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Hands-On Tech (Audio)

TWiT
Apple
Apple Vision Pro
Apple Watch
Iphone
Icloud
Windows 11
Linux
Usb-C
Windows 10
Iphone 16 Pro Max
Google Photos
Technology
Siri
Multi-Factor Authentication
Macos
Gmail
Iphone 17 Pro Max
Android Auto
Apple Silicon
Windows

Welcome to Hands-On Tech, where host Mikah Sargent turns tech troubles into tech triumphs. Each episode zooms in on a specific theme, unpacking listener questions with expert analysis and easy-to-follow advice. From decoding the latest gadgets to simplifying everyday tech, Mikah's got you covered. Submit your tech queries through email at HOT@twit.tv or via TWiT's social media. You might hear your... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes245Founded21 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Technology

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Latest Episodes

On this episode of Hands-On Tech, Mikah answers a listener's question about whether safely ejecting a USB flash drive is still necessary or just an outdated habit.

Send in your questions for Mikah to hot@twit.tv, and he'll answer them in a future ep... more

In this episode of Hands-On Tech, Mikah answers a listener's question about whether his phone's battery percentage is an accurate measurement, why it seems to stay at 100% for a long time before suddenly dropping to dead, and whether battery recalibr... more

On this episode of Hands-On Tech, Mikah settles a household debate about whether it's harmful to keep a laptop plugged in all the time, and whether battery charge limit settings are worth using.

Send in your questions for Mikah to hot@twit.tv, and h... more

In this episode of Hands-On Tech, Mikah answers Denise's question about whether her smart TV is tracking what she watches and how to stop it.

Send in your questions for Mikah to hot@twit.tv, and he'll answer them in a future episode!

Host: Mikah Sa... more

Key Facts

Accepts Sponsors
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Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Host

Mikah Sargent
Host of Hands-On Tech, focused on turning tech troubles into practical, repeatable solutions.

Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars from 2.5k ratings
  • Leo was far FAR left but decent on tech

    New guy hides his far left-ness BUT gets the tech wrong. 5 minutes of ads even mid sentence to push nonsense unread by the host ads.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    boyfromthedwarf9
    United Statesa year ago
  • Ads With A Little Tech Talk

    Just listened to the latest episode. At least half of it was ads plus the obligatory plug for Club TWIT. I don’t blame Mikah but the format is awful and way too short with way too many ads.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    MichaelHarmon
    United Statesa year ago
  • Not good since the format change

    This used to be my go-to podcast for weekly tech news - it had a good mix of news, “live” troubleshooting, and interesting tech topics. New format is too troubleshooting focused. I used to be excited about what I would discover in the next episode…now, I look at the show notes before I play it. I have skipped a lot of these episodes in the recent months.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    NHW1055
    United States2 years ago
  • Not a subscriber

    Some good information but making everything subscriber after a certain amount of time is lame.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    sometimesbeard
    United States2 years ago
  • Not hands on

    The new format without Leo and call- ins just doesn’t have an exciting listen.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    CNS1978
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The depth and clarity of explanations are commonly praised, though some listeners miss earlier formats or personalities.
Listeners value practical, step-by-step guidance and real-world setup tips.
Ads and sponsorships are frequently noted in feedback, with mixed reactions to format changes.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#165
Canada/Technology
Apple Podcasts
#136
Australia/Technology
Apple Podcasts
#237
New Zealand/Technology
Apple Podcasts
#242
Indonesia/Technology

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

HOT 278: Understanding Battery Percentages - Why the Battery Percentage Shown Isn't Always Accurate
Q: Is the percentage an actual measurement or just a guess, and should I recalibrate my battery?
The percentage is a best-guess forecast from the fuel gauge rather than a direct measurement of remaining charge. Recalibration updates the gauge instead of restoring battery capacity, and it should be used as a diagnostic step rather than a regular maintenance task.
HOT 279: Safely Ejecting USB Drives - USB Removal Myths
Q: Is ejecting still necessary, or is this just a ritual from another era? What's actually happening when you pull out a drive early?
Mikah explains write caching and how Windows' quick removal policy since 2018 makes safe removal less critical for Windows users, while macOS and Linux still benefit from ejecting to ensure all data is written and to avoid corruption during transfers.
HOT 276: Smart TV's ACR Tracking - Stop Your TV From Spying!
Q: Can I turn off ACR without breaking the TV?
Yes. You can disable ACR or its equivalent on most brands by navigating to the privacy or ads settings and turning off related switches; in some cases, using an external streaming box keeps the TV offline while still allowing streaming.
HOT 275: USB-C Cable Confusion - Decode Your USB-C Cable Mess
Q: Is there a way to tell what a cable can actually do just by looking at it?
Yes. Check the connector and packaging for printed or embossed markings, look for power ratings (60W, 100W, 240W), data speed indicators, and video capability logos like USB or Thunderbolt, and verify against official certification such as an e-marker chip that confirms higher power or data capabilities.
HOT 277: Battery Overcharging Myths - Is Keeping Your Devices Plugged In Bad?
Q: Does leaving a modern laptop plugged in all the time hurt the battery?
No, modern batteries are managed to prevent overcharging, and will draw power from the wall when needed; however, keeping a battery at 100% in hot environments can speed degradation, so using an 80% limit when stationary can help long-term health.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Hands-On Tech

What is Hands-On Tech about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Hands-On Tech focuses on practical tech guidance, with episodes built around listener questions and hands-on demonstrations. Topics regularly cover hardware networking, operating system tips, software utilities, and troubleshooting workflows, always with clear, actionable steps. A standout aspect is the emphasis on local control, practical setups, and realistic trade-offs (e.g., wired access points vs. mesh, managing new apps and platforms, and cross-device workflows). The format often includes step-by-step instructions, gear recommendations, and troubleshooting when things go wrong, making it especially useful for tech-savvy listeners who want tangible results. The show tends to blend clean, friendly delivery with in-depth nerdy detail, wh... more

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How many listeners does Hands-On Tech get?

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To see how many followers or subscribers Hands-On Tech has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Hands-On Tech?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Hands-On Tech:

1. Rich On Tech
2. iOS Today (Audio)
3. This Week in Tech (Audio)
4. Tech News Weekly (Audio)
5. MacBreak Weekly (Audio)

How many episodes of Hands-On Tech are there?

Hands-On Tech launched 21 years ago and published 245 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Hands-On Tech?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

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What guests have appeared on Hands-On Tech?

Recent guests on Hands-On Tech include:

1. Scott Wilkinson
2. Dick DeBartolo
3. Chris Marquardt
4. Anthony Henderson
5. Sam Abuelsamid
6. Father Robert Ballecer
7. Johnny Jet
8. Rod Pyle

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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