For All Devices

Echo

  1. Plug in your device to the outlet with the included USB cable and AC adapter.
  2. Power on your device by pressing and holding the action button for a few seconds.
  3. Once the ring light turns orange, you will be able to pair your Echo to a WiFi network by following the onscreen prompts.
  4. Alexa will now be able to take your queries.

Echo Dot

  1. Plug in your device to the outlet with the included USB cable and AC adapter.
  2. Power on your device by pressing and holding the action button for a few seconds.
  3. Once the ring light turns orange, you will be able to pair your Echo to a WiFi network by following the onscreen prompts.
  4. To connect your Echo Dot to speakers, either plug them in directly with the included auxiliary cable or use Bluetooth. To pair via Bluetooth, once your speaker is in pairing mode go to “Settings -> Bluetooth” and then “Pair a new device” in the Alexa app. Tap your speaker from the list of Bluetooth devices, and then tap “Continue.”
  5. Alexa will now be able to take your queries.

Tap

  1. Plug in your device to the outlet with the included USB cable and AC adapter.
  2. Power on your device by pressing and holding the action button for a few seconds.
  3. Alexa will now be able to take your queries when you press and hold the “Microphone” button or use the wake word. The default wake word is “Alexa.”

Identifying the Generation

Your Echo Dot is a first generation if it has a spinning volume control wheel. It is a second generation if it has volume up and down buttons.

Resetting Your Device to Factory Settings

Echo – Press and hold the reset button for five seconds. You will need to use a pin or paperclip to access it, and it is located at the bottom base of the device. Once the ring light turns orange, your Echo will enter setup mode and be ready to be used again. Echo Dot (1st Generation) – To reset your first generation Echo Dot, locate the “Reset” button at the bottom base of the device. Use a pin or paperclip to access it, and press and hold it for five seconds. The ring light will now glow orange as it is ready for setup. Note: this is NOT the same as the hole at the top of the device near the mute and action buttons as that hole is a microphone. Echo Dot (2nd Generation) – Press and hold the “Mute” and “Volume down” buttons for 20 seconds. When the ring light turns orange, the device will be ready for setup. Tap – Press and hold the “WiFi/Bluetooth” and “Previous” buttons together for about twelve seconds. When the ring light turns orange, the device will be ready for setup.

Making the Most of Your Alexa Device

If you are just getting started with your Alexa device, get a feel for music clients and alarms. Your Alexa device includes many surprising yet useful features, starting with celebrity alarms. On top of this, you can install many Skills, which are the equivalent of apps, to get stuff done. Having trouble setting up or restoring your device? Add a comment below and I or a community member will get back to you.