You can rename your Alexa device in the Alexa app or through the device itself
Amazon Alexa devices come with default names like "Echo Dot" or "Echo Show," but you can change them to anything you want. The quickest way is through the Alexa mobile app on your phone or tablet. You can also rename the device directly on the screen if you have an Echo Show or Echo Spot, or by using voice commands.
Renaming takes less than a minute and doesn't affect any of your settings, routines, or smart home connections. The new name takes effect immediately, and you can use it right away when giving voice commands.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Alexa app, tap the Devices tab, select your device, and choose Edit Name to change it in seconds.
- You can name your device anything you want, including multi-word names like "Kitchen Speaker" or "Bedroom Echo."
- Echo Show and Echo Spot devices let you rename them directly on the screen without opening the app.
- After renaming, you must use the new name in voice commands — Alexa will no longer respond to the old device name.
Renaming through the Alexa app on your phone
The Alexa app is the fastest way to rename any Echo device. Open the app on your iPhone or Android phone, then tap the Devices tab at the bottom of the screen. You'll see a list of all your connected devices.
Find the device you want to rename and tap it. On the device details page, tap the settings icon (a gear or three dots, depending on your device type) in the top right corner. Select "Edit Name" or "Device Name." Delete the current name and type the new one. Tap Save or Done, and the change takes effect immediately.
Renaming on Echo Show and Echo Spot screens
If you have an Echo Show or Echo Spot, you can rename the device without opening the app. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Quick Settings menu. Tap Settings, then Device Options, then Device Name. Delete the old name and type the new one, then tap Save.
This method works the same way as the app but is faster if you're already using the device. The new name appears in your Alexa app within a few seconds.
Using voice commands to rename your device
You can also rename your Alexa device by speaking to it directly. Say "Alexa, change your name to [new name]." Alexa will confirm the new name and ask if you want to keep it. Say "Yes" to confirm.
This method works on all Echo devices, but the app is usually faster because you don't have to wait for Alexa to process the command and confirm the change. Voice renaming is most useful if you're already talking to the device and want to change its name on the spot.
What names work best for voice commands
You can name your device almost anything, but some names work better than others for voice commands. Single-word names like "Kitchen," "Bedroom," or "Patio" are easiest to say and recognize. Multi-word names like "Living Room Speaker" or "Guest Bedroom Echo" also work fine.
Avoid names that sound similar to Alexa wake words or other commands. For example, naming a device "Alex" or "Alexis" can confuse the voice recognition. Names with numbers or special characters may not work with voice commands, so stick to letters and spaces.
What happens after you rename your device
Once you rename a device, Alexa will only respond to the new name in voice commands. If you had routines or smart home automations set up with the old device name, they will continue to work — the name change doesn't break those connections.
If you use the device in multiple rooms or share it with others, make sure everyone knows the new name. You can rename the device back to its original name anytime by following the same steps.
Renaming devices in a multi-device setup
If you have multiple Echo devices in your home, giving each one a descriptive name makes it easier to control them individually. For example, you might name them "Living Room," "Kitchen," and "Bedroom" so you can say "Alexa, play music in the Kitchen" instead of having to specify which device you mean.
When you rename devices, Alexa learns which room each one is in based on the name you give it. This helps with commands like "Alexa, turn off the lights in the Bedroom" — Alexa knows to control the smart home devices associated with that room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use special characters or numbers in my device name?
You can type numbers and some special characters, but voice commands work best with letters and spaces only. If you name a device "Kitchen 2" or "Echo-Bedroom," the voice command might not work reliably. Stick to simple names like "Kitchen Two" or "Echo Bedroom" for the best results.
What if I forget the new name I gave my device?
Open the Alexa app and go to the Devices tab — you'll see the current name of each device listed there. You can also ask any of your other Alexa devices "What devices do I have?" and Alexa will read the list aloud.
Do I need to rename my device if I move it to a different room?
You don't have to, but it's helpful. Renaming the device to match its new location makes voice commands clearer — "Alexa, play music in the Kitchen" is more intuitive than "Alexa, play music on the Bedroom Echo." You can rename it anytime without losing any settings.
Will renaming my device affect my smart home routines?
No. Routines and automations continue to work after you rename a device because the app tracks the device by its internal ID, not its name. However, if you have voice-activated routines that mention the old device name, you may need to update those routines manually.