Does Alexa Cause Wi-Fi Interference?

Just like any other smart device, Alexa requires internet to run, but does Alexa cause Wi-Fi interference? Some users are of the view that Alexa slows down the internet while it is being used. However, the fact is while Alexa is idle, it hardly uses any bandwidth. So,

No, Alexa does not cause Wi-Fi interference. Just like any other device, your Alexa device will also use Wi-Fi. While using Alexa, you can expect your internet connection to slow down due to streaming videos, chatting and playing music, etc. But that should be temporary.

Just remember that the greater the number of devices sharing the bandwidth, the slower your Wi-Fi will be. Plus, there could be several other reasons contributing to Wi-Fi interference and a sudden decrease in internet speed.

In this article, we are going to address the concern along with how you can help or prevent your internet connection from slowing down and why Alexa might not be the culprit each time.

Alexa bandwidth usage

Alexa is more or less based on the same principle of audio streaming as Amazon Music, iTunes, etc., which means that it uses similar or less bandwidth.

When you use the word “Alexa” (or any other wake-up word) to wake up the device, it streams the content to the Amazon Server, which translates it to English text using speech-to-text recognition, artificial intelligence, and natural language processing. The entire process takes place on the Amazon server, meaning internet use is negligible.

However, if you are using Alexa for other features, such as video chatting, the device is going to use some bandwidth. It also might be if you use Alexa to keep an eye on your kids while they are asleep.

Also read: How much data does the Echo Show use?

Therefore, users might feel as if Alexa is having trouble with Wi-Fi connectivity or losing signals along the way when it is simply the way you are using it, which increases bandwidth utilization.

Alexa slowing down Wi-Fi

As mentioned previously, Alexa, like other smart home assistants, utilizes bandwidth depending on the features you are using. For instance, if you ask Alexa to turn on the lights, it will not use much bandwidth compared to when you are streaming music.

On the other hand, if you have several Alexa devices installed in your house coupled with some other smart devices, you can expect some Wi-Fi interference or slow down. Smart devices do not influence the internet connection unless all of them are being used at the same time.

The reason is simple, with several smart devices connect to the same internet connection, the connection will have a hard time providing each device the bandwidth it needs. There is also a chance that the smart devices will interfere with the signals and slow down the speed significantly.

Also read: How to update Wi-Fi on Alexa?

Alexa might not be to blame

While there is no doubt that several smart devices working together will surely slow down the internet connection, which means Alexa should not have people pointing their fingers at it.

If you have smart bulbs, TVs, smartphones, and a whole bunch of other devices connected to the same network, you should not be surprised when Wi-Fi interference takes place.

Furthermore, you should also be wary of where you place your Wi-Fi router. If the router is located far away, Alexa will have a hard time catching signals, and you won’t be able to use its features properly.

Make sure you opt for a 2.4 GHz router to easily provide the seamless connection that Alexa needs to run the features.

To learn the difference between a 2.4 GHz and a 5 GHz router, click here!

Moreover, Wi-Fi interference is also caused if your neighbors are using routers of the same frequency. You can try switching to 5GHz for a while, but the signals won’t pass through solid walls and other objects.

Final thoughts on whether Alexa causes Wi-Fi interference

To sum it up, when it comes to Wi-Fi interference, Alexa will hardly ever be the reason. It is usually due to multiple smart devices connected to the same network or routers using the same frequency that causes the problem.

Therefore, you will first need to make sure other potential factors are not causing interference before checking up on Alexa.