How to reset your Amazon Echo or Alexa

If your Amazon Echo device is unresponsive or doesn’t work correctly, don’t panic! You can perform a factory reset to get it up and running again. A factory reset clears all the data stored on the device, resetting it to its state when it left the factory. A factory reset can get an unresponsive or defective Amazon Echo device working again. It’s also useful for clearing your personal data when selling or trading the device.

We show you how to factory reset all thebest Amazon Echo devices, as well as older models. Whether you have an Echo Dot, Studio, or Show device, we can help you. Once you’ve reset your device, try theseAmazon Echo tips and tricksto make the most of your smart speaker or display.

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What happens when I factory reset my Amazon Echo?

By clearing all the data on the device, a factory reset can resolve software issues plaguing your device. If a factory reset doesn’t fix your issue, it’s probably a hardware problem. You’ll need to replace or repair your Echo device in this situation.

After performing a factory reset, you’ll restore your personal data through the setup process. Depending on how much you’ve used your Echo device, this might be a tedious process.

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Don’t start the setup process again if you’re performing a factory reset before giving away your device. Wait for the reset to be completed, then turn off your device.

We included instructions for each generation of Echo devices. However, some Echo devices (for example, the Echo Show) use the same factory reset method across all available generations, so we only included one set of instructions. If you don’t see the generation for your device specified below, use the ones we included for that Echo device. If you don’t know what generation Echo device you have, check Amazon’sEcho support page.

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Why should you factory reset an Amazon Echo?

Although the Amazon Echo works as expected most of the time, it isn’t void of issues. If you run into the following situations, resetting your Amazon Echo should bring it back to life.

How to factory reset your Echo device using the Alexa app

You can reset any Echo device with the Alexa app instead of pressing the device’s buttons.

Your Alexa device is factory reset and ready to pair again. If you’re giving it to someone, unplug the device.

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How to factory reset your Echo or Echo Dot

Amazon’s Echo and Echo Dot devices use the same factory reset steps within generations.

Echo or Echo Dot (1st Generation)

Amazon Echo or Echo Dot (2nd Generation)

Amazon Echo or Echo Dot (3rd or 4th Generation)

How to factory reset your Amazon Echo Plus

For both generations of Echo Plus, you can wipe everything except your smart home connections instead of doing a complete factory reset. To do this, quickly press and release the respective buttons instead of holding them.

Amazon Echo Plus (1st Generation)

Amazon Echo Plus (2nd Generation)

How to factory reset your Amazon Echo Flex

How to factory reset your Amazon Echo Show

The Echo Show product names make identifying your device confusing when preparing for a factory reset. However, only the original Echo Show (now discontinued) has a unique reset method. Every other Echo device, regardless of generation, follows the same steps.

Amazon Echo Show (original discontinued model)

Amazon Echo Show (All other generations and models)

How to factory reset your Amazon Echo Studio

How to factory reset an Amazon Echo Sub

Amazon Echo Sub is a powerful 6-inch woofer that you can connect to your Amazon Echo or Echo Plus and level up the music experience at home. If it acts up, use the trick below to factory reset it.

Only factory reset your Amazon Echo as a last resort

A factory reset clears your personal data, so only reset it as a last resort. However, this is a benefit if you’re preparing your device for a recipient.

Amazon Echo devices store your voice recordings on the device to help it understand and process future requests. But if you want to clear them, here’show to remove your voice recordings from an Echo device.

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