A flashing yellow light on your Amazon Echo device can be puzzling. This guide deciphers the various light signals on your Alexa device, focusing on what that yellow light means and how to address it.
Decoding Alexa’s Yellow Light
That pulsing yellow light, often accompanied by a distinct “bum, bum!” sound, indicates unread notifications or missed reminders. Common examples include package delivery updates or subscription shipment notifications from Amazon.
Alexa yellow light
To clear the notification and stop the flashing yellow light, you have two options:
- Hear your notifications: Say, “Alexa, tell me my notifications.” Alexa will read them aloud, and the yellow light will turn off.
- Delete all notifications: Say, “Alexa, delete all my notifications.” This clears all pending notifications without hearing them.
Other Alexa Light Signals
Beyond the yellow light, your Alexa device uses a range of colors to communicate different statuses:
Solid Red Light
Alexa red light
A solid red light typically signifies that the microphone is muted or the camera is off. Pressing the microphone button again should resolve this. If not, it could indicate a Wi-Fi connection issue or a problem with Alexa herself.
Blue Light with Spinning Light-Blue Segment
Alexa blue light
This indicates that Alexa is actively listening and processing your request. The spinning segment points in the direction from which she’s hearing you.
Spinning Orange Light
Alexa orange light
This light pattern appears during the initial setup of your Echo device. If seen outside of setup, it indicates the device is attempting to connect to the internet.
Pulsing or Spinning Green Light
Alexa green light
A pulsing green light signals an incoming call. A spinning green light means someone is using the “drop in” feature or that a call has just started.
Purple Light
Alexa purple light
A brief purple flash confirms that Do Not Disturb mode is activated. A solid purple light during setup indicates a problem with the Wi-Fi connection.
Spinning White Light
Alexa white light
A spinning white light signifies that Alexa Emergency Assist is in “away” mode. Saying, “Alexa, I’m home,” disables this mode. A white light also appears when adjusting the volume.
Managing Alexa’s Light Ring
While you can’t completely disable the light ring, Do Not Disturb mode minimizes light interruptions. This mode blocks calls and notifications, but allows alarms and timers to function. To enable it:
- Open the Alexa app, navigate to Devices, then Echo & Alexa.
- Select your device and tap the Do Not Disturb button.
You can also schedule Do Not Disturb mode within your Echo device’s settings.
Understanding these light signals allows you to interact with your Alexa device more effectively and troubleshoot any potential issues. The yellow light, in particular, ensures you never miss important notifications or reminders.
