Skip to main content

How to fix Alexa not connecting to the internet

Echo Show 8 on a wooden table.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Sometimes a smart home product gets disconnected from the internet and can't reconnect on its own. There are many reasons why this could happen, but it's a common issue that's relatively easy to fix. When an Amazon Echo device is disconnected from the internet, it essentially becomes a paperweight, so getting it back online is imperative.

Recommended Videos

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

5 minutes

What You Need

  • Phone with Alexa app

  • Router/modem

  • Echo device

Echo Show 5 playing music.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How to get Alexa back online

The following steps to get your Alexa device online require you to have access to a phone, your Echo device, and your router and modem. Make sure you’re in close proximity to all of these. Now onto the steps to get Alexa working again.

Step 1: Restart your Echo device.

Sometimes all it takes to get Alexa back online is to restart the device. Unplug the Echo device from power for 10 seconds and then plug it back in.

Step 2: Check your internet connection.

If the Echo is still not connecting to the internet, check your Wi-Fi connection. It's best to use a Wi-Fi-only device such as a computer to ensure cellular connections don’t interfere, but a phone works. If your router has issues, try the following steps or call your ISP.

Step 3: Restart the modem and router.

Some ISPs provide customers modems and routers (as separate boxes or combo units). Luckily, the rebooting steps are nearly the same. Unplug the combo unit or modem and router from power for 30 seconds. If it's a combo unit, plug it back into the outlet. If you have separate devices, plug in the modem first and wait one minute. Then plug in the router and wait two minutes.

Check to see if the device you used to test connectivity is working with this Wi-Fi network. If so, the Echo should be working, too.

Step 4: Reposition your Echo device.

If the Echo is still not coming back online, it could be that the Echo device is simply too far from the router to maintain a reliable connection. Amazon suggests keeping the Echo within 30 feet of the signal.

Remember, interference can shorten the length. Interference can be wall materials (like brick, for example) or other devices connecting to the internet.

Step 5: Reset the Alexa device to factory settings.

If you're still having connectivity issues, you many need to do a factory reset. You can reset the Echo through the Alexa app. There are also specific directions for resetting an Echo Dot and an Echo Show.

Echo Dot on table.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How do I reconnect my Alexa to Wi-Fi?

If you're still having issues connecting your Alexa device to Wi-Fi that's working correctly, you'll need to fix your Wi-Fi credentials in the Alexa app. Something easy to miss is a wrong password or security type. For example, if you change your Wi-Fi password at the router level, you’ll also need to change it on your Echo device. Here's how to check your Wi-Fi login information.

Step 1: Check your internet credentials.

Open the Alexa app on your phone. Tap Devices at the bottom. Select your Echo device and tap the Settings button at the top right. Tap Change next to the Wi-Fi option to view the Wi-Fi sign-in details. If they are incorrect, select the right network and enter the password.

Step 2: Check or change the router’s internet bands.

If the internet is working and the Echo still isn't connecting to Wi-Fi, it could be the band it's using. Most routers have multiple Wi-Fi bands — 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz are the most common. If you have this ability on your router, try changing which Wi-Fi network band your Echo device is using by following the steps above for checking internet credentials.

If none of that works, call Amazon support. There could be an issue that requires a particular fix. Either way, Amazon is the last and best line of defense for getting your device back working.

Keyan Riddick
Keyan Riddick is a freelance writer based in the mountains on North Carolina. When he isn't writing you can find him behind…
Best home security camera deals: Ring, Arlo, Blink and more on sale
These are the best security camera deals available right now
Prime Day 2022 security camera deals graphic.

There's a lot to be said about getting a home security camera, but if you live in a place that deals with crime, or even just want to monitor your home, then grabbing a good one can make all the difference. The great thing is that in the past decade or so, security cameras have come a long way, and nowadays, you can get things like wireless security cameras that let you access them remotely from wherever you are through an application. Of course, that does mean that there is a huge selection out there, which is why we've collected some of our favorite security camera deals below, although if you're in the Amazon ecosystem, it might be worth checking out these Ring camera deals.
Arlo Essential Camera (4-pack) -- $180 $370 51% off

The Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera is one of the better wireless cameras out there. Arlo is a brand that’s become a staple in home security cameras. The Essential Spotlight Camera is easy to install and take down for charging, and it offers the conveniences you’ll find in most wireless cameras. These include easy wireless connectivity to your home’s wifi network, which often needs to be done with a hub. This camera has connectivity built right in without the need for additional peripheral equipment. It has a motion sensor and an infrared mode for seeing at night. It has a two-way audio, which can be a good way to ward off intruders or talk with people making deliveries.

Read more
How to map multiple floors with the Roborock Qrevo Curv
The Qrevo Curv placed in its docking station.

Robot vacuums make it easy to keep your entire home clean without much thought. After going through the initial setup and mapping phase, they can be scheduled to run automatically throughout the week. But if you’re living in a home with multiple floors, things can become a bit more complicated — not only will you have to physically move your robot up and down the stairs (none are yet capable of climbing steps), but you’ll need to map each floor separately.

Read more
How to make a video call on the Roborock Qrevo Curv
The Qrevo Curv and its mobile app.

The Roborock Qrevo Curv is one of the best robot vacuum and mop combos. It's capable of producing up to 18,500 Pa of suction, and with a bold new dock design, it’s both a striking work of art and a useful tool to have around the home. But aside from its good looks and effective cleaning skills, Roborock packed the gadget with some fun auxiliary features. And one of the often-overlooked features is its ability to make a video call.

Read more