How to Change Alexa's Name (Wake Word)

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

Co-authored by Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: October 11, 2024 Fact Checked

Using Your Voice

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Using the Alexa App

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Video

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Q&A

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Tips

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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Say, "Alexa, change your wake word to (name)." 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.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using the Alexa App

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Open the Alexa app on your Android, iPhone, or iPad. If you're not signed in to your Amazon account, you'll be prompted to do so.
- If you don't yet have the Alexa app, you can download it from the Google Play Store on Android, or the iOS App Store on iPhone and iPad. You need an app to use Alexa.
It's the lightbulb icon.
This opens your device's settings.
You'll find the gear icon at the top-right corner of the app.
While you can't enter a custom name, you can choose from Amazon, Computer, Echo, or Ziggy.
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Tap OK. This saves your new wake word. Now, instead of saying "Alexa" to wake the assistant, you can say the name you chose.^{[1]
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- Alexa's new name may take a few minutes to update. You may not be able to use the device during this time.

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.

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Can I change the wake word to my own name?

Midnight

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No, the other options are Amazon, computer or echo.

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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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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]
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"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.

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The "Computer" wake word is a nod to the Star Trek series.

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