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Alexa is meant to be helpful when you ask a question or issue a command, but there are times when Amazon’s voice assistant falls short. It can sometimes provide an incorrect response or even fail to fully understand your request. This can even happen with Alexa+, Amazon's premium upgrade that's free for Prime members, but costs $19.99 per month for everyone else.
If you’re experiencing relationship problems with Alexa, don’t despair. There are ways to improve its behavior. Here are 10 of the most annoying things about Alexa and how to fix them.
1. Alexa Doesn't Understand You
You ask Alexa a legitimate question, and she either offers a totally wrong response or simply says, “Sorry, I’m not sure about that.” This problem sometimes occurs because Alexa misunderstands or misinterprets what you said. One way to resolve this issue is to train Alexa to recognize your voice by setting up a Voice ID. Even if you previously created a Voice ID, recreating it can help if Alexa consistently fails to understand you.
To create a Voice ID, you’ll need the Alexa app (iOS, Android). In the app, tap the three-line icon in the upper-left corner. Tap Settings > Your Profile > Voice ID. If you haven’t yet set up Voice ID, you’ll be prompted to do so. If you’ve already set it up and want to recreate it, tap Delete Voice ID and then tap Voice ID again to recreate it.
(Credit: PCMag / Amazon)After you agree to Amazon's terms, you’re asked to repeat four different questions and commands so that Alexa can understand your voice. Speak each phrase until you’re finished and then tap Done. Try speaking to Alexa again to see if it understands you better.
(Credit: PCMag / Amazon)2. Alexa Mispronounces Your Name
Does Alexa have trouble pronouncing your name? If so, you can fix that. In the Alexa app, go to Settings > Your Profile > Name and pronunciation, then tap your first name and make sure it’s spelled correctly. Tap Go to Saved Pronunciation and tap the Play button to hear Alexa pronounce your first name. If the pronunciation is correct, tap the Nailed it button. If not, tap Let's Fix That. You’re taken to another screen where you can listen to alternative pronunciations or write out your name phonetically. Alexa should then be able to pronounce your name correctly.
(Credit: PCMag / Amazon)3. Alexa Talks Too Much
When you issue a command to Alexa, the assistant sometimes responds by voice as tasks are completed. That can be annoying and unnecessary. Instead, Alexa can carry out your requests with just a brief sound. To set this up in the app, head to Settings > Voice Responses and turn on Brief Mode. Going forward, Alexa will play only a quick ding when you issue a request.
(Credit: PCMag / Amazon)4. Alexa Can't Handle Multiple Questions in a Row
Normally, when you want to issue several questions or commands in a row to Alexa, you have to preface each one by saying “Alexa.” If not, Alexa ignores everything you say beyond the first question or request. To get past this limitation, say “Alexa, enable Follow-up Mode" so you can keep talking. You can also enable the feature in the Alexa app by going to Devices and selecting the name of your Echo. Tap Settings > Follow-up Mode, then turn it on.
As long as the blue light is visible on your Echo, you can continue issuing commands and asking questions without having to say “Alexa” each time. After around five seconds, the light will turn off, indicating that you’ll again need to say “Alexa” to preface your next command or question.
(Credit: PCMag / Amazon)5. Alexa Is Too Loud or Too Soft
Trying to listen to music, but the volume is too low? Trying to have a conversation, yet the volume is too high? Just alter the volume by saying “Alexa, louder” or “Alexa, lower.” You can be more precise by using one of Alexa's 10 volume levels. Say “Alexa, volume 1,” and Alexa will change to the lowest volume level or “Alexa, volume 10,” to amp the sound up to the highest level. More likely, you’ll want to shoot for a lower to midrange level, anywhere from volume 3 to volume 5. The volume can also be controlled from the Alexa app. Go to Devices, select the Echo, and use the volume slider at the top. Move the scrubber left or right to change the volume.
(Credit: PCMag / Amazon)Two other settings in the Alexa app can also help you manage Alexa’s volume. Go to Settings > Voice Responses and turn on Whisper Mode. Now, if you whisper your question or request, Alexa will whisper the response. Turn on Adaptive Volume, and the next time Alexa detects ambient noise in your surroundings, it will automatically increase the volume.
(Credit: PCMag / Amazon)6. Alexa Speaks Too Quickly or Too Slowly
To change Alexa's speaking rate, say, “Alexa, speak faster” or “Alexa, speak slower.” You can experiment with seven different speaking rates: the default, four faster rates, and two slower rates. To return to the regular speaking rate, say “Alexa, speak at your default rate.” You can also change the rate in the Alexa app. Go to Devices, select the name of your Echo, then tap Settings > Alexa's Voice. Increase or decrease the speaking rate by moving the scrubber on the slider bar. While you’re here, you can also adjust Alexa’s voice among different variations.
(Credit: PCMag / Amazon)7. 'Alexa' Doesn't Work as a Wake Word
Normally, saying "Alexa" works fine as a wake word, but not always. Maybe someone in your family is named Alexa, causing your voice assistant to chime in when you speak to them. You may also have multiple Echo devices within listening distance, and the wrong one responds when you say "Alexa." The fix here is to change the wake word. In the Alexa app, head to Devices, select the name of your Echo, then tap Settings > Wake Word. You can set it to Amazon, Computer, Echo, or Ziggy.
(Credit: PCMag / Amazon)8. Alexa Makes Irritating Suggestions
After responding to you, Alexa sometimes suggests related Amazon services as a follow-up. You may be asked if you want to try a specific skill or access a certain service, which usually comes with a price tag. Alexa might even ask if you want to purchase an item through Amazon Shopping. To prevent these frustrating and time-consuming questions, you must turn off a few settings in the Alexa app.
Go to Settings > Notifications > Things To Try and turn off Phone Notifications and Alexa Device Notifications. Under Settings > Notifications > Amazon Shopping, turn off Deal Recommendations and Reorder Recommendations under the Shopping Recommendations section.
(Credit: PCMag / Amazon)9. Amazon Sidewalk Is Enabled by Default
Amazon Sidewalk is a feature that shares your home Wi-Fi network with the surrounding area. The idea is to extend your connection just outside your home so you can access smart devices in and around your yard, such as outdoor speakers, security cameras, and lighting. The downside is that your neighbors can now tap into a small chunk of your internet bandwidth, potentially hampering performance.
If you don't have any outdoor smart devices and want to restrict your home network bandwidth, you can disable Sidewalk in the Alexa app under Settings > Account Settings > Sidewalk.
(Credit: PCMag / Amazon)10. Alexa Didn't Do What You Wanted
One of the most frustrating aspects of Alexa is when the voice assistant simply fails to do what you want. In the moment, your best bet is to simply repeat or rephrase your request and see if Alexa gets it right the second time. However, you can also review your Alexa chat history to find any instances where Alexa responded incorrectly.
In the Alexa app, tap the three-lined icon at the top left and select Alexa Privacy > Review Alexa History to see all your previous interactions with Amazon's voice assistant. Tap a specific recording to see how Alexa responded.
(Credit: PCMag / Amazon)Optimized Body HTML
Alexa is meant to be helpful when you ask a question or issue a command, but there are times when Amazon’s voice assistant falls short. It can sometimes provide an incorrect response or even fail to fully understand your request. This can even happen with Alexa+, Amazon's premium upgrade that's free for Prime members, but costs $19.99 (about AED 50 / SAR 50) per month for everyone else.
If you’re experiencing relationship problems with Alexa, don’t despair. There are ways to improve its behavior. Here are 10 of the most annoying things about Alexa and how to fix them.
1. Alexa Doesn't Understand You
You ask Alexa a legitimate question, and she either offers a totally wrong response or simply says, “Sorry, I’m not sure about that.” This problem sometimes occurs because Alexa misunderstands or misinterprets what you said. One way to resolve this issue is to train Alexa to recognize your voice by setting up a Voice ID. Even if you previously created a Voice ID, recreating it can help if Alexa consistently fails to understand you.
To create a Voice ID, you’ll need the Alexa app (iOS, Android). In the app, tap the three-line icon in the upper-left corner. Tap Settings > Your Profile > Voice ID. If you haven’t yet set up Voice ID, you’ll be prompted to do so. If you’ve already set it up and want to recreate it, tap Delete Voice ID and then tap Voice ID again to recreate it.
(Credit: PCMag / Amazon)After you agree to Amazon's terms, you’re asked to repeat four different questions and commands so that Alexa can understand your voice. Speak each phrase until you’re finished and then tap Done. Try speaking to Alexa again to see if it understands you better.
(Credit: PCMag / Amazon)2. Alexa Mispronounces Your Name
Does Alexa have trouble pronouncing your name? If so, you can fix that. In the Alexa app, go to Settings > Your Profile > Name and pronunciation, then tap your first name and make sure it’s spelled correctly. Tap Go to Saved Pronunciation and tap the Play button to hear Alexa pronounce your first name. If the pronunciation is correct, tap the Nailed it button. If not, tap Let's Fix That. You’re taken to another screen where you can listen to alternative pronunciations or write out your name phonetically. Alexa should then be able to pronounce your name correctly.
(Credit: PCMag / Amazon)3. Alexa Talks Too Much
When you issue a command to Alexa, the assistant sometimes responds by voice as tasks are completed. That can be annoying and unnecessary. Instead, Alexa can carry out your requests with just a brief sound. To set this up in the app, head to Settings > Voice Responses and turn on Brief Mode. Going forward, Alexa will play only a quick ding when you issue a request.
(Credit: PCMag / Amazon)4. Alexa Can't Handle Multiple Questions in a Row
Normally, when you want to issue several questions or commands in a row to Alexa, you have to preface each one by saying “Alexa.” If not, Alexa ignores everything you say beyond the first question or request. To get past this limitation, say “Alexa, enable Follow-up Mode" so you can keep talking. You can also enable the feature in the Alexa app by going to Devices and selecting the name of your Echo. Tap Settings > Follow-up Mode, then turn it on.
As long as the blue light is visible on your Echo, you can continue issuing commands and asking questions without having to say “Alexa” each time. After around five seconds, the light will turn off, indicating that you’ll again need to say “Alexa” to preface your next command or question.
(Credit: PCMag / Amazon)5. Alexa Is Too Loud or Too Soft
Trying to listen to music, but the volume is too low? Trying to have a conversation, yet the volume is too high? Just alter the volume by saying “Alexa, louder” or “Alexa, lower.” You can be more precise by using one of Alexa's 10 volume levels. Say “Alexa, volume 1,” and Alexa will change to the lowest volume level or “Alexa, volume 10,” to amp the sound up to the highest level. More likely, you’ll want to shoot for a lower to midrange level, anywhere from volume 3 to volume 5. The volume can also be controlled from the Alexa app. Go to Devices, select the Echo, and use the volume slider at the top. Move the scrubber left or right to change the volume.
(Credit: PCMag / Amazon)Two other settings in the Alexa app can also help you manage Alexa’s volume. Go to Settings > Voice Responses and turn on Whisper Mode. Now, if you whisper your question or request, Alexa will whisper the response. Turn on Adaptive Volume, and the next time Alexa detects ambient noise in your surroundings, it will automatically increase the volume.
(Credit: PCMag / Amazon)6. Alexa Speaks Too Quickly or Too Slowly
To change Alexa's speaking rate, say, “Alexa, speak faster” or “Alexa, speak slower.” You can experiment with seven different speaking rates: the default, four faster rates, and two slower rates. To return to the regular speaking rate, say “Alexa, speak at your default rate.” You can also change the rate in the Alexa app. Go to Devices, select the name of your Echo, then tap Settings > Alexa's Voice. Increase or decrease the speaking rate by moving the scrubber on the slider bar. While you’re here, you can also adjust Alexa’s voice among different variations.
(Credit: PCMag / Amazon)7. 'Alexa' Doesn't Work as a Wake Word
Normally, saying "Alexa" works fine as a wake word, but not always. Maybe someone in your family is named Alexa, causing your voice assistant to chime in when you speak to them. You may also have multiple Echo devices within listening distance, and the wrong one responds when you say "Alexa." The fix here is to change the wake word. In the Alexa app, head to Devices, select the name of your Echo, then tap Settings > Wake Word. You can set it to Amazon, Computer, Echo, or Ziggy.
(Credit: PCMag / Amazon)8. Alexa Makes Irritating Suggestions
After responding to you, Alexa sometimes suggests related Amazon services as a follow-up. You may be asked if you want to try a specific skill or access a certain service, which usually comes with a price tag. Alexa might even ask if you want to purchase an item through Amazon Shopping. To prevent these frustrating and time-consuming questions, you must turn off a few settings in the Alexa app.
Go to Settings > Notifications > Things To Try and turn off Phone Notifications and Alexa Device Notifications. Under Settings > Notifications > Amazon Shopping, turn off Deal Recommendations and Reorder Recommendations under the Shopping Recommendations section.
(Credit: PCMag / Amazon)9. Amazon Sidewalk Is Enabled by Default
Amazon Sidewalk is a feature that shares your home Wi-Fi network with the surrounding area. The idea is to extend your connection just outside your home so you can access smart devices in and around your yard, such as outdoor speakers, security cameras, and lighting. The downside is that your neighbors can now tap into a small chunk of your internet bandwidth, potentially hampering performance.
If you don't have any outdoor smart devices and want to restrict your home network bandwidth, you can disable Sidewalk in the Alexa app under Settings > Account Settings > Sidewalk.
(Credit: PCMag / Amazon)10. Alexa Didn't Do What You Wanted
One of the most frustrating aspects of Alexa is when the voice assistant simply fails to do what you want. In the moment, your best bet is to simply repeat or rephrase your request and see if Alexa gets it right the second time. However, you can also review your Alexa chat history to find any instances where Alexa responded incorrectly.
In the Alexa app, tap the three-lined icon at the top left and select Alexa Privacy > Review Alexa History to see all your previous interactions with Amazon's voice assistant. Tap a specific recording to see how Alexa responded.
(Credit: PCMag / Amazon)