The fastest way to reconnect Alexa to a new network
To change the WiFi network on an Alexa device, open the Alexa app on your phone, go to Devices, select your device, tap the settings gear icon, choose WiFi Network, and select a new network from the list. Enter the password if prompted. The device will reconnect within a few minutes. If your device is already set up and you just need to switch networks — because you changed your router, moved to a new home, or your WiFi name changed — this is the standard path.
The process is the same whether you own an Echo Dot, Echo Show, or any other Alexa speaker. You do not need to unpair or reset the device first. Your routines, smart home connections, and preferences stay in place; only the network connection changes.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Alexa app, find your device in the Devices section, tap settings, and select WiFi Network to see available networks and switch to a new one.
- If your device cannot find your network, make sure your router is broadcasting the network name (SSID) and that the device is within range.
- Changing networks does not erase your Alexa settings, routines, or smart home connections — only the WiFi connection updates.
- If the app method does not work, you can reset the device to factory settings and set it up again from scratch, but this erases everything.
- Some older Alexa devices may require you to forget the old network from your phone's WiFi settings before the device will connect to a new one.
Step-by-step: Using the Alexa app to switch networks
Start by opening the Alexa app on your phone or tablet. Tap the Devices icon at the bottom right (it looks like a small box). You will see a list of all your Alexa devices. Find the one you want to reconnect and tap it.
Once you are in that device's settings, look for a gear icon in the top right corner and tap it. Scroll down until you see WiFi Network. Tap that option. The app will show you a list of available networks in range. Select the network you want to connect to. If the network is password-protected, you will be asked to enter the password. Type it carefully — passwords are case-sensitive. Tap Connect or Done. The device will attempt to join the network. This usually takes between one and three minutes. You will see a confirmation message in the app once it succeeds.
What to do if your network does not appear in the list
If you do not see your WiFi network in the available networks list, the most common reason is that your router is not broadcasting the network name. This is a router setting, not an Alexa problem. Log into your router's settings (usually through a web browser or the router's app) and look for an option called SSID broadcast or network visibility. Make sure it is turned on. Once you turn it on, wait a minute and try the Alexa app again.
Another reason the network might not appear is that the Alexa device is too far from the router. WiFi has a limited range, especially through walls and floors. Try moving the device closer to the router temporarily, then attempt to connect again. Once connected, you can move it back to its original location.
If you see your network but cannot connect even after entering the correct password, restart both the Alexa device and your router. Unplug the Alexa device for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot up (the light ring will cycle through colors). Then try connecting again.
Resetting your Alexa device to connect to a new network
If the app method does not work and you have tried the troubleshooting steps above, you can reset the device to factory settings. This erases all your settings, routines, smart home connections, and preferences — so use this only as a last resort.
To reset an Echo Dot or standard Echo speaker, locate the reset button on the bottom or back of the device. It is usually a small hole. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to press and hold it for about 15 seconds until the light ring turns orange, then off. The device will restart and return to factory settings. For Echo Show devices, go to Settings in the device's on-screen menu, select System, then Reset to Factory Defaults.
Once the device is reset, open the Alexa app and set it up as if it were brand new. You will be asked to select your WiFi network and enter the password during setup. After setup is complete, you can add it back to your smart home routines and reconnect any smart devices it controlled.
Why your Alexa device might disconnect from WiFi
Alexa devices sometimes drop their WiFi connection even after you have successfully connected them. This usually happens because the device moved out of range, the router restarted, or the network password changed. If your device keeps disconnecting, check whether your router is in a central location and whether the device is within reasonable range. Walls, metal objects, and microwaves can interfere with WiFi signals.
If you changed your router or your internet service provider gave you a new one, the old device may not recognize the new network even if it has the same name. In this case, use the app method described above to reconnect. If the device still will not connect, restart both the device and the router, wait a few minutes, and try again.
Understanding network security when you change WiFi
When you connect an Alexa device to a new network, the device sends data through that network to Amazon's servers. The security of that connection depends partly on your router's security settings. Make sure your WiFi network is password-protected and uses WPA2 or WPA3 encryption — not the older WEP standard, which is not find. You can check this in your router's settings or in your phone's WiFi settings (look for the network name and see what security type is listed).
Changing networks does not change how much data Alexa collects or sends to Amazon. The device still records voice commands, stores your routines, and tracks your smart home activity the same way it did on the old network. If you have concerns about what data Alexa collects, that is a separate privacy question from which network it connects to — and changing networks will not address it.
Connecting Alexa to a guest network or 5GHz band
Some routers broadcast both a 2.4GHz network and a 5GHz network, sometimes with the same name and sometimes with different names. Alexa devices work on both, but they perform better on 2.4GHz in most homes because the signal travels farther and through walls more easily. If your router lists them separately (for example, "MyNetwork" and "MyNetwork-5G"), connect Alexa to the 2.4GHz version unless the device is very close to the router.
If you have a guest network set up on your router, you can connect Alexa to it the same way you would connect to any other network. However, some routers isolate guest networks from other devices on the main network, which means Alexa will not be able to communicate with other smart home devices on your main network. If you plan to use Alexa to control lights, locks, or other smart devices, connect it to your main network instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I lose my routines and smart home settings when I change WiFi?
No. Changing the WiFi network does not erase your Alexa settings, routines, or smart home connections. Only the network connection itself changes. Your device will still know about all the routines you created and all the smart devices it is connected to.
Can I change Alexa's WiFi without using the app?
On some Alexa devices, you can hold down the Action button (usually on top) for about 15 seconds to put the device into setup mode, then use your phone's WiFi settings to connect to the Alexa device's temporary network and select a new WiFi network. However, the app method is faster and more reliable for most people.
What if I forgot my WiFi password?
You can reset your WiFi password through your router's settings or your internet provider's app. Log in with your router's admin credentials (usually printed on the router itself or in the paperwork it came with). Once you change the password, use the Alexa app to reconnect the device with the new password.
How long does it take for Alexa to connect to a new network?
Usually between one and three minutes. If it takes longer than five minutes, the connection likely failed. Check that you entered the password correctly and that the device is within range of the router, then try again.
Can I connect one Alexa device to a different network than my other Alexa devices?
Yes. Each Alexa device connects independently to whatever network you choose. You can have one device on your main network and another on a guest network if you want, though this may limit how they communicate with each other and with your other smart home devices.