Setting up your Alexa device involves connecting it to your home WiFi network. Whether you’ve just unboxed a new Echo device or you’ve changed your WiFi password, re-establishing a WiFi connection is a common task. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough on how to connect your Alexa devices, including Echo speakers and displays, to a new WiFi network, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.
If this is your very first time setting up your Alexa device, you might also find our guide on how to set up Alexa on an Echo smart speaker helpful for the initial device setup process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Connect Alexa to WiFi
Connecting your Alexa device to WiFi is managed through the Alexa app, available on both iOS and Android devices. Here’s a step-by-step process to get your device online:
Step 1: Launch the Alexa App
First, you need to open the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet. If you don’t have it installed, download it from the Apple App Store for iOS or the Google Play Store for Android. Ensure that the app is published by AMZN Mobile LLC to confirm its authenticity.
Image alt: Alexa app icon on a mobile phone screen, ready to launch the application to connect Alexa to WiFi.
Step 2: Navigate to Devices
Once the app is open, locate and tap the “Devices” icon, usually found at the bottom of the screen. This icon is represented by a light bulb symbol.
Step 3: Select Device Type
On the Devices screen, you’ll see various options. Choose “Device Type.” If you have a limited number of connected devices, you might directly see your Alexa device listed under “Devices” and can skip to step 6.
Image alt: Screenshot of Alexa app showing the “Device Type” option to filter devices for WiFi connection setup.
Step 4: Choose Echo & Alexa
From the Device Type menu, select “Echo & Alexa”. This action filters the device list to display only your Echo and Alexa smart speakers, making it easier to find the specific device you want to connect to WiFi.
Step 5: Apply the Filter
After selecting “Echo & Alexa,” tap “Apply” to confirm your filter.
Image alt: “Apply” button highlighted in the Alexa app interface, used to confirm the device type filter for WiFi settings.
Step 6: Select Your Alexa Device
Now, from the filtered list of devices, choose the specific Alexa device you wish to connect to a new WiFi network. You might need to scroll down to find your device listed under “Devices.” If your device isn’t listed, ensure it’s properly set up or try resetting it following guides on how to set up your Alexa Echo device or how to reset your Echo device.
Step 7: Access Device Settings
Once you’ve selected your device, tap the gear icon, typically located in the top-right corner of the device’s pop-up window. This icon opens the settings menu for your selected Alexa device.
Image alt: Close-up of the gear icon in the Alexa app, used to access device settings and manage WiFi connections.
Step 8: Change WiFi Network
Within the settings menu, look for “WiFi Network” and tap “Change” next to it. This option initiates the process of connecting your Alexa device to a new WiFi network.
Step 9: Join a New WiFi Network
Select “Join another Wifi network.” You’ll see the currently connected WiFi network at the top for reference.
Image alt: Screenshot from the Alexa app showing the “Join another Wifi network” option to change the WiFi connection.
Step 10: Put Your Alexa Device into Setup Mode
To connect to a new network, you need to put your Alexa device into setup mode. Press and hold the ‘Action’ button (the dot icon) on top of your Alexa device for about 15 seconds. If your device doesn’t have an action button, press and hold the ‘Volume Up’ and ‘Volume Down’ buttons simultaneously for 15 seconds. For first-time setups, the device usually enters setup mode automatically upon plugging in.
Step 11: Confirm Setup Mode in the App
Once your device is in setup mode, indicated by an orange spinning light ring and a voice prompt saying, “Now in setup mode. Follow the instructions in your Alexa app,” tap “Continue” and then “Yes” in the Alexa app to confirm. Ensure your smartphone or tablet is within 10 feet of your Alexa device and that the device is powered on.
Image alt: An Alexa device with an orange light ring indicating it is in setup mode for WiFi connection.
Step 12: Select Your Alexa Device in the App
The app will now search for available devices. Select your Alexa device when it appears. If it doesn’t appear, tap “Device not listed” for further troubleshooting options.
Image alt: Screenshot of the Alexa app showing a list of devices to select for WiFi setup, highlighting the Alexa device option.
Step 13: Choose Your New WiFi Network
The app will display a list of available WiFi networks. Select your new WiFi network from the list. If your network isn’t visible, tap “Rescan Network” to refresh the list.
Step 14: Enter WiFi Password and Connect
Enter the password for your chosen WiFi network and tap “Connect.” If you’ve previously saved networks to your Amazon account, Alexa might automatically connect if it recognizes the network.
Image alt: Input field in the Alexa app prompting for a WiFi password to connect Alexa to a new network.
Step 15: Complete the Setup
Wait for your Alexa device to connect to the new WiFi network. Once connected, you may need to complete the device setup in the Alexa app, which could include choosing your language, confirming your address, selecting the device’s room, setting up voice ID, and configuring Amazon Sidewalk. You can skip these steps by tapping the “X” icon or “Skip” if you prefer to configure them later.
Image alt: Final setup screen in the Alexa app after connecting to WiFi, showing options for language, address, and room setup.
Image alt: Alexa app screen showing completion of WiFi setup with options to skip further personalization settings.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Proximity: Ensure your smartphone or tablet is close to your Alexa device during setup, ideally within 10 feet.
- Power: Verify that your Alexa device is correctly plugged in and powered on.
- Network Visibility: If your WiFi network doesn’t appear, try rescanning or ensure your router is broadcasting the network name (SSID).
- Device Reset: If you encounter persistent issues, consider resetting your Alexa device to its factory settings and starting the connection process again.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully connect your Alexa device to a new WiFi network and continue enjoying its features.
Read More:
What is Amazon Sidewalk?
