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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
Gmail
Powerline Networking
Apple Vision Pro
Multi-Factor Authentication
Microsoft
Linux
Ios 26

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

On this episode of Hands-On Tech, Mikah answers a question from Otis, who relies on the 6-digit text-message codes his bank sends at sign-in but has started to worry about SIM swap attacks, and wants to know whether those codes are still worth anythi... more

YouTube

On this episode of Hands-On Tech, Mikah answers a question from Lyle who wants to know whether a coworker can really tell when he has opened her emails.

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

Hos... more

YouTube

On this week's episode of Hands-On Tech, Clyde, who is shopping for a new phone after his last one died in a sink full of dishwater, asks what an IP68 water resistance rating actually promises, whether it wears off as a phone ages, and what to do in ... more

YouTube

On this week's episode of Hands-On Tech, Barry asks whether anything inside a QR code can actually hurt you, or whether the real danger lies somewhere else, and what a person should check before scanning one out in the wild.

Send in your questions f... more

YouTube

Key Facts

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

Similar Podcasts

Recent Guests

Sam Abuelsamid
Principal Researcher at Guidehouse Insights, automotive expert
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Johnny Jet
Travel expert and guru
Johnny Jet
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Scott Wilkinson
Home theater expert
TWiT
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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 States4 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 States4 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
#84
Brazil/Technology
Apple Podcasts
#188
Finland/Technology

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

HOT 288: Understanding What IP68 Means - Is Your Device Truly Water Resistant?
Q: What should somebody do in the first five minutes after dropping a phone in water?
Remove it from the water, power it down, disconnect accessories, and do not charge it. Rinse away soap or salt with tap water, wipe it dry, and leave it somewhere with airflow; avoid rice, heat, and compressed air.
HOT 288: Understanding What IP68 Means - Is Your Device Truly Water Resistant?
Q: What does an IP68 rating actually promise, and does it wear off as a phone gets older?
It indicates a result from a controlled test, not a guarantee of waterproofing. The tested depth and duration vary by manufacturer, and water resistance can diminish through normal wear, drops, or repairs.
HOT 289: Understanding Email Tracking Pixels - Are Tracking Pixels in Emails Real?
Q: A co-worker mentioned off hand that she can tell when I've opened her emails, and roughly when. I told her that isn't a thing. Email isn't a text message. There's no little red check mark. She swears she gets a notification. Is she pulling my leg?
She may be using an email tracking pixel or a Gmail tracking extension. Gmail can be set to ask before loading external images, which can prevent automatic pixel tracking. Link tracking and workplace read receipts are separate, and an open does not prove that the message was read.
HOT 287: Are There Risks to Scanning QR Codes? - The Security Concerns Behind Scanning a QR Code
Q: Barry asks whether scanning a QR code can hack a phone and what signs to watch for before tapping.
Mikah explains that QR codes themselves cannot inject malware; the risk comes from where the code redirects you and what you do there, with practical steps to verify links and avoid suspicious prompts.
HOT 286: Shutting Down vs. Restarting Your Windows PC - Windows Fast Startup
Q: Is there really a difference between shutdown and restart, and how often should a device be restarted rather than shut down?
Yes, shutdown with fast startup preserves the Windows core in a hibernation state, while restart ends the kernel session and rebuilds Windows from scratch, which is why a true restart or reboot is recommended as a maintenance habit—about once a week.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
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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. MacBreak Weekly (Video)
2. This Week in Tech (Video)
3. Rich On Tech
4. iOS Today (Audio)
5. This Week in Tech (Audio)

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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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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