Reconnect Amazon Echo devices after a new router or password

A new router or a new password knocks every Echo offline at once, and the speaker says it is having trouble connecting. Each Echo has to be told the new details. Doing them one at a time from the app is quicker than it sounds.

Steps

1. List your Echo devices

   Count them, including the ones in bedrooms and the garage. Each needs the steps below.

2. Open the Alexa app and tap Devices

   Find the Echo that is offline.

3. Open its Device Settings

   Amazon's page says to choose the device, then Device Settings, then the option to change or remove the Wi-Fi network.

4. Choose the new network

   Pick your new Wi-Fi name and type the password. The app tells you to put the Echo in setup mode if it asks.

5. On an Echo with a screen, use the screen

   Amazon's page says to change the Wi-Fi on the device itself. Swipe down for settings and pick Wi-Fi.

6. Wait for the confirmation

   The speaker announces that it is connected.

7. Repeat for each device

   Try keeping the old name and password on the new router next time. See setting up a new router.

Which Wi-Fi band should an Echo use?

Amazon's page says Echo devices work with 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz home networks, and not with ad-hoc or peer-to-peer ones. If one Echo fails to connect to a combined network, the split-bands article may help; see splitting 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

Why does Alexa say it has trouble connecting?

It means the speaker lost the network. That can be a router restart, a new password, or the High Desert line being down. Check another device. If the whole house is offline, use the five checks.

Can I control smart home gear through the Echo during an outage?

Often not, since many devices need the internet. The guide smart home when the internet drops explains what keeps working.

What if an Echo will not show up in the app?

Unplug it for thirty seconds and plug it in again. Wait for the light ring to show it is ready for setup, then open the Alexa app and add the device again. Keep the phone close to the speaker, and check that the phone is on the same Wi-Fi network you want the speaker to join.

If you changed both the router and the password, one stubborn Echo can leave the others fine. Start with the Echo nearest the router. A far one may simply be out of range of a new router that sits in a different place; the Wi-Fi dead spots page covers moving or adding a node.

Do I need to go outside or touch the antenna for this?

Work from inside the house only. If the trouble seems to be at the antenna, leave the radio and its cable alone and call; a technician will come.