Change the name Alexa uses in your home
You can rename your Alexa device to anything you want — it does not have to stay "Alexa." The device will respond to the new name you give it instead of the default. Renaming is useful when you have multiple Alexa devices in one home and want to call them by room (like "Kitchen" or "Bedroom") or by a custom name that fits your household.
The process takes about two minutes and you can do it from the Alexa app on your phone or from a web browser on a computer. Once you change the name, the device will stop responding to "Alexa" and will only respond to the new name you set.
Key Takeaways
- You can rename any Alexa device through the Alexa app by finding the device, tapping the settings gear icon, and selecting "Device Name."
- The new name takes effect when ready, and the device will stop responding to its old name once you save the change.
- You can also rename devices through the web version of Alexa at alexa.amazon.com if you prefer using a computer.
- Custom names work best when they are one or two words and clearly identify the room or purpose of the device.
- If you change your mind, you can rename the device again at any time using the same steps.
Rename your device using the Alexa app
Open the Alexa app on your phone and tap the Devices icon at the bottom right of the screen. This shows all your connected Alexa devices. Find the device you want to rename and tap on it to open its settings page.
Look for the settings gear icon in the top right corner of the device card and tap it. Scroll down until you see Device Name and tap that option. A text field will appear with the current name highlighted. Delete the old name and type in the new one you want to use.
Tap Save or Done (the button name depends on your phone's operating system). The device will update within a few seconds. Test the new name by saying it aloud — the device should light up and respond to your voice.
Rename your device using a web browser
If you prefer to use a computer, go to alexa.amazon.com and sign in with your Amazon account. Click on Devices in the left menu, then select All Devices to see your full list.
Find the device you want to rename and click on its name or the settings icon next to it. Look for the Device Name field, clear the current text, and type the new name. Click Save to confirm the change. The update will take effect when ready.
What names work best for Alexa devices
Choose a name that is straightforward to say and that Alexa can hear clearly. One or two words work better than longer phrases. Room names like "Kitchen," "Bedroom," or "Living Room" are common choices. You can also use custom names like "Upstairs," "Office," or even a person's name if that device belongs primarily to one person.
Avoid names that sound similar to common Alexa commands or that rhyme with words Alexa might mishear. For example, naming a device "Alex" can confuse the voice recognition because it sounds too much like "Alexa." Test your chosen name by saying it a few times before you finalize it.
What happens when you change the device name
The device stops responding to its old name when ready and only responds to the new name. If you have routines or automations set up that use the old device name, those will continue to work — Amazon's system updates the device reference automatically behind the scenes.
If you have a smart home routine that says "Alexa, turn on the bedroom lights," and you rename your bedroom Alexa device to "Master Bedroom," the routine will still work. You do not need to recreate routines or update any settings after a rename.
Rename a device you no longer have access to
If you have moved a device to someone else's home or you no longer use it but it is still registered to your account, you can still rename it from the Alexa app. Open the app, go to Devices, find the device in the list, and follow the same steps to change its name. This is useful for keeping track of devices across multiple locations.
If you want to remove a device from your account entirely instead of just renaming it, you can do that from the device settings page. Look for a Remove Device or Deregister option, though the exact wording varies by device type.
Troubleshooting if the device does not respond to the new name
If you renamed the device but it still does not respond to the new name, restart the device by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. Wait for the light ring to turn blue, which means it is ready to use again. Then test the new name.
If the device still does not respond, check that you are connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the Alexa device. Open the Alexa app and confirm the device shows as "Online" in the device list. If it shows as offline, the device may not have received the name change yet. Wait a few minutes and try again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use special characters or numbers in an Alexa device name?
You can use numbers and most special characters, but Alexa works best with straightforward names using letters and spaces. Avoid symbols that might confuse voice recognition, like hyphens or apostrophes. Stick to names like "Alexa 2" or "Kitchen Echo" rather than "Alexa-2" or "Kitchen's Echo."
Will renaming the device affect my smart home routines?
No. Routines and automations continue to work after you rename a device because Amazon's system updates the device reference automatically. You do not need to edit or recreate any routines.
Can I change the wake word instead of the device name?
The wake word (like "Alexa") and the device name are different things. You can change the wake word separately in the Alexa app under Settings > Device Settings > Wake Word. This lets you say "Echo" or "Amazon" instead of "Alexa" to set up the device.
What if two devices have the same name?
Avoid giving two devices the same name. If you do, Alexa will not know which device you are talking to and may not respond correctly. Give each device a unique name, even if they are in the same room — for example, "Kitchen Echo Dot" and "Kitchen Echo Show."
Can I rename a device that someone else owns?
You can only rename devices registered to your own Amazon account. If someone else owns the device, they must rename it from their own account. If the device is shared in a household, the account owner can rename it.