When Alexa says can’t reach Amazon Music, what does it mean? If you encounter this problem, it can be due to a number of reasons. Luckily, we have the solutions for each.
The main culprit why Alexa has this issue is an unreliable Internet connection. Your Wi-Fi may have reached its user limit.
The problem could also stem from your Amazon account or a setting in your Alexa app.
To resolve this problem, restart your Alexa speaker. Unplug your device from the power outlet, then plug it again. If this does not work, set Prime as your default music provider. Sometimes, a particular song is unavailable to other providers, causing the issue.
To fix the error mentioned earlier and enjoy Amazon music without issues, you first need to know the cause.
Follow our lead, and we’ll fix the Alexa can’t play Amazon music problem together.
Why Can’t Alexa Reach Amazon Music
Several factors can cause your Alexa speaker to malfunction and not play Amazon music.
It could result from network issues or complications with your Alexa app or Amazon account.
Here are some of the most common reasons your Alexa speaker can’t play Amazon Music:
1. Connection Issues
Most times, Alexa shows the Can’t Reach Amazon Music error due to poor internet speeds. Your speaker will stop playing music after 2 to 3 songs if your Wi-Fi is not providing enough signal strength.
2. Inactive Subscription
If you do not have an active Amazon Music subscription, Alexa cannot play your requested songs.
3. Streaming Limit Reached
You can’t play Amazon music on multiple devices simultaneously. The company follows a one-user per account policy.
4. Explicit Filter
You cannot play songs on a device with the Explicit option enabled. It’s a feature that automatically blocks your device from playing those songs.
5. Wrong Echo Settings
For music to work in the Alexa app, you must set the right location, time zone, and language.
These are the main reasons your Alexa can reach Amazon Music. Now that you know them, we can move forward to resolve the issue.
How to Fix Alexa Says Can’t Reach Amazon Music
Before resorting to elaborate solutions, fix the Can’t Reach Amazon Music issue by restarting your Alexa speaker.
Power off your device and disconnect it from the power source. Wait for 30 seconds, then connect the device back.
Doing this will help you save time and effort. But, if this does not work, you can proceed to the following solutions:
Solution #1: Check Your Amazon Subscription
Amazon Music does not work if you don’t have an active subscription. It also does not work if multiple accounts are connected to it.
So, check whether you need to renew your subscription or switch to a different account.
Here’s how to check your Amazon subscription:
- Visit the Amazon Account page and go to Settings.
- Click Manage Prime Membership.
- Review your membership information, including start and end dates.
- If the account is not active, you will see a not under Payment History.
- Amazon will advise you on how to reactivate your account.
Note: Contact Amazon Customer Service if your membership information isn’t correct.
Solution #2: Check Your Active Device Streaming Limit
Prime Music does not allow you to play songs on multiple devices. If you are already playing a song via the Alexa app, you won’t be able to stream music on other gadgets using the same account.
Here’s how to check who is using your account:
- Go to Settings and select Registered Devices.
- You will see the devices signed in to your Amazon account.
- You can unregister them if you see it necessary.
Note: Also, check the linked accounts. If your device has multiple profiles linked to numerous Amazon accounts, sign in to the one with an active Prime membership.
Tip: To switch users, use the Alexa, change user or Alexa, switch profile command.
Solution #3: Set Amazon Music As Your Default Music Service
If you have set multiple music providers in your Alexa app, you need to add Prime as the default one.
Not setting it as your main music app can confuse your device, which will display this error.
It can be an easy thing to overlook, but it’s possible that the song you want to play is not available with your current service.
Here’s how to set Prime as your music provider:
- Go to your Alexa app’s settings menu.
- Select Music.
- Tap on Default Services.
- Choose Amazon Music as your Default Music Library.
- Select it also as your Default Station.
Note: You can also say a full command by saying, “Alexa, play <name of song> on Amazon Music.”
Solution #4: Disable the Explicit Filter
Alexa is a kid-friendly app and comes with a feature that blocks songs with explicit lyrics. Of course, this is all fine.
However, if you want to play a song with these types of lyrics, you will face this error. You can turn it off to play whatever music in your playlist without a hitch.
Here’s how to disable Alexa’s explicit filter:
- Go to your Alexa app’s Settings.
- Go to Music.
- Tap on Explicit Filter.
- Make sure it’s in the OFF position.
Tip: Alexa’s explicit filter can also block entire music services. However, stations are still going to be available.
Solution #5: Change Your Country in Amazon Music
Amazon can get a little uptight when some of your settings don’t match. The country you set your Amazon account in needs to match that of your music service.
If your accounts are assigned to a country, the music you want to listen to may not be available for streaming. Geo-restrictions are also true for music and not just TV shows and movies.
Here’s how to change the country of your Amazon account:
- Log in to your Amazon account.
- Go to Manage Your Content and Devices.
- Select the Country Settings or Preferences.
- Click on Country/Region Settings.
- Choose the country you’re in, then click Change.
Note: After changing your account’s country, try playing a song on your Alexa device.
Solution #6: Register Your Echo on the Alexa App
If none of these steps help resolve your issue, you want to remove your device from the Alexa app.
This step will clear any bugs and glitches that can cause this particular issue.
Doing this will essentially ‘forget’ your device from the Alexa app, allowing them to connect fresh later.
Here’s how to remove your device from the Alexa app:
- Open your Alexa app.
- Select Devices on the bottom menu.
- Tap on Echo & Alexa.
- Look for the device you want to unlink.
- Select the Deregister option.
Tip: You will need to set up your device with your Alexa app again by clicking on Add Device and selecting the type you have.
If removing your device and setting it up again does not resolve the issue, you must contact Amazon support. At this point, you’re likely facing a hardware issue with your Echo speaker.
There also could be something wrong with your Amazon account that only they can fix.
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Bottom Line
Now that you know the causes and how to fix Alexa says can’t reach Amazon music, you can start the process.
The troubleshooting steps are simple, and you don’t need any technical experience to fix the error.
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites. Check out more about him here.