How to change the wake word on Alexa

💡 Need to know

• Choices are limited. You can’t use any random name.
• Change one device at a time. Each Echo has its own wake word.
• Give it a minute. The new wake word may take a moment to apply.
• Stuck trying to figure it out?
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If you have more than one Echo™ device, a family member named Alexa, or a TV that keeps waking your smart speaker at the worst possible time, changing the Alexa® wake word can make life a little quieter. It won’t let you rename Alexa anything you want, but it can help your Echo device respond more reliably.

Asurion Experts help people set up and troubleshoot smart home devices every day, and wake word confusion is one of those small settings that can make a big difference. Here’s how to change the wake word on Alexa and what to do if the new one doesn’t work.

Can Alexa answer to another name?

Alexa can answer to a different wake word, but only from Amazon’s supported options. The available choices can vary by device, region, and software version, but common options include:

• Alexa
• Amazon
• Computer
• Echo
• Ziggy (yes, Ziggy)

You can’t create a fully custom wake word like a pet’s name or your own nickname. That limitation helps the device listen for words it’s trained to recognize reliably.

If you’re new to Echo devices, Asurion’s beginner’s guide to Amazon Echo and Alexa covers basic setup and features worth trying.

How to change the Alexa wake word in the Alexa app

The Amazon Alexa app is the easiest way to change the wake word for a specific Echo device.

1. Open the Amazon Alexa app.
2. Tap Devices.
3. Tap Echo & Alexa.
4. Choose the Echo device you want to update.
5. Tap Settings.
6. Tap Wake Word.
7. Choose the wake word you want to use.
8. Wait for the app to confirm the change.

After the change applies, test it out. Say the new wake word followed by a simple command, like “what’s the weather?” If the device doesn’t respond right away, wait a minute and try again.

How to change the wake word by voice

On some Echo devices, you can also ask Alexa to change the wake word. Try saying, “Alexa, change your wake word.” The device should walk you through the available choices. Follow the voice prompts, then test the new wake word after the change finishes.

This is a nice shortcut when the app is not nearby, but the app method gives you more control if you have several Echo devices and want to change only one.

Why change Alexa’s wake word?

Most people change the wake word because Alexa wakes up too often, doesn’t wake up when expected, or conflicts with someone’s name in the house. It can also help when two Echo devices are close together and the wrong one keeps answering.

Changing the wake word won’t fix every listening issue, but it can reduce accidental activations. If Alexa still struggles to respond, the issue may be speaker placement, background noise, Wi-Fi, or software.

Asurion’s guide to fixing Alexa when it’s not responding can help if changing the wake word doesn’t solve it.

Can each Echo device have a different wake word?

Yes. Wake words are set by device, so your kitchen Echo can respond to “Alexa” while your office Echo responds to “Echo.” That can be useful in homes with multiple devices close together.

To change another device, repeat the steps in the Amazon Alexa app for that specific Echo. Don’t assume one change applies to every device on your account.

What to do if the new wake word doesn’t work

If your Echo device doesn’t respond to the new wake word, start simple:

1. Wait a minute for the setting to finish updating.
2. Make sure you’re using the exact wake word you selected.
3. Speak clearly and face the device.
4. Restart the Echo device.
5. Check that the device is connected to Wi-Fi.
6. Check for Alexa software updates.

If your Echo isn’t connected, the app may not apply the change correctly. For help with connection basics, review Asurion’s guide to setting up an Amazon Echo device. For updates, see how to update Alexa software.

What not to expect from a wake word change

Changing the wake word does not change Alexa’s voice, personality, account, language, or privacy settings. It only changes the word that wakes the device.

If you’re trying to reduce accidental listening, changing the wake word can help, but you may also want to review privacy settings. Asurion’s guide to whether Alexa is always listening explains how wake words work and what settings to check.

FAQ

How do I change the wake word on Alexa?

Open the Amazon Alexa app, tap Devices > Echo & Alexa, choose your device, then tap Settings > Wake Word and pick the new wake word.

Can Alexa answer to another name?

Yes, but only from Amazon’s supported list. Think less “name your own assistant” and more “choose from the menu.”

Can I make Alexa answer to a custom name?

No. Alexa doesn’t support fully custom wake words. You’ll need to choose one of the options available for your device.

Can different Echo devices use different wake words?

Yes. Wake words are set per device, so one Echo can answer to “Alexa” and another can answer to “Echo.” Household peace, restored.

Why won’t my new Alexa wake word work?

The setting may still be applying, the device may be offline, or you may have changed a different Echo. Restart it and check the wake word in the Amazon Alexa app.