Alexa routines not working: Quick Fix

Photo by Andres Urena

Alexa routines are custom commands that you can create to make Alexa perform multiple actions with a single phrase. For example, you can say “Good morning”, and Alexa will play soothing music, read the news, turn on the lights and so on.

However, some customers have reported having issues with Alexa routines, like the Alexa routines not working properly or stopping altogether. Fortunately, the issue can be fixed with a few simple steps.

In this article, we’ll discuss such steps so that you can get your Alexa routines back on track easily.

Possible causes of Alexa routines not working

Here are some possible causes and solutions for Alexa routines not working:

Faulty internet connection: Alexa performs seamlessly when you have a properly working internet. In case, your internet connection is slow or unstable, you will face issues with the overall functioning of Alexa.
Faulty device settings: Sometimes, the Echo device’s settings are not configured properly causing problems with Alexa routines.
Faulty Alexa routine settings: Sometimes, your Alexa routines might not work because of a mistake or a conflict in the settings.
Outdated firmware: If you haven’t updated the Alexa in a while, chances are that it will not work seamlessly.

Also read: Alexa won’t play music: 11 Fixes

How to fix Alexa routines not working issue?

Now that we have understood the possible cause behind the Alexa routines not working problem, let us quickly head to the solutions.

Fix your internet connection

To fix your internet connection, here are a few steps that you should take:

First, make sure that there isn’t any internet outage in your area. You can ask your Internet Service Provider for the information or you can visit their website.
If there is no outage, then it is time to check the hardware to make sure that they are not damaged. Check all the hardware associated with the internet connection. That includes your router, modem, power cable, and the main power source, among others. Ensure that all the hardware is undamaged and working properly. If you notice any damage, change it asap.
If the hardware is fine, then it is time to check the connections. Make sure that the cables are secured firmly in the proper ports.
Sometimes, there is too much distance between the WiFi and the receiving device. Make sure that the distance is less. Or, you can directly connect the internet to your computer as it provides a more stable speed compared to WiFi. This will surely fix the Alexa routines not working issue.
Also, remove any other electronic appliances that might interfere with the WiFi signals. While you are at it, place the WiFi on a raised platform so that the devices catch signals seamlessly.
If there are many devices connected to your network, remove them before playing games on the internet as the devices share the limited bandwidth of the plan. You can also think of upgrading your existing internet plan.

Check your device settings

As explained earlier, faulty device settings can cause Alexa to malfunction. Make sure your Echo device is plugged in and powered on.

Also ensure, that the microphone is not muted. Another reason for Alexa routines not working is that you are using a device that is not registered to the same Amazon account that you used to create the routines. Open the Alexa app > Devices > Echo device > Registered To.

Check your routine settings

You will have to check your routine settings to further diagnose the Alexa routine not working problem:

Ensure that you have enabled the routines

First, make sure that the Alexa routine is enabled. To verify the status of your routine (enabled or disabled) and make any necessary changes, follow these steps:

Open the Alexa app and then head to More > Routines.
Choose the specific routine you want to check.
In the Edit Routine section, locate the Enabled/Disabled toggle button.
If you find that the routine is disabled, enable it to ensure it can run as intended.

Ensure routines is connected to the intended device

Now, make sure that you have connected the routine to the right Echo device. If there is any mismatch with this connection, you will face Alexa routines not working issue.

In the From section, you always choose the target device. Therefore, it is essential to confirm if the selected device is functional, connected to the internet, and the correct one. These inquiries will ensure the effective execution of your routines by connecting to a functional Alexa device.

To guarantee smooth operation, examine the device to which you have assigned your routine and confirm its accuracy. Remember that routines only function with a single Echo device at a time, so ensure that a functioning Echo device is designated for your routine.

If you possess a single Alexa Echo device, the routine should connect effortlessly. However, if you have multiple devices and wish to assign a routine to more than one, here’s a helpful tip. To utilize the same routine across multiple Echo devices, create identical routines for each of your devices.

If your device is properly configured, your routine should proceed without any issues.

Delete and recreate the routine to resolve issues

To resolve any problems with your Alexa routine, one effective solution is to delete and recreate it. All routines now feature a toggle button that allows you to turn them off without the need for deletion.

If you discover that the routine is enabled but still not functioning correctly, deleting and recreating it may resolve the issue. Here’s how you can delete a routine:

Open the Alexa app and then navigate to More > Routines.
Choose the routine you wish to delete.
At the top, in the Edit Routine section, tap the three vertical dots.
From the list of options, select Delete Routine.

After deleting the routine, follow these steps to recreate it:

Open the Alexa app and navigate to Routines.
Tap on the + icon to create a new routine.
Provide a name for your routine.
Specify the trigger (When), actions (Action), and select the device (From).
Save the routine.
Clearly describe the steps of your routine using easily understandable terms.

After you’re done, Test the routine by playing or triggering it to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

Perform a reset on the Echo device

If you have exhausted all troubleshooting solutions and your routine still refuses to work correctly, the problem may lie with the connected Echo device.

Resetting your Echo device to its factory settings and setting it up again in the Alexa app can help refresh the device and enable it to run your designated routines. Keep in mind that this process will erase all data and configurations saved on the device.

Reset Echo device using the app

To reset the device using the app, follow these steps:

Select Devices in the Alexa app.
Choose Echo & Alexa.
Select the specific Echo device.
Scroll down and locate Reset, then confirm your selection.

Reset Echo device manually

The manual factory reset procedure varies depending on the Echo device model:

For Echo (4th generation): Press and hold the Action key until the ring lights turn off and then back on again.
1st generation Echo devices: Use a thin pin to press and hold the reset button for approximately 10 seconds.
Echo 2nd generation devices: press and hold the Volume Down and Mic Off buttons simultaneously for 15 to 20 seconds.

Once your device resets, utilize the Alexa app to complete the setup process by following the provided prompts. Proceed to assign a routine to the device and test it to ensure everything is functioning properly.