Get all your news in one place.

100's of premium titles.
One app.

Start reading

Get all your news in one place.

100's of premium titles. One news app.

Start reading

Bored Panda

Lifestyle

Evelina Šiukšterytė

If You Think You’re Having A Bad Day, Spare A Thought For These 88 Poor Tech Support Workers (New Pics)

Anyone who has ever worked in tech support knows that no two days are ever the same. One minute you're resetting a password, and the next you're trying to explain that a computer won't turn on because it isn't plugged in. As frustrating as the job can be, it also comes with some truly unforgettable stories.

In this collection, tech support workers are sharing the funniest, strangest, and most baffling cases they've encountered on the job. Some of these situations are surprisingly relatable, others are downright unbelievable, and a few might leave you wondering how technology survived at all. Keep scrolling—these IT horror stories are almost too good to be true.

#1 So Who Has One In Their Server Room?

#2 He’s A Little Confused But He’s Got The Spirit

#3 Merry Christmas!

Phones, laptops, tablets—whatever you use, gadgets have become such a big part of our daily lives that it’s hard to imagine a day without them. From booking tickets and ordering food to working remotely or just relaxing with a bit of gaming, these devices quietly power almost everything we do. Whether you’re an office worker replying to emails all day or someone who just scrolls through social media and watches videos, your device is constantly in use. Because of that, keeping them in good condition isn’t just helpful; it’s actually essential in today’s digital world.

#4 Plugging In Your USB Receiver With A Hammer For That Flush Mounted Look

#5 I Was Wondering Why My Computer Had Bluescreens. Now I Am Wondering Why My Computer Was Able To Boot Up At All

#6 My Friend Kept This In His Bedside Table...

One of the most important things when it comes to device care is maintaining good battery health so your gadget lasts longer throughout the day. A lot of people think this simply means charging your phone whenever it hits zero and plugging it out at 100%, but it’s actually a bit more nuanced than that. For example, many experts suggest keeping your battery level between 20% and 80% whenever possible. It’s also a good idea to avoid fully draining your battery or leaving it plugged in at 100% for long periods. Thankfully, many modern devices now come with smart or optimized charging features that help manage this automatically in the background.

#7 To Ensure Maximum Keyboard Stability, Hp Decided 57 Screws Was The Magic Number For The X360

#8 Nan With The Laptop Has Never Been Easier

#9 A Friend Just Sent This To Me From Her Work

Apple, on its official website, also highlights the importance of temperature when it comes to battery performance. According to them, devices are designed to work best in a comfortable ambient temperature range of around 62° to 72° F (16° to 22° C). They also warn that exposing your device to temperatures above 95° F (35° C) can permanently damage battery capacity over time. In simple terms, that means your battery won’t last as long on a single charge if it’s frequently exposed to extreme heat. So while we often think of charging habits as the main factor, the environment actually plays a huge role too.

#10 The Problem Here Is That This Is Still Being Used Daily By My Customer. Refuses To Upgrade

#11 Like An Artist's Rendition Of "Anxiety"

#12 Electrician Friend Just Sent Me This, Found During A Portable Appliance Test

Another thing people often overlook is basic cleaning and hygiene for their devices. Just think about it—how often does your phone touch your face during calls, or sit on different surfaces throughout the day? We use our devices constantly, and that means they naturally collect dust, oil, and dirt over time. Regular cleaning can actually prevent overheating and hardware issues in the long run. A simple microfiber cloth can be used to gently wipe screens and surfaces, while compressed air helps clear dust from keyboards, vents, and ports. It’s best to avoid harsh chemicals or using too much moisture, as that can do more harm than good.

#13 Hard Drive Data Recovery

#14 This Mug Warmer Keeps Your Coffee Hot—at Any Cost

A friend of mine bought this mug warmer and never mentioned it. I only noticed when he placed his mug on it—because that’s when I heard some arcing noises.

Taking a closer look, it’s somehow even worse:

The heating element? Resistive wire taped to the back of a glass plate with aluminum foil like adhesive.

No safety features, no certification marks—just trust.

And the best part? It has to be wobbly to work. It stands on four feet, but the fifth "foot"( the red circle in picture 3) is actually just a tactile switch that only gets pressed when the mug is heavy enough. Until then, it wobbles like it’s trying to escape.

A quick calculation: The heating element has a resistance of 1500Ω, meaning it pulls around 35W (0.15A) (230V AC) through this tiny switch. There’s even an LED to tell you it’s working—as if that wasn’t obvious from the arking noises.

So yeah, it will keep your coffee warm. Even if it has to burn your house down to do it.

What are the sketchiest things you have seen at a friend's house?

#15 I’m 14 And Doing An It Internship At A Nursing Home (Long Story), Found This Serial Fkery Today That I Figured You All Would Enjoy

Software updates are another key part of keeping your devices running smoothly. They often include important security patches, bug fixes, and performance improvements that help your device stay fast, stable, and protected. Skipping updates might not seem like a big deal at first, but over time it can leave your device vulnerable or slower than usual. Keeping everything updated (your operating system as well as individual apps) ensures your device continues to perform efficiently and safely in the long run.

#16 Customer Brought In An Xp Era Tower, Asked Me To Get His Wedding Photos Out Of It, This Is Not What I Thought He Meant

#17 Chromebooks Returned End Of Year

#18 W?

Physical damage is also something we often underestimate. A small crack on the screen or a tiny drop might not seem serious at first, but it can gradually worsen and affect how your device functions. Even minor damage can sometimes interfere with touch sensitivity, display quality, or internal components. What starts as a “small issue” can quickly turn into an expensive repair if ignored. That’s why protective cases and screen guards are more than just accessories—they’re actually simple ways to avoid bigger problems later on.

#19 When The Telecom Company Hires A Carpenter Instead Of An Engineer

#20 When A Teacher Decides To Buy And Install A Screen Protector On Their Own

#21 My Mom "Didn't Like The Yellowed Colour" So She Decided To Put Nail Polish On The Printer Despite My Objections

#22 Customer States She Could Not Copy Files On This 60$ 2tb Ssd From Amazon

At the end of the day, our devices are more than just tools; they’re part of how we work, communicate, and stay connected. Taking a little time to care for them properly can make a huge difference in how long they last and how well they perform. Simple habits like smart charging, regular cleaning, timely updates, and basic protection go a long way in avoiding unnecessary issues. Think of it as a small effort that saves you both money and frustration in the long run.

#23 My Friend Made A "File Server" - Then Asks Me Why He Cannot Access His Files

#24 Does This Count? Discharging A Bosch Ebike Battery Using An Electric Heater

#25 Yeah.. USB-I

#26 "I Just Took It Out Of My Bag And It Was Like That"

And coming back to these posts, they really show how people sometimes need tech support for the most unexpected (and honestly hilarious) reasons. From simple mistakes to surprisingly creative misunderstandings, the internet is full of moments that make tech workers question everything. They highlight just how differently people use their devices, and how chaos can sneak into even the most “simple” tech situations. So, Pandas, which of these made you laugh or scratch your head the most?