What To Do When Your Alexa Device Is Unresponsive (EASY Guide!)
The age of digital convenience is here and virtual assistants are at the forefront of our home security systems. Alexa, in particular, controls your Amazon Echo and other devices with voice commands, meaning that you no longer have to lift a finger to make use of your devices!
Although undeniably convenient, technology isn’t always perfect. Seamless integration may sometimes end up causing problems, which can cause you to have trouble using Alexa. When Alexa stops responding to your voice commands, you may end up panicking—is it broken? Will my security be compromised? How much do I have to shell out to get this fixed?
This is especially true when your home relies on the sophisticated Amazon’s Alexa Guard, which secures your house. Any problems can end up putting your home and loved ones at jeopardy.
Your fears are valid, but there’s no need to fret. Regardless of the cause, there are ways to troubleshoot your unresponsive Alexa device. This guide covers different problems and their solutions—let’s start:
Why an Alexa Device Is Unresponsive And Ways to Fix Them
Finding out that an Alexa device is unresponsive can seem like a large issue, but the cause is often rather simple. There are troubleshooting methods at hand, and we’ve gathered the best ones below. Keep in mind that these are simple solutions, and none of them involves dismantling an Alexa device.
Problem #1: Your Home Network May Be Having Connectivity Issues
We rely on the internet connection for many things, but WiFi connections can sometimes be faulty. Too many devices connected, for instance, can lead to the narrowing of bandwidth.
This can affect an Alexa Device, making it slow to respond or unable to at all. If you’re wondering why all Alexa devices are disconnected, connectivity issues may be the reason.
What Can You Do?
The best way to fix this problem is to be sure that you only have enough devices connected to your WiFi network. Limit it up to 5 devices only, if possible. Most end up disconnecting all devices and keeping Echo only, which allows Alexa to respond to your command without a hitch.
If your Echo is connected to a Wi-Fi network where multiple devices are connected, you should disconnect all those devices and keep the connection of the Echo only. Now check if Alexa responds to your commands.
Problem #2: You’re Having Trouble With Your Power Connection
Apart from your internet connection, keep in mind that your Echo device also relies on good, uninterrupted power connection. When Alexa is unresponsive, make it a habit to check your power connection.
What Can You Do?
be sure to check your router, as you need to be sure that it’s plugged in properly. You also need to check the Alexa device, of course. If everything is plugged in correctly, you may need to check your home’s outlets—it could be a sign of bigger problems.
Problem #3: Your WiFi Connected Is Disrupted By Physical Interference
You may not be suffering from a poor WiFi connection, but keep in mind that your network relies on a good location to work properly. If Alexa says the server is unresponsive, this may be one of the reasons.
What Can You Do?
If an Alexa device starts to become unresponsive, you may want to move it closer to the router. Distance is a huge factor, so place it within range of the WiFi. You can also move closer when speaking to your Echo, as this ensures that you will be heard clearly.
Problem #4: The Power Cable On Your Echo Device Is Faulty
Devices rely on power cables to properly function, and the same applies to your Echo device. be sure to to double-check the power cables, as damage can lead to problems that go beyond just unresponsiveness.
What Can You Do?
The only thing you are able to do is to replace your power cable immediately. The best one on the market is the SIOCEN 10FT USB Power Extension Cable, which is both durable and affordable.
Problem #5: You’ve Accidentally Muted The Microphone On Your Amazon Device
Your voice command relies on…well, your voice! When you’ve accidentally muted your Amazon device, it won’t be able to hear any of your commands. As a result, it will naturally not be responsive because it does not receive any information.
What Can You Do?
The first thing you can do is to simply check its microphone. If it’s on mute, unmute it immediately and check to see if Alexa will respond to your voice command. If not, you can turn off the device. Turn it on once again, and check for blue lights to know if it’s working once more.
Problem #6: an Alexa Device Is In Whisper Mode
Sometimes, your Amazon Alexa may not technically be unresponsive at all—it may be stuck in “Whisper” mode, and you just cannot hear it when this mode is active.
an Alexa device has a “Whisper” mode, which allows you to control it with your voice commands even when you are whispering. This is a convenient feature if you do not want to wake up or disrupt anyone in your household. However, it also has its downsides.
When Alexa’s “Whisper” mode is active, it will also respond to your voice commands by whispering back. As a result, when you’re talking to it from afar, you may not be able to hear it responding.
What Can You Do?
Unless you switch the “Whisper” mode off, your Amazon Alexa will only whisper, so you may only hear its responses when you’re close to the device. If you want to disable it, follow these simple steps:
- Step 1: Go to the Amazon Alexa app and select the icon with three lines.
- Step 2: Tap “Settings,” then “Voice Responses.”
- Step 3: In this menu, you can toggle the “Whisper Mode” on or off. Be sure that it is toggled off to disable it.
Alternatively, you may also use your voice command to turn it off. Simply say, “Alexa, turn whisper mode off,” and Alexa should begin to respond normally again.
You can set up a schedule as to when Alexa enables and disables this “Whisper” mode so that you don’t forget to turn it on or off and wonder why your device may not appear to respond.
Problem #7: Check Alexa Skills From Your Mobile App
Alexa Skills are similar to mobile apps—these are programs that enable you to get the most out of an Alexa device. You can definitely do more with these features, but sometimes, glitches, unfinished updates, and incompatibilities can cause your Amazon Alexa to not respond.
What Can You Do?
Ensure that the Alexa Skill is enabled for you to be able to use it, and be sure that your Wi-Fi connection is stable. You can check if the skill is enabled by checking the Amazon Alexa app.
To check it and enable skills, open the Amazon Alexa app, then tap on the settings. Afterward, tap on “Skills & Games.” Search for the skill name you want, then tap on “Enable To Use.” You can also tell Alexa to enable a certain skill.
Problem #8: Your Smart Hub Is Not Compatible With an Alexa Device
an Alexa device relies on a firmware, and this needs to be updated regularly. More importantly, it also works with a smart hub, and if it’s not compatible with your current one, Alexa won’t be responsive to any of your commands. It works with many smart devices and appliances, like your thermostat, but you need to be sure that your existing smart hub is registered in the system.
What Can You Do?
Here’s how to check if the smart hub you own is supported and registered to Amazon Alexa.
- Step 1: Go to the Amazon’s Smart Home page, and then proceed to the Voice Assistants and Hubs menu.
- Step 2: Type in the model hub or hub brand on the search bar.
- Step 3: If the smart hub brand you own does not exist, it’s incompatible with Alexa.
You can purchase smart hubs from Amazon.com to ensure compatibility.
Problem #9: an Alexa Device Needs To Be Power Cycled
Sometimes, to get rid of bugs in the system, all an Alexa device needs is a simple reboot. A “power cycle” is a more advanced version of turning your device on and off again. Doing this can reset virtually all running programs in an Alexa, but it will not erase its memory.
A power cycle may be necessary to deal with glitches and other anomalies in an Alexa’s system.
What Can You Do?
Power cycling your Amazon Alexa is a rather simple process, and you don’t need to be a technician to do this. All you’ll have to do is follow these steps:
- Step 1: Turn off your Amazon Alexa completely. Then, unplug it from its outlet to remove its power supply.
- Step 2: Wait at least 30 seconds or even up to a full minute. Afterward, plug your device back into its power supply.
- Step 3: Turn on your device. The power cycling process is now complete.
Problem #10: Your Device’s Wake Up Word Has Been Changed
One cool feature of Amazon Alexa is that you can change its wake word. You don’t have to call it “Alexa”. You can record different words to call its attention, such as “Computer,” “Amazon,” or “Echo.” This is convenient if you have a person named Alexa at home! However, you can only choose one wake word at a time.
If someone changed your Amazons wake word, your device may not respond if you say “Alexa” or your wake word of choice.
What Can You Do?
To change your wake word on your Amazon Alexa, you can follow these steps:
- Step 1: Open the Amazon Alexa app. Then, tap on the menu icon.
- Step 2: Select “Settings,” then tap on “Device Settings.” You should be able to select the device you want to modify.
- Step 3: After selecting your device, choose a new wake word to use. You will be able to pick from “Alexa,” “Computer,” “Amazon,” or “Echo.” Once you’ve made your choice, the process is done.
You can also change your wake word from their website using your computer. Here is how to do this:
- Step 1: Go on your computer and visit the Alexa website on a web browser. Sign in with your account.
- Step 2: Locate the “Settings” location at the left-hand area, then select it. Then, click the “Devices” option.
- Step 3: Once you pick the device you want, navigate to your “General” menu, then click on your Wake Word option. You should see a drop-down menu. You can then choose a wake word you wish to use.
- Step 4: Save your changes.
Conclusion
If an Alexa app says the device is unresponsive or your voice commands simply don’t push through, there’s no need to panic. There are many troubleshooting methods you can do, and we’ve gathered the best ones above. Technology makes our lives easier, but it can eventually go rogue, especially when you’re using Alexa. Just be sure to keep this guide in mind the next time something comes up! To learn more, this video by Up on Top offers comprehensive insights!
