How to fix an Amazon Smart Thermostat that’s unresponsive

Few smart thermostats are as affordable and powerful as the Amazon Smart Thermostat. Clocking in well under $100 and backed by the great reputation of Amazon, the affordable thermostat is one of the most popular on the market. Yet despite its popularity, the Amazon Smart Thermostat isn’t without a few issues. A common issue that crops up for users is the thermostat unit becoming unresponsive, making it difficult to use the device as intended.

While it can be frustrating to stumble upon an Amazon Smart Thermostat that’s unresponsive or not working as expected, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem. From restarting and partially resetting the thermostat to other troubleshooting tasks, here’s a look at how to fix the issue.

Looking for an upgrade? Be sure to check out our list of the best smart thermostats for alternatives to the Amazon Smart Thermostat.

The Amazon Smart Thermostat installed on a wall. — Image used with permission by copyright holder

How to restart and partially reset the Amazon Smart Thermostat

Before attempting any other troubleshooting methods, you’ll first want to try and restart your unresponsive Amazon Smart Thermostat. To do this, simply remove the faceplate from the wall, wait several seconds, then place it back on the wall. If you’re lucky, this will get your thermostat working like new. If that doesn’t work, try performing a partial reset by following these steps:

Step 1: Press the Up Temperature and Mode keys simultaneously for 10 seconds.

Step 2: Wait for the rEs notification to appear on the smart thermostat display.

Step 3: Hold the Mode button for five more seconds.

Step 4: This will reset the device and should fix any lingering issues.

Amazon Smart Thermostat unresponsive troubleshooting

If restarting and partially resetting your Amazon Smart Thermostat didn’t work, there are a few other things you can try. These are largely dependent on what exactly is wrong with your thermostat and only work for very specific issues.

A common issue with the Amazon Smart Thermostat is that the display will go blank. This can happen when the unit is left idle and inactive, and simply touching the screen should turn it back on. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to dive into your Alexa app, locate the Smart Thermostat, and increase your display brightness.

Another common issue that will cause your Amazon Smart Thermostat to behave erratically is if it’s installed in an awkward location. Amazon recommends installing it far away from air vents, sunlight, or other places that produce heat or cold air – such as a portable heater, air purifier, or near the kitchen. Consider moving your thermostat’s location if you notice temperature readings that wildly fluctuate throughout the day.

The last way to fix an unresponsive Amazon Smart Thermostat is to double-check your wiring. This is particularly important if you had to install the C-wire adapter, as that requires additional wiring that may be best handled by a professional.

If none of these suggestions work, it might be time to contact an HVAC service to inspect your furnace and air conditioner. Most of the time a simple reset is all it takes to fix an unresponsive Amazon Smart Thermostat, but sometimes your issues might be caused by a more serious problem.