You can change an Echo’s wake word if Alexa conflicts with a person’s name, causes accidental wake-ups, or triggers two nearby devices at once. The change is made per device.
These steps apply to Echo speakers and Echo displays managed from the Alexa app on iPhone or Android.
Does this affect you?
Use this if you want an Echo to respond to Echo, Amazon, Computer, or Ziggy where available instead of Alexa. Amazon does not let you type any custom name you want; you choose from the built-in list offered for your device and region.
Change the wake word on an existing Echo
Repeat these steps on every Echo you want to change.
- Open the Alexa app.
- Tap Devices.
- Tap Echo & Alexa.
- Select the specific Echo device.
- Tap the gear icon for settings.
- Scroll to Wake Word.
- Choose Alexa, Echo, Amazon, Computer, or another option shown for that device.
- Confirm the change.
The Echo usually plays a short tone once the new wake word is active. From then on, the old wake word stops working on that device.
Choose a wake word during setup
Some setup flows let you choose the wake word while adding a new Echo.
- Plug in the new Echo.
- Open the Alexa app.
- Tap Devices > + or Add Device.
- Follow the prompts to connect the Echo over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
- When device settings appear, look for Wake Word.
- Choose the word you want before finishing setup.
If the wake-word choice does not appear during setup, finish setup with the default Alexa wake word and change it afterward in device settings.
When changing the wake word helps
Changing the wake word only changes the trigger word. The commands after it work the same way, such as setting timers, controlling lights, asking skills, or starting routines.
If two Echoes are close together and both answer, give them different wake words. For example, keep one on Alexa and set the other to Echo or Computer.
Some people find Echo or Computer causes fewer false activations than Alexa, especially if the word Alexa appears in conversations, TV shows, or a family member’s name. Try a different option for a week and see which one behaves best in your home.
Alexa does not support a fully custom wake word such as a nickname or pet name. You are limited to the wake-word choices Amazon provides for your device.
Sources
- Amazon Alexa Help – Change the wake word for your Alexa device (2025)
- Amazon Alexa Help – Alexa device settings (2025)
- Amazon Alexa Help – Set up your Echo device (2025)