In this guide, we walk you step by step through the process of connecting your Amazon Echo or another Alexa-enabled device to Wi-Fi.
If you changed networks, this guide provides instructions on how to switch your device to the new connection. We’ll also help you to troubleshoot problems that might arise and explain how to connect other devices to your Echo so you can use the device to its fullest capacity.
Further reading
Preparing your Alexa-enabled device
To begin, take your Alexa-enabled device out of its packaging, and locate the power connector. Different devices will vary in how they are unpacked, but Amazon Echo devices should automatically start up once they are plugged into an outlet. Refer to the owner’s manual for any assistance plugging in your device.
The goal of this first phase is merely to get your product out of its box and turned on for use. Once you power on the device, ensure the Alexa app is installed on your iOS or Android device, as you will need it throughout the setup process.
Connecting your device to Wi-Fi
We are going to use the Amazon Alexa app to get your device connected to the internet. After unpacking and plugging in your product, it may begin flashing an orange glow or even verbally announce it is ready — we can now start the setup process.
With the Amazon Alexa app installed on either your iOS or Android device, follow these instructions:
Step 1: Open the Amazon Alexa app on your device.
Step 2: Sign in to the app using your Amazon credentials if you have not already.
Step 3: Tap the Devices tab at the bottom of the screen.
Step 4: Select the + button in the upper-right corner.
Step 5: From the pop-up menu, choose Add Device.
Step 6: Select Amazon Echo from the list.
Step 7: Next, select your Echo device.
Step 8: Confirm that your Echo device is flashing orange, and tap Yes.
Step 9: Select the detected device from the given list.
Step 10: Choose the Wi-Fi network you wish to connect.
You may be prompted for a password at this step. Otherwise, the Alexa app will begin its connection setup — this process may take a minute.
Step 11: Once your Alexa-enabled device is successfully connected, the screen will report as such. Tap the Continue button.
Step 12: Select a location where your device will reside, and tap the Continue button.
That’s it on the phone’s side. Alexa will move onto the interactive introduction phase on your new device, prompting you to try four commands like, “What’s the weather?” and “Tell me a joke.” Alexa will also ask questions about your news preferences, Alexa-based skills you may want to install, and more.
Once the introduction concludes, you can begin using your Alexa-enabled device. Try downloading some Alexa Skills to see what your new device can do for you.
Reconnecting your Alexa device to Wi-Fi
What happens if you change routers (and your SSID)? The Alexa device will have no idea where to connect. In this case, you’ll need to open the Amazon Alexa app, tap on the registered device, and change the connection manually.
Step 1: With the Amazon Alexa app open, tap the More tab.
Step 2: Tap Settings > Device Settings.
Step 3: Select your device on the resulting list.
Step 4: Under Wi-Fi Network, tap Change.
Step 5: Verify the Alexa device is plugged in and displaying a light.
Step 6: Select the detected device from the given list.
Step 7: Choose a Wi-Fi network and supply the password.
Problems connecting to WiFi
You may experience a few different issues when setting up your Alexa device. If your Alexa app cannot see your Alexa-enabled device, ensure it is in setup mode and its light is orange. If your device is not in setup mode, you can force the process by holding down the Action button, illustrated below, on the unit for 15 seconds.
If you’re in the setup phase, but your Echo device is not connecting to Wi-Fi, do the following:
Step 1: Power off the device, wait a few moments, and then power it back on. If the problem persists, move to step 2.
Step 2: Check your modem. If all looks okay, move to step 3. If the send and/or receive indicators are off or flashing, unplug the modem, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Wait until the LEDs become steady. If not, the issue is on the ISP side.
Step 3: If the modem is fine, restart your router. If you own a modem/router combo, restart it as well. Repeat step 1 if you reset the entire network and the device refuses to connect.
Step 4: If Alexa continues to reject your password, double-check that you are entering the correct information when prompted — the password will be case sensitive, so keep an eye on lower and uppercase letters.
Step 5: If all else fails, move your Alexa device closer to your wireless router, as the signal might not be strong enough.
If you are still having issues connecting your device, we recommend reaching out to Amazon support, who can walk you through any factors that might be causing your problem.
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