How Do I Reset Alexa? Simple Guide for All Amazon Echo Devices

From playing music to controlling smart home devices, Alexa is a versatile voice assistant. However, like any tech, your Amazon Echo device might occasionally act up. If Alexa isn’t responding or your Echo is malfunctioning, resetting it can often solve the problem.

At Asurion, we’re experts in helping you maximize your smart home experience. Whether you’re troubleshooting your smart speaker or exploring new features, we’ve got you covered. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods to reset your Alexa device, ensuring it’s back to its optimal performance.

Quick Restart: The First Step to Fix Alexa Issues

Before diving into more complex resets, a simple restart is often the quickest solution. Think of it as a mini-reset that can resolve temporary glitches.

Unplug your Amazon Echo. Locate the power adapter connected to your Alexa device and unplug it from the power outlet.
Wait 30 seconds. This allows the device to fully power down and clear any temporary memory issues.
Plug it back in. Reconnect your Amazon Echo to the power source.
Test Alexa. Once your device powers back on, try giving Alexa a command, like “Alexa, what time is it?”. If Alexa responds, your issue might be resolved!

This basic restart process addresses many common, minor problems and is always worth trying first when troubleshooting your Alexa device.

Factory Reset via the Alexa App: Erasing Personal Settings

If a restart doesn’t solve your Alexa problems, a factory reset might be necessary. This process will erase all your personal settings, preferences, and connected devices, essentially restoring your Echo to its out-of-box state. You’ll need to set it up again afterwards.

Here’s how to factory reset your Alexa using the Alexa app on your smartphone:

Open the Alexa App. Launch the Alexa app on your iOS or Android device.
Go to Devices. Tap on the “Devices” icon, usually located at the bottom right of the screen.
Select Echo & Alexa. Tap the “Echo & Alexa” option at the top of the Devices screen.
Choose Your Device. Select the specific Echo device you want to reset from the list.
Scroll Down and Find “Factory Reset”. Scroll down the device settings until you locate and tap the “Factory Reset” option.
Confirm Factory Reset. A confirmation prompt will appear. Tap “Reset” to proceed with the factory reset.

After confirming, your device will begin the reset process. Once completed, you’ll need to go through the initial setup process again in the Alexa app to reconnect your device to your Wi-Fi and Amazon account.

Factory Reset Directly from Your Amazon Echo Device: Model-Specific Instructions

You can also factory reset your Amazon Echo directly from the device itself. The method varies slightly depending on your specific Echo model and generation. Here’s a breakdown for different Amazon Echo devices:

Resetting Standard Echo Devices

First Generation Echo:
1. Locate the Reset button. It’s a small pinhole button typically on the base of the device.
2. Press and hold the Reset button. Use a paperclip or similar tool to press and hold the Reset button for about 5 seconds.
3. Release when the light ring turns orange. Watch for the light ring on top of your Echo to start spinning and turn orange. This indicates the reset process has begun.
Second, Third, and Fourth Generation Echo:
1. Press and hold Microphone Off and Volume Down buttons. Simultaneously press and hold the Microphone Off button (often a crossed-out circle) and the Volume Down button.
2. Hold for 20 seconds. Keep holding both buttons for approximately 20 seconds.
3. Release when the light ring turns orange. Release the buttons when you see the light ring start spinning and turn orange.

Resetting Amazon Echo Plus

First Generation Echo Plus: Follow the same steps as the First Generation Standard Echo, using the Reset button.
Second Generation Echo Plus:
1. Press and hold the Action button. Locate and press the Action button (often a single dot) on the top of your Echo Plus.
2. Hold for 20 seconds until the light ring turns off. Keep holding the Action button for about 20 seconds until the light ring around the top of the device turns off completely.
3. Wait for the light ring to turn back on. Continue waiting. The light ring will eventually turn back on, indicating the reset is complete.

Resetting Amazon Echo Dot

First Generation Echo Dot: Follow the same steps as the First Generation Standard Echo, using the Reset button.
Second, Third, and Fourth Generation Echo Dot: Follow the same steps as the Second, Third, and Fourth Generation Standard Echo, using the Microphone Off and Volume Down buttons.

Resetting Amazon Echo Show

Press and hold Mute and Volume Down buttons. Simultaneously press and hold the Mute button (crossed-out microphone) and the Volume Down button on your Echo Show device.
Hold for 15 seconds until the Amazon logo appears. Keep holding both buttons for about 15 seconds. The screen will display the Amazon logo when the reset process initiates.
Follow on-screen instructions. Once the Amazon logo appears, follow any on-screen prompts to complete the setup process.

Resetting Amazon Echo Studio

Press and hold Microphone Off and Volume Down buttons. Simultaneously press and hold the Microphone Off button and the Volume Down button on your Echo Studio.
Hold for 20 seconds. Keep holding both buttons for approximately 20 seconds.
Wait for the light ring to turn off and on again. The light ring will turn off and then back on, signaling the completion of the reset.

Resetting Amazon Echo Flex

Press and hold the Microphone Off button. Locate and press the Microphone Off button on your Echo Flex.
Hold for 20 seconds until the light pulses orange and turns off. Hold the button for about 20 seconds. The light ring will pulse orange and then turn off.
Wait for the light to return and turn orange again. Continue waiting. The light will come back on, turn blue, and then finally turn orange again, indicating the reset is finished.

Resetting Amazon Echo Sub

Press and hold the Action button. Locate and press the Action button on your Echo Sub.
Hold for 25 seconds. Press and hold the Action button for approximately 25 seconds to initiate the factory reset.

Keeping Your Smart Home Secure

Resetting your Alexa device can resolve performance issues and get you back to enjoying its features. For broader protection of your entire smart home and other devices, consider Asurion Home+®. It offers comprehensive coverage for a wide range of home tech, including expert support and digital security features. Explore Asurion Home+® coverage to learn more about securing your connected home.

Asurion Home+® is a protection plan providing coverage for many consumer electronic devices. See plan details for specifics. The Asurion® trademarks and logos are the property of Asurion, LLC. All rights reserved. Amazon®, Echo®, Alexa®, and all related marks are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Asurion is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any of the respective owners of the other trademarks appearing herein.