When I first set up my Amazon Echo Dot, one of the most puzzling experiences was when the light ring started pulsing yellow. What does that mean?
Devices like the Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Pop, and Echo Show utilize a variety of colored lights to communicate different statuses. These indicators can be confusing—and even frustrating—if you aren’t sure what they signify or how to reset them.
The good news? Understanding these light signals on your Echo device is straightforward. Once you grasp the system, these lights can alert you to issues, notify you of messages, indicate when Alexa is listening, and much more.
Pulsing Yellow Light
Ben Patterson/Foundry
The pulsing yellow light is typically accompanied by a pleasant “bum, bum!” sound, indicating that Alexa has a notification for you or that you’ve missed a reminder.
You’ll often see this yellow light when Alexa is alerting you about a package delivery or notifying you about an item from your “Subscribe & Save” list. To check your notifications, simply say, “Alexa, tell me my notifications.” The yellow light will disappear once she has read them. If you’d like to clear all notifications, just say, “Alexa, delete all my notifications.”
Solid Red Light
Ben Patterson/Foundry
The solid red light is another commonly misunderstood signal. It usually indicates that the microphone mute button has been activated. To turn it off, simply press the microphone button again.
If the red light appears but you haven’t muted your microphone, it may indicate an issue, such as connectivity problems or an error with Alexa.
Blue Light with Spinning Light-Blue Segment
Ben Patterson/Foundry
When you speak to Alexa, a blue light along with a light-blue segment indicates that she is listening. This light will also appear while Alexa is processing your request. If you don’t see a blue light, it means she isn’t listening or didn’t hear you.
A brief blue flash may occur during a software update as well.
Spinning Orange Light
Ben Patterson/Foundry
A spinning orange light indicates that your Echo device is either in setup mode or attempting to connect to the internet after being turned on. If you see this light while not setting up the device, it may suggest possible internet connectivity issues.
Pulsing or Spinning Green Light
Ben Patterson/Foundry
A pulsing green light indicates an incoming call on your Echo device, and you can answer by saying, “Alexa, answer the call.” Alternatively, you can say “Alexa, ignore” to decline the call.
If the green light is spinning, it means that someone has initiated a “drop-in” or that your device is in the process of making a call, whether it’s a call you’ve requested or one that was possibly misheard. To stop a drop-in or call, say “Hang up.”
Purple Light
Ben Patterson/Foundry
When your Echo is in “do not disturb” mode—blocking calls and notifications—the light will flash purple. A steady purple light during setup typically indicates a Wi-Fi setup error.
Spinning White Light
Ben Patterson/Foundry
If you’re using the Alexa Emergency Assist feature and have set Alexa to “away” mode, you’ll see a spinning white light. This can be turned off by saying, “Alexa, I’m home.” Additionally, a white light will also appear when adjusting the volume.
This article is part of TechHive’s in-depth exploration of the finest smart speakers.
How Can You Turn Off Alexa’s Light Ring?
While you can’t entirely disable the light ring on Alexa, switching your Echo device to Do Not Disturb mode can minimize interruptions. In this mode, Alexa will refrain from sending lights or notifications unless it’s an alarm or timer.
- Open the Alexa app and select the Devices tab. Tap the Device Type filter, choose Echo & Alexa, and then select a device from the list.
- Tap on the Do Not Disturb option.
- To schedule Do Not Disturb mode, go to your Echo speaker’s Settings, scroll to Do Not Disturb, enable the Scheduled toggle, and enter the start and end times.
