1. Problem: Alexa screams in reply and wakes up your entire house

You should feel comfortable using Alexa, even in the dead of night when other members of your household are asleep. You can set the smart assistant to use her inside voice whenever you want. Whisper Mode is a skill that’s available on all Alexa devices:

Open the Alexa app.Tap the More icon in the bottom right.Select Settings.Tap Voice Responses under Alexa Preferences. Toggle Whisper Mode to enable it.You can also say, “Alexa, turn on whisper mode.”

2. Problem: Music cuts out

What’s more annoying than the music cutting out when you’re caught in a groove? When this happens with Alexa, it can point to a few possible problems. Let’s try some solutions. The easiest possible fix is to reset your Alexa device. Some models have power or reset buttons, while others need to be unplugged. Either way, power down your Alexa device, wait 30 seconds, then power it on again. This can also resolve other issues, such as problems connecting to your Wi-Fi network, which brings us to the next likely culprit. If too many devices are connected to your network, your Alexa device may get lost in the congestion. Try turning off any connected devices you are not using. Also, keep your Alexa device away from metal objects, Bluetooth devices, baby monitors, microwaves and other sources of interference. Placing Alexa at a higher location will help boost the signal strength. Are you using Alexa from your iPhone? The Wi-Fi problem could be coming from there or even your router. Tap or click here for tips on resolving both.

3. Problem: Alexa can’t understand what you’re asking

Alexa may not always understand what you’re saying. This could be due to interference from noisy household appliances like your TV, washer, dryer and more. If you keep an Alexa device by a sink, the running water will also pose a problem. Put your device in an open space. Remember that Alexa is trained to listen to you speak to her as you would to a human. Rephrase your question and don’t scream.

4. Problem: Alexa starts doing something or answering you and you have no idea why

It can be scary when Alexa activates out of nowhere. Is it a ghost? No, she probably heard something from the TV or your conversation with someone, and it set her off. The first thing you might want to do is figure out what happened. Just say, “Alexa, why did you do that?” You can also change Alexa’s wake word by saying, “Alexa, change the wake word.”

5. Problem: You keep getting the wrong speaker’s attention because you have a few in the house

If you have speakers set up close to each other, it can get confusing addressing one of them. You could move them further apart or change their names. An easy way to distinguish your speakers is by naming them after the room they occupy such as Kitchen, Computer, Living Room, Bedroom or Office. If you have different types of speakers, you can:

Open the Alexa app.Select Devices.Select Echo & Alexa.Select your device, then Edit Name.

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