To ensure your Echo is working optimally, it’s important to keep its software up to date. Software updates bring new features, fix bugs, and improve the overall functionality of your device. While Echo devices using Alexa typically receive software updates automatically when connected to the internet, an unresponsive Echo may not be able to download these updates. Manually checking for updates can help ensure your device is running the most recent software version and potentially resolve unresponsiveness issues.

Follow these steps to check for and install updates on your Echo:

1. Ensure your Echo is connected to WiFi.

2. Say, “Alexa, check for software updates” to trigger an automatic update check. If that doesn’t work, move on to the steps below.

Forcing a software update on a standard Echo:

1. Press the mute button on top of the device.

2. The light ring will turn red to indicate that muting is active.

3. Leave your Echo in mute mode for 15 minutes to an hour.

4. Alexa will alert you that it needs to perform an update.

5. Your device will then proceed to install the latest version of the software.

Forcing an update on an Echo Show:

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen and select the settings menu.

2. Navigate to Device Options and then select Check for Software Updates.

3. If an update is available, the Echo Show will automatically start the update process.