/ How to

How to Customize Alexa’s Wake Word

Alexa’s default wake word is “Alexa”, which is what you say to activate your Amazon Echo or other Alexa-enabled device. However, you may want to customize the wake word for various reasons:

Why Customize Alexa’s Wake Word

Here are some common reasons for changing Alexa’s wake word:

  • You have multiple Alexa devices in your home that get activated at the same time when you say “Alexa”
  • Someone in your household is named Alexa and it activates the devices accidentally
  • You want a more unique or personalized wake word
  • You want added privacy by using a less common wake word

Alexa Wake Word Options

Amazon allows you to choose from several preset wake word options:

  • Alexa (default)
  • Amazon
  • Echo
  • Computer
  • Ziggy

Note: The wake word options may vary depending on your specific Alexa device model. Some devices, like the Echo Auto, only allow “Alexa”.

You can also purchase celebrity voices to change Alexa’s wake word and voice to:

  • Samuel L. Jackson (“Hey Samuel”)
  • Shaquille O’Neal (“Hey Shaq”)
  • Melissa McCarthy (“Hey Melissa”)

How to Change Alexa’s Wake Word

There are two ways to change Alexa’s wake word – using voice commands directly on your Alexa device, or changing it in the Alexa app.

Change Wake Word by Voice

Follow these steps:

  1. Say “Alexa, change the wake word”
  2. Alexa will prompt you to choose a new wake word
  3. Say one of the available options like “Amazon” or “Computer”
  4. Alexa will confirm the change
  • The new wake word takes effect after a short delay
  • Repeat for each Alexa device you want to change

Change Wake Word in Alexa App

Use the Alexa app to change the wake word:

  1. Open the Alexa app
  2. Tap on the Devices icon
  3. Select Echo & Alexa
  4. Tap on the device you want to change
  5. Tap on the Settings (gear) icon
  6. Scroll down and tap on Wake Word
  7. Select the new wake word
  8. Tap OK to confirm
  • The change takes effect after a few minutes
  • Repeat the steps for each Alexa device

Pro Tip: Use the same wake word on all your Alexa devices to avoid confusion.

Troubleshooting Wake Word Changes

Here are some troubleshooting tips if you have issues changing or using the new wake word:

  • Make sure your Alexa device has the latest firmware installed
  • The new wake word can take several minutes to take effect, with the device unusable during the update
  • Check that you don’t have any Alexa voice responses disabled, which can block wake word changes
  • Factory reset your Alexa device and set up again if issues persist

Changing Alexa’s wake word helps personalize your experience and avoid accidental activations. With just a few quick steps in the Alexa app or simple voice commands, you can start addressing your Echo in a whole new way.

Related Posts