Connect Alexa to your WiFi network during setup or later

Amazon Alexa devices need a WiFi connection to work. During initial setup, you'll connect your device to your home network through the Alexa app on your phone. If you're setting up a device you already own or reconnecting after moving, the process takes about five minutes and requires your WiFi password.

The steps differ slightly depending on whether you're setting up a new device or reconnecting an existing one, but both routes use the same Alexa app. You don't need a computer — everything happens on your phone.

Key Takeaways

  • You'll use the Alexa app on your phone to connect any Alexa device to WiFi, whether it's new or already owned.
  • Your WiFi password is required during setup, and the device must be plugged in and within range of your router.
  • If your device won't connect, restart both the Alexa device and your router, then try again.
  • Once connected, your Alexa device will automatically reconnect to the same network each time you power it on.

What you need before you start

Have your WiFi network name and password ready. Your network name (also called SSID) is what appears when you look for available networks on your phone. If you don't know your password, check the sticker on your router or contact your internet provider.

Make sure your Alexa device is plugged in and within reasonable range of your router — not in a different room with multiple walls between them. The device should be powered on and ready to set up. If it's a used device you're reconnecting, it may need to be reset first (see the troubleshooting section below).

Download the Alexa app on your phone if you don't already have it. The app is free and available on both iPhone (through the App Store) and Android (through Google Play).

Setting up a new Alexa device

Open the Alexa app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Select "Devices" at the top of the screen. Tap the plus icon (+) in the top right, then choose "Add Device." Select the type of device you're setting up — Echo Dot, Echo Show, Echo Studio, or whichever model you have.

The app will ask you to confirm that the device's light ring is showing up or that you can hear it. This confirms the device is powered on and ready. Follow the on-screen prompts to select your WiFi network from the list that appears. Enter your WiFi password exactly as it is — capitalization and special characters matter.

The device will connect and download any necessary updates. This can take a few minutes. Once complete, the app will ask you to name your device (for example, "Living Room" or "Kitchen") and assign it to a room in your home. You can skip this step and do it later if you want.

Reconnecting an existing device to a new network

If you're moving to a new home or changing your WiFi network, open the Alexa app and go to Devices. Find the device you want to reconnect and tap it. Scroll down and select "Forget Device," then confirm. This removes the device from your account.

Unplug the device for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Follow the same setup steps as a new device (see above). The device will appear as new in the app, but your account will recognize it and restore any routines or settings you had saved.

If you want to keep the device connected to your old network while also connecting it to a new one, you don't need to forget it. Instead, go to the device settings in the Alexa app, select "WiFi," and choose your new network from the list. Enter the password and the device will switch networks without losing your settings.

What to do if your device won't connect

If the device doesn't find your WiFi network, first check that you're entering the password correctly. Passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword." If you're unsure, check the router sticker or log into your router's settings page from a computer or phone.

Restart both the device and your router. Unplug the Alexa device for 30 seconds and plug it back in. Then unplug your router for 30 seconds and plug it back in. Wait for the router to fully restart (usually about two minutes), then try connecting again through the Alexa app.

If your device still won't connect, check that your router is broadcasting your network name. Some routers have a setting to hide the SSID — if yours is hidden, you'll need to manually enter the network name and password in the Alexa app instead of selecting it from the list. If you're unsure whether your network is hidden, check your router's settings or contact your internet provider.

Older Alexa devices only work with 2.4 GHz WiFi networks, not 5 GHz. If your router broadcasts both bands, make sure you're connecting to the 2.4 GHz network. Newer devices (Echo Dot 5th generation and later, Echo Show 10, and others) support both bands. Check your device's specifications if you're unsure.

After your device connects

Once connected, your Alexa device will remember your WiFi network. The next time you power it on, it will automatically reconnect without any action from you. If you move the device to a different room or home, you'll need to reconnect it to a new network using the steps above.

Your device is now ready to use. You can ask it questions, control smart home devices, play music, set timers, and more. All of these features require the WiFi connection to work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect my Alexa device to a guest WiFi network?

Yes, you can connect to any WiFi network your device can detect, including guest networks. Some guest networks require you to accept terms and conditions through a web browser before connecting — if this is the case, you may need to complete that step on a phone or computer before the Alexa device can fully connect.

What if I don't see my WiFi network in the list?

Your network might be hidden, or the device might be too far from your router. Move the device closer to the router and try again. If your network is hidden, select "Other Network" in the Alexa app and manually type in your network name and password.

Will my Alexa device work without WiFi?

No. Alexa devices require a constant WiFi connection to function. Without it, you won't be able to use voice commands, stream music, control smart home devices, or access any of the device's features.

Do I need to reconnect my device every time I restart my router?

No. Once your device is connected, it will automatically reconnect to the same network each time the router restarts. You only need to manually reconnect if you change your WiFi password, move to a new network, or reset the device.

Can multiple Alexa devices share the same WiFi network?

Yes. You can connect as many Alexa devices as you want to the same network. Each device will appear separately in the Alexa app, and you can name and control them individually.