Alexa not working? Do this! (For the non-tech-savvy)

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Written By Stephane

We know that technology can break down anytime, and Alexa devices may be unresponsive sometimes. Your Alexa device may be unable to operate due to several factors, including internet interruption or wireless connectivity issues. Here is a list of possible problems and solutions you can use to trouble issues you’re encountering with your Alexa smart assistant devices

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How do I fix Alexa not responding to voice commands?

Alexa is an excellent voice assistant but has several flaws. A common but irritating error is the absence of recognition of commands. What is the reason Alexa is not responding to voice instructions?

What makes Alexa not respond to voice commands?

Digital voice assistants have an essential principle: listening to incoming voice commands and responding. However, if you are using an Alexa-enabled gadget, it could be that you were faced with responses like “Sorry, we’re not sure what it is.”

Alexa not recognizing voice commands could be caused by the following.

Your device is muted

If the light indicator on your Echo device is red, your device is muted.

To un-mute your Echo device:

Press the Action button for the echo show device to see if your Echo device responds.

For echo dot and other screenless Echo devices: press and hold the microphone button for a few seconds until you see the blue light.

You have a lot of background noise around you

If there is a lot of noise in the background, it can confuse Alexa and cause her not to respond. This is because she may not be able to hear you properly.

Turn off any unnecessary appliances or devices that may make a lot of noise.

Move to a quieter room or area in your home.

Try speaking louder and more naturally when giving commands to Alexa.

Confirm Alexa is actually awake when you send the voice command

Saying “Hey Alexa” is a way of waking her so she can begin listening to your instructions. It’s easy to forget that Alexa needs to hear the wake word, so double-check to ensure she’s responding to your voice commands. If you don’t see the blue light flashing and/or she doesn’t respond to your commands, there may be a problem with your Echo device.

If all else fails

Suppose the voice assistant on your echo device is still not working after trying the previous steps. In that case, it is time to unplug your device. Unplug it for up to 1 minute, then plug it back in. You should be all set!

How do I fix Alexa calling not working?

Alexa Calling Not Working

Echo devices are designed with the ability to make phone calls based on the contacts you provide. If using Alexa for calls does not work, you may want to try some troubleshooting methods. Please ensure you have the correct contacts. Alexa will only make the call with the proper contact information.

Make sure to call the specified contact that can make voice calls using the Alexa device.

Check if Echo has internet access.

Alexa won’t make any phone calls without internet connectivity. It is possibly a glitch causing problems. You need to reconnect to the internet if possible. Make a fresh install of my Alexa App. Restart the Alexa software from its settings menu.

How do I fix my Alexa device not connecting to Wi-Fi?

Alexa Not connecting to Wifi

Quick fix you can use when Alexa won’t connect to wi-fi

If you’re anything like me, your Alexa is a huge part of your daily routine. Whether you use it to play music, set alarms, or just find out the weather forecast, Alexa has become a staple in many households. So, what do you do when she’s not working correctly?

It can be incredibly frustrating when your Alexa device won’t connect to Wi-Fi or the internet. After all, how are you supposed to use her if she can’t even connect to the network?

Here is why Alexa won’t connect to wifi

There are a few possible reasons why your Alexa enabled device might not be able to connect to Wi-Fi or the internet. The problem can be as simple as as bad Wi-Fi password or as involved like an acutal issue with your Wi-Fi network. Keep reading to learn about troubleshooting tips for possible causes and solutions for the Wi-Fi connection issue.

Is it an issue with your internet service provider?

First, make sure that you actually have an active internet connection. If you have a smart TV, try turning it on and launching a streaming app (whether that’s Hulu, Netflix, Youtube or something else).

If your TV is working fine, the next step is to check your Wi-Fi settings on the echo device. Make sure that it’s turned on and that all the cables are properly plugged in. Once you’ve done that, try restarting your router.

If your router is still giving you trouble, it might be a good idea to factory reset it. This will erase all of your custom settings, so make sure you know how to set everything up again before you proceed.

Once you’ve reset your router, try connecting your Alexa device again. If she still can’t connect, the next step is to delete the Wi-Fi network from your device and set it up again from scratch.

Open the Alexa app on your phone and go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi. From there, find your network in the list of available networks and tap on it. Once you’re connected, try using your Alexa device again.

Reposition the Alexa device or router

You should also check the proximity between the router and the Alexa system to make an easy connection. Amazon recommended an average distance of 30 feet or 10 metres. Ensure there isn’t any place in the middle that interferes with the Wi-Fi. For example, if another device is connected through Wi-Fi between the router and Alexa, they may have interference.

Make sure that they’re not separated by metals. Microwaves also cause huge Wi-Fi problems and it’s always best not to put them in your face. Wireless signals have a hard time reaching dense walls.

Also Read:   How to Set Braeburn Thermostat

Change which channel the Alexa device connects to

If your router supports Broadband over 2.4GHz or 5GHz you try switching to 2.4GHz. The 2.4GHz band is best for long ranges, so switching from 5GHz to the 2.4GHz band will increase the signal strength needed for this device. This varies by the router you use. Your router may have two channels, one per channel.

Sometimes the router transmits just one channel and automatically sorts the devices in each band individually. Whatever method your dual-band router is using, you could swap Alexa devices and see if this fixes your issue.

Re-Enter the Router Details You set in Alexa

Sometimes Alexa and routers work fine, but your router information may be incorrect. If I went back over my router configuration a third time, it would have been helpful. Moreover, if you or another user changes their username or email address, it may cause a disconnect from the device.

It happens as they try to use the old password, which does not work anymore. You should reset Alexa’s router to a different IP address with the correct password to be able to log in and get an update.

Power-Cycle Your Alexa Device

Hopefully, it works well with your Alexa device. There’s no power button on any Alexa system and you have to disconnect them directly from the power supply. Once the state is powerless state.. Wait 30 seconds and check the device configuration before plugging in again. Once Alexa has been configured, see how to give commands.

How do I fix Alexa, not streaming music?

Generally, when Alexa has trouble streaming music on Spotify or another streaming service, it may be an Internet connection or a bandwidth issue. Ensure your network settings have been restored and the audio is playing.

You May Have Restrictions on your subscription

If you have trouble streaming music on Alexa, the first thing to check is your subscription. You may not have an active or limited streaming subscription that only allows you to stream on one device. 

If that’s the case, upgrade your subscription for full access on all your devices.

Suppose you’ve confirmed that you have a full streaming subscription and are still having trouble streaming music on Alexa. Do a google search on the service like ” is Spotify down?” in that case, there may be a problem with your streaming service itself.

NOTE!

Please ensure the Echo is connected to a valid wi fi network. Alexa-enabled devices cannot stream music or video appropriately if they have Wi-Fi connection issues. Check the router and make sure the internet light is active.

How do I fix Alexa not finding a device?

You may have a problem with Alexa finding a home automation device, and Alexa cannot locate them. Alexa will only recognize Alexa-enabled devices. How do I use my smart home devices?

Make sure the device is online

.

Ensure that the device you want Alexa to find is connected to the Wi-Fi network.

Connect the device to the same Wi-Fi network as the Alexa device.

Alexa won’t be able to find the device if it is not on the same network. Confirm that is the case, and your device will be discovered.

Reset the device

reset alexa

I ran into an issue with my Alexa-enabled microwave, and my echo device could not find it. As it turns out, if some devices haven’t made a recent connection with the Alexa app, the device must be reset and added back to Alexa.

How do I fix Alexa playing music on the wrong device?

Multiroom Audio controls music playing on Echo speakers. If your Echo device plays a particular song and your voice is played elsewhere by another Alexa-enabled phone, there’s a solution. Check whether you created a group for smart devices.

When you connect Alexa devices to groups, Alexa will react more intelligently to your questions and answers. For example, they will respond when someone is cooking with a request to hear music. If your group is already established, try to remove it and then create another group.

Causes of Common Alexa and Echo Problems

There could be many reasons that Alexa doesn’t function correctly with your Echo device. Depending on the circumstances, the problem might involve a slight problem like power interruption. Echos may have been incorrectly grouped, or wireless issues may arise.

What could possibly be your Alexa or Echo error? Many troubleshooting steps overlap with the problems. An underlying problem with the Alexa device may lead to multiple issues. Some of these problems could also be caused by using an Amazon account with limited permissions.

Final thoughts on an Unresponsive Alexa device

Alexa has a more commonly encountered reluctance problem that we’re not sure about. When Alexa plays music, he’s likely not hearing you. Stop Alexa by pausing the play button to get her to understand your words.

Sometimes Alexa doesn’t display any search results for a question. This is due to the Alexa search engine. However, following all these steps will work well and respond to you.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my Alexa offline when connected to Wi-Fi?

Echo devices can appear offline, and you could be receiving no response from Alexa. The Alexa app could be old and outdated. Wireless connections may be weak or malfunctioning.

How do I reset an Echo Show?

Tap Settings if you use one or more second Generation Echo Shows or a fifth Generation Echo Show Touch device and reset to factory standard settings. 

Additionally, Hold The Mute button & Volume down for approximately 15 seconds to reset the device.

How do I activate the camera on my Echo Show?

Echo Show uses its own camera application, which can be used quickly. Tell Alexa to take some pictures, and the camera will be loaded to the Echo display screen.

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