How to connect your Echo Dot to Wi-Fi

An Amazon Echo® device is handy to have in your house. It can set alarms, control your smart devices, and answer questions with a simple voice command. But before you can access all those cool features, you have to connect it to Wi-Fi.

Asurion Experts know home tech. Whether you're curious about the best Amazon Echo skills or need a complete guide to Amazon Echo setup, count on us for tech tips you can trust. Here's how to connect Echo Dot® to Wi-Fi in minutes.

Follow these steps to connect your Echo Dot to Wi-Fi

How do you connect an Echo Dot to Wi-Fi? These steps will get your device up and running quickly.

1. Download the Amazon Alexa app

Start by downloading the Amazon Alexa app to your phone. You need it to manage your device and facilitate a network connection.

1. Open the Apple App Store or Google Play store.
2. Search for "Amazon Alexa."
3. Tap Download to install the app on your device.

2. Put your Echo Dot into setup mode

Plug the Echo Dot into a power source and wait for the orange light ring to appear. If the device doesn't light up, press and hold the Action button for 20 seconds to return it to setup mode.

3. Open the Amazon Alexa app on your phone

Verify you have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled on your phone. Then, take these steps to add the Amazon Echo to your Amazon account.

1. Log in to your Amazon account in the Alexa app.
2. Tap Devices > + > Add Device.
3. Tap Amazon Echo.
4. Tap Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Pop and more.

4. Choose your Echo Dot from the device list

Wait for the Amazon Alexa app to locate the Echo's Bluetooth signal. Once it finds your device, it will display its name under the Available Devices heading. Tap the device name to initiate the connection process.

5. Select your Wi-Fi network

A list of available Wi-Fi networks will appear. Tap the name of the network you want to connect to. Enter the Wi-Fi network password if prompted.

6. Confirm the connection is successful

After connecting it to Wi-Fi, Alexa will say, “Your Echo is ready.” The device also appears in the Amazon Alexa app.

Troubleshooting Wi-Fi connection issues

If your Echo Dot doesn't connect as expected, restart both your wireless router and the Amazon Echo device. Check the Amazon Alexa app to see if the Echo appears in your device list. If it doesn't, repeat the setup steps to establish a Wi-Fi connection.

Moving your Echo Dot closer to your router can resolve connection problems. For optimal use, keep it within 25 to 30 feet of the router. Walls can interfere with the signal, so if the router is in a different room, the range may be shorter.

FAQ

How do I switch Wi-Fi networks on an Echo Dot?

To connect an Echo Dot to Wi-Fi using another network, take these steps:

1. Open the Amazon Alexa app.
2. Tap Devices > Echo & Alexa. Select your device.
3. Tap Status.
4. Tap Change next to the name of the Wi-Fi network.
5. Press and hold the Action button on the Echo Dot for 20 seconds until the orange light appears. Tap the name of the Echo Dot from the list of available devices.
6. Tap the Wi-Fi network name to connect to. Enter the Wi-Fi password if prompted.

Can I use Echo Dot without a Wi-Fi connection?

The Echo Dot relies heavily on Wi-Fi for most of its features. However, you can use it for basic tasks, like setting an alarm, without Wi-Fi. And if you connect it with a Bluetooth-enabled device like your smartphone, it works as a speaker.

Does the Echo Dot automatically reconnect after losing signal?

If the Wi-Fi connection drops, Echo Dot will automatically reconnect when it detects the Wi-Fi signal again. Restarting your device may be necessary if the connection drops for longer than a few hours, such as after a power outage.

How do I reset my Echo Dot if it won't connect?

Press and hold the Action button for 20 seconds to reset your Echo Dot. The light ring should turn off and on again. When the ring turns orange, you're in setup mode, and you can start the Wi-Fi connection process.

To reset the Echo Dot to its factory settings, press and hold the Volume down and Microphone buttons for 20 seconds. You'll see the light turn off and turn back on before entering setup mode. A factory reset erases any stored personal data and smart home connections, so it's best to try a regular reset first.