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Amazon Alexa, Echo & Fire TVEasy2 min read

How to set up a new Echo Dot or Echo speaker step by step

Setting up an Echo speaker takes about ten minutes and uses the Alexa app on your phone. Here is the whole process in plain steps.

Before you start

You will need your Wi-Fi name and password, your Amazon account email and password, and a phone or tablet with the Alexa app installed from your app store. Make sure your phone is connected to your home Wi-Fi and has Bluetooth switched on.

Plug the Echo into a wall socket using the adapter that came in the box, rather than a spare USB port on a TV, as these often give too little power. Place it in a central spot, away from walls.

Setting it up

  1. Plug in the Echo and wait. The light ring will spin and then turn orange, which means the device is in setup mode.
  2. Open the Alexa app and sign in with your Amazon account.
  3. Tap the Devices tab, then tap the + icon and choose Add Device.
  4. Choose Amazon Echo, then pick the type of Echo you have.
  5. The app should find your Echo. Follow the on-screen prompts to choose your Wi-Fi network and type its password.
  6. Wait while the Echo connects and updates itself. Alexa will tell you when it is ready.

After setup

Try asking, "Alexa, what is the weather today?" to check it works. In the app you can name the Echo and put it in a room.

Take a moment to look at the privacy options in the app, such as the microphone button on top of the Echo. You can press it at any time to stop Alexa listening.

If setup gets stuck

  • Check you typed the Wi-Fi password exactly, including capital letters.
  • Unplug the Echo for 30 seconds and try again.
  • Make sure your phone is on the same Wi-Fi you want the Echo to use.

When to get more help

If the Echo never reaches setup mode or the app cannot find it, do not factory reset it without advice, as that wipes its settings. Vision Tech can set up the Echo for you in person or over a remote session and make sure it is secure.

Did this help? If you are still stuck, email Vision Tech and tell us what you can see on the screen. Menus and button names can differ slightly between versions and makes. If something does not match, stop and ask rather than guess.

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