How to factory reset an Echo Show

💡 Need to know

• Try restart first. A factory reset should not be the first move.
• Resetting erases setup. Your Echo Show will need Wi-Fi and Alexa setup again.
• Selling it? Deregistering helps remove the device from your Amazon account.
• If you get stuck—
  Get 24/7 expert support for the tech you rely on.

An Echo Show™ can do a lot from one little screen: video calls, recipes, timers, smart home controls, and the occasional weather update no one asked for. But when it starts acting glitchy—or when it’s time to sell it, gift it, or move it to a new account—a factory reset can give the device a clean start.

Asurion Experts help people get more from their smart home tech every day, and with Echo devices, we usually recommend saving a factory reset for the moments when simpler fixes don’t work. Here’s how to factory reset an Echo Show and what to know before you tap that final reset button.

What happens when you factory reset an Echo Show?

A factory reset returns your Echo Show to its original setup state. That means the device forgets its current Wi-Fi connection, Amazon® account registration, preferences, routines tied to the device, and most device-specific settings.

Think of it as making the Echo Show act like it just came out of the box. You’ll need to set it up again in the Amazon Alexa app, reconnect it to Wi-Fi, and choose your settings again. If you’re giving the device to someone else, that’s exactly what you want. If you’re troubleshooting, it’s worth trying a restart first so you don’t create extra setup work.

If your device is only having trouble connecting to the internet, try these steps to connect your Echo Dot to Wi-Fi or review Asurion’s beginner’s guide to Amazon Echo and Alexa before resetting.

When should you factory reset an Echo Show?

A factory reset makes the most sense when the Echo Show is changing owners, moving to a different Amazon account, or dealing with persistent software issues that don’t clear after a restart.

We’d consider a reset when:

1. You’re selling, gifting, or recycling the Echo Show.
2. The screen or Alexa features keep freezing after several restarts.
3. The device won’t stay connected after you’ve checked Wi-Fi and router placement.
4. You want to remove old settings before setting it up in a new home.
5. The Echo Show is still tied to the wrong Amazon account.

For basic voice-response issues, try the fixes in Asurion’s guide to an Alexa device that’s not responding first. A reset can help, but it’s not always the fastest fix.

How to factory reset an Echo Show from the screen

Most Echo Show models let you reset from the touchscreen. The exact wording can vary slightly by model and software version, but the path is usually similar.

1. Swipe down from the top of the Echo Show screen.
2. Tap Settings.
3. Tap Device Options.
4. Tap Reset to Factory Defaults.
5. Confirm the reset when prompted.

On some Echo Show models, you may also see Reset to Factory Defaults, but retain Smart Home Device Connections. That option can be helpful if you’re troubleshooting the Echo Show but don’t want to rebuild every connected smart home device from scratch. If you’re selling or giving away the Echo Show, choose the full factory reset instead.

How to reset an Echo Show using buttons

If the screen isn’t responding, you may be able to use the physical buttons instead. Button combinations can vary by model, but many Echo Show devices can be reset by holding the Mute and Volume Down buttons together until the Amazon logo appears.

Keep holding the buttons long enough for the device to respond, then release and follow the on-screen setup prompts when it restarts. If nothing happens, unplug the Echo Show for about 30 seconds, plug it back in, and try the screen method again once it powers up.

How to deregister an Echo Show from your Amazon account

A factory reset usually prepares the device for setup again, but if you’re giving it away, it’s also smart to make sure it’s removed from your Amazon account.

You can check registered devices through your Amazon account or the Amazon Alexa app. In the app, go to Devices > Echo & Alexa, choose the Echo Show, then look for device settings or registration options. Removing the device from your account helps prevent the next owner from running into account or setup problems.

What to do after the factory reset

Once the Echo Show restarts, it should show the setup screen. Connect it to Wi-Fi, sign in with the right Amazon account, and follow the prompts. If you’re keeping the device, this is a good time to update settings, rename the device, reconnect smart home gear, and check for software updates.

If the reset was part of troubleshooting and the same issue comes back, the problem may be with Wi-Fi, power, a connected service, or the device hardware itself. For Alexa features that keep failing, Asurion’s guide to Alexa skills that stopped working may help narrow down whether the issue is the Echo Show or the service it’s trying to use.

FAQ

How do I reset Echo Show?

Swipe down from the top of the screen, then tap Settings > Device Options > Reset to Factory Defaults. Confirm the reset, let it restart, and you’re back to setup mode.

Does factory resetting an Echo Show erase everything?

It erases the device’s local setup—Wi-Fi, preferences, account registration, and device-specific settings. It won’t delete your Amazon account, but yes, the Echo Show will need the full “hello again” setup.

Should I factory reset my Echo Show before selling it?

Yes. Reset it and confirm it’s no longer registered to your Amazon account before selling, gifting, or recycling it. Future-you and the next owner will both appreciate it.

Why won’t my Echo Show reset?

Start with power. Unplug it for about 30 seconds, plug it back in, and try again. If the screen is frozen, use the button reset method for your model.

Is restarting the same as factory resetting?

Nope. Restarting is a quick off-and-on refresh. Factory resetting wipes setup from the device and makes you set it up again.