What does the green light on your Alexa speaker mean?

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Alexa and Alexa+-enabled Amazon Echo speakers can display nine LED light colors to communicate device status to users. A flashing yellow light, for example, indicates that you have a notification or message, while Alexa’s blue lights (link to live blue light) can tell you things, including whether the speaker is starting or responding to a voice command. But what does the green light on your Alexa speaker mean?

The green light on the Echo speaker is related to calls and has two variations: a spinning green light or a pulsing light. Each reflects a different call state on the device. So it’s important to know how to identify them and what they actually mean. So, below we’ve explained what the two green light variations look like on your Alexa-enabled speaker, what each means, and what to do if your device shows a green light that won’t go away.

When an Alexa-enabled Echo speaker displays a green light, it appears in one of two forms, each with a different meaning. If the green light is flashing, it means you have an incoming call on your Alexa device. To answer the call, say “Alexa, answer” and you should then be able to speak and hear the caller through your speaker. If you don’t want to answer the call, you can say “Alexa, ignore” instead.

This is where the other variation comes into play. When you are on an active call or Drop In, your speaker will display a rotating (or sweeping) green light instead of a flashing light. To end a call, say “Alexa, hang up” or let the other party end the call, and the green light should disappear. This light may also appear when you make an outgoing call and the device rings. To make a voice call through your Alexa speaker, say “Alexa, call (contact name)” or “Alexa, call (contact name) Echo Dot.”

To use Alexa calling and messaging, you need a stable internet connection and Alexa Communication enabled. To do this, open the Alexa app, select “More,” then open “Communicate.” In this menu you can manage your call and messaging permissions and/or information. Once Alexa Communication is set up, you can make calls through your speaker to Alexa Contacts, mobile and landline numbers, and Alexa Contact Groups.

If the green light on your Alexa device keeps blinking or spinning for a long time, your device may have a problem. The first step may seem obvious, but try answering, ignoring, or hanging up the call or Drop-In using voice commands or the Alexa app. Even if you do nothing, after about 10 rings, the green incoming call light should stop flashing, unless someone continues to call you repeatedly. Also check your Alexa voice history to confirm you didn’t accidentally make a call.

If the green light continues to flash or rotate and no calls appear active or incoming, there are a few things you can try. Try saying “Alexa, listen to my messages” and “Alexa, check my notifications.” Some users claim this fixed the issue because they had messages or notifications they weren’t aware of. However, this advice seems to mainly apply to older Alexa speakers, as notifications are now indicated by a yellow light.

If that doesn’t work, make sure your Echo speaker is updated to the latest software version, then restart it by unplugging it for about 30 seconds and plugging it back in. If the problem persists, turn off Drop In and Communications for your Alexa device. If all else fails, factory resetting your Echo speaker may fix the problem.