When it comes to the evolution of home speakers, devices like Amazon’s Alexa and Google’s Home device have changed the way we listen to music.
With connectivity to multiple streaming services on multiple devices, you can play almost any sound you want with just a tap of the finger.
However, Amazon’s Alexa leaves some users wondering why it will only play music on one device.
Your Alexa will play music from only one device if you are experiencing home connection issues or if it can not understand your demand. Often the cause of these issues is that the wireless internet is having issues syncing, preventing it from working normally.
While smart speakers often are incredibly convenient and easy to use, the devices can be challenging to work with on occasion.
Read on to learn more about how Alexas work, why they might not connect, and how you can fix these issues without a hassle!
Does Alexa Only Work With One Device?
When using a smart speaker—or any Bluetooth speaker—there are some limitations as to what their miniature computers can do.
Alexa only works with one device at a time.
The speaker is unable to play audio from multiple devices, meaning that you can not have multiple phones connected to the speaker and ask it to play at the same time.
For comparison, this would be like pressing two buttons on a vending machine and expecting it to vend both options.
These devices are just not meant to work in that way.
Alexa Speakers Can Work Together
These devices are, however, designed so that they can work independently or work together.
If you have two separate Alexa speakers in different rooms, you can ask them to complete separate tasks, such as play two different songs.
You can also make these speakers play the same song from one device across rooms by placing them into “groups” that will make them imitate one another.
Alexa Speakers May Fail To Work Simultaneously
Sometimes, however, these devices will not work properly.
While the device might play music in one room, it won’t in another room.
This is likely caused by one of two issues: the speakers are unable to connect, or the speakers don’t understand the command.
These speakers rely on WiFi in order to communicate directions and tell the other what to do.
If your speakers are unable to connect, they will only play from one device.
Alternatively, if your Alexa device does not understand your command, it will not be able to play music from multiple devices.
While Alexa can recognize variations in language to discern a command, if you are not speaking clearly or ask Alexa to perform a task that is not similar enough to the true nature of your demand, then the device will not do so.
Put simply, your device needs to understand what it is being told to do.
Fixing Alexa Devices Connectivity Issues
Should you find yourself in a situation in which audio will only play from one Alexa device, there are a number of different steps you can take to try and correct this issue.
The first solution is to try to fix the connectivity issue.
This can either be on the end of the Alexa device or the WiFi network itself.
First, try to connect other devices to the network and use WiFi.
If these devices work, then the issue is likely with your Alexa.
Unplug Your Alexa
If this is the case, often the quickest solution to the issue is unplugging your device and plugging it back in.
By doing this, your Alexa is able to do a quick reset of the system.
This often allows it to reconnect to the Wifi and any other Alexas nearby.
Consider Fully Resetting the Device
If this doesn’t fix the issue, then you might need to do a “hard reset” of your Alexa device.
Doing this will allow your Alexa to get rid of any bugs or other issues in the system that would prevent it from working.
If your WiFi seems to be the issue after connecting other devices and finding that these are not working, the solutions are the same as those for your Alexa device.
Try unplugging your WiFi modem or router and plugging it back in, or try to reset your modem and router.
If neither of these solutions seems to fix your WiFi, you might need to contact your WiFi provider, as there might be an issue that is bigger than just your devices.
Fixing Alexa Devices Understandability Issues
Should you find that the issue does not seem to be a connection one, then your devices might be having a hard time understanding exactly what it is that you are commanding them to do.
If this is the case, you should first try speaking slowly, clearly, and close to Alexa’s microphone so that it can understand what you are saying.
Also be sure that your Alexa’s microphone is on, so it can actually hear you.
Direct Alexa With Specific Commands
If this does not correct the issue, your devices might be confused because the directions are too broad, or because the names of your groups are too similarly named.
Make sure your groups have distinctive names, such as “Downstairs” or “Upstairs.”
You can change the name of your groups easily.
If your music isn’t playing or is playing in the wrong location, try changing the names.
Finally, if these other fixes fail, the issue could be simply that the device does not recognize your voice.
Though we often don’t notice, our voices can change on a number of occasions for a number of reasons. If this is the case, try retraining Alexa to recognize your voice.
Final Thoughts
Though Alexa devices and other smart speakers are often a great tool to have in your home or workplace, they do not always work in the way that we want them to.
If your Alexa is only playing music from one device instead of multiple, figure out whether this is due to a connectivity issue or an issue with Alexa’s ability to understand your voice.
Try unplugging and resetting your Alexa or WiFi, and make sure that Alexa is able to understand your commands.