How to set up Alexa on an Amazon Echo

Whether you’re about to set up your first smart speaker that someone’s kindly given you for Christmas, or you want to know the right way to get Alexa up and running, you’ve come to the right place. Alexa is available on more devices that just smart speakers: the assistant is integrated into Amazon’s Fire tablets, Echo Buds earphones, the Echo Auto for cars, and even some dash cams.

The process of setting up a new Alexa device is easier than ever. The first step is to install the free Alexa app on your phone, so if you don’t already have it, go to the Play Store on an Android phone or the App Store on an iPhone and search for Alexa.

The other thing you’ll need is an Amazon account, as you must sign into the Alexa app and Echo speakers need to be connected to that account.

If you don’t have an account, just sign up at www.amazon.co.uk/account. You don’t need to be an Amazon Prime subscriber to use Alexa, but you’ll miss out on a few features, such as the ability to play music from Amazon’s library.

But that’s not the only source of music: Alexa can play music from other services such as Spotify and Apple Music, as well as for free from internet radio stations.

If the device you’re setting up isn’t made by Amazon, you may still be able to set it up in the Alexa app, but check the quick-start guide provided in the box to see if a different app should be used.

Here are the basic steps to set up an Amazon Echo:

1. Install the Amazon Alexa app on your phone and sign in with your Amazon account
2. Connect your Echo’s power supply and turn on the switch at the socket
3. Open the Alexa app. You may see a notification that an Echo is ready to set up. Tap on it.
4. If you don’t see a notification, tap More (bottom right), then Add a Device
5. Tap Amazon Echo
6. Choose the appropriate model and follow the instructions on-screen
7. Once Alexa is connected to your Wi-Fi network, set-up is complete

The setup process is slightly different if you have an Echo Show – Amazon’s smart displays which have a touchscreen as well as speakers. You’ll find specific Echo Show setup instructions below.

How to set up an Amazon Echo speaker

Note: if you have more than one Echo device, each has to be set up individually in the Alexa app.

After unboxing your Echo remove the plastic protection, attach the power cable and plug the power supply into a mains socket.

What to do once Alexa is set up

On your Echo, Alexa should talk you through a few functions, including showing you how to set an alarm and a reminder, what the alarm sounds like and more.

In the app, you might see a prompt to set up smart home devices (which could be smart plugs, smart lights, or other gadgets).

You can tap Skip if you don’t have any, or Yes if you have one and are ready to set it up.

For more information on what you can say and what’s on offer, see our guide on how to use Alexa.

Do I have to say “Alexa”?

No, but the default wake word is Alexa. You can change this to “Amazon”, “Echo” or “Computer” by going into the settings in the Alexa app. In the US, you can also choose “Ziggy”, and in some countries you can enable “Hey Santa” which is fun at Christmas, but a bit strange at other times of the year.

You can’t choose your own wake word.

To find the voice settings, tap Devices (1), Echo & Alexa (2) and then select your Echo from the list (3). Tap the settings cog (4) and then scroll down to Wake Word (5) and tap on the word you want to use.

Each Echo has its own settings so you can have different wake words for each one.

There are other settings here, such as Alexa’s Voice where you can choose from Original (female) and New (male).

Tip: you can also get Alexa to whisper her replies.

How to set up an Echo Show

For Echos with screens, you don’t need the Alexa app for setup. Simply connect the power supply and follow the instructions on the screen. An on-screen keyboard lets you type in your Amazon account details and Wi-Fi password.

You can swipe down from the top of the screen on an Echo Show (or Spot) to get to the settings and shortcuts. This is the fastest way to update the Wi-Fi password or network if you ever change your router or the name of the Wi-Fi.

How to reset an Echo

If your Echo won’t set up, try resetting it. The reset procedure is different for each device, so check Amazon’s instructions here. However, in most cases simply press and hold the ‘action’ button, which is the one with a little dot on it. Hold it for about 6-10 seconds until you see the orange light and Alexa announces “Now in setup mode”.

Tips for getting the most out of Alexa

Now your Echo is set up, you will want to know what to say. That’s covered in our separate guide on how to use Alexa. 

You might also like to use Alexa to make voice and video calls to friends and family.

She is great for the basics, but really comes into her own when paired with compatible gadgets, such as lights, thermostats, switches and more. When your hands are full, it’s really useful to be able to say “Alexa, turn on the lights” when you walk into a dark room.

If Alexa can’t control something directly and requires you to enable a Skill, you may need to use its name in your command.

If you have a Nest thermostat, for example, you can’t just say “Alexa, set the heating to 20 degrees”.

Instead, you need to say “Alexa, set the [name of thermostat] to 20 degrees” or “Alexa, make the [name of thermostat] warmer”.

Where possible, change the names of your devices to be simple and short so Alexa can more easily recognise and understand them.

We’ve also complied a list of the funny things to say to Alexa as well as the best games to play on Alexa.

If you see a pulsing yellow, purple or other lights on your Echo, here’s what all the colours mean.

We’ve also put together some useful tips & tricks for getting the most from Alexa.

Here’s a rundown of all the current Echo models, should you decide you want to have extra smart speakers around your home.