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Digital assistants are almost to the point where they are an essential part of any household. We guarantee if you have never used any of them, you have at least heard of Amazon’s Alexa. This is probably the most recognizable voice assistant out there, or maybe a close second to Siri from Apple. Most people access Alexa through Echo devices, which are little speakers sitting in your house waiting to help you out or play music.
Amazon makes a myriad of Echo devices for different needs, but most people will probably be looking to set up an Echo, Echo Dot, or Echo Plus. Luckily, these all have pretty much the same setup process.
Our goal with this guide is to make setting up your Alexa Echo as easy as possible, because until you have it running, you can’t say, “Alexa, how do I set up an Echo?”
Let’s dive in!
1. Download the Alexa App
If you don’t already have the Alexa app installed on your phone, you can click here to download it on Android or here to download it for iOS. After downloading the app, sign into your Amazon account.
2. Plug In Your Alexa Device
Using the provided power cord, plug in your Alexa, and give it a few moments for the light to glow orange. After a few moments, your Alexa should announce it is ready to be set up.
3. Add a Device
On the Alexa app on your phone, tap on the option that says More then the first option will be Add a Device.
4. Select Which Device to Set Up
Now you will see a list of device options to set up. For this guide, we will select Amazon Echo. Then, on the next page, select the name of the device that you are setting up. Again, most people will probably be selecting the first option that reads Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Plus, and more.
5. Confirm Light Ring, and Select Your Device
After selecting which device you are setting up, the app will ask you to confirm that there is an orange light on your device. If there is, select Yes.
Then, the app will then show you the available devices. You should see Echo followed by a string of numbers or letters. That is your device.
If you don’t see an orange light on your device, tap No. The app will then prompt you to press and hold the action button on your device until there is an orange light. The action button is a button on your device with a dot icon.
6. Select Your Wi-Fi Network
Now a list of nearby Wi-Fi networks will pop up, select yours and log in like you usually do when connecting to Wi-Fi. If you do not see your network as an available option, tap Rescan Network at the top of the app.
7. Choose a Language
Depending on your region, you have a list of language options. Choose the most appropriate one. Note that you can also select options that have multiple languages listed on them. This is perfect for multi-lingual households.
8. Select Which Room This Device is in
This might seem a bit silly if you only have one Alexa device, but if you ever get more than one, this will help group your devices.
9. Set up Voice ID (Optional)
Voice ID is an optional feature, but it is excellent if you want to set it up. It allows each household member to have personalized results when they ask Alexa a question.
10. Enter Your Address
This will allow Alexa to give you personalized weather, traffic, and more results. If you use Amazon to order products, your address should already be in this field. You can tap on Enter a new address if your address is not already here.
11. Amazon Sidewalk (Optional)
Amazon Sidewalk allows you to keep your devices connected easily, but it will share your Wi-Fi signal with your neighbor’s devices. Whichever option you choose, you can always change this option later.
12. Tap Let’s Go
Now the app will say Get Started with Alexa, tap Let’s Go on the bottom of the screen to start using your Alexa. With your Alexa device set up, you can now ask her to set timers, play some music, and even tell you a joke.
