Your Echo is plugged in, but Alexa is not ready until the device is connected, registered, and tied to the right Amazon account. The setup path changes by model: most Echo speakers use the Alexa app, Echo Show starts on its own screen, and Echo Spot can begin from a QR code. Start with the path that matches your device, then use the Wi-Fi and reset steps if setup stalls.
Start with the Alexa app for most Echo speakers
For an Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Pop, Echo Studio, Echo Dot Max, or another screenless Echo speaker, plug in the device first and keep your phone or tablet nearby. Open the Amazon Alexa app and sign in with your Amazon account.
If you do not have the app yet, install Amazon Alexa from Google Play, the Apple App Store, or the Amazon Appstore. Open the app after installation and sign in with your Amazon account.
In the app, open Devices, select +, choose Add Device, then choose Amazon Echo. Select Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Pop and more, then follow the on-screen instructions.
If setup does not continue, keep the Echo plugged in and run the same Devices setup flow again from the Alexa app.
Fix an Echo the Alexa app cannot find
The most common cause is that the Echo is not in setup mode or the Alexa app is not being started from the device setup screen.
Keep the Echo plugged in and open the Alexa app on your phone or tablet. Use the mobile app instead of an older desktop browser setup page.
Open Devices, select +, choose Add Device, then select Amazon Echo. Choose the Echo model that matches your device and continue through the prompts.
Use the Echo Show screen setup
Echo Show devices start setup on the display. Plug the included power adapter into a power outlet, then into the Echo Show.
Select a device language on the screen, choose your Wi-Fi network, and log in to your Amazon account when prompted.
Continue through the on-screen setup and customization steps. To change Wi-Fi later, say Go to Settings, open Device Options, then select Network.
Set up Echo Spot with the QR code
Echo Spot 2024 starts from a guided setup link on the device screen. Plug in Echo Spot and wait for the QR code to appear.
Scan the QR code with your mobile device. If the Alexa app is installed, the link opens the app and starts guided setup.
If the code does not launch setup, open the Alexa app manually and go to Devices, +, Add Device, then Amazon Echo.
Let saved Wi-Fi speed up setup
This applies when your Amazon account, Echo, and Wi-Fi network support Frustration-Free Setup. A supported Echo can use Wi-Fi passwords saved to Amazon from a compatible device.
Power on the new Echo and begin setup normally. When the device is eligible and the saved network details are available, the Echo can connect to your regular Wi-Fi network without you retyping the password.
After a router password change, re-run Wi-Fi setup on a compatible Amazon device. Once that device reconnects, the updated Wi-Fi password can be saved for compatible device setup.
Change Wi-Fi after setup
Use this when your Echo is already registered but you changed routers, changed a Wi-Fi password, or moved the device. Open the Alexa app, then go to Devices.
Select your Echo, open Device Settings, then choose Change or remove a Wi-Fi network. Pick one of the listed Wi-Fi networks and follow the prompts.
On an Echo Show or another Echo with a screen, say Go to Settings, then choose Device Options and Network. Turn on the Wi-Fi toggle, select your network, and complete the on-screen prompts.
Reset a used Echo before setup
For a pre-owned Echo device with a screen, press and hold Mute and Volume Down until the Amazon logo appears, which takes about 15 seconds.
Wait a few seconds for setup to begin on the device screen, then follow the on-screen setup steps.
For an Echo Show that is still accessible through settings, say Go to Settings, open Device Options, choose About this Device, then select Reset to Factory Defaults.
For a screenless Echo, use the reset button combination for that Echo generation, wait for the device to enter setup mode, then complete setup in the Alexa app.
Before selling or transferring an Echo, sign in to Amazon’s device page, choose the device, and select Deregister.
Use a reset only when normal setup cannot continue or when the Echo was previously owned by someone else.
Set up Echo Auto in your car
Echo Auto setup starts from the Alexa app, but the car connection comes first.
- 1.Enable Bluetooth on your smartphone.
- 2.Open the Alexa app and select Devices.
- 3.Select +, then choose Add Device.
- 4.Select Amazon Echo, then choose Echo Auto.
- 5.Follow the on-screen instructions to finish setup.
If you are using an auxiliary cable, turn on the car, set the stereo input to AUX, keep Bluetooth enabled on your phone, and then run the same Alexa app setup.
Skip the old alexa.amazon.com setup advice
The most common outdated instruction is to set up an Echo through alexa.amazon.com in a desktop browser.
Use the Alexa mobile app for screenless Echo speakers, the device screen for Echo Show setup, or the Echo Spot QR code when that model displays one.
For work, hotel, senior living, or other managed deployments, Alexa Smart Properties uses a management console to assign and deregister Echo devices. That path is for authorized managed properties, not normal home setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the Alexa app to set up an Amazon Echo?
Most screenless Echo speakers use the Alexa app. Echo Show devices use on-screen setup, and Echo Spot 2024 can start guided setup from the QR code on its display.
Can I set up Alexa before my Echo arrives?
Some eligible Amazon devices can be set up before they arrive from a setup link. Availability depends on the device, order, and account state.
What should I do if I changed my Wi-Fi password?
Open the Alexa app, select your Echo under Devices, open Device Settings, then choose Change or remove a Wi-Fi network and follow the prompts.
Can Alexa tell me whether the Echo is connected to the internet?
After the Echo is powered and at least partly set up, say, “Alexa, are you connected to the internet?” You can also check the device Status in the Alexa app.