Change Alexa's name through the Alexa app on your phone
The fastest way to rename your Alexa device is through the Alexa mobile app. Open the app on your phone, tap the Devices icon at the bottom right, then select Echo & Alexa. Find the device you want to rename in the list and tap it to open its settings.
Once you're in the device settings, look for the device name at the top of the screen and tap it. A text field will appear where you can delete the current name and type a new one. Tap Save when you're done. Alexa will confirm the change within a few seconds, and you can start using the new name right away.
Key Takeaways
- You can rename any Alexa device through the Alexa app by going to Devices, selecting your device, and editing the name field at the top.
- Choose a name that is straightforward to say and doesn't sound like other words Alexa might mishear when you give voice commands.
- If you have multiple Alexa devices, give each one a different name so Alexa knows which device you're talking to.
- Changes take effect when ready, and you can rename your device as many times as you want without any restrictions.
Rename Alexa using the web version of your Amazon account
If you prefer to use a computer instead of your phone, you can rename your device through the Amazon website. Go to alexa.amazon.com, sign in with your Amazon account, and click Devices in the top left corner.
Select Echo & Alexa from the menu, then click on the device you want to rename. Look for the device name field and click the edit icon (usually a pencil) next to it. Type the new name and click Save. The change will take effect when ready on your device.
Pick a name that works well with voice commands
When you choose a new name for your Alexa device, think about how it sounds when you say it out loud. Alexa listens for wake words and device names, so pick something that doesn't sound like everyday words or phrases. For example, "Kitchen" works better than "Cook" because Alexa is less likely to wake up when you're talking about cooking.
Avoid names that rhyme with common words or that sound similar to other names in your household. If you have a family member named "Alex," renaming your device to "Alexa" could cause confusion. Short, clear names with distinct sounds — like "Echo," "Speaker," or "Device" — tend to work best. You can also use room names like "Bedroom," "Living Room," or "Garage" if the device is in a specific location.
What happens when you rename a device with routines or smart home controls
If you've set up routines or smart home automations that reference your device by name, renaming it won't break those routines. Alexa keeps track of devices by their internal ID, not by their name, so your automations will continue to work exactly as before.
However, if you've created voice commands that specifically say the device's old name, those commands won't work anymore. For example, if you had a routine that said "Alexa, turn off the bedroom light on Kitchen," that command will fail if you rename Kitchen to something else. You'll need to edit those routines to use the new device name instead.
Rename a device you don't have physical access to
You can rename any Alexa device in your account from anywhere, even if the device is in another person's home or a different location. As long as the device is connected to the same Amazon account and has an internet connection, you can change its name through the Alexa app or website.
This is useful if you're setting up a device for someone else or if you want to rename a device that's in a guest room or at a family member's house. Just open the Devices section in the Alexa app, find the device in the list, and rename it the same way you would for a device in front of you.
Troubleshooting if your device name won't change
If you try to save a new name and it doesn't stick, first check that you have a strong internet connection on both your phone and your Alexa device. Weak Wi-Fi can prevent the change from syncing. Close the Alexa app completely and open it again to refresh the connection.
If the name still won't change, try restarting your Alexa device by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. Once it reconnects to Wi-Fi, open the Alexa app and try renaming it again. If you're still having trouble, sign out of the Alexa app, sign back in, and attempt the rename one more time. These steps resolve most naming issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use special characters or numbers in my Alexa device name?
Alexa accepts letters, numbers, spaces, and some special characters like hyphens and apostrophes. However, names with too many special characters may not work well with voice commands. Stick to straightforward names with mostly letters and numbers for the best results.
What if I want to rename multiple Alexa devices at once?
You have to rename each device individually through the Alexa app or website. There's no bulk rename feature. However, the process is quick — it usually takes less than a minute per device.
Will renaming my device affect my music, shopping lists, or other data?
No. Renaming your device only changes what you call it. All your music, lists, routines, and settings stay exactly the same. The device itself doesn't change — only the name you use to refer to it.
Can I change the name back to the original after I rename it?
Yes. You can rename your device as many times as you want. If you want to go back to the original name, just follow the same steps and type the old name back in.
What's the character limit for an Alexa device name?
Amazon doesn't publish an exact character limit, but device names typically work best when they're under 30 characters. Shorter names are easier to say and less likely to be misheard by Alexa's voice recognition.