Change your WiFi on Alexa through the Alexa app or by using the device's reset button

To change the WiFi network your Alexa device connects to, open the Alexa app on your phone, go to Devices, select your Alexa device, tap the settings gear icon, choose WiFi Network, and select a new network from the list. If you've forgotten your WiFi password or the device won't connect, you can reset it by holding the reset button (usually on the bottom or back) for 15 seconds until the light ring turns orange, then set it up again as if it were new.

The process takes about five minutes and doesn't erase your Alexa settings, routines, or shopping lists — those stay tied to your Amazon account. You only need to do this once per device unless you change your WiFi network name, password, or move the device to a different network.

Key Takeaways

  • The Alexa app method works for most situations: open Devices, select your speaker or display, tap settings, choose WiFi Network, and pick a new one.
  • If the app method fails, hold the reset button for 15 seconds until the light turns orange, then reconnect the device to WiFi from scratch.
  • Changing WiFi does not delete your routines, shopping lists, music preferences, or any other account data.
  • Some Alexa devices have a dedicated WiFi button instead of a reset button — check your device manual if you're unsure which one to use.

Using the Alexa app to switch networks

The easiest way to change WiFi is through the Alexa app. Open the app on your phone or tablet, tap the Devices icon at the bottom right, then select the Alexa device you want to change. Tap the settings gear icon in the top right corner of that device's page.

Scroll down and tap WiFi Network. The app will show you a list of available networks in range. Select the new network you want to connect to and enter the password when prompted. The device will disconnect from the old network and connect to the new one — you'll see a confirmation message once it's done.

If your new network doesn't appear in the list, make sure it's broadcasting its name (SSID). Some routers have a setting to hide the network name; if yours does, you can manually enter the network name and password instead of selecting from the list.

When the app method doesn't work

If the Alexa app shows your device as offline or won't let you change the network, the device has likely lost connection to WiFi. In this case, you'll need to reset it and set it up again.

Find the reset button on your device — it's usually a small, recessed button on the bottom or back. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to press and hold it for about 15 seconds. The light ring will turn orange, which means the device is in setup mode. You can then open the Alexa app, go to Devices, tap the plus icon, and follow the setup steps to reconnect it to your new WiFi network.

Some older Alexa devices have a dedicated WiFi button instead of a reset button. Holding this button for three seconds puts the device in pairing mode without erasing your settings. Check your device manual or the Amazon support page for your specific model if you're unsure which button to use.

What happens to your data when you change WiFi

Changing your WiFi network does not erase anything on your Alexa device. Your routines, shopping lists, music preferences, smart home automations, and all other settings stay exactly as they are because they're stored in your Amazon account, not on the device itself.

The only thing that changes is which WiFi network the device uses to reach Amazon's servers. Once it reconnects to the new network, it will sync with your account and everything will work as before.

Reconnecting after a WiFi password change

If you've changed your WiFi password but kept the same network name, you can update Alexa without resetting the device. Open the Alexa app, go to Devices, select your device, tap settings, choose WiFi Network, select your network again, and enter the new password.

If Alexa can't find your network after a password change, it may have already disconnected. In that case, use the reset button method described above to reconnect it with the new password.

Troubleshooting connection problems

If your Alexa device keeps disconnecting from WiFi or won't reconnect after you change networks, the issue is usually one of three things: the device is too far from the router, your router is overloaded, or there's interference from other devices.

Move the Alexa device closer to your router and away from microwaves, cordless phones, or other devices that use the 2.4 GHz frequency. If you have a dual-band router (one that broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), try connecting to the 2.4 GHz network instead — Alexa devices work more reliably on 2.4 GHz even though 5 GHz is faster. Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for it to fully boot before reconnecting Alexa.

If the device still won't stay connected, reset it and set it up again. Sometimes a fresh connection solves persistent WiFi problems that troubleshooting doesn't fix.

Setting up multiple Alexa devices on the same network

If you have more than one Alexa device, you can change their networks individually through the app. Each device appears separately in your Devices list, so you can update them one at a time or all at once if you're switching your whole home to a new network.

When you set up a new Alexa device for the first time, the app will ask which network you want it to use. If you have multiple networks (like a guest network or a separate 2.4 GHz band), you can choose which one each device connects to. This is useful if some devices work better on one band than another.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing WiFi erase my Alexa routines and shopping lists?

No. Your routines, shopping lists, music preferences, and all other settings are stored in your Amazon account, not on the device. Changing WiFi only changes which network the device uses — everything else stays the same.

What if I don't know my WiFi password?

You can find your WiFi password by logging into your router's settings page (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a web browser) or by checking the sticker on the back of your router. If you've forgotten your router login, you may need to reset the router itself, which will erase all your router settings.

Can I connect Alexa to a 5 GHz WiFi network?

Some newer Alexa devices support 5 GHz, but most work more reliably on 2.4 GHz. If your device keeps disconnecting from 5 GHz, try switching it to 2.4 GHz instead. Check your device's specs on Amazon's website to see if it supports 5 GHz.

How long does it take for Alexa to reconnect after I change WiFi?

Usually one to two minutes. The device will show a spinning light while it's connecting. Once the light turns solid blue or green (depending on your device), it's connected and ready to use.

Do I need to reset Alexa if I just change my WiFi password but keep the same network name?

No. Open the Alexa app, go to your device settings, select WiFi Network, choose your network again, and enter the new password. You only need to reset if the device can't find the network or won't accept the new password.