How to reset your Amazon Echo: what to do if your Alexa device isn’t responding

If something goes wrong, you may need to reset your Amazon Echo speaker to get everything working again. Giving Alexa a factory reset shouldn’t happen too often, but, if the smart assistant has backed itself into a corner or you just want to hand your device over to someone to start from scratch, it’s good to know how to reset your Echo. .

The problem is that there are different reset processes depending on whether you have a standard Amazon Echo, an Echo Show or Echo Hub with a screen, the new Echo Spot, or the ever-popular Echo Dot.

Below, we’ll discuss each type of Echo device, including Echo Dot and Echo models with a display, and give you detailed information on how to reset Alexa. Fortunately, it’s all very simple and could be the ticket you need to get your Echo working again.

Amazon Echo and Alexa reset types

First you’ll want to figure out what type of reset you want to do. If your Echo just seems unresponsive, your first call should always be to turn it off. To do this, simply remove the power adapter from the back, wait a few seconds, and then plug it back in.

Sometimes the color of light shining on your Echo speaker can be a clue to what might have gone wrong.

If your Alexa speaker still doesn’t work after turning it off and on again, you’ll want to perform a factory reset. You’ll also want to factory reset your Echo speaker if you sell it or give it to someone else.

How to factory reset Echo using the Alexa app

The steps to factory reset your Echo speaker via the Alexa app have changed over the years, so it will depend on the version of Alexa you’re running and what firmware your Echo has.

We’ve listed the most recent ones, as many of us have automatic app updates turned on, so there’s a good chance your Alexa app and Echo device are running the latest software.

what you will need

• Your Amazon Echo device
• your smartphone
• The Alexa app

The short version

Try resetting your Echo device using the Alexa app on your iOS or Android smartphone by following these steps. Also be sure to perform a hard reset using the method listed below these steps for your specific Echo smart speaker.

Factory reset buttons on Echo speakers

Once you’ve unregistered your Echo device through the Alexa app, you’ll want to make sure to reset it as well. Just to be sure. Below we’ve listed the different methods to do this, depending on which Echo device you have.

How to Reset Amazon Echo Dot (2nd Generation, 3rd Generation, 4th Generation, 5th Generation)

Resetting an Amazon Echo varies depending on the type of device it is, and that is true even for different generations of the same model.

• To reset the Amazon Echo Dot second generationPress and hold the Microphone Off and Volume Down buttons at the same time. Wait until the light ring turns orange, which should take about 20 seconds.
• To reset the Amazon Echo Dot (3rd generation, 4th generation, 5th generation) or Echo Dot with clockPress and hold the Action button for 25 seconds.

How to Reset Amazon Echo (1st Gen, 2nd Gen, 3rd Gen, 4th Gen)

As with the Echo Dot, resetting your standard Echo devices varies depending on whether you have the original or another generation in your home.

• To reset your Eco (1st generation)use a paper clip (or something similar) to press and hold the Reset button. Wait for the ring light to turn off and on again.
• To reset your Eco (second generation)Press and hold the Microphone Off and Volume Down buttons at the same time. Wait until the light ring turns orange, which should take about 20 seconds.
• To reset a Eco (third generation, fourth generation)Press and hold the action button for 25 seconds. The light ring will flash orange and then turn off. Then it will turn back on, turn blue and then orange again. You are now ready for configuration.

How to Reset Amazon Echo Plus (1st Gen, 2nd Gen)

If you are working with a different generation of Echo devices, the reset process will be different. That is the case with both types of Echo Plus models. It’s not worth losing connections to your smart home devices if you decide to reset them.

• To reset your First generation Echo Plususe a paper clip (or something similar) to press the Reset button once and quickly release it. Wait for the ring light to turn off and on again.
• To reset your Second generation Echo PlusPress and hold the Action button for 20 seconds. Wait for the ring light to turn off and on again.

How to reset Amazon Echo Show, Echo Show 5, Echo Show 8, Echo Show 10, Echo Show 15, Echo Hub or Echo Spot (all generations)

If you have an Echo speaker with a screen, whether you have an Echo Spot, one of the Echo Show models, or the Echo Hub, things change slightly.

If you have a second-generation or newer Echo Show, you can, of course, use the built-in Zigbee chip to connect to your external smart home devices, and how you reset it affects those connections.

• To reset your Second generation Echo Show without losing connections from your smart home devices, e.g. “Alexa, go to settings” or swipe down from the top of the screen and select ‘Settings’. From there, select “Device Options” and then “Reset to Factory Defaults,” but keep “Smart Home Device Connections.” Follow the same steps for the Echo Show 5, Show 8, Show 10, Echo Show 15 and echo center.
• To reset your First generation Echo Show either echo point to its factory settings, say, “Alexa, go to settings” or swipe down from the top of the screen and select ‘Settings’. Then select “Device Options” and then “Reset to Factory Defaults.” This erases all your personal information and settings on the device.
• You can also use the following method to reset your echo show: Press and hold the Mute and Volume Down buttons for 15 seconds until the Amazon logo flashes on the screen (you may even notice that it also says “Factory Reset Mode” in the bottom corner).
• to rest the echo center Using the buttons, press and hold the mute button for 5 to 10 seconds until the device reboots.

How to reset Amazon Echo Sub

Since the Echo Sub requires additional setup to work properly and will need to pair with your Echo, Echo Plus, or Echo, there’s a chance you’ll need to reset the Sub from time to time.

• To reset the Sub echoPress and hold the Action button located just above the power cord for 25 seconds.