Alexa Sorry Something Went Wrong? (Reasons and Quick Fix!)

“Alexa sorry something went wrong” error message after pronouncing a voice command? There’s an easy solution!

Whenever Alexa says “Something went wrong” after accepting a voice command, it could mean several things.

The Alexa device either has lost internet connection or there are misconfigured Alexa settings.

Therefore, in this guide, we’ll unwrap everything so keep reading to understand.

If Alexa keeps saying “Something went wrong”, check if the Wi-Fi connection with the network device is stable and test Alexa on your mobile’s hotspot.

If the problem persists, update the Alexa speaker and the Amazon Alexa app before performing a factory reset.

Why Does Alexa Says Sorry Something Went Wrong?

Alexa tends to use “Something went wrong” as a response only whenever a question is asked.

Hence, this type of error primarily occurs whenever the Alexa speaker has lost connection to the internet, but could also mean that you haven’t consented to a particular type of dialogue.

Let’s study the problem further by unwrapping the potential causes:

• There’s an issue with the Amazon Alexa mobile app.
• The Alexa speaker has lost connection to the WiFi.
• The Alexa speaker device didn’t complete the setup.
• There’s a problem with your network modem/router.
• The Alexa device is running on outdated firmware.
• A physical or software problem with the Alexa Hub.

How Does Alexa Accept Voice Commands?

The key to understanding the problem is spotting the difference in your Alexa’s behavior.

Note whether the speaker device takes a while after hearing a voice command or says “Something went wrong” immediately.

If Alexa doesn’t take a while and immediately states the error, it’s more likely to be an issue related to the speaker. In contrast, if there’s a 2 -3 seconds gap, it’s likely to be slow internet.

Tip: Test asking Alexa, something with a local response (no internet), such as a simple math calculation.

How to Fix “Alexa Sorry Something Went Wrong” Easily?

Note: The steps below cover all possibilities in the troubleshooting scope!

1. Reboot the Alexa-Supported Device

To benign lightly, you should attempt to simply reboot the Alexa-powered device.

It’s possible that there is a problem with the Alexa assistant loading communication or an underlying server problem that will go away once the system is restarted.

Follow these steps to reboot the Alexa device in easy steps:

1. Locate the power button on the Alexa device.
2. Then, hold the power button for 5-10 seconds.
3. Release the power button once the device blinks.
4. Wait for up to 30 seconds until the device reboots.
5. Pronounce a familiar voice command to Alexa to test.

Tip: Verify that Alexa's power source is working well by using a secondary device!

2. Verify Alexa’s Internet Connection 

One of the essential features required for the proper functionality of any Alexa-powered speaker is an internet connection.

Hence, Alexa cannot execute any of your voice commands whenever the connection with the Wi-Fi or hotspot is not stable or secure.

How to Check the Internet Connection of Alexa?

1. Open the Alexa app on your Android or iOS.
2. Navigate to the “Devices” pane in the settings.
3. Then, tap on your speaker and go to “Wi-Fi”.
4. Next, choose “Change Wi-Fi Network”.
5. Follow the steps and select your home Wi-Fi.

How to Fix Internet and Wi-Fi Issues at Home?

If Alexa is not pairing to your home network or is having trouble staying connected, there could be an issue with the network device or equipment.

So attempt the following tips and tricks:

• Reboot the network router by unplugging it from power for 60 seconds.
• Reconnect the service cable from the network modem/router device.
• Reduce bandwidth usage by unpairing unused devices from the network.

Pro Tip: Test Alexa On Hotspot!

To determine if the connectivity fault is at your Alexa’s end, activate your mobile device’s hotspot at Settings > Mobile Data/Cellular > “Hotspot” and press the activation slider.

Memorize the hotspot’s password and follow the steps above to connect Alexa to your personal hotspot WiFi.

Note: If Alexa is also disconnecting from your phone’s hotspot, the problem is in the speaker!

3. Test Simple Voice Commands!

Sometimes pronouncing nonsense that isn’t familiar to your Alexa or requires a particular action skill activated could result in “Something went wrong”.

We recommend testing your Alexa basic functionality by asking simple questions to verify the general availability of the speaker.

The Simplest Alexa Commands:

• “Alexa, play [song name, artist, album name]”
• “Alexa, set a timer for [length of timer]”
• “Alexa, what’s the weather like today”
• “Alexa, announce [desired message]”
• “Alexa, pair to [desired Bluetooth device]”
• “Alexa, who sings this song”

There are many more examples but for some of them, specific environmental events are required.

For example, you cannot ask Alexa for the artist of a particular song, if there is no song playing in the background or it isn’t audible to the speaker.

Note: Alexa cannot comprehend third-party device voice commands without an active skill!

4. Update the Amazon Alexa App

The “Something went wrong” error message could also be caused by an outdated firmware version of the Alexa mobile platform.

Not updating the Amazon app for too long will cause all of your connected Alexa-powered devices to also fall behind on firmware versions so it’s essential.

Note: An outdated Alexa speaker may not recognize some of your voice commands!

How to Update Amazon Alexa On Android?

1. Open the Google Play store on your device.
2. Tap on your profile icon at the top right.
3. Then, press “Manage apps & device” next.
4. Scroll down and locate the Amazon app.
5. Press the “Update” button next to the app.

How to Update Amazon Alexa On iOS?

1. Open the App Store on your iPhone/iPad.
2. Touch your profile icon at the top of the page.
3. Go down to “Pending Updates and patch notes”.
4. Next, locate the Amazon Alexa app from the list.
5. Touch the “Update” button to begin the process.

Tip: It’s essential to keep your Alexa app up to date for better functionality and support!

5. Unlink Alexa from All External Services

It is possible that the “Alexa sorry something went wrong” is caused by an issue with the speaker, in relation to a third-party skill.

To address the error, you must temporarily deactivate all skills on Alexa at the “Skills” page in the Amazon app on your mobile device.

Follow these steps to unlink Alexa from all external services in easy steps:

1. Open the Amazon Alexa app on your mobile device.
2. Go to the menu of the Alexa app and press “Your Skills”.
3. Press the top skill, choose “Disable Skill” and confirm.
4. Repeat for all other skills linked to your Alexa device.

Alert: Do not re-link Alexa to any external services before the problem with the device is fixed!

6. Factory Reset the Alexa Speaker!

To deal with any software/hardware issues with the Alexa speaker, you must conduct a factory reset.

The factory reset (unlike the power reset), will erase all content and data on the Alexa speaker and also delete the profile of the device within the Amazon Alexa application.

Info: Based on your type of Alexa speaker, follow the appropriate factory reset instructions!

How to Perform Physical Alexa Factory Reset?

1. Locate the physical reset button on your Alexa device.
2. Then, press and hold the reset button for 10-15 seconds.
3. Stop holding the factory reset button once Alexa blinks.
4. Wait for 1-2 minutes and set up Alexa through the app.
5. Optional: set up Alexa with alternative settings this time!

How to Perform Software Alexa Factory Reset?

1. Open the Amazon Alexa mobile app.
2. Then, navigate to the “Devices” page.
3. Select the speaker you wish to reset.
4. Scroll down and press “Factory Reset”.
5. Lastly, confirm the process and wait.

Note: Once the factory reset is complete, you will have to set up the default Alexa settings!

One More Thing!

Have you tried plugging your Alexa into a different power outlet?

If not, at least test by connecting the Alexa speaker directly to the wall outlet without any strips or plugs.

Also, in case of a recent power outage, the A/C might still be fluctuating or unstable so the “something went wrong” error could be due to power insufficiency.

Quick Recap:

Whenever there is an “Alexa sorry something went wrong” error message, power cycle the Alexa-powered speaker and update the Amazon Alexa app.

If the issue is persistent, inspect the Wi-Fi connection of the Alexa speaker and perform a factory restoration.

Read Next: What To Do When Alexa Won’t Turn On?