How to Connect Echo and Alexa to Wi-Fi

This article explains how to connect Alexa to Wi-Fi for the first time, plus how to change Wi-Fi networks for an existing device. Instructions apply to all Alexa-enabled devices including the Amazon Echo and Echo Show.

Connecting Your Alexa Device to Wi-Fi for the First Time

You should have already downloaded and installed the Alexa app by now. If not, please do so via the App Store for iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch devices and Google Play for Android.

If this is your first Alexa-enabled device, you may not need to take steps 2-4 below. Instead, you will be prompted to begin setup once the app has been launched.

1. Enter your Amazon account credentials and press Sign In.

2. If prompted, tap the Get Started button.

3. Select the name associated with your Amazon account from the list provided, or choose I'm someone else and enter the correct name.

4. You now might be asked to give Amazon permission to access your Contacts and Notifications. This is not necessary to connect your device to Wi-Fi, so select either Later or Allow depending on your individual preference.

5. Tap on the Alexa menu button, represented by three horizontal lines and located in the upper left-hand corner. When the drop-down menu appears, select the Settings option.

6. Tap the Add New Device button.

7. Choose the appropriate device type from the list (i.e., Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Plus, Tap).

8. Choose the specific model you want to set up (in this example, we're choosing Echo Dot, 2nd Generation).

9. Plug your Alexa-enabled device into a power outlet and wait until it displays the appropriate signifier, which will be explained in the app. If your device is already plugged in, you may have to press and hold its Action button. For example, if you're setting up an Amazon Echo the light ring on the top of the device should turn orange. Once you've determined that your device is ready, select the Continue button.

10. Depending on your device, the app may now ask you to connect to it via your smartphone's wireless settings. To do so, follow the on-screen instructions to connect through Wi-Fi to a custom-named Amazon network (i.e., Amazon-75). As soon as your phone has been successfully connected to your device you will hear a confirmation message, and the app will automatically move on to the next screen.

11. A Connected to [device name] confirmation message may now be displayed. If so, tap Continue.

12. A list of available Wi-Fi networks will now be shown within the app itself. Select the network that you wish to pair with your Alexa-enabled device and enter a password if prompted.

13. The app screen may now read Preparing Your [device name], accompanied by a progress bar.

14. If the Wi-Fi connection is successfully established you should now see a message stating Your [device name] is now online.

Connecting Your Alexa Device to a New Wi-Fi Network

If you have an Alexa device that had already been set up in the past but now needs to be connected to a new Wi-Fi network or an existing network with a changed password, follow these steps.

1. Tap the menu icon, then the Settings option.

2. Tap Device Settings, then choose the device you want to change the Wi-Fi network for.

3. Tap Change, next to Wi-Fi Network.

4. The setup is now the same as above, starting at Step 10.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you've carefully followed the above instructions and still can't connect your Alexa device to your Wi-Fi network then you may want to consider trying some of these tips:

• Try restarting your modem and router.
• Try restarting your Alexa-enabled device.
• Try resetting your Alexa-enabled device to factory settings.
• Make sure that your Wi-Fi password is correct. You can confirm this by trying to connect​ with another device using the same password.
• Try updating the firmware on your modem and/or router.
• Move your Alexa-enabled device closer to your wireless router.
• Move your Alexa-enabled device away from possible sources of signal interference, such as baby monitors or other wireless electronics.

If you're still unable to connect, you may want to contact the device manufacturer and/or your internet service provider.