Alexa has a feature that allows it to connect to several smart home devices from one smart system.
However, it can be frustrating when you ask Alexa a question, and she remains unresponsive.
This malfunction happens for many reasons, so why is your Alexa server unresponsive? Unfortunately, there are several reasons for that.
Some reasons why your Alexa server chooses to behave include a bad cable connection and entering the wrong WIFI access password. If those are not the issue, you should try resetting the Alexa device to see if that would work.
What Does It Mean When Alexa Says the Server Is Unresponsive?
There are several reasons why your Alexa remains unresponsive even after several attempts to connect it to a server.
Some reasons why your Alexa server remains unresponsive include;
#1. Poor Network Connection
If you notice that your Alexa server refuses to connect to a WIFI, then the first thing you should check is your internet.
The major reason why this happens is due to an unstable or inactive network connection. Therefore, you should start by fixing your network connection before proceeding.
Also, someone in your house might have changed the WIFI password without notice, so you should also ensure that you check that.
After checking for these issues and confirming that they are the problem, you have fixed them.
#2. Check If the Device Is Turned On
This solution might sound off, but, in some cases, it is usually the issue. This problem usually happens if you do not live alone.
Maybe a family member turned a device off without knowing, or you can mistakenly turn it off without knowing.
Unfortunately, when you turn off your devices, Alexa can’t control them.
So, you should always check and ensure that your device is connected to a power supply and then switch it on. That should be easy.
#3. Check The Manufacturers App for the Problem
You should check the manufacturer’s app for the device you want to connect to Alexa. Then, try to see if the device receives a command from the app.
So, if you try doing that and the app works with the device, you might have to deal with Alexa personally. The problems should be from her.
To restart the command with Alexa;
- Go to the Alexa app, click on more, skills, games, and then your skills.
- Find the skill you’re searching for and click on settings before clicking on disable skill.
- You can go back and check devices to ensure that the device you disabled is no longer connected.
- After disconnecting the device, restart the router before connecting to Alexa again.
#4. Check Your Alexa Skill
You should deal with Alexa directly if you do not see any issues after going through the Alexa app.
Before doing this, you should ensure that the device you’re trying to connect has a connection with Alexa.
To open your Alexa skill, you have to open the Alexa app or website and follow the following steps;
- On your Alexa app, click on more and select skills and games before proceeding to your skills.
- If you are using the Alexa website, go straight to select skills and click on your skills.
- Look for the skill or device you are trying to connect Alexa to, and if it is not there, you would need to add it for Alexa to be able to work with the device.
#5. Toggle Your Alexa Skill
If you can find the device you are trying to connect to in the Alexa skill, you should know that the problem is much deeper.
It wouldn’t be a different case if the device was not in the Alexa skill but it being there means something is stopping it from connecting to Alexa. You can be able to fix the issue, but this time, with just the Alexa app.
Follow the following steps to toggle your Alexa skill;
- Once you find the device, you want to connect Alexa to in the app, click on it and select settings.
- Click on disable skill and then disconnect the device within Alexa. You can check on “devices,” and if it is no longer there, it has been successfully disabled.
- Disconnect your device from the power supply and the router for about one minute.
- After the time-lapse, you can reconnect it to see if it works.
#6. Carry out Power Cycling
Turning it off and on is a very useful technique you can try when your device develops a fault.
Doing that is very similar to power cycling, except, in this case, it is more extreme. But, not to worry, you can easily fix the problem with a very straightforward method.
To do this, completely turn off your device and disconnect it from the power outlet.
After about one minute or more, you can now reconnect it back. You have just successfully power-cycled your device.
#7. Update Your Device
Upgrading your device to firewire can also help with this issue. Firmware is like a system software that makes your device work effectively.
Your firewire is not 100% perfect and can be prone to bugs, but you can fix this issue by simply upgrading it.
You can go directly to your manufacturer’s app to check if there Is an upgrade for the particular app you’re using.
Before upgrading your firmware, laws ensure that you back up your current firmware just in case.
#8. Factory Reset Your Device
After trying every other solution, you can factory reset your device if none seems to be working.
The only major problem with this solution is that it wipes off the device’s entire memory. That is why you should reach out to it as a last resort.
You should not generalize the idea of factory resetting a device because every device has a unique method.
Instead, contact the manual or the manufacturer for specifications on how you should do it.
| Reasons for Unresponsiveness | Fixes |
|---|---|
| Bad network connection | Ensure that there is a stable network connection |
| Turned off device | Check if the device it’s supposed to connect with is on. |
| Bad Wi-Fi connectivity | Make use of the Alexa app to fix the issue |
| Outdated device | Ensure that you update your device frequently. |
Why Is My Alexa Saying My Light Is Unresponsive?
Some common reasons why your light won’t respond to Alexa might be a low battery from the part of the bulb. So, if Alexa can’t recognize your device, you should ensure that you reset it.
To reset your smart light bulb to connect to Alexa;
- Go to the manufacturer’s app and follow the specific instructions for your device.
- Reconnect your smart bulb to Alexa in the app if it gets disconnected.
- Turn on the bulb, and it should be working by now.
Why Is Alexa Not Connecting to the Internet?
The major reason your Alexa is not connecting to the internet should be an unstable internet connection or improper connection.
You should follow these steps to fix internet problems with your Alexa so it can get up and running again;
- Ensure that your internet is running properly.
- If your internet service provider is not working properly, Alexa would respond because she solely works based on the internet.
- You can also restart your router or modem manually. After that, wait for about five minutes before connecting back to WIFI.
- Ensure that you set your WIFI password correctly. You can try disconnecting and reconnecting the Alexa-enabled device; this might work. 4
How Do I Reset My Alexa Wi-Fi?
It can be frustrating when your Alexa doesn’t connect to your Wi-Fi. Just imagine life without Alexa, the worse!
Alexa makes life simpler and more comfortable, so it is important to know how to connect Alexa to your WIFI wirelessly.
A very easy way to connect Alexa to your Wi-Fi is simply switching it off and on. If, after doing this, the problem persists, then you have to take other drastic measures.
There are two major ways you can reset your Alexa for it to connect to your Wi-Fi; manually or with the Alexa app.
#1. Manual Reset
- Manual reset is very easy because there is a reset button, which is a tiny button under the device.
- When you find it, press and hold the reset button for a few seconds until you’d see an orange light that eventually turns blue.
- After you see the blue light, you can release the button, but then you see the blue light blink continually for a few seconds.
- After blinking, the light turns orange again, and all you have to do now is register the device to your current amazon account.
- If you do not have an amazon account or want to create a new one, it can also work that way.
- Now, you can open your Alexa app, and it should be able to connect to Wi-Fi now.
#2. Using the Alexa App
- Click on the Alexa app and the available menu option, the three horizontal lines at the top right corner.
- On the menu option, go to settings and tap on connected echo devices.
- Select the one you want to reset and then click on the deregister option.
- Confirm your selection by tapping yes, and the echo speakers will reset automatically.
- Press and hold down the action button on your echo speaker and wait for the light to turn orange.
- Lastly, click on the Wi-Fi network from your device and then register the device.
The reset button on your Alexa device is at the top right corner of your settings app; tap on it and follow the instructions you will be provided with.
Conclusion
Alexa makes our lives much easier and more comfortable, and we must do all we can to ensure she’s in great condition.
With an unresponsive Alexa server, we wouldn’t be able to get the most out of her services.
But, not to worry, you can follow the steps we provided above, and Alexa will be in great condition in no time.