Whether you want to fix a software bug or sell your Amazon Echo, you should reset Alexa first. This will clean up data such as Wi-Fi passwords and other digital traces. You can find out how this works in our instructions.
There are many different Amazon Echo models. To find out how to reset Alexa, scroll down to your device (or select it from the table of contents) and follow the instructions.
Amazon Echo 1st generation reset
To reset the first-generation Amazon Echo, you need an elongated, thin object. For example, a paper clip or a needle.
- Take your tool and press the reset button of the smart speaker. It is located on the bottom, hidden in a small hole.
- Keep the button pressed until the light ring turns off and on again.
Attention: All connections to other smart home devices as well as Wi-Fi passwords and other data will be lost during the Alexa reset and have to be set up again.
Amazon Echo 2nd generation reset
To reset the second generation Amazon Echo, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the microphone off and volume down buttons simultaneously.
- Wait until the light ring turns orange and only then release the buttons.
Note: All connections to other smart home devices as well as Wi-Fi passwords and other data will be lost during the reset and must be set up again.
Amazon Echo Plus 1st generation reset
The first generation Amazon Echo Plus has a reset button. Depending on how long you hold it down, the device is reset to factory settings or retains the connections you have set up with other smart home solutions:
Maintain connections
- Take a paper clip, needle or other thin, pointed object and press the reset button briefly. It’s located in a hole at the bottom of the smart speaker.
- The light ring at the top end will now turn off and back on.
Resetting the Echo Plus completely
- Take a paper clip, needle or similar object and press the reset button for at least 8 seconds. The button is located in a hole at the bottom of the device.
- Wait until the light ring on the Echo Plus turns off and then back on again.
Note: When you reset the Echo Plus, the smart home devices connected to it must also be reset afterwards, if you want to pair the smart speaker with them again. Otherwise, they will not be recognized.
Amazon Echo Plus 2nd generation reset
For those who only want to fix a software bug on the second-generation Amazon Echo Plus, but want to keep it connected to other smart home devices, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the action button for about 20 seconds.
- The light ring should turn off and on again during this time. Only then can you release the button.
If you want to reset the Amazon Echo Plus to factory settings, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the Volume down and Microphone off buttons simultaneously for about 20 seconds.
- When the light ring has turned off and on again, you can release the buttons.
Note: All connections to other smart home devices as well as Wi-Fi passwords and other data will be lost during this reset and must be set up again.
Amazon Echo Show Reset
Before doing a reset, you should consider whether you want to reset the Amazon Echo Show to factory settings or keep all connections to other smart devices.
Keep connections:
- Direct the voice command “Alexa, go to Settings” to the smart speaker or swipe down from the top of the screen and tap Settings.
- Now go to Device Options and tap Reset to factory settings, but keep smart home device connections.
Full Reset:
- Press and hold both the Mute and Volume Down buttons simultaneously for about 15 seconds until the Amazon logo appears on the screen.
- Now follow the instructions on the display.
Note: All connections to other Smart Home devices as well as Wi-Fi passwords and other data will be lost during this reset and must be set up again.
