How to change the wake word on your Amazon Echo

By Serenity Caldwell
last updated

Amazon's line of Echo (opens in new tab) products use voice-enabled "wake words" to start listening to your commands. This helps keep your Echo from listening (and recording) unnecessary information, and it gives you an easy word to shout from the kitchen when you want to set a timer.

There are a number of different wake words you can use, including Star Trek's "Computer", delighting Star Trek geeks around the United Federation of Planets, United States. Sadly, much as we might long for a Sulu "Oh, my!" in response, or a serenade from Q, Alexa will still respond in its age-old timbre. (Still, Alexa has a few tricks up her sleeves for enterprising fans of the science-fiction series; for a fun (albeit not-quite-series-accurate) one, command your Echo: "Computer! Tea. Earl Grey. Hot." Sadly, you won't actually get the replicator-created beverage you desire, but the AI line must be drawn somewhere, after all. And, for now, it's here. This far. No further.)

Here's how to change your Echo's wake word.

How to change your Amazon Echo, Dot, or Tap's wake word

As a reminder, you may not want to set your Amazon wake word to something you say regularly around the house — if your Echo happens to live in a computer repair shop, maybe stick with "Alexa" or "Echo".

On your Amazon Echo itself

  1. Say "[current wake word], change the wake word." Alexa will respond: "Okay, you can choose from: '[list of the wake words you're not currently using]'. Which of these do you like?"If you'd like to cancel this request, say "Cancel" after Alexa's initial response.
  2. Respond with the new wake word you'd like to use. Alexa will say "Okay, you can call me [new wake word] on this device in a few seconds."

On the Alexa app

  1. Open the Amazon Alexa app on your phone.
  2. Tap the More icon (three horizontal lines) in the upper left corner.
  3. Select Settings.

  1. Pick the device whose wake word you wish to change.
  2. Tap the Wake Word setting.
  3. Select the new wake word you'd like from the drop-down.

When completed, you'll get a Wake word changed prompt, along with instructions on how to use it. Remember that you'll need to change this wake word for each Echo, Dot, or Tap (opens in new tab) you own.

Questions?

Let us know in the comments.

Updated January 2018: Added information for setting up a new wake word directly on your Echo.

Serenity Caldwell
Serenity Caldwell

Serenity was formerly the Managing Editor at iMore, and now works for Apple. She's been talking, writing about, and tinkering with Apple products since she was old enough to double-click. In her spare time, she sketches, sings, and in her secret superhero life, plays roller derby. Follow her on Twitter @settern.

4 Comments
  • That is frickin AWESOME! I'll be doing it tonight!
  • Fun! Sent from the iMore App
  • I still wear my tin foil hat. Not sure if it makes a difference since I have a bunch of devices that have mics anyways. So, I'd imagine that even without an echo, I'm being watched. But haven't come around to getting one. It seems that even when it's not supposed to be listening, it still is. At least that's what I've read. Though, most likely it's listening for cues on what to sell you next.
  • If you really think like this, then you shouldn't be using any devices connected to the internet, including your computer and smartphone.