The basic steps to reconnect Alexa
To connect your Alexa device to a new WiFi network, you need to put it into setup mode, then use the Alexa app on your phone to select your new network and enter the password. The whole process usually takes five to ten minutes. The device will restart once it connects, and you'll see a blue light ring on the device when it's ready to use again.
The exact steps depend on which Alexa device you own — an Echo Dot works slightly differently from an Echo Show, for example — but the core method is the same for all of them. You'll need your WiFi password and the Alexa app already installed on your phone or tablet.
Key Takeaways
- Most Alexa devices enter setup mode by holding the Action button (usually on top) for about 15 seconds until the light ring turns orange.
- You control the WiFi connection through the Alexa app on your phone, not through the device itself.
- If your device won't connect, restart your WiFi router and try again, or check that your password is typed correctly.
- Reconnecting to a new network does not erase your routines, smart home settings, or shopping lists — those stay in your Amazon account.
How to put your Alexa device into setup mode
The first step is to reset the device's WiFi connection so it's ready to pair with a new network. On most Echo devices, this means holding down the Action button — a small button usually located on the top of the device — for about 15 seconds. You'll see the light ring change from blue to orange, which signals that the device is in setup mode and ready to connect.
On Echo Show devices with a screen, you can also go to Settings on the device itself, then select WiFi, and choose "Change Network" from there. This puts the device into setup mode without needing to hold a button. Check your device's manual or the Amazon support page for your specific model if you're unsure where the Action button is located.
Connecting through the Alexa app
Open the Alexa app on your phone or tablet and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Select "Devices," then tap "Echo & Alexa" at the top. Find your device in the list — it should show as offline or in setup mode — and tap it.
The app will prompt you to select your new WiFi network from a list of available networks. Choose your network name, then enter your WiFi password exactly as it is (passwords are case-sensitive, so uppercase and lowercase letters matter). Tap "Connect" and wait for the device to restart. This usually takes one to two minutes. Once the light ring turns solid blue, the connection is complete.
What to do if the connection fails
If your device won't connect, the most common fix is to restart your WiFi router. Unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for it to fully restart before trying again. Make sure you're entering your WiFi password correctly — if you're not sure what it is, check your router's label or log into your router's settings page from a computer or phone.
If the device still won't connect, try putting it into setup mode again and repeating the process. Some routers have separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks with different names — most Alexa devices work better on the 2.4 GHz network, so if you have a choice, select that one. If you're still stuck, restart the device itself by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and try setup mode again.
Your settings and data stay with your Amazon account
Reconnecting to a new WiFi network does not erase anything on your device. Your routines, smart home device connections, shopping lists, music preferences, and all other settings remain tied to your Amazon account. Once the device reconnects to WiFi, everything will be there exactly as you left it.
The only time you lose settings is if you perform a full factory reset on the device, which is different from just changing the WiFi network. A factory reset erases everything and returns the device to its original state, as if it came straight from the box.
Reconnecting smart home devices after WiFi changes
If you have other smart home devices (lights, plugs, thermostats, locks) connected through your Alexa device, they should reconnect automatically once Alexa is back on WiFi. However, if a device doesn't show up in the Alexa app after a few minutes, you may need to reconnect it manually.
Open the Alexa app, go to Devices, and look for any devices showing as offline. Tap the device and select "Forget" or "Remove," then add it again by tapping the plus icon and selecting "Add Device." Choose the device type and follow the prompts. Most smart home devices will reconnect within a minute or two once you've re-added them to the app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to unplug my Alexa device to change WiFi?
No. You can change WiFi without unplugging the device — just hold the Action button to enter setup mode and use the app to select your new network. Unplugging is only necessary if the device won't respond or if you're troubleshooting a connection problem.
Will my Alexa lose my shopping list or routines when I switch WiFi?
No. Your shopping lists, routines, music preferences, and all other settings are saved to your Amazon account, not to the device itself. They'll be there as soon as Alexa reconnects to the new network.
What if I don't know my new WiFi password?
Check the label on the back or bottom of your WiFi router — the password is usually printed there. If you can't find it, log into your router's settings page from a computer or phone (usually by typing the router's IP address into a browser) and look for the WiFi password or security key in the wireless settings.
Can I connect Alexa to WiFi without the app?
No. All Alexa devices require the Alexa app on a phone or tablet to connect to a new WiFi network. The app is the only way to tell the device which network to join and enter the password.
Why does my Alexa keep disconnecting from the new WiFi?
This usually means the device is too far from the router or there's interference from other electronics. Try moving the device closer to the router, or move the router away from microwaves, cordless phones, and other devices that use the same frequency. If the problem continues, restart both the device and the router.