As any Amazon Echo user will tell you, Alexa can sometimes be quirky. Sometimes the voice assistant won’t respond to your voice at all, and other times she’ll deliver wrong information or simply refuse to do what you want her to do. The good news is that there’s a new firmware update that might solve these problems with some minor changes to how Alexa works, so it’s worth giving it a try if you experience any of these bugs in your own home. This firmware update will make the following changes to Alexa… Is your Alexa giving you grief? A firmware update might be the fix.
Table of Contents
An important security update
Amazon released a security update for its Echo speakers after it was revealed that hackers could gain access to the devices by sending malicious code through the speaker’s Wi-Fi connection. The code could give the hacker access to the device’s microphone and camera, as well as any personal information that is stored on the device. Amazon released a firmware update that should fix the problem, and they are urging all Echo users to install the update as soon as possible.
Updating to a new operating system
1. Check for updates. Make sure your device is connected to the internet and look for any available updates.
2. Download and install the update. Once you’ve found an update, download and install it on your device.
3. Restart your device. After downloading and installing the update, restart your device. 4. Unplug or turn off your devices’ power before updating them (if possible). 5. Clear cache partition (if necessary). If a problem still persists after updating the operating system and restarting the device, try clearing its cache partition by holding down Shift+Option+Command+R while rebooting the machine until a list of options appears at the top of a screen with choices that include Recovery Mode, Boot Mode Selection, Network Utility, Disk Utility and Terminal.
How do I find out what version my device is running?
You can find out which version of the firmware your device is running by going to the device settings in the Alexa app and selecting About. Scroll down to see which version of Firmware your device is running. If a newer version is available, you’ll see an option to update. Tap that button and follow the on-screen instructions. After updating, all speakers should behave properly! Check your speaker’s Settings menu for more information about voice volume, wake word detection, or remote access. If there are any problems after installing the latest firmware update, contact Amazon customer service at 1-844-255-6260 from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm EST (excluding holidays).
Instructions on how to install and perform the software upgrade
If your Echo is on the fritz, there’s a good chance a software update will fix the problem. Here’s how to install it Plug in your device, open the Alexa app, and select Settings > Device Options > Firmware Update. You’ll see a notice that says Your device needs an upgrade. Tap OK and then follow the instructions on screen. The app will take care of the rest.
If all goes well, your Amazon speaker should now be up-to-date with its latest operating system and ready to use again.
The importance of checking your settings after installation
After you’ve installed a new firmware update, it’s always a good idea to check your settings to make sure everything is how you want it. Firmware updates can sometimes change things without you realizing, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. In the case of the recent Alexa update, checking your settings is especially important because it can fix problems with your speaker that you may not have even realized were there.
What else can I do while my devices are updating?
If you’re experiencing problems with your Amazon Echo or other Alexa-enabled device, a firmware update may be the solution. While your devices are updating, there are a few things you can do to pass the time. You could try cooking some bacon in the oven or making eggs and toast for breakfast. You could also try washing and organizing your clothes, taking out the trash, or even cleaning up around the house (a little) more than usual! Alternatively, if you’re feeling like reading today, you could choose from one of these great titles:
-Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
-The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
-Carrie by Stephen King
A Note From Amazon
We’re sorry to hear that some of our customers are having trouble with their Alexa-enabled devices. We’ve released a firmware update that should fix the problem. If you’re still experiencing difficulties, please contact our customer support team for help. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Sincerely, Amazon Customer Service As of October 22nd, 2017 all Alexa-enabled devices have been issued a firmware update that fixes these problems. For those who are still experiencing issues after updating the software in question can contact Amazon’s customer service department through an email or phone call.
