Alexa does not respond? Here is how to solve the most common problems encountered by Alexa users. Like all technology, the voice assistant Alexa is prone to problems from time to time. Try the following troubleshooting tips.
Because of Alexa’s problems
The difficulties with Alexa can result from a series of problems. Because it needs Internet connectivity to work properly, any problem with Wi-Fi can become problematic.
Since Alexa is also software that runs other software, there may sometimes be compatibility issues. Furthermore, since it is associated with certain devices (mainly in the Amazon Echo line), device malfunctions or the connection between the two can be problematic. Add equipment for the smart home and this creates another level of potential problems.
Even the seemingly simple question of where an Alexa based device is placed in a building can become a challenge if done incorrectly. Finally, there is the question of man-machine interaction, which is not infallible.
How to solve problems with Alexa
- Alexa does not connect to the Internet. If you have problems with the Echo device connecting to the internal device, check the connectivity status light at the bottom of the back of the unit. White indicates that you are connected and orange indicates no connection.
Check other devices on the network, such as laptops and phones. If they are okay, try turning off the Echo device and turning it back on. If other devices don’t connect, try restarting the router.
If you encounter this problem consistently, try to reposition the Echo device closer to the router or move it upwards (as on a shelf) to avoid Wi-Fi interference. - Alexa does not handle certain skills. If Alexa has difficulty performing certain skills, such as Spotify or Pandora, it could be due to a bad Wi-Fi connection (see above).
It could also be that Internet speed is less than the 0.5 Mbps needed to perform these skills.
Or maybe a particular skill was not installed correctly. Try disabling and enabling the skills you’re having problems with and even turning your Echo device off and back on. - Alexa does not connect to smart devices. With all the smart home technology currently on the market, it could be a challenge for one device to work in tandem with another. Before doing anything else, make sure the device you are trying to connect to is actually compatible with Alexa and with the specific Alexa enabled device you are using.
Then, carefully follow the installation instructions and configure the device on the same Wi-Fi network as your Alexa enabled device. Finally, ask Alexa to discover the new device, add it to the right group and, if necessary, enable the appropriate skills to use it.
If it doesn’t work, you might be able to create an “if this then that” (IFTTT) command as an alternative solution. - Alexa doesn’t understand me. You’re giving Alexa seemingly simple commands, he should just answer, “I’m sorry, I don’t know”? If you and Alexa are having problems with communications, first try repeating the command, speaking more slowly or away from other noise sources, such as TV, stereo or dishwasher.
You can also try to control what Alexa actually heard. On your Alexa app (installed on your phone or tablet), select Menu > Settings > Alexa Account > History at the review commands you gave Alexa. For example, maybe you said- “Alexa, play music”, but he heard “Alexa, play the mushroom”. If you see this kind of mistake, just talk a little better next time.
Alexa should improve in recognizing you over time, but you can also do vocal training through the app. To get started, select menu > Settings > Alexa account > Recognize entries. Tap the arrow next to Your entry, then tap Start. - Alexa doesn’t answer me. The same strategies that work with “Alexa don’t understand me” (see above) can also work for this problem. The problem could also have something to do with the microphone. If you are using Echo, Echo Plus or Echo Dot, make sure the microphone button on the top of the device is turned on.
Alexa not updated could also be the source of this problem. Ask Alexa to “download and install the latest software updates”.
Also, keep in mind that Alexa is programmed to respond to commands from your nearest Alexa enabled device. So, in reality, it may not ignore you but respond from elsewhere. - If you encounter more problems with Alexa or the same problem repeatedly and nothing seems to help you, you can try to restore the factory settings.
This will delete all the settings you’ve configured on Alexa. Do it only if you failed to resolve problems with Alexa.
To reset an Echo device, use a pin or paper clip to press the button next to the power adapter. Hold it down until the light ring turns orange and then blue. Now Alexa is a completely new device. The next time you talk to him, thank him for his work!
