Yes, you can change what you call Alexa

Amazon lets you change two different things: the wake word (what you say to start talking to Alexa) and the device name (what Alexa calls itself and how it appears in your app). Most people change the wake word—swapping "Alexa" for "Echo," "Amazon," or "Computer." The device name is less visible but useful if you have multiple Alexa devices and want to tell them apart in your home.

Both changes take less than a minute and happen in the Alexa app or through your device settings. You do not need to reset anything or contact Amazon support.

Key Takeaways

  • The wake word is what you say to start Alexa listening—you can change it to "Echo," "Amazon," or "Computer" through the Alexa app.
  • The device name is the label Alexa uses to identify itself and appears in your app—you can set it to anything you want.
  • Changes take effect when ready and work on all devices connected to your account.
  • If you have multiple Alexa devices, you can give each one a different name and wake word so you know which one you are talking to.

How to change the wake word in the Alexa app

Open the Alexa app on your phone or tablet 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 will see a list of options: Alexa, Echo, Amazon, or Computer. Tap the one you want, and it will switch when ready.

The change works right away—you can start using the new wake word within seconds. If you change your mind, you can switch back the same way anytime.

How to change the device name in the Alexa app

In the Alexa app, go to Devices and select Echo & Alexa. Tap the device you want to rename. At the top of the screen, you will see the current device name—tap it to edit. Type in a new name (like "Kitchen Echo" or "Bedroom Speaker") and tap Save.

This name shows up in your app, in routines, and when you ask Alexa to control that specific device. It does not change the wake word—Alexa will still respond to "Alexa" unless you changed that separately.

Changing the wake word on the device itself

If you do not have the app handy, you can change the wake word directly on most Alexa devices. Say "Alexa, change the wake word" and follow the voice prompts. The device will walk you through the options and confirm your choice.

This method works on Echo Dots, Echo Shows, and most other Alexa speakers. Some older or smaller devices may not support voice-controlled wake word changes, in which case the app is your only option.

What happens when you change the wake word

Once you pick a new wake word, Alexa stops responding to "Alexa" and only listens for your new word. If you live with other people, tell them what you changed it to so they know what to say. If you have multiple Alexa devices, you can give each one a different wake word—for example, "Alexa" in the bedroom and "Echo" in the kitchen.

The old wake word will not work anymore. If you want to switch back, just repeat the process and select "Alexa" again.

Why you might want to change the device name

The device name is most useful when you have more than one Alexa device. Instead of saying "Alexa, turn on the lights," you can say "Alexa, turn on the kitchen lights" if you named that device "Kitchen." You can also create routines that target specific devices—for example, a morning routine that only plays music on your bedroom Echo.

The device name also appears in your Alexa app under the Devices tab, making it easier to manage and control each speaker separately. If you only have one device, changing the name is optional but can still be helpful for clarity.

Troubleshooting wake word changes

If you changed the wake word but Alexa still responds to "Alexa," the device may not have finished updating. Wait a few seconds and try again. If the problem continues, restart the device by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.

If the app shows an error when you try to change the wake word, make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi and that you are signed into the correct Amazon account. Log out of the app completely, close it, and log back in. Then try the change again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a custom wake word that is not on the list?

No. Amazon only offers four wake word options: Alexa, Echo, Amazon, and Computer. You cannot create a custom wake word or use a name like "Siri" or "Google." The four options are the only ones available across all Alexa devices.

If I change the wake word, do I need to update my routines?

No. Routines and automations continue to work with the new wake word. You can still trigger them by saying the new wake word, and any routines that use voice commands will still function normally.

Will changing the device name affect how Alexa works?

No. The device name is just a label for your own reference. Changing it does not change how Alexa responds or what it can do. It only affects how the device appears in your app and how you refer to it in multi-device commands.

Can I change the wake word on an Alexa device I do not own?

No. You can only change the wake word on devices registered to your Amazon account. If someone else owns the device, they must make the change themselves through their own account.

What if I forget what wake word I set?

Open the Alexa app, go to Devices, select your Echo, and scroll to Wake Word. The current wake word will be shown and highlighted. You can change it from there if you want to switch to something else.