Change Alexa's voice in three steps from the app or web
You can change the voice that Alexa uses to speak to you by opening the Alexa app, going to More (the three horizontal lines), selecting Settings, then Device Settings, choosing your device, and tapping Voice. From there you pick a new voice from the list and confirm. The change takes effect when ready on that device. If you use multiple Alexa devices, you change the voice on each one separately — there is no master setting that changes them all at once.
You can also change the voice through the web version at alexa.amazon.com by logging in, clicking Devices in the left menu, selecting your device, scrolling to Voice, and choosing a new option. The steps are the same whether you use an Echo speaker, Echo Show, Echo Dot, or any other Alexa device.
Amazon adds new voices periodically, so the exact list you see depends on when you check. Most people see between five and ten voice options, though this varies by region and device type. Some voices are only available in certain languages or on certain device models.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Alexa app, tap More, then Settings, then Device Settings, choose your device, and select Voice to see all available options.
- Each Alexa device has its own voice setting, so changing the voice on one Echo does not change it on another Echo in your home.
- The change happens when ready once you confirm your choice, and you can switch back to the original voice anytime using the same steps.
- You can also change the voice through alexa.amazon.com if you prefer using a computer instead of the mobile app.
What voices are available and how they differ
Amazon offers several voice options that differ in gender presentation, accent, and tone. The default voice is typically a neutral American English voice, but you can choose alternatives that sound more natural to you or match your preference. Some voices are labeled by name (like "Joanna" or "Matthew"), while others are described by characteristics like "warm" or "energetic."
The exact voices available depend on your region and the language your device is set to. If your Alexa is set to English (US), you will see a different set of voices than someone whose device is set to English (UK) or another language. Amazon occasionally retires older voices and introduces new ones, so the menu you see today may not be identical to what you see in six months.
You can preview a voice before you select it — most apps show a small speaker icon or "preview" button next to each option that plays a sample sentence. This helps you hear what the voice actually sounds like rather than guessing from a description.
Changing the voice on multiple devices in your home
If you have more than one Alexa device, you need to change the voice on each device individually. There is no setting that applies a voice change to all your devices at once. This means if you have an Echo in your kitchen, an Echo Dot in your bedroom, and an Echo Show in your living room, you would need to go through the voice-change steps three separate times.
The advantage of this approach is that you can give different devices different voices if you want — for example, a warmer voice in your bedroom and a more energetic voice in your kitchen. Many people choose to keep all their devices on the same voice for consistency, but the choice is yours.
If you have a large number of devices, changing them one at a time takes a few minutes per device, but the process itself is straightforward and the same on each one.
Switching back to the original voice or trying a different one
You can change Alexa's voice as many times as you want. If you pick a new voice and decide you do not like it after a day or a week, straightforward go back to Settings > Device Settings > your device > Voice and select a different option. There is no limit to how often you can switch, and no penalty for changing your mind.
Many people try a voice for a few days before deciding whether it feels right for them. What sounds good in a preview sometimes feels different after you have heard it give you weather reports and news briefings for a week. Taking time to live with a voice before deciding is a reasonable approach.
If you want to go back to the voice your device came with, that original voice is still in the list — just select it again and confirm.
Troubleshooting when the voice option is missing or greyed out
If you open the Voice settings and see no options, or if the voice choices are greyed out and you cannot select them, the most common cause is that your app is out of date. Close the Alexa app completely and open your phone's app store (Google Play for Android, App Store for iPhone) to check for updates. Install any available updates and try again.
Another reason the voice menu might not appear is if your device is offline or not connected to Wi-Fi. Check that your Alexa device shows a solid blue light or is responding to voice commands. If it is not, restart the device by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting for it to reconnect to your network.
If you are using a work or school account linked to your Alexa, some voice options may be restricted by your organization's settings. In that case, contact your IT department or account administrator to see whether they have limited which voices are available to you.
Why you might want to change Alexa's voice
Some people change the voice because the default one does not feel natural to them or does not match their preference for how they want to be spoken to. Others change it because they find a particular voice easier to understand — for example, if you have hearing differences, a slower or more distinct voice might work better for you. Some people straightforward like the variety and enjoy trying different voices.
If you have multiple people in your household, you might choose a voice that feels welcoming to everyone, or you might pick different voices for different rooms based on how each space is used. There is no right answer — the voice you choose is entirely about what works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change Alexa's voice on just one device if I have multiple Alexa speakers?
Yes. Each device has its own voice setting, so you can change the voice on one Echo without affecting the others. Go to Device Settings, select the specific device you want to change, and adjust only that device's voice.
Will changing Alexa's voice affect routines or smart home commands?
No. Changing the voice only changes how Alexa sounds when she speaks to you. All your routines, smart home automations, and commands work exactly the same way regardless of which voice you choose.
What if the voice I want is not showing up in my list?
Update the Alexa app to the latest version through your phone's app store. Some voices are only available in certain regions or languages, so if your device is set to a different language, you may see a different set of voices. You can also check whether your device is online and connected to Wi-Fi.
Can I use a custom voice or upload my own voice to Alexa?
No. You can only choose from the voices Amazon provides in the Voice settings menu. You cannot record or upload a custom voice, and you cannot use voices from third-party sources on standard Alexa devices.
Does changing Alexa's voice cost anything?
No. All available voices are included with your Alexa device at no extra cost. There are no paid voice options or subscriptions required to use a different voice.