Having trouble with your Alexa-enabled device? Whether the device in question is an Echo Dot, Echo Show, or something more unusual like a pair of Echo Buds or Echo Flex, resetting your Alexa-enabled device can resolve a wide range of issues.
Here you’ll learn how to reset all the major Amazon Alexa-enabled devices across all the generations that are currently available for purchase.
Reset 1st-generation Amazon Echo or Echo Dot
Amazon may have discontinued the 1st generation of Amazon Echo and Echo Dot, but you’ll still find plenty of secondhand 1st-generation Echo devices on websites such as eBay, or perhaps you’re perfectly happy with your original Echo and aren’t in any rush to purchase a newer model.
To reset your 1st-generation Echo or Echo Dot:
1. Grab a hairpin, paperclip or similar sharp tool.
2. Locate the reset button near the base of your Echo or Echo Dot.
3. Insert the hairpin or paperclip into the hole, then press and hold the Reset button.
4. The Echo’s ring light should cycle through several colors. Eventually, the ring light will turn orange, indicating that you’ve successfully reset your device.
To set up your newly-wiped Echo or Echo Dot:
1. Open the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. In the bottom-right corner, tap the “Devices” icon.
3. Tap “+ -> Add Device.”
4. Select “Amazon Echo.”
5. Select either “Echo” or “Echo Dot,” depending on your model of Alexa-enabled device.
You can now follow the onscreen instructions to set up your Amazon Echo or Echo Dot.
Reset your 2nd-generation Echo or Echo Dot
Amazon released the 2nd generation of Echo Dot in November 2016, with the 2nd generation of Amazon Echo following in October 2017.
Both of these devices are still widely available from Amazon, including refurbished 2nd-generation Amazon Echos for anyone who’s looking for a discounted Alexa-enabled speaker.
To reset your 2nd-generation Echo or Echo Dot:
1. Press and hold the “Microphone” and “Volume down” buttons.
2. The Echo’s ring light should cycle through several colors and then turn off.
3. When the Echo turns back on and the ring light is orange, release the “Microphone” and “Volume down” buttons. You’ve now successfully wiped your Alexa-enabled device.
Reset a 3rd-generation Echo or Echo Dot
At the time of writing, the 3rd-generation Echo and Echo Dot were the most up-to-date devices in both product lines.
To reset your 3rd-generation Alexa-enabled speaker:
1. Press and hold the device’s “Action” button. The ring light should turn orange and then blue.
2. When the ring light shows orange for the second time, Alexa is now in setup mode, and you can release the “Action” button.
3. Launch the Amazon Alexa mobile app.
4. Select the “Devices” tab.
5. Tap the “+” icon.
6. Select “Amazon Echo,” followed by either “Echo” or “Echo Dot,” depending on your model of Alexa-enabled device.
The Amazon Alexa app will now guide you through the setup process.
Resetting Your Amazon Echo Show
Unveiled in 2018, the Amazon Echo Show added a screen to the Alexa experience – perfect for watching TV shows and movies or for making video calls!
It’s easy to reset your Echo Show:
1. Swipe down from the top of the Echo Show screen and select “Settings.” Alternatively, you can launch the Echo Show’s settings by saying “Alexa, go to Settings.”
2. Select “Device Options.”
3. Select “Reset to Factory Defaults.” Your Amazon Echo Show will now reset.
Once your Echo Show restarts, follow the onscreen instructions to set up your device, including connecting your Echo Show to your Amazon account.
Resetting the Echo Flex
The Echo Flex is a small Echo speaker that you plug directly into a wall outlet. The Flex also has a USB port that makes it possible to extend the Flex with added extras, including lights and motion sensors.
To restore your Echo Flex to its factory settings:
1. Press and hold the device’s “Mute” button. Its LED should cycle through several colors.
2. When the LED turns orange for the second time, your Flex is in setup mode.
3. On your smartphone or tablet, launch the Amazon Alexa app.
4. Select “Echo Flex” in the Devices section.
Follow the onscreen instructions to set up your Echo Flex device.
Reset Amazon’s Echo Buds
The Amazon Echo Buds are a set of wireless earbuds that feature always-on Alexa and built-in noise reduction technology.
1. Launch the Amazon Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. In the bottom-right corner, tap “Devices.”
3. Tap “All Devices.”
4. Select your “Echo Buds” from the list, followed by “Forget Device.”
5. On your smartphone or tablet, launch your device’s Bluetooth settings and unpair your Echo Buds. On iOS, navigate to “Settings -> Bluetooth,” find your Echo Buds, give them a tap and then select “Forget this device.”
6. Place your Echo Buds in their case and close the lid.
7. Find the button on the bottom of the case and hold it for 15 seconds.
8. When the LED on the side of the case turns yellow, the factory reset is complete.
You can now set up your Echo Buds and pair them with any other Bluetooth-enabled device.
Reset Alexa from your smartphone
You can reset most Alexa-enabled devices from the Amazon Alexa mobile app, which can be handy if you’re reworking your entire smart home network and need to reset multiple devices. Follow the instructions here to deregister all your devices from the Alexa app.
In addition to resetting and deregistering your devices, you should also delete the voice recording stored in the Amazon server. This will better protect your privacy.
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