Frequently asked questions

Your technician arrives at the agreed time, asks what you'd like help with, and works with you at your own pace. They explain each step in plain English, do a quick online-safety check, and leave you simple written notes.

Most visits take about an hour. Your flat rate covers up to 90 minutes, so you'll never be rushed. If there's more to do, your technician will discuss options with you first: a little extra time, or a follow-up visit if you'd rather take a break.

One of our own technicians. They are all background-checked, and House Call Tech is fully insured. You'll receive your technician's name and photo before the visit, and you can meet the team on our About page.

Of course. A family member or friend is welcome to sit in, or to join by phone or video.

Just the devices you'd like help with and their chargers. If you have a list of your user IDs and passwords, it might be helpful to have it handy, but don't worry if you're a little less organized.

Yes, subject to technician availability. Our phone line is open every day from 8 am to 8 pm.

Computers, smartphones, tablets, printers, smart TVs and streaming boxes, email, photos, video calls, online safety and AI tools. See the full list on our About page.

Yes. We work with Windows and Mac computers, iPhones and iPads, and Android phones and tablets.

No, House Call Tech isn't a repair service. If a device has a hardware problem, we'll explain your options.

Yes. We'll back up your photos and files to your new device or an external drive, then securely wipe the old one so your personal information doesn't go with it. We can also suggest places to recycle or donate it.

Yes. We'll show you what tools like ChatGPT can do, how to use them, and what to be careful about, all in clear, simple language.

According to the FBI's 2025 Internet Crime Report, people aged 60 and over suffered larger losses from online fraud than any other age group. Read more on our Online Safety page.

Unfortunately, yes. As the Identity Theft Resource Center has warned, “The level of sophistication of AI will make it that much harder for people to discern legitimate from illegitimate, real from fake.” We'll show you the warning signs to look for, and you'll find the most common ones on our Online Safety page.

We'll never call you out of the blue about a problem with your computer, and we'll never ask for payment by gift card or wire transfer. If you're ever unsure, hang up and call us directly at (703) 940-5375.

$175 per visit, as a flat rate covering up to 90 minutes, with no charge for travel. If a visit needs more time, we'll always discuss options with you first. Our Concierge Plan is $895 a year for four visits plus priority hotline support. See Pricing.

By check or credit card at the time of service. There's no credit-card fee.

Yes, many of our visits are booked by adult children. You can book and pay on their behalf, join the visit by phone, and receive a summary afterwards.

Just call us as soon as you can to cancel or reschedule. There's no fee.

Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Maryland. If you're not sure whether we cover your community, just give us a call.

Call us and we'll make it right.