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

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    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.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using the Alexa App

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    If you're not signed in to your Amazon account, you'll be prompted to do so.
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    It's the lightbulb icon.
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    This opens your device's settings.
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    You'll find the gear icon at the top-right corner of the app.
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    While you can't enter a custom name, you can choose from Amazon , Computer , Echo , or Ziggy .
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    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.
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Community Q&A

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  • 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.
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    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 16
  • 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
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    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)."
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    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
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      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
      • The "Computer" wake word is a nod to the Star Trek series.
        Thanks
      • "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

      Tips from our Readers

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      • When using the “computer” wake word, you can shorten it to ‘Puter, like in the LEGO Batman Movie!
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      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

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