Wondering why does Alexa chime randomly without proper reasoning? Keep reading!
There are so many reasons why Alexa might emit short-interval *beep* sounds, and knowing them all without a little help is impossible.
This is why in this guide we managed to include every single possibility where Alexa would chime randomly and will help you to stop the sounds!
When Alexa chimes randomly, users need to change their wake words to prevent unintentional triggers and check their routines for any reminders. The next step is to disable the notifications and check why is Alexa *beeping* in the Activity History.
Learning why Alexa is beeping is one thing, and stopping it is another. Let’s learn more!
Why Did My Alexa Randomly Beep?
To make it as simple as possible, we’ll take a quick look at a list containing ALL possibilities for your Alexa to beep out of the blue.
In most cases, the problem is one of the bullets below:
- Accidental Wake Word Narration
- Alexa is Reminding Something
- Missed Notification
- Bluetooth Device Connected/Disconnected
- Alexa Drop-In (calling, messaging) Announcement
- Alexa Can’t Connect to the WiFi
There are many ways that you can use to stop the random beeping, but wouldn’t it be better to learn what’s causing it?
Keep reading the solution guide below to not only stop the random beeping but also discover where the problem is coming from.
Let’s jump right in!
How To Fix When Alexa Chime Randomly?
To solve the problem we’ll go through each of the above-listed possibilities and make sure to excuse them one by one.
This will help us understand where the problem is coming from and act respectively to each different case.
Let’s begin with the obvious:
Solution #1 Use A Different Wake Word
The most frequent reason for Alexa to *beep* is when the Echo device is entering a “listening mode”.
In other words, when saying “Alexa” the device *beeps* as an indication that it’s listening for voice commands to be narrated.
When you change the Alexa Wake Word, the device will *beep* each time the phrase is narrated in any language.
Sometimes, similarity could trigger the listening mode so changing the Wake Word is the easiest and the far most effective approach to this problem.
Here’s how to change Alexa’s Wake Word:
- In the Alexa App go to Devices.
- From there choose Echo & Alexa.
- Select the device you want to make changes to.
- Tap on Settings and choose Wake Word.
- Input a new Wake Word.
Tip: Make a Wake Word that won’t be accidentally pronounced while speaking!
Solution #2 Disable Reminders (Routines)
The Alexa Routines allow users to schedule automatic tasks and save voice phrases to connect and activate different features in your smart home.
However, some Routines can be time-sensitive and executed only during specific hours. All of this is configurable in the app!
Here’s how to locate scheduled routines and remove them:
- In the Alexa App tap on More.
- From there choose Routines.
- Find Routines With a Clock Icon.
- Open the Routine.
- Turn OFF the Schedule by tapping on the Enabled Slider.
These routines will execute at a specific (pre-configured) time. They often make the device *beep*, therefore, chiming in the middle of the night.
Make sure to turn off ALL scheduled routines and check whether the Echo device will produce random sounds again.
Tip: You can Edit the Routine instead of disabling it, by only removing the time schedule!
Solution #3 Inspect The Alexa History
Luckily, Alexa keeps track of ALL voice commands heard, executed and any action taken.
In there you’ll find information regarding the random *beeps* that you’ve been hearing as long as you remember the time when they appeared.
Not exactly, but approximately when?
Here’s how to open the Alexa Activity History and find the *beeps*:
- Open the Alexa application.
- Press on More.
- Then go to Activity.
- Choose Voice History.
- Use the Displaying Line to filter the history!
Now, all you need to do is look at what Alexa has done during the time of the random *beeps*.
If necessary wait for a couple of minutes until the device chimes and jump into the History to find out what’s happening. There should be information about which service is involved.
Note: It’s important to select the correct Echo device since the History is not shared.
Solution #4 Stop The Notifications
To address the elephant in the room, we’re going to discuss the Alexa notification here.
It’s well known that Alexa’s yellow light means a missed notification and the random *beeps* are alert.
You’ll need to STOP the Notifications (Some or ALL) to stop the random sounds:
- Open the Alexa app.
- Press on More and go to Settings.
- From there choose Notifications.
- You’ll see a list full of notification types.
To disable a notification, you need to open the Sounds and select None!
Individually click on each of them and disable the ones you don’t want to receive.
We even suggest stopping them all for the time being or at least we understand where the random “beeps” are coming from.
Note: Feel free to enable the notifications after you’re finished with the rest of the solutions!
Solution #5 Mute Alexa!
In case your Echo Alexa device continues to randomly beep, even when the notifications are disabled, we need the big-gun methods in action.
This is a forceful way to prevent Alexa from randomly beeping until we discover what’s causing them or sleep through the night peacefully.
To silence your Echo device, you can simply press the Mute button!
This will make sure that the Alexa won’t be making any sounds until the device is unmuted.
However, this will prevent any notifications from being announced so make sure to continue with the debugging solutions below to permanently fix the problem.
Tip: To enable the sounds from your Echo device, press the Mute button again!
Solution #6 Disable The Bluetooth
The next step is to disable Bluetooth since a certain device that is saved as a connection might be automatically connecting and disconnecting from the Echo device.
In turn, this will cause the device to *beep* when the receiver comes in rage, hence, connects/disconnects.
Here’s how to disconnect Bluetooth devices from your Amazon Echo speaker:
- In the Alexa App go to Devices.
- Choose Echo & Alexa.
- From there select your Echo Speaker.
- Press on the Gear Icon to select Bluetooth Devices.
- Once there, go to the Wireless Menu.
- Unpair ALL saved connections by pressing on Forget Device.
Now the Bluetooth devices that come in Bluetooth range with your Echo device will not connect automatically, therefore the speaker won’t be making any indicational *beeps*.
Feel free to test whether the random *beeps* will continue and if not, the problem has been solved.
Note: You can pair back any Bluetooth devices that you’re using after the guide!
Solution #7 Reset The Echo Device!
When the random *beeps* continue on your Alexa, and you were unable to identify where the problem is coming from, the most powerful solution remains the Factory Reset.
This method will wipe-clean the storage of your Echo device and reinstall the operating system!
ALL settings, configurations, WiFi passwords, and Bluetooth connections will be gone!
Here’s how to factory reset your Amazon Echo device:
- In the Alexa app go to Devices.
- From there choose Echo & Alexa.
- Choose your Echo Speaker.
- Go to the bottom of the tab and select Factory Reset.
- Confirm the Reset and wait.
When the reset is over, there would be no reason for your Echo device to randomly chime.
Re-enable the previously used services one by one and observe after each one the *beeps* will come back. This is your only way to identify which services are causing the device to chime!
Note: The Echo Speaker reset usually takes up to 3 minutes, so be patient.
Quick Recap:
Hence, the Alexa chimes randomly because scheduled Routines, Enabled Notifications, or Bluetooth devices are getting automatically paired and unpaired. The solutions revolve around disabling the services one by one until the random *beeps* are gone!
Read Next: How to Fix Harmony Hub Not Working with Alexa?
Wrapping Up:
Now that we’ve learned why does Alexa chime randomly and how to solve the problem in no time we’re ready to sleep in peace.
In case the problem continues feel free to contact Amazon Customer Service for more help in resolving the *beeping* issue with your Echo Speaker!
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.