Amazon Echo Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi [Quick Fixes]

The Amazon Echo is an amazing, compact device with thousands of different uses. But if you have a new one that is not connected to Wi-Fi or your Echo simply stops connecting to Wi-Fi, it suddenly becomes effectively useless.

Amazon Echo will not speak, process commands, or stream media for you without a working internet connection.

Frequently, the solution to Amazon Echo issues can be found in troubleshooting and resolving Internet connectivity problems, not problems with the Amazon Echo itself.

What To Do when Alexa Can’t Connect to the Internet

If your Echo is a brand new device, you may want to verify that it was set up properly. Fortunately, we have an article on How to Set Up Your Echo Device here.

However, if this is a new problem on an existing device, we’ve included the troubleshooting steps with solutions below.

Check Your Smartphone’s Wi-Fi Connection

The first thing you’ll want to verify is that your mobile device is connected to the Wi-Fi network you want to use. The Echo lineup is comprised of relatively simple devices. Therefore, you will need a smartphone with the Alexa app to make changes such as the Wi-Fi network.

If the companion device isn’t connected to Wi-Fi while you’re making changes or it’s connected to a slower band, your Echo device will have problems connecting.

Go into the Settings on your iPhone or Android phone and long-press the Wi-Fi button in your phone’s control center to open up the Wi-Fi options. Try to reconnect your Echo device through the Alexa App.

If the connection is unsuccessful, ensure that you have entered your password correctly. Because the password is hidden, it is easy to mistype one of the characters.

Simply try reconnecting and re-entering your password before trying any of the troubleshooting tips below. Of course, make sure that your CAPS LOCK key isn’t engaged, as all caps is likely the number one reason people mistype passwords multiple times.

You can also try putting your smartphone in Airplane mode and then reconnecting it to Wi-Fi. The Alexa app in your phone relies on wifi to properly set up your Echo, so reconnecting the phone to wifi may resolve the issue quickly.

If you’re having issues with the Echo Dot, check out How to Fix Amazon Dot Error Registering Device.

In addition, if you’ve got more than one wireless network connection, try connecting to another one if attempts are still unsuccessful in the initial Wi-Fi connection.

Check the Wi-Fi Network Using the Alexa App

Perhaps your Echo is connected to Wi-Fi but doesn’t seem to have access to the internet. Let’s check that your device is connected to the right Wi-Fi band. Follow these steps to check which Wi-Fi network you’re connected to:

1. Open the Alexa App on your smartphone and tap Devices at the bottom.
   
2. Tap on Echo & Alexa at the top of the page.
   
3. Tap on your Echo.
   
4. Tap the Settings cog in the upper right corner.
   
5. Scroll down and view the current network.
   

Your Echo may not connect to the internet if the connection is unstable, to slow, or you’ve updated your Wi-Fi password. If those scenarios apply to you or you realize that you need to change your Wi-Fi network, do this:

1. Tap Change next to Wi-Fi Network as shown in step 4 above.
   
2. Press and hold the Action Button (the one with a small dot) until the light turns orange. Tap Continue.
   
3. Allow access to your location. Location access is required during initial setup and when making changes, so allow access and you can revoke access after your Echo device is working properly.
   
4. Now, wait for the Alexa app to find your networks. You can tap on the same network for reconnection, or you can tap on a different one.
   

Your Alexa device will connect to the new Wi-Fi network (or reconnect to the old one). If connected properly, ask Alexa a question and she should respond as expected.

Note: If Alexa continuously lights up yellow after this it means you have a new notification. Ask Alexa to tell you your notifications and the yellow light will disappear.

Other Possible Fixes for Echo Connection Problems

The issue you’re having could be a result of your internet connection. Perhaps the Echo isn’t connecting to the router, or the router isn’t connected to your ISP.

Follow these steps in order until it has reconnected.

1. Check to make sure your router is plugged in and connected to the Internet. Can you connect to Wi-Fi and access the Internet from another device? If not, the problem lies with either your router or your modem. Unplug both devices, wait 15 seconds, then plug them back in.
   
2. If that does not work, try the same thing with the Echo. Turn it completely off using the power button, wait 15 seconds, then turn it back on. Wait a minute to see if it automatically reconnects to the internet.
3. Is there still no connection? Don’t get frustrated – You may have saved your wireless password to your Amazon account when you first set up your Echo. If you recently changed your Wi-Fi password, the Echo will be unable to connect. Just open your Alexa app, update the password, and it should reconnect automatically.
4. If you are using a dual-band modem, then you may have two Wi-Fi networks set up. The two frequencies are optimized for different uses. The 5GHz frequency offers a more stable connection, while the 2.4GHz frequency is better for devices located further away. Try switching to the other network to see if the Echo will connect.
5. Check to make sure that your router is not blocking the device. Many routers will not allow a new device to join for security purposes. Login to your router and make sure the Echo has permission to join.
6. Is it still not working? Try repositioning your Echo. First, get it away from any wireless devices that could interfere with its signal. Then, move it higher, such as on top of a piece of furniture, to avoid interference. Finally, it could be that the Echo is too far from the wireless router (within 30 feet is ideal) or in a part of your house where the signal is not especially strong. Try moving the Echo to a better location, such as right next to your wireless router. Tip: Alternatively, you could get a wireless extender to expand your router’s range.

How do I Reset my Alexa Back to the Factory Defaults?

If your Alexa device continues to have problems after following the steps above it’s time for a factory reset.

Resetting to the factory defaults is different for the first- and second-generation Echos.

For the first-generation Echo, reset using these steps:

1. Use a thin item, such as a paperclip or earring, to press and hold the reset button located at the bottom of the device. The light ring on top of the Echo will turn orange, then blue.
2. Release the button, and the light will turn off, then orange. Now, follow the process outlined above to set up your Wi-Fi connection from scratch.

For the second-generation Echo, reset using the following steps:

1. Press and hold the devices’ “Volume Down” and “Microphone Off” buttons. The light will turn orange for about 20 seconds, then turn blue.
2. Release the button, and the light will turn off, then orange. Now, follow the process outlined above to set up your Wi-Fi connection from scratch.

And for third-generation Echos, reset using these steps:

1. Press and hold the Action button for around 30 seconds or until the light ring pulses orange, then turns off.
2. Then wait for the light ring to turn back on and then turn blue. 
3. Finally, the light ring will turn orange again, and the Echo will enter setup mode.

If you’re still having trouble connecting your Amazon Echo to Wi-Fi you can contact Amazon for further help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Connection issues with the Echo are no fun. When Alexa isn’t working correctly it’s easy to become frustrated. We’ve added more questions to help you get the most out of your Echo device in this section.

Does Amazon offer a warranty for Echo devices?

Assuming that there is something wrong with your Echo device, Amazon does offer a one-year limited warranty. If you’re still within the one-year warranty period, you can visit this website for more information on filing a claim.

As long as your Echo wasn’t a refurbished model and doesn’t have any physical damage, filing a claim for a replacement device shouldn’t be an issue.

How can I tell if my Echo is connected to Wi-Fi?

When you say ‘Alexa’ or your wake word, Alexa should light up blue and respond to you. If you see an orange or purple light ring, she is having issues carrying out tasks. This problem is likely related to your internet connection.