Amazon’s Echo smart speakers and displays are versatile devices used for various tasks like managing schedules, controlling smart home devices, and streaming music. They’re user-friendly and offer a range of features, including a system of colored lights that convey different information. This article focuses on deciphering one specific signal: the green light on your Alexa device.
Decoding the Green Light on Your Echo Device
A green light on your Amazon Echo device signifies an incoming call. This applies to both Echo speakers with LED light rings (located on the top or bottom) and Echo Show smart displays with light bars at the bottom of the touchscreen.
The call can originate from a traditional phone number or through an Alexa Drop In session initiated by a contact using another Echo device or the Alexa app. When you answer the call or start a call yourself, the green light will begin spinning. This indicates an active call or Drop In session is in progress.
Managing the Green Light: Turning it Off
There are two primary ways to dismiss the green light on your Alexa device:
Answering or Dismissing a Call
- Answering: Say “Alexa, answer call” to accept the incoming call or Drop In. The flashing green light will transition to a spinning green light, indicating an active conversation.
- Ignoring: Tell “Alexa, ignore the call” to decline the incoming call. The flashing green light will turn off.
- Ending a call: Once you’re finished with a call, simply say, “Alexa, hang up.” The spinning green light will then disappear.
Disabling Call and Drop In Features
To permanently prevent the green light from appearing, you can disable the communication features on your Echo device:
- Open the Alexa App: Launch the Alexa app on your mobile device.
- Navigate to Device Settings: Select “Devices,” then choose “Echo & Alexa.”
- Select Your Device: Find the specific Echo device you want to modify and select it.
- Disable Communications: Choose “Communications” and toggle the setting to the off position. This will prevent incoming calls and messages from non-Alexa devices.
- Disable Drop In (Optional): If you also want to disable Drop In calls, toggle off “Drop In” within the same settings panel. This prevents anyone from initiating a Drop In session with your device.
Understanding Other Alexa Light Colors
Your Echo device uses various colors to communicate different states. Here’s a quick overview:
- Pulsing Yellow: Indicates a waiting notification, such as a delivery update, a low stock reminder, or an unread message. To clear notifications, say “Alexa, what are my notifications?” followed by “Alexa, clear notifications.”
- Flashing Red: Signifies that the microphone is muted. Press the microphone button on your device to unmute it and turn off the red light.
- Solid or Spinning White: A solid white light reflects volume adjustments. A spinning white light indicates that Alexa Guard is on and in Away Mode. You can disable this by telling Alexa you’re home or turning off Guard in the app.
By understanding the various light signals on your Echo device, you can effectively manage your communications and stay informed about its status. The green light, specifically, plays a crucial role in indicating incoming calls and active conversations, allowing you to seamlessly connect with others using your Alexa device.
