Why Alexa Sometimes Stops Playing Music (& Fixes To Try)

Why Alexa Sometimes Stops Playing Music (& Fixes To Try)

You ask Alexa to play music using Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music on Alexa, a radio station, or Sonos One. But instead of giving you what you asked, it remains silent and silent. Do you ever have this happen to you? If you answered yes, you are not alone in being neglected by Alexa. Many Amazon Alexa users stated that Alexa did not play music when requested and did not even react.

One of the simplest ways to resolve the problem of Alexa not playing music is to enhance Wi-Fi connectivity, change the location of the Echo or music, and restart the Amazon Echo. You may also see if Alexa is correctly connected to the streaming music app.

If the procedures listed above work for you, congratulations; if they don’t, don’t worry. You have alternative solutions for resolving Alexa music stations won’t play certain music or song problems.

Why Isn’t Alexa Playing The Music I Asked For?

Alexa is an excellent personal voice assistant for performing routine activities such as gathering information, setting alarms, and playing music and podcasts. But the difficulty starts when it quits listening or answering our commands.

In a similar way, when it pertains to not playing songs, there are numerous reasons for this. It varies depending on the device and region. So, here are some things to keep in mind or check if your Alexa not working to play Amazon, Spotify, Pandora, or TuneIn.

Check Your Subscription

Check Your Subscription

If you want to listen to Amazon music through Echo, you need to have a current subscription. Alexa not responding to play Amazon Music via Echo if your subscription is inactive or disabled.

Follow the steps below to confirm your Amazon subscription.

  1. Go to Amazon’s official website.
  2. If necessary, sign in to your Amazon account.
  3. Then, in the upper right header, tap on your display name.
  4. Select Memberships & Subscriptions from the drop-down menu. If that option is not available, search for Your Prime Membership.
  5. Now, look for a Subscription, and if it’s not active, renew your subscription.

Turn Off Alexa Routine

In most circumstances, turning off an Alexa routine involved in playing music should help you resolve the issue.

You may have configured an Alexa routine that plays music based on certain conditions, either consciously or unknowingly.

An Alexa routine is an operation that repeats itself when a particular condition is met. Maybe you’ve set up an Alexa routine to start playing music at a specific time after a certain word is mentioned, and so on.

To stop Alexa from randomly playing music, complete the steps below to turn off the Alexa routine.

  1. On your smartphone, launch the Alexa app.
  2. Tap the hamburger menu symbol in the top left corner of the screen.
  3. Select Settings.
  4. Routines should be chosen.
  5. If you have many routines set up, go over them systematically and pick a Routine that is in charge of playing music.
  6. To disable the Routine, press the Disable button.
  7. Alexa will be unable to play music at random now that the Routine has been disabled.

Disconnect Other Devices

Disconnect Other Devices

In the event that you haven’t set up a routine on your Alexa device for music, the music is probably coming from someone else’s device.

Perhaps a device belonging to a family member or a neighbor is linked to the Alexa Echo or another Alexa device.

Because both devices are already connected, the other individual can play music on your Alexa.

To remove Bluetooth devices from the Alexa app, follow the steps below.

  1. Launch the Alexa smartphone app on your phone.
  2. Select the Devices option.
  3. Choose Echo and Alexa.
  4. Choose your Alexa device that’s randomly playing music.
  5. Press Bluetooth devices.
  6. Go down the list of connected devices and tap on the ones that are not yours.
  7. Select the Forget Device option.
  8. Repeat these instructions for other paired devices you no longer recognize or require.

Sign out From Shared Devices

Do you know if your Alexa plays music from a specific app, such as Spotify or YouTube Music?

If you have shared your account password with others, they may be playing music while you are connected to Alexa.

To resolve the issue, simply launch the music streaming application and navigate to the area of the device. You should be able to log out of all devices or devices you don’t recognize.

Many individuals have fixed this issue by unlinking gadgets that they do not recognize.

Similarly, you should reset the password for this specific music streaming service because a data leak could jeopardize it.

Clear The Cache

If experimenting with the Echo, the router, and even the streaming services did not resolve the issue, it is possible that the app is to blame. On older Android handsets, frequent crashes are common owing to an overflowing cache. To remove it from your phone, follow these steps:

  1. Press and Hold the Amazon Music app.
  2. Navigate to the app’s settings. 
  3. Select the Clear Cache option.
  4. Restart the application to see the changes take effect. 

Again, this is a typical problem on low-end phones with insufficient internal memory or RAM, causing apps to slow down until they fail. Removing the cache can provide a temporary boost. The only disadvantage is that you have to do the process on a weekly basis. If not, the cache will re-accumulate and cause difficulties.

Input Your Correct Location

Input Your Correct Location

If you live in the United States and enter Japan as your location, the streaming platform fails to go beyond the loading screen. Alexa typically chooses the location automatically, so even if you provide the incorrect address, it will notice and then deny you access to the music streaming service. As a result, ensure that you use the exact account location across every one of your devices.

Try restarting and resetting Amazon Echo

Rebooting is typically the go-to answer for most device problems, and the Alexa Echo Dot isn’t an exception. If you’re having trouble with your Echo’s music playback, try rebooting it first, and if that doesn’t work, a soft reset should. The following are the measures to take:

  1. Unplug the Echo Dot from the power outlet and the router. 
  2. After 1-2 minutes, leave the setup alone.
  3. Reconnect the Echo to your Wi-Fi network. 

Consider resetting Amazon Echo Dot (if a simple reboot does not resolve the problem).

  1. Find the ‘action’ button on your Echo Dot.
  2. Hold down the button for around 20 seconds. 
  3. A yellow light begins to spin around the Echo Dot. Continue pressing until the whirling stops and the color becomes solid. You will also see a prompt to reset the device.’ 
  4. Wait until Alexa indicates she’s through with resetting, which should take around a minute. 
  5. A blue ring shows up and indicates that a new account is ready to be created. 
  6. Open the app, then follow the on-screen instructions to create an account.

The reset nearly always resolves any playback issues.

Check your streaming services

Check your streaming services

Why does Pandora keep stopping? Music streaming services such as Spotify, YT Music, and Pandora may potentially be to blame for playback troubles. The music from these platforms is simply streamed via the Echo Dot. Log into the accounts to determine if any underlying issues are causing the problem. Following is a list of some of the common streaming platform issues:

1. Account changes; for example, if you change your password on your computer or mobile phone, the Spotify account associated with the Echo is instantly locked out. 

2. Assigning many devices to a single account may lead to complications. Spotify allows only three devices to access a single performance. Any farther, and you may be prompted to log out of any previous devices, which may result in you unintentionally logging out of the Echo Dot.

3. At the completion of a trial period, you may be asked to switch to the premium version, which is easy to overlook.

4. Check with your internet service provider about the band limit. Bandwidth limitations can also occur if other individuals in your home utilize the same Wi-Fi network. Any resource-intensive activity on their end may invariably take a large amount of bandwidth, thus causing stutters in partial or full music playback.

Upgrade to a higher plan or establish a timetable with everyone in the house for who is allowed to use the Wi-Fi during different times of the day. We hope this resolves Pandora keeps stopping issue.

Check the Wi-Fi connectivity.

Let’s talk about router-related concerns while we’re on the subject of Wi-Fi. Here are some troubleshooting steps for Wi-Fi issues:

  1. Check to see if the wireless router is operational. 
  2. Connect it to another device and test your internet connection.
  3. If so, change the router’s bandwidth from 2.4GHz to 5GHz. 
  4. Connect the Echo Dot, then test it for functionality. 
  5. Determine the coverage area of your Wi-Fi. Cheap routers can only reach one floor. The more expensive ones can get a higher floor, which is usually the maximum for a few of the more expensive ones. We have been using the TP-Link AC1750 for three years and have been pleased with its reliable performance. It’s ideal for the average household and can easily accommodate a work-from-home setup. 
  6. You should be good to go after updating the Wi-Fi connection on the Echo (disconnecting and reconnecting to the Wi-Fi). 

Yet, this doesn’t mean the end of the story since there have been complaints of failures even after switching routers.

Turn off The Explicit Filter

Amazon Music, as well as Spotify, have a ban on explicit music. So, if you’re listening to explicit music (offensive, sexual, or violent), Alexa will stop or block such tracks from playing if you’ve enabled explicit filter mode.

So, switch off the explicit filter to enjoy your favorite songs with no interruptions. Please keep in mind that you can continue to listen to all of the FM/AM radio stations.

  1. Launch the Alexa application on your device.
  2. In the upper right corner, press on three horizontal lines.
  3. Then, from the sidebar, pick Settings.
  4. Tap on music under Alexa Permission.
  5. Now, under Account settings, select the Explicit filter option.
  6. Finally, if the explicit filter is enabled, deactivate it.

Register Your Echo Device Again

Register Your Echo Device Again

You may also remove the registration of your Echo device before re-registering it. It will reboot the Alexa Amazon Echo device, which should resolve the minor fault.

Simply follow these steps to re-register your Amazon Echo device.

  1. Launch the Alexa application on your device.
  2. In the bottom right corner, tap on devices.
  3. Then, select the Echo & Alexa option.
  4. Choose an Alexa bedroom.
  5. Scroll down and press the deregister button.
  6. Finally, you need to re-register your device.

Place Your Alexa Device Higher

Did you know that having your router in one room while your Alexa device is in another puts strain on your Amazon Alexa? This is due to the difficulty both Echo and Alexa face in picking up a signal. As a result, it is preferable to position the Alexa device higher up on an elevated surface to obtain full signal strength.

Also, keep in mind that Amazon Alexa or Echo should not be placed on the ground. Additionally, keep the device far from metal objects, such as baby monitors and strong walls.

Check The Network Firewall

The network firewall manages traffic that is both incoming and outgoing. Because Alexa uses the internet to respond to specific commands, make sure that the command to play music on Amazon Echo is not prohibited by the network firewall. This is due to the fact that Alexa’s tunes come from many sources.

You may test your network firewall by following the steps provided below:

  1. Look up your IP address.
  2. Launch your browser and enter your internet IP address into the address box.
  3. Enter your login information.
  4. Navigate to the Settings page.
  5. Next, look for the Port forwarding section.
  6. Examine the following open ports. (123, 443, 4070, 5353, 33434, 40317, 49317).

Lookup Available Songs

Make sure the tracks you want are available whenever you play music on Alexa or Echo. If you ask Amazon Alexa to play music that isn’t even on Spotify, Amazon Music, or Apple Music , Alexa won’t be able to find it and will cease playing music.

Amazon Prime also includes fewer tracks compared to Music Unlimited and Spotify. That’s why you can tell Alexa to play another song; if she does, it implies your preferred music isn’t available.

Disable Shuffle

Disable Shuffle

Turning on shuffle mode was another option that worked well for Alexa owners. So, if you haven’t completed the music configurations, simply launch the Alexa app and navigate to the equalizer choices.

You may then simply find the shuffle feature on the music streaming provider.

After the shuffle feature is enabled, you can restart the music, which will resolve the streaming difficulties with your smartphone or tablet. Simply restart the shuffle and go through your playlist again.

Disable Loop

The smart app’s loop feature can sometimes cause similar issues with Amazon Music pausing after playing one track.

As a result, you must go through the options again and turn off the smart device’s loop capability.

After you’ve disabled the loop option, resume the first song, then the streaming service should be fine.

Additionally, ensure that your current streaming account linked to the smart assistant allows unlimited access. Otherwise, the why does Alexa stop playing music problem will linger, and you will be unable to stream music.

Check Skills

If Amazon Music continues to not play after one song, examine the current skills and then read the music skill onto the system.

The reading music skill has a decent possibility of removing minor problems with your smart assistant.

As long as there are no complications associated with the Amazon Music account, it should be your next step. All you have to do is open the smart app and delete the music talent from the system.

After that, you can add them back in upon restarting the app; then, the music streaming service will resume normal operation.

Look For Ad Blockers

Ad filters on the network may lead to the music service provider crashing unexpectedly. Spotify, for example, heavily broadcasts adverts in free accounts, which can be unpleasant, to say the least. Using an-blockers may appear to be the ideal option, but it comes at the expense of the listening experience itself. 

Remove any ad-blockers that are installed on your computer/laptop as soon as feasible.

Perform A Factory Reset On Alexa

Perform A Factory Reset On Alexa

If nothing else works to prohibit Alexa from playing music automatically, factory resetting it is the last resort.

When Alexa is factory reset, all data is erased, including associated accounts, saved Wi-Fi login information, and more. Once reset, you will have to re-configure your Alexa.

Follow the steps below to factory reset an Alexa device.

  1. On your smartphone, launch the Amazon Alexa app.
  2. Devices should be tapped.
  3. Select Echo and Alexa.
  4. Choose the Alexa device you wish to reset.
  5. Select Factory Reset.
  6. You may get a prompt asking you for confirmation of what you’re doing. Select Yes.
  7. Allow Alexa to reset after some time.
  8. Alexa should immediately enter pairing mode after being reset.
  9. Relaunch the Alexa app, add the Alexa device to your Amazon account, then pair it once more.

Many customers have used factory reset to solve problems such as Alexa not responding to stop orders, a spinning blue light, and being unable to switch on the TV.

Contact Support For Alexa

Even after trying all the abovementioned ways, if Alexa continues to play music at random, it’s time to contact Alexa support.

To ask for a phone call or online conversation with an Alexa executive, go to the Alexa help center and select one of the alternatives listed below.

  1. Visit the Alexa help page.
  2. Choose a Kindle, a Fire, or an Alexa device.
  3. Choose Amazon Echo and Alexa-enabled gadgets.
  4. The tap Device is not working/has been damaged.
  5. Select the required additional assistance option.

You will now be given two options for contacting Alexa support: Request a phone call and Chat with us. Pick your preferred choice and explain the issue.

Advice for Ensuring Alexa Always Plays Music

Now that you understand how to identify and fix Alexa music issues, below are some pointers to keep Alexa playing music at all times.

Test Music Services Prior To Connecting

Check that your music service is operational before linking it to Alexa. Try it on a different device or computer to ensure it is working correctly.

Configure Interruptions and DND

Interruptions and the Do Not Disturb mode can prohibit Alexa from streaming music. Make sure these options are disabled so that Alexa can play music whenever you want.

Add Music to Your List Of Favorites

Add Music to Your List Of Favorites

Labeling songs as favorites makes it easy to search and play them. Open the Alexa application, navigate to Settings, choose the device, and then select Music. You can put music into your favorites list from here.

Take Advantage Of Amazon Music Unlimited

The music streaming service Amazon Music Unlimited offers access to millions of tracks. Sign up for an account and link it to Alexa for instant availability of your favorite music.

FAQs

What are the color descriptions for Echo Dot?

Amazon flashes different colors depending on the activities, which are as follows:

Spinning Orange – Echo is presently attempting to establish a connection to your network and is spinning orange. If you’ve been seeing this for a long time, there’s a problem with the internet connection. 

Spinning Violet – This indicates that there is an issue with the ‘Wi-Fi’ configuration. To resolve the problem, disconnect from the network and then reconnect to it. If the problem remains, you may need to update the router. 

Solid Red indicates that Alexa is muted and has stopped listening for requests. To turn it back on, you press the microphone.

How do you troubleshoot an Amazon Echo?

You can troubleshoot the Amazon Echo Dot by disconnecting and then reconnecting Wi-Fi and then performing the following steps:

  1. Open the Alexa app, then select the ‘Devices’ option. 
  2. Navigate to the Echo Device and select Alexa.
  3. Enter the correct location, time zone, and language options.

Alexa appears to be playing music, yet does not. Why?

If Alexa says she’s playing music, but you can’t hear any of it, it’s possible that Alexa can’t find the music you’re looking for. Aside from that, your gadget is linked to a sluggish internet connection that is why you are getting the Alexa not connecting to internet error.

Why isn’t Alexa playing radio stations?

If Alexa is not playing a radio station, reach out to the Radio.com support team. They will assist you in playing your chosen radio station.

Why Isn’t Alexa Listening?

Whether Alexa isn’t listening, check to see whether your device is muted. The red light shows that the Alexa device has been muted. Furthermore, keep your gadget away from solid walls, metal items, and other loudspeakers.

Why does Alexa stop playing music when there is no activity?

If Alexa discontinues playing music because of inactivity, restart both Alexa along with your modem.

Conclusion

Amazon has experienced a series of blackouts in the last year, during which apparently all of its services were unavailable for a brief period of time. Despite this, Alexa appears to be a powerful and extensively used voice assistant by hundreds of thousands of people. 

This article should have solved all of your questions about its music playback troubles. Stay tuned for more helpful information. Until next time, take care.

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Sarah is a writer by profession and passion. She is a real tech-savvy who loves everything tech! Talk about the latest tech releases, latest news from the tech world, on-trend tech gadgets, or simple tech hacks – Sarah knows it all! Being a movie enthusiast, she always has a close eye on the latest releases. Her insights about how well the movie will do on the box offices are surprisingly always correct! We call her the “Encyclopaedia of Movies”.