Key Takeaways
- On most Echo Dots, you can perform a reset by holding down the action button for 20 seconds.
- On the first generation Dot, you’ll need a pin or paperclip to press the reset button.
- Before you give away your Dot, log in to Amazon.com and unsubscribe.
Amazon’s Echo Dot speaker is one of the simplest and cheapest devices for your gateway into the world of smart homes. However, apart from technical issues, there are many reasons why you may need to put your Echo back into setup mode, such as selling it or giving it to a friend or family member. In fact, it is absolutely essential to perform a reset before giving away your Echo, as otherwise you may also give away control of your lights, thermostat, etc.
There are two main ways to reset your Echo Dot, which we’ll cover below, with a separate section for the first-generation Dot, which has its own options.
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How to Reset an Echo Dot (2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th Generation)
If you’re only trying to troubleshoot a technical issue, we recommend following the first of the two methods, otherwise you’ll have to reconfigure your Dot’s smart home connections. Only try a factory reset if a “soft” reset doesn’t work, or if you plan on giving your Dot away.
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Stay connected to your smart home
- Tap and hold action Hold the button for 20 seconds. On newer models, this looks like a circle.
- The light ring turn aroundoffafter that again.
- Your Echo should now be in setup mode. Orange Ring.
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Perform a factory reset
- Tap and hold Turn down the volume and Mute/Mic Off Press the buttons simultaneously for 20 seconds.
- The light ring will turn off then turn back on.
- Your Echo should now be in setup mode. Orange Ring.
- If you are planning to give the speaker as a gift, log in to amazon.com/mycd and deviceselect your device, Unsubscribe.
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How to Reset your Echo Dot (1st Generation)
Stay connected to your smart home
Andrés Urena/Unsplash
- Use a paper clip (or similar) to remove the hidden Reset button.
- Wait for the light ring to light up Turn it off and on again.
- The Dot is in setup mode. Orange Ring.
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Perform a factory reset
Andrés Urena/Unsplash
- Use a paper clip (or similar tool) to remove the hidden Reset Hold the button down for 8 seconds or more.
- Wait for the light ring to light up On and Off.
- The Dot is in setup mode. Orange Ring.
- To transfer your Dot, log in to amazon.com/mycd and deviceselect your device, Unsubscribe.
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FAQ
Q: Why do I need to unregister my Echo Dot after a factory reset?
Even if the speaker itself is clean, it’s still linked to your Amazon account, which could cause problems for both you and whoever you hand the Dot to.
Q: What is the best Amazon Echo speaker?
Technically speaking, the Echo Studio is Amazon’s most powerful model, offering deep bass and Dolby Atmos. But the best speaker for your purpose will depend on the situation. In places like nurseries and bathrooms, an Echo Dot is often a good choice. If you need to hear the doorbell or see security camera footage, an Echo Show is a better choice.
