You may not be fascinated by the idea of having to say the word "Alexa" to activate and be able to interact with your Amazon Echo. If so, don't worry you have the possibility to change the name with which to activate the device by assigning the one you prefer. You can do this using the Alexa app, for example by changing it to "Amazon", "Echo" or "Computer". Within the application, the name you choose to activate your Echo must be entered in the "Activation word" field.
Steps
Step 1. Launch the Alexa app
Log in to your Android or iOS device, open the Alexa application and log into your Amazon account. It features a light blue icon depicting a stylized speech bubble.
- If you haven't yet installed the Amazon Alexa app, you can download it directly from the Google Play Store on Android or iOS from the App Store on iPhone and iPad. In order to configure your Echo and Alexa assistant settings, you need to use the appropriate application for mobile devices.
- Make sure you're using the same Amazon account you used to register the Echo.
Step 2. Press the ☰ button
It is located in the upper left corner of the screen.
Step 3. Choose the Settings option
It is visible at the bottom of the appeared menu.
Step 4. Tap the name of the Echo device you want to change the activation word for
The list of Alexa-connected devices should have appeared at the top of the "Settings" menu.
Step 5. Scroll through the list of options that appeared to select Activation Word
The current name you use to activate your Echo is visible within the indicated field.
Step 6. Access the "Alexa Device Activation Word" drop-down menu and choose one of the options
Here is the list of available words:
- Amazon;
- Echo;
- Computer.
Step 7. Press the Save button
It is blue in color and located below the drop-down menu.
Amazon recommends waiting to use the new activation word as the update process may take several minutes. During this time, you may not be able to interact and use your Echo
Advice
- If you use your Echo frequently, you should choose a short and easy to pronounce name such as "Echo". This way the commands you give your personal assistant will be shorter.
- If you are a fan of the Star Trek series, you may want to use the name "Computer". If you have chosen to use this name for your Echo, remember to refer to your computer with a different name, for example "PC", "Mac" or "Laptop", to avoid activating the device every time you refer to the computer.
