Change the name in the Alexa app on your phone or tablet

The fastest way to rename your Alexa device is through the Alexa mobile app. Open the app, tap the Devices icon at the bottom right, select Echo & Alexa, then tap the device you want to rename. Tap the settings gear icon in the top right corner, scroll down to Device Name, and enter the new name you want. Tap Save when you're done.

This method works on both iPhone and Android. The name change takes effect immediately, and you can use the device right away with its new name. If you have multiple Echo devices, this is the clearest way to make sure you're renaming the right one, since the app shows you a picture of each device.

Key Takeaways

  • The Alexa app on your phone is the easiest place to change your device name—open Devices, select your Echo, tap settings, and enter the new name.
  • You can also rename your device by asking Alexa to do it: say "Alexa, change your name to [new name]" and confirm when prompted.
  • Device names can include spaces and most punctuation, but Alexa works best with simple, one or two-word names you can say clearly.
  • The name change happens instantly and applies to all the apps and services connected to that device.

Rename your device by voice command

If you're already using your Alexa device, you can rename it without opening the app. Say "Alexa, change your name to [new name]" and Alexa will confirm the new name and ask you to say yes to save it. This works on any Echo device, Fire tablet, or other Alexa-enabled device.

Voice renaming is useful if you're standing near the device and want to make a quick change. Keep in mind that Alexa needs to understand your spoken name clearly, so shorter names and names without unusual punctuation work better than longer or complicated ones.

Rename your device on a computer or web browser

You can also change your device name by logging into your Amazon account at alexa.amazon.com. Click Devices in the left menu, select Echo & Alexa, find your device in the list, and click the settings gear icon next to it. Scroll to Device Name, type the new name, and click Save.

This method is useful if you don't have the mobile app installed or prefer to manage your devices from a computer. The web interface shows all your Alexa devices in one place, which can be helpful if you're renaming multiple devices at once.

What names work best for your Alexa device

Alexa can understand most names, but simple, clear names work better than complicated ones. One or two-word names are ideal—examples include "Kitchen Echo," "Bedroom," "Living Room," or "Office." Avoid names that sound like Alexa commands or that are hard to pronounce, since Alexa needs to recognize the name when you speak it.

You can use spaces, hyphens, and apostrophes in device names. However, if you give your device a name that's difficult to say or sounds like something else, Alexa may not respond when you call it by that name. Test the name by speaking it clearly to the device after you save it.

Rename a device you don't have in front of you

If you're renaming a device in another room or one you haven't set up yet, use the Alexa app or the web browser method. Both let you see all your devices and rename them from anywhere. The app shows you a picture of each device type, which helps you identify which one you're changing.

If you're setting up a new device and want to change its name before you finish setup, you can do that during the initial configuration. The setup process will ask you to name the device—enter your preferred name at that point instead of using the default name.

What happens when you change a device name

When you rename a device, the change applies everywhere that device is used. If you have routines set up that use the old device name, those routines will still work—Amazon updates them automatically. If you use the device with smart home controls or other apps, those connections remain active under the new name.

The device itself doesn't need to restart or reconnect to your Wi-Fi. The name change is stored in your Amazon account and takes effect immediately across all your apps and services. You can start using the new name right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use special characters or numbers in my device name?

Yes, you can use numbers, spaces, hyphens, and apostrophes in your device name. However, keep the name simple and easy to speak aloud, since Alexa needs to recognize it when you call out to the device. Names like "Kitchen-2" or "Mom's Echo" work fine.

Will renaming my device break my routines or smart home connections?

No. Routines and smart home connections stay active when you rename a device. Amazon updates these automatically, so your automations and integrations continue to work without any action on your part.

How long does it take for the new name to work?

The name change takes effect immediately. You can start using the new name right away—there's no waiting period or device restart needed.

What if Alexa doesn't respond to the new name I chose?

If Alexa isn't recognizing your new name, the name may be too complicated or sound like something else. Try a simpler, shorter name with clear pronunciation. Test it by speaking the name aloud to the device after you save it.