Privacy & Safety
Passwords, suspicious websites, and backing up before a reset.
How to Update a Roku or Fire TV Stick
System update in settings, then restart. A stick that is too hot in a closed cabinet will fail updates and buffer.
How to Fix a TV Remote That Stopped Working
Fresh batteries the right way round, then pair again. A phone torch on the front of the remote shows if the IR LED still flashes.
How to Set Up Family Profiles on a Streaming Account
One paid account, separate profiles, kids profile with a PIN if the app offers it. Do not share the master password in a group chat.
How to Cast to a Chromecast or Google TV
Same Wi-Fi, Cast icon in the app, pick the speaker/TV name. The Google Home app sees devices the phone cannot if permissions are off.
How to Turn On Captions in Streaming Apps
Start the title, open the speech-bubble or Audio & Subtitles, pick the language. This is separate from the TV's live-caption menu.
How to Change Streaming Video Quality
In the app account settings, set data use per screen. On the TV, look in playback settings. Auto is why evenings buffer.
How to Download Shows for Offline Watching
On the phone or tablet app, tap the download arrow on a title you are allowed to save. Wi-Fi only if you care about data.
How to Fix a Netflix Error on TV or Phone
Check netflix.com/status, restart the app, update it, then sign out and in. The code on screen is useful — write it down.