nonetheless, the point here is to ensure that your smart home devices get their fair share of bandwidth. So, they never malfunction due to connectivity issues.

Device Compatibility

One of the main objectives of smart homes is to create a seamless ecosystem with interconnected devices.

But what if you have to control every device separately via its app? Doesn’t sound too convenient, right?

This is what can happen if you don’t pay attention to smart device compatibility before buying them. I also bought a few incompatible devices in the early days of my smart home journey. Honestly, rather than convenience, controlling those smart gadgets felt like an additional task.

How to Fix This Issue?

Speaking from experience, this is one of those issues that can frustrate you to the core. Simply because, besides being inconvenient, you might also lose money.

However, fixing this problem is relatively easier than other smart devices’ issues. All you need to do is look for compatible devices. For that, you can do a little bit of research about smart device compatibility.

Additionally, most smart device manufacturers mention a compatibility list on their packaging. So, before investing in any smart home device, ensure its compatibility with the rest of your gadgets.

Software and Firmware Updates

Above, I have mentioned that smart home gadgets are also electronic devices like smartphones, laptops, tablets, etc. So, just as most electronic devices receive software and firmware updates, smart devices receive them too.

These updates are essential for their optimal performance and contain bug fixes, new features, or simply fill the existing security loopholes. And, if you don’t install these updates on time, your smart home device will probably start malfunctioning in the future.

How to Fix This Issue?

The good news is that for most smart home gadgets, updates are installed automatically. Sometimes, you might need to restart the device to initiate the downloading process.

However, if updates are not installed automatically, then I would recommend you check for them frequently on the app. And, as soon as there is one, download it as soon as possible. This way, your smart home devices will stay up-to-date and offer the best experience.

Device Setup and Installation

Installing smart home gadgets is one of the simplest and straightforward tasks, for the most part. For instance, you just need to turn on a smart speaker, connect it to your smartphone and the internet. And just like that, it’s ready to work on your voice commands.

However, not all smart home gadgets have such an easy installation process. For example, you might need to deal with your house’s wiring while installing a smart sensor, a security camera, or a thermostat.

So, when you try to install such complex devices yourself, it’s easy to make small mistakes. And, while the mistake might be an honest one, it can cause smart devices to malfunction in the long term.

How to Fix This Issue?

If you have no technical knowledge whatsoever, I won’t advise you to take such matters into your hands. As far as simple and easier installation processes are concerned, a DIY approach can work.

But, as soon as you find that installing a smart gadget is way above your technical expertise, simply reach out to a professional. Although it will be expensive than a DIY installation, your smart home devices will work without glitching. And importantly, it won’t mess with your house’s wiring, which I believe can be a bigger problem.

So, these are the most common smart home issues I have personally faced and fixed.

Also, before I wind up, I’ve got a little suggestion. Don’t invest in low-quality gadgets. Since smart gadgets have become common now, it’s easier to find cheaper alternatives to quality products. However, keep in mind that such smart gadgets are nowhere near as good as quality products. Plus, even if you take care of everything, they might still malfunction and cause trouble.