You change the WiFi password in the Alexa app, not on the device itself
Your Alexa device does not have a built-in screen or menu where you can type a new WiFi password. Instead, you use the Alexa mobile app on your phone or tablet to tell the device about your new network credentials. The device itself stores the password and uses it to reconnect each time it powers on.
The process takes about five minutes and works the same way whether you have an Echo Dot, Echo Show, or any other Alexa speaker. You will need the Alexa app already installed, your Amazon account logged in, and your new WiFi password written down before you start.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Alexa app, find your device in the Devices tab, and tap the WiFi icon to see the current network.
- Select "Change Network" and enter your new WiFi password exactly as it appears, including uppercase and lowercase letters.
- The device will disconnect and reconnect within one to two minutes; you will see a blue light or hear a confirmation sound when it succeeds.
- If the device does not reconnect, restart it by unplugging for 30 seconds, then try the password entry again.
- Changing the password on your router does not automatically update Alexa — you must use the app to push the new credentials to each device.
Step-by-step: updating the password in the Alexa app
Open the Alexa app on your phone or tablet and tap the Devices tab at the bottom right. You will see a list of all your Alexa devices. Find the one you want to update and tap it to open its settings page.
Look for the WiFi icon near the top of the device settings screen — it usually shows signal strength as bars or dots. Tap that icon. The app will show you the name of the network your device is currently connected to. Below that, you will see a button or link that says Change Network. Tap it.
The app will now ask you to select a WiFi network from a list. Find your network name (also called the SSID) in that list and tap it. A text field will appear asking for your password. Type your new WiFi password exactly as it is — passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword". Tap Connect or Next when you are done.
The device will now attempt to connect using the new password. This usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. You may see a loading screen in the app, or the app may return to the device settings page. The device itself may flash a blue light or play a sound to confirm the connection succeeded.
What to do if the device does not reconnect
If the app shows an error message or the device does not reconnect after three minutes, the most common cause is a typo in the password. Go back to the Change Network screen and re-enter the password, paying close attention to capital letters, numbers, and special characters. Copy and paste the password from a note or password manager if you have one — this eliminates typing errors.
If you are certain the password is correct but the device still will not connect, restart the device by unplugging it from power for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait for it to fully boot (usually one to two minutes), then try the password entry again through the app.
A third possibility is that your router is using a WiFi standard or security setting that the Alexa device does not support. Most Alexa devices work with 2.4 GHz networks using WPA2 or WPA3 security. If your router is set to 5 GHz only, or if you have an older device with very new security settings, the connection may fail even with the correct password. Check your router settings or contact your internet provider if you suspect this is the issue.
Why you need to update each device separately
Changing your WiFi password at the router does not automatically update your Alexa devices. Each device stores its own copy of the password and will try to use the old one the next time it connects. If the old password no longer works, the device will lose internet access and you will not be able to control it through the app.
This is why you must go through the Alexa app and manually enter the new password on every Alexa device you own. If you have three Echo devices in different rooms, you will repeat the steps above three times — once for each device.
Keeping your WiFi password find while updating Alexa
When you type your new password into the Alexa app, that information travels from your phone to Amazon's servers and then to your device. Amazon encrypts this connection, so the password is not sent in plain text over the internet. However, you should still take basic precautions: do not enter your password on a public WiFi network, and do not let someone else see your phone screen while you are typing it.
If you are worried about who has access to your WiFi password, consider changing it to something new before updating your Alexa devices. This way, if anyone saw the old password, it no longer works. Write down the new password in a find location — a password manager, a locked note, or a physical notebook kept in a safe place.
Troubleshooting: device shows as offline after password change
Sometimes the Alexa app will show a device as "offline" even though you successfully entered the new password. This usually means the device lost its connection during the update process. Unplug the device, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. The device will restart and attempt to reconnect using the new password you entered.
If the device remains offline after a restart, open the Alexa app and try the password entry one more time. Occasionally the first attempt does not fully register, and a second attempt will succeed. If it still does not work after two attempts, restart your router as well — unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait three minutes for it to fully boot before trying again.
What happens to voice commands while the device is reconnecting
While your Alexa device is updating its WiFi password and reconnecting to the network, you will not be able to use voice commands or control it through the app. This usually lasts only one to two minutes. During this time, the device may not respond to "Alexa" wake words, and the app will show it as offline.
Plan your password changes for a time when you do not need to use those devices — for example, during the day if you use them mainly in the evening, or vice versa. If you have multiple devices, update them one at a time rather than all at once, so you always have at least one device available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to unpair and re-pair my Alexa device to change the WiFi password?
No. Unpairing removes the device from your Amazon account entirely and erases all your settings. You only need to change the network credentials through the app, which takes much less time and preserves all your routines, smart home connections, and preferences.
Can I change the WiFi password directly on the device using voice commands?
No. Alexa devices do not have a voice command to change WiFi settings. You must use the Alexa mobile app. Some Echo Show devices have a touchscreen, but even those require the app to update network credentials.
What if I forgot my new WiFi password?
Log into your router's admin panel using a computer or phone connected to the network. The router's IP address is usually printed on the back of the device (often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). From there you can view or reset your WiFi password. Once you have the correct password, use the Alexa app to update your devices.
Will changing my WiFi password affect my smart home routines or connected devices?
Your routines and settings stay the same. However, any smart home devices that are not Alexa speakers — such as smart lights, plugs, or thermostats — will also lose connection if they are on the same WiFi network. You will need to update those devices separately using their own apps or setup processes.
How often should I change my WiFi password?
There is no set schedule. Change it if you suspect someone has accessed your network, if you have had guests who knew the old password, or if you want to rotate passwords as part of your regular security practice. Changing it once or twice a year is reasonable for most home networks.