You can change Alexa's name in the Alexa app or through your device settings
Amazon's Alexa devices come with the name "Alexa" by default, but you can change what you call your device to something else. The process takes about two minutes and works the same way whether you have an Echo Dot, Echo Show, or any other Alexa device. You make the change through the Alexa mobile app on your phone, or through the device's settings menu if you prefer not to use your phone.
Changing the device name does not change how Alexa works or what it can do. It only changes what you say to wake it up and what it appears as in your app. If you have multiple Alexa devices in your home, giving each one a different name makes it easier to control them separately — for example, saying "Alexa, play music in the kitchen" instead of having all your devices respond at once.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your Alexa device's name through the Alexa app by finding the device, tapping the settings gear icon, and selecting "Device Name."
- Alternative wake words like "Amazon," "Echo," or "Computer" are also available if you want to keep the device but change what you say to set up it.
- Each device in your home can have its own name, which helps Alexa understand which speaker you want to control when you give a command.
- The name change takes effect when ready and does not require you to restart the device or sign out of your account.
Changing the name through the Alexa app on your phone
Open the Alexa app on your phone and tap the Devices icon at the bottom right of the screen. Select "Echo & Alexa" to see all your devices, then tap the device you want to rename. At the top right of the device details screen, tap the settings gear icon.
Scroll down until you see "Device Name" and tap it. Delete the current name and type in the new name you want. The name can be up to 32 characters and can include numbers and spaces. Tap "Save" or "Done" depending on your phone's operating system. The change takes effect when ready — you can start using the new name right away.
Changing the name directly on the device
If you do not want to use the app, you can change the name through the device itself. On most Echo devices, swipe down from the top of the screen (or press and hold the Action button if your device does not have a screen) to open the settings menu. Look for "Device Name" or "Settings" and follow the same process: delete the old name and type the new one.
On older Echo devices without a touchscreen, you may need to use the Alexa app — the device itself does not have a settings menu. Check your device's manual if you are not sure which method applies to yours.
Choosing a wake word instead of changing the device name
If you want to keep the device name as "Alexa" but change what you say to set up it, you can change the wake word instead. Wake words are the words you say to make the device start listening. Amazon offers four standard wake words: "Alexa," "Amazon," "Echo," and "Computer."
To change the wake word, open the Alexa app, go to Devices, select your device, tap the settings gear, and look for "Wake Word." Select the new wake word you want. Some third-party devices may offer additional wake words beyond these four. The wake word change also takes effect when ready.
What happens to routines and smart home controls when you rename a device
If you have set up routines or smart home automations that mention your device by name, changing the device name does not break those routines. Routines are tied to the device itself, not to its name, so they continue to work exactly as before. For example, if you have a routine called "Good Morning" that plays music on your kitchen Alexa, renaming the device from "Kitchen Alexa" to "Kitchen Speaker" does not affect that routine.
The same applies to smart home controls. If you have set up voice commands to control lights or other devices through a specific Alexa speaker, those commands still work after you rename the device. The name change is purely cosmetic — it only affects what you see in the app and what you call the device out loud.
Naming multiple devices so voice commands work correctly
When you have more than one Alexa device, giving each one a clear, distinct name helps Alexa understand which device you want to control. If you say "Alexa, play music," all your devices might respond unless you specify which one. If you name your devices "Kitchen," "Bedroom," and "Living Room," you can say "Alexa, play music in the kitchen" and only that device will respond.
Use names that are straightforward to say and that describe the device's location or purpose. Avoid names that sound similar to each other or to common words Alexa might mishear. For example, "Den" and "Ben" sound too much alike, so Alexa might get confused. "Kitchen" and "Bedroom" are clearer and less likely to cause mistakes.
Troubleshooting if the name change does not work
If you changed the device name but Alexa still does not respond to the new name, check that the change actually saved. Go back into the app and look at the device settings to confirm the new name is there. If the app shows the old name, try changing it again and make sure you tapped "Save" or "Done."
If the name is saved in the app but Alexa still does not respond to it, restart the device by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. After the device restarts and reconnects to your Wi-Fi, try using the new name again. If the problem continues, sign out of the Alexa app completely, sign back in, and try renaming the device once more. These steps fix most naming issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change Alexa's name to anything I want?
You can use any name up to 32 characters, including numbers and spaces. However, the name works best if it is straightforward to say and does not sound like common words Alexa might mishear. Names like "Kitchen," "Bedroom," or "Office" work well. Avoid very long names or names with special characters.
If I rename my device, do I need to update my routines?
No. Routines are connected to the device itself, not its name, so they continue to work after you rename it. You do not need to change any settings in your routines or automations.
Can I change the wake word back to "Alexa" if I change it to something else?
Yes. You can change the wake word as many times as you want by going back to the wake word settings in the Alexa app. There is no limit to how often you can switch between "Alexa," "Amazon," "Echo," and "Computer."
What is the difference between changing the device name and changing the wake word?
The device name is what the device appears as in your app and what you use in voice commands to specify which device you want to control. The wake word is what you say to make the device start listening. You can change both independently of each other.
Do I need to be connected to Wi-Fi to change the device name?
Your device needs to be connected to Wi-Fi and powered on, but you can make the change through the app from anywhere. The app communicates with the device over your home network to update the name.