Alexa says "I'm having trouble connecting"
This message means the Echo cannot reach Amazon over the internet at that moment. It is usually a Wi-Fi or router problem, and rarely means the Echo is broken.
Check your internet first
Look at another device, such as your phone on Wi-Fi, and see if it can load a website. If it cannot, the problem is your broadband or router rather than Alexa.
Try restarting your router. Switch it off at the wall, wait 30 seconds, switch it on and give it a few minutes to settle.
Restart the Echo
- Unplug the Echo from the power.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- Plug it back in and wait for the light ring to finish its start-up.
A slowly spinning teal and blue ring means the device is starting up. An orange ring means it is in setup mode or trying to connect to the internet.
Check the Echo in the app
Open the Alexa app, tap Devices and look at your Echo. If it says offline, see our guide on an Echo showing offline in the app. If it needs a new Wi-Fi network, you can change it from the device settings.
Other things that cause it
- Your router is too far away or behind thick walls.
- Lots of devices on the Wi-Fi at once.
- A recent router change, or a changed Wi-Fi password.
- A problem at Amazon's end. If other Echoes in the house or other people are affected too, wait an hour and try again.
It may help to restart the Echo whenever you restart the router.
When to get more help
If the message returns every day, the Wi-Fi signal may be weak where the Echo sits, or the router may need attention. Vision Tech can check your Wi-Fi coverage and settings.