How to Change Alexa's Name (Wake Word)

Learn how to call your Alexa device something other than "Alexa"

If you don't like saying "Alexa" to wake your Echo device, you can change Alexa's name. Although you can't select a custom name, you can rename Alexa "Ziggy," "Echo," and some other options. This guide will teach you how to change Alexa's name by selecting a new wake word.

Things You Should Know

  • To change Alexa's name, just say, "Alexa, change your wake word to (name)."
  • You can change Alexa's name to Ziggy, Computer, Amazon, or Echo. Unfortunately, you can't choose custom names.
  • To change Alexa's name in the mobile app, go to Devices > your device, tap the gear, and select "Wake Word."
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using Your Voice

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/Change-Alexa%27s-Name-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Alexa%27s-Name-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/Change-Alexa%27s-Name-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-Alexa%27s-Name-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can use this voice command to change Alexa's name to Amazon, Echo, Computer, or Ziggy.
    • There's no way to give Alexa a custom name, as these are the only options.
    2. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using the Alexa App

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/75\/Change-Alexa%27s-Name-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Alexa%27s-Name-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/75\/Change-Alexa%27s-Name-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-Alexa%27s-Name-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you're not signed in to your Amazon account, you'll be prompted to do so.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8b\/Change-Alexa%27s-Name-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Alexa%27s-Name-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8b\/Change-Alexa%27s-Name-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-Alexa%27s-Name-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's the lightbulb icon.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9b\/Change-Alexa%27s-Name-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Alexa%27s-Name-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9b\/Change-Alexa%27s-Name-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-Alexa%27s-Name-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This opens your device's settings.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/ba\/Change-Alexa%27s-Name-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Alexa%27s-Name-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/ba\/Change-Alexa%27s-Name-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-Alexa%27s-Name-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You'll find the gear icon at the top-right corner of the app.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/88\/Change-Alexa%27s-Name-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Alexa%27s-Name-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/88\/Change-Alexa%27s-Name-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-Alexa%27s-Name-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    While you can't enter a custom name, you can choose from Amazon , Computer , Echo , or Ziggy .
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/da\/Change-Alexa%27s-Name-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Alexa%27s-Name-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/da\/Change-Alexa%27s-Name-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-Alexa%27s-Name-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This saves your new wake word. Now, instead of saying "Alexa" to wake the assistant, you can say the name you chose. [1]
    • Alexa's new name may take a few minutes to update. You may not be able to use the device during this time.
    7. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    If I change my device's wake word, will I have the option of changing it back to "Alexa" later?
    Dsgyuu
    Community Answer
    Yes. It does not matter how many times you change it.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 17
  • Question
    Can I change the wake word to my own name?
    Midnight
    Top Answerer
    No, the other options are Amazon, computer or echo.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 11 Helpful 27
  • Question
    How do you get it to drop in on "kitchen," for example?
    Katie Dollar
    Community Answer
    Say "Alexa (or whatever name) drop in on the (name of device here)."
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 6
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • It used to be possible to buy celebrity voices for Alexa, which let you change the wake word to that celebrity's name. For example, if you installed the Samuel L. Jackson voice, you could say "Samuel" instead of "Alexa." As of April 2023, this is no longer possible. [2]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • "Echo" and "Ziggy" are the shortest wake words with only two syllables. Try one of these wake words if you use your Echo frequently. This way, each of your commands will be one syllable shorter.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      • The "Computer" wake word is a nod to the Star Trek series.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • When using the “computer” wake word, you can shorten it to ‘Puter, like in the LEGO Batman Movie!
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Connect Alexa to a Computer: Windows & Mac
      Factory Reset Alexa on Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Show, and More
      Easy Steps to Put Your Echo Dot in Setup Mode
      How to
      Make Alexa Mad
      How to
      Turn Off the Light on an Echo Dot
      Simple Techniques to Stop Alarms with Alexa
      37 Fun Games to Play with Amazon’s Alexa
      Connect an External Speaker to Your Echo, Echo Dot, or Other Alexa Device
      How to
      Connect Amazon Music to Alexa
      How to
      Pair Bluetooth with Alexa + Troubleshooting Tips
      How to
      Call Another Alexa
      How to
      Connect a Smart TV to Alexa
      2 Easy Ways to Download Amazon Music to Listen Offline
      How to
      Adjust Alexa Volume
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GRDSZ7D4HD59G3CR
      2. ↑ https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/30/23742109/amazon-alexa-celebrity-voices-discontinued

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 179,636 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Miguel Mesa

        Nov 28, 2018

        "This resolved all my doubts and resolved my problem, thanks. "
      Share your story
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement