Connecting Alexa to WiFi takes about five minutes and happens during the first setup
When you first turn on an Alexa device, it enters setup mode and broadcasts its own WiFi network. You connect your phone to that network, then tell Alexa which home WiFi network you want it to use and provide the password. After that, Alexa connects to your home network and you can start using it. The whole process happens in the Alexa app on your phone.
If you already set up Alexa but need to switch it to a different WiFi network — because you moved, changed your password, or got a new router — you can do that from the app settings without starting over from scratch.
Key Takeaways
- New Alexa devices enter setup mode automatically when you power them on and create their own temporary WiFi network for pairing.
- You need the Alexa app on your phone and your home WiFi password to complete the connection.
- The setup process takes place entirely in the Alexa app and does not require a computer.
- If your Alexa loses WiFi connection later, you can reconnect it through the app without repeating the full setup.
What you need before you start
Have your phone with the Alexa app installed nearby. If you do not have the app yet, download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store — it is free. You will also need your home WiFi network name (called the SSID) and password. If you do not know your WiFi password, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router, or log into your router's settings from a computer.
Make sure your Alexa device is plugged in and powered on. You should see a light ring on the device (the color varies by model) and possibly hear a startup sound. The device is ready when the light stops flashing or changes to a solid color.
Step-by-step setup for a new Alexa device
Step 1: Open the Alexa app and start setup. Launch the Alexa app on your phone. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner, then tap "Add Device" or look for a plus sign button. Select "Amazon Echo" or the specific device type you have (Echo Dot, Echo Show, etc.). The app will ask you to select your device from a list or enter a setup code if one appears on the device screen.
Step 2: Connect your phone to the Alexa device's temporary network. The app will tell you to go to your phone's WiFi settings. Open Settings on your phone, find the WiFi section, and look for a network name that starts with "Amazon-" or "Echo-" followed by numbers or letters. This is the temporary network your Alexa device is broadcasting. Tap it to connect. You do not need a password for this step.
Step 3: Return to the Alexa app and select your home WiFi. Go back to the Alexa app. It will show you a list of WiFi networks available in your area. Find your home network name in the list and tap it. If your network does not appear, make sure your router is turned on and within range, then tap "Refresh" to scan again.
Step 4: Enter your WiFi password. Type your home WiFi password exactly as it is — passwords are case-sensitive, so capital letters matter. Tap "Connect" or "Next." The app will show a connecting message while Alexa joins your network. This usually takes 30 to 60 seconds.
Step 5: Complete setup and test the connection. Once connected, the app will ask you to sign in with your Amazon account if you have not already. Follow the prompts to name your device, select your location, and choose any other settings. When setup finishes, try asking Alexa a simple question like "What time is it?" to confirm it is working.
Reconnecting Alexa to a different WiFi network
If you need to move Alexa to a new WiFi network — for example, if you changed your password or got a new router — you do not have to reset the device. Open the Alexa app, go to Devices in the bottom right, select your Alexa device, tap the Settings gear icon, and choose "WiFi Network." The app will show you available networks. Select your new network, enter the password, and tap Connect. The device will reconnect in about a minute.
If your Alexa device loses WiFi connection and does not automatically reconnect, the light ring will turn red or orange. Try the same process: go to the device settings in the app and re-enter your WiFi information. If that does not work, restart the device by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting for it to fully boot up before trying again.
Troubleshooting common connection problems
If the Alexa device does not appear in the app during setup, make sure you are connected to the device's temporary network (the Amazon- or Echo- network) on your phone. Check your phone's WiFi settings to confirm. If you see the network but cannot connect to it, try "Forgetting" the network in your phone's WiFi settings and connecting again.
If the app shows your home WiFi network but the connection fails after you enter the password, double-check that you typed the password correctly. Passwords are case-sensitive and spaces count. If you are unsure, check the password on your router or reset it from your router's admin panel. Some older routers use 2.4 GHz WiFi only, while newer ones use 5 GHz or both — most Alexa devices work on 2.4 GHz, so if you have a dual-band router, make sure you are selecting the 2.4 GHz network name, not the 5 GHz one.
If Alexa connects but cannot reach the internet (the app says "Connected to WiFi but no internet"), your router may be blocking it. Check that your router is connected to your internet service provider and that other devices can access the internet. If they can, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. If Alexa still cannot reach the internet after the router restarts, contact your internet provider to check for outages.
What to do if you need to reset the device
If setup fails repeatedly or you want to start completely fresh, you can reset your Alexa device. The reset button location varies by model — it is usually a small hole on the bottom or back of the device. Use a paperclip or pen to press and hold the button for about 15 seconds until the light ring turns orange, then flashes blue. Release the button and wait for the device to restart. Once it finishes booting, the light will turn orange again and the device will be ready for setup.
Resetting erases all settings and removes the device from your Amazon account. You will need to go through the full setup process again, starting with opening the Alexa app and selecting "Add Device."
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a 5 GHz WiFi network or will 2.4 GHz work?
Most Alexa devices connect to 2.4 GHz networks only. If your router broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, you will see two network names (often one with "5G" in the name). Select the 2.4 GHz network during setup. Some newer Echo devices support 5 GHz, but 2.4 GHz is always the safer choice.
Can I use a guest network or public WiFi to set up Alexa?
You can use a guest network if your router supports it, but public WiFi networks that require you to click through a login page or accept terms will not work. Alexa needs a direct connection without a web portal. Stick with your home network or a guest network that connects the same way as your main network.
What if I forgot my WiFi password?
Check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — most routers have the default password printed there. If you changed the password and cannot remember it, you can reset your router to factory settings by holding down the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This will erase all your settings and restore the default password from the sticker. You will then need to set up your WiFi again on all your devices.
Can I move my Alexa to a different room without reconnecting it?
Yes, as long as the new room is within range of your WiFi router. Alexa will stay connected to the same network. If the signal is weak in the new location, you might experience dropouts — try moving the device closer to the router or consider adding a WiFi extender.
Why does Alexa keep disconnecting from WiFi?
Frequent disconnections usually mean the WiFi signal is weak or your router is overloaded. Try moving Alexa closer to the router, or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If you have many devices on your network, some routers struggle to keep them all connected — check your router's manual to see how many devices it supports, or contact your internet provider if the problem persists.