Change Alexa's Name Through the Alexa App
The fastest way to rename your Alexa device is through the Alexa mobile app on your phone. Open the app, 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. Type your chosen name—it can be anything from "Kitchen Echo" to "Bedroom Speaker" to a single word like "Alexa" or "Echo." Tap Save or the checkmark button to confirm the change.
The name updates when ready. You can now use the new name to control that specific device by voice. For example, if you rename your bedroom Echo to "Bedroom Speaker," you can say "Alexa, play music in the Bedroom Speaker" and it will respond to that device only.
Key Takeaways
- You can rename any Alexa device through the Alexa app by going to Devices, selecting Echo & Alexa, tapping your device, and editing the name at the top of its settings page.
- Device names can be anything you choose and help you control specific Alexa devices by voice when you have more than one in your home.
- The name change takes effect when ready once you save it, and you can use the new name right away in voice commands.
- If you have multiple Alexa devices, giving each one a descriptive location name like "Kitchen" or "Living Room" makes it easier to control them individually.
Change Alexa's Name on a Web Browser
If you prefer to use a computer instead of your phone, you can rename your device through the Alexa web app. Go to alexa.amazon.com in your browser and sign in with your Amazon account. Click Devices in the left menu, then select Echo & Alexa.
Find your device in the list and click on it. Look for the device name near the top of the page and click the edit icon (usually a pencil symbol) next to it. Type your new name in the text field that appears, then click Save. The change will sync to your device within a few seconds.
What Names Work Best for Multiple Devices
If you have only one Alexa device, you can name it anything you want. But if you have two or more devices in your home, choosing location-based names makes voice control much easier. Names like "Kitchen," "Bedroom," "Living Room," or "Office" let you direct commands to a specific device without confusion.
Avoid names that are too similar to each other or that sound like common words Alexa might mishear. For example, naming one device "Alex" and another "Alexa" can cause the device to respond to both names. Stick with clear, distinct names that are straightforward to say and unlikely to be confused with other words.
You can also use longer descriptive names like "Kitchen Echo Dot" or "Master Bedroom Speaker" if that helps you remember which device is which. Alexa will respond to whatever name you choose, as long as you use that exact name in your voice commands.
Renaming Devices in a Multi-Device Household
When you have several Alexa devices spread across your home, renaming them becomes especially important for controlling them individually. Without distinct names, saying "Alexa, play music" will trigger the closest device to you, which might not be the one you want.
After renaming your devices, test each one by saying its new name followed by a command. For example, say "Alexa, play jazz in the Kitchen" to make sure the Kitchen device responds and not another one. If a device doesn't respond to its new name right away, wait a minute or two for the change to fully sync, then try again.
You can rename devices as often as you want if your household setup changes. If you move a device to a new room or add new devices, straightforward update the names to match their new locations.
Troubleshooting When a Device Won't Rename
If you try to rename a device and the change doesn't stick, first check that you're signed into the correct Amazon account in the Alexa app. Some households have multiple accounts linked to the same Echo device, and only the account that registered the device can rename it.
If the name still won't change, try closing the Alexa app completely and reopening it. On some phones, you may need to swipe the app away from your recent apps list rather than just pressing the back button. After reopening the app, navigate back to your device and try renaming it again.
If the problem persists, restart your Alexa device by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Once it finishes restarting (the light ring will turn on and off), open the Alexa app and attempt the rename again. This usually resolves any sync issues between the app and the device.
Changing the Wake Word Instead of the Device Name
The device name is different from the wake word—the word you say to get Alexa's attention. By default, the wake word is "Alexa," but you can change it to "Amazon," "Echo," or "Computer" if you prefer. This is a separate setting from the device name.
To change the wake word, open the Alexa app, go to Devices, select your device, tap the settings gear icon, and scroll down to Wake Word. Choose your new wake word from the list and save it. The device will restart and begin responding to the new wake word within a minute.
Changing the wake word affects how you start voice commands on that device. For example, if you change the wake word to "Computer," you would say "Computer, play music" instead of "Alexa, play music." The device name you chose earlier remains separate and is used only when you want to direct commands to that specific device among multiple devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rename my Alexa device to something other than a location?
Yes, you can name your device anything you want. It doesn't have to be a location. You could name it "Speaker," "Music Box," "Helper," or any other word or phrase. Just keep in mind that if you have multiple devices, using distinct names helps Alexa know which device you're talking to.
Will renaming my device affect my routines or smart home automations?
No. Routines and automations tied to that device will continue to work after you rename it. The device itself stays the same—only the name you call it by changes. You don't need to rebuild any routines or automations.
How long does it take for the new name to work after I save it?
The name usually takes effect when ready, but it can take up to a minute for the change to sync across all your devices and the Alexa app. If the new name doesn't work right away, wait a minute and try again.
Can I use special characters or numbers in my device name?
The Alexa app accepts most letters and numbers in device names, but it's best to stick with straightforward names using only letters, numbers, and spaces. Special characters like hyphens or underscores may cause confusion when you're using voice commands.
What happens if two people in my house rename the same device differently?
Only the person who registered the device with Amazon can rename it. If someone else tries to rename it through their own Alexa app account, the change won't save. Make sure the primary account holder makes any device name changes you want to keep.