Last Updated on March 15, 2024 by Kimberly Crawford
Smart home technology has transformed all your devices into a network of interconnected devices to make your life more efficient and convenient.
You have all the comforts and controls right at your fingertips to manage voice-activated assistants, remote-controlled security devices, WIFI-connected smart lights, and many other smart devices in your home.
However, some challenges arise when it comes to smart home devices. In this article, we focus on some of these issues and also discuss how you can have them resolved.
Issue No. 1: Smart Home Devices Cannot Connect to Home WIFI Network
You may encounter such situations where your security camera feeds are lagging or the smart lights are malfunctioning. Even if the cameras are connected, or smart devices have working batteries installed, they’re still not working.
The most probable reason here is that there is a WIFI connectivity issue. When there is an issue in the WIFI connectivity, it can cause disruptions in the connection between devices. If your smart devices are too far from the WIFI access point, then it can affect the signal strength. Physical barriers such as walls, furniture, floors, etc. can also be a hindrance.
The Solution:
What you can do here is change the router placement to the center of your home space so that all the smart devices are within the WIFI signal range.
You can also ensure that you go for a WIFI connection that is compatible with smart devices in your home. For instance, Cox Homelife offers a security camera service for homeowners to monitor activity in their homes. And their security cameras function better when connected to Cox WIFI. Spanish speakers can get more information about this by going to the Cox en español page.
Make sure that the WIFI you go for is compatible with the smart devices in your home.
Issue No. 2: You Have Privacy/Security Concerns Related to Smart Home Systems
Any smart device that is connected to the internet is a cause for concern for security and privacy reasons, that much is true.
However, there are various technological and human factors included. The smart devices in your home possess a lot of information, for example, usage patterns, preferences, camera feed recordings, etc. If this information goes into the wrong hands and is shared without your consent, that can lead to the violation of your privacy and security.
If you have weak passwords, that can also make it easier for unauthorized persons to have access to your smart devices.
The Solution:
For one, you need to implement stronger passwords for all your smart devices. If default passwords are being used, change them to something stronger. And do not let strangers have access to your WIFI connections.
The other thing you can do is get a home security system from a reliable third-party source. As already mentioned above, Cox is one such reliable service that offers a secure WIFI connection for all the smart devices in your home. Such trustworthy service providers have measures in place that offer security, regular updates, and customized privacy.
Issue no. 3: Smart Home Devices Are Not Compatible
This is one of the main problems many homeowners face, where smart devices cannot connect to the hub because they aren’t compatible.Â
That is because each smart device comes with its own protocols e.g., Zigbee, Z-wave, WIFI, Bluetooth, Matter, etc. So, if each of your smart home devices has different protocols, this may lead to compatibility issues.
Plus, if you get smart devices from different vendors or manufacturers and use them in your home, these devices may not be compatible with each other.
The Solution:
The best way to find compatible devices is to do proper research on your existing devices and the platform you are using in your smart home.
You should be able to see a list of different devices being offered by the same manufacturers. These devices are designed to work seamlessly together. Don’t buy some devices from one manufacturer and other devices from the other one. For instance, if you own a Google Nest Hub, go for devices that are compatible with Google.
Issue No. 4: Smart Home Devices Drain Batteries Too Fast
Wireless smart home devices make your home life so much easier until you realize that the same wireless devices need regular maintenance.
Lower-energy smart devices such as smart lights, door sensors, etc. rely on batteries to function and they need to be changed every year. However, other devices such as cameras or motion sensors use batteries at a much faster rate.
The Solution:
The smart devices work exactly like your smartphone; when looking for a WIFI signal in range, they can run out of batteries a lot faster.
This is why you need to ensure that the smart devices are at an acceptable range of the WIFI access point to keep them connected. Otherwise, the batteries will be drained at a much quicker pace.
You can also go through the devices’ settings to find optional features that you can manage for increased efficiency. The features that you use the most should be toggled on, and the features that you never use should be turned off. As a result, this will help to extend the battery life of your smart devices.
Issue No. 5: Smart Home Devices Suddenly Go Off
One of the issues you may face with smart home devices is that they may turn off at any moment for any reason. A tree branch rustling in the wind can disrupt the camera feed or a cat jumping on the sofa can cause the sensor to go off suddenly.
Since safety is a key factor in implementing a smart home system, you need to quickly deal with this security flaw.
The Solution:
What you can do is activate a feature in smart cameras that sends you alerts only when some unknown person is detected in the feed. That way your cameras won’t go off because of the usual movement in your home, whether it’s a baby, pet animal, or another family member.
Or you can manage the settings in such a way that the camera sensors neglect certain sections of your home that see constant action around.
Wrapping Up
Although you may experience issues with using smart home devices, this shouldn’t make you quit comfort and convenience.
Because let’s admit it, smart home devices have positively impacted our lives, unlike anything else and there is always a solution to these issues, you just need to know what it is!