The basic steps to reconnect Alexa
To connect Alexa to a new WiFi network, you need to put the device into setup mode, then use the Alexa app on your phone to select your new network and enter the password. The process takes about five minutes and works the same way whether you're moving to a new home, switching internet providers, or just changing your WiFi name or password.
The exact steps depend on which Alexa device you have — an Echo Dot, Echo Show, or other model — but the principle is identical: the device needs to forget the old network and learn the new one through the app.
Key Takeaways
- Put your Alexa device into setup mode by holding the Action button (usually on top) for 15 seconds until the light ring turns orange.
- Open the Alexa app on your phone, tap the menu icon, select Devices, choose your device, and tap Change WiFi.
- Select your new network from the list and enter the password exactly as it appears — capitalization and special characters matter.
- If your device won't connect, move it closer to the router, check that you entered the password correctly, and restart both the device and your router.
How to put your Alexa device into setup mode
Every Alexa device has an Action button, usually located on the top. For Echo Dot and most Echo speakers, it's the button with a dot symbol. On Echo Show devices, it's typically on the back or side. Press and hold this button for about 15 seconds — you'll see the light ring on the device turn orange, which means it's ready to pair.
If you're not sure which button is the Action button, check the manual that came with your device or search "[Your device model] Action button" online. Once the light turns orange, release the button and move to the next step within a few minutes, because the device will exit setup mode if you wait too long.
Using the Alexa app to select your new network
Open the Alexa app on your phone — the same app you use to control the device normally. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner, then select Devices. Find your Alexa device in the list and tap it to open its settings.
Look for an option that says Change WiFi, Update WiFi, or Connect to WiFi. Tap that option. The app will scan for available networks and show you a list. Find your new network name (also called the SSID) in the list and tap it. Then enter your WiFi password exactly as it is — uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters all matter.
What to do if the connection fails
If your Alexa device doesn't connect after you enter the password, the most common cause is an incorrect password. Double-check that you typed it correctly, including any capital letters or symbols. If you're not sure what your password is, log into your router's settings on a computer or phone to confirm it.
Move your Alexa device closer to the router — WiFi signals weaken with distance, and some devices struggle to connect from far away. If it still won't connect, restart both the device and your router. Unplug the router for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully restart (usually one to two minutes). Then try the setup process again.
If you're using a 5GHz WiFi network, some older Alexa devices only work on 2.4GHz. Check your router settings to see if you can enable a 2.4GHz network, or contact your internet provider to ask whether your router supports it.
Reconnecting multiple Alexa devices to the same network
If you have more than one Alexa device, you'll need to repeat the setup process for each one separately. Put the first device into setup mode, connect it through the app, and wait for it to fully connect before moving to the next device. This usually takes two to three minutes per device.
You don't need to do anything special to make them work together — once they're all on the same WiFi network and signed into the same Amazon account, they'll automatically recognize each other and work as a group for multi-room audio and other features.
When your old network is no longer available
If you've already deleted your old WiFi network or changed your internet service entirely, your Alexa device will no longer be able to connect to it. This is actually fine — the device will stay in a disconnected state until you set it up on the new network. Follow the same steps above: hold the Action button for 15 seconds until the light turns orange, then use the app to select your new network.
The device doesn't need to "forget" the old network manually. As soon as you connect it to a new network through the app, it will overwrite the old connection information.
Keeping your connection stable after setup
Once your Alexa device is connected, it should stay connected as long as your WiFi network is running. If it keeps disconnecting, move it closer to the router or check whether other devices in your home are having connection problems too — that usually means an issue with the router or internet service, not the Alexa device itself.
If you change your WiFi password in the future, you'll need to go through the Change WiFi process again. The device won't automatically update to the new password, so it will disconnect and show as offline in the app until you reconnect it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I lose my settings and routines when I reconnect to a new WiFi?
No. Your Alexa device is linked to your Amazon account, not to a specific WiFi network. All your routines, smart home connections, and settings stay the same when you reconnect to a new network.
Can I connect Alexa to a 5GHz WiFi network?
Newer Alexa devices support 5GHz, but older models only work on 2.4GHz. Check your device's specifications or the manual. If your router broadcasts both bands, you can usually enable a separate 2.4GHz network in the router settings.
What if I don't see my WiFi network in the list?
Make sure your router is turned on and broadcasting the network name. Some routers have a setting to hide the network name — if yours does, you can usually type the name manually in the Alexa app instead of selecting it from the list. Enter the exact name and password.
How long does it take for Alexa to fully connect?
The app usually shows a connection within 30 seconds to a minute. Wait a few minutes before restarting anything — sometimes the device needs extra time to download updates or sync with Amazon's servers after connecting to a new network.
Can I set up Alexa on a guest WiFi network?
Yes, but some guest networks have restrictions that prevent smart devices from working properly. If Alexa connects but can't reach Amazon's servers, ask your router administrator whether the guest network allows outbound connections to the internet.