What To Do When Alexa Won’t Turn On? – Complete Fix Guide

Alexa won’t turn on and you’re wondering why? Well, stay with us to learn more!

The best course of action when Alexa won’t turn on is to inspect the power income of the device by checking the adapter and outlet.

Alexa might not be turning on due to other factors such as interference from an external device or a malfunction with the hardware.

Let’s start with unwrapping the top reasons why Alexa refuses to start up!

Why Won’t My Alexa Turn On?

The Alexa Echo speaker plugs into a power outlet and the device turn on, indicating the user with an audible noise.

If the LEDs on the speaker won’t light up, or the speaker is silent at all times,

Here are the reasons why:

1. Loose or unsecured power cable
2. A fault with the electrical outlet
3. Interference by a third-party device
4. Frozen (OS) on the Alexa speaker
5. Faulty motherboard or circuit board
6. Damaged equipment (power surge)

Note: In case of a recent power outage, wait 30 minutes before turning on your appliances!

How to Fix When Alexa Not Turning On? (Easy Steps)

Tip: Follow the steps in chronological order for the most efficiency!

Check the Electrical Outlet

The very first and most important step in troubleshooting your Alexa is to inspect the associated electrical outlet.

Power problems with the speaker, also known as electrical fluctuations, occur when the connection between Alexa and the power outlet is loose, unprotected, or disrupted.

• Simply, connect the Alexa speaker to an alternative outlet.

Note that the electrical outlet you’ll be testing Alexa on must be functional (proven), which you can justify by plugging in your smartphone.

If the Alexa speaker works when plugged into the new power source, check what’s wrong with the old outlet.

Secure Alexa Power Cable

If your Alexa’s power cord is loose or not connected securely, the speaker’s power income will be disrupted.

This means that Alexa won’t be able to power on, or randomly shut down until the cable is secured on both sides.

Here’s how to secure Alexa’s power equipment in easy steps:

1. Disconnect the Alexa power cable on both ends.
2. Verify that the power adapter pins are straight.
3. Inspect the cable for any cuts, rips, or damage.
4. Connect (tightly) one end directly to the outlet.
5. Connect the other end to your Alexa speaker.

Note: If Alexa’s power adapter is not even warm even after staying connected to the outlet for a while, perhaps you’ll need a replacement.

Disable Alexa’s “DND” Mode!

If you’re using an Amazon Echo Show, you might be deceived into thinking that the device is not turning on, simply because the screen is black.

The DND (Do Not Disturb) mode, blocks all notifications and turns off the screen of your device.

Here is how to disable the DND mode through the Alexa app:

1. Open the Alexa app on your mobile device.
2. Tap on the “Devices” tab from the menu.
3. Select the Echo speaker from the devices.
4. Tap on the gear icon at the top-right.
5. Scroll down to find Do Not Disturb mode.
6. Enter the feature’s menu and toggle it off.

Note: Also remove any activated DND schedules!

Unmute Your Alexa Speaker

Though not many users know this, Alexa can be muted.

In fact, when the speaker is muted, you can’t tell whether the speaker is on or off, as its microphones will be disabled for the time being.

• The “Microphone” button on your Alexa is used to mute/unmute the device!

Alexa can be unmuted in the following way:

1. Find the “Microphone” button.
2. Located on the top panel of Alexa.
3. Hold the button for 3 seconds.
4. Wait for Alexa’s LEDs to flash.
5. Say something to the speaker.

If Alexa has heard what you just said, you should receive an answer.

If neither the LEDs of the speaker come on nor there’s a voice response, the speaker is probably still off.

Power Cycle the Alexa Speaker

The power cycle process involves disconnecting the speaker from the inhabited power source, waiting for a few seconds, and then plugging the cord back in.

This method discharges the devices and eliminates any power-related problems.

Here’s how to power cycle your Alexa speaker:

1. Disconnect Alexa’s power cable.
2. Wait for about 3 – 5 minutes.
3. While waiting, hold the Power button.
4. Keep holding the button for 5 – 10 seconds.
5. Reconnect the power cable of the speaker.

Important: While Alexa is disconnected, inspect the power port on the back of the device and remove any dirt accumulation using a soft brush.

Prevent Speaker Overheating

Even though overheating with Alexa speakers is super rare, during the hot summer seasons, your Alexa might need to cool down.

In order to ensure that your speaker is not overheating, block direct sunlight exposure and relocate the speaker away from heat conductors.

In addition, clean the ventilation openings so the speaker won’t suffocate.

Tip: Also clean the microphone and the speaker of your Alexa!

Detach Third-Party Appliances!

To rule out any complications with third-party devices in your Alexa setup, we should temporarily disconnect them.

This way you will be able to test your Alexa purely, without any influence of added devices.

Third-party appliances that should be removed from Alexa:

• Power strips/dividers
• Outlet connectors
• Power cable extenders
• Power routing hubs
• Smart plugs/extenders
• Surge protectors

Tip: Try connecting the Alexa speaker to another room (on a different circuit fuse)!

System Reset the Alexa Speaker

We’ll now endeavor to fix the problem by performing a reset on the speaker. Fortunately, the reset does not require Alexa to be turned on, and it’s worth the try!

Alert: The reset will disconnect your Alexa speaker from the Alexa app!

Here are the instructions to perform a system reset on Alexa:

1. Make certain that your speaker is connected to power.
2. Hold the Microphone off and Volume down buttons.
3. Keep pushing the buttons down for about 15-20 seconds.
4. Release the buttons and wait for a few moments.

The Alexa speaker can be added to the app only when the device starts working!

Replace the Alexa Power Cable

If your Alexa won’t turn on even after all the previous steps, perhaps you’re facing a technical issue that requires some investment.

As device accessories and cables are used in the long run, they could wear out and go faulty in many ways.

Whether the cable will periodically cause Alexa to reboot, or completely intercept the power income from the wall outlet, is all based on the individual case.

Choosing the Correct Power Cord:

Here are our best recommendations for Alexa speaker power equipment:

• ZELNF 21W Power Cord Replacement (positive reviews, good price)
• ANKS 30W Power Cord Replacement (higher wattage better support)

Tip: If you’ve got a Micro USB charger, feel free to test connecting the Alexa speaker!

Inspect/Replace the Circuit Board (Advanced)

If nothing helped so far, it is likely that either the circuit board of your Alexa is faulty due to a power surge before or after an outage. 

Alert: Taking apart your Alexa will void your warranty, proceed at your own risk!

Here’s how to inspect and disassemble the Amazon Alexa Echo speaker:

1. Unplug the power adapter of your Amazon Alexa speaker.
2. Loosen the outer casing, by removing the holding screws.
3. Gently grab the casing and pull it to release it from the housing.
4. Tip: Take a screenshot of the wiring’s orientation in your Alexa!
5. Once you have sight of the circuit board, disconnect the micro A/C.
6. Take hold of the motherboard and remove it from the ground clutch.
7. (Notice) Inspect the motherboard for burned areas and blown pieces.

The motherboard can be replaced, but if there is a blown capacitor or anything else more complicated, the device has to be brought for servicing.

Need More Help?

In case your Amazon Alexa is still not turning on, perhaps you would need some help!

The specific component or fault with your Alexa is not that important, as long as your warranty is still active.

To claim a repair or replacement you would need to contact Amazon Support or the local merchant.

Quick Recap:

Now that we’ve reviewed why Alexa won’t turn on, the conclusion is that this problem is either based on a power or hardware issue with the speaker.

It is important to inspect the power equipment and switch to another outlet in order to exclude as many possibilities!