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Amazon Alexa, Echo & Fire TVEasy2 min read

What the Echo light ring colours mean

The light ring on an Echo speaker tells you what Alexa is doing. These are the meanings for Echo speakers. Different models, and the newer Alexa+ devices, may show different lights, so check the instructions for your exact model.

The colours and what they mean

  • Cyan spotlight on a blue ring: Alexa is listening. It can also show when Alexa is thinking or updating.
  • Teal blue bar: Alexa is ready for you to speak without needing the wake word.
  • Slowly spinning teal and blue: the device is starting up or restarting after an update.
  • Solid red: the microphone button has been pressed, so the microphone is off and Alexa is not listening. On devices with a camera it also means video will not be shared.
  • Orange: the device is in setup mode, or is trying to connect to the internet.
  • Slow yellow burst every few seconds: Alexa has a message or notification for you.
  • Pulsing green: you are getting a call. Spinning green means a call or Drop In is active.
  • Purple: appears briefly after a request when Do Not Disturb is on. It can also show during setup if there are Wi-Fi problems.
  • White: shows the volume level when you change it.

What to do about it

If you see a red ring and Alexa will not answer, press the microphone button on top of the Echo once. It should turn off.

If you see orange for a long time, the Echo may be struggling to reach your Wi-Fi. Restart the Echo and your router.

If you see yellow, simply say, "Alexa, what are my notifications?"

Colours not on this list

Other colours, or patterns we have not listed, are not covered here, as they vary by model. Look in the Alexa app under help for your device, or search for your Echo model's instructions.

When to get more help

If your Echo shows a light that does not clear after a restart, or you are unsure what it means, ask for help before trying a factory reset.

Did this help? If you are still stuck, email Vision Tech and tell us what you can see on the screen. Menus and button names can differ slightly between versions and makes. If something does not match, stop and ask rather than guess.

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