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If you don't like saying "Alexa" to wake your Echo device, you can change Alexa's name. Although you can't select a custom name, you can rename Alexa "Ziggy," "Echo," and some other options. This guide will teach you how to change Alexa's name by selecting a new wake word.
Things You Should Know
- To change Alexa's name, just say, "Alexa, change your wake word to (name)."
- You can change Alexa's name to Ziggy, Computer, Amazon, or Echo. Unfortunately, you can't choose custom names.
- To change Alexa's name in the mobile app, go to Devices > your device, tap the gear, and select "Wake Word."
Steps
Open the Alexa app on your Android, iPhone, or iPad. If you're not signed in to your Amazon account, you'll be prompted to do so.- If you don't yet have the Alexa app, you can download it from the Google Play Store on Android, or the iOS App Store on iPhone and iPad. You need an app to use Alexa.
Tap Devices. It's the lightbulb icon.
Select your Alexa device. This opens your device's settings.
Tap the gear and select Wake Word. You'll find the gear icon at the top-right corner of the app.
Select a new name. While you can't enter a custom name, you can choose from Amazon, Computer, Echo, or Ziggy.
Tap OK. This saves your new wake word. Now, instead of saying "Alexa" to wake the assistant, you can say the name you chose.[1]- Alexa's new name may take a few minutes to update. You may not be able to use the device during this time.
Community Q&A
- QuestionIf I change my device's wake word, will I have the option of changing it back to "Alexa" later?
DsgyuuCommunity AnswerYes. It does not matter how many times you change it. - QuestionCan I change the wake word to my own name?
LilyTop AnswererNo, the other options are Amazon, computer or echo. - QuestionHow do you get it to drop in on "kitchen," for example?
Katie DollarCommunity AnswerSay "Alexa (or whatever name) drop in on the (name of device here)."
Video
Tips
- It used to be possible to buy celebrity voices for Alexa, which let you change the wake word to that celebrity's name. For example, if you installed the Samuel L. Jackson voice, you could say "Samuel" instead of "Alexa." As of April 2023, this is no longer possible.[2]Thanks
- The "Computer" wake word is a nod to the Star Trek series.Thanks
- "Echo" and "Ziggy" are the shortest wake words with only two syllables. Try one of these wake words if you use your Echo frequently. This way, each of your commands will be one syllable shorter.Thanks
Tips from our Readers 
- When using the “computer” wake word, you can shorten it to ‘Puter, like in the LEGO Batman Movie!
References
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