Renaming Your Alexa Device in the App
You can change your Alexa device's name through the Alexa app on your phone or tablet. 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, tap it, then tap the settings gear icon in the top right corner. Scroll down to the device name field, tap it, delete the current name, type the new one, and tap Save.
The name change takes effect when ready. Your device will respond to the new name the next time you speak to it. If you have multiple Alexa devices in your home, renaming them helps you control the right one — for example, calling one "Kitchen" and another "Bedroom" makes it clear which device will play music or set a timer.
Key Takeaways
- You rename an Alexa device by opening the Alexa app, going to Devices, selecting Echo & Alexa, tapping your device, and editing the name in settings.
- The device responds to its new name when ready after you save the change.
- Naming devices by room (Kitchen, Bedroom, Living Room) makes it easier to control the right speaker when you have multiple devices.
- You can also rename a device by asking Alexa to do it using voice commands, though the app method is more reliable.
Using Voice Commands to Rename Your Device
If you prefer not to open the app, you can ask Alexa to rename itself. Say "Alexa, change your name to [new name]" or "Alexa, rename yourself to [new name]." The device will confirm the change and ask you to say the new name again to verify it. This method works on most Echo devices, though some older models may not support voice renaming.
Voice renaming is faster if you are already using the device, but it can be less reliable than the app method if Alexa mishears your spoken name. If the device confirms a name you did not intend, straightforward repeat the process or use the app to correct it.
What Names Work Best
Alexa responds best to names that are one or two words and do not sound like common commands. Names like "Kitchen," "Bedroom," "Living Room," or "Office" work well because they are clear and distinct. Avoid names that rhyme with Alexa or sound like wake words, as they can confuse the device.
You can use names with numbers or special characters, but Alexa may have trouble understanding them when you speak. Stick to straightforward, pronounceable names if you plan to use voice commands to control the device. If you only control it through the app, you have more freedom with naming.
Renaming Devices on the Web
You can also rename your Alexa device through the web version of the Alexa app at alexa.amazon.com. Log in with your Amazon account, click Devices in the left sidebar, select Echo & Alexa, find your device, and click the settings icon. Edit the device name field and click Save. This method works the same way as the mobile app.
The web version is useful if you are at a computer and want to rename multiple devices at once. Changes made on the web appear in the mobile app within a few seconds.
Changing Names for Devices in Different Rooms
If you have Alexa devices in multiple rooms, renaming them by location makes voice control much easier. Instead of saying "Alexa, play music," you can say "Alexa, play music in the kitchen" or "Alexa, play music in the bedroom." The device in that room will respond. This only works if each device has a distinct room name.
You can also create device groups in the Alexa app to control multiple speakers at once. For example, you could group all bedroom devices together and name the group "Bedroom Speakers." Renaming individual devices first makes it easier to organize them into groups later.
Troubleshooting Name Changes That Do Not Stick
If you rename a device and it does not respond to the new name, try restarting the device. Unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for the light ring to turn blue. Then test the new name. If the device still does not respond, open the Alexa app and check that the name was saved correctly in settings.
If the app shows the old name even though you saved a new one, sign out of the app completely, wait a minute, and sign back in. This refreshes the connection between your phone and Amazon's servers. If the problem continues, try renaming the device again through the web version of the app instead of the mobile version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Alexa device's name to anything I want?
You can use almost any name, but Alexa works best with straightforward, one- or two-word names that do not sound like commands. Avoid names that rhyme with "Alexa" or sound like other wake words, as they may confuse the device when you speak to it.
Do I need to say "Alexa" before the device's new name?
Yes. You always say "Alexa" first to wake the device, then give your command. For example, if you rename the device to "Kitchen," you would say "Alexa, play music in the kitchen." The device name tells Alexa which speaker to use, not how to wake it.
What happens to routines or automations when I rename a device?
Routines and automations continue to work after you rename a device. Alexa links them to the device itself, not to its name. If you had a routine that plays music on your bedroom speaker, it will still work after you rename that speaker to something else.
Can I rename a device if I am not the account owner?
You can rename a device if you have access to the Alexa app and the device is registered to your Amazon account or shared with you. If the device belongs to someone else's account, you will not see it in your app unless they have shared it with you through the Alexa app's household or multi-user settings.
How long does it take for the new name to work?
The name change takes effect when ready in the app. The device will respond to the new name within a few seconds. If it does not respond right away, try saying the new name again or restart the device.