The pulsating yellow light on your Amazon Echo device can be a source of confusion. It’s one of seven different colors your Echo can display, each signaling a different status or notification. This guide will decode the yellow light and other common Alexa light signals, helping you understand what your device is trying to tell you.
Decoding the Yellow Light on Your Alexa Device
Alexa yellow light
That pulsating yellow light, often accompanied by a two-tone chime, signifies that Alexa has a notification or a missed reminder for you. This could range from a package delivery update to a reminder you set earlier. Common notifications include:
- Amazon Package Delivery: Alexa will notify you when a package has been delivered or is about to ship.
- Subscribe & Save Updates: You’ll receive alerts for upcoming Subscribe & Save deliveries.
- Missed Reminders: The yellow light will remind you of any reminders you might have missed.
To hear your notifications, simply say, “Alexa, tell me my notifications.” The yellow light will disappear once Alexa has finished reading them. To clear all notifications without listening to them, say, “Alexa, delete all my notifications.”
Other Alexa Light Ring Colors and Their Meanings
Beyond the yellow light, your Alexa device uses other colors to communicate different information:
Solid Red Light: Microphone Muted or Error
Alexa red light
A solid red light usually indicates that the microphone is muted. Press the microphone button again to unmute. If the microphone isn’t muted, the red light could signal an error with Wi-Fi connectivity or Alexa itself.
Blue Light with Spinning Cyan Segment: Alexa is Listening
Alexa blue light
When you speak to Alexa, a blue light with a spinning cyan segment appears, indicating that she’s listening and processing your request. The cyan segment points in the direction from which Alexa is listening.
Spinning Orange Light: Setup Mode or Connectivity Issues
Alexa orange light
A spinning orange light means your Echo is in setup mode. If your device isn’t new, this light suggests potential internet connectivity problems.
Pulsing or Spinning Green Light: Incoming or Active Call
Alexa green light
A pulsing green light signals an incoming call. A spinning green light signifies an active call or a “drop in” from another Echo device. Say, “Alexa, answer” to accept a call or “Hang up” to end a call or drop in.
Purple Light: Do Not Disturb Mode or Setup Issue
Alexa purple light
A brief purple flash confirms that Do Not Disturb mode is enabled. A solid purple light during setup indicates a problem with the Wi-Fi connection.
Spinning White Light: Away Mode
Alexa white light
A spinning white light indicates that Alexa’s Emergency Assist (formerly Alexa Guard) is in “away” mode. Say, “Alexa, I’m home” to disable it. A white light also appears when adjusting the volume.
Understanding Your Alexa’s Signals
Knowing what the different light patterns on your Alexa device mean allows you to quickly address notifications, troubleshoot issues, and utilize features effectively. From the pulsating yellow light indicating a waiting message to the spinning white light signaling away mode, understanding these signals enhances your interaction with your smart speaker.
