Your Echo Dot won't connect to Wi-Fi, or Alexa gets stuck before setup finishes. Start with the quick checks below, then reconnect with your current password. Save the reset buttons for last, and use the instructions for your exact Dot model.
Start with a restart and a network check
A restart is the first fix to try for a Dot that won't connect.
Disconnect your Echo Dot from power.
Wait 30 seconds.
Reconnect power.
Let the speaker finish restarting.
Test internet access on another device connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
If several devices cannot get online, check your router or internet service connection before changing the Dot's settings.
To restart your home network, disconnect the modem and router from power.
Leave both unplugged for several minutes.
Power the modem back on first.
Wait for the modem to establish its internet connection.
Power on the router.
Wait for the router to finish restarting.
Restart your Echo again.
If your internet service has an outage, retry after service returns or contact your internet provider.
Reconnect through the Alexa app
Use your current network name and password, especially after replacing your router or changing its credentials.
- 1.Confirm the Wi-Fi credentials with whoever configured the network, on an already connected device, or on the router label or in its manual.
- 2.Open Alexa and tap Devices.
- 3.Select your Echo Dot, then open Device Settings.
- 4.Tap Change or remove a Wi-Fi network.
- 5.Choose a saved network or tap Join another Wi-Fi Network, then complete the prompts with the current password.
- 6.If your app uses the alternative labels, follow Devices → your Echo → gear icon → Wi-Fi Network. Check the network shown; if it is incorrect, select Change and follow the prompts.
Give the speaker a better signal
Move your Echo Dot within 30 feet, or 10 meters, of the router.
Position it away from microwaves, baby monitors, and other interfering electronics.
Temporarily turn off some other connected devices, particularly when many devices share your network.
Test the Dot's connection again.
If your router shows separate names for its 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, reconnect the Dot to the other network using the Alexa app steps above.
You don't have to stick with 2.4 GHz: Echo Dot supports both bands.
Finish setup when Alexa gets stuck
When Alexa cannot discover your Dot or the setup screen stops responding, tackle the app next. Alexa uses Bluetooth to discover new devices, and some phones also require location permission for discovery.
Open your phone's app store to the Amazon Alexa page.
Install any available update.
On iPhone or iPad, open Settings → Privacy & Security → Bluetooth.
Enable access for Alexa if it is listed. Accepting Alexa's Bluetooth permission prompt during setup is another way to grant access.
On Android, open Settings → Apps.
Tap See all apps if Amazon Alexa is not initially listed.
Open Amazon Alexa → Permissions.
For requested Nearby devices access, choose Allow.
If setup requests Location, choose Allow only while using the app.
If the Android app freezes, open Settings → Apps → Amazon Alexa.
Tap Force Stop.
Reopen Alexa.
Retry setup.
If the app remains slow or unresponsive, uninstall it using your phone's app-removal controls.
Reinstall Amazon Alexa from your mobile app store.
Sign in to your Amazon account.
Connect the Dot to power. For Dot Max, use its included power adapter.
Start setup through Devices → plus icon → Add Device → Amazon Echo → Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Pop and more.
Complete the network setup prompts.
Stick with the mobile Alexa app for setup. Amazon has deprecated the old browser setup interface at alexa.amazon.com.
Clear old passwords saved to your Amazon account
Compatible Echo devices linked to your Amazon account can try the Wi-Fi passwords saved there when they power on. If you've changed your Wi-Fi password since it was saved, delete the stored copy.
In a browser, open your Amazon account's Manage Your Content and Devices page and select the Preferences tab.
In the saved passwords section, select Delete. This removes Amazon-stored passwords, rather than clearing every network stored locally on your Echo.
Run Wi-Fi setup again in Alexa using your current network credentials.
Try a phone hotspot as an alternate connection
A phone hotspot provides another connection when home Wi-Fi setup fails.
Enable Wi-Fi hotspot access on a phone with a mobile plan that supports it. For Pixel phones, use the controls below; other Android phones use different labels.
On a Pixel, open Settings → Network & internet → Hotspot & tethering → Wi-Fi hotspot.
Turn on Wi-Fi hotspot.
Read the hotspot's network name and password.
Start Echo setup again through Alexa's Devices → plus icon → Add Device → Amazon Echo → Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Pop and more.
Select the hotspot network.
Enter its password to complete the connection prompts.
Once the Dot is connected, say, “Alexa, check for software updates.” Downloading an update requires internet access, so this step comes after restoring a connection.
Reset only after the connection checks fail
Still stuck? Choose the instructions for your exact model. Start with the reset that retains smart-home connections.
For an Echo Dot 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th generation, hold the Action button for 20 seconds. This reset retains smart-home connections.
Wait for the light ring to turn off and back on as the Dot enters setup mode.
Complete setup again through Alexa's Devices → plus icon → Add Device → Amazon Echo → Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Pop and more.
For Echo Dot Max, hold Volume down and Microphones enable/disable together for 15 seconds until you hear the spoken confirmation. This also retains smart-home connections.
Wait for the microphone button indicator to turn off and back on.
Run setup again through the same Alexa app path.
If setup still fails, try a factory reset. It removes personal information and device and smart-home connections, so you'll need to set the speaker up again.
To factory-reset an Echo Dot 2nd through 5th generation, hold Volume down and Microphone off together for 20 seconds.
Wait for the light ring to turn off and back on.
Repeat setup in Alexa.
To factory-reset a Dot Max, hold Volume down and Microphones enable/disable together for 25 seconds until the spoken confirmation.
Wait for the microphone button indicator to cycle off and on.
Repeat setup in Alexa.
If the reset does not restore Wi-Fi setup, contact Amazon through Alexa's Help & Feedback section or its Echo Dot support page.
Check account registration as a final troubleshooting option
Amazon also lists deregistration as a Wi-Fi troubleshooting option. To start, sign in to Amazon's Devices page.
Select your Echo.
Choose Deregister. This disconnects the Dot from account content and services until you register it again.
Register the speaker again by completing Alexa setup through Devices → plus icon → Add Device → Amazon Echo → Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Pop and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change Wi-Fi directly on an Echo Dot with clock?
No. The clock display has no on-device network settings menu. Change the Wi-Fi network through the Alexa mobile app.
Do I need to enable eero Built-in to connect my Echo Dot to Wi-Fi?
No. eero Built-in provides extender functionality on compatible Echo devices. It is not required to connect your Dot to Wi-Fi.
Why does a new Echo try to connect without asking for my Wi-Fi password?
Selected compatible Echo devices linked to your Amazon account at purchase use saved credentials for automatic Wi-Fi setup when powered on. This feature does not apply to every Echo generation.
Who should fix Wi-Fi on an Echo managed by a hotel or senior living property?
Contact the property's administrator. Property-managed Echo devices use administrator-managed Wi-Fi configurations.