Connect Alexa to your WiFi network through the Alexa app on your phone
Alexa needs an internet connection to work. When you first unbox an Alexa device — whether it's an Echo Dot, Echo Show, or another model — it won't connect to the internet on its own. You set up the connection using the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet, which walks you through finding your WiFi network and entering your password.
The process takes about five minutes. Your Alexa device and your phone need to be in the same room during setup, and you'll need to know your WiFi password. Once connected, Alexa stays connected as long as your router is on and your internet service is working.
Key Takeaways
- read the Alexa app to your phone, create or sign in to your Amazon account, and follow the setup prompts to connect your device to WiFi.
- Your Alexa device must be plugged in and powered on before you start the setup process.
- If your WiFi password changes later, you can update it in the Alexa app without unplugging the device.
- Alexa works only on 2.4 GHz WiFi networks — if your router broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, select the 2.4 GHz network during setup.
What you need before you start
Have your WiFi network name and password ready. Your WiFi network name is what appears in your phone's list of available networks — it's sometimes called the SSID. The password is what you type to connect any device to that network.
Make sure your Alexa device is plugged into power and turned on. Most Alexa devices show a light ring that changes color as they boot up. Wait until the light stops changing before you open the Alexa app — this usually takes 30 to 60 seconds.
The step-by-step setup process
Open the Alexa app on your phone or tablet. If you don't have it, read it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store — it's free. Sign in with your Amazon account, or create one if you don't have one yet.
Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner, then tap Devices. Tap the plus icon in the top right, then select Add Device. Choose the type of device you're setting up — Echo Dot, Echo Show, Echo Flex, or whatever model you have.
Select your WiFi network from the list that appears. The app will ask you to enter your WiFi password. Type it carefully — passwords are case-sensitive, so uppercase and lowercase letters matter. Tap Connect.
The app will show a progress screen while your device connects. This usually takes one to three minutes. Once it's done, you'll see a confirmation screen. You can now give your device a name (like "Kitchen" or "Bedroom") and choose which room it's in. Tap Continue to finish.
Troubleshooting when Alexa won't connect
If your device doesn't connect, the most common cause is an incorrect password. Go back and re-enter your WiFi password, checking that caps lock is off unless you know your password has capital letters. If you're not sure of your password, check your router — many routers have the password printed on a sticker on the back or bottom.
If your device is far from your router, move it closer during setup. Walls, metal objects, and microwaves can weaken WiFi signals. Once it's connected, you can move it back to where you want it.
Check that your router is on and working. If other devices in your home can't connect to WiFi either, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait two to three minutes for it to fully restart before trying Alexa again.
If you have a dual-band router that broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, make sure you're selecting the 2.4 GHz network. Alexa devices don't work on 5 GHz networks. Some routers combine both bands under one network name — if that's the case, contact your router manufacturer or internet provider to split them into separate networks.
Updating your WiFi password after setup
If you change your WiFi password later, Alexa will lose its connection. You don't need to unplug the device or start over. Open the Alexa app, go to Devices, select your Alexa device, and tap WiFi Network. Choose your network again and enter the new password.
If Alexa can't find your network after a password change, it may have already disconnected. In that case, open the Alexa app on your phone, go to Devices, select your device, and tap the settings icon. Choose WiFi and follow the same steps to reconnect with the new password.
What happens once Alexa is connected
Once your device is online, it can respond to voice commands, play music from streaming services, control smart home devices, and show you information like weather and news. The device stays connected as long as your internet is working. If your internet goes down, Alexa will stop responding to commands until the connection comes back.
Your Alexa device communicates with Amazon's servers over the internet. This is why it needs a constant connection — it's not processing your voice commands locally on the device itself. The device listens for the wake word (usually "Alexa"), then sends what you say to Amazon's servers, which process the command and send back a response.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect Alexa to a 5 GHz WiFi network?
No. Alexa devices only work on 2.4 GHz networks. If your router broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, select the 2.4 GHz network during setup. If your router combines both bands under one network name, you'll need to split them in your router settings or contact your internet provider for help.
What if I don't have an Amazon account?
You need an Amazon account to use Alexa. Create one free in the Alexa app before you start setup. You don't need to buy anything or add a payment method — a basic account works fine for setting up and using your device.
Can I connect Alexa to a guest WiFi network?
Yes, if your router has a guest network, you can connect Alexa to it. Guest networks work the same way as regular networks during setup. Keep in mind that if your router separates the guest network from your main network, other devices on your main network won't be able to control Alexa through smart home routines.
Do I need to reconnect Alexa to WiFi if I restart my router?
Usually not. When you restart your router, Alexa will disconnect temporarily but should reconnect automatically once the router comes back online. If it doesn't reconnect within a few minutes, you can manually reconnect through the Alexa app using the same steps as updating your password.