Resetting the Amazon Echo to factory settings – here’s how

If your Amazon Echo (Dot, Plus, Show, Spot) is causing problems or you want to sell it, you should reset the device to factory settings. We show you how to do this for the different generations.

Amazon Echo reset to factory settings

Many problems are already solved by a restart. Simply disconnect the Echo from the power supply for a short time. For persistent errors, however, only a reset will help.

• Amazon Echo of the 1st generation: You will find a small hole at the bottom of the device. This is the reset button. Use a bent paper clip, a sharp pencil or something similar and press and hold the button in this hole for 5 seconds. The light ring of the Amazon Echo will then light up orange and then blue. If the ring is orange again, the Amazon Echo has been reset to the factory settings. You can now set up the Echo again via the Alexa app.

• Amazon Echo 2nd generation: Press and hold the microphone button and the volume down button for about 20 seconds until the light ring lights up orange. As soon as the ring turns blue, you can set up the Echo again.

• Amazon Echo 3rd generation: Press and hold the action button with the dot until the light ring turns orange. The Echo will now reset itself.

• Amazon Echo 4th generation: Again, press and hold the action button on the top of the Echo for about 20 seconds until the light ring turns orange and the Echo resets.

Amazon Echo Dot reset to factory settings

Also with the Echo Dot, there is a different procedure for resetting the device depending on the model.

• Amazon Echo Dot of the 1st & 2nd generation: Press and hold the “Microphone” and the “Volume down” button for about 20 seconds. As soon as the light ring turns orange, the rest process starts.

• Amazon Echo Dot of the 3rd & 4th generation with and without LED clock: Press the action button on the top of the Echo Dot for about 25 seconds. The device will now be reset to the factory settings.

Amazon Echo Show: reset instructions

If you use the Echo Show with a touch display, you can simply start the reset in the menu. To do this, swipe down from the top and select “Settings” in the menu. In the “Device options” area you will now find the option “Reset to factory settings”.