How to sell, give away or return an Echo (deregister it first)
Before passing on an Echo, you should remove it from your Amazon account, so the next person cannot use your account and you do not lose track of it. Please read the warning.
A warning first
Deregistering removes the Echo from your account and clears your settings from it. Your smart-home links, routines and music links for that Echo will go. Make a note of anything you want to recreate on a new Echo. This cannot easily be undone.
Deregistering in the app
The exact path changes, but in outline:
- Open the Alexa app and tap Devices.
- Choose Echo & Alexa, then select the Echo. Menu names in the Alexa app change from time to time, so if yours looks slightly different, look for the closest wording rather than worrying.
- Open Device Settings.
- Look for Registered to or Deregister and confirm.
Alexa may then put the Echo into setup mode. The orange ring means it is in setup mode, .
Factory reset the Echo
Deregistering is the main step, but a factory reset on the device itself also clears your Wi-Fi details. The method depends on your Echo model, usually by holding certain buttons for several seconds. The exact buttons depend on your model, so look them up rather than guessing. On an Echo Show, there is a reset option in the device's settings on the screen.
Other housekeeping
- Remove it from any groups, rooms or routines.
- Think about deleting your voice history first. See our guide on this and read the warning.
- Check with your Amazon account that the device no longer appears.
- Keep the box and charger if you are selling, to get a better price.
If you have bought one second-hand
If the Echo is still registered to someone else, ask them to deregister it. Do not try to get round this.
When to get more help
If you cannot find the Deregister option or the Echo will not reset, ask for help before selling. Vision Tech can check your account to make sure it is clean.