Update the Alexa Software on Amazon Echo,Echo Dot

Amazon Echo devices have gained immense popularity in every smart home nowadays. It has become the most preferred choice of every household user for a smart life experience. Although Amazon’s Alexa usually runs in the cloud and doesn’t require updates traditionally, your amazon echo speakers still run software that requires regular updates. Either to fix bugs or to add new features to the device.

This article will explain how to Update the Alexa Software on Amazon Echo, Echo Dot in easy steps. So, if you want to know how to do the latest Alexa software update then follow the steps given below.

Does an Amazon Echo or Echo Dot need to be updated?

Your echo device may or may not need updating. It all depends upon whether it was installing the automatic updates regularly. The updates are released from time to time and eventually increase the stability of your device, fix security loopholes and add new features to it. You can also check whether your device needs an update or not. Check the version of your Amazon Echo or Echo Dot and compare that to the number of the latest release. If your device has an old version, then it needs to be updated. To check:

• Navigate to the Alexa page on the official website of Amazon.
• Now click on Settings.
• Tap on your Echo or Echo Dot in the list of devices.
• Scroll down to the About section, and you’ll see the software version of the device.
• After that, reach out to the  Alexa Device Software Version site, and check the latest software version for your device.
• If the version listed is different from that on the website, then you need an update it. There are two ways to perform a manual firmware update. We will explain all two methods one by one.

How to Update the Alexa Software on Amazon Echo, Echo Dot

Method 1:

If you suspect your Amazon Echo or Echo Dot needs an update, follow these steps.

• Make sure your Echo Device is on and connected to your wifi network.
• You can also use a command like “Alexa, tell me a joke?” to verify if it`s connected to the internet.
• Now press the mute button.
• Verify if the light turns red.
• Wait for atleast one hour for Echo dot to get updated.
• Once complete the device will automatically reboot with the latest firmware installed.

Method 2:

The second way is a little complicated, but seems to work well.

• Deregister your Echo or Echo Dot device from the Alexa Application.
• Power it off and leave it there for a minute.
• Turn it back on.
• You will see the blue light turning to green and then spin.
• This tells you that your device is updating.
• Let it update.
• Perform the initial setup with the Alexa app and the amazon echo dot.

If this works, your Echo Dot will be updated with the latest firmware. Once you have re-registered, your old settings will still be there.

Problems That You May Face With the Firmware Updates 

A few users have reported problems with their Echo device that it won’t update itself even though it shows a newer one available. Well, there is another way around for it which is setting network profile in alexa application. You must know about your router’s IP address, the subnet mask, and DNS servers which it uses. Log in to the router’s configuration screen by checking on the computer. Now  identify a free IP address to provide the Echo Dot. If you analyse the range, you may find IP. But if not, use the router to identify it.

• In Windows, open the command prompt and type ‘ip config /all’. After that, press Enter.
• In case of Mac OS, open Terminal and type ‘ifconfig;’ And then press Enter.
• Both methods will show your IP address, router address, DNS Server and subnet mask details.
• Now deregister your Echo Dot.
• Select your WiFi network and log it in the Alexa app.
• Tap on Advanced Settings.
• Enter your available IP address, your router IP and subnet mask, along with two DNS server addresses.
• Click Connect to join the network
• Now complete the setup as usual.

What if your Amazon Echo is Not Updating?

• Mute your echo device

One possible way to do the force update on your echo device is by pressing the mute button and leaving it for 30 minutes. Before doing that make sure your echo device is connected and has a stable Wi-fi connetion. Once you press the microphone off button you will see a red ring on the edges of your echo device which means your device is in mute mode. Just leave your device for 30 to 45 minutes and you will hear alexa announce that its trying to update. This process will only work if your amazon echo is eligible for the new update. If your device is already on the updated version then it wont do anything. Therefore, before trying this method make sure your echo device has a pending update. In some cases the updation of device can take upto 24 hours so be patient.

• Reset Amazon Echo

Another way to fix this issue is by resetting the echo device to troubleshoot minor bugs that do not allow the device to update itself. You can reset your echo or echo dot device by opening the Alexa app and selecting the echo device you want to reset. To reset the device to its factory defaults, go to the settings and select the option factory reset the echo device. You can also reset it by simply holding down the volume down and microphone button for about twenty seconds. You will see an orange ring spinning around your echo device which will confirm that your device is reset.

• Check your Wi-Fi Connection 

This problem is often caused when your wifi is not working properly. So you need to double-check if your internet is working on your home network or not. You can even verify that by checking the Wifi bars on your computer or on phone. To boost your Wifi signal strength move your echo device closer to the router. Now, power cycle your echo device once and connect to your wifi again. Just ask Alexa now to update the software and hopefully your issue will be resolved.

Contact Experts

We hope that this article was helpful for you and will help you to Update the Alexa Software on Amazon Echo, Echo Dot easily. Make sure that you must follow the above mentioned guidelines carefully to avoid any technical glitch in between the latest alexa software update process. However, if you are still unable to update the Alexa firmware on your own or get stuck at any stage then we suggest contacting our experts for instant help. You can get in touch with them by hitting the chat box button or directly calling Alexa Helpline Toll Free Number US/CA : +1-872-888-1589. We would be glad to help!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ`s):

• Does My Echo Update Automatically?

The Echo or echo Dot is designed to get updated automatically. But the internet connection is a must for this. If your Echo Device is in a noisy environment, it’s constantly in use playing music, activating smart home devices, or performing any other task; it may experience difficulties while updating automatically. Well, it cannot update itself if it is not connected to the internet. You need to know how to update Echo or echo Dot manually. The tips have been discussed above.

• How Do I Stop Alexa From Asking Me to Upgrade?

You can open the Alexa app and easily control your Amazon Alexa device on your iPhone or Android device. Just make sure your settings are done correctly. To receive the notification, you have to tap on the Notification button. Now go to Amazon Shopping and select it. You can turn it off in order to not receive personalised recommendations and deals based on your activity.

• How Do I Force Echo To Update?

Well, in many cases, your software version will automatically download and get updated to install a new feature overnight. While holding the mute button on the microphone will force an update. We have mentioned all the steps in the above posted article.