If you’re having trouble getting your Alexa-enabled device to play music, there are a few things you can try. I’ve found that 9 times out of 10, Wi-Fi is the culprit. Simply re-establishing a connection will often resolve the issue.
You can also check to make sure that the music service you’re trying to use is compatible with Alexa. Sometimes, a simple restart fixes things. Let’s explore the 10 top solutions below.
I recommend you start with the solutions that are easiest for you and work your way down.
1. Check Your Wi-Fi Connection
The first thing you’ll want to do if Alexa isn’t playing music is to check your Wi-Fi connection.
To do this, go to the settings menu on your Echo device and select “Network.”
From there, you should see a list of all the networks your Echo is connected to.
If the network you’re trying to use is not listed, or if it says “unavailable,” then there’s likely an issue with your Wi-Fi connection.
Reduce Wi-Fi Interference
If you’re having issues with your Wi-Fi connection, there are some things you can try to reduce interference.
One is to move your Echo device closer to your router.
Another is to change the channel your router is using.
You can usually do this in the settings menu of your router.
Move Your Router
If you’re still having problems with your Wi-Fi connection after trying to reduce interference, you may need to move your router closer to your Echo device.
This is especially true if you have a large home and your router is located far away from your Echo.
Connect to Your High Speed Channel (5 Ghz)
If you have a dual-band router, you can try connecting your Echo to the 5 GHz channel.
This is typically faster and has less interference than the 2.4 GHz channel.
To do this, go to the settings menu on your Echo and select “Network.”
From there, you should see a list of all the networks your Echo is connected to.
If the network you’re trying to use is not listed, or if it says “unavailable,” then there’s likely an issue with your Wi-Fi connection.
Restart Your Router
If you’re still having trouble with your Wi-Fi connection, you may need to restart your router and Echo device.
To restart your router, unplug it from power for 30 seconds and then plug it back in.
To restart your Echo device, simply say “Alexa, reboot.”
If this doesn’t work, try resetting your router to its factory settings.
You can usually do this in the settings menu of your router.
Check Your Firewall Settings
If you have a firewall enabled on your router, it could be blocking access to the ports that are needed for streaming music.
To check your firewall settings, you’ll have to gain access to your router’s control panel.
This is usually completed by typing your router’s IP address in your web browser.
From there, you should find the firewall settings.
If you’re not sure what to do, you can usually find instructions for your specific router online.
You might also need to update your Firewall settings.
To do this, go to the settings menu on your Echo and select “Network.”
From there, you should see a list of all the networks your Echo is connected to.
If the network you’re trying to use is not listed, or if it says “unavailable,” then there’s likely an issue with your Wi-Fi connection.
If you’re still having trouble after checking your firewall settings, you may need to update them.
To do this, you’ll have to gain access to your router’s control panel.
This is usually completed by typing the router’s IP address in your web browser.
From there, you should find the firewall settings.
If you’re not sure what to do, you can usually find instructions for your specific router online.
2. Restart Your Alexa
If restarting your router doesn’t work, you may need to restart your Echo device.
To do this, simply say “Alexa, reboot.”
You can also unplug your Echo device from power for 30 seconds and then plug it back in.
3. Check Your Music Filters
If you have any filters enabled in the Alexa app, it could be affecting which music is played.
To check your filters, open the Alexa app and go to “Settings.”
From there, select “Music.”
Under “Music Sources,” you should see a list of all the music services that are connected to your Echo.
If one of them has a filter enabled, it will say “Filtered” next to it.
4. Reset Your Default Music Provider
If you’re still having trouble playing music, you may need to reset your default music provider.
This applies whether you’re using Amazon Music, Apple Music, or Spotify.
To do this, open the Alexa app and go to “Settings.”
From there, select “Music.”
Under “Music Sources,” you should see a list of all the music services that are connected to your Echo.
Tap on the one you want to use as your default and then select “Set as Default.”
5. Disable Your Speaker’s Skill
You may need to disable and re-enable your speaker’s skill if you’re using an external device, such as a Bose or Sonos.
To do this, open the Alexa app and go to “Settings.”
From there, select “Device Settings.”
Select your Echo device and then scroll down to find the “Skills” section.
From there, you can disable any skills that you don’t want to use.
6. Check For Software Updates
It’s possible that there’s a software update for your Echo device.
To check for updates, open the Alexa app and go to “Settings.”
From there, select “Device Settings.”
Select your Echo device and then scroll down to find the “Software Updates” section.
If there’s an update available, it will say “Update.”
Tap on that and then follow the instructions to install the update.
7. Check Your In-Home Network
If you’re having trouble playing music, it could be due to your in-home network.
To check your network, open the Alexa app and go to “Settings.”
From there, select “Device Settings.”
Select your Echo device and then scroll down to find the “Network” section.
Here, you should see a list of all the networks your Echo is connected to.
If the network you’re trying to use is not listed, or if it says “unavailable,” then there’s likely an issue with your Wi-Fi connection.
8. Check Your Location Settings
It’s possible that your location settings are affecting your ability to play music.
To check your location settings, open the Alexa app and go to “Settings.”
From there, select “Device Settings.”
Select your Echo device and then scroll down to find the “Location” section.
If your location is set to “Off,” try changing it to “On.”
9. Check Your Country Settings
If you’re in a different country, it’s possible that your country settings are affecting your ability to play music.
To check your country settings, open the Alexa app and go to “Settings.”
From there, select “Device Settings.”
Select your Echo device and then scroll down to find the “Country” section.
If your country is set to “Off,” try changing it to “On.”
10. Contact Customer Support
If you’ve tried all of the above and you’re still having trouble playing music, you may need to contact customer support.
To do this, open the Alexa app and go to “Settings.”
From there, select “Help.”
You should then see a list of options for contacting customer support.
Select the one that’s most convenient for you and follow the instructions.
Summary
Alexa is a wonderful tool to have in your home, but it can be frustrating when it doesn’t work the way you want it to.
If you’re having trouble playing music on your Echo, there are some things you can try.
First, make sure that your Echo is connected to the internet and that your Wi-Fi network is working.
Then, check your music filters and reset your default music provider.
If you’re still having trouble, you can try disabling your speaker’s skill, checking for software updates, or changing your location settings.
If none of these things work, you may need to contact customer support.
If you’re unable to find a solution, you may need to invest in a new speaker.
Fortunately, there are a variety of options available at different price points.
When choosing a new speaker, you’ll want to consider things like sound quality, design, and price.
Ultimately, the best speaker for you is the one that fits your needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why will my Alexa respond but not play music?
This common problem is often easy to fix.
I recommend unplugging your Alexa and plugging it back in.
You’ll find that this usually fixes any music playback issues.
What do I do if Alexa won’t play music?
There could be a few reasons why Alexa won’t play music.
First, make sure that your Echo is connected to the internet and that your Wi-Fi network is working.
In most cases, it’s a Wi-Fi issues that’s causing the problem.
If your Wi-Fi network is working, check your music filters and reset your default music provider.
