The Alexa device has amazingly transformed the entire smart technology with its fascinating features. It will be a great addition to your home. One of its most impressive features is responding to voice commands. Also, you can connect and control other smart devices like your smart TV, thermostat, etc.
However, sometimes you will find that Alexa is not responding. This will can be frustrating, but the good thing is that you can fix the issue after accurately identifying the problem. In fact, you don’t need to look for an expert as you can set the device yourself.
This article outlines some of the common reasons why your Alexa device is not working and possible solutions to the problems.
Do you have a particular question about the reasons why Alexa is not responding? Then use the table of contents below to jump to the most relevant section. And you can always go back by clicking on the black arrow in the right bottom corner of the page. Also, please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. For more details, check the Disclosure section at the bottom of the page.
Why your Alexa Device Is Not Responding?
● Incorrectly attached cables: Alexa may fail to recognize your commands if one or several cables are wrongly or loosely connected.
● Wi-Fi issues: Inconsistent or slow internet connection may cause your Alexa slow to respond. Also, this can make the device neither connect nor respond to your commands.
● The distance between the Echo device and the router: Another significant reason why your Alexa is not responding to commands is the proximity to the router. When you place your echo device too far from or very close to your router, then the echo device may fail to pick the Wi-Fi signals correctly. So, the Alexa device should be within the connectivity range of your router.
● Incorrect Wi-Fi password: Your Alexa won’t connect to Wi-Fi if you enter the wrong password. Therefore, it is vital to carefully and correctly enter the Wi-Fi password when connecting your device to Wi-Fi.
● Physical Interference: Some specific electronic appliances like microwaves, keyboards, headphones, televisions, baby monitors, etc., can interfere with your commands. Also, other physical objects thick walls can block the signals. So, ensure that nothing is blocking or interfering with the connectivity if your Alexa device is unresponsive.
● English Accent: The reason why your Alexa is not working is because of the incoherent English dialect. If your device cannot understand what you are saying, it will not respond to your command. Therefore, it is crucial to voice train before using the Alexa device. In addition, background noise can make Alexa not understand your commands.
Possible ways of fixing your unresponsive Alexa Device
First, check whether your Alexa device is muted. The red light shows that the device is muted, while the blue light indicates that the device is active. Use the following tips if your Alexa stops working or is slow to respond to your commands.
● Check your cables connection: Once you find out that your Alexa device is not responding, you should check all the cables. First, ensure that your device’s cable is correctly connected, including the cable connection of all its compatible devices.
● Check the distance between your Echo device and the router: Another solution to this issue is to place your echo device near the router. Also, eliminate any objects blocking the Wi-Fi signals. This will ensure that the Alexa device is within your Wi-Fi connectivity range.
● Check your Wi-Fi connection: If there is no internet, your device will not respond. So, if your Alexa server is unresponsive, check if the internet access is good. Also, ensure you have entered the correct password when linking the Echo device to the Wi-Fi connection.
● Speak clearly: The good thing with the Amazon device is that it provides a voice training option. In the Alexa app settings, you can share your accent and let it understand. Therefore, it is essential to begin with voice training and speak clearly. Also, ensure no noise in the background when commanding the device.
Suppose you have tried all the above tips and the device is still not responding. In that case, you can consider other solutions outlined below.
● Check if the microphone button is on. If your device is working but fails to respond to your command, you can check whether the mic symbol button is on or off. This solution applies when your Alexa device is working but is not responding to your commands. After confirming the switch is on, you can now speak to Alexa and see if it responds. If not, proceed to other possible solutions.
● Restart Your Echo Device: This is the best way of getting your device back to its working state. There are several ways of restarting your device. First, you can simultaneously press the mic and volume button twice. If this doesn’t work, long press your device’s power button to switch it off. Also, unplug the device’s power chord from your socket. Wait for a few minutes, reconnect your device, and power it on. Try to give it commands to see if it will respond to your commands.
● Reset your Device: If your Alexa device not working after a restart, you can consider resetting through the app. You will need to follow several steps. In the app, click on the options’ devices’ and select Echo and Alexa option. Then, you will be prompted to select the specific device that is not responding. After this, scroll down and locate the settings menu and under it, choose the option for factory reset and confirm. Give your device some time to reset and restart.
● Uninstall and reinstall your Alexa app: Uninstalling the App is an efficient way of doing away with any deficiencies that are hindering your device from responding. First, you can uninstall the app either by long-pressing it or from the settings depending on your phone’s OS. Next, you can install a new app from the app or play store and ensure you set up the device correctly.
● Restart your router: If your Alexa device is still not responding to your commands, the issue might be in the router connected to it. You can follow several steps to restart your router:
- Identify and disconnect all the cables connected to the router, including the power cable. Let your router remain off for a few moments.
- Reconnect your router’s cables and switch it on.
- Check if your device is responding.
Credits: Thanks for the photo to Canva.
At ipoki.com we only mention the products that we’ve researched and considered worthy. But it’s important to mention that we are a participant of several affiliate programs, including Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate ipoki.com earns from qualifying purchases.
