Fix Alexa “Device Doesn’t Support That”

No doubt, Alexa is an incredible choice, just like any other smart device, but the additional features make it more attractive. Once you connect Alexa with others, you can enjoy a more convenient and automated life each day. But still, it’s a machine which can stop working sometimes and  fail to discover certain devices. But have you ever wondered why Alexa can’t find my device? This is because Alexa doesn’t support that device or there could be some other reasons!

Echo Dot does many amazing things, but it does not always work as we would like to. Alexa error messages happen and while sometimes they are valid – sometimes they aren’t. It becomes annoying when you ask Alexa to do something or if  your smart light not changing color, or your smart TV not turning on. So what do you do if she doesn’t correct it? This is why this blog is here. Today, we are going to discuss the “Echo Dot doesn’t support that” error and troubleshooting guide to fix it. So, let’s begin!

Fixing Alexa ‘Device Doesn’t Support That’ Error – Troubleshooting Guide 

Most Amazon Echo owners have had this alexa error at some point. You ask Alexa to do something, such as turning on your bedroom light, changing the color of your living room light, or even turning on the Smart TV.  Then she responds back with, “Sorry, [Name of device] doesn’t support that”.

Most of the time it will work especially if she’s done it before with no problem! But what if it does’t work out?

Also read: How to change the amazon account on alexa

Error #1: Alexa Can’t Control Your Smart TV

One of the problems you may encounter is when asking Alexa to control your smart TV. Alexa may say something like “TV doesn’t support that” – or just do nothing at all which can be really frustrating, The problem could be for many reasons. The primary reason is device limitations. There could be possibility that the smart TV may not be compatible with the Alexa app unless it’s built-in like in case of Samsung Tv. The second reason is only one Fire TV can be controlled per amazon echo. Although you can add more than one Fire TV`s in the Alexa app, but each of your Echo devices can control only one of them.If you have more than one Echo and a TV, you can configure them so that your other amazon echo can control the other TV.

If you’re trying to control your smart TV with the incorrect Echo, you will definately receive an Alexa error message. Resolving this problem of alexa not controlling your smart tv need some trial and error because different methods work for different situations. Check your firmware updates for your Echo, Alexa app, or the television. If the  software update recently occurred, they can sometimes reset or change your settings of your device. Next.see if your Echo Dot is linked to the right television. For this, you have to navigate towards the Alexa app and go to Settings. Then move towards “TV & Video” & choose  “Fire TV”. This will let you know which Echos are linked to which TVs. Restart the Alexa app, as well as your Echo, to make sure that everything is set. If everything is working now, that’s fantastic! If this is not the case, you may need to contact our alexa experts for more!

Error #2: Alexa Smart Light Errors

Another issue faced when an Alexa error occurs is when asking Alexa to control your smart lights like bulbs or light strips. For example, if you want your living room to turn blue and you hear Alexa or Echo dot saying  “Sorry, Living Room doesn’t support that.” If you have a smart light that displays different colors and now it is not showing any, you have to do some troubleshooting. Navigate towards the Alexa app’s settings like you did in the previous case. If any or your firmware updates are pending, this can be happening because of it. Check your wifi connection because smart lights can disconnect or unpair from their respective apps. If nothing works, you have to set them up again. Check your settings first, and then reboot your Echo by unplugging it. Plug it again now! Force-closing the Alexa app, as well as any other apps that control the smart lights (such as GoSund, Philips Hue, and so on), can also help reset things.

Error #3: Naming Conflicts 

Another issue that arises frequently is the naming of groups or devices in the alexa app. If you use Alexa Groups, the names of your groups, as well as other devices, can be confusing for Alexa. For example, let’s say you have a group name called Living Room and it has lights and smart devices in it. If you tell alexa to turn on the bedroom light, it may cause confusion. You are likely to face “Sorry, Living Room doesn’t support that” error”. To avoid this, make sure to label groups and devices separately so that it doesn’t cause conflict with echo or echo dot.

Error #4: Alexa Skills Error

Some times the device “Alexa Doesn`t Support that” error occurs because there is a problem with the skill connecting Alexa to smart device. Alexa Skills allow your smart devices to work seamlessly with Amazon echo or echo dot. If a bug or malfunction occurs, this can lead to major issues. The skills work with various smart lights, TV and smart cameras,thermostasts.garage door opener as well.  In your troubleshooting journey, you have to unlink the skills and then relink them. Remove the devices from the Alexa app and then add them again if you are facing “Echo Dot doesn’t support that”  error.

Error #5: Alexa can`t find my device

Once you connect your smart devices to Alexa you can enjoy a more convenient and automated in everyday life. If you have smart device and if Alexa does not recognize device then don`t panic! Follow the troubleshooting steps given below to easily fix Alexa can`t find my device issue.

• Devices are not connected on same wifi-  Smart devices work with alexa if they are connected to same wifi network. Your “Alexa does not recognize device” error occurs when smart devices and smart device companion app are not connected to same internet connection. Each device sends a signal to other devices through radio waves. Your wifi router carries and delivers radio waves. Using a 5 GHz WiFi band connection can also cause  Alexa does not recognize device problems. To change the wifi settings, you have to
• Click on “Devices.”
• Tap your Alexa speaker device.
• Tap on “Change”.
• Now, follow the on-screen instructions.

• Outdated Alexa App-  Alexa can’t find my device, but check have you updated the Amazon Alexa app lately? Ask this question to yourself! If that’s months ago already, then the Alexa error is just because of this. If the app runs into some problems, it may also stop receiving signals from other devices. Even after the update, Alexa does not recognize device. The new app updates are incompatible with the previous software. Updating the Amazon Alexa app on pc or mobile device removes software bugs. So update it immediately and  try restarting the app by uninstalling and reinstalling it. Doing this may delete your temporary memory and data.
• Disabled router UPnP– WiFi routers have UPnP ( Universal Plug and Play) protocols. They allow devices to be automatically discovered. This way, smart devices connect and communicate. But when users disable UPnP to protect their WiFi router, they usually face “Echo dot doesn`t Support That” error. Some studies show millions of unique IP addresses can respond to several UPnP requests and this may benefit hackers. Disabling UPnP on your router is a good thing, but it can cause  Alexa error as well. So you have to get expert help before starting the process. Follow the steps
  • Connect your smartphone and open the browser.
  • Copy-paste your IP address
  • Now, log in to your router account.
  • Tap “Advanced Setup.”
  • Click the check box next to the “UPnP.”
  • Now press  “Apply.”

Also read : How to fix Alexa not discovering devices

Say No to Alexa Errors!

So now that you have read the “Alexa Doesn`t Support that” or “Echo dot doesn`t Support That” troubleshooting guide. You can resolve issues when Alexa can`t find your device. Fortunately, there are ways to fix Alexa errors. But if you are still experiencing  any issues, connect with the Alexa helpline today. Ask your query in the chat box or just call the toll free number to discuss the problem.