Alexa-enabled devices, such as the Echo and Echo Dot, use colored lights to communicate different statuses and notifications. Understanding these light signals can help you quickly address messages, calls, or potential connection issues. This article will explain the meaning behind Alexa’s green and yellow lights, as well as other colors you might encounter.
Decoding Alexa’s Yellow Light
A blinking yellow light on your Alexa device signifies unread messages. These could be notifications from Amazon regarding order updates, delivery confirmations, or messages from other Alexa users.
Addressing the Yellow Light
To clear the blinking yellow light, simply ask Alexa to read your messages. She will either inform you about a delivered package or read aloud any messages in your inbox. This includes messages sent through the Alexa app.
Disabling Yellow Light Notifications
If you find the yellow light notifications distracting, you can disable them:
- Open the Alexa app on your smartphone (available for iOS and Android).
- Tap the three-line menu icon in the top-left corner.
- Select “Settings.”
- Choose “Device Settings.”
- Select your specific Alexa device and tap “Communications.”
- Toggle the “Communications” switch to the off position (gray).
Understanding Alexa’s Flashing Green Light
A flashing green light indicates an incoming call to your Alexa device. If you answer the call, the green light will transition to a spinning pattern.
Handling the Green Light
To stop the flashing green light, you have three options: answer the call by saying “Answer call,” decline the call with “Decline call,” or wait for the call to end.
Disabling Green Light Notifications
To disable incoming call notifications and the flashing green light:
- Follow steps 1-5 as outlined in the yellow light section above.
- Toggle the “Communications” switch to the off position (gray). This disables both call and message notifications.
Other Alexa Light Colors and Their Meanings
Besides green and yellow, Alexa utilizes other colors to communicate different states:
- Blue: A solid blue light appears when you wake Alexa. A spinning cyan ring alongside the blue light indicates processing. Alternating blue and cyan signifies Alexa is responding.
- Purple: A blinking purple light signals Wi-Fi connection problems. A spinning blue with a purple flash means Do Not Disturb is activated. A purple flash occurs when interacting with Alexa while Do Not Disturb is enabled.
- Orange: A spinning orange light indicates your device is attempting to connect to your Wi-Fi network.
- Red: A solid red light means the microphone is muted.
Conclusion
Alexa’s colored lights provide a visual language for understanding its status and notifications. By recognizing the meaning of the green and yellow lights, as well as other colors, you can effectively manage your interactions and troubleshoot any potential issues with your Alexa-enabled device. Remembering these simple color codes will enhance your overall Alexa experience.
