A step-by-step guide to resetting your Amazon Echo and Alexa

Is your Alexa-enabled Echo speaker or Echo Show not working properly? If you're having trouble with Alexa, it's easy to reset your Echo device. You can clear up most problems by unplugging your Echo Dot, Echo Plus, or other device, and then plugging it back in. If that doesn't work, you can do a factory reset using a combination of buttons, which resets your device without deleting your smart devices. To completely erase all of your Alexa settings, you can deregister your Echo in the Alexa app—this is helpful if you're giving away your Echo or if other reset methods didn't solve your problem. This wikiHow article will teach how to reset Alexa on any Echo smart device.

Things You Should Know

  • Before resetting, try a soft reset by unplugging your device for 10 seconds.
  • Do a factory reset by pressing your Echo's reset button combination, which is different for each model.
  • A factory reset doesn't disconnect your smart home devices.
  • To completely erase your Alexa-enabled device and disconnect your smart devices, use the Alexa app to deregister it.
Section 1 of 6:

Before You Reset Alexa

  1. Unplug the power cable from your Echo device. If Alexa isn't working properly on your Amazon Echo device, do a soft reset by unplugging it for 10 seconds. After 10 seconds, plug your Echo speaker back in. If Alexa is unresponsive or glitching, this soft reset trick often solves the problem.[1]
    • A few moments after plugging your Echo back in, it will reboot. Try asking Alexa something to see if your problem is resolved.
    • If you're still having trouble, follow the factory reset steps for your model to reset your Alexa device. These steps will not affect any of your connected smart devices:
    • If a factory reset doesn't work, or you're selling or giving away your Echo, see Deregistering in the Alexa App to learn how to completely erase your device and Alexa settings.
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Section 4 of 6:

Reset a 1st Gen Echo

  1. 1
    Locate the Reset button. This is the tiny, paperclip-sized hole on the bottom of your first generation Echo Plus, Echo, or Echo Dot labeled "RESET.[4] " You will need a paperclip or toothpick to reach the reset button.
  2. 2
    Use a paperclip or toothpick to preset the reset button. The amount of time you'll need to hold the button is different for certain devices:
    • If you have an Echo Plus, press the reset button once—don't hold it down. This resets your Echo Plus without disconnecting your smart devices. If you're still having problems after the reset, press and hold the reset button for 8 seconds for a complete factory reset.[5]
    • For all other first generation Echo models, press and hold the reset button for 8 seconds to reset Alexa and your Echo.
    • Once you've reset Alexa, you can set up your Echo using the Alexa mobile app.
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Section 5 of 6:

Reset an Echo Show

  1. 1
    Swipe down from the top of the screen and choose Settings. You'll see the Settings gear icon at the top-right corner of the screen after swiping down on your Echo Show.
  2. 2
    Tap Device Options. It's about halfway down the menu.
  3. 3
    Scroll down and tap Reset to Factory Defaults. It's near the bottom of the Device Options menu.
  4. 4
    Choose a factory reset option. You have two options for resetting Alexa and your Echo Show:
    • If you have Alexa set up to use smart devices, including smart lights and smart plugs, choose Reset to Factory Defaults but retain Smart Home Device Connections. This option does a factory reset without deregistering your smart devices.
    • To completely reset all of your Alexa settings, including your smart devices, select Reset to Factory Defaults.
  5. 5
    Tap Reset to confirm. This resets Alexa and your Echo Show. You can now set up your Echo Show and Alexa like new.
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Section 6 of 6:

Deregistering in the Alexa App

  1. 1
    Open the Amazon Alexa App on your Android, iPhone, or iPad. It has a light blue icon with a white circle on it. If resetting your Echo didn't fix your problem, you can deregister it in the Alexa app to completely erase all of its settings.
    • This method will completely erase all of your Alexa settings, skills, smart devices, and preferences. Use this method if other methods did not solve your problem, or if you're planning to sell, give away, or dispose of your Alexa-enabled device.
  2. 2
    Tap Devices. It's the house icon at the bottom of the app.
  3. 3
    Tap Echo & Alexa. It's the icon that resembles an Amazon Echo at the top of the screen.
  4. 4
    Tap the Echo device you want to reset. The "Echo & Devices" menu displays a list of all your Amazon Echo devices. Tap the one you want to reset.
  5. 5
    Tap the gear icon. You'll see it at the top-right corner of the screen.
  6. 6
    Scroll down and tap Deregister. It's the tiny link next to "Registered to" at the bottom of the menu. A confirmation window will appear.
  7. 7
    Tap Deregister to confirm. This erases your Echo device and resets Alexa.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    How do I set up Alexa on a Windows 10 computer?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Download Alexa on the Microsoft App Store and follow the on screen instructions.
  • Question
    How do I fix Alexa after being unplugged and plugged back in?
    Happyella
    Happyella
    Community Answer
    Try the reset button until the orange light ring turns blue. You can also reread the article and test each suggestion until you find the the way that works.
  • Question
    How to get it to stop saying Alexa all the time?
    W1kiHelper12321
    W1kiHelper12321
    Community Answer
    You can change the wake word. Simply ask the Alexa to change it’s name. You can change it to “Echo”, “Amazon”, or “Computer”.
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About This Article

Nicole Levine, MFA
Written by:
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA. Nicole Levine is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. She has more than 20 years of experience creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies. Nicole also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University and teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions. This article has been viewed 146,915 times.
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Co-authors: 8
Updated: March 19, 2023
Views: 146,915
Article SummaryX

1. Open the Alexa app on your Mobile phone or tablet.
2. Tap Devices.
3. Tap Echo & Devices.
4. Tao the Echo device you want to reset.
5. Scroll down and tap Factory Reset.
6. Tap Factory Reset in the pop-up to confirm.

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