You can change what you call Alexa and what Alexa calls itself
Amazon Alexa has two separate names you can change: the wake word (what you say to start talking to the device) and the device name (what the device calls itself and how it appears in your app). Most people want to change the wake word — so Alexa responds to "Alexa," "Amazon," "Echo," or "Computer" instead. The device name matters less in daily use but shows up when you're controlling multiple devices or setting up routines.
Both changes happen in the Alexa app on your phone or through the web version at alexa.amazon.com. You don't need to reset the device or lose any of your settings. The change takes effect within a few minutes.
Key Takeaways
- The wake word is what you say to start talking to Alexa; the device name is what Alexa calls itself and how it appears in your app — they are separate settings.
- You can change the wake word to "Alexa," "Amazon," "Echo," or "Computer" depending on your device model.
- Both changes happen in the Alexa app under Device Settings, and take effect within a few minutes.
- Changing the name does not affect your routines, smart home connections, or any other settings on the device.
- If you have multiple Alexa devices, each one has its own wake word and device name that you can set separately.
How to change the wake word in the Alexa app
Open the Alexa app on your phone and tap the Devices tab at the bottom right. Select Echo & Alexa, then tap the specific device you want to change. Scroll down and tap Wake Word. You'll see a list of available options — usually "Alexa," "Amazon," "Echo," and "Computer." Tap the one you want, and the app will confirm the change.
The device will learn the new wake word within a few minutes. You don't need to restart it or do anything else. If you have multiple Echo devices in the same room, using different wake words prevents them from all responding at once.
How to change the device name in the Alexa app
In the Alexa app, go to Devices and select Echo & Alexa. Tap the device you want to rename. At the top of the screen, you'll see the current device name — tap it to edit. Type a new name and tap Save. You can use any name you want: "Kitchen Echo," "Bedroom," "Living Room Speaker," or anything else that helps you identify it.
The device name shows up in your app, in voice commands like "Alexa, play music in the Kitchen," and in any routines you've set up. If you change the name, any routines that reference the old name by location will still work, but new routines will use the new name.
Changing the wake word on the device itself (without the app)
If you don't have the Alexa app handy, you can change the wake word directly on the device. Hold down the Action button (usually on top) for a few seconds until the light ring turns orange. Say "Change wake word" and Alexa will walk you through the options. This method works on most Echo devices but is slower than using the app.
You cannot change the device name this way — that requires the app or the web version at alexa.amazon.com.
What wake word options are available
The available wake words depend on your device model and age. Most current Echo devices support "Alexa," "Amazon," "Echo," and "Computer." Some older models may have fewer options. If you don't see all four choices in your app, your device model may not support them all.
You can only set one wake word per device. If you want multiple wake words on the same device, you would need to change it manually each time, which defeats the purpose. If you have multiple devices, each can have a different wake word.
Why you might want to change the wake word
The most common reason is privacy or preference. Some people find "Alexa" awkward to say in public or prefer a different word. Others have family members or pets with the same name — if your daughter is named Alexa, you might switch to "Amazon" or "Echo" to avoid constant accidental activations. Using "Computer" appeals to people who like the Star Trek reference or want something that feels less like talking to a person.
Changing the device name is useful when you have multiple Echo devices. Naming them by room ("Kitchen," "Bedroom," "Living Room") makes it straightforward to control which speaker plays music or which one you're talking to in a routine.
What doesn't change when you rename your device
Your Wi-Fi connection, smart home integrations, routines, and all your Alexa settings stay exactly the same. You don't lose any history, preferences, or connected devices. The change is purely cosmetic — it only affects what you call the device and what it calls itself.
If you've set up routines that reference the device by name, they will still work after you rename it. However, if you create new routines after the rename, they will use the new name. This can be confusing if you forget you renamed something, so it's worth double-checking your routines if you make a change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a custom wake word that's not on the list?
No. Amazon limits wake words to "Alexa," "Amazon," "Echo," and "Computer" for security and accuracy reasons. The device needs to recognize the wake word reliably without false activations, and custom words would make that much harder. You're limited to the four options available in your app.
What happens if I change the wake word and forget what it is?
You can still change it back using the Alexa app — you don't need to say the wake word to access the app. Open the app, go to Devices, select your Echo, and tap Wake Word to see what it's currently set to and change it. You can also hold down the Action button on the device itself and say "Change wake word" to hear the current setting.
If I have two Echo devices, can they have different wake words?
Yes. Each device has its own wake word setting. You can set one to "Alexa" and another to "Amazon" so they respond differently. This is actually useful if they're in the same room, because it prevents both from responding when you talk to one.
Does changing the device name affect voice commands?
Only if you use the device name in a voice command. For example, if you say "Alexa, play music in the Kitchen," the device name matters. If you just say "Alexa, play music," the name doesn't matter — it will play on whatever device you're near. Changing the name updates how it works in location-based commands and routines.
Can I change the wake word on an Alexa device I don't own?
No. Only the person who set up the device or has admin access to the Amazon account can change the wake word. If you're a guest or a secondary user on someone else's device, you won't see the Wake Word option in the app.