How To Fix When Alexa Device Is Unresponsive

I recently purchased an Alexa device in order to connect it to my other smart home devices and control them via the Amazon voice assistant Alexa.

I bought an Alexa Echo Dot, and Amazon provides an app that allows you to connect your Alexa Echo Dot to the internet and other smart devices in your home that is connected via WiFi.

However, I’ve recently noticed that the Alexa device is becoming unresponsive when I try to command it to perform a specific task. My Alexa device was unresponsive, and I had to restart it to get it working again.

Because this issue was infuriating, I searched the internet for a possible solution, and after much research, I came up with a few troubleshooting methods that assisted me in resolving this issue, which I will discuss later in this guide.

To quickly fix issues Check that your internet is working properly and that you have entered the correct WiFi password in the Amazon Alexa App. If the problem persists, try resetting the Alexa device.

You can also learn how to update the firmware on your Alexa device, as well as how to reinstall the Alexa application, as another possible solution to the above problem.

Why Alexa Device Is Unresponsive And Not Responding To Commands?

In my extensive research into this issue, I’ve come to the conclusion that there are a few common causes for this issue to occur.

Loosely Attached Cable: Having a loose cable connection can cause your Alexa device to not respond if one or more of the cables are not properly connected. Make sure that Alexa cables are properly connected.
WiFi Stopped Working: Alexa devices can be slowed down by a poor internet connection. Alexa won’t be able to communicate with it if you have slow WiFi or internet connection or if your WiFi is not working because of some reasons.
Incorrect WiFi Password: Using an incorrect password for your router will also prevent your Echo device from working. Make sure the device is connected to the correct Wi-Fi and that the correct password has been entered.
Physical Obstruction: Certain wireless devices, such as keyboards and headsets, have the potential to degrade the quality of a signal. Your Wi-Fi signal can also suffer from interference from devices such as baby monitors, microwave ovens, television sets, and thick walls. Your Alexa device will not respond if your Wi-Fi signal is blocked.

How To Fix Unresponsive Alexa Device?

In most cases, if your Alexa device isn’t responding, you can fix the problem yourself at home. When you’ve spoken the wake phrase and Alexa is paying attention to you, your Alexa device will light up blue. If it doesn’t, your Alexa is probably unresponsive and needs your help.

Follow the below list of fixes that can get your Alexa to start responding to the commands.

1. Keep Echo Device Near Router

This is yet another critical item to cross off your list. This fix ensures that your Echo device is placed close enough to your router to be within your Wi-connectivity Fi’s range.

If you have one of the smaller Echo devices, such as the Echo Dot, you may have placed it outside of its permitted range from the router due to its compact size and ability to be tucked away.

If you notice that your Echo device is out of range of your Wi-Fi, move it closer to the router. Once this is accomplished, your Alexa device should resume normal operation.

2. Ensure Your WiFi Password is Correct

Because Alexa devices require Wi-Fi to operate effectively, if you enter the incorrect Wi-Fi password and deny it access to the internet, your Alexa device will become unresponsive.

Be sure to enter the correct Wi-Fi password when configuring your Alexa device. If you type the wrong password, the Echo device will attempt to connect to your Wi-Fi router.

Echo devices, on the other hand, will not be able to connect to your network. The Wi-Fi password you entered when connecting your Echo device to the Wi-Fi may be the cause of an unresponsive Alexa.

3. Restart Your Alexa Device

Perhaps you’ve tried all of the methods above and your Alexa device is still not responding. The next step is to restart your Echo device. The best way to get your Echo device working again is to use this method.

Follow the below steps to restart your Alexa Device properly:

First and foremost, locate and press the power button on your Echo device.
In order to turn off your Echo device, locate the power on/off button on the device and press and hold the button for a few seconds until the device turns off.
After that, unplug your Echo device’s power cord from the wall outlet it is connected to.
Keep the plug disconnected for a few minutes.
If necessary, reconnect the power cord to your echo device after a few moments have passed.
Now press the power button to restart your Alexa Device.

To restart your Echo device, follow these simple and quick instructions.

4. Perform Firmware Update For Your Alexa Device

Depending on whether or not there is a known problem with your Alexa device, it’s possible that Amazon has already addressed it in a recent firmware update. By logging into the official Amazon Alexa website, you can find out if your device is due for a firmware update.

You can also check the Device software version field under the About section of the Alexa App and compare it to the most recent version of firmware available for your Alexa device by launching the Alexa App, going to Settings, and selecting Check Device Software Version.

5. Uninstall And Install Again The Alexa App On Your Smartphone

Simply uninstalling and then installing the Alexa App again from the Play or App Store will fix any issues you may be having with the app’s responsiveness if you have an Android phone or an iPhone.

To uninstall an app, either go to Settings > Apps and select it or hold down the app icon on your home screen and select Uninstall.

Nothing that was corrupted in the previous installation will remain in the fresh install if the app is installed again from its package.

6. Reset Your Alexa Device

Try resetting your Echo device if restarting it doesn’t work. Using the Alexa app, you can reset your Echo device. Your Alexa device will be working again in no time if you follow the step-by-step instructions provided here.

Launch the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet.
In the app, select “Devices.”
For Echo and Alexa, go to “Devices”.
If you’d like to reset an individual Echo device, such as an Echo Dot, do so by tapping on it.
The Reset Settings Menu can be found after you’ve selected the Echo device that needs to be reset.
Select the factory reset option in the Reset Settings Menu and confirm your choice.

Your Echo device may take a while to reset and reboot after you select the “factory reset” option.

7. Restart The Router To Which Your Alexa Device Is Connected

Rebooting your router can also help fix the issue. Unresponsiveness may be the result of a problem with your router if it isn’t the cause of the problem with your Echo device.

The first step is to disconnect all of the wires that are connected to your router.
For a brief period of time, leave your router off.
Finally, reinsert the cables into your router to restart it.

Check to see if Alexa starts to respond again.

Wrap Up

Unresponsive Alexa devices are a more common problem than we think. If your Alexa is playing music, it may not hear you. Stop Alexa from playing on all devices so she can hear you say the wake word.

Because of Alexa’s search engine, you may not always get relevant search results for your questions. Nevertheless, following the steps above usually fixes it and it starts responding again.

If none of those steps work, I highly recommend contacting Amazon customer service.

Further Read:

Frequently Asked Question

How do you unfreeze Alexa?

You can follow the above steps or you can try restarting your Alexa device to check if the Alexa is unfrozen or not.

Why won’t My Alexa Talk Back?

If your Alexa device is not responding, your internet connection may be weak. Check all smart home devices’ cable connections. The Echo device is too far away from the router, or there is physical interference.

I Unplugged Alexa and Now It Won’t Work?

If you have unplugged your Alexa device, you may need to reconnect it to the power source to restart it. After restarting, you may need to re-configure the device. Check the Alexa app to see if the device is displayed, if not, follow the troubleshooting guide above to resolve the issue.

Alexa Server Is Unresponsive?

This usually happens if your Alexa Device has a slow internet connection or no internet connection at all. Check that your internet connection is active in your Alexa application and that all cables are properly connected. Restarting your device should resolve this issue.