Amazon Echo is an amazing, compact device with thousands of different uses. But if you get a new one that’s not connected to Wi-Fi or your Echo just stops connecting to Wi-Fi, it suddenly becomes useless.
Amazon Echo won’t talk, process commands, or stream media for you without a working Internet connection.
Often the solution to Amazon Echo problems can be found in troubleshooting internet connectivity issues, not problems with the Amazon Echo itself.
What to do when Alexa can’t connect to the Internet
If your Echo is a new device, you may want to check that it is set up correctly. Fortunately, we have an article on How to Set Up Your Echo Device here.
However, if this is a new issue on an existing device, we have included troubleshooting steps with solutions below.
Check your smartphone’s Wi-Fi connection
The first thing you’ll want to verify is that your mobile device is connected to the Wi-Fi network you want to use. The Echo line is made up of relatively simple devices. Therefore, you will need a smartphone with the Alexa app to make changes such as the Wi-Fi network.
If the companion device is not connected to Wi-Fi while you make changes or is connected to a slower band, your Echo device will have trouble connecting.
Go to Settings on your iPhone or Android phone and press and hold the Wi-Fi button in your phone’s control center to open Wi-Fi options. Try reconnecting your Echo device through the Alexa app.
If the connection is unsuccessful, make sure you have entered your password correctly. Because the password is hidden, it is easy to misspell one of the characters.
Simply try connecting again and re-entering your password before trying any of the troubleshooting tips below. Of course, make sure the CAPS LOCK key is not on, as capitalization is probably the number one reason people misspell passwords multiple times.
You can also try putting your smartphone in Airplane mode and then reconnecting it to Wi-Fi. The Alexa app on your phone relies on Wi-Fi to properly configure your Echo, so reconnecting your phone to Wi-Fi can quickly resolve the issue.
If you’re having trouble with your Echo Dot, see How to fix Amazon Dot error when registering device.
Also, if you have more than one wireless network connection, try connecting to another if attempts are still unsuccessful on the initial Wi-Fi connection.
Check Wi-Fi Network Using the Alexa App
Perhaps your Echo is connected to Wi-Fi but doesn’t appear to have Internet access. Let’s check that your device is connected to the correct Wi-Fi band. Follow these steps to check which Wi-Fi network you are connected to:
- Open the Alexa app on your smartphone and tap Devices in the background.
- Tap on Echo and Alexa at the top of the page.
- touch your Echo.
- Tap on the Setting gear in the upper right corner.
- Scroll down and see the current network.
Your Echo may not connect to the Internet if the connection is unstable, too slow, or if you updated your Wi-Fi password. If those scenarios apply to you or you realize you need to change your Wi-Fi network, do this:
- Tap Change next to Wi Fi Network as shown in step 4 above.
- Press and hold the action button (the one with a small dot) until the light turns orange. Tap Continue.
- Allow access to your location. Location access is required during initial setup and when making changes, so allow access and you can revoke it after your Echo device is working properly.
- Now, wait for the Alexa app to find your networks. You can tap the same network to reconnect or you can tap a different one.
Your Alexa device will connect to the new Wi-Fi network (or reconnect to the old one). If you’re connected correctly, ask Alexa a question and she should respond as expected.
Note: If Alexa continuously lights up yellow after this, it means you have a new notification. Ask Alexa to tell you your notifications and the yellow light will disappear.
Other possible solutions for Echo connection problems
The problem you are having could be due to your Internet connection. Perhaps the Echo is not connecting to the router or the router is not connected to your ISP.
Follow these steps in order until you have reconnected.
- Check that your router is plugged in and connected to the Internet. Can you connect to Wi-Fi and access the Internet from another device? Otherwise, the problem is with your router or modem. Unplug both devices, wait 15 seconds, and then plug them back in.
- If that doesn’t work, try the same with the Echo. Turn it off completely using the power button, wait 15 seconds, and then turn it back on. Wait a minute to see if it automatically reconnects to the Internet.
- Still no connection? Don’t get frustrated: You may have saved your wireless password to your Amazon account when you first set up your Echo. If you recently changed your Wi-Fi password, the Echo won’t be able to connect. Simply open your Alexa app, update the password, and you should reconnect automatically.
- If you are using a dual-band modem, you may have two Wi-Fi networks set up. The two frequencies are optimized for different uses. The 5GHz frequency offers a more stable connection, while the 2.4GHz frequency is better for devices located further away. Try switching to the other network to see if the Echo connects.
- Check to make sure your router is not blocking the device. Many routers will not allow a new device to join for security reasons. Log in to your router and make sure Echo has permission to join.
- Still not working? Try repositioning your Echo. First, move it away from any wireless devices that could interfere with its signal. Then move it higher, such as on top of furniture, to avoid interference. Finally, it could be that the Echo is too far from the wireless router (within 30 feet is ideal) or in a part of your house where the signal isn’t especially strong. Try moving the Echo to a better location, such as right next to your wireless router. Tip: Alternatively, you can get a wireless extender to extend the range of your router.
How do I reset my Alexa to factory defaults?
If your Alexa device continues to have issues after following the steps above, it’s time to perform a factory reset.
Resetting to factory defaults is different for first and second generation Echos.
For the first generation Echo, reboot by following these steps:
- Use a thin object, such as a paper clip or earring, to press and hold the reset button located on the bottom of the device. The light ring at the top of the Echo will turn orange and then blue.
- Release the button and the light will turn off and then turn orange. Now, follow the process described above to set up your Wi-Fi connection from scratch.
For the second generation Echo, reboot by following the steps below:
- Press and hold the “Volume Down” and “Microphone Off” buttons on the devices. The light will turn orange for about 20 seconds and then turn blue.
- Release the button and the light will turn off and then turn orange. Now, follow the process described above to set up your Wi-Fi connection from scratch.
And for 3rd generation Echos, reset by following these steps:
- Press and hold theActionfor about 30 seconds or until the light ring flashes orange and then turns off.
- So Wait for the light ring to turn back on and then turn blue.
- Finally, the light ring will turn orange again, and the Echo will enter setup mode.
If you are still having trouble connecting your Amazon Echo to Wi-Fi, you can contact Amazon for more help.
Frequent questions
Connection problems with the Echo are not fun. When Alexa isn’t working properly, it’s easy to get frustrated. We’ve added more questions to help you get the most out of your Echo device in this section.
Does Amazon offer a warranty for Echo devices?
Assuming there is a problem with your Echo device, Amazon offers a one-year limited warranty. If you are still within the one year warranty period, you can visit this website for more information on how to file a claim.
As long as your Echo is not a refurbished model and does not have any physical damage, filing a claim for a replacement device should not be a problem.
How can I tell if my Echo is connected to Wi-Fi?
When you say “Alexa” or your wake word, Alexa should turn blue and respond to you. If you see an orange or purple ring of light, you are having trouble performing tasks. This issue is likely related to your Internet connection.
