Alexa Cannot Play Radio Stations | Troubleshooting Methods To Fix

501 4 minutes read

In the digital interconnected world, Alexa has transformed the way individuals interact with technology. It offers hands-free convenience for several tasks, involving playing radio stations. Are you willing to enjoy tuning in to news and talk shows? Or do you want to entertain yourself with music from your favorite station? If so, Alexa is a one-stop-solution.

Have found the issue – Alexa Cannot Play Radio Stations? Feeling frustrated due to this? You need not to do so for such a minor issue.

Once you dig a little deeper into this post, you will understand the possible reasons behind the issue. Apart from that, you will also be familiar with the credible troubleshooting methods to nip this issue in the bud.

Let’s get started!!

Why is Alexa Not Playing Radio Stations?

Before going ahead to have a glance at the troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue, you have to explore these sections. So, it’s time to explore a few common reasons why Alexa Cannot Play Radio Stations. Let’s walk through the key details given below –

1. Internet Connectivity Issues

Alexa depends on a stable internet connection to stream radio stations. But, if your Wi-Fi is weak or disconnected, Alexa may strive for accessing and playing radio content.

2. Outdated Alexa App or Firmware

In some cases, an obsolete Alexa app or device firmware can lead to several streaming issues. It prevents your Alexa device from playing radio stations properly.

3. Incorrect Command or Skill Misinterpretation

If you are not utilizing the appropriate command, Alexa may not understand your request. In addition to this, sometimes the default skill for radio streaming is not set properly. This is why, Alexa may not be able to find the correct station.

4. Radio Station is Unavailable or Region Restricted

A few radio stations may not be accessible in a few certain regions. It is all because of the licensing restrictions. It could be the biggest reason Alexa is unable to play them.

5. Problems with Third-Party Radio Skills (TuneIn, iHeartRadio, etc.)

Most of the radio stations on Alexa are streamed via third-party services. It is such as – TuneIn, iHeartRadio, or MyTuner Radio. If these skills encounter problems, Alexa may not be able to play your desired station.

6. Alexa Cache and Temporary Glitches

With the passage of time, Alexa devices accumulate temporary data. It may cause performance issues for instance – issues with playing radio stations.

How to Fix the Alexa Cannot Play Radio Stations Issue

Have you identified the possible causes for Alexa Cannot Play Radio Stations? If yes, you need to move on the trustworthy troubleshooting methods to nip this issue in the bud. Let’s move ahead…..

1. Check Your Internet Connection

At the beginning of the process, you need to cross-check that your Wi-Fi is working correctly.

Steps to Fix Wi-Fi Issues:

In the first step, you need to ensure that your router is turned on and functioning properly.
Now, restart your Wi-Fi router. You can do it by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in.
In the next step, move your Alexa device closer to the router for a stronger connection.
Thereafter, try connecting Alexa to a 5GHz Wi-Fi band to be able to enjoy better performance.

2. Restart Your Alexa Device

By resetting your device, you can resolve minor software glitches.

Steps to Restart Alexa:

Initially, unplug your Alexa device from the power source.
After that, wait for 30 seconds before plugging it back in.
Thereafter, once Alexa restarts, try saying:

“Alexa, play BBC Radio on TuneIn.”

3. Use the Correct Voice Command

If your Alexa is not recognizing your request correctly, you need to confirm that you are utilizing the proper voice command format.

Examples of Correct Commands:

“Alexa, play BBC Radio 1 on TuneIn.”
“Alexa, ask iHeartRadio to play Jazz FM.”
“Alexa, play Classic Rock 101 on MyTuner Radio.”

4. Check If the Radio Station is Available in Your Region

You need to verify if your radio stations have regional restrictions. This way, you can get rid of Alexa Cannot Play Radio Stations.

How to Check:

First of all, try to play the same radio station on your phone or computer with the use of TuneIn, iHeartRadio, or another service.
If the station is not available on these platforms, there may be a licensing issue.
Have you suspected a region lock? You need to consider the use of a VPN service to access restricted content.

5. Update Alexa’s Software and App

If an outdated Alexa app or firmware causes you playback issues, you have to ensure running the latest version.

How to Update the Alexa App:

Firstly, open the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS).
Now, search for Amazon Alexa and tap Update if available.

How to Update Alexa Device Firmware:

To kick-start the process, you need to open the Alexa app and go to Devices > Echo & Alexa > Your Device.
In the next step, scroll down and cross-check for firmware updates.
In case an update is available, install it.

6. Disable and Re-Enable Radio Skills

Suppose, if the issue is caused by a third-party skill, you need to disable and re-enable the skill to resolve it.

Steps to Refresh Radio Skills:

In the first step, open the Alexa app and go to More > Skills & Games.
Next, search for the radio skill you’re utilizing.
After that, tap on the skill and choose Disable Skill.
Thereafter, wait a few seconds, then Enable Skill again.
Last but not least, you need to play a radio station again with the appropriate command.

7. Clear Alexa’s Cache and Reset Network Settings

Once you clear the cache of the Alexa, it will help you to terminate the issue that you are already facing.

Steps to Clear Alexa Cache:

At the beginning of the process, you need to open the Alexa app.
Now, go to Settings.
In the next step, select Devices > Your Echo Device.
Later on, tap Forget Wi-Fi Network and reconnect it after restarting the router.