Setting up your Alexa device is an exciting first step into the world of smart home technology. However, like any tech gadget, your Alexa speaker needs a stable WiFi connection to function properly. Whether you’ve just unboxed a new Echo device, changed your WiFi password, or moved to a new home, connecting Alexa to WiFi is a necessary process. This guide will walk you through the steps to effortlessly connect your Alexa device to a WiFi network, ensuring you can quickly get back to enjoying voice commands, music streaming, and smart home control.
If you are setting up your Alexa device for the very first time, this guide is perfect for you as well! While the initial setup might have slight variations, the core process of connecting to WiFi remains consistent. Let’s dive into making sure your Alexa is online and ready to assist.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before beginning the connection process, ensure you have the following:
- Your Alexa Device: Make sure your Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Show, or any other Alexa-enabled device is powered on and within reach.
- WiFi Network Name (SSID) and Password: Have your new WiFi network name and password readily available. Double-check for accuracy, as typos are a common hiccup.
- Smartphone or Tablet with the Alexa App: The Alexa app is your primary tool for managing and setting up your Alexa devices. Ensure it’s installed and you are logged in with your Amazon account. You can download it from the Apple App Store for iOS or the Google Play Store for Android.
Step-by-Step Guide to Connect Alexa to WiFi
The Alexa app provides a straightforward way to update your WiFi connection. Follow these steps to get your device online:
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Launch the Alexa App: Open the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet. Ensure you are logged into the Amazon account associated with your Alexa device.
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Navigate to Devices: At the bottom of the app screen, you’ll see a menu bar. Tap on the “Devices” icon. It’s represented by a light bulb symbol.
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Select Device Type: On the Devices screen, look for and select “Device Type”. This option helps filter your devices, especially if you have multiple smart home gadgets connected. Alternatively, if you only have a few devices, you might be able to scroll down and directly select your Alexa device from the list under “Devices”. If you see your device, skip to step 6.
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Choose Echo & Alexa: From the Device Type options, tap on “Echo & Alexa”. This will narrow down the device list to just your Alexa-enabled speakers and displays.
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Apply Filter: Tap “Apply” to confirm your device type selection.
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Select Your Alexa Device: From the list of Echo & Alexa devices, choose the specific device you want to connect to WiFi. You might need to scroll down to find your device. If you don’t see your device listed, ensure it is plugged in and powered on. For new device setup or devices not appearing, refer to guides on how to set up your Alexa Echo device or how to reset your Echo device.
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Access Device Settings: Once you’ve selected your device, you’ll be taken to its settings page. Look for the gear icon (⚙️) usually located in the top-right corner and tap it to open the device settings.
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Change WiFi Network: Within the settings menu, find and tap “WiFi Network” and then select “Change” next to it. This initiates the process of connecting to a new WiFi network.
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Join a New Network: Select “Join another WiFi network”. You may see your current WiFi network displayed at the top of the screen.
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Enter Pairing Mode on Your Alexa Device: Follow the on-screen instructions to put your Alexa device into pairing mode. Typically, this involves pressing and holding the ‘Action’ button (often a dot icon) on top of your Alexa device for about 15 seconds. If your device doesn’t have an action button, try pressing and holding the ‘Volume Up’ and ‘Volume Down’ buttons simultaneously for 15 seconds. When successful, the ring light on your device should turn orange and begin spinning, and Alexa will announce, “Now in setup mode. Follow the instructions in your Alexa app.”
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Continue in the App: In the Alexa app, tap “Continue” and then “Yes” to confirm your device is in setup mode. Ensure your smartphone or tablet is within 10 feet of your Alexa device and that your Alexa device is plugged in.
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Select Your Alexa Device in the App: The app will now search for available devices. Select your Alexa device when it appears in the list. If it doesn’t appear, tap “Device not listed” for further troubleshooting.
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Choose Your WiFi Network: The app will display a list of available WiFi networks. Select your new WiFi network from the list. If your network doesn’t appear, tap “Rescan Network” to refresh the list.
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Enter WiFi Password: Enter the password for your selected WiFi network. If you’ve previously saved WiFi passwords to your Amazon account, Alexa might automatically attempt to connect. Once you’ve entered the password, tap “Connect”.
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Wait for Connection: Allow your Alexa device a few moments to connect to the new WiFi network. Once connected, the app may guide you through some optional setup steps such as language selection, address confirmation, room assignment, voice ID setup, and Amazon Sidewalk preferences. You can complete these steps or skip them by tapping the “X” icon or “Skip” in the top-right corner.
Congratulations! Your Alexa device should now be successfully connected to your new WiFi network.
Troubleshooting Common WiFi Connection Issues
If you encounter issues connecting your Alexa to WiFi, here are a few common problems and their solutions:
- Incorrect WiFi Password: Double-check the WiFi password you entered. Passwords are case-sensitive, so ensure accuracy.
- Weak WiFi Signal: Ensure your Alexa device is within a good range of your WiFi router. Walls and distance can weaken the signal. Try moving your Alexa device closer to the router temporarily to test the connection.
- Alexa App Issues: Make sure your Alexa app is updated to the latest version. Force close and reopen the app, or try restarting your smartphone or tablet.
- Device Not in Setup Mode: If the orange light is not spinning or Alexa doesn’t announce setup mode, repeat the steps to enter pairing mode, ensuring you hold the button(s) for the full 15 seconds.
- Router Issues: Restart your WiFi router. Unplug it from the power outlet, wait for about 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Wait for your router to fully reboot and then try connecting your Alexa again.
- Device Reset: As a last resort, you might need to reset your Alexa device to its factory settings and then try the setup process again. Refer to guides on how to reset your Echo device for specific instructions for your device model.
By following these steps and troubleshooting tips, you should be able to easily connect your Alexa device to WiFi and start enjoying all its smart features.
Read More: What is Amazon Sidewalk?
