How to solve common problems with Alexa / Amazon Echo

Even virtual assistants need a little help from time to time. Some quick and easy ways to troubleshoot Alexa and quickly return the Echo to proper operation.

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Alexa doesn’t answer… how to resolve it

If you say the word reactivation of the device but Alexa does not respond, it is probably one of the few common problems. Before starting troubleshooting, make sure your device has power and Internet access. An unrelated echo or a network outage could be the real problem.

If you have a ring or a bar with a solid red light instead of a solid blue, the microphone is turned off. Press the microphone button on the top of the device to turn it back on.

If you have multiple Alexa devices, the wrong one could listen and respond to the reactivation word. Although Amazon uses Echo Spatial Perception to determine which device is closest to you, the wrong Echo device may respond.

1. Check the Alexa app to make sure all devices are configured on a single Amazon account. For example, if your teenager has a separate account and app for her Alexa, they may not work properly together.
2. Move one or both devices so that the one you want to answer is closer to where you are talking.
3. If the wrong device still responds, you can change the reactivation word for one of the Echo devices.

Alexa plays music on the wrong device

Are you asking Alexa to play music in a room but start playing in another room on a completely different device? The problem arises from the way Echo devices are grouped together. The default settings are confused and Alexa ends up sending music to any device in its grouping cycle.

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To solve the problem, you need to separate the devices and group them again. That’s how:

1. Open the Alexa app.
2. Select devices.
3. Select the group you want to separate.
4. Click Edit.
5. Click Delete. (The trash icon.)

After separating the devices, you can group them again. The key is to make sure that no default speaker is selected. Otherwise, you will continue to have the same problem.

Streaming problems on Alexa devices

The most common reason why Alexa does not play music is intermittent Internet service or reduced available bandwidth. The following Amazon Echo troubleshooting can help you solve this problem.

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1. Disable unused devices connected to Wi-Fi.
2. Move Echo closer to the wireless router and away from walls, metal objects, or other possible sources of interference.
3. Turn off the modem and the router.
4. Wait 30 seconds.
5. Restart the modem.
6. Restart the router.
7. Turn off the Alexa device and turn it back on.

Alexa is not connected to Wi-Fi

You may find that your Echo device is not connecting to your Wi-Fi network at all. The resolution of this problem starts in the Alexa settings.

If your device has a screen, check the light on the device. If it is orange, the Wi-Fi connection is not working properly.

1. Go to Settings and select Wi-Fi.
2. Enter the network password. This is not your Amazon password.
3. Turn off the modem and the router.
4. Wait 30 seconds.
5. Restart the modem.
6. Restart the router.
7. Turn off the Alexa device and turn it back on.
8. Check for updates for your router or modem firmware.

Alexa won’t let me call 

Amazon Echo devices can replace a home phone. If calling Alexa doesn’t work and you’ve made sure you have a strong Wi-Fi connection, try these troubleshooting steps.

1. Check your contacts. If you have recently added a contact, Alexa may not have been updated and so cannot find it.
2. Close and reopen the Alexa app.
3. Open the Conversations tab and check the contact you are trying to call.
4. If the contact is listed, make sure the phone number is complete and correct.
5. You can exit the app and log in again if the problem has not been solved yet.
6. Go to the Alexa app menu and select Settings.
7. Choose Exit.
8. Log in again and try making a call.

Alexa can’t find a device

If you are trying to add a new smart home device, but Alexa is unable to detect it during the survey, try this Alexa troubleshooting process after making sure your device is compatible with Alexa.

1. Configure the device on your Wi-Fi network using the app provided by the manufacturer.
2. Go to alexa.amazon.com and try to complete the installation from there.
3. Disable and reactivate the ability of your smart home device in the Alexa app.
4. Use the Disable option in the Smart Home section of the Alexa app to disconnect the Smart Home device.
5. Re-activate the Smart Home device again.
6. Check for device updates.
7. Say “Alexa, discover my devices” to try to find the Smart Home device again.

Bluetooth problems with Alexa

You can solve the connection problems of the Alexa device via Bluetooth. First of all, make sure your Alexa device supports Bluetooth connections.

1. Make sure the Bluetooth device has a full charge or a new battery.
2. Move the device and / or echo away from possible sources of interference.
3. Open the Alexa app.
4. Choose Alexa Devices from the menu.
5. Select Bluetooth Devices, then Cancel.
6. Restart the Smart Home device and the Echo device.
7. Re-pair the Alexa device and the Bluetooth device.

Reset Amazon Echo 

For those moments when everything else fails, you can restore the original settings of your Amazon Echo device. Note that if you restore the device, you will need to register it on your Amazon account and re-enter the device information to be able to use it.

1. Find the Reset button based on the device.
2. Press and hold the Reset button with a paper clip or similar object.
3. Wait for the light ring on the device to turn orange and then blue.
4. Wait for the light ring to go out and then come back on. When the light turns orange, the device will enter the setting mode.
5. Connect your Echo device to the Wi-Fi network and register it on your Amazon account with the Alexa app.