Why is Alexa Not Responding But Lighting Up? (5 Reasons)
Alexa not responding but lighting up means that the smart device is working but it couldn’t process your command.
The reason behind this issue can be a weak internet connection, outdated software version, or wrong command.
Have you observed that the light on top of your Echo was turned on and it wasn’t responding to voice commands?
Or you realized that Echo had been turned on by itself and it was lighting up the room?
Well, this blog post will cover the myth behind the issue of why Alexa is not responding but the light is blinking or steady on.
Ready to know the science behind the thing, let’s get down to the business.
5 Reasons: Why Is Alexa Not Responding But Lighting Up?
You’ve probably had this happen to you. You’re talking to Alexa, and she suddenly lights up but doesn’t respond.
It’s frustrating, and you may be wondering what’s going on.
Here are five possible reasons why your Alexa might be doing this.
- Alexa couldn’t understand your command
- Your command was delivered to another device
- Alexa device or app has an outdated system
- You’re not connected to the good/same wifi connection
- Microphone is mute
Here is the explanation of this issue and also some suggestions to fix them. Check here if Alexa is lighting yellow or green light.
1. Alexa couldn’t understand your command
Alexa not responding but lighting up can happen if she couldn’t understand what you said.
However, she can blink the light due to voice detection. Another reason can be you’re giving the wrong command.
Make sure you learn Alexa’s voice commands to let her work properly for you.
You can also validate the same issue that “Alexa could not be understood”. Here are the steps to validate this issue.
- Open the Alexa app and go to the More option.
- Click on Activity and click on Voice History.
- Check out the latest issue and you’ll see “Alexa could not be understood”.
Solution
Make sure you’re speaking clearly and at a normal volume. If you’re mumbling or yelling, Alexa likely won’t be able to understand you.
Try simplifying your commands. Instead of asking Alexa to play music from your favorite artist, try asking her to play a specific song.
This can sometimes clear up any issues it may be having and allow it to work properly again.
2. Your command was delivered to another device
Another reason behind Alexa not responding but lighting up can be the different Echo Devices at home.
This issue only applies if you’ve got two or more Alexa devices at home. However, if you’ve one Alexa device you can move to the next.
It’s normal that when you speak to Alexa, both devices in your bedroom and kitchen can respond. However, the action may be done by one device.
Let me guide you with an example.
“Suppose, you ask “Alexa, tell me today’s weather forecast” but your intent was the Bedroom Alexa device, not the kitchen. If you’re sitting not in the bedroom or in the kitchen then both devices can react to work on your command. In that case, the lights on both devices will blink but only the nearest one will process the command. But you may observe that the desired device didn’t work.”
To ensure that Alexa ignored you validate the issue by following these steps.
- Go to Alexa, and click on the More option.
- Tap Activity and click on Voice History.
- If you see “Audio was not intended for this device”.
If you see this issue appears, here are the solutions.
You can rename each Alexa speaker and assign it to a specific device.
For example, you can change them to Kitchen Alexa, Bedroom Alexa, Alexa 1, Alexa 2, etc.
3. Outdated system is the reason Alexa not responding but lighting up
If the Alexa app or Alexa device has an outdated system, the app will not respond. However, you can check this through the app.
Here is the process of how you can update or check if your app or device has the latest version or not.
Method 1: the first way is to go to Play Store and search for the Alexa app. If there is an option for the Update App, simply click on it.
Method 2: go to the Alexa app, click on Settings, and go to the About section. Here you will see the version details.
Method 3: delete the current Alexa app, and install it again from the app store with the latest version.
4. You’re not connected to the good/same wifi connection
A poor wifi connection can be a reason that Alexa not responding but lighting up.
If you’re asking Alexa to turn on your TV, it’s necessary that the Alexa device and TV are connected to the same network.
If both of them are connected to different internet connections Alexa will listen to your command but will not proceed with the action.
In another case, a speedy wifi connection is required for Alexa to work.
I think you’ve got the point!
Be sure to check the wifi speed, and router plug, and connect both devices with one internet connection.
Also, contact your internet service provider to fix this issue.
5. Microphone is mute
If you see Alexa’s red light is on but not working on your command, it means that the device is muted.
The red light doesn’t mean that there is something wrong with the device or it’s malfunctioning.
Just click on the Mute button, and the red light will turn off. This time when you speak to Alexa, the blue light will blink which means Alexa is listening.
5 Quick Actions To Fix Alexa Not Responding But Lighting Up
You can do a few things to try and fix the problem quickly if Alexa not responding but lighting up.
- Turn your device’s volume all the way up and make sure it’s turned on. Nonetheless, if you are still experiencing difficulty, try moving to a quieter area.
- You can restart your device or uninstall and reinstall Alexa.
- Ensure that your Amazon account is activated. Because sometimes, Amazon deactivates user accounts due to any system violation.
- Make sure all the plugs (wifi router, Alexa device) are securely connected.
- Get to know the meaning of lights by checking what your device means by blinking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does Alexa say my lights are unresponsive?
The main reason why Alexa lights unresponsive are is the unstable internet connection.
Another reason can be Alexa’s battery is low and you need to power it up.
Moreover, a technical issue in smart bulbs and a faulty internal system can cause light errors.
How do you fix an unresponsive Alexa light?
- Make sure your internet connection is fast and steady.
- Update Alexa software.
- Check that Alexa’s device is powered up and working correctly.
- Check the Alexa Skill is working correctly.
- Make sure the Amazon account you’re using with the device is active.
How to fix the unresponsive Alexa light?
The quickest way to fix the unresponsive Alexa light is to reset your device. You can reset the device through the Alexa app.
To reset, first, go to the Settings option and then click on the Factory reset option.
However, all the previous dates and preferences will be deleted permanently. But you can log in again with the same Amazon account or a new one.
Conclusion
With all that said, it’s important to make sure what light is blinking or steady on.
Moreover, you need to learn the meanings of Alexa lights to understand what they are saying.
If you’re unable to link SmartThings with Alexa or even if Alexa is offline, you can also try the above methods to fix the issues too.
In a nutshell, if the Alexa light is on, that means the device is working perfectly but there is an issue with your command.
First, make sure your commands are easy to understand for Alexa and delivered to the specific device.
Finally, if anything doesn’t work for you, contact Amazon Alexa support for further assistance.
