Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) Not Starting? Here’s How to Fix It

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Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) Not Starting? Is your Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Generation) stuck on a black screen, refusing to power up, or frozen on the logo? Don’t panic.

Most of the time, the issue comes down to power supply or a quick reset. The fastest fix is to unplug it for five minutes, then plug it back in using the original Amazon power adapter. If that doesn’t work, keep reading — we’ll walk through every possible solution.

Key Symptoms & Why It Happens

Not all “won’t start” problems are the same. Here are the most common scenarios Echo Show 5 owners report:

Totally dead (no lights, no sound): Often a faulty adapter or outlet.
Black screen but buttons respond: Possible display issue or firmware glitch.
Stuck on Amazon logo: Software crash during boot.
Keeps restarting in a loop: Corrupt firmware or overheating.

These issues usually trace back to either power delivery problems, software crashes, or hardware failure.

Step-by-Step Fixes

Here’s the troubleshooting roadmap to bring your Echo Show 5 back to life:

Check the Power Adapter
Always use the official 15W Amazon adapter that came with your device. Third-party chargers often don’t provide enough power.
Test the Outlet
Plug something else (like a lamp) into the same outlet to confirm it works.
Soft Reset
Unplug your Echo Show 5. Wait 3–5 minutes to let the power fully drain. Plug it back in and check for startup.
Force Restart with Buttons
Hold down Mute + Volume Down simultaneously for about 15 seconds until the Amazon logo appears. This forces a reboot.
Factory Reset (if it boots but is stuck)
From the reset menu triggered by the above step, select Factory Reset. Be aware this wipes your settings, but often clears boot loops.
Wi-Fi & Updates
If the device boots but feels frozen, check that your Wi-Fi is stable. Sometimes a patch or update may stall without a steady connection.

Recent Developments

In mid-2023 and 2024, users reported that some Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) units had firmware update glitches that caused startup freezes. Amazon released patches, but if your device hasn’t been updated in a while, this could be the culprit. Leaving the device plugged in for at least an hour sometimes allows it to complete an interrupted update.

When to Contact Amazon Support

If none of the above works, chances are you’re dealing with hardware failure (e.g., faulty display panel, internal power board). Signs include:

No lights or sound even with a verified adapter.
Buttons respond but screen never comes on.
Device repeatedly fails after factory reset.

If your Echo Show 5 is still under warranty, contact Amazon support for a replacement.

FAQs

Q: How do I reset an Echo Show 5 with a black screen?
A: Hold Mute + Volume Down for ~15 seconds until the logo shows, then release.

Q: Can a bad power adapter stop the Echo Show 5 from starting?
A: Yes, non-OEM adapters are one of the most common causes. Always use the original Amazon power supply.

Q: What if my Echo Show 5 keeps rebooting in a loop?
A: Try a factory reset. If the loop continues, it may be a firmware corruption or hardware fault — contact Amazon.

Q: Does the Echo Show 5 have a reset button?
A: No physical reset pin. All resets are done via button combinations or software menus.

About the Author

Written by HappyHomeNerd — your trusted guide for smart home reviews, troubleshooting, and everyday tech fixes. Visit HappyHomeNerd for more expert tips and product breakdowns.