Roku was hacked over the weekend. To keep yourself protected, I suggest changing your password ASAP!
10 tech company customer service phone numbers plus a secret way to know wait times
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If the long wait times and hard-to-find numbers don’t make it clear enough, I’ll say it: Tech companies don’t want to talk to you.
Here’s a secret I bet you didn’t know. You can have Amazon call you if you have a problem with an order or anything else. Tap or click here for the secret spot on Amazon’s website.
You can use the chat function on a site, but scammers have made those hard to trust. Tap or click for red flags to spot a Facebook chatbot scam that steals login details.
When you need help, always find contact info on the company’s official website. Even that isn’t always easy. Luckily, I did the digging for you.
Stop Googling! Here are 10 numbers you might need
It’s very dangerous to Google search tech company phone numbers. Scammers work the system to get spoofed websites and phone numbers as the top search results via ads.
Tap or click to see a YouTube ad scam that almost fooled someone in my family.
Instead of waiting for a response to an online form, try calling. Know that the wait times may be extended. (Keep reading for a clever way to see just how long.)
I also included links for those who would rather use a contact form or chat service.
- Amazon: 888-280-4331; Go here for Amazon support.
- Microsoft: 800-642-7676; Go here for Microsoft support.
- Apple: 800-275-2273; Go here for Apple support.
- Google: 650-253-0000; Go here for Google support.
- Meta (Facebook and Instagram): 650-543-4800 (Heads up: It’s hard to get someone to answer); Go here for Facebook support. Go here for Instagram support.
- Tesla: 888-518-3752; Go here for Tesla support.
- Roku: 816-272-8106; Go here for Roku support.
- Samsung: 800-726-7864; Go here for Samsung support.
- PayPal: 888-221-1161; Go here for PayPal support.
- Zoom: 888-799-9666; Go here for Zoom support.
What if you need to contact a company that’s not on this list? As I said, your best bet is to find a contact number on the company’s official site. You can also try this trick.
PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY: 3 creepy lists that show everything Google knows about you
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
Netflix just raised its prices again – Here's how much you'll be charged
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Streaming services raising prices is commonplace these days. It happens more often than you’d hope. DirecTV already increased its pricing late last year.
Now, Netflix has decided to increase costs. Again.
📺 Wait, what was I watching? Roku has you covered. Go to the Home Screen, hit What to Watch and scroll to Continue Watching. Your shows are waiting to pick up where you left off.
Is 'oatzempic' a weight-loss miracle?
TikTok claims an oatmeal and lime smoothie can help you lose 20 pounds a month. Plus, there’s a major Roku hack, you can’t be anonymous on OpenTable and be careful what you click on X.
Wi-Fi ate my homework: Mark Zuckerberg tried showing off Meta’s new AI glasses at the company’s big Connect conference yesterday. Instead, the AI froze, ignored instructions and left a panicked chef begging for help while Zuck blamed “bad Wi-Fi.” And cue Zuck gesturing wildly like a dad trying to connect the Roku. Been there.
📺 Lost your Roku remote? Open the Roku app, tap the microphone icon, and say “Hey, Roku, where’s my remote?” The remote will beep so you can track it down. Press any button to stop the sound. FYI: This only works with remotes that have built-in speakers, like the Roku Voice Remote Pro.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
Streaming comparison: Roku vs. Apple TV vs. Fire TV vs. Chromecast
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The pandemic boosted the popularity of streaming as social distancing and remote work caused people to stay home. Online media companies helped fill the void by expanding their libraries and adding new content to stream, including big-budget productions that never made it to theaters.
Hulu won't work on these streaming devices soon
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One of the saddest things about following tech is how transient everything is. Today’s hot commodity can become yesterday’s garbage in a matter of weeks, and the cycle is inevitable for any kind of device once enough time has passed.
AI ads incoming: Roku is rolling out generative AI tools so even the tiniest business can slap together an ad in minutes. Roku has hundreds of advertisers, but they want 100,000+. Streaming’s booming, ad slots are open, and AI sludge is about to fill the void.
📺 Your TV, your rules: Some Roku wallpapers double as ads for shows, movies or brands. Don’t want your screen turning into a billboard? Go to Settings > Theme > Sponsored Wallpapers, and switch it to Off. Btw, you could save big on a new Roku Ultra (20% off).
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
🐶 Streaming that wags: Want dog or cat videos on a loop? If you have a Roku device (now 28% off), check out their lineup of free channels for pet and animal lovers. Sure, there are ads, but free is still free. Perfect background noise for you or your furry friend.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
Rude awakening: Ever fall asleep watching TV? If you have a Roku, press the asterisk button on your remote to open the menu. Scroll to Volume mode and use the arrows to change it. Leveling makes sounds even so things like ads won’t jolt you awake. Night mode makes quiet sounds like whispering louder and lowers more intense sounds, like shouting.
🔍 Where’s the remote? If it’s for a Roku, here’s a trick to find it. Just open the Roku app, tap the microphone, and say, “Hey, Roku, find my remote.” Follow the beeping to track it down. Once you find it, press any button to stop the sound.
So, you unwrapped something techy and you’re already having trouble. Before searching online for help, know it’s dangerous to Google tech company phone numbers.
Scammers work the system to get spoofed websites and numbers as the top search results via ads. Instead of waiting for a response to an online form, try calling the manufacturer or tech company directly. I’ve included links below in case you’d rather use a contact form or chat service:
- Amazon: 888-280-4331; Amazon website
- Microsoft: 800-642-7676; Microsoft support
- Apple: 800-275-2273; Apple support
- Google: 650-253-0000; Google support
- Meta: 650-543-4800 (Heads-up: It’s hard to get someone to answer); Facebook support, Instagram support
- Roku: 816-272-8106; Roku support
- Samsung: 800-726-7864; Samsung support
- PayPal: 888-221-1161; PayPal support
An older CEO, long past retirement, called IT for support. He asked, “How can I print this document?” IT said, “All you need to do is Ctrl + P.” The CEO replied, “I haven’t been able to do that for years!” (I heard you laugh!)
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
Stream 4K for free: If you have Sling TV, you’ll be able to stream sports in 4K starting this week, including NFL games and the Olympics. You’ll see two versions of an event as you browse. Just click the one labeled “4K” to watch. You’ll need a Roku or Fire TV with 4K in the name, too. Here’s the full list of compatible devices.
Roku frustration: Roku’s recent update added motion-smoothing to TVs, and people are fuming since there’s no way to turn it off. This feature is meant for fast-moving scenes, like sports, and it completely ruins movies. I’ll update you when they fix it.
Is 'oatzempic' a weight-loss miracle?
TikTok claims an oatmeal and lime smoothie can help you lose 20 pounds a month. Plus, there’s a major Roku hack, you can’t be anonymous on OpenTable and be careful what you click on X.
Yes, your streaming device is tracking you
Ever wonder how your Roku, Fire Stick, or Apple TV seem to know who you are? I uncover the secrets of their prying eyes.