Change Alexa's name through the Alexa app on your phone
Open the Alexa app on your phone or tablet, then tap the Devices icon at the bottom right. Select Echo & Alexa, then tap the device you want to rename. At the top of the screen, tap the device name, type the new name you want, and tap Save. The change takes effect when ready — you can start using the new name right away.
The new name must be something Alexa can recognize as a voice command. Single words work best: "Kitchen," "Bedroom," "Upstairs." Two-word names like "Living Room" also work. Avoid names that sound like existing Alexa commands or that are too similar to other device names in your home, because Alexa may get confused about which device you are talking to.
Key Takeaways
- You rename an Alexa device through the Alexa app by tapping Devices, selecting your Echo, and editing the name at the top of the device screen.
- Single or two-word names work best because Alexa needs to recognize the name as a voice command without confusion.
- The change takes effect when ready across all your Alexa devices and routines that reference that device.
- If you have multiple devices with similar names, Alexa may respond to the wrong one, so choose names that sound distinct from each other.
What happens to routines and smart home commands when you rename a device
When you change a device's name, any routines or smart home automations that reference the old name will stop working until you update them. For example, if you had a routine called "Good Morning" that turns on your "Bedroom" speaker, and you rename that speaker to "Master Bedroom," the routine will no longer trigger that device.
You will need to go back into each routine and update the device name manually. Open the Alexa app, tap More at the bottom right, select Routines, find the routine that uses the old device name, tap it, and change the device reference to the new name. Save the routine when you are done.
Renaming a device through the web browser
If you prefer to use a computer, you can rename your Alexa device through the web version of the Alexa app. Go to alexa.amazon.com, sign in with your Amazon account, and click Devices in the top left. Click Echo & Alexa, then click the device you want to rename. Click the device name at the top, type the new name, and click Save.
The web browser method works the same way as the phone app and takes effect when ready. Use whichever method is more convenient for you — the result is identical.
Names that work well and names to avoid
The best device names are short, clear, and describe the room or purpose of the device. "Kitchen," "Bedroom," "Office," "Garage," and "Patio" all work well. You can also use names like "Upstairs," "Downstairs," "Front," or "Back" if you have multiple devices and want to organize them by location.
Avoid names that sound like Alexa commands or that are too similar to other device names. Do not name a device "Alexa" or "Echo" because that will confuse the voice recognition. Do not use names with special characters, numbers, or punctuation — stick to letters and spaces. If you have two devices in adjacent rooms, do not name them "Bedroom" and "Bed Room" because Alexa will have trouble telling them apart when you speak.
What to do if Alexa does not recognize the new name
If you say the new name and Alexa does not respond, the device may not have finished updating yet. Wait a few seconds and try again. If Alexa still does not respond, check that the name was saved correctly by opening the Alexa app, going to Devices, and confirming the name appears as you typed it.
If the name is saved but Alexa still will not respond to it, the name may be too similar to another device name or to an existing Alexa command. Try a different name that is shorter or more distinct. You can also test the name by saying it out loud to another Alexa device in your home — if that device responds instead of the one you intended, the names are too similar and you should pick a new one.
Renaming multiple devices in a multi-device home
If you have more than one Alexa device, give each one a name that clearly identifies its location or purpose. This prevents Alexa from responding to the wrong device when you give a voice command. For example, use "Kitchen Echo," "Living Room Echo," and "Bedroom Echo" rather than "Echo 1," "Echo 2," and "Echo 3."
You can rename devices one at a time through the Alexa app, or you can rename them all at once if you have time. There is no limit to how many devices you can rename or how often you can change their names. If you move a device to a different room, rename it to match its new location so your voice commands stay accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use numbers or special characters in an Alexa device name?
No. Alexa device names should contain only letters and spaces. Numbers, hyphens, apostrophes, and other special characters can confuse Alexa's voice recognition. Stick to straightforward names like "Kitchen" or "Living Room" for the best results.
Do I have to rename a device, or can I leave it as the default?
You do not have to rename it. Alexa devices come with default names like "Echo Dot" or "Echo Show," and they work fine with those names. Renaming is optional and only useful if you want to organize your devices by room or give them names that are easier to remember.
What if I rename a device and then forget what I named it?
Open the Alexa app, go to Devices, and select Echo & Alexa. You will see a list of all your devices with their current names. You can also ask any Alexa device "What devices do I have?" and it will read the names aloud.
Will renaming a device affect my Amazon Music or other subscriptions?
No. Renaming a device does not change your account settings, subscriptions, or any content you have saved. It only changes what you call the device when you give voice commands.
Can I rename an Alexa device if I am not the account owner?
No. Only the Amazon account owner can rename devices. If you are a household member or guest, you will not have permission to change device names. Ask the account owner to rename the device for you.