Why Does Alexa Make A Bing Bong Noise? You’re sitting in your living room, reading a book, when you hear a loud bing bong noise. You jump up, startled. What was that? You look around, but you don’t see anything. Then you remember: your Amazon Echo makes that noise when it has something to tell you.
Perhaps you set up your phone’s Bluetooth connection many years ago, and it continues to do so automatically. To easily test this notion (or rule it out), just say “Alexa, disconnect.”
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Summarizing the information about the Bing Bong noise in Alexa
| Event | Does it trigger the Bing Bong noise? | How to disable the noise |
|---|---|---|
| Incoming call | Yes | Open the Alexa app > Menu > Settings > Sounds > Toggle off Bing Bong |
| New message from supported messaging apps | Yes | Open the Alexa app > Menu > Settings > Sounds > Toggle off Bing Bong |
| Reminder | Yes | Open the Alexa app > Menu > Settings > Sounds > Toggle off Bing Bong |
| Timer | Yes | Open the Alexa app > Menu > Settings > Sounds > Toggle off Bing Bong |
| Alarm | Yes | Open the Alexa app > Menu > Settings > Sounds > Toggle off Bing Bong |
Sure, here’s the updated table with synonyms for the words in the second column:
| Reason for “Bing Bong” Noise | How to Resolve | Suggested Products | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connectivity Issues | Check Wi-Fi connectivity and router settings. Ensure Alexa device is in range and reboot router if needed. | Google Nest Wifi or Amazon Eero Mesh Wi-Fi System. | Check price on Amazon |
| Alexa Notification | Check Alexa app for notifications or messages. Ask Alexa to read notifications aloud or check the app for details. | Amazon Echo Show for visual notifications. | Check price on Amazon |
| Incoming Message or Reminder | Alexa is notifying you of a message or reminder. Ask Alexa to read the message or remind you of upcoming tasks. | Amazon Echo Dot for voice-based reminders. | Check price on Amazon |
| System Update or Software Update | Alexa may be updating its software. Allow the update to complete without interruption. | Amazon Echo Plus with auto-update features. | Check price on Amazon |
| Smart Home Device Interaction | Alexa might be acknowledging a successful command or interaction with a smart home device. | Compatible smart home devices like Philips Hue lights or Nest thermostat. | Check price on Amazon |
| Timer or Alarm Completion | Alexa is signaling the completion of a set timer or alarm. Confirm the timer or alarm has completed its set time. | Amazon Echo Spot for visual timer notifications. | Check price on Amazon |
| Error or Malfunction | Restart the Alexa device, or reset it to factory settings if the issue persists. Check for any updates or contact Amazon support. | Amazon Echo (latest version) for enhanced performance and reliability. | Check price on Amazon |
18 Reasons for Alexa Making a Bing Bong Noise:
There are a number of reasons for bing-bong noise. Here are 11 reasons why your Amazon Alexa might be making the bing bong noise:
1. It is turned on
When you first turn on your Alexa device, it will make a bing bong noise to indicate that it is ready to use.
2. Notification for incoming messages or calls
This type of notification alerts you when you receive a new message or call. It can be a simple text message, an email, or a social media notification.
- Notification for incoming messages or calls:
- New text message from your friend
- Missed call from your boss
- New email from your teacher
- New social media notification
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Pitch | 440 Hz |
| Duration | 0.5 seconds |
| Frequency | 220 cycles per second |
3. Error notification
This type of notification alerts you to an error that has occurred. For example, you might receive an error notification if you try to log in to your account with an incorrect password.
- Error notification:
- You have entered an incorrect password
- The website you are trying to access is down
- Your computer has crashed
- Your phone is running out of battery
4. Software bug
A software bug is an error in a computer program that can cause unexpected or unintended behavior. Bugs can be found in all types of software, from operating systems to web applications.
- Software bug:
- A website is not displaying correctly
- An app is crashing
- Your computer is running slowly
- Your phone is not connecting to the internet
5. Reminding Users of an Action
The sound reminds users of a previously performed action or requested command.
6. Confirmation of a completed task or request
This type of notification lets you know that a task or request has been completed successfully. For example, you might receive a notification when your order has been shipped or when your payment has been processed.
- Confirmation of a completed task or request:
- Your order has been shipped
- Your payment has been processed
- Your flight has been delayed
- Your appointment has been confirmed
7. It is responding to a command
When you ask Alexa to do something, it will make a bing bong noise to confirm that it has heard you and is processing your request.
8. Differentiating between “Yes” and “No” Responses
The bing-bong noise can signify a negative response instead of using the words “yes” or “no.”
9. It is connecting to Bluetooth
If you have paired your Alexa device with a Bluetooth device, it will make a bing bong noise when it connects or disconnects.
10. It is updating its software
When Alexa is updating its software, it will make a bing bong noise to indicate that the update is in progress.
11. Indication of a new skill or update
This type of notification lets you know about new features or updates to a product or service. For example, you might receive a notification when a new app is released or when a new feature is added to your social media account.
- Indication of a new skill or update:
- A new app has been released
- A new feature has been added to your social media account
- Your software has been updated
- Your device has a new security patch
12. Indicating the Need for Another Question
Alexa may respond with the bing-bong noise to prompt users to ask another question or continue the conversation.
13. It is having trouble understanding you
If Alexa doesn’t understand what you’re saying, it will make a bing bong noise and then repeat what you said.
14. It is malfunctioning
If your Alexa device is making the bing bong noise for no apparent reason, it could be malfunctioning. Try restarting your device or unplugging it for a few minutes and then plugging it back in.
15. It is being used by someone else
If you have a multi-user household, someone else could be using your Alexa device and making it make the bing bong noise.
16. Marking the End of a Command Phrase
The bing-bong noise indicates the completion of a command phrase, regardless of whether Alexa is done listening or not.
17. Warning About Potential Danger:
Carbon Monoxide Leak Detection: One of the critical safety features of smart home devices like Alexa is their ability to integrate with other smart sensors, such as carbon monoxide detectors. When a carbon monoxide leak is detected in your home, these sensors can send an alert to Alexa. In response, Alexa generates the Bing Bong noise to grab your attention.
18. Signaling that Alexa is Listening:
Wake Word Activation: Alexa is designed to only actively listen and respond to voice commands when it hears its “wake word.” The Bing Bong noise is essentially Alexa’s way of indicating that it has heard the wake word.
Understanding these meanings helps users interact effectively with Alexa.
Issue: Echo Device Making Random Noises | How To Fix?
Step-by-Step Instructions to Solve the Issue:
1. Verify Misinterpretation
Sometimes the Echo device may make random Bing Bong noises due to misinterpretation of commands.
To check if this is the case:
Ask your Echo device, “Alexa, why did you say that?” This will prompt the device to provide an explanation for its previous response.
Pay attention to any useful information provided by the Echo device regarding triggered routines or timers.
If the Echo device replies that it didn’t do or say anything, proceed to the next step.
2. Disconnect Bluetooth Connections:
If your Echo device is connected to a Bluetooth device (e.g., phone), audio from the phone may play on the Echo, causing random noises or Alexa beeping.
To troubleshoot this:
- Say, “Alexa, disconnect” to your Echo device.
- Observe if the device disconnects from Bluetooth. If it does, the issue may be resolved. If not, move on to the next step.
3. Review Voice History
The Amazon Alexa app stores voice commands for analysis and playback. Reviewing voice history can help identify why the Echo device made random sounds.
Follow these steps:
- Launch the Amazon Alexa app on your mobile device.
- Go to “More” in the menu, then click on “Alexa Privacy.”
- Select “Review Voice History” to see the exact commands Alexa interpreted.
- Listen to the playback to identify any misinterpretations or unexpected triggers.
- Analyze if any background noises or unclear commands might have caused the random noises.
2nd Troubleshoot
- Go to the app
- Click on the menu icon
- Select “settings”
- Go to “ Alexa privacy”
- Then click “Review voice history”
- Now delete the unwanted commands
4. Check for Enabled Whisper or Brief Modes
Whisper and Brief modes can affect how the Echo device responds.
Ensure these modes are correctly configured:
- In the Amazon Alexa app, go to “More,” then click on “Settings.”
- Scroll down to “Voice Responses” and check the settings.
- Verify if Brief Mode is enabled, which reduces the Echo’s spoken responses.
- Also, confirm if Whisper Mode is active, which allows Alexa to respond in a whisper during certain times.
- Adjust these settings based on your preferences and to avoid unexpected responses.
5. Review Enabled Skills
Third-party skills on your Echo device may occasionally cause random noises.
To manage skills:
- Open the Amazon Alexa app or ask, “Alexa, what skills do I have enabled?”
- Remove any unused or unnecessary skills that might be causing the issue.
- Disable a skill by saying, “Alexa, disable [skill name].”
6. Check the Light Ring
The light ring on the Echo device can provide indications about pending notifications or Wi-Fi issues.
Investigate the light ring:
- Observe the color of the light ring on your Echo device.
- If the light ring is pulsing yellow, there might be waiting notifications or messages.
- A violet light ring may indicate Wi-Fi connectivity problems.
- Consult resources like Cnet for troubleshooting steps specific to light ring indications.
7. Investigate for Electrical Faults
Unusual popping or crackling noises might indicate an electrical fault.
If you suspect this:
- Ensure all connections to your Echo device are secure.
- If the issue persists, contact Amazon Customer Services to report the problem as it could be a safety concern.
8. Monitor for Software Bugs
In rare cases, random noises can result from software bugs within the Alexa platform.
Stay informed and take necessary action:
- Research online forums or search engines to determine if others are experiencing similar issues.
- If the random noises are widespread, it may indicate a software bug that Amazon should address.
- Keep your Echo device’s software up to date to benefit from
General Solutions:
A typical source of unusual sounds is due to a linked Bluetooth gadget which you forgotten about. Perhaps you set up your phone’s Bluetooth connection many years ago, and it continues to do so automatically. Saying “Alexa, disconnect” can instantly confirm or disprove this hypothesis.
It is quite annoying when your smart speaker wakes you up with a buzzer in the middle of the night. When it initially started, all I wanted to know was why Alexa was sporadically beeping and what I could do to stop it.
Contact Amazon Customer Support
If you have followed all the suggested steps above and are still experiencing the problem of unwanted bing bong noise with your Amazon Echo device, it is recommended to contact Amazon customer support or Amazon support page for Alexa noises for a personalized solution.
Claim the Warranty
Since your product is still within the warranty period, you have the option to get it replaced or repaired. Amazon products typically come with a one-year full replacement warranty. To avail of this warranty, simply reach out to Amazon customer service and explain the issue you are facing with your Echo device. They will assist you in either repairing the device or providing a new replacement Echo Dot.
Collection of Old Echo Device
In the event that a replacement is issued, Amazon will arrange for the collection of your old Echo device. This is done either for destruction or for repair purposes.
How to prevent Alexa from making the bing bong noise in the future?
- Speaking clearly and distinctly when giving Alexa commands.
- Avoiding giving Alexa commands in noisy environments.
- Turning off the “Wake Word Detection” setting on Alexa.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the above-discussed problems and solutions are commonly encountered when Alexa produces a bing bong noise. This noise may occur randomly due to wake-up words or background noise interference. By following the provided solutions and contacting Amazon customer support, it is expected that the issue will be resolved, and Alexa will no longer cause frustration.