When your Alexa app says device is unresponsive, it can mean many different things.
But whatever the root cause of the problem, this simple troubleshooting guide will help you find and fix it.
If you are having trouble with an unresponsive Alexa device, check your connectivity. Ensure your router is on, the signal strength, and your device is still connected to the home network. Place your device close enough to your router, so it’s within your Wi-Fi’s range.
It can be frustrating and annoying to figure out why your Alexa app says your device is unresponsive and how to fix it.
Fortunately, this step-by-step guide can get your smart device and Alexa up and running again.
Why Does Alexa App Say Device is Unresponsive?
A few things can make your device unresponsive when using Alexa. Some of the common causes include:
Loose Cable Connection
If one or more connections are not secured properly, it can cause your Alexa device to be unresponsive.
Make sure to check all cables first, including those that connect to your Alexa compatible devices.
Poor Connectivity
If your device is not connected to your Wi-Fi or the network has dropped, it can cause your Alexa device to not respond to you.
Also, find out if someone has changed the Wi-Fi password.
Device too Far from the Router
Make sure your device is within your Wi-Fi’s connectivity range. Otherwise, your Alexa device will be unresponsive.
Place it near your router so it will start working again.
Physical Interference
Some wireless devices can disrupt or block Wi-Fi signals. Naturally, a disturbing signal can cause the device not to respond.
Make sure that your device is not near possible sources of interference.
The issue of unresponsiveness is a common issue. You shouldn’t panic as the following steps can help fix the problem.
If none of the solutions below works, we highly recommend contacting customer support.
How to Fix Alexa App Says Device is Unresponsive – Best Solutions!
The good news is you can fix an unresponsive Alexa device at home and all on your own.
Here is a list of some of the easy fixes to this problem.
Solution #1: Check the Cables for Power
If your Alexa says your device is unresponsive, the first thing you should do is check the cables for power.
Sometimes a loose cable connection can cause your device to slow down or stop responding entirely.
Make sure all cables are connected properly. Ensure the power cord is inserted fully and fits into your device well.
Also, check if the power adaptor is plugged into a working power outlet.
Look for a short or broken wire. Check the cord for frayed or damaged areas. If you find any, replace the cable.
Solution #2: Check the WiFi Connection
Check your Wi-Fi connection. If it’s weak, it can cause your Alexa device to be unresponsive.
If there is a problem at the end of your network, restart your router and device. This will fix the issue in less than a minute.
On the other hand, if the weak signal is caused by physical interference, here’s what you need to do to keep them close to each other:
- Keep your Alexa device at least 3 feet from your router.
- If they’re in different rooms, keep the doors open.
- The devices shouldn’t be too close or too far away from each other.
- Keep the distance at least 8 inches between the two.
Note: If you don't place your Alexa device close to your router, it will not respond to your voice commands.
Keep it within the range of your wireless network to fix the problem.
Solution #3: Check the App and Device are Paired
Why does Alexa app say device is unresponsive? If the cause of the problem is a compatibility issue, it means your devices are not paired.
You have to set them up in a way that they can communicate with each other.
It’s easy to troubleshoot this issue. All you have to do is pair your devices.
- Open up the app on your phone and go to Devices.
- A pop up will show all the devices paired to your Alexa.
- Select the device you wish to pair to and check if they are already paired.
- If not, pair them again.
- If yes, disconnect and reconnect them again.
Note: This method proves to be effective more often than not. If it doesn’t work, restart your device.
Solution #4: Restart the Device
If your Alexa device is still not responding, the next thing you should do is restart it.
The following steps will reboot your device.
- Find the Power button on your device.
- Press and hold the Power button for a few seconds until the device switches off.
- Disconnect the power cord from the power outlet.
- Keep the device switched off for a few moments.
- Plug in the power cord again.
Press the power button again to restart your device.
Note: For years, this solution has worked, so don’t think much and restart your Alexa device to fix the issue.
Solution #5: Reset the Device
If restarting your Alexa device does not work, you can try resetting it.
It is one of the best ways to fix problems like this, but it can cause you to lose all the data you saved. Also, you will need to set up your device again.
- Open the Alexa app and click Devices on the app.
- Under Devices, choose Echo & Alexa.
- Tap on the device you want to reset (e.g., Echo Dot).
- Scroll down and look for the Reset Settings menu.
- Select Factory Reset and confirm.
Note: It will take some time for your Alexa device to restart and reboot. But, as soon as it is done, it should start working again.
Solution #6: Restart Your Router
If restarting and resetting your Alexa device do not work, there could be something wrong with the router.
The best way to deal with the problem is to restart your router.
Here’s how to do it:
- Remove all cables and turn off the router for a few minutes.
- Re-insert all cables and check if your device starts working.
Note: You can also reset the router, but it will delete all saved data. You will need to connect to it again with default credentials.
The most common cause of an unresponsive Alexa device is a connectivity issue. There may be problems with your Wi-Fi connection, so make sure your router is working fine. Also, place your device within the range of your wireless network.
Tip: Keep it at least 3 feet from your router.
Read Next: How To Connect PS4 To Alexa In Easy Steps?
Last Thoughts
If your Alexa app says device is unresponsive, you will find this post useful in helping you understand the cause of the issue and learn the appropriate solutions.
If you have tried all solutions, but your device remains unresponsive, contact customer support for additional assistance.
If you find this post helpful but are having trouble with another Alexa device set up, our blog can surely help you find the cause of the issue and provide you with the best fix.
