Compatible Echo devices have been blasting ads and encouraging users to try Alexa Plus for free for months. It was a simple opt-in, but only if you wanted to. Now, the Amazon Alexa Plus upgrade is being forced on users with no opt-out. You do still have a choice though.
Alexa Plus Upgrade With No Warning
Many Amazon Prime members recently got a major surprise. Their Echo devices suddenly upgraded to Alexa Plus, the new Amazon AI assistant, with zero prompt or permission from the user.
I’ve seen the ads pop up on my own Echo display. I just had to ask Alexa to start the upgrade process for free during the Early Access period. I tried it. I hated it. I reverted to the much more useful original Alexa. The difference is, I had a choice.
Affected users received an email stating a new Prime perks is an automatic Amazon Alexa Plus upgrade on all compatible devices attached to their account. A more realistic email might state users are getting a forced and unwanted upgrade. After all, if users really wanted to upgrade, they would have already.
In Reddit, there is already a lengthy discussion of the force upgrade of Alexa Plus:
I personally didn’t receive the message, but this could be because I already tried it and reverted. Or, I may wake up tomorrow and have to downgrade again from the less than helpful or “delightful Alexa experience.”
Related: Why Is Alexa Yellow? Find out what do the Echo light rings mean.
Major Issues with Alexa Plus
At first, this might not seem like a problem. Alexa Plus is supposed to be better at multi-tasking, speaking in a more conversational way like other popular chatbots, no need to repeat “Alexa” for every command, learning more about the user’s preferences, and performing agentic tasks like booking trips and scoring concert tickets.
In reality, I wasn’t impressed. For me personally and for many other users, it was a nightmare. I dealt with a variety of issues, including:
- Stopping mid-conversation and talking about something unrelated
- A ton more ads than before
- Irrelevant recommendations that make me question what Amazon thinks it knows about me
- A massive increase in answering when I never used the wake word or tried to interact with Alexa
- Constant issues with smart home integration, such as not responding to commands, duplicating commands, or lengthy delays in smart home devices responding
- Problems with simple commands I often use, such as checking weather and playing Spotify
- The voice is annoying and a bit too conversational and casual, while being difficult to adjust
I did enjoy giving Alexa multiple commands without having to constantly say “Alexa” first. I also had a few lights that never connected correctly with the original Alexa, finally connect, but getting Alexa Plus to turn them on/off correctly didn’t always work as expected.
After a week, I gave up and reverted. So, I understand why Prime users are upset.
You Can Downgrade Alexa Plus
If you hate Alexa Plus as much as I did, relax. You can downgrade to the original Alexa after the upgrade process completes. Yes, it’d be easier to just opt-out of upgrading, but Amazon has taken that option away.
There are two methods – voice and app. The easiest is the voice method, though many users report that after the forced Amazon Alexa Plus upgrade, it may take several tries for this to work.
Simply say “Alexa, disable Alexa Plus.” You can also try “Alexa, end Early Access.” If Alexa tries to push how great the upgrade is, just keep asking to disable Alexa Plus. Once Alexa agrees, all devices connected to your account will revert to the original Alexa.
You can also use the Alexa app on your phone. In the Ask Alexa box, tell Alexa you want to end Alexa Plus. When asked for confirmation, simply reply “Yes.” You’ll get an email stating you’ve downgraded. There will also be a link to upgrade again if you want.
Problems With Ads
Many users, myself included, noticed more ads with Alexa Plus. Reverting to the original version stopped that. Naturally, I still get ads, but all users get ads. That’s how Amazon supports the service and lets you use it for free.
But, Alexa Plus is a premium service that you have to pay for eventually. After Early Access ends, it’ll be an included perk for Amazon Prime members and $20/month for non-Prime members.
That means you shouldn’t have to deal with more ads in the Alexa Plus version. Some users have reported changing the voice to a different version of English, such as Canadian English, in the Alexa app may reduce the ads. It may also prevent Alexa from auto-upgrading you.
The easiest way to reduce ads is to keep your Echo in photo frame mode or use a skill that keeps a background active. Alexa doesn’t interrupt either of these with ads.
It’s possible Amazon may phase out the original Alexa over time. For now, you don’t have to stick with the forced Amazon Alexa Plus upgrade if you don’t like it. Having the choice is what matters most.
