You can change Alexa's voice in the Alexa app or on your device itself
Amazon offers several voice options for Alexa beyond the default female voice. You can switch to a male voice, a different female voice, or even celebrity voices depending on your device and region. The change takes effect when ready across all your Alexa devices that use the same account.
The fastest way is through the Alexa app on your phone or tablet. You can also change the voice directly on an Echo device using its settings menu. Both methods take less than a minute.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Alexa app, tap the device icon, select your Echo device, go to Settings, then Device Settings, and choose a new voice from the Voice options menu.
- On the device itself, press and hold the Action button (the dot on top), say "Alexa, change your voice," or use the device's touchscreen if it has one to navigate to Settings.
- Available voices vary by region and device type—some older Echo devices may have fewer options than newer models.
- Changing the voice affects all routines and responses from that device, including alarms, timers, and smart home commands.
- If you want different voices on different devices, you can set each one individually since the change applies only to the device you're adjusting.
Changing Alexa's voice through the mobile app
The Alexa app gives you the clearest view of all available voices. Open the app on your phone or tablet and tap the device icon in the bottom right corner. Find your Echo device in the list and tap it to open its settings.
Once you're in the device settings, scroll down and tap Device Settings. Look for the Voice option—it may appear as "Alexa's Voice" or straightforward "Voice." Tap it to see all available options for your region. You'll see voice names like "Original," "Breeze," "Ember," or regional variants. Tap the one you want and the change happens right away.
If you have multiple Echo devices on your account, repeat this process for each one. Each device can have its own voice setting, so you could have a male voice in the kitchen and a female voice in the bedroom if you prefer.
Changing Alexa's voice directly on your Echo device
You can change the voice without opening the app. On most Echo devices, press and hold the Action button (the dot or circle on top of the device) and say "Alexa, change your voice." Alexa will respond with a list of available options and ask you to say the name of the voice you want.
If your Echo has a touchscreen (like the Echo Show or Echo Spot), you can also navigate manually. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings, tap the gear icon for Settings, go to Device Settings, and select Voice. The touchscreen method shows you all options at once, which can be easier than listening to them read aloud.
On older Echo devices without a microphone button, you may need to use the Alexa app instead, as voice command options are limited on those models.
What voices are actually available
Amazon's voice lineup changes by region and device type. In the United States, you typically have access to at least four standard voices: Original (the default female voice), Breeze (a different female voice), Ember (a male voice), and Juniper (another female option). Some regions have additional voices with different accents or languages.
Celebrity voices have been offered at different times—Alexa has had options like Samuel L. Jackson or Shaquille O'Neal—but these are usually limited-time additions or require a one-time purchase. Check your Voice menu to see what's currently available in your area.
If you don't see as many options as you expected, your device model or region may have fewer choices. Newer Echo devices generally have more voice options than older models. You can always check Amazon's Alexa website to see what's available for your specific device.
What happens when you change the voice
The new voice applies to all Alexa responses on that device—answers to questions, alarm announcements, timer alerts, routine actions, and smart home confirmations. If you have routines set up (like a morning briefing or an evening shutdown), Alexa will use the new voice for those too.
The change does not affect other devices on your account unless you change them individually. It also does not affect any Alexa skills or third-party apps that may have their own voice settings—those remain separate.
If you change your mind, you can switch back to the original voice or try a different one at any time using the same method. There's no limit to how often you can change it.
Troubleshooting voice change problems
If the voice option doesn't appear in your settings, make sure your Alexa app is up to date. Open your phone's app store (Google Play or Apple App Store), search for Alexa, and install any available updates. Then try again.
If you're using an older Echo device, it may not support voice changes at all. First-generation Echo devices and some budget models have limited customization options. Check your device's manual or the Alexa app to confirm your model supports voice selection.
If you've selected a voice but Alexa still uses the old one, restart the device by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. This clears the device's memory and forces it to reload your settings from your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different voice for different devices on the same account?
Yes. Each device stores its own voice setting, so you can set one Echo to a male voice and another to a female voice. Change them individually through the app or on each device, and they'll stay that way.
Will changing Alexa's voice affect my smart home routines?
Yes, the new voice will be used for all routine announcements and responses. If you have a morning briefing or a bedtime routine, Alexa will read those in the new voice you selected.
What if I want to change the voice back to the original?
Go back to the Voice settings menu and select "Original." The change takes effect when ready. You can switch voices as many times as you want.
Do celebrity voices cost extra?
Some celebrity voice options require a one-time purchase, while others have been offered free during promotional periods. Check your Voice menu to see which options are free and which have a cost in your region.
Why don't I see as many voice options as my friend does?
Voice availability varies by region, device model, and whether your Alexa app is fully updated. Newer Echo devices typically have more options than older models. Update your app and check again, or compare your device model to your friend's to see if that explains the difference.