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How to connect Echo and Echo Dot to WiFi (with or without Alexa app)?

Here’s a step-by-step guide for you to connect your Echo Dot to WiFI.

Echo dot on the purple background
Image: KnowTechie

By now, it’s common knowledge that Alexa-enabled devices, such as the Echo and Echo Dot, require a WiFi connection to work.

Without access to the internet, these devices can’t perform their many functions, such as streaming music, checking the weather, adding items to a shopping list, and much more.

As harsh as it sounds, these devices are useless hunks of junk without an internet connection.

All generations echo devices on purple background
Image: KnowTechie

So, how do you connect an Amazon Echo and Echo Dot to WiFi? Thankfully, the process is pretty simple whether you use the Alexa app or not.

In this article, we’ll offer step-by-step instructions that walk you through both methods. Whether you’re using the app or not, we’ll get you on your way. Ready to jump in?

How to connect an Amazon Echo or Echo Dot to WiFi with the Alexa App

Alexa app on iphone
Image: KnowTechie

First, you need to make sure that your Echo device is powered on and plugged into a power outlet.

From here, put the device in pairing mode by pressing the action button at the top.

Next, install the ‘Alexa App‘ on your smartphone, and you are all set to begin the process.

Alexa app logo

Amazon Alexa App

Download the Amazon Alexa App to easily set up and manage your Alexa experience at home or on the go.

Open the ‘Alexa App’ on your smartphone and sign in to your Amazon account if this is your first time signing into the app.

Next, choose ‘Devices’ from the bottom menu.

Under the devices section, tap on ‘Echo & Alexa.’Smartphone showing app instructions for echo dot

Select the Echo device you want to connect to WiFi.

Next, tap on your home WiFi network from the list, enter the password, and tap on the ‘Connect’ button.Wifi connect with echo dot

That’s it. Your Echo device will now be connected to WiFi, and you can start using all its features.

From here, your Echo device will now remember this WiFi network and will automatically connect to it whenever it is powered on and in range.

If you recently changed your WiFi password or are using a new router, follow these steps to reconfigure the WiFi connection for your Echo device:

Open the Alexa App->Devices-> Echo & Alexa-> Select Your Echo Device->Wi-Fi Network->Change->Follow onscreen instructions.

Alexa app interface how to connect echo and echo dot to wifi (with or without alexa app)
Image: KnowTechie

How to connect an Amazon Echo or Echo Dot to WiFi without the Alexa App

Most people use the Alexa app to connect their Echo device to the internet because it is the most straightforward method.

However, if you can’t use the Alexa app or don’t have access to a smartphone, you have other options.

For instance, you can set up the device on the Alexa Website – here’s how.

How to set up new Alexa-enabled devices via the desktop page

  1. Open alexa.amazon.com and sign in with your Amazon account credentials.
How to connect echo and echo dot to wifi (with or without alexa app) amazon account showing on macbook
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Now, click on Settings from the left side menu.
  2. Click on ‘Set up a new device’ in the device’s settings.
Alexa. Amazon account interface
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Choose your ‘Echo device’ and click on ‘Continue’.
Select the dot device on screen instructions
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Turn on your Echo Device and put it in pairing mode (a spinning orange light).
Continue setup screen
Image: KnowTechie
  1. While the browser is open in the background, navigate to the WiFi settings on your PC/Mac/smartphone, and select the network named ‘Amazon XXX.’
Showing wifi connections on macbook
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Back in your browser, a message will appear on the Setup screen (Your computer is connected to the Echo Dot), click on continue.
Echo device connected to wifi on screen instructions
Image: KnowTechie
  1. On the next screen, click on your home network, fill in the credentials, and select ‘continue.’
Home wifi networks showing on macbook screen
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Your Echo device will take a few seconds to connect successfully to Wi-Fi.
Macbook screen showing instructions
Image: KnowTechie

Browsers like Safari, Firefox, and Edge work best for this purpose, so it is recommended that you use one of these on a laptop or desktop computer. Additionally, you can also use your smartphone.

⚠️ Google Chrome should be avoided, as some users reported issues when attempting to set up an Echo device without the Alexa app. 

Echo Dot or Echo not connecting to WiFi: What to do?

If for any reason your Echo device can’t connect to a WiFi network, make sure that the credentials you are entering are correct.

If that doesn’t work, try restarting your Echo device and router. Restarting your Echo device should do the trick, though.

Additionally, if your router provides 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, try connecting your Echo device to the 2.4 GHz network.

As a last resort, you can also try resetting your Echo device to factory settings and start the process from scratch.

Instructions to factory reset echo dot
Image: KnowTechie

How to soft reset an Alexa device

The most basic troubleshooting step is to soft reset your Alexa device. This will restart the device and clear any minor glitches causing problems.

To soft reset or power cycle your Alexa device, follow these steps below:

  1. Disconnect the power cord from the device
The alexa device and power cord image
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Wait for one minute before reconnecting the power cord
Dot device on purple background
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Once the device has restarted, ask Alexa if she’s connected to WiFi
Alexa on purple background
Image: KnowTechie

How to factory reset your Alexa device

If a simple power cycle didn’t fix the problem, you might have to hard reset your Echo device to factory settings.

🚨 Resetting your Echo device to factory settings will delete all your custom settings, preferences, and linked accounts.

The reset process varies depending on the device and generation. But generally speaking, it requires you to hold the power button.

To factory reset your Echo device, follow the steps below:

Here is an example of a third-gen Echo:

Press button on echo device to reset
Image: KnowTechie

Press and hold the action button for 30 seconds until the light ring turns orange and blue.

The Echo device will enter into setup mode. From here, follow the on-screen instructions on the Alexa app to set up your device again.

Alexa app interface on smartphone
Image: KnowTechie

Wrapping Up

Hopefully, this guide should help you connect most Alexa devices to WiFi. But for the best results, use the Alex app.

The Alexa app simplifies the process, but if you can’t use it for some reason, the Alexa website is a good fallback.

And if you’re still facing connectivity issues, the Alexa website also has a helpful troubleshooting section for those facing problems connecting their Echo devices to WiFi.

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