Resetting an Amazon Echo: A Step-by-Step Guide

Quck answer

To reset an Amazon Echo, follow these steps:

1. Locate the reset button on the Echo device. It is usually a small hole or a button at the bottom of the device.

2. Use a paperclip or a similar tool to press and hold the reset button for about 5-10 seconds.

3. Release the button when the light ring on the Echo turns orange and then blue.

4. Wait for the Echo to reset and restart. This may take a few minutes.

5. Once the Echo restarts, it will be in setup mode. Follow the on-screen instructions to set it up again.

Note: Resetting the Echo will remove all your settings and data, so make sure to back up any important information before proceeding.

Amazon Echo offers smart home control and entertainment through voice commands.
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Image © The Washington Post

Alexa is a cloud-based operating system that powers Amazon Echo devices. By using the Alexa app, users can configure and personalize their Echo device. Alexa is always ready to respond to a wake-up word, such as “Alexa,” “Echo,” “Amazon,” or “computer.” During the setup process, users can customize their Alexa experience by setting preferences for music and podcasts, choosing news and weather sources, and creating personal lists and reminders.

The Amazon Echo Plus (front) and 2nd Generation Echo are available in various colors and finishes.
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Versatile and Attentive

Alexa is capable of understanding and responding in multiple languages, including English, French, German, and Japanese. Its cloud-based programming allows for sophisticated operation and improves its recognition of user’s speech characteristics and regional dialects over time. In addition to providing information and entertainment, Alexa can also serve as an interface for controlling smart home devices.

The Amazon Echo, equipped with Alexa Voice Service, was first introduced in 2014. The second generation Echo has improved speakers and a Dolby sound system. It also features updated controls, which affect the reset procedure. Each new Echo product has its own reset protocol.

Troubleshooting Alexa

If your Amazon Echo freezes, a simple restart may solve the issue. Unplug the power adapter from the wall or the device, wait for 30 seconds, and then plug it back in. If the device remains unresponsive, try resetting it. Keep in mind that resetting an Echo device requires re-registering it to an Amazon account and reentering device settings. This is necessary to ensure that used Echo devices can be decommissioned before gifting or selling.

The second generation Echo Dot offers the same features as the Echo, but with external speakers for better sound quality.
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Image © ATT.com

How to Reset an Amazon Echo: Step-by-Step Instructions

The procedure for resetting an Echo device may vary depending on the device and its generation. First-generation Echo units do not have volume control buttons and require a paper clip or similar tool to access the reset button.

How to Reset a First-Generation Echo or Echo Dot

Locate the reset button at the bottom of the device.
Using a paper clip, press and hold the reset button.
The light ring on your Echo will change from orange to blue.
Wait for the light ring to turn off and then back on.
The light ring will turn orange again, indicating that the Echo device is ready to be re-registered and set up again.

How to Reset a Second-Generation Echo or Echo Dot

Before resetting the unit, deregister it by logging into your Amazon Account.
Click on your name, and then go to “Accounts & Lists”.
Scroll down and click on “Your Content & Devices”.
Select the device.
Click on the drop-down menu and choose “Deregister”.
The Echo unit will be removed from your list of devices and all content will be deleted from the unit.
With the Echo Device plugged in, press and hold both the “Volume Down” and the “Microphone Off” buttons until the light ring turns orange, then blue.
Wait until the light ring turns off, then on, then orange again.
The device is now in setup mode and ready to be re-registered.

How to Reset an Echo Plus

The Echo Plus has the same features as the basic Amazon Echo, but it also has a built-in hub that works with Alexa-enabled smart home devices. You can choose to reset the Echo Plus while keeping its connections to smart home devices, or you can reset it to factory settings and remove all connections.

To keep device connections:

Using a paper clip, press the reset button once and release it. The reset button is located at the bottom of your Echo Plus.
The light ring will turn orange, indicating that the device is ready for setup.
Open the Alexa app to reconnect your Echo Plus to a Wi-Fi network and register it to your Amazon account.

To restore factory settings:

Using a paper clip, press and hold the reset button for at least eight seconds. The reset button is located at the bottom of your device.
The light ring on the unit will turn orange and then blue.
Wait for the light ring to turn off and then back on. When the ring becomes orange again, the Echo Plus is in setup mode.
Open the Alexa app to connect the device to a Wi-Fi network and register it to an Amazon account.

How to Reset an Echo Show

The Echo Show is an Echo device that includes a touchscreen for additional capabilities and controls.

To reset the Echo Show, you can either swipe down from the top of the screen and select “Settings” or say “Alexa, go to Settings.”
Once in the Settings menu, choose “Device Options”.
Select “Reset to Factory Defaults” to erase all personal settings and information, allowing you to set it up again.

Resetting an Echo Spot

The Amazon Echo Spot is similar to an Echo Dot but with a small round touchscreen. The reset process is similar to that of the Echo Show.

Swipe down from the top of the screen and select the “Settings” icon.
In the Settings menu, choose “Device Options”.
Select “Reset to Factory Defaults” to erase preferences and personal information, preparing the device for setup.

Resetting an Amazon Tap

Although not technically part of the Echo line, the Amazon Tap is Alexa-enabled and performs similar functions. The main difference is that it is cordless and rechargeable, requiring a button press to activate Alexa.

Press and hold both the “Wi-Fi/Bluetooth” button and the “Previous” button for 12 seconds.
The lights will change from orange to blue.
Wait for the lights to turn off and then back on. When the lights turn orange again, the device is ready to be set up.
Use the Alexa app to connect the Tap to your Wi-Fi network and register it to your Amazon account.

Bowen Briggs