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Hands-On Tech (Video)

TWiT
Apple
Macos
Apple Watch
Icloud
Iphone 17 Pro Max
Iphone
Technology
Google Photos
Twit
Windows 11
Windows 10
Iphone 16 Pro Max
Siri
Powerline Networking
Apple Vision Pro
Multi-Factor Authentication
Linux
Ios 26
Microsoft
Battery Life

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes152Founded14 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Technology

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Artwork for Hands-On Tech

Latest Episodes

In this episode of Hands-On Tech, Mikah answers Rosemary's question about what private browsing actually hides, from whom, and what it's really for.

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

Host: M... more

On this episode of Hands-On Tech, Mikah answers Al's question about why their gigabit internet plan isn't delivering the promised speeds during a Wi-Fi speed test, and who's really to blame: the ISP, the router, or the device.

Send in your questions... more

YouTube

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Mikah answers a listener's question about whether safely ejecting a USB flash drive is still necessary or just an outdated habit.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

YouTube

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

YouTube

Key Facts

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

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Recent Guests

Sam Abuelsamid
Principal Researcher at Guidehouse Insights, automotive expert
Guidehouse Insights
Episode: ATTG 2033: A Weak Back - Echo Alternatives, ElevenLabs, 2FA Applications
Johnny Jet
Travel expert and guru
Johnny Jet
Episode: ATTG 2032: My Baby Loves to Boom Boom - DIY Home Theater, Backup Best Practices, Corrupted Kernel Extensions & More
Scott Wilkinson
Home theater expert
TWiT
Episode: ATTG 2032: My Baby Loves to Boom Boom - DIY Home Theater, Backup Best Practices, Corrupted Kernel Extensions & More
Paul the Father
Tech enthusiast and regular caller
Episode: ATTG 2032: My Baby Loves to Boom Boom - DIY Home Theater, Backup Best Practices, Corrupted Kernel Extensions & More

Host

Mikah Sargent
Host of Hands-On Tech, associated with the TWIT network.

Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars from 121 ratings
  • A fantastic tradition

    Leo being the all time great tech broadcaster, continues to tech guy tradition. Great show for news and how tos.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    kash538
    Canada3 years ago
  • Great new format!

    They’ve done a great job transitioning from the radio show “The Tech Guy.” I’ve been listening since 2011, and I still love it!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MacPhyleWA
    United States3 years ago
  • So good!

    I am loving the new iteration of the show! I hope to see Leo and Mikah for many more years!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    KukSoolAppa
    United States3 years ago
  • Keep it going!

    Wonderful podcast. Mikah has been such a lovely addition to the show. You guys are always super helpful and courteous!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Chris Kerrigan
    United States3 years ago
  • Favorite Podcast

    This is my favorite podcast, Leo! I appreciate all the work you put into producing each and every one of these shows!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    W8UA
    United States4 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Feedback highlights value of new hosting dynamic and subscriber benefits.
Some reviewers note a shift in format with positive reception from long-time fans.
Listeners praise clear, practical tech guidance and calm, helpful delivery.
Overall sentiment leans positive with appreciation for accessible, hands-on tech help.
A few voices mention sponsor choices and sponsor-related content as a point of discussion.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#40
Finland/Technology

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

HOT 279: Safely Ejecting USB Drives - USB Removal Myths
Q: Bernice asks if ejecting is still necessary or just a ritual, and what actually happens when you pull out a drive early.
The host explains that ejecting used to ensure all cached data was written to the drive; Windows default changed to quick removal in 2018, but macOS and Linux may still rely on write caching. In practice, you should only unplug when no transfer is active, and on Windows you can generally pull safely if the system confirms completion, whereas macOS requires ejecting during a transfer.
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 is there anything to the old advice about recalibrating a battery?
The percentage is a predictive gauge from the device's fuel gauge, not a direct measurement of remaining energy. Recalibration can help realign the gauge if readings are clearly off, but it does not restore lost capacity and should not be done too frequently.
HOT 277: Battery Overcharging Myths - Is Keeping Your Devices Plugged In Bad?
Q: Angela asks whether leaving a modern laptop plugged in is harmful and whether battery charge limit settings are worth using.
The host confirms that leaving a laptop plugged in is not harmful for modern batteries, notes that heat is the bigger long-term risk, and recommends using built-in tools like an 80% charge limit when the device mostly stays on a desk, while acknowledging that favorites like optimized charging on Apple devices help automate safe charging.
HOT 276: Smart TV's ACR Tracking - Stop Your TV From Spying!
Q: What specific steps can Denise take to reduce tracking across different brands?
The host guides through brand-specific settings (Samsung: Viewing Information Services; LG: LivePlus; Roku: Use Info from TV Inputs; Sony: Samba Interactive; Google TV: Ads/Privacy sections; Vizio: Viewing Data; Fire TV: ACR and personalized ads) and emphasizes turning off personalized ads and ensuring privacy options are disabled, plus keeping the TV offline when possible.
HOT 276: Smart TV's ACR Tracking - Stop Your TV From Spying!
Q: What exactly is Denise asking about, and can she turn off tracking without breaking the TV?
The host confirms that yes, the TV does track what's on screen via ACR and shows how to disable it across brands, often by turning off viewing information services or ads, sometimes with caveats about how some features may be tied to the TV's functionality.

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 questions and actionable guidance, with Mikah Sargent answering listener queries across a broad range of topics—from device maintenance and privacy to gear recommendations and troubleshooting. The show emphasizes clear explanations, step-by-step tips, and helpful sponsor segments, making it useful for tech enthusiasts and professionals who want approachable, hands-on solutions. A notable strength is its responsive Q&A format, plus a consistent weekly cadence that helps listeners feel guided through everyday tech challenges. The format shift over time has attracted positive feedback from longtime followers while keeping fresh content through new perspectives and topics.

Where can I find podcast stats for Hands-On Tech?

Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for Hands-On Tech. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to Hands-On Tech and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.

How many listeners does Hands-On Tech get?

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What are the audience demographics for Hands-On Tech?

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How many subscribers and views does Hands-On Tech have?

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. This Week in Tech (Video)
2. MacBreak Weekly (Video)
3. iOS Today (Audio)
4. Hands-On Tech (Audio)
5. Rich On Tech

How many episodes of Hands-On Tech are there?

Hands-On Tech launched 14 years ago and published 152 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.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for Hands-On Tech?

Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for Hands-On Tech from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

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How do I access podcast episode transcripts for Hands-On Tech?

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What guests have appeared on Hands-On Tech?

Recent guests on Hands-On Tech include:

1. Sam Abuelsamid
2. Johnny Jet
3. Scott Wilkinson
4. Paul the Father

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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