Our wifi temporarily lost power. When it was back up, all of our devices (iPhones and iPad) EXCEPT for the Echo Dot reconnected to the network without a problem. We followed the standard procedures to reconnect the Dot (i.e., wait for orange light, use the Alexa app on iPhone to connect the phone to the Dot's Amazon network, etc.), but for some reason the Amazon Alexa app can't find our hidden wifi network. So... we manually enter the name of the hidden network along with the WPA2 password, and it spends a couple minutes looking for the network, but it never successfully finds or connects to it -- even though the Dot had successfully connected and worked fine on the same network (same name, same password) for months prior to the power outage. Meanwhile, all of our other devices can easily find and connect to the same hidden network using the same name and WPA2 password. No problem. So... why won't the Dot recognize the network info and connect to it?? - gretchen
05/13 Update --“*Note from the Moderators: This issue is fixed and updates rolled through for those with Android devices - iOS is still pending.
Notes: Please check the newest update on this issue on page 12.
I don’t know why. You may need to power off your Dot, power off your router, power on your router, power on your Dot. Or, you could try resetting your Dot, see: Reset Your Echo Device
If the problem persists, contact Customer Service and they will troubleshoot with you. From the Alexa app > Help & Feedback > Call Customer Service > select your device > select a category > select an issue > verify your info > Call Me > they will call you almost immediately.
It annoys me too, that the Echo cannot connect to a hidden SSID. Even if I connect it to the network while it is broadcasting its SSID and after that hide the SSID, the Echo will lose its connection after some time. I don't see what behaviour should be good for.
Hiding SSIDs is a good idea if you run multiple wireless networks, e.g. for have devices separated in different VLANs. I run multiple wireless lans, all SSIDs hidden but the guest network. This makes it easier for guests to find the correct WLAN to connect to. Broadcasting the other SSIDs is simply not necessary and will just make the WiFi list unnecessary long.
if that's the case that Echo dot cannot connect to a hidden network because Amazon took that feature out. than ***** AMAZON!!!! I will not expose my network or anybody else to this BS!!! I want my network to be safe from everyone as much as possible.
However it's a pain and might not happen on the first try, i have 2 of them connected for some time now just bough 3rd one on sale for $25 :) and it took me probably 20-30 minutes of all the bs using my phone and alexa app
basically going through the yellow light setup, yes pain in the rear, but it worked.
from that time on i can unplug the device and it will reconnect no problem
on the phone app when it comes to choosing wifi and you have to select from the list there is an option. You have to scroll to the bottom option says "enter manually" something like that. choose the security protocol WPA2 in most cases your network name case sensitive and password.... now that being said it should connect at first try... well took me almost half hour today LOL but once it does you good to go.
As i mention before if i was to loose power/internet or disconnect the echos dots for some reason they will find the hidden network next time without problems.
and it is correct you cannot make SSID visible then connect then make it hidden and try to connect it will not work.
they should really fix it so it works as it should at first try
Recently tried to add a new Echo Dot 2nd gen and ran into this exact problem. I could connect the new Echo Dot if SSID was broadcast, but as soon as the network was hidden the new device would go offline. Old Echo Dot's were working fine with SSID broadcast or not.
With some trial and error I got this to work:
Login to your actual Amazon.com account online - go to "Your Content and Devices".
Click "Preferences" tab.
Click "Saved Wi-Fi Passwords".
Disable "Wi-Fi simple setup".
Now, go through the normal setup of the device in the Alexa app and it should allow you to manually type in the SSID and password for the hidden network.
Looks to me Amazon tried to make things simpler for the average person, and that made it harder for advanced users or nuts like me. Good luck to all! Hopefully someone can confirm this as working and not just a fluke that my device setup started working.
I recently upgraded my home network from a single SSID system to a multiple SSID/VLAN system. I had the exact described issue with 2nd Gen Dot, an Echo Plus, and Fire TV (a first gen Echo was working without issue.) After following the steps described by @Jeff Schwartz all of the devices are now working perfectly connected to my new hidden SSID.
this does not fix the issue. I have the same issue as poster. I have a first gen echo. Have had it for over 3 years. Never had an issue with it connecting to my hidden network. All my other devices: alexa devices, phones, tablets, game systems, etc have no problem connecting to the network. Now the other day my echo was no longer connected and could not get it to connect. Trouble shooted with amazon support and nothing. Took my network off hidden status and it connects right up. Switch it back to hidden and no longer connected. I almost feel like amazon did something in order to make us phase out the older gen devices and buy a newer model. As mentioned my echo show 2nd gen, and dot 3rd gen have no problems, just this first gen echo all of a sudden
Josht25... You are reporting EXACTLY my situation. Purchased my Echo 0n 07Jan2015 and 3 years later... almost to the day... it can no longer find my hidden network. I've reset the router and echo many, many times. I've now spent over 6 hours setting/resetting and troubleshooting this Echo. I have 16 other devices connected to my hidden network WITHOUT A PROBLEM, including other Amazon devices. The only way to get this 1st gen. Echo connected is to take down my hidden network. While not perfect security, a hidden SSID stops the first layer hackers to a degree and I will not sacrifice this security.
The only conclusion I can see is that AMAZON IS SABOTAGING 1st GEN. ECHO CONSUMERS who use a hidden SSID! This is either deliberate by Amazon or Amazon has been hacked. Either way, it does not make me happy and I will not purchase another Amazon Alexa enabled device until this is resolved.
I too have had an Echo for years and it's been connecting to my hidden wifi SSID without incident. I picked up an Echo 3 in December and connect it to the same hidden SSID as the original Echo uses. Since Sunday (Jan 13, 2019), my original Echo shows a red ring and says it cannot connect to my network while my Echo 3 merrily hums along on the network just fine. I changed the SSID in my router to broadcast instead of hide and the original Echo connected quickly but once I returned the SSID to hidden status my original Echo returned to the red ring and inability to connect. At no time has my Echo 3 ever not been functional, so if this is the result of a bug in the firmware pushed to the original Echo, I'd appreciate Amazon fixing said bug and making sure to post that it's been fixed. I will gladly unhide my SSID long enough for my original Echo to download that updated firmware but I won't turn my SSID to broadcast unhidden just to get my original Echo fully functional all the time.
My Echo also went offline on January 13 so someone obviously changed the code. I will not unhide my network for the convenience of one device when my house is full of devices that mange just fine on a hidden network. Alexa can stay unplugged until they fix it.
I too have an Echo that won't connect to my hidden SSID. I happen to have another one that was unplugged over the weekend; it can still connect to my WiFi.
The working one reports version:
628534620
The broken one reports version:
628568420
Both are Gen 1. Both report the software is up-to-date when asking Alexa, "Check for software updates". Neither of those versions is listed as the latest per Amazon .
My Amazon Echo also went offline January 13. I've been troubleshooting since then. After 20-30 times of attempting to factory reset and reconfigure the Echo, I finally decided to unhide my WiFi SSID and it worked! As soon as I hid the SSID, my Echo started to have problems again. I finally decided to check the forums and glad to see other people having the same problem as me.
Amazon Echo (1st Generation?) purchased in November 2015 Device Software Version: 628568420
- This device will no longer connect until I unhide the SSID
Amazon Echo Dot (2nd Generation) purchased in November 2017 Device Software Version: 628568520
- This device is working with SSID hidden
I have several Google Home's that I've been considering to replace my Echo's if this is not resolved within a week or two. I've been contemplating switching them all out anyhow due to Chromecasts built into some of my TV's and them being able to understand me a lot better. I find myself repeating my commands to my Amazon Echo's, but Google Home's always understand me. This will give me reason to as it serves as a central point for a lot of my Smart Home devices.
I'm glad I found this thread, because nobody on chat support had any clue what I was talking about, and phone support is only just now acknowledging that they're getting a lot of calls about this issue with first generation Echo hardware after I found this thread.
All of our 1st gen hardware stopped working on Saturday to connect to hidden SSID. It can't be a coincidence.
support agent says "technical team is aware of the issue and working on a fix" reporting to me a timeline of 24-48 hours. we just have to leave the ssid broadcast for now if we want to use the first gen devices, until the update comes.
I agree with this post, 1 of my four 1st gen Echo's is now not connecting to my hidden wifi network, this echo has been working with no issues for over 2 years.
The problem has been caused by a software update, the Echo with the problem is 628568420, all the other devices are on software 628534620.
This indicates to me that Amazon have introduced a bug in S/W 628568420.
@Josht25, can you confirm the software version for the Echo device that you have a problem with?
Update: -
Just had another Echo update to 628568420, it has also stopped connecting to my hidden SSID, so it is a problem with this new software.
Same here stopped working last week First Gen Echo, bought in 2017. Tried many resets, unhid SSID still not working even though the Alexa app sees the network. Tried every solution on the net....Nothing! Alexa Dot 3rd gen works no issues...
I was going to see if Amazon would swap out with new Echo...but not holding my breath.
I'm in the same boat. I have a 1st generation Echo that was purchased in 2015 that stopped working this morning. It's no longer connecting to my hidden network.
I too have the software version: 628568420
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Our wifi temporarily lost power. When it was back up, all of our devices (iPhones and iPad) EXCEPT for the Echo Dot reconnected to the network without a problem. We followed the standard procedures to reconnect the Dot (i.e., wait for orange light, use the Alexa app on iPhone to connect the phone to the Dot's Amazon network, etc.), but for some reason the Amazon Alexa app can't find our hidden wifi network. So... we manually enter the name of the hidden network along with the WPA2 password, and it spends a couple minutes looking for the network, but it never successfully finds or connects to it -- even though the Dot had successfully connected and worked fine on the same network (same name, same password) for months prior to the power outage. Meanwhile, all of our other devices can easily find and connect to the same hidden network using the same name and WPA2 password. No problem. So... why won't the Dot recognize the network info and connect to it?? - gretchen
05/13 Update --“*Note from the Moderators: This issue is fixed and updates rolled through for those with Android devices - iOS is still pending.
I don’t know why. You may need to power off your Dot, power off your router, power on your router, power on your Dot. Or, you could try resetting your Dot, see: Reset Your Echo Device
If the problem persists, contact Customer Service and they will troubleshoot with you. From the Alexa app > Help & Feedback > Call Customer Service > select your device > select a category > select an issue > verify your info > Call Me > they will call you almost immediately.
Hi,
I have faced the same problem. This issue was also discussed here: https://www.amazonforum.com/forums/devices/echo-alexa/469909-connecting-alexa-to-hidden-wifi
Hi,
It annoys me too, that the Echo cannot connect to a hidden SSID. Even if I connect it to the network while it is broadcasting its SSID and after that hide the SSID, the Echo will lose its connection after some time. I don't see what behaviour should be good for.
Hiding SSIDs is a good idea if you run multiple wireless networks, e.g. for have devices separated in different VLANs. I run multiple wireless lans, all SSIDs hidden but the guest network. This makes it easier for guests to find the correct WLAN to connect to. Broadcasting the other SSIDs is simply not necessary and will just make the WiFi list unnecessary long.
if that's the case that Echo dot cannot connect to a hidden network because Amazon took that feature out. than ***** AMAZON!!!! I will not expose my network or anybody else to this BS!!! I want my network to be safe from everyone as much as possible.
They do connect to hidden wifi
However it's a pain and might not happen on the first try, i have 2 of them connected for some time now just bough 3rd one on sale for $25 :) and it took me probably 20-30 minutes of all the bs using my phone and alexa app
basically going through the yellow light setup, yes pain in the rear, but it worked.
from that time on i can unplug the device and it will reconnect no problem
on the phone app when it comes to choosing wifi and you have to select from the list there is an option. You have to scroll to the bottom option says "enter manually" something like that. choose the security protocol WPA2 in most cases your network name case sensitive and password.... now that being said it should connect at first try... well took me almost half hour today LOL but once it does you good to go.
As i mention before if i was to loose power/internet or disconnect the echos dots for some reason they will find the hidden network next time without problems.
and it is correct you cannot make SSID visible then connect then make it hidden and try to connect it will not work.
they should really fix it so it works as it should at first try
Andy
Andy,
Would you mind outlining exactly the steps you took? I'm having a similar problem and haven't been able to keep it connected with a hidden SSID.
Recently tried to add a new Echo Dot 2nd gen and ran into this exact problem. I could connect the new Echo Dot if SSID was broadcast, but as soon as the network was hidden the new device would go offline. Old Echo Dot's were working fine with SSID broadcast or not.
With some trial and error I got this to work:
Login to your actual Amazon.com account online - go to "Your Content and Devices".
Click "Preferences" tab.
Click "Saved Wi-Fi Passwords".
Disable "Wi-Fi simple setup".
Now, go through the normal setup of the device in the Alexa app and it should allow you to manually type in the SSID and password for the hidden network.
Looks to me Amazon tried to make things simpler for the average person, and that made it harder for advanced users or nuts like me. Good luck to all! Hopefully someone can confirm this as working and not just a fluke that my device setup started working.
I recently upgraded my home network from a single SSID system to a multiple SSID/VLAN system. I had the exact described issue with 2nd Gen Dot, an Echo Plus, and Fire TV (a first gen Echo was working without issue.) After following the steps described by @Jeff Schwartz all of the devices are now working perfectly connected to my new hidden SSID.
this does not fix the issue. I have the same issue as poster. I have a first gen echo. Have had it for over 3 years. Never had an issue with it connecting to my hidden network. All my other devices: alexa devices, phones, tablets, game systems, etc have no problem connecting to the network. Now the other day my echo was no longer connected and could not get it to connect. Trouble shooted with amazon support and nothing. Took my network off hidden status and it connects right up. Switch it back to hidden and no longer connected. I almost feel like amazon did something in order to make us phase out the older gen devices and buy a newer model. As mentioned my echo show 2nd gen, and dot 3rd gen have no problems, just this first gen echo all of a sudden
Josht25... You are reporting EXACTLY my situation. Purchased my Echo 0n 07Jan2015 and 3 years later... almost to the day... it can no longer find my hidden network. I've reset the router and echo many, many times. I've now spent over 6 hours setting/resetting and troubleshooting this Echo. I have 16 other devices connected to my hidden network WITHOUT A PROBLEM, including other Amazon devices. The only way to get this 1st gen. Echo connected is to take down my hidden network. While not perfect security, a hidden SSID stops the first layer hackers to a degree and I will not sacrifice this security.
The only conclusion I can see is that AMAZON IS SABOTAGING 1st GEN. ECHO CONSUMERS who use a hidden SSID! This is either deliberate by Amazon or Amazon has been hacked. Either way, it does not make me happy and I will not purchase another Amazon Alexa enabled device until this is resolved.
I too have had an Echo for years and it's been connecting to my hidden wifi SSID without incident. I picked up an Echo 3 in December and connect it to the same hidden SSID as the original Echo uses. Since Sunday (Jan 13, 2019), my original Echo shows a red ring and says it cannot connect to my network while my Echo 3 merrily hums along on the network just fine. I changed the SSID in my router to broadcast instead of hide and the original Echo connected quickly but once I returned the SSID to hidden status my original Echo returned to the red ring and inability to connect. At no time has my Echo 3 ever not been functional, so if this is the result of a bug in the firmware pushed to the original Echo, I'd appreciate Amazon fixing said bug and making sure to post that it's been fixed. I will gladly unhide my SSID long enough for my original Echo to download that updated firmware but I won't turn my SSID to broadcast unhidden just to get my original Echo fully functional all the time.
My Echo also went offline on January 13 so someone obviously changed the code. I will not unhide my network for the convenience of one device when my house is full of devices that mange just fine on a hidden network. Alexa can stay unplugged until they fix it.
I too have an Echo that won't connect to my hidden SSID. I happen to have another one that was unplugged over the weekend; it can still connect to my WiFi.
The working one reports version:
628534620
The broken one reports version:
628568420
Both are Gen 1. Both report the software is up-to-date when asking Alexa, "Check for software updates". Neither of those versions is listed as the latest per Amazon .
Anyone else like to chime in with their versions?
My Amazon Echo also went offline January 13. I've been troubleshooting since then. After 20-30 times of attempting to factory reset and reconfigure the Echo, I finally decided to unhide my WiFi SSID and it worked! As soon as I hid the SSID, my Echo started to have problems again. I finally decided to check the forums and glad to see other people having the same problem as me.
Amazon Echo (1st Generation?) purchased in November 2015
Device Software Version: 628568420
- This device will no longer connect until I unhide the SSID
Amazon Echo Dot (2nd Generation) purchased in November 2017
Device Software Version: 628568520
- This device is working with SSID hidden
I have several Google Home's that I've been considering to replace my Echo's if this is not resolved within a week or two. I've been contemplating switching them all out anyhow due to Chromecasts built into some of my TV's and them being able to understand me a lot better. I find myself repeating my commands to my Amazon Echo's, but Google Home's always understand me. This will give me reason to as it serves as a central point for a lot of my Smart Home devices.
I'm glad I found this thread, because nobody on chat support had any clue what I was talking about, and phone support is only just now acknowledging that they're getting a lot of calls about this issue with first generation Echo hardware after I found this thread.
All of our 1st gen hardware stopped working on Saturday to connect to hidden SSID. It can't be a coincidence.
support agent says "technical team is aware of the issue and working on a fix" reporting to me a timeline of 24-48 hours. we just have to leave the ssid broadcast for now if we want to use the first gen devices, until the update comes.
I've got the same issue, I have been posting here: -
https://www.amazonforum.com/forums/devices/echo-alexa/469909-connecting-alexa-to-hidden-wifi?comment=14
Update: -
Just had another Echo update to 628568420, it has also stopped connecting to my hidden SSID, so it is a problem with this new software.
Hi All,
Same here stopped working last week First Gen Echo, bought in 2017. Tried many resets, unhid SSID still not working even though the Alexa app sees the network. Tried every solution on the net....Nothing! Alexa Dot 3rd gen works no issues...
I was going to see if Amazon would swap out with new Echo...but not holding my breath.
Same here it finally took a dump after firmware upgrade
no amount of rain dance Other than unhidding The SSID will fix it now
firmware 628568420
error 7:1:15:5:2
sent email to customer support not hopeful
they May have just sold another google assistant
I'm in the same boat. I have a 1st generation Echo that was purchased in 2015 that stopped working this morning. It's no longer connecting to my hidden network.
I too have the software version: 628568420