Start by Asking Alexa

If you are having problems with your Echo device, make sure you are connected to the internet by seeing if Alexa can respond to a simple voice command.

Ask Alexa to play one of your Spotify playlists. If the virtual assistant responds correctly, you know you are paired. If she doesn’t then go into the Alexa app for iOS or Android and check you are on the correct Wi-Fi network.

If you need to reconnect your Echo device, wait a couple of minutes to see if Alexa recognizes a need for an update.

If she does, she will announce an update in progress. You can then ask Alexa, “Alexa, are you up-to-date?” Alexa will respond saying she is checking. If she replies with, “This device is up-to-date,” then you are all set.

But if you hear something different, here’s how to install the latest software. Don’t be alarmed if your Echo light rings change color, as that’s a sign that the device may be updating.

Head to the Alexa App

Now it’s time to open up the Alexa app again and select the More button at the bottom right of your screen. On this page click Settings.

In Settings, click on Device Settings and choose the device you want to check. Click through to the next page and scroll down to the bottom and click About.

Since Echo devices receive updates over Wi-Fi, you should see that your device software version number matches that on the website.

Keeping Alexa Up-to-Date