You can change what word wakes up your Alexa device, but you're limited to a short list of options Amazon provides
Amazon's Alexa devices listen for a wake word — the phrase that tells the device you're about to give it a command. By default, that word is "Alexa," but you can change it to "Amazon," "Echo," or "Computer" instead. You cannot create a custom wake word or use a word that isn't on Amazon's approved list. The change takes effect when ready once you save it, and it applies only to that one device — if you have multiple Alexa devices in your home, each one can have a different wake word.
The reason for the limited list is technical: Amazon trains its voice recognition system to recognize specific words reliably. A custom wake word would require retraining the device's software, which Amazon does not currently offer to individual users. The four options available are the ones Amazon has already optimized for accurate detection.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your Alexa wake word to "Amazon," "Echo," or "Computer" through the Alexa app on your phone or through the device's settings menu.
- The change applies only to the specific device you're adjusting — other Alexa devices in your home keep their original wake word unless you change them separately.
- Amazon does not allow custom wake words; you must choose from the four options the company provides.
- The new wake word takes effect when ready, and you can switch back to "Alexa" at any time.
How to change the wake word using the Alexa app
Open the Alexa app on your phone and tap the Devices icon 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 the four options: Alexa, Amazon, Echo, and Computer. Tap the one you want, and the app will confirm the change. The device will start responding to the new word within seconds.
If you have multiple Alexa devices, repeat this process for each one. The app shows you which device you're adjusting at the top of the screen, so you won't accidentally change the wrong one.
How to change the wake word directly on the device
If you don't have the Alexa app handy, you can change the wake word using the device itself. Press and hold the Action button on top of your Echo device (the button you normally press to mute the microphone). Say "Change wake word" or "Go to settings." The device will guide you through the options using voice prompts. Select the wake word you want by saying its name.
This method works on most Echo devices, but some older models may not support voice-based settings changes. If your device doesn't respond to voice commands for settings, use the app instead.
Why you might want to change the wake word
The most common reason is to avoid accidental set up. If someone in your household has a name that sounds like "Alexa" — or if you have a pet, a TV show character, or a song lyric that triggers the device — changing the wake word reduces false activations. A device that wakes up every time your roommate says their name can be annoying and drains the battery faster on portable devices.
Some people also change the wake word for privacy reasons. If guests visit frequently, using "Computer" instead of "Alexa" makes it less obvious that you have a voice-activated device in the room. This is a minor privacy measure — the device still listens and records — but it can reduce the number of times people ask about it or feel uncomfortable speaking freely.
What happens to routines and smart home commands when you change the wake word
Changing the wake word does not affect any routines, smart home automations, or voice commands you've set up. If you created a routine that starts when you say "Alexa, good morning," that routine will now start when you say "Computer, good morning" (or whatever new wake word you chose). The rest of the command stays the same.
Similarly, if you've set up smart home devices to respond to Alexa commands, they continue to work exactly as before. The wake word change only affects what you say to start talking to the device — everything that happens after that remains unchanged.
Switching back to "Alexa" or trying a different wake word
You can change the wake word as many times as you want. If you try "Computer" for a week and decide you prefer "Echo," just go back into the app or device settings and select a different option. There's no limit to how often you can switch, and no penalty for changing your mind.
Most people who change the wake word stick with their choice for months or years, but some households rotate between options depending on who's visiting or what's happening. There's no "best" choice — it depends entirely on what works for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a custom wake word like my own name?
No. Amazon only allows "Alexa," "Amazon," "Echo," and "Computer." Custom wake words would require Amazon to retrain the device's voice recognition system for each person, which it does not currently offer. If you need a different wake word, you're limited to choosing from those four options.
If I change the wake word on one Echo device, do all my other Alexa devices change too?
No. Each device has its own wake word setting. If you have an Echo in the kitchen and one in the bedroom, you can set the kitchen Echo to "Computer" and leave the bedroom Echo as "Alexa." You have to change each device separately through the app or the device itself.
Will my Alexa routines and smart home commands still work after I change the wake word?
Yes. Routines, automations, and smart home commands all work the same way. Only the wake word changes — the actual commands you give after that stay exactly the same. If you had a routine called "Alexa, good morning," it becomes "Computer, good morning" (or whatever you chose), but the routine itself doesn't change.
Can I turn off the wake word requirement entirely so Alexa always listens?
No. Alexa devices require a wake word to start listening for commands. You cannot disable this feature or set the device to listen continuously without a wake word. The wake word is how the device knows when you're talking to it versus talking to someone else in the room.
Does changing the wake word improve privacy?
Changing the wake word does not change how the device records or what data Amazon collects. It only changes what word you say to set up it. If privacy is your main concern, changing the wake word is a minor measure — the device still listens for the new wake word and sends audio to Amazon's servers.