So you just asked your Alexa a simple question.
The device lit up. But you didn’t get any answer.
Well, don’t worry.
Alexa isn’t mad at you. She’s just going through some technical issues.
And I’m here to teach you several easy fixes you can do right now.
Keep reading to find out:
- Whether Alexa requires a WiFi connection to function properly.
- The most common reasons why your Alexa lights up but doesn’t respond.
- 13 quick and effective fixes if Alexa isn’t responding to your voice commands.
- And a lot more…
Why does my Alexa light up but not respond?
Your Alexa lights up but doesn’t respond because your voice command wasn’t clear. In addition, Alexa’s microphone is likely on mute. Or the device is having network connection issues. Moreover, your Alexa’s software is possibly outdated. And in some cases, the issue may be due to a hardware defect.
Alexa not responding but lighting up: 13 quick fixes
#1: Repeat your command and say it more clearly
The most common reason Alexa won’t respond is she didn’t get what you said.
Now, don’t get me wrong. Alexa is really smart. She’s arguably the most intelligent voice AI out there. And you don’t even need to speak perfect English for her to understand you.
However, that doesn’t mean she’ll be able to pick up everything you say.
So in case the device lights up but doesn’t respond…
The easiest fix would be to simply repeat your voice command. Only this time, try to say it a little slower and more clearly.
And although Alexa is programmed to hear even soft voices…
If there are background noises in your area…
You’ll have to speak up a bit. You’ll need to voice out your command or question a bit louder than usual.
#2: Move closer to your Alexa device
I’m sure many of you have been curious about Alexa’s hearing range.
Like, how far can you move away and have the device still pick up your commands?
Well, there’s no exact distance to quantify Alexa’s range.
But based on many user experiences…
You’ll have to be within 20 to 25 feet (6 to 7.6 m) away from the device. Within that distance, Alexa will still be able to communicate with you.
But if you’re beyond that range…
You’ll have to move closer to get the device to actually respond.
In addition to that…
It’s also ideal to look at your device’s direction when you speak. It’s another simple practice that helps Alexa understand you better.
#3: Unmute your Alexa’s microphone
Another common reason why Alexa won’t respond is that the microphone is on mute.
Every Alexa device has a built-in Mute button. You can press it if you don’t want the voice AI to listen to your conversations.
And an easy way to tell if Alexa is muted is by checking the device.
Alexa’s light ring and Mute button would both be red.
Perhaps you muted the device but simply forgot to unmute it. Or someone may have accidentally pressed the button.
Either way, just ensure that Alexa is not on mute before you voice out your command.
#4: Perform a power cycle on your Alexa device
Like any electronic device, Alexa also suffers from temporary malfunctions at times.
And in many cases, there are really no serious causes for these glitches. It’s just how gadgets behave on occasion.
So, it’s 1 more reason to consider why it’s lighting up but not responding.
And how do you fix a glitch?
You do so by power cycling. That means you simply have to restart the device.
With Alexa, this is how to power cycle:
Step #1: Unplug the device from its power source.
Step #2: Wait for around half a minute.
Step #3: Plug it back into the outlet.
Now, it normally takes a few more seconds for Alexa to boot up and reconnect to WiFi. So wait for that to finish before you voice out your command.
#5: Check if your Alexa has a WiFi connection
“Does Alexa need the internet to work?”
The simple answer is yes. At least when it comes to the device’s ability to converse and execute commands.
There are still things Alexa can do without the internet.
But without a stable WiFi connection…
Alexa won’t be able to respond intelligently to your questions. And the device becomes just a regular Bluetooth speaker.
That’s why another effective fix you can do is check if Alexa is actually online.
To do that, just say, “Are you connected to the internet?”
This will trigger Alexa to perform network diagnostics.
Moreover, if your internet connection is unstable…
Consider restarting your modem and router. Just disconnect both from the outlet. And plug them back after 30 seconds.
Further reading: 3 Steps To Connect Alexa To WiFi In 27 Seconds
#6: Move your Alexa closer to your router
Still on the topic of WiFi connection.
According to Amazon’s official website…
Your Alexa has to be within 30 feet (10 m) of the router to function properly.
So if the device is struggling to respond to your voice commands…
It’s likely that it’s too far from the router.
That’s why if you can, move your Alexa closer. And ensure that it’s within the specified range.
Now, I understand it may not always be possible to do so.
Your router may be in your living room. While the Alexa that’s having issues may be in a room that’s beyond 30 feet away. And you’d rather keep the setup that way.
That’s fine. You’ll just have to use a WiFi extender to boost your connection.
You can set it up approximately between the router and your Alexa device. And that should fix the WiFi issue.
If you’d like to know more about what a WiFi extender is and how to use it…
Watch this video:
#7: Change the wake word for each Alexa device that you have
Did you know that you don’t always have to use the name Alexa for your device?
Amazon actually provided several wake-word choices. Alexa is only 1 of them. It just happens to be the default option that’s why it became popular.
But here are the other wake words available:
- Echo.
- Ziggy.
- Amazon.
- Computer.
And sometimes, when you have 2 nearby devices that both have “Alexa” as a wake word…
The 1 that you’re talking to may end up not responding. And it’s because it may think that your voice command is for the other device.
In other words, your Alexa speakers can get confused at times, too.
Good thing there’s an easy way to avoid this scenario.
If you have multiple Alexa devices in the same room…
Ensure that each has a unique wake word.
That way, it’d be easier to communicate with each. And you’re much more likely to get a response.
How to change the wake word of your Alexa device
Step #1: Launch the Alexa app on your mobile phone.
Step #2: Tap Devices.
Step #3: Look for Echo & Alexa and select it.
Step #4: Choose the device that needs a wake word change.
Step #5: Tap the Settings icon and select Wake Word.
Step #6: Pick a new wake word from the list.
Fun fact: Aside from what I listed above, you can also choose a celebrity name as a wake word. But that 1 costs $4.99.
Step #7: Wait for 2 to 3 minutes for the update to finish. After which, you can now call your device by its new name.
#8: Disable the Do Not Disturb mode
Your Alexa device also comes with this option.
When enabled, you won’t be able to receive the following on your device:
- Calls.
- Messages.
- Notifications.
Now, when this mode is on, you should still be able to communicate with Alexa.
However, there have been reports about this feature glitching. And in turn, it prevented Alexa from responding properly to voice commands.
That’s why ensuring that it’s off is another fix that you can do.
Here’s how to disable the Do Not Disturb mode:
Step #1: Open the Alexa app on your phone.
Step #2: Tap Settings and choose Device Settings.
Step #3: Select your Alexa from the list.
Step #4: Tap Do Not Disturb and toggle it off.
#9: Turn off the Whisper mode
As the name suggests, this feature allows you to communicate with Alexa in a hushed tone.
It’s ideal to get Alexa to whisper if you want to avoid disturbing others in your household.
But, as with the Do Not Disturb mode…
This feature can also malfunction. And it can be the reason why your Alexa would light up but not answer back.
So you should also try to deactivate it.
This is how to switch off Alexa’s Whisper mode:
Step #1: Launch the Alexa app on your smartphone.
Step #2: Open the Settings menu.
Step #3: Scroll down and select Voice Responses.
Step #4: Look for Whisper Mode. And tap the toggle button to turn it off.
#10: Plug your Alexa into another outlet
In some cases, a power fluctuation can also cause Alexa to malfunction. This refers to the sudden rise or fall of your electricity supply.
And it can sometimes happen if the outlet that you’re using is faulty or defective.
Now, an easy solution to that would be to plug your Alexa device into another power source.
Moreover, it’s better if you use a surge protector. It’s a tool with multiple outlets. And it provides safeguards against power fluctuations.
#11: Update your Alexa’s firmware
Another likely reason your Alexa device is unresponsive is outdated software.
From time to time, Amazon would release firmware updates for Alexa devices. And these usually include feature tweaks and bug fixes.
And if you haven’t updated your Alexa in a while…
It’s bound to stop working properly. So see to it that your device always has the latest software release.
You may follow these steps to update your Alexa:
Step #1: On your Alexa mobile app, go to Settings.
Step #2: Navigate to Device Options and tap it.
Step #3: Choose the Check for software updates option. If there are available ones, the installation process should begin automatically.
#12: Reset your Alexa device
If all the other troubleshooting steps didn’t get the job done…
Then consider resetting your device altogether.
Just a heads up, though. When you reset your Alexa, it will enter into setup mode again. So you’ll have to re-add it in the app.
I know it can be inconvenient. That’s why this is among the last fixes that I typically recommend.
Now, the way to do it varies depending on your Alexa Echo model.
If it’s a first-generation variant, you’d need a pin or a paper clip to reset it. But for all other models, that won’t be necessary.
How to reset a 1st Gen Echo Dot
Step #1: Look for the Reset button. It’s a small hole in the bottom of the device.
Step #2: Insert a pin or a paper clip. Then press and hold the Reset button with it.
Step #3: Wait for the Alexa light to turn off and on. Then release the button.
How to reset a 3rd or 4th Gen Echo Dot
Step #1: Look for the Action button. It’s the 1 with a dot as an icon.
Step #2: Press and hold it for 20 seconds.
Step #3: Wait for the light to switch off and back on.
Step #4: Release the button.
Afterward, you may then re-add the device to the app.
#13: Leave your Alexa unplugged for a day
Did you happen to accidentally spill liquids on your device?
If so, that may be the cause why it’s not talking back. As we know, liquids and electronic gadgets are usually a terrible mix.
But you shouldn’t worry just yet. It doesn’t necessarily mean that your Alexa device will no longer work.
What you should do, though, is to unplug it from its power source. And don’t use it for about 24 to 72 hours.
This is to allow the liquid or moisture to dry out completely.
Bonus: Contact Amazon for technical support
So you’ve tried all the fixes. But still, Alexa won’t respond to commands.
At this point, I’d recommend that you contact Amazon for support. You may visit this page to get in touch with a representative.
Your Alexa likely has some hardware defect. And it’s best to ask an agent where you can take your device for repair.