Why Is My Alexa Having Trouble Understanding?
It can be frustrating when an Amazon Echo says it is “having trouble understanding right now”. This vague error message can mean a few things, and it isn’t always obvious how to fix it. Our guide explains what are the likely issues, and what you can do about them.
- Typically, when Alexa says “I’m having trouble understanding you” it’s because your Echo device isn’t able to contact Amazon’s servers, which is where your voice commands are sent to be translated into instructions your speaker can understand.
- This may be because your device has lost its connection to your router, or your internet service provider is temporarily unavailable.
Though less common, there could also be an issue on Amazon’s end. Either way, these are the first things you should do to try and fix the issue.
Why can’t Alexa Understand Me?
It can be frustrating when an Amazon Echo says it is “having trouble understanding right now”. This vague error message can mean a few things, and it isn’t always obvious how to fix it. Our guide explains what are the likely issues, and what you can do about them.
- Typically, when Alexa says “I’m having trouble understanding you” it’s because your Echo device isn’t able to contact Amazon’s servers, which is where your voice commands are sent to be translated into instructions your speaker can understand.
- This may be because your device has lost its connection to your router, or your internet service provider is temporarily unavailable.
Though less common, there could also be an issue on Amazon’s end. Either way, these are the first things you should do to try and fix the issue.
What does it mean when Alexa says unavailable?
Why is Alexa “having trouble understanding right now”? Because the Alexa service is down! When the Alexa service is unavailable, you’ll get a reply from Alexa saying she’s “having trouble understanding right now – please try again later”. Remember that your Echo speaker doesn’t transcribe your voice commands on the device itself.
- Instead, those commands are beamed up to Amazon’s servers, where they are processed.
- If the Amazon servers go down, your speaker basically turns into an overpriced doorstop.
- Is there anything you can do when you get this message? Not really.
- If there’s a problem connecting to your Wi-Fi, Alexa will give you a different warning message, so don’t bother resetting the speaker or rebooting your router – it will make no difference.
Instead, you’ll simply have to sit tight and wait for Amazon to get its servers up and running again. Now read this: : Why is Alexa “having trouble understanding right now”?
How to fix Alexa not responding?
#4. Ask Alexa to check for a system update – Your Alexa device should download software updates automatically when connected to the internet. But if you are having issues with Alexa, it’s definitely worth checking for a system update. Just say “Alexa, check for software updates.” If you are having trouble updating your device, restart it by unplugging it and plugging it back in.
Why does my Alexa keep disconnecting from the Internet?
#3. Make sure Alexa is still connected to the internet – Issues arise when Alexa loses connectivity to the internet. To check:
Go into the Alexa appTap the hamburger icon in the top left cornerTap SettingsTap Device SettingsTap the Echo smart speaker device that’s giving you problemsCheck if the device is connected to the internet (if it says “Device offline” at the top, that means it’s not connected)If your Echo is offline, make sure it’s in range of your wifi router and try reconnecting to wifi by tapping “Change” to the right of “Wifi Network”
How to make Alexa Understand you Better?
- Place them properly. First and foremost,make sure your device—whether it’s a standalone voice assistant product like an Amazon Echo or a phone with an assistant built-in—can actually hear you.
- Train them on your voice.
- Give devices and people unique names.
- Don’t talk like a robot.
How to fix Amazon Alexa?
How to Fix : Alexa Not Speaking Back in Amazon Echo? Check for Power Issues. You need to check whether the Echo is properly receiving power input or not. If no power is going then there is no way Alexa will reply to your queries promptly. Is the Microphone of Amazon Echo On. When the microphone is on, it will be denoted with a blue light on the