Why Is My Echo Not Playing Amazon Music? Common Problems and Fixes

Introduction

Do you love using your Amazon Echo to stream music, but lately, it’s just not working with Amazon Music? It’s frustrating, we get it. But don’t worry, you’re not alone, and resolving this issue is easier than you might think. In this article, we’re going to explore common problems and fixes for playing Amazon Music on Echo devices, provide step-by-step troubleshooting instructions, explain Amazon Music compatibility, discuss updates to the Alexa skill, and guide you through resolving skill configuration errors and updating the Echo firmware.

Common Issues and Fixes

There are several common issues that Amazon Echo users face when trying to play Amazon Music on their device. We’ve listed them below along with suggested fixes for each one.

Issue: Unable to Connect to Wi-Fi

If your Echo device can’t connect to Wi-Fi, it won’t be able to play Amazon Music or perform any online tasks. The first step is to check if other devices on your network are connected to Wi-Fi. If other devices are connected, try resetting your Echo device or router. If your router is more than three years old, it might be time to upgrade.

Issue: Alexa Not Responding to Voice Commands

Make sure that you’re giving Alexa clear and concise commands and that the microphone is not muted or obstructed. If Alexa still isn’t responding, reset your device by unplugging it from the power source for a few minutes, then plugging it back in. If that doesn’t work, try restarting your Wi-Fi router.

Issue: Amazon Music Not Playing or Skipping Songs

If Amazon Music stops playing or skips songs, try restarting your device, checking if your subscription to Amazon Music is still active, or clearing the cache on the Amazon Music app. If you’re still having trouble, try disabling the Amazon Music skill and then re-enabling it.

Issue: Echo Device Not Recognizing Amazon Music Commands

If Alexa can’t find your Amazon Music playlist, try disabling and then re-enabling the Amazon Music skill. If that doesn’t work, make sure that your device’s language settings are set to the correct country. You can do this by going into the Alexa app and selecting your device, then Language, and changing the country if necessary.

How to Troubleshoot Your Echo

Before diving into complex solutions, it’s always best to start with simpler troubleshooting steps. Here are step-by-step instructions for troubleshooting an Echo device:

Step 1: Check Your Wi-Fi Connection

Make sure that your Echo device is connected to Wi-Fi and that your internet connection is strong. If other devices on your network are connected to Wi-Fi without issues, move onto the next step.

Step 2: Restart Your Echo Device

Unplug your Echo device from the power source for a few minutes, then plug it back in. Wait for the Echo’s light to turn orange and then blue. This indicates that your Echo device is rebooting.

Step 3: Reset Your Echo Device

If restarting your Echo device doesn’t work, try resetting it to factory settings. This erases all data from your device, so make sure to back up anything important first. You can reset your Echo device by holding down the microphone off and volume down buttons simultaneously for about 20 seconds.

Amazon Music Compatibility

There are various versions of Amazon Music, and not all are compatible with Echo devices. Here’s a rundown of Amazon Music’s compatibility:

Amazon Music Unlimited

Amazon Music Unlimited is the full version of the music streaming service and is compatible with all Echo devices.

Amazon Prime Music

Amazon Prime Music is a limited version of Amazon Music that is only available to Amazon Prime members. It’s compatible with all Echo devices except for the first-generation models.

Amazon Music (Free with Ads)

Amazon Music is a free version of the service that includes ads. It’s compatible with all Echo devices except for the first-generation models.

Incompatible Devices

Not all Echo devices are compatible with Amazon Music. The first-generation Echo, Echo Dot, and Echo Show are not compatible.

But don’t worry, you’re not out of luck if you have one of these devices. There are alternative options for streaming music, such as Spotify or Pandora.

Alexa Skill Updates

Alexa has regular updates to its skills, including the Amazon Music skill. It’s important to check for updates and install them because they often improve functionality and fix bugs. Here’s how:

Step 1: Open Alexa App

Open the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet.

Step 2: Open Skills

Go to the menu and select Skills & Games.

Step 3: Check for Updates

Click on Your Skills and check for updates by selecting the Amazon Music skill and clicking on the Update button. If there’s no Update button, you’re all up-to-date.

Step 4: Enable Automatic Updates (Optional)

You can also enable automatic updates for Alexa skills by going to Settings, selecting Alexa Privacy, then Automatic Alexa Skill Updates. This ensures that your device always has the latest Alexa skill updates.

Recent Updates to the Amazon Music Skill

Amazon recently rolled out a new feature for the Amazon Music skill that allows users to ask Alexa to play music from multiple accounts. For households with multiple users, this is a handy feature that allows each person to listen to their own music without having to switch accounts constantly.

Skill Configuration Errors

If you’ve gone through all the troubleshooting steps and your Echo device still won’t play Amazon Music, there might be a configuration error. Here are some common configuration mistakes that prevent Amazon Music playback and how to fix them:

Issue: Amazon Music Skill Needs Re-Enabling

The Amazon Music skill can lose connection with your device, preventing playback. To fix this, disable and then re-enable the skill in the Alexa app. This should re-establish the connection.

Issue: Device Language Settings Aren’t Correct

If your device language settings aren’t correct, Alexa might not be recognizing your commands. Make sure your device’s language settings are set to the correct country by going to Language Settings in the Alexa app.

Issue: Amazon Music Account isn’t Linked to the Echo Device

This issue can happen if you have more than one Amazon account or if you haven’t linked your Amazon Music account to your Echo device. To fix this, go to the Alexa app and link your Amazon Music account to your device.

Updating the Echo Firmware

Updating the Echo firmware is crucial for maintaining device functionality, security, and compatibility with Alexa’s latest features. Here’s how to check if your Echo device’s firmware is up-to-date:

Step 1: Open the Alexa App

Open the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet.

Step 2: Check Device Settings

Go to Settings, then Device Settings.

Step 3: Check Your Echo’s Firmware Version

Find your Echo device and check if its firmware is up-to-date. You can do this by comparing the firmware version listed in the app to the latest firmware version listed on the Amazon website. If it’s not up-to-date, follow the next steps to update it.

Step 4: Restart Your Echo Device

Restart your Echo device to ensure a successful update.

Step 5: Update Firmware Manually

If you need to update your Echo device manually, download the firmware update from the Amazon website and follow the instructions to install it on your device.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if your Amazon Echo isn’t playing Amazon Music, don’t worry! There are common issues and solutions, troubleshooting steps, Amazon Music compatibility, updates to the Alexa skill, skill configuration error fixes, and steps to update your Echo device’s firmware. Hopefully, you were able to find a solution and kick back to enjoy your favorite tunes.

Additional Resources for Further Assistance

If you’re still struggling with your Echo device, check out Amazon’s support page for Echo devices or contact Amazon Customer Service for additional assistance.