You can’t pair up the Echo Dot (or any other smart device for that matter) with your home network if the device is not in setup mode.
The setup mode allows users to pair up the Echo Mode with their mobile devices as well as the Wi-Fi network.
Read: Echo Dot Not Connecting WiFi Fixes
Over ninety five percent of the time, you can just power up the Echo Dot and it will be in setup mode (as long as it is new just like the video below).
However, if you’re out of luck, you can manually put the Echo Dot in setup mode by holding the action button for five seconds.
An orange ring around the Echo Dot unit will show that the Echo Dot is in setup mode.
However, some people do struggle with complications like Echo Dot not going into setup mode.
So, it’s not that uncommon to see questions like “Why Won’t My Echo Dot Go Into Setup Mode,” on the online forums.
Let’s discuss how you can eliminate these complications with the setup mode, and why they present themselves in the first place.
Read: Is Your Alexa Auto Turning Off? Quick Solutions
Why Won’t My Echo Dot Go Into Setup Mode?
- Power Cycle Echo Dot
One of the more common reasons that can be linked with the Echo Dot not going into the setup mode is the programming errors.
Everyone can run into these minor bugs from time to time, and the best way to tackle them is to power cycle the Echo Dot device.
The power cycle routine includes
- Removing the power source
- Keeping the device dead (for about 2 to five minutes)
- Resupplying Power
- Holding the action button (for five seconds)
- Waiting for the light ring to change to orange
- Pairing up the Echo Dot
Many people make the mistake of simply rebooting the Echo Dot device.
While the reboot can help you in some situations, going through a complete power cycle routine is a more surefire and direct method of fixing minor programming bugs.
As long as you’re confident that the hardware is in good shape and the issue is only with the programming, you should be able to secure a good enough response from the power cycle routine.
So, have that in mind when the Echo Dot doesn’t go into setup mode.
- Check The Power Status
You won’t be wrong to assume that the issue is with the power flowing into the system.
While the Echo Dot is not that demanding when it comes to power flow, you’ll still need to ensure that the outlet is in good shape and supplying a steady flow of power.
The Echo Dot won’t go into setup mode until the power supply is optimal. To confirm the issue with the power, you can try using a different outlet or using a multimeter to check the voltage.
Either way, you’re trying to check if the power connections are defective or not.
Ideally, the Echo Dot unit should go into setup mode right away after you address the issues with the power side of things.
However, once you have isolated the issues with the power connections, it would not be a smart thing to leave them unattended.
You need to get the power connections serviced by hiring a local expert.
Hiring an electrician once every six months will help you get optimal response from your smart devices and appliances. Moreover, you will also reduce the risk of fire hazards.
- Update Application
Problems with the Alexa application can also present this issue in some devices, and there is no harm in updating or reinstalling the application.
If you’ve not given any attention to the update, now might be a decent time to update the application.
However, if you’re already on the latest version of the Alexa app, you will have to reinstall or reset the application to get ahead of these errors.
To reset the Alexa application
- Go to app settings
- Open storage option
- Clear all stored data
- Confirm selection
After the application is updated or reinstalled, follow the same routine of holding down on the action button for five to ten seconds.
The orange light ring should appear this time around, and you can go to the “add device” section to further finalize the setup.
- Reset Echo Dot
In case of more serious programming issues, a reset might be the only option.
Resetting the Echo Dot will wipe away all the configurations along with the programming errors. It might not be the most desirable option, but you’re not left with many options at this point.
To reset Echo Dot
- Power up Echo Dot
- Press and hold down the action button (20 seconds minimum)
- Light indicator will go off and come on
- Release the action button
- Wait for the light ring to turn orange
- Pair your mobile device and home network
Yes, you will have to go through all of the settings from the beginning.
However, this time around you won’t have to worry as much about the setup mode. The device should pair up pretty easily and quickly with your home network.
- Check Action Button
On a last note, you need to also check the button. It is entirely possible that the action button is to blame and you will have to check it thoroughly.
While the design is amazing it is not exactly “durable.” Smart devices fall more on the fragile end, and you will have to be more careful with them.
If the button seems to be in poor shape or seems to be unresponsive, your first step should be to blast it with compressed air (assuming that the Echo Dot has been in your house for a few months now).
Blasting it will compressed air should sort out the majority of issues.
On the other end, if the purchase is new, then you shouldn’t have to do anything on your end. The devices can get damaged during delivery, and you can claim a new one by asking the dealer.
As long as you are engaged with an official dealer, getting a new Echo Dot won’t be as difficult.
Just make sure not to mess with the device before getting word from the dealer, as you might void the warranty while trying to fix it yourself. Hopefully, you’ll get a quick response from the dealer.
The Takeaway
It is not rare at all to see people asking about why their Echo Dot won’t go into setup mode.
A lot of factors can play into these errors from the damaged action button to the power flow and the basic programming bugs.
You will have to isolate all of these possibilities by going through the fixes that are listed here.
As long as the hardware is in decent shape, you will have complete control of the situation. You won’t have to hassle as much with the situation, and the basic fixes like a power cycle or a reset will be enough.
On the other end of things, if the hardware is indeed damaged, you will have to engage some experts from the official dealer support.
You gotta reach out to those professionals and have them sort out the situation by sending you a fresh piece.
You’re not liable for any hardware issues on the device (before you got the unit).
The dealer should be pretty cooperative when it comes to claiming the warranty. So, have that in mind and engage the dealer to get a new Echo Dot within the same week.
