Alexa is usually efficient and straightforward to use.
But sometimes, you’ll encounter a few glitches while using the voice assistant.
One issue you may encounter is Alexa lighting up but not responding to your commands.
If Alexa is not responding but lighting up, it might be stuck in a loop, you might not be communicating clearly, or your network connection might be weak. Some fixes include clearly communicating your command and making sure you have a working internet connection.
This article looks at six reasons your Alexa device is lighting up but not responding to you.
I’ll also talk about the most effective ways to fix these issues.
Common Reasons Alexa Is Responding but Not Lighting Up
1. Unclear Commands
Alexa is reasonably swift when understanding different accents and languages.
However, if you say out loud English words that sound similar, Alexa might mix them up and react differently from your expectations.
Also, when you talk fast or in a low voice, Alexa will have problems understanding you.
2. Weak Internet Connection
Although Alexa doesn’t use as much data as most internet devices, it still requires a stable connection to work.
If your internet is weak, Alexa won’t work efficiently (if at all).
Some causes of a weak internet connection include interference with links, overcrowding, and an out-of-range router.
3. Microphone Is Muted or Entirely Off
When Alexa’s microphone is on mute or completely turned off, she can’t hear spoken commands.
If Alexa isn’t reacting to your commands, you might’ve turned off your device microphone and forgotten to turn it back on.
If Alexa’s microphone is off, the light is red instead of blue.
4. The Wake Word Changed
Most of the time, Alexa responds when you say, “Alexa”.
This works as the trigger word to wake the device.
But if Alexa doesn’t respond to this wake word, you might’ve changed or reset it, which returns it to factory settings — meaning any change you made to Alexa’s settings after purchase would’ve disappeared and you have to redo them from scratch.
5. Do Not Disturb Mode Is Turned On
Alexa comes with a Do Not Disturb Mode for when you don’t need her help. In most cases, users activate this feature when they’re going to bed or have guests at home.
However, when Do Not Disturb mode is on, Alexa’s actions are limited.
For example, you can’t receive any notifications or make announcements, causing Alexa to be unresponsive.
6. Whisper Mode Is Enabled
An interesting feature that Alexa has is the Whisper Mode.
As its name implies, this allows you to speak to Alexa while whispering — and she’ll respond with a whisper in turn.
It comes in handy at night or early in the morning when you want to use Alexa without disturbing other household members.
Similar to Do Not Disturb, you have to remember to turn this off when you don’t need it.
Otherwise, you won’t be able to hear Alexa from a distance.
Fixes to Alexa Not Responding but Lighting Up
Now that you know why your Alexa may not be lighting up, it’s easier to fix these issues as follows.
1. Try Speaking More Audibly and Clearly
As mentioned earlier, Alexa is generally good at recognizing accents, but she can get confused if you speak too softly or too quickly.
This problem can be particularly frustrating if you have a “thick” accent, and technology still has a long way to go in helping AI recognize diverse accents.
In the meantime, you can remedy this issue by speaking louder, talking at a moderate speed, being closer to the device when communicating, or making sure your words are well-enunciated.
2. Make Sure Your Internet Connection Is Strong
When it comes to devices that need to stay online like Alexa, it’s always a good idea to check your internet connection.
You can try placing the router in an open space to strengthen the connection, or put Alexa closer to the router.
There are many reasons your internet could be spotty, and you can fix them using one or more of the following steps.
- Resetting the Alexa speaker device
- Getting extra routers to distribute Wi-Fi better
- Resetting Wi-Fi routers
- Disconnecting other devices
3. Unmute the Microphone
To know if Alexa’s microphone is off, check the color of the light ring and microphone button on your Echo.
If it’s red, press the microphone on/off button, which changes the light from red to blue.
Otherwise, try restarting the device by unplugging then plugging the power adapter from your electrical outlet.
4. Change the Wake Word
As I mentioned, “Alexa” is the default wake word for your device.
However, if that wake word doesn’t work or you don’t know what your wake word is, you can go to your app and tap “Devices” > “Echo & Alexa” > “(Your Device)” > “Wake Word.”
I recommend you change your wake word to something that’s secure and easy to remember — similar to your usual online passwords.
5. Disable the Do Not Disturb Mode
Although Do Not Disturb mode provides a quiet environment for a few hours, forgetting to turn it off might be why Alexa isn’t responding.
To disable this feature, open your app and go to “Devices” > “Echo & Alexa” > “(Your Device)” > “Do Not Disturb.”
Depending on what you want to do, you can turn Do Not Disturb on or off.
6. Disable Whisper Mode
If Alexa being in Whisper Mode is the problem, all you have to do is disable it.
Again, go to your app, find the three-line icon, and hit “Settings” > “Voice Responses” > “Whisper Mode.” From there, make sure Whisper Mode is turned off. You can always turn it on again when you need it.
Is Alexa Not Responding but Lighting Up: Conclusion
Alexa not responding to your commands can be pretty frustrating, especially if your device is on and lighting up.
The most common causes of the aforementioned problem are unclear commands, poor internet connection, and a muted microphone.
Alexa may also not respond because you changed the wake word or Alexa is in Whisper or Do Not Disturb Mode.