Here are the most common fixes for Alexa not responding but lighting up:
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Restart the Alexa device and try again.
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Alexa might need a software update.
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Alexa didn’t understand you, so just repeat the command.
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Try speaking directly to the device or moving closer to it when giving your command.
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Ensure that your Wi-Fi connection and network settings are functioning properly.
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Check if your microphone is muted.
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Make sure Alexa is not in Do Not Disturb mode.
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Your wake word may have been changed.
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You might need to factory reset your device.
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If none of the above fixes work, you might have a hardware problem.
The Alexa virtual assistant, available on all Echo devices and displays, is a convenient tool for controlling your smart home and smart appliances. However, it may sometimes not function as intended, such as not responding to your voice command or behaving unexpectedly. One frustrating issue can be when the device appears to be listening, blue light goes on, but doesn’t respond.
If you encounter this issue with your Echo devices or any other Alexa enabled speakers, there are several common solutions to try to get everything working properly again. Below we wrote detailed steps on how to troubleshoot your device to have it working correctly back in no time. We have listed the fixes from most to least common so that you hopefully fix your issue way before reaching the bottom of this page.
Restart your Alexa Device
At times, your Alexa device may experience technical difficulties, such as being stuck in a loop, that can be resolved by restarting the device. Similar to other computer devices, restarting the device involves removing the power plug, waiting for a few moments, and then plugging it back in.
This process can help clear out any temporary glitches that may have occurred and restore the device to its normal functioning state. After the device has fully restarted, wait a few seconds, and check if Alexa is responding to your voice commands again.
If you’re still having the same issue, try the below fixes.
Your device needs a software update
In some cases, an outdated system can cause issues with the Alexa app or device. To check that your app and device are running the latest version, try the below methods:
Method 1: Open the Play store and search for the Alexa app. If there is an option to update the app, click on it to install the latest version.
Method 2: Check the app’s settings. Open the Alexa app, navigate to settings, and go to the About section. You will be able to view the version details of the app here.
Method 3: Reinstall the app. Delete the current Alexa app and reinstall it again from the App store.
Ensuring your Alexa app and device are running the latest software can help resolve most issues.
Check the Alexa app to see if it didn’t understand you
One of the most frequent issues users encounter with Alexa is the device not understanding their commands. In these instances, the device may simply ignore the command without providing any indication of error. The blue light will still illuminate and Alexa will process the speech, but no action will be taken.
To resolve this issue, you can try giving the same command again, speaking closer to the speaker, or enunciating more clearly. Additionally, you can check the Alexa app on your mobile device to see if this was the issue by navigating to More > Activity > Voice History.
Review the most recent entry to see if it states “Audio could not be understood”. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that Alexa is accurately understanding and responding to your commands.
Your speech was processed by another nearby Alexa device
When you have multiple Alexa devices in close proximity, it’s not uncommon for both devices to react to your commands. However, one device may determine that it was not the intended recipient of the command and ignore it. This can result in the Alexa speaker lighting up, but another speaker in another room responding without your knowledge. To address this issue, try speaking directly to the intended device or moving closer to it when giving your command.
You can also check the Alexa app on your mobile device to confirm that another device responded to your request. Navigate to More > Activity > Voice History, and check the most recent entry.
If it states “Audio was not intended for this device”, this confirms that your command was processed by another Alexa device, perhaps another smart speaker nearby.
You may have a poor, weak, or no internet connection
A poor internet connection can also cause issues with your Alexa device’s performance. If your internet service is down or the device is not properly connected to your Wi-Fi network, you may experience a red status light and either no response or Alexa responds with an error message such as “Sorry, I’m having trouble understanding you right now.”
To resolve this issue, check the status of your internet and Wi-Fi connection, and troubleshoot any issues with your internet service to restore connectivity. This can help ensure that your Alexa device is able to work properly and respond to your commands.
Check if your microphone is muted on your Alexa devices
Make sure that Alexa’s microphone is not muted, as this can prevent the device from responding to your commands. One way to check if the microphone is muted is to observe the Alexa speaker light. If the light is solid red, it indicates that the microphone is muted. Note that this is different from the blue light that appears when Alexa has heard you and is processing the request.
To unmute the microphone, you can press the mute button, and the red light will turn off. Once the device is unmuted, you will notice the blue light blinking which indicates that Alexa is actively listening to your commands.
Make sure Alexa is not in Do Not Disturb mode
Alexa devices have a “Do Not Disturb” mode feature that can be enabled when you do not require the Alexa assistant. This feature is commonly used when going to bed or having guests over. While this mode is on, Alexa’s functionality is limited and it may not respond to commands, notifications or announcements.
To turn off this mode, you can check the settings on your Alexa device or app and disable the “Do Not Disturb” option.
Your wake word may have been changed
To initiate a command or request with Alexa, the device must first be activated by using the designated wake word, which is typically “Alexa.”
If Alexa does not respond when this wake word is spoken, it may be because the device’s settings have been reset to factory defaults, causing any previous customizations to be lost and requiring them to be reconfigured.
To check or change your device’s wake word follow these steps:
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Access the Alexa app from your phone or tablet.
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Click on the Devices tab.
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Click on Echo & Alexa.
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Select the Echo you want to change.
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In the top right corner of the screen, tap on the settings option.
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Scroll down to Wake Word, tap it, and check your preference from the list.
Perform a factory reset
If you’ve exhausted all the troubleshooting options we listed above, including restarting your Alexa device, and the device is still unresponsive, it may be necessary to reset the device to its factory settings.
Warning: by doing this, you will erase all personal information and configurations from the device, and will require you to set up your device again as new.
Once the device has been reset, you can set it up again by using the Alexa app on your mobile device. Navigate to Devices, tap on the Plus sign at the top right, and select Add Device from the pop-up menu. Select the type of Alexa device you want to add and follow the instructions for setup. The factory reset option should resolve any issues with the device’s configuration and allow it to respond to commands again.
Hardware issues
If you are still having the same problem, while uncommon, issues with the internal components of your Alexa device, such as the motherboard, or a faulty power cable can cause the device to light up but not respond to your voice commands. If the problem is related to faulty hardware, you may need to contact the Amazon Alexa support team for further assistance.
A replacement for your device may be covered under your warranty at no additional costs. In most cases, replacing the faulty motherboard is the best option to resolve the issue and restore the device’s functionality. While in other cases, trying a different power adapter might also be able to fix Alexa and have it working again.
To contact Amazon for Alexa support follow the steps below:
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Click on “Help With A Different Item”
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Click on “Kindle, Fire or Alexa Device”
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Click on “Echo & Alexa Enabled Amazon devices”
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Click on “Device not working/damaged”
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Click on “I need more help”
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Finally, you can request a phone call or chat with an Amazon representative
Conclusion
If you are experiencing an issue where your Alexa devices, such as an Echo Dot, Echo Show, Echo Studio, Echo Flex, or any other Alexa-enabled devices, not responding but lighting, the steps above in most scenarios will fix the issue.
First, reset your device by unplugging it and then plugging it back in. Make sure there are no other nearby devices and check that your command is directed at the correct one by accessing the activity log from your Alexa app. Check you don’t have a weak internet connection, and that your device has the correct wi-fi password.
If this does not fix it, you can try factory resetting the device. Additionally, inspect the power supply cable for any damages and ensure it is securely connected to the device.
If none of these steps resolves the issue and your smart device still does not respond, it may be best to contact the Amazon Alexa support team for further assistance. They will be able to troubleshoot the problem further and provide additional guidance.