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Richard_W
Contributor I
September 2, 2019
Answered

Alexa timers not working / unreliable

  • September 2, 2019
  • 24 replies
  • 6267 views
I have been using Alexa on our Sono One for months with no real issue but in the past couple of weeks the timers have become unreliable. It's not a consistent problem but it seems that most attempts to set a timer are now failing. There are three scenarios:

  1. say "Alexa, set timer for 10 minutes" > no audible response from Alexa to confirm that it has been set but if then asked "Alexa, how much time left on the timer?", Alexa confirms that timer is set. Timer goes off as expected.
  2. say "Alexa, set timer for 10 minutes" > no audible response from Alexa to confirm that it has been set but if then asked "Alexa, how much time left on the time", confirms that timer is set. Timer DOES NOT go off as expected.
  3. say "Alexa, set timer for 10 minutes" > audible response from Alexa to confirms that it has been set. Timer DOES NOT go off as expected.
I tried turning off and on again but there is no change to the behaviour.

This is one of the most used and useful features for Sonos/Alexa and I am loosing trust in the whole system at this rate. Any ideas why this is happening?
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    Best answer by Sebastien D.

    Hi folks,

    Few suggestions I’d like you to try regarding this issue. First, make sure that your Sonos System is currently up to date.

    If that’s not the issue, try unplugging the power from your Sonos speakers and plug it back. Wait for few minutes for your Sonos products to come back online.

    Lastly, check and make sure your time zone is set under Date & Time within the Sonos app. If that doesn't work, I'd recommend that you submit a system diagnostic within 10 minutes of trying to set an alarm, and contact Sonos Technical Support as there may be underlying network issues. 

     

    Moderator edit: provided link to tech support

     

    24 replies

    andyandpage
    Lyricist I
    September 2, 2019
    We have been experiencing the same thing. Mostly #1. We jokingly say that Alexa seems to be in her teenage years and refusing to respond to our request even though if you ask "how long is left on the timer", Alexa will respond with the correct time. But lately we have been getting #2 with a response but the timer not going off. I will say that more than not we get the correct response or conformation that the timer was set. So I'll be following this to see options to fix it.
      Barry128
      Lyricist I
      September 29, 2019
      I have the same problem with my Sonos One. If you ask Alexa to set a timer, it doesn't respond. But the time is set.
        Rhadfield
        Lyricist I
        October 8, 2019
        Hello! Having the same problem on my Sonos One for the past few months, experiencing the same 3 outcomes! I’ve tried resetting the speaker, ensures Sonos and Amazon updates are applied, but problem persists...
          AjTrek1
          AjTrek1
          October 8, 2019
          @andyandpage @Richard_W @Barry128 @Rhadfield

          Your command... "Alexa, set timer for 10 minutes"

          Try saying...Alexa, set a timer for X minutes
          Together Everyone Achieves More = T.E.A.M.
          PhilM80
          Lyricist II
          October 9, 2019
          I have the same problem. I actually bought an Echo Show for the kitchen so that we would have a visual timer indicator because of the Sonos One's unreliable timers. It made me late this morning. My alarm went off, I stopped it, then told Alexa to set a 10 minute timer, no response so I asked "Do I have any timers" she replied that I had 9 minutes and 50 seconds left on my 10 minute timer, and I never heard from her again.

          And seriously, AJTrek1? That's your World-Class Superstar answer????
            AjTrek1
            AjTrek1
            October 9, 2019
            @PhilM80

            Look...I understand your frustration but handing out insults gets you no where.

            In case you haven't read (or heard) voice inflection is a critical part of getting the proper responses from Alexa or any voice assistant. Furthermore, I don't see any other suggestions being offered...only complaints...yours being the most recent.

            My suggestion as a "World-Class Superstar" is that you submit a diagnostic within 10 minutes of the next occurence, post the reference ID in this forum and then call Sonos Tech support or contact them via Twitter or Facebook.

            Cheers!
            Together Everyone Achieves More = T.E.A.M.
              PhilM80
              Lyricist II
              October 9, 2019
              If you call that an insult, I'm not sure what to tell you. If you don't have anything to add, and obviously haven't read the posts, you're more than welcome to not suggest anything.
                AjTrek1
                AjTrek1
                October 9, 2019
                If you call that an insult, I'm not sure what to tell you. If you don't have anything to add, and obviously haven't read the posts, you're more than welcome to not suggest anything.

                @PhilM80

                Obviously, all you can do is complain. I gave you another option. If you're too lazy or obstinate to try it ...then continue to wallow in your own frustration.

                My second suggestion was not an apology for my first. Sometimes the resolution is found in the initial response and with others it may take a bit of try this then try that.

                Respond to this if you like but I won't continue to participate in this childish tirade. BTW, that last statement is intended as an INSULT.
                Together Everyone Achieves More = T.E.A.M.
                  Mark F
                  Contributor I
                  October 19, 2019

                  We also have this problem and Alexa has been getting a fair share of insults recently. Is there anyone with Sonos One with Alexa where the timers do work normally?


                  We tried switching off the features for brief responses but that didn’t help. 

                  Has anyone a link to report an Alexa bug?

                  Mark F
                  Contributor I
                  October 19, 2019

                  If anyone is interested diagnostic ID 1157090495.  If that contains any Alexa information it will surprise me.

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