Why Is Alexa Not Turning On Lights? Complete Fix

Your Alexa not turning on lights and you’re wondering why? No problem, you’ve come to the best quick-fix guide all across the web!

If Alexa isn’t turning your lights on, it’s most likely to be related to a power problem with one of the participant devices.

There could also be an impact on the Amazon application side, which you can refer to as a software problem.

Alexa may be not turning your lights due to power issues with the bulb. The problem could also be with the Alexa application or the smart speaker’s interface and software. There also could be bulb slot issues that you should definitely inspect.

Let’s learn what is causing the issue before we move on to the troubleshooting guide.

Why Is Alexa Not Turning On Lights?

If your Alexa speaker isn’t turning on the lights that are part of your schedule or just in general, you might be facing software problems.

It is also possible that the light doesn’t receive power and this is the reason that it isn’t being turned on by Alexa.

To understand the possibilities better, here are the possible suspects:

1. Problem With Light Bulb

If the lights that tend to be connected to the Alexa app aren’t receiving any power, they won’t be turned on by the assistant.

2. Application Issue

A problem with the Alexa app might be the reason why Alexa can’t turn on the lights.

3. An Issue With The Schedule

If you’ve created a schedule for your lights to turn on/off, the settings of the given schedule could be inappropriate.

4. Hardware Problem

Lastly, problematic hardware with either your Alexa device or the light bulb could be the cause of the problem.

This is everything you should know about the Alexa problem you’re experiencing. Let’s now jump right into the solutions to solve your problem in no time!

How To Fix Alexa Isn’t Turning On Lights?

It’s important to follow our instructions in the appropriate order for the best effects at troubleshooting.

Additionally, test your Alexa and lights connection after each fix attempt to determine when the issue will be solved.

Here’s how to fix your Alexa and lights problem in easy solutions:

Solution #1 Fix Smart Lights’ Power Supply

Chances are that no power is reaching the smart light that you have connected to Alexa.

If that’s the case, regardless of what you say to Alexa, it won’t turn on the lights in your room.

Following these thoughts, the first thing you should do is to fix the power supply of the smart home lights.

Here’s what you can do to address the power issues on your smart lights:

Power Cycle The Light

1. Go over to the problematic light that Alexa isn’t turning on.
2. Uninstall the light from the slot.
3. Standby for 5 minutes until the light is completely discharged.
4. Re-attach it into the slot and test.

Install Light In Different Slot

1. Unscrew the problematic light from its current light slot.
2. Locate an alternative light slot that is comfortable for installing the bulb.
3. Attach it into the new slot and tighten the light so it can make good contact.
4. Test.

Note: After a recent power outage, the electricity in your household might be temporarily weaker, preventing ALL lights from turning on.

Solution #2 Reconnect Device To Alexa

If Alexa refuses to turn on the smart light, there’s a high chance that the light got disconnected from the Alexa application.

If that happens, Alexa will have no control over the light, therefore it won’t be capable of turning it on.

Here’s how to reconnect your smart light to Alexa so it can turn it on any time:

1. Open the Amazon Alexa application on your smartphone.
2. Tap on “Add Devices”.
3. Choose the Smart Bulb/Light option from the menu.
4. Locate the brand and type of your smart light from across the sub-menu.
5. Tap it once and follow the on-screen instructions to pair the bulb.

Note: During the time you perform the steps above, the light bulb must be screwed into a light slot and turned on so it can be discovered.

Solution #3 Power Cycle Alexa

If Alexa has run into some issues, you will notice that not only your smart lights will be affected by the problem, but also all devices currently connected to the smart speaker.

In such a case, an easy fix would be to power cycle Alexa to solve the issue.

Here’s how to power cycle Alexa in easy-to-follow steps:

1. Go over to your smart-home speaker.
2. Unplug the power adapter of the speaker.
3. Standby for 5 minutes with Alexa being unplugged.
4. Reconnect the power adapter of Alexa back into the power source.
5. Test.

Note: If you’re hesitant that your Alexa has developed some sort of power issue, feel free to plug it into an alternative power source.

Solution #4 Reinstall Alexa App

The problem’s origin is most likely to be from the Alexa app.

Since this is the center where the Alexa speaker gains access to all of the connected smart units, a problem with the app will result in a similar problem as the one you’re experiencing.

Here’s how to reinstall the Alexa app in easy steps:

1. On your smartphone, open the settings.
2. Go to the storage unit.
3. Tap the “app” button to go to the application manager.
4. Locate the Amazon Alexa app from the following list.
5. Tap on “Actions” and then choose to uninstall.
6. Once deleted, go over to the App Store/Google Play of your smartphone.
7. In the search field, do the “Alexa app” and re-download the application.
8. Test.

Note: You will have to reconnect all smart devices you had paired with Alexa so far after the app is reinstalled.

Solution #5 Reset The Alexa Device

If nothing from our solutions worked so far, you should perform a factory reset on your Alexa device.

This will solve any unwanted software issues and problems that are preventing the smart home assistant from turning on your lights.

Here’s how to reset your Alexa device in easy steps:

1. In your Alexa app, go to Devices.
2. Tap your Alexa speaker from the list.
3. Choose factory reset in the options tab.
4. Confirm the reset and wait.
5. Test.

Note: Resetting your Alexa will result in the device erasing all software configurations made so far.

How To Fix Alexa Routine Not Turning On Lights?

The routine/schedules are being created with the intention to start your connected lights at a certain time of the day, for the chosen days.

If Alexa routines aren’t booting up your connected lights, the issue is most likely to be with the schedule settings.

Here are some quick fixes to solve issues with the routines:

1. Re-Add Routine

Delete the current routine and add the same one with the same settings, through the Amazon Alexa app.

2. Connect Alexa With Routine

The schedule/routine may be created in the Amazon application, but you must connect your assistants to the schedule.

To do this, go to settings > Schedules > Speakers and connect a speaker of your liking.

3. Delete Schedule From Several Alexa Devices

If you have multiple smart-home assistants with the same schedule, interference can occur. Make sure to keep the schedule on only one Alexa device.

Tip: If you experience any issues throughout the process, don’t hesitate to contact the Amazon support team for guidance.

To fix when Alexa won’t turn on your lights, reinstall the mobile application and re-add the routine. Power cycle the problematic lights and then your Alexa-running speaker. Finally, perform a factory reset on Alexa in an attempt to solve the issue.

Read Next: How to Fix Alexa Flash Briefing Not Working?

Bottom Line:

Now that you know why Alexa not turning on lights and how to solve the problem easily, the rest is up to you.

If you hesitate at any point about the speaker’s functionality, you can contact Amazon for additional assistance or check if your warranty is intact.