The orange light on an Echo Show is one of the most misunderstood indicators, yet it plays an important role in how the device communicates with you. Many users see an orange glow or spinning bar and are unsure whether it signals a problem, a setting, or a notification they enabled accidentally. Understanding how and why this light appears helps you control your device more effectively and avoid unnecessary confusion.
This guide explains exactly what the orange light means, the different variations you may see, and how to intentionally trigger it on your Echo Show. By the end, you will know when the orange light is helpful, when it requires action, and how to manage it confidently as part of your daily Alexa experience.
What the Orange Light on Echo Show Means
Orange Spinning Light Explained
An orange spinning light bar on an Echo Show most commonly indicates that the device has notifications or messages waiting for you. This visual cue is designed to be noticeable without being disruptive, letting you know that Alexa has information ready whenever you are.
You will typically see this spinning effect when you have unread notifications such as delivery updates, reminders, or announcements from connected services. It may also appear when someone is trying to reach you through a Drop In call, signaling that attention is needed.
Solid Orange Light During Setup or Connectivity
A solid or slowly pulsing orange light usually appears during initial device setup or when the Echo Show is connecting to a Wi-Fi network. In this context, the orange light is a status indicator rather than a notification.
If you see a solid orange light shortly after restarting or resetting your device, it typically means the Echo Show is in setup mode and waiting for configuration. Once the connection is complete, the light should turn off automatically.
Orange Light Versus Other Alexa Light Colors
It is important not to confuse the orange light with other Alexa light signals. Each color has a specific meaning, and misinterpreting them can lead to unnecessary troubleshooting.
| Light Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Orange (spinning) | Notifications, messages, or incoming Drop In |
| Orange (solid) | Wi-Fi setup or connecting to the internet |
| Yellow | Messages or notifications requiring attention |
| Purple | Do Not Disturb or connectivity issues |
| Blue | Alexa is listening or processing a request |
How to Get the Orange Light on Echo Show Intentionally
Triggering the Orange Light Through Notifications
The most reliable way to activate the orange spinning light is by enabling notifications. When a notification is available and has not been reviewed, the Echo Show uses the orange light to alert you.
You can trigger this by setting a reminder, enabling delivery updates, or allowing announcements from supported services. Once the notification is active and unread, the orange light will appear until you ask Alexa to read or clear it.
Using Drop In or Communication Features
Another way to see the orange light is through Alexa’s communication features. When someone Drop Ins on your Echo Show or attempts to reach you using Alexa calling, the device may display an orange spinning light to signal the incoming connection.
This visual indicator helps differentiate communication alerts from regular voice responses, especially when the sound is muted or the volume is low.
Activating Setup Mode to Display Solid Orange
If your goal is to see a solid orange light, placing the Echo Show into setup mode will reliably produce it. This typically happens after a factory reset or when reconnecting to a new Wi-Fi network.
During this phase, the orange light confirms that the device is ready to be configured. Once setup is complete, the light will turn off without requiring manual intervention.
Common Reasons Users Want the Orange Light
Visual Confirmation of Notifications
Many users prefer a visual reminder instead of audio alerts, especially in quiet environments. The orange light provides a subtle way to know something needs attention without interrupting conversations or sleep.
This is particularly useful in shared living spaces, home offices, or bedrooms where sound-based notifications may be undesirable.
Ensuring Communication Alerts Are Active
For households that rely on Alexa communication features, the orange light serves as reassurance that calls and Drop Ins are being received properly. Seeing the light confirms that communication settings are working as intended.
It also helps identify missed interactions when you were away from the device or had the screen turned off.
How to Control, Manage, and Turn Off the Orange Light
Checking and Clearing Notifications
The most common reason the orange spinning light stays active is unread notifications. To manage this, you need to ask Alexa to review what is pending. Once notifications are acknowledged, the orange light should stop automatically.
If the light remains on, it usually means at least one notification has not been cleared. Reviewing all notifications in sequence ensures there are no lingering alerts keeping the indicator active.
Adjusting Notification Settings
If you prefer not to see the orange light frequently, notification settings can be adjusted to reduce how often it appears. Certain notification types, such as delivery updates or promotional alerts, can be disabled while keeping essential reminders active.
Fine-tuning these settings allows you to control how often the Echo Show uses visual alerts, making the device better suited to your environment and daily routine.
Managing Drop In and Communication Alerts
Communication features are another reason the orange light may appear unexpectedly. If Drop In is enabled for multiple contacts, incoming attempts can trigger the indicator even when you are not actively using the device.
Limiting Drop In permissions or turning the feature off entirely can significantly reduce unwanted orange light alerts while still allowing standard calling functionality if needed.
Troubleshooting When the Orange Light Will Not Turn Off
Confirming No Active Messages or Reminders
Sometimes the Echo Show continues showing the orange light due to a reminder or message that was partially acknowledged. Asking Alexa to list all notifications ensures nothing is missed.
Once every alert has been reviewed, the light should stop. If it does not, a brief restart may help refresh the device’s status indicators.
Restarting or Power Cycling the Device
A temporary software glitch can occasionally cause the orange light to remain active even when there are no notifications. Restarting the Echo Show clears temporary memory and often resolves this issue.
After the device restarts, monitor whether the light reappears. If it does not, the issue was likely a minor system error.
Checking Wi-Fi and Connectivity Status
A solid orange light can indicate that the Echo Show is still attempting to connect to the internet. This may happen if the Wi-Fi signal is unstable or credentials were recently changed.
Ensuring the device is connected to a reliable network will stop the orange setup light and return the Echo Show to normal operation.
Understanding When the Orange Light Is Helpful Versus Unnecessary
Situations Where the Orange Light Is Beneficial
The orange light is especially useful when you rely on visual cues instead of sound. It helps you stay informed without constant audio interruptions and provides a clear signal that something requires attention.
In busy households or work-from-home setups, this subtle alert system allows you to manage information on your own schedule.
When the Orange Light Becomes a Distraction
For some users, frequent orange light alerts can feel distracting, especially in bedrooms or low-light environments. In these cases, adjusting notification preferences or enabling Do Not Disturb during certain hours can help.
Customizing how and when alerts appear ensures the Echo Show works for you rather than interrupting your space.
Understanding how to get the orange light on Echo Show, why it appears, and how to control it gives you full command over one of Alexa’s most important visual signals. Whether you use it as a helpful reminder system or choose to limit its appearance, the orange light is a powerful feature when managed correctly.