How to reset Alexa devices: Echo, Echo Dot, and more

Having trouble with your Amazon Alexa device, or maybe upgrading to a newer version and want to sell or give away an older model? Whatever the reason, you’ll want to know how to reset an Alexa device.

The exact method varies depending on the Alexa device in question, though it’s also possible to reset most Alexa devices right from the app. Without further ado, here’s how to reset Alexa devices.

How to reset Echo and Echo Dot (first-gen models)

The Amazon Echo and Echo Dot are very easy to rest. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Locate the small hole near the base of the device. This is the reset button.
2. Next take a paper clip, sim tool, or something similar and hold the Reset button until the Echo’s light ring turns orange, then blue.
3. Once the light ring has turned off and on it should be orange, which means it is now in set up mode.
4. That’s it, you’ve now reset it. If you want to add it back to your network (such as a situation where you reset an Alexa device as a troubleshooting step), simply open the Alexa app and follow the steps to connect it to a Wi-Fi network and register it to your Amazon account.

How to reset Echo and Echo Dot (second-gen models)

The steps for resetting an Echo and Echo Dot are a little different with each generation. For the second-gen, here’s what you need to do:

1. Press and hold the microphone off and volume down buttons on your 2nd gen Echo device for 20 seconds until the light ring turns orange, and then briefly blue.
2. Once the light ring has turned off and on again it should now be orange, which indicates it is in setup mode.
3. That’s it. Like with the first-generation model, if you want to add it back to your network simply open the Alexa app and follow the steps to connect it to a Wi-Fi network and register it to your Amazon account.

How to reset Echo and Echo Dot (third-gen and fourth-gen models)

Have a third or fourth-generation Echo or Echo Dot product? Here’s what you need to know to reset it:

1. Press and hold the action button (found on top) for around 25 seconds. The light ring will turn orange and then briefly blue.
2. Wait until the light ring has turned on and off again. It should now be orange, and therefore it’s reset and in setup mode.
3. If you want to add it back to your network simply open the Alexa app and follow the steps to connect it to a Wi-Fi network and register it to your Amazon account.

How to factory reset Alexa smart displays like the Echo Show

Have an Alexa Echo Show or similar display-based product? The reset process is pretty simple:

1. Press and hold the Mute and Volume buttons found at the top of the device. Once you see the Amazon logo (after roughly 15 seconds) you can let go of the buttons.
2. The screen will now display instructions to help you add it to your existing or a new network.

How to reset Alexa devices from the Amazon Alexa app

If for some reason none of the above methods work or you have a third-party Alexa device and can’t figure out the reset steps, it’s possible to reset Alexa devices right from the app! Here’s how:

1. Open the Alexa app and press the Devices button in the lower right corner.
2. Select Echo & Alexa, and then the specific device you wish to reset.
3. Locate where it says “Device is registered to” and press “Deregister”. Confirm your selection by pressing Deregister in the next window that pops up.
4. That’s it, you have reset the Echo or Alexa device.

More Echo and Alexa guides and features

• Alexa ring colors – what do they mean
• Amazon Echo vs Dot and the others: Which is right for you?
• Best Alexa speakers – there’s more than just Echo
• The Alexa commands you’ll need to know
• Best Echo and Echo Dot accessories
• The best Amazon Alexa compatible devices
• Amazon Alexa: The definitive guide