Do you frequently encounter difficulties when trying to connect your Alexa device to the internet? Is it often a challenge for you to establish an internet connection? Have you noticed any irregularities or slow performance during attempts to link your Alexa to the internet?
This guide can help you troubleshoot and fix the problem. After all, without a reliable Wi-Fi connection, you can’t really do much with your Alexa device.
Possible reasons and solutions
1. Restart your devices
When you notice your device isn’t connected to your Wi-Fi network, the first step is to restart it. Simply power off and on your router and Alexa device. If you are struggling to restart the Alexa device manually, unplug it from the power outlet. Let it rest for a minute, plug it back, and power it on.
Alternatively, if the device has a removable battery, remove the battery and unplug the drive. After a few minutes, return the battery, plug it back to the outlet, and turn the device on.
2. Check if the Router is turned on
If the device turns on successfully still without a Wi-Fi connection, move to the router. Make sure the router is on. Some router models integrate LED status lights.
A red light typically indicates that the router is on but experiencing some trouble. A flashing or stable blue or green light indicates that the router is on and properly working. If you have the manual of the router, check the manual to check the LED status.
3. Check if the device is within range
If both devices are on and functioning, the next thing to observe is the Wi-Fi range. You have to ensure your Alexa device is within your router’s range.
Ideally, you want the device to be within the visible range of the router. This ensures that the device receives the strongest connection. You also want to avoid obstacles between the router and the Alexa device’s path.
Electronic devices such as TVs, microwaves, baby monitors, etc, and other obstacles such as walls can very easily interrupt your Wi-Fi connection or even stop it entirely. To fix this problem, place your device in an elevated space, such as a tall cabinet or shelf.
4. Crowded Wi-Fi
A crowded Wi-Fi network can very easily distort and interrupt your internet connection. If you have many devices depending on the same Wi-Fi network, speed and connectivity are always compromised.
To fix this problem, reduce the number of devices connected to your Wi-Fi. Alternatively, you can upgrade your Wi-Fi connectivity to 5G.
5. Check Router Connectivity
Before you spend money or time fixing your existing router, make sure it works first. To check if your router works, connect it to another device. If it connects successfully, it’s probably the Alexa device that has a problem. If it doesn’t connect to the other device, continue troubleshooting the router.
6. Check network bands
Some router models integrate two Wi-Fi bands, i.e., 2.4 GHz and 5GHz bands. This means that they will have different SSIDs. To see if your router has dual bands check the Wi-Fi setting on other devices such as your phone. You should see basic names such as phone -2.4 and phone-5.0.
First, make sure your Echo device and your phone are connected to the right band and have the correct login credentials. If this doesn’t work, you can switch the bands. Disconnect your device from one band and connect it to the other.
7. Check Wi-Fi settings
Next, check your Wi-Fi settings. Look at information such as password and network name. Cross-check the information with your device and update it. Additionally, check the firewall settings of your Wi-Fi connection using your laptop.
A firewall setting can easily block the device from accessing the network. Additionally, check if you have an ad blocker. The adblocker in rare cases can also hinder the connection. If you have, disable it. Turn both the router and Alexa device off and turn them on again.
8. Check for software updates
Lastly, you must never forget to update your Alexa device software. Check for software updates on your device and make sure it has the latest version. To check for updates, long-press the mute button for 30 seconds. Doing so will let you know if your device is connected to the server or not.
9. Try a Factory Reset
If your echo dot won't connect to Wi-Fi, you can also reset the Alexa device to factory settings. However, opting to reset your device means that you will lose all your preset data.
When you turn it on after the reset, you have to start from scratch, including setting up a new Wi-Fi connection.
Resetting is simple. Go to the action button at the top of your device. Long press it for about 20 to 40 seconds. This will prompt the device’s ring light to turn yellow and then blue. Once it turns blue, it’s an indicator that the reset is complete and successful.
The Verdict
As you can see, if Alexa is having trouble connecting to the internet then there are some simple steps you can follow. Work through the above and if that doesn’t work out, you can always reset your device back to its factory settings. Leave a comment below with your experience!