Hotline is a dedicated team of friendly experts you can call, text, or email anytime
Get help with real life: set up a new gadget, fix a Wi-Fi headache, figure out dinner, or plan a family trip everyone will love.
Technology & Internet
Tech help, without the headache
Steve handles everyday tech. He reconnects smart home devices like thermostats and doorbells, helps you set up new phones and tablets, and fixes streaming issues so you can get back to your show.
Hi Steve, my thermostat says "Not connected." What should I do?
No worries. Let's figure it out together. What type of thermostat do you have in your home? If you're not sure, just send me a picture and we can start from there.
Cooking & Meal Planning
Cooking help never tasted so good
Gordon guides you through cooking. He helps you cook with ingredients you already have, suggests simple substitutions that keep flavor right, and plans meals that save time and money.
Gordon, if I don't have canola oil, what can I use as a substitute?
You can swap in any neutral oil like vegetable, grapeseed, or even a light olive oil. On your last shopping trip you picked up grapeseed oil, so that will work perfectly.
Travel Planning
Travel plans you'll love
Jules plans personalized trips. He finds relaxing destinations like accessible beach vacations, suggests memorable experiences at your pace, and handles the logistics so you can focus on the memories.
Jules, we want a relaxing, accessible beach vacation.
Sounds great. Since your last trip was to the Caribbean, would you like to try the Mediterranean this time? I'll help you find the best places to enjoy some fun in the sun.
Reading & Books
Discover great reads you won't want to put down
Harper recommends books you'll love. She finds cozy reads that match your mood, helps you discuss themes and endings, and connects you with book clubs and local events.
Harper, I want a cozy evening read. Interesting but not too heavy.
I've got just the book for a relaxing night in. Try "Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman. It's warm, quirky, and thoughtful. Let me know when you're done and we can talk about it.
Gardening & Plants
Grow healthier plants and cultivate a happier garden
Robin solves plant problems. She diagnoses issues from photos you send, chooses plants that thrive in your space, and builds a seasonal care plan so your garden flourishes.
Robin, I think my plant is not doing well. What should I do?
Don't worry, help is on the way. Send me a photo of your plant and we'll come up with a plan to get it healthy again.
No more waiting, worrying, or asking for favors
Get expert help,
with no new tech to learn
There are three easy ways to reach Hotline experts
Call
For hands-on problems that need a patient voice to talk you through step by step.
9:41
100%
Sous-Chef
00:02:34
Can I use coconut oil instead of butter?
Yes! Use 3/4 the amount of coconut oil.
Text
Snap a photo or ask a quick question. Get an easy-to-digest answer right on your phone.
Robin
How do I fix these brown spots?
2:36 PM
Those look like sunburn spots! Try moving it away from direct sunlight and check the soil moisture
2:37 PM
For longer requests. Attach documents or screenshots and get a clear guide to save and revisit later.
To:
steve@hotline.net
Subject:
Laptop Repair Help
Hi Steve,
My laptop has been acting up lately — it keeps freezing and the fan is running really loud. Could you send me a step-by-step guide for fixing these issues? I'm not super technical but I'd like to try fixing it myself before taking it to a repair shop.
Thanks,
Mike
We built Hotline around how you already live
No new apps, no new passwords
- Use the phone, text, and email you already know. Nothing to download or learn.
Never repeat yourself
- Experts remember you, your preferences, and past questions. Clear, personalized support every time.
Ready 24/7, never rushed
- Day or night, someone is there to help. We take the time to make sure everything makes sense.
Your data is secure
- Your conversations are protected with bank‑grade security and kept confidential. We never sell your data.
Get unlimited, expert support that makes life easy
Frequently asked questions
Have another question? Talk to a real person
- Who is Hotline for?
Anyone who wants simple, friendly help with everyday things. Many of our members are older adults, but plenty are adult children helping parents, caregivers, and folks who prefer clear steps over fiddling with apps.
- Do I need to be “tech‑savvy” to use Hotline?
No. If you can call, text, or email, you can use Hotline. We explain things in plain English and go at your pace.
- Who usually buys Hotline?
We see two common paths: older adults buy it for themselves, or adult children buy it for a parent to make day‑to‑day help easier. Caregivers and families sometimes chip in together.
- I want to set this up for my parent. What's the easiest way?
We're happy to guide you through the best setup for your family's needs. Please contact us for step‑by‑step help.
- Will my parent have to download an app or create new passwords?
No. Hotline works over the phone, text, and email they already use.
- Can my family use one membership together?
Right now memberships are intended for one person. If you want coverage for two parents or a couple, the cleanest setup is one membership per person. If you're unsure, contact us and we'll help you pick the simplest plan.
- What if my parent prefers phone calls only?
That works. Many members use Hotline exclusively by phone and skip text or email. We'll meet them where they're most comfortable.
- What if I don't have a phone?
Hotline can also be used over email. If you don't have regular phone or text access, just contact us and we'll make sure you get help.
- Where is Hotline available?
While our experts are available 24/7/365, regardless of timezone, we're presently only offering memberships in the US. Stay tuned!
- Can Hotline coordinate with a caregiver?
Not yet, but feel free to contact us and we can advise on the best approach to using Hotline with a caregiver.
- How do you personalize help if multiple family members reach out?
We keep conversations simple and context‑aware. If different people reach out, we'll ask who the help is for and tailor guidance accordingly.