How to Fix Alexa Communication Not Working?

Wondering why is Alexa communication not working? Continue to learn how to fix it!

Communication with Alexa is exceptional when compared with other voice assistants.

But if you are having trouble with your Alexa functionality, then there are quite a few things to inspect.

The Alexa Communications are dependent on your network connection, Alexa’s software version, and of course the correct commands. The solution includes rebooting your Alexa device, inspecting your internet connection, and performing an update.

Before jumping straight into the solution, let’s first review what’s causing the problem!

7 Reasons Why is Alexa App Communication Not Working?

Alexa Communications probably does not work due to bad network connectivity.

In some cases, the users are responsible for this fuss, because of giving Alexa a faulty command.

To provide some clarity, we’ve found the most frequently reported causes for this issue.

Here are some common causes that might cause issues with Alexa Communication:

1. Unavailable or Bad Network
2. Outdated Alexa App Version
3. False Communication Details
4. Unclear Voice Command
5. Hardware/Software Glitch
6. Background Sound Distortion
7. Muted/Low Sensitivity Microphone

Now that we’ve identified some of the causes of Alexa’s communication problems, let’s move on to how to fix them.

The solution guide only takes a few minutes to read so let’s jump right in!

How to Fix When Alexa Communication Not Working?

If your Alexa communication is not working, then the first thing you need to do is make sure that the permission for Alexa communication is enabled in the app.

This is essential, before any solutions since when the feature is disabled, we can’t expect the communications to work!

Turn ON Alexa Communications Permission!

1. Open the Alexa App. 
2. Tap on the Communicate Tab. 
3. Tick the box for Alexa’s permission.
4. This will make a communication from your account. 
5. Grant permission if not granted yet.

As now you have been granted access, now let’s move toward the troubleshooting methods!

Solution #1 Check the Internet Connection

As you already know that Alexa works when connected to a good network. So if Alexa is having trouble communicating then check your internet.

Your internet or WiFI may have many issues in the form of unavailability, inappropriate network frequency, or poor network strength.

Solution: You only need to reboot your WiFi router to refresh the internet!

Here is how you can reboot your WiFi router:

1. Turn OFF the router using the Power button.
2. Unplug the router from the power outlet.
3. Wait for 30 seconds.
4. Plug it back into the outlet.
5. Turn ON the router and test.

You can now reconnect your Alexa device to the WiFi and test whether the communications will now work. In case of the problem continues, jump to the next solution!

Tip: In case of urgency, you can switch to another network by going to app More > Settings > Device Settings > Change (WiFi)  and switch to the new network.

Solution #2 Reboot Alexa Device

Sometimes Alexa gets into some unknown problem and then cannot operate properly.

Such issues occur with the software of the device and all we need to do is restart the operating system.

This method will not erase any data from the device or Alexa app!

Here is a way to reboot your Alexa device in easy steps! 

1. Switch OFF the Alexa device.
2. Disconnect the device from the power outlet.
3. Wait for at least 5 minutes!
4. Reconnect your Alexa to the power.
5. Connect Alexa to the WiFi.

When the restart is over, Alexa Communication should be back to normal. Test.

Note: Also test whether your WiFi is intact by using a secondary device to connect.

Solution #3 Update Alexa App!

The Outdated Alexa App could be the culprit of the problem.

We all know that the updated versions come with many bug fixes, we need to update before moving forward in the guide! 

• Updating the Alexa app should restore Alexa Communication!

Here is how you can update the Alexa app:

1. Go to the App Store or Play Store.
2. Search for Amazon Alexa from the search bar.
3. Look if the Update button is available for the app.
4. If yes, then update the app.
5. Restart your mobile as the app updates.
6. Say any command to Alexa to test the communication!

In case the Alexa device can’t communicate even after the application has been updated, perhaps the problem is on a hardware level.

We’ll find out more in the next solution!

Tip: Enable the “Automatic Updates” to always keep your Alexa app up to date!

Solution #4 Unmute Alexa Microphone

Sometimes the problem is not as complex as we think and maybe your Alexa device is simply muted, hence not hearing our communication commands.

In this solution, we’ll check whether you have unknowingly muted your Alexa device and unmute it.

Here is how you can unmute your microphone from Alexa:

Open the Alexa app, and tap on a Mute Icon for your Alexa from the Home Page.

No mute icon is there?

Follow the below steps:

1. Open the Alexa App.
2. Tap on the Devices tab.
3. Tap on Echo & Alexa.
4. Tap on Echo Buds.
5. Select Mute Microphone under Alexa & Microphone category.

Tip: Unmute your Alexa's microphone directly by touching its mute button!

Solution# 5 Train Alexa Device

Unfortunately, sometimes Alexa cannot understand your command because of the pronunciation!

As everyone has a different way of speaking, Alexa might not be able to understand your vocal commands and that’s why it’s unable to communicate. 

Luckily, Alexa’s AI device enables you to train to understand your voice tone and conversation style.

This is why it’s extremely important to train your Alexa device according to your speaking!

Here is how you can train your voice to Alexa:

1. Open the Alexa app.
2. Tap on More from the bottom bar.
3. Click on Settings.
4. Click on Account Settings.
5. Click on Recognized Voices.
6. Click on Your Voice.
7. Click on Learn My Voice.
8. Follow on-screen instructions to train Alexa.

When the training is over, your Alexa device should be communicating normally.

In case, however, the problem continues to appear, jump to the next step!

Solution #6 Use Correct Vocal Commands!

Pronouncing a concise and correct command is necessary the same as using the correct WiFi password to connect your Alexa to the network.

As Alexa is an AI-based device and only understands the specific command, you need to know what you’re doing.

Here are some Alexa Communication commands to test with:

• Alexa, call [Name from your Contacts]
• Alexa, answer an incoming call
• Alexa, message [Name from your Contacts]
• Alexa send [Name from your Contacts] a message

It’s extremely important to make sure that the name actually exists in your Contacts and that you’re pronouncing it right.

In case all commands fail, test with a different contact.

Tip: Relocate Alexa away from sound disturbances!

Solution#7 Check Contact Permission

As you already know that for communicating via Alexa, the app needs contact permission to access contacts from your device.

Maybe you have unintentionally denied the contact permission, and that’s why the Alexa communication is not working.

Here is how you can check Alexa’s contact permission:

1. Open the Alexa app.
2. Tap on More.
3. Go to the Settings.
4. Tap on the Communications tab.
5. Choose Manage Contacts.
6. Select Alexa-to-Phone Contacts.

Note: Alexa holds up to 10 contact numbers, so maybe you're asking Alexa to send a message that has not been saved to Alexa!

Alexa Communications Still Not Working…

If you have tried all the above troubleshooting methods but still are facing Alexa issues, then reach out to Amazon Customer Support.

Possibly, there is something wrong on their end or there is a technical problem with your Alexa account.

Tell them in detail what you are experiencing and what you have already tried, so they can help you out in a better way.

Good Luck!

Quick Recap:

Thus, when Alexa’s communication is not working, make sure that the internet/WiFi is working fine and that the microphone is not muted. Next, enable the communication’s permissions, train your Alexa device and if nothing works, perform an app update!

Wrapping Up:

Now that you know why your Alexa communication not working and how you can fix the issue we can finally communicate with your voice assistant.

In case your Alexa communication does not work even after trying all the above methods from the guide, feel free to seek help!

For more guides such as this one, visit our blog to discover the solutions you need.