You can change Alexa's voice in the Alexa app in about two minutes
Amazon's Alexa comes with several voice options built in. You pick a different voice through the Alexa app on your phone or tablet, and Alexa will speak in that voice from then on. The change takes effect when ready across all your Alexa devices — if you have an Echo in your bedroom and another in your kitchen, both will use the new voice.
The voices available depend on which language and region you're in. In the United States, you typically have access to five or six different voices, each with a distinct tone and accent. Some sound more formal, others more conversational. You can switch back to the original voice anytime.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Alexa app, tap the menu icon, and go to Settings to find the voice options.
- Select your device, then choose Voice under Device Settings to hear samples of each available voice.
- The change applies to all Alexa devices on your account, not just one.
- You can switch voices as often as you want with no cost or setup required.
How to change the voice through the Alexa app
Start by opening the Alexa app on your phone or tablet. Tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) in the bottom right corner. From there, select Settings.
In Settings, look for Devices. Tap Devices, then select the specific Echo or Alexa device you want to change. You'll see a list of options for that device — scroll down until you find Voice. Tap Voice and you'll see thumbnails of each available voice option.
Each voice option shows a sample of how it sounds. Tap on any voice to hear a short phrase spoken in that voice. Once you've found one you like, tap it to select it. The change happens right away — Alexa will use that voice the next time she speaks to you.
What happens when you change the voice
The new voice applies to all Alexa devices connected to your account. If you have an Echo Dot in your bedroom, an Echo Show in your kitchen, and an Echo in your car, they will all switch to the new voice at the same time. You don't have to change each device separately.
The voice change doesn't affect any routines, alarms, or settings you've already created. Your shopping lists, reminders, and smart home controls all stay exactly the way they were. Only the voice Alexa uses to speak changes.
Which voices are available
Amazon adds new voices periodically, so the exact options you see may differ from what someone else sees. In the United States, the standard options typically include a few variations of a female voice, a male voice, and sometimes a younger-sounding voice. Some regions also have celebrity voices available, though these may require a separate purchase or subscription.
To see what's available in your region, open the Voice settings in the Alexa app. You'll see all the voices you can choose from right there. If you don't see a voice you expected, it may not be available in your country or language setting.
Switching back to the original voice
If you change your mind about a new voice, go back to Settings > Devices > select your device > Voice and choose the original voice again. There's no penalty for switching back and forth. You can change voices as many times as you want.
The original Alexa voice is usually labeled as the default or first option in the Voice menu. If you're not sure which one it was, try the first voice in the list — that's typically the one Alexa shipped with.
Troubleshooting if the voice won't change
If you select a new voice but Alexa still speaks in the old one, try closing the Alexa app completely and opening it again. Sometimes the app needs a moment to sync the change to your devices.
If that doesn't work, restart the Alexa device itself. Unplug it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. Once it finishes restarting (you'll see the light ring change), open the Alexa app again and check the Voice setting. The new voice should be active now.
If you're still not hearing the change after restarting, make sure you're looking at the right device in the app. If you have multiple Alexa devices, it's straightforward to accidentally change the voice on one device and then listen to a different device that still has the old voice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have different voices on different Alexa devices?
No. All Alexa devices on your account use the same voice. If you want one Echo to sound different from another, you would need to create a separate Amazon account for that device, which isn't practical for most households.
Do I need to pay to change Alexa's voice?
The standard voice options are free. Some celebrity voices or premium voices may cost money, but the app will tell you before you select one if there's a cost involved.
Will changing the voice affect my smart home routines?
No. Your routines, alarms, timers, and all other settings stay the same. Only the voice Alexa uses to speak changes.
What if I don't like any of the available voices?
You're limited to the voices Amazon offers in your region. You can't upload a custom voice or use a voice from outside the Alexa app. Check back occasionally — Amazon adds new voices periodically.
Does the voice change work on Alexa web browsers and other devices?
The voice change applies to all Echo and Alexa devices on your account. If you use Alexa through a web browser or a third-party device, it may not support voice changes, or it may have its own separate voice settings.