You can rename your Alexa device in the Alexa app or through your Amazon account settings
Amazon lets you change what you call your Alexa device — the name you speak when you give it commands. By default, most devices are named "Alexa" or "Echo" followed by the room type, like "Echo Dot" or "Echo Studio". You can change this to anything you want: "Kitchen Speaker", "Bedroom Alexa", "The Robot", or whatever makes sense in your home. The change takes effect when ready and applies across all your devices and routines.
The easiest way to rename your device is through the Alexa mobile app, which works on both iPhone and Android. You can also rename it through your Amazon account on a web browser. Both methods take less than a minute and require no technical knowledge.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Alexa app, tap Devices, select your Echo device, and tap the settings icon to find the rename option.
- You can also rename your device on Amazon.com by going to Devices, selecting your Echo, and editing the device name field.
- Your new name takes effect when ready, and Alexa will respond to voice commands using the new name right away.
- If you have multiple Alexa devices, each one can have its own unique name so you can control them separately by voice.
Renaming through the Alexa app on your phone
Start by opening the Alexa app on your iPhone or Android phone. Tap the Devices icon at the bottom right of the screen — it looks like a small rectangle with lines. This opens your list of connected devices.
Find the Echo or Alexa device you want to rename and tap on it. The device details page will open. Look for the settings icon, usually a gear symbol in the top right corner, and tap it. Scroll down until you see the device name field — it will show your device's current name. Tap on the name, delete the old one, type your new name, and tap Save or Done. The app will confirm the change, and your device will respond to the new name within seconds.
Renaming through Amazon.com on a computer
If you prefer to rename your device on a computer, go to Amazon.com and sign in with your account. Hover over Accounts & Lists in the top right and click Your Account. Look for the Devices section — you may need to scroll down or search for "Devices" on the page.
Click on Devices or Your Devices to see your list of Echo and Alexa devices. Find the device you want to rename and click on it. You will see a Device Name field with the current name. Click in that field, clear the old name, type your new name, and click Save. Amazon will update the name across all your devices and services within a few seconds.
What happens after you rename your device
Once you change the name, Alexa will respond to voice commands using only the new name. If your device was called "Echo Dot" and you rename it to "Bedroom Speaker", saying "Alexa" alone will no longer wake that device — you will need to say "Bedroom Speaker" instead. The word "Alexa" is the wake word, which is separate from the device name and cannot be changed on most devices.
If you use routines or automations that reference your device by its old name, those routines may stop working until you update them. For example, if you had a routine called "Turn on Bedroom Lights" that targeted a device named "Echo Dot", you may need to edit that routine to target the device by its new name. Check your routines in the Alexa app and update any that reference the old device name.
Naming multiple devices so you can control them separately
If you have more than one Alexa device in your home, giving each one a unique name lets you control them individually by voice. Instead of saying "Alexa, play music", you can say "Kitchen Speaker, play music" or "Living Room Echo, play music" to target a specific device. This is especially useful if you have devices in different rooms and want to play different things in each room at the same time.
Use location-based names like "Kitchen", "Bedroom", "Living Room", or "Bathroom" if you want to keep things straightforward. You can also use descriptive names like "Main Speaker", "Bedroom Alarm", or "Desk Device". The name you choose should be straightforward to say and short enough that Alexa recognizes it clearly when you speak.
Troubleshooting if your device does not respond to the new name
If you renamed your device but Alexa is not responding to the new name, try unplugging the device for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. This forces a restart and helps the device sync with Amazon's servers. After the device restarts and the light ring turns blue or shows a solid color, try speaking the new name again.
If the device still does not respond, check that you saved the name correctly in the app or on Amazon.com. Go back to the device settings and confirm the name appears exactly as you typed it. Also make sure you are using the correct wake word — by default this is "Alexa", but some devices let you change it to "Amazon", "Echo", or "Computer". The wake word comes before the device name when you give commands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the wake word instead of the device name?
The wake word and device name are different. The wake word ("Alexa", "Amazon", "Echo", or "Computer") activates the device. The device name is what you call it after it wakes up. Most devices let you change the wake word in the Alexa app under device settings, but not all device types support every wake word option.
What if I rename my device and forget the new name?
Open the Alexa app, go to Devices, and tap on the device. The current name will be displayed at the top of the device details page. You can also check Amazon.com under Devices to see all your device names listed there.
Do I need to rename my device if I only have one Alexa?
No. If you have only one device, it will respond to "Alexa" by default and you do not need to change the name. Renaming is most useful when you have multiple devices and want to control them separately by voice.
Will renaming my device affect my shopping lists or reminders?
No. Your shopping lists, reminders, routines, and other settings stay the same when you rename a device. Only the name you speak changes. If you have routines that specifically target that device by name, you may need to update those routines to use the new name.