8 Fixes for Alexa Not Responding But Lighting Up

We have all been in a situation where Alexa lights up blue after listening to the wake word, but it doesn’t respond. We are sure it must have happened at least once for everyone. But if this problem continues after repeated attempts, you must troubleshoot it. This guide will show you how to fix Alexa not responding but lighting up.

The problem is that the blue light shows up on the Echo as if it’s processing the query, but eventually, it doesn’t respond. To fix it, restart the Echo, check its internet connection, say the command naturally and, move other Echo devices far away, and reset the Echo, among other solutions. Let’s check them in detail.

1. Restart Echo

If the Alexa-enabled Echo device is turning on but not responding, the first thing that you should do is try the age-old trick of restarting the device. For that, unplug it for 30 seconds and then plug it back. Hopefully, this should be enough to fix Alexa lighting up but not responding.

2. Check Internet

The next thing that you must check is your internet connection. There may be something wrong with your internet. Maybe the internet isn’t working, its password has been changed, or your Echo device is not within the suitable range of Wi-Fi.

To fix it, try these solutions:

• Restart your Wi-Fi modem.
• Keep Echo close to your Wi-Fi modem.
• Try the internet on some other device. If it’s not working, check if you have paid the bill or contact your network service provider.

Tip: Check other ways to fix internet issues on Alexa

3. Say Command Clearly

Many times, Alexa doesn’t understand your query, so even though it lights up, it won’t respond. All you need to do is say the command clearly and loudly. You can try rephrasing the query. For instance, if you are asking Alexa, ‘India capital’, rephrase it to ‘What is the capital of India?’ Similarly, you should be clear and loud when using the wake word. Try changing the wake word for your Echo device.

You can check your voice command history in the Alexa app and see if Alexa is taking them. For that, open the Alexa app and tap on the More tab, followed by Activity History. Tap on Voice to see your recent commands. If any command says ‘Audio could not be understood’, speak the same clearly so that Alexa understands you.

4. Increase the Volume of Alexa

As stupid as it may sound, there’s no harm in checking the volume of your Echo device if you haven’t checked it already. We mean that maybe Alexa is actually responding, but since your device’s volume is low, you cannot hear it.

So, use the physical volume buttons on the Echo device to increase the volume. Or go into the Alexa app and select Devices, followed by your Echo device. Tap on Volume and increase it using the slider.

Tip: Know how to use the calling feature on Amazon Echo.

5. Check Nearby Echo Devices

Do you have multiple Echo devices in your home? One of the major reasons why Alexa doesn’t respond but lights up is because of nearby Echo devices. Basically, you might be trying to say the command to one Echo device, but another nearby Echo could be taking it instead of the one you intended for. So, even though the Alexa will light up, it won’t respond.

To see if this is the problem, go near the problematic Echo device and say the command right into its microphone so that no other Echo device hears it. If it responds, you know where the problem is.

To fix this problem, you can keep the Echo devices slightly far away from each other. A better approach is to use different wake words for each Echo device.

To change the wake word, open the Alexa app and go to your Echo device. Tap on the Settings icon to go to the settings of your Echo device. Tap on Wake Word and select a different wake word. Please note that you must do this separately for each Echo device.

Tip: In addition to the wake word, try changing Alexa’s name and voice.

6. Disable Brief, Whisper, and Follow Up Modes

Alexa-powered Echo devices have certain useful modes like Brief, Whisper, and Follow-up that can unintentionally cause problems like this one. If Alexa is not responding but a blue light appears whenever you invoke Alexa, try turning off these modes.

To disable Brief Mode on Alexa, open the Alexa app and tap on More, followed by Settings. Then, tap on Voice Responses and turn off the toggles next to the Brief and Whisper modes.

To disable Follow-up mode, tap on your Echo devices in the Alexa app and press the Settings icon at the top. Select Follow-up mode and turn it off on the next screen.

7. Other Solutions to Try

The last solution is to reset the Echo device, but before you do that, try the following solutions too:

• Slap or hit the Echo device a couple of times.
• Check and remove any Bluetooth devices connected to your Echo
• Check Alexa isn’t on mute. When muted, it shows a red light.
• Plug a 3.5mm speaker or headphone jack into the Echo device and remove it.
• Uninstall any newly installed skill, as it could be crashing up and affecting the functionality of your Alexa.

Tip: Know how to fix Alexa not talking back.

8. Reset Echo

Finally, try factory resetting Alexa if it still doesn’t respond to you but continues to light up. Please note that you will have to set up your Echo again after resetting it. To factory reset Echo, press and hold the Microphone off and volume down buttons until the light ring turns off and on again.

Tip: Facing issues while setting up Alexa? Know how to fix Alexa setup issues.

Make Alexa Useful

We hope your Alexa is back in action and responds when it lights up. Before you go, check out the best Alexa skills. Also, check out useful things you can do with Alexa on Echo Show.