Highlights
- Alexa is a voice-controlled virtual assistant created by Amazon. Music is played, alarms are set, and information is provided to make your life easier.
- Recently, there are many users started complaining that Alexa is not responding but lighting up. This problem can be frustrating.
- Not to worry! Luckily, we have some fixes to this problem that will help you troubleshoot your Alexa.
There is always a mix of thinking about Alexa. Some say it’s really a good idea to bring it to your home, office, or any place because of its voice assistant and smart features.
Also, being a small and smart device, its sound quality is exceptionally good. But, it is not free from technical error and Alexa stop responding is one of them.
However, recently, many Alexa users started complaining that their Alexa is not responding but is lighting up. Well, this is quite strange, but still, we have tried our best to provide you with some fixes that have the potential to resolve this kind of problem.
Why My Alexa is Not Responding?
There are some common reasons for many users due to which this type of error occurs. So, let’s check them out:
- Internet Connectivity Issues
- Power Connection Problems
- Software Glitches
- Wi-Fi Network Configuration Issues
- Outdated Firmware
- App Configuration Problems
- Device Malfunction
How to Fix If Alexa Not Responding But Lighting Up?
Here are some fixes that will help you resolve if your Alexa is not responding but lighting up:
Fix 1: Restart Your Device
You may experience Alexa not responding for a variety of reasons, such as a poor network connection, a software update, or any other technical issue.
It may be necessary to restart your device in order to reset the system and get Alexa back to work. You can also troubleshoot the device with this method without having to call tech support immediately.
You can do this by unplugging your device’s power cord from the Echo, waiting 10 seconds, and plugging it back in again. Afterward, wait a few seconds for your Alexa device to reconnect and reset. If it responds, you’re all set.
Fix 2: Check the Microphone
If Alexa isn’t responding to your commands, there could be a problem with the microphone. When this happens, Alexa may not recognize your voice commands or respond in the way you expect.
It is important to ensure that your Alexa device is plugged in and powered on before trying to diagnose the issue.
Once you have spoken to it from different angles and distances, try speaking to it again. Whenever it fails to respond, make sure that the microphone is not blocked or dirty, which may prevent it from receiving sound.
Fix 3: Speak Command Clearly
In many cases, Alexa won’t respond to you despite lighting up, even though it understands your query. To execute the command, simply say it clearly and loudly.
It may be helpful to rephrase your question. Similarly, when using the wake word, be clear and loud. If your Echo device doesn’t wake up when you say a specific word, try changing it.
See if Alexa is taking your voice commands by checking your command history in the Alexa app. On the Alexa app, select More > Activity History from the menu.
To see your recent commands, tap Voice. Whenever Alexa says, ‘Audio couldn’t be understood,’ speak clearly to make sure Alexa understands.
Fix 4: Try Disabling The Brief Mode And Whisper Mode
Echo devices powered by Alexa can unintentionally cause problems such as this by using the Brief, Whisper, or Follow-up modes. Whenever you invoke Alexa, a blue light appears, so try disabling these modes to see if Alexa responds.
In the Alexa app, open More, followed by Settings to disable Brief Mode. After that, tap on Voice Responses and untick the toggles next to Brief and Whisper.
On the Alexa app, tap your Echo device and then the Settings icon to turn off Follow-up mode. On the next screen, select Follow-up mode and turn it off.
Fix 5: Update Your Alexa Device
Updating your Alexa device to the most recent version of its software can fix any issues you may be experiencing. You may also gain access to new features, which will help improve its performance.
Fix 6: Look at the Wi-Fi Strength
You must keep your Alexa device connected to Wi-Fi for it to function properly. In addition, your device must have a strong enough connection to provide you with answers faster.
It is important to improve your Wi-Fi strength if Alexa is not responsive because of weak Wi-Fi strength. Your wireless router could be moved closer to your device or changed to a different channel.
Moreover, make sure no other devices in your home are consuming too much bandwidth and are interfering with Alexa’s connection.
Fix 7: Increase The Alexa Volume
Despite the fact that it may seem silly, it’s not a bad idea to check the Volume of your Echo device. If your device’s Volume is low, then Alexa might not be able to hear you because she is actually responding.
You can increase the Volume on the Echo device by pressing the physical volume buttons. If you prefer, you can go into the Alexa app and select Devices, then your Echo device. Use the slider to increase Volume.
Fix 8: Verify Nearby ECHO Devices
Do you have more than one Echo device in your home? Often, Alexa does not respond when there is an Echo device nearby, but it lights up when it is close.
It is possible that you are speaking to one Echo unit, and another Echo device nearby is taking your command rather than the one you intended. However, Alexa won’t respond even when it lights up.
In order to confirm that this is the problem, say the command right into the microphone of the problematic Echo device so that no other Echo device hears it. It will respond if there is a problem.
If the Echo devices are too close together, you can keep them away from one another. A better approach is to use different wake words for each Echo device.
Go to the Echo device in the Alexa app and change the wake word. On your Echo device, tap Settings to access the settings. Select a new wake word by tapping on Wake Word. Note that you must do this for each Echo separately.
So, that’s all we have for you on how to fix the Alexa is not responding but lighting up. It’s our hope that this guide has helped you. For more info, comment below.
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