Change Your Alexa's Internet Connection in the Alexa App

To change which Wi-Fi network your Alexa device connects to, open the Alexa app on your phone or tablet, tap the Devices icon at the bottom right, select Echo & Alexa, then tap the specific device you want to change. Scroll down and tap Wi-Fi Network, then select Change. The app will scan for available networks — choose your new network from the list and enter the password when prompted.

This process works for all Alexa devices: Echo speakers, Echo Dots, Echo Shows, and Fire tablets with Alexa built in. The device will disconnect from the old network and reconnect to the new one within about 30 seconds. You'll see a confirmation message in the app once the connection is complete.

If your device doesn't appear in the app, make sure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Alexa device, or that your device is powered on and within range of your router.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Alexa app, go to Devices, select your Echo device, scroll to Wi-Fi Network, and tap Change to pick a new network.
  • You will need the password for the new Wi-Fi network before you start the process.
  • The device reconnects within about 30 seconds and will work on the new network when ready after.
  • If your device doesn't show up in the app, restart it by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in.

What to Do If Your Device Won't Connect to the New Network

If your Alexa device fails to connect after you enter the password, the most common cause is an incorrect password. Double-check that you typed it correctly — passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword". If you're unsure of your Wi-Fi password, check your router's label or log into your router's admin page through a web browser on your computer.

If the password is correct but the device still won't connect, restart both your Alexa device and your router. Unplug your Alexa device for 10 seconds and plug it back in. Then unplug your router for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for all the lights to stabilize before trying again. This clears temporary connection problems that prevent the handshake between devices.

If you're switching to a 5 GHz network, note that some older Alexa devices only support 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. Check your device's specifications on Amazon's website — if it lists only 2.4 GHz, you'll need to connect to that band instead, or ask your router to broadcast both bands at once (most modern routers do this by default).

Changing Networks Without the Alexa App

If you don't have the Alexa app installed or prefer not to use it, you can change the network using your device's physical buttons. Press and hold the Action button (a dot or circle on top of the device) for about 15 seconds until the light ring turns orange, then release. This puts the device into setup mode.

Once the light is orange, open Wi-Fi settings on your phone or computer and look for a network name that starts with "Amazon-" followed by numbers or letters. Connect to that temporary network — it has no password. Then open a web browser and go to 192.168.4.1. A setup page will appear where you can select your home Wi-Fi network and enter its password.

This method takes a bit longer than using the app but works if you've lost access to the app or if your phone isn't nearby. The device will restart and connect to your chosen network within a minute or two.

Moving Your Device to a Guest Network or New Router

If you're switching to a completely new router or moving your Alexa to a guest network, the process is the same as changing to any other Wi-Fi network. The device doesn't store information about your old network — it only remembers the network name and password you give it. Once you change the network in the app or through setup mode, your device will forget the old connection entirely.

One thing to watch: if you're moving to a guest network, make sure your router allows guest devices to communicate with each other and with your home network. Some routers isolate guest networks completely, which can prevent your Alexa from reaching other smart home devices on your main network. Check your router's settings if Alexa can't control other devices after the switch.

What Happens to Your Alexa Settings When You Change Networks

Changing Wi-Fi networks does not erase your Alexa settings, routines, shopping lists, or music library. All of that information is stored in your Amazon account, not on the device itself. When your Alexa reconnects to the internet on the new network, it will sync back to your account and everything will be exactly as you left it.

Your device will also remember which network it's connected to. If you later add a second Alexa device to the same network, you can set it up faster because the network is already in the system. If you move back to an old network you've used before, your device may try to reconnect to it automatically — you can prevent this by changing the network again and selecting a different one.

Troubleshooting a Device That Keeps Disconnecting

If your Alexa device connects to the new network but then drops the connection repeatedly, the problem is usually Wi-Fi signal strength or interference. Move your device closer to the router, or move the router to a more central location in your home. Walls, metal objects, and other electronics like microwaves can weaken the signal.

You can also try switching to the 2.4 GHz band if your router broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The 2.4 GHz band has longer range and passes through walls better, even though it's slower. In the Alexa app, go back to Wi-Fi Network and look for your network name with "2.4G" or "2.4" in it — that's the band you want.

If the problem persists, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If that doesn't help, check whether your router's firmware is up to date — most routers have an admin page where you can check for updates. Outdated firmware sometimes causes connection problems with smart home devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to unpair my Alexa device before changing networks?

No. You do not need to unpair or reset your device. straightforward change the network in the app or through setup mode, and the device will switch to the new network while keeping all your settings and account information intact.

What if I forget my new Wi-Fi password?

If you don't remember the password for your new network, check the label on the back or bottom of your router — it usually lists the default password. If you've changed it and can't remember it, you can reset your router to factory settings by holding down the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, but this will erase all your router settings. Alternatively, log into your router's admin page from a computer connected to the network and reset the password there.

Can I change my Alexa to a different network while away from home?

No. Your Alexa device must be powered on and within range of the new Wi-Fi network to connect to it. You cannot change networks remotely through the app if the device is not already connected to the internet. If you're away from home, you'll need to wait until you return or ask someone at home to help.

Will changing networks affect my smart home routines or connected devices?

Your routines will continue to work once the device reconnects to the internet. However, if other smart home devices are on a different network or if your router isolates networks, Alexa may not be able to control them. Make sure all your smart home devices are on the same network or that your router allows devices to communicate across networks.

How long does it take for Alexa to connect to a new network?

Usually 30 seconds to 2 minutes. The device will disconnect from the old network, find the new one, authenticate with the password, and sync with your Amazon account. During this time, Alexa won't respond to voice commands. Once the light ring stops flashing or turns solid, the connection is complete.