Skip to main content

How to fix an Amazon Smart Thermostat that’s unresponsive

Few smart thermostats are as affordable and powerful as the Amazon Smart Thermostat. Clocking in well under $100 and backed by the great reputation of Amazon, the affordable thermostat is one of the most popular on the market. Yet despite its popularity, the Amazon Smart Thermostat isn't without a few issues. A common issue that crops up for users is the thermostat unit becoming unresponsive, making it difficult to use the device as intended.

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

15 minutes

What You Need

  • Amazon Smart Thermostat

  • Alexa app

  • Screwdriver (optional)

  • Flashlight (optional)

While it can be frustrating to stumble upon an Amazon Smart Thermostat that's unresponsive or not working as expected, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem. From restarting and partially resetting the thermostat to other troubleshooting tasks, here's a look at how to fix the issue.

Looking for an upgrade? Be sure to check out our list of the best smart thermostats for alternatives to the Amazon Smart Thermostat.

The Amazon Smart Thermostat installed on a wall.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How to restart and partially reset the Amazon Smart Thermostat

Before attempting any other troubleshooting methods, you’ll first want to try and restart your unresponsive Amazon Smart Thermostat. To do this, simply remove the faceplate from the wall, wait several seconds, then place it back on the wall. If you’re lucky, this will get your thermostat working like new. If that doesn’t work, try performing a partial reset by following these steps:

Step 1: Press the Up Temperature and Mode keys simultaneously for 10 seconds.

Step 2: Wait for the rEs notification to appear on the smart thermostat display.

Step 3: Hold the Mode button for five more seconds.

Step 4: This will reset the device and should fix any lingering issues.

The Amazon Smart Thermostat.
Amazon

Amazon Smart Thermostat unresponsive troubleshooting

If restarting and partially resetting your Amazon Smart Thermostat didn’t work, there are a few other things you can try. These are largely dependent on what exactly is wrong with your thermostat and only work for very specific issues.

A common issue with the Amazon Smart Thermostat is that the display will go blank. This can happen when the unit is left idle and inactive, and simply touching the screen should turn it back on. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to dive into your Alexa app, locate the Smart Thermostat, and increase your display brightness.

Another common issue that will cause your Amazon Smart Thermostat to behave erratically is if it’s installed in an awkward location. Amazon recommends installing it far away from air vents, sunlight, or other places that produce heat or cold air – such as a portable heater, air purifier, or near the kitchen. Consider moving your thermostat's location if you notice temperature readings that wildly fluctuate throughout the day.

The last way to fix an unresponsive Amazon Smart Thermostat is to double-check your wiring. This is particularly important if you had to install the C-wire adapter, as that requires additional wiring that may be best handled by a professional.

If none of these suggestions work, it might be time to contact an HVAC service to inspect your furnace and air conditioner. Most of the time a simple reset is all it takes to fix an unresponsive Amazon Smart Thermostat, but sometimes your issues might be caused by a more serious problem.

Editors' Recommendations

Jon Bitner
Jon Bitner is a writer covering consumer electronics, technology, and gaming. His work has been published on various websites…
Get $50 off Google’s Nest Learning Thermostat for a limited time
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat in stainless steel.

Over at Best Buy, one of the best Google Nest deals in recent times is going on. Today, you can buy the Google Nest Learning Thermostat for $200 instead of $250 so you save $50 off the regular price. A pretty great discount for this time of year, it’s perfect for ensuring you’re in complete control of the heating in your home. If you’re keen to learn more about it, tap the button below or keep reading while we take you through everything it has to offer.

Why you should buy the Google Nest Learning Thermostat
One of the best smart home devices you can add to your setup, the Google Nest Smart Thermostat gives you extensive control over your home’s temperature. If you’ve been wondering if a smart thermostat is worth it, this will reassure you extensively. It ensures your home runs far more efficiently, saving you money and keeping you happy and content, temperature-wise.

Read more
How to set up the Blink Mini 2 as a chime
The Blink Mini 2 on a bookshelf.

If you've been shopping for an affordable security camera that's packed with useful features, the Blink Mini 2 should check all the right boxes. Along with serving as both an indoor or outdoor camera, the tiny device can double as a chime for your smart doorbell. There are a few limitations to the feature, but as long as you're using a Blink Video Doorbell, you should have no problem linking the two devices together.

Need help with the process? Here's how to use your Blink Mini 2 as a chime for your Blink Video Doorbell and receive alerts when someone is at your front door.

Read more
Wow! Get a pack of 72 AA batteries for $13 with this flash deal
AmazonsBasics AA batteries being inserted into a game controller.

While today's electronic devices are moving towards using built-in or swappable rechargeable batteries, every family should still have stocks of AA batteries somewhere in their home for gadgets that use them. If you need to replenish your supply, you should consider shopping this offer from Amazon's Woot -- 72 pieces of AmazonBasics AA batteries for only $13, which is 43% off their original price of $23. There's supposedly a month left before the $10 discount expires, but since every household needs AA batteries, we don't expect stocks to last long. Push through with the transaction as soon as possible to make sure that you don't miss out on the savings.

Why you should buy AmazonBasics AA batteries
You don't need them for phones and laptops, but there's surely something around you right now that can be powered by the AmazonBasics AA batteries. Children's toys, remote controls, gaming controllers, flashlights, smoke detectors -- the list goes longer than you think, so it's important that you always have some spare Aa batteries lying around for when you need to swap out drained ones. The AmazonBasics AA batteries have a shelf life of 10 years, so you won't need to worry that you'll have to go through all 72 of them over a short period of time.

Read more