Change Alexa's Wake Word Through the Alexa App

You can change what word wakes up your Alexa device by opening the Alexa app on your phone or tablet and going to the device settings. The process takes about two minutes and works on any Alexa device—Echo speakers, Echo Show displays, Fire tablets, or third-party devices with Alexa built in.

Open the Alexa app 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. A menu will appear with the available options for your device.

The standard options are "Alexa," "Amazon," "Echo," and "Computer." Some older devices offer fewer choices. Select the new wake word you want, and the change takes effect when ready—you do not need to restart the device.

Key Takeaways

  • You change the wake word through the Alexa app under device settings, not through voice commands or the device itself.
  • Most Alexa devices offer four wake word choices: Alexa, Amazon, Echo, and Computer.
  • The change happens when ready once you select a new wake word in the app.
  • You can set different wake words on different Alexa devices in the same household.
  • If you cannot find the Wake Word option, your device may be too old or may not support wake word changes.

What Wake Words Are Available for Your Device

The four standard wake words—Alexa, Amazon, Echo, and Computer—work on most current Alexa devices. Older devices, particularly first and second-generation Echo speakers, may only offer "Alexa" and "Amazon." Fire tablets and some third-party devices with Alexa built in sometimes have a shorter list.

Amazon does not allow you to create a custom wake word or use a name that is not on the preset list. The company designed the standard options to be distinct enough that Alexa can recognize them reliably in noisy environments. If none of the available options work for you, there is no workaround through the official app.

Changing the Wake Word on an Echo Show or Fire Tablet

The steps are the same on Echo Show displays and Fire tablets as they are on Echo speakers. Open the Alexa app, go to Devices, select Echo & Alexa, choose your device, and tap Wake Word. On a Fire tablet, you can also change the wake word directly in the tablet's settings under Alexa without opening the separate Alexa app.

If you are using an Echo Show, you can also access wake word settings by swiping down from the top of the screen, tapping Settings, selecting Device Options, and then Wake Word. Both methods work equally well.

Setting Different Wake Words for Multiple Devices

If you have more than one Alexa device in your home, you can give each one a different wake word. This is useful if you want to address specific devices by name—for example, "Alexa" in the kitchen and "Computer" in the bedroom. Each device's settings are independent, so changing one does not affect the others.

When you have multiple devices with different wake words, be aware that they may still respond if you use the wrong wake word nearby. Alexa devices can hear each other in the same room, and the closest device usually responds first. Test your setup to see which device responds to which word in the spaces where they are located.

Troubleshooting When the Wake Word Option Does Not Appear

If you open the device settings and do not see a Wake Word option, your device may not support wake word changes. First-generation Echo devices and some budget models do not have this feature. Check your device model on Amazon's website to confirm whether it supports wake word changes.

If your device should support the feature but the option is missing, try closing the Alexa app completely and opening it again. Make sure you are signed into the same Amazon account that owns the device. If the option still does not appear after restarting the app, your device may need a software update—check the device settings in the app for any pending updates.

What Happens When You Change the Wake Word

Once you select a new wake word, your device stops responding to the old one when ready. You do not need to restart the device, and there is no waiting period. The next time you speak, use the new wake word to wake up Alexa.

If you change your mind, you can switch back to a different wake word at any time using the same steps. There is no limit to how many times you can change it, and no record of previous wake words is kept.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a custom name as Alexa's wake word?

No. Amazon only allows you to choose from the preset options: Alexa, Amazon, Echo, or Computer. You cannot create a custom wake word or use a name like "Hey Siri" or a family member's name.

Will changing the wake word affect other people's Alexa devices?

No. Each device has its own wake word setting. If you change the wake word on your bedroom Echo, it does not change the wake word on anyone else's device or on other Alexa devices in your home. Everyone can set their own preferences.

What if my device is too old to change the wake word?

First-generation Echo devices and some older models do not support wake word changes. If your device does not have the Wake Word option in settings, you would need to replace it with a newer model to use a different wake word. Check your device model on Amazon's support pages to confirm.

Does changing the wake word require an internet connection?

Yes. Your Alexa device must be connected to Wi-Fi to change the wake word through the app. If your device is offline, the change will not go through. Make sure your device shows as online in the Alexa app before attempting to change the wake word.

Can I change the wake word without using the app?

No. You cannot change the wake word by voice command or through the device itself. The Alexa app is the only way to change it. On Fire tablets, you can also use the tablet's settings menu, but you still cannot use a voice command.