Change Your WiFi in the Alexa App in Three Steps

To change which WiFi network your Alexa device connects to, open the Alexa app on your phone, tap the Devices icon at the bottom right, select Echo & Alexa, then tap the specific device you want to change. Scroll down and tap WiFi Network, then select Change. The app will show available networks — pick the one you want and enter the password. Your device will reconnect within a minute or two.

This method works for all Alexa devices: Echo Dots, Echo Shows, Echo Studio, and any other model. You do not need to reset the device or unplug it. The whole process takes about two minutes.

If you do not see your WiFi network in the list, make sure your router is turned on and broadcasting its name. If your network name contains special characters or spaces, type it exactly as it appears — capitalization matters.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Alexa app, go to Devices, select your Echo device, and tap WiFi Network to change which network it uses.
  • You will need your new WiFi password, but you do not have to reset or unplug the device.
  • If your network does not appear in the list, restart your router and try again.
  • The device will reconnect to the new network within one to two minutes and keep all your settings and routines.
  • If the app method does not work, you can hold the reset button on the device itself for 15 seconds and set it up fresh on the new network.

What Happens If Your Device Cannot Find the New Network

Sometimes your Alexa device will not see your WiFi network even though it is on. The most common reason is that your router is not broadcasting the network name (called SSID). Check your router settings to make sure the SSID broadcast is turned on — this is usually a toggle in the WiFi settings section of your router's admin page.

If you recently changed your router or moved it to a different room, your device might be out of range. Alexa devices work best within 30 feet of your router with a clear line of sight. If your device is in a back bedroom and your router is in the front closet, move the router closer or use a WiFi extender.

If the network still does not appear after restarting your router, try restarting your phone and opening the Alexa app again. Sometimes the app needs to refresh to see all available networks.

Using the Device's Reset Button as a Last Resort

If the Alexa app method does not work, you can reset the device and set it up fresh on your new network. On most Echo devices, hold down the reset button (usually a small dot on the back or bottom) for 15 seconds until the light ring turns orange. Release the button and wait for the device to restart — this takes about a minute.

Once the light turns blue and orange, the device is in setup mode. Open the Alexa app, tap the + icon, select Add Device, choose your device type, and follow the prompts to connect to your new WiFi network. Your device will keep the same name and location, but any routines or smart home automations you set up will remain intact.

This method is slower than simply changing the network in settings, but it works when the app method fails. You should only need to do this if your device is having serious connection problems.

Changing Networks on Multiple Devices at Once

If you have more than one Alexa device and you changed your WiFi network, you will need to update each device separately. The Alexa app does not have a bulk update feature. Go through the WiFi Network change process for each device one at a time.

If you have many devices, do them in groups by room — all the bedroom devices, then all the kitchen devices. This way you can test that each group is working before moving on. If one device fails to reconnect, you can troubleshoot it immediately instead of discovering the problem later.

If you are setting up a brand new WiFi network and want all your devices to connect to it at once, you can reset all your devices and set them up fresh in the Alexa app. This takes longer but ensures every device is on the same network and working properly.

Why Your Device Might Disconnect From WiFi

Sometimes an Alexa device will disconnect from your WiFi even though you did not change anything. This usually happens because your router dropped the connection, your WiFi password changed, or your device moved out of range. Check that your device is still within 30 feet of your router and that other devices can still connect to the same network.

If your router has a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network with the same name, your Alexa device may jump between them. Most Alexa devices work best on 2.4 GHz. If you have the option in your router settings, give your 2.4 GHz network a different name so your device stays on the right one.

If your device keeps disconnecting even after you change the network, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. If the problem continues, your device may have a hardware issue and you may need to contact Amazon support.

Connecting to a Guest Network or Public WiFi

Alexa devices can connect to guest networks and public WiFi, but they work best on your main home network. If you want to use a guest network, follow the same steps in the Alexa app — select the guest network name and enter its password. The device will work the same way, but you may have slower response times if the guest network is slower than your main network.

Some public WiFi networks require you to open a web browser and accept terms before you can connect. Alexa devices cannot do this, so they will not work on networks that require a login page. Hotels, coffee shops, and airports usually have this type of network. Stick to your home network or a guest network you control.

If you are traveling and want to use Alexa on a hotel or public network, you can set up a mobile hotspot on your phone and connect the device to that instead. This gives your device a dedicated connection that does not require a login page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose my routines and settings when I change the WiFi network?

No. Changing the WiFi network in the Alexa app keeps all your routines, smart home automations, and device settings. Your device will reconnect to the new network and work exactly as before. You only lose settings if you reset the device by holding the reset button.

What if I forgot my new WiFi password?

You will need the password to complete the network change. If you do not know it, check your router — many routers have the password printed on a sticker on the back or bottom. If you cannot find it, log into your router's admin page (usually 192.168.1.1 in your browser) and look for the WiFi settings section. You can also reset your router to factory settings, but this will erase all your WiFi settings.

Can I change the WiFi network from the device itself without using the app?

Most Alexa devices do not have a screen or buttons to change WiFi settings directly. You must use the Alexa app. The only exception is the Echo Show, which has a touchscreen — you can go to Settings, WiFi, and change the network from there. But the app method works on all devices and is usually faster.

How long does it take for the device to reconnect to the new network?

Usually one to two minutes. During this time, the light ring on your device will flash. Once it turns solid blue, the device is connected and ready to use. If the light stays orange or red after five minutes, the password may be wrong or the network may be down.

What if my device keeps saying it cannot connect to the new network?

First, double-check that you typed the password correctly — passwords are case-sensitive. Then restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If that does not work, try resetting the device by holding the reset button for 15 seconds and setting it up fresh on the new network. If it still will not connect, your device may have a hardware problem.