One of the first things you need to do after getting an Alexa device is to connect it to a WiFi network. So, if you change your WiFi network or try to use your Alexa device in a new place with a different WiFi network, your device just won’t work. Here’s everything you need to know about how to connect your Alexa device to a new WiFi network.
If you’re setting up your Alexa device for the first time, check out our guide on how to set up Alexa on an Amazon Echo smart speaker.
Does Alexa Need WiFi?
Alexa devices need a WiFi connection to function properly. When you ask Alexa a question or use a voice command, an audio recording is sent to Amazon’s cloud over your WiFi network. Then it is processed and sent back to your device over WiFi so Alexa can answer your question or fulfill your request.
How to Connect Your Alexa Devices to a New WiFi Network
To connect your Alexa devices to a WiFi network, open the Alexa app and tap Devices. Then select Echo & Alexa and choose the Alexa device you want to connect to a new WiFi network. Finally, tap Change next to WiFi Network and enter the WiFi password for that network.
Open the Alexa app. You can download the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
Note: There are a lot of fake Alexa apps, so make sure you download the Alexa app from AMZN Mobile LLC.
Then tap Devices. You will see this at the bottom of your screen.
Next, select Echo & Alexa. You will see this in the top-left corner of your screen.
Then choose the Alexa device you want to connect to a new WiFi network. If you don’t see your device listed, go back to the Devices screen and select All Devices. You will see this to the right of Echo & Alexa. If you still don’t see your device, you might have to reset it and set it up as a new device. To find out how to rest your Echo device, check out our step-by-step guide here.
Note: If you don’t remember the device’s name, you can ask, “Alexa, what is your device name.”
Next, tap Status. This will show you which WiFi network your device is currently connected to.
Next, tap Change. You will see this next to Wi-Fi Network and under Wireless.
Then select a WiFi network or tap Join another Wi-Fi network.
Next, press and hold the action button on your device. This is the button with the dot icon on top of your Echo device. If you don’t have this button on your Alexa device, press and hold the volume up and volume down buttons at the same time.
Note: If you are setting up your Alexa device for the first time, it should enter setup mode after you plug it in.
Once your device is in setup mode, tap Continue > Yes. You will know your device is in setup mode when the ring light turns orange and starts spinning. Also, your Alexa device will say, “Now in setup mode. Follow the instructions in your Alexa app.”
Next, select your Alexa device. Once you select your device, Alexa will start searching for WiFi networks to connect to.
Next, select your new WiFi network. If you don’t see your WiFi network appear after a few moments, tap Rescan Network near the top of your screen.
Then enter your WiFi password and tap Connect. If you select a network under Preciously Saved to Amazon, Alexa might remember your password and connect your device automatically.
Finally, wait for your Alexa device to connect to your new WiFi network. Once you are done, you can go back to Devices and select your device. Then you will see your new WiFi network under Status.
Once you connect to a new WiFi network, you might have to set up your device in the Alexa app. You will need to choose a language, which room your Alexa device is in, set up voice ID, enter your address, and choose whether you want to use Amazon Sidewalk. However, you can skip all these steps by tapping the “X” icon or “Skip” in the top-right corner of your screen.
Connectivity problems can sometimes be caused by network hardware, rather than the devices that connect to the network. Restart the Alexa-enabled device. Power off or unplug the Echo or Alexa-enabled device, turn it back on, then connect to Wi-Fi again.
To connect your Alexa devices to a WiFi network, open the Alexa app and tap Devices. Then select Echo & Alexa and choose the Alexa device you want to connect to a new WiFi network. Finally, tap Change next to WiFi Network and enter the WiFi password for that network.
Make sure that your smart home device is compatible with Alexa. Devices that have a "Works with Alexa" badge are certified to work with Alexa. Connect smart home Wi-Fi devices on 2.4 GHz bands. Restart your Alexa device and your smart home device by unplugging and plugging them back in.
To connect Alexa to Wi-Fi: Open the Alexa app on your phone or tablet once your speaker or smart display is in setup/pairing mode. Tap the plus icon in the upper-right of the Devices tab, then tap Add Device. Some devices may be detected automatically.
To use Alexa Bluetooth Speaker without WiFi, enable the hotspot on your phone, set up the Echo device using the Alexa app, and connect it to your phone's Bluetooth. Turn off the hotspot, and your Echo becomes a Bluetooth speaker, playing music hassle-free. It stays paired with your phone, even without WiFi.
Why Alexa Does Not Work Without Wi-Fi. Amazon's Alexa is a device that strictly revolves around Wi-Fi to access everything from Google to various music-streaming services. Without Wi-Fi it is simply impossible to connect to these applications and features.
Press and hold the Volume down and Microphone off buttons for 20 seconds. Wait for the light ring to turn off and on again. Your device enters setup mode. For setup instructions, go to Set Up Your Echo Dot.
Simply say “Alexa, pair” to the Echo device you'd like to connect to. Doing so will put it into pairing mode and search for nearby Bluetooth-enabled devices. Alexa will note once it's connected to your phone or you can look for the Echo Device in the list of new devices at the bottom of the Bluetooth settings page.
Sometimes, a simple restart is all you need to get your Alexa device back online. Just unplug your device or the power adapter from the outlet, wait about 10 seconds, then plug it back in and connect to Wi-Fi. If it works, your problem is solved.
To reset your device to its factory settings: Press and hold the Volume down and Microphone off buttons for 20 seconds. Wait for the light ring to turn off and on again. Your device enters setup mode.
There are several reasons why an Echo device may appear offline, unable to respond to Alexa. The Alexa app on your smartphone or Echo device might be outdated, or the Echo might not be connected to power. The Wi-Fi may be spotty or malfunctioning, or the Echo might be situated too far from the router.
User reports indicate no current problems at Amazon Alexa
Amazon Alexa is an intelligent personal assistant developed by Amazon, and made popular by the Amazon Echo. Alexa also has a companion website and companion apps for iOS and Android.
Introduction: My name is Edwin Metz, I am a fair, energetic, helpful, brave, outstanding, nice, helpful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
