Connecting Alexa to a new WiFi network takes about five minutes and requires only your phone and the Alexa app

When you change internet providers, move to a new home, or switch routers, your Alexa device loses its connection to your old network. To restore it, you need to tell Alexa about your new WiFi using the Alexa app on your phone — the device itself has no screen or buttons for entering a password. The process is the same whether you have an Echo Dot, Echo Show, or any other Alexa device.

You do not need to reset the device or create a new Amazon account. Alexa remembers your account and your smart home setup; you are only updating which WiFi network it uses.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Alexa app on your phone, tap the Devices icon, select your device, and choose "Change Network" from the WiFi settings menu.
  • Your phone must be connected to the new WiFi network before you start, so Alexa can see it in the list of available networks.
  • Enter your new WiFi password exactly as it is — Alexa will not connect if even one character is wrong.
  • If Alexa cannot find your new network, restart your router and wait 30 seconds before trying again.
  • Once connected, Alexa will download any updates it needs and your smart home routines and devices will work as before.

Step-by-step: connecting Alexa to your new WiFi

Start by making sure your phone is already connected to your new WiFi network. Open the Alexa app and tap the Devices icon at the bottom right of the screen. You will see a list of all your Alexa devices; tap the one you want to reconnect.

On the device details page, scroll down and tap "WiFi Network" or "Change Network" — the exact wording depends on which Alexa device you have. The app will show you a list of available WiFi networks. Find your new network name (called the SSID) in that list and tap it.

When you tap your network, a password field will appear. Type your new WiFi password exactly as it is — uppercase and lowercase letters matter, and spaces count. Tap "Connect" and wait. The app will show a spinning circle for 30 to 60 seconds while Alexa joins the network.

Once the app shows a checkmark or "Connected" message, your Alexa device is on the new network. You can close the app. Alexa will spend the next few minutes downloading any software updates it needs, but you can use it right away.

What to do if Alexa cannot find your new network

If your new WiFi network does not appear in the list, the most common cause is that your router is not broadcasting its name. Some routers have a setting to hide the network name for security. If yours is hidden, you can still connect Alexa — instead of tapping the network from the list, look for an option to "Enter Network Name Manually" or "Other Network" at the bottom of the network list. Type your network name and password and tap Connect.

If your network is visible but Alexa still will not connect, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait another 30 seconds for it to fully start up, then try connecting Alexa again. A router restart often fixes temporary connection problems.

If you have a dual-band router (one that broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks), make sure your phone is connected to the 2.4 GHz band when you set up Alexa. Older Alexa devices work only on 2.4 GHz, even if your router offers 5 GHz. Your router settings will show which band each network uses, or your router manual will explain how to find this information.

Checking that Alexa is working after reconnection

Once Alexa shows as connected, test it by saying "Alexa, what's the weather?" or another simple command. If Alexa responds, it is fully connected and working. If it does not respond, wait another minute for the software update to finish, then try again.

Check that your smart home devices are working too. If you have smart lights, plugs, or other devices linked to Alexa, ask Alexa to control one of them — for example, "Alexa, turn on the living room light." If your devices do not respond, they may also need to be reconnected to the new WiFi. Each device has its own connection process, which you can find in its manual or the manufacturer's app.

Why Alexa lost connection to your old network

When you change your WiFi network, Alexa cannot automatically follow because it does not know your new password. Unlike a phone, which can remember multiple networks and switch between them, Alexa stores only one WiFi network at a time. Once you change your router or move to a new provider, the old network no longer exists for Alexa to connect to.

If you kept your old router but changed the password, Alexa will also lose connection — it is trying to use the old password and cannot authenticate. In this case, the reconnection process is the same: use the Alexa app to enter the new password.

Reconnecting multiple Alexa devices

If you have more than one Alexa device, you will need to reconnect each one separately using the same steps. Go through the Devices list in the Alexa app and update the WiFi network for each device one at a time. There is no way to reconnect all devices at once.

You can do this in any order, but it often makes sense to start with the device closest to your router, since it will have the strongest signal and is least likely to have connection problems. Once that device is working, move on to devices farther away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to reset my Alexa device before connecting to new WiFi?

No. A reset erases your device's connection to your Amazon account and deletes your routines and settings. You only need to update the WiFi network, which keeps everything else intact. Reset only if the reconnection steps do not work after multiple attempts.

What if I forgot my new WiFi password?

You will need to find or reset your password before Alexa can connect. Log into your router's settings page (usually through a web browser or the router manufacturer's app) using the router's admin username and password. If you do not have those, check the router manual or contact your internet provider.

Can I connect Alexa to a guest WiFi network?

Yes, if your router broadcasts a separate guest network, Alexa can connect to it the same way it connects to your main network. Enter the guest network name and password in the Alexa app. Keep in mind that guest networks sometimes have restrictions that may prevent Alexa from reaching Amazon's servers, so test a command right after connecting.

Why does Alexa keep disconnecting from the new WiFi?

Repeated disconnections usually mean the signal is weak or the router is unstable. Move the Alexa device closer to the router if possible, or restart the router again. If the problem continues, check whether your router needs a software update — outdated router firmware can cause connection drops with smart devices.

Will my Alexa routines and smart home devices still work after reconnecting?

Yes. Reconnecting to WiFi does not change your Amazon account or erase any routines, shopping lists, or device settings. Your smart home devices themselves will need to be reconnected to the new WiFi separately if they are not already, but Alexa will still recognize them once they are back online.