Purple Ring Light on Alexa: Is it an Issue?

Unlike the familiar blue ring that indicates Alexa actively listens to or processes a request, the purple ring light on Alexa can indicate something less obvious.

In particular, a purple ring often signals that the device is in Do Not Disturb mode or that the Wi-Fi setup during initial device configuration is incorrect.

It’s crucial to recognize that although a purple light might initially seem alarming, it often represents a minor issue that can be remedied with a few straightforward steps.

What Does Purple Ring Light on Alexa Mean?

The light ring on Alexa serves as a visual feedback system for its users, with different colors indicating various states or notifications.

A purple light ring can signify two main things.

Firstly, the purple light could indicate that the Do Not Disturb mode is active. When I activate this mode on my Alexa device, Alexa ceases to disturb me with calls or messages, and the purple light reminds me of that peaceful setting.

Secondly, if the purple light appears after I’ve interacted with Alexa and appears in a pulse, it lets me know there’s a problem with the Wi-Fi connection. In other words, my Alexa is experiencing trouble connecting to the internet, which is vital for it to function correctly and to process my commands or provide the assistance I need.

4 Ways To Address Alexa Purple Ring Light Issue

Check the Device’s Internet Connection

First, ensure your Amazon Echo’s connection to the Wi-Fi network is active. A purple ring often signals connectivity issues.

Check the network settings in the Alexa app and verify that my Echo is listed under the correct Wi-Fi network. Sometimes, a simple reconnect to the network fixes the purple ring light.

Restart Your Alexa Echo Dot Device

If checking the connection doesn’t resolve the issue, restarting my Echo device is the next step.

To do this, unplug the Alexa device from the power source, wait around 30 seconds, and plug it back in. A restart could clear up any minor software issues causing the purple ring to display.

Ensure Internet Access at Home

When the casual restart doesn’t work, confirm your home internet access is stable.

Check other devices for internet connectivity to ensure the problem isn’t with your ISP or a broader network issue. Sometimes, a simple router restart is enough, but if the ISP is down, you may need to wait or contact the provider.

If you suspect interference is weakening signal strength, move your Echo Dot away from large metal objects and ensure it’s within a good range of the router.

Factory Reset Re-Register The Device

When the internet access at home is verified, the next step is to factory reset the device.

Hold down the Action button for 25 seconds to factory reset your Echo. The light ring will turn orange, signaling it is in setup mode.

After this, you must re-register the device using the Alexa app and reconnect it to your Wi-Fi network.

Could This Be DND (Do Not Disturb) Mode?

When this feature is enabled, it mutes incoming notifications to prevent interruptions. This might be why Alexa’s device isn’t responding to notifications or letting through calls and messages.

To verify whether DND is enabled, you can perform quick voice commands such as “Alexa, what time is it?” if DND is on, the purple light will briefly flash afterward.

This visual cue indicates that the Alexa device is in a do-not-disturb state. The Alexa app allows me to change this setting:

In the Alexa app, under the Devices tab, select the Alexa device and tap Do Not Disturb to switch it off.

Once disabled, my Alexa should no longer showcase the persistent purple light, and notifications will resume as usual.

Frequently Asked Questions

What steps should be taken to disable the purple ring light on an Alexa-enabled device?

To disable the purple ring light, you must ensure my Alexa device is not in Do Not Disturb mode. You can check and change this setting directly through the Alexa app’s settings.

Can the purple light on my Alexa Echo Dot be a notification?

No, the purple light on my Echo device is not used to provide notifications. It typically alerts me to Wi-Fi settings issues or indicates that Do Not Disturb mode is enabled on the device.

How does the purple light on the first-generation Amazon Echo Dot differ from other models?

It maintains a standard across generations for what the purple light indicates. The first-generation Echo uses the purple light to indicate Wi-Fi setup process issues or that it’s in Do Not Disturb mode. This function is consistent across later models.