Symptoms
- Speaker doesn't light up or respond to wake word
- Light indicates listening but doesn't respond correctly
- Speaker responds to some commands but not others
- App shows the speaker as offline
Likely causes
- CommonMicrophone muted on the speakerA physical mute button or switch disables the mic and is easy to forget was pressed.
- CommonWiFi connection droppedSmart speakers need an active internet connection to process most requests.
- PossibleBackground noise interfering with wake word detectionLoud music, TV, or fans can prevent the speaker from hearing the wake word clearly.
- PossibleApp or account sign-in issueA logged-out account or app glitch can prevent commands from being processed.
- Less commonSpeaker hardware or firmware faultAn internal fault can cause the assistant to stop functioning even when connected.
What to do
- Check for a mute indicator (often a red light or ring) and press the mic mute button to unmute it.
- Check the companion app to confirm the speaker shows as online and connected to WiFi.
- Move closer to the speaker and speak clearly, reducing background noise like TV or music volume.
- Restart the speaker by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in.
- Restart your WiFi router if multiple devices are having connectivity issues.
- Check the assistant app for any account sign-in prompts or service outages listed by the manufacturer.
- Reset the speaker to factory settings and set it up again if the issue persists.
When to call a pro
If the speaker won't reconnect or respond after a factory reset and confirmed good WiFi, contact the manufacturer's support for a hardware evaluation.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.