How to Fix the ‘Alexa Device Is Not Registered’ Error in 2026

Last updated on January 30, 2026

You’re staring at one of the most frustrating messages you can get when setting up a new smart speaker: “Alexa device is not registered”. This error can pop up with a brand-new Echo straight out of the box or a second-hand one, bringing your setup process to a screeching halt. As an IoT Engineer, I’ve seen this issue hundreds of times, and the good news is, it almost always has a simple fix.

In this definitive 2026 guide, I’ll walk you step-by-step through every possible cause and solution, from network hiccups to deregistering old accounts. While I’ll often refer to the Echo Dot because it’s the most popular, these steps are valid for the entire Amazon Echo family, including the Echo Show, Pop, and Studio.

Quick Fix Guide: Common Problems & Solutions

If you’re in a hurry, this table offers a rapid diagnosis. Find your situation and try the recommended fix before diving into the more detailed guides below.

Cause #1: A Used Echo Is Still Tied to Another Account

This is, by far, the most common reason for the “device not registered” error. When someone sells or gives away their Echo, they often forget to unlink it from their Amazon account. Until this step is done, the device is essentially a digital paperweight for anyone else.

If You’re the Original Owner (or Can Contact Them)

To deregister an Echo Dot or any other Echo device, the original owner needs to follow these steps from the Amazon website or app:

1. Open the main Amazon shopping app (not the Alexa app) or visit the website.
2. Go to “Account & Lists” and find the “Content & Devices” section.
3. Select the “Devices” tab at the top.
4. Look for and select the “Echo” category.
5. Click on the specific device you want to unlink (e.g., “David’s Echo Dot”).
6. You’ll see a clear option that says “Deregister”. Click it and confirm the action.

Once that’s done, the device will be free and ready to be set up on a new account as if it were brand new.

If You Bought a Used Echo and Can’t Contact the Seller

This is where things get tricky. If the device hasn’t been reported stolen, your only option is to contact Amazon Customer Service. You’ll need the device’s serial number (usually printed on the bottom). Explain the situation, and if they can verify it’s not marked as lost or stolen, they may be able to deregister it for you remotely.

Buyer Beware! I’ve heard stories of people buying a used speaker only to find out it was reported stolen. In those cases, Amazon’s hands are tied, and it’s virtually impossible to unlock the device. Always be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

Cause #2: Pesky Wi-Fi & Network Glitches

If your device is new, the Alexa device not registered error is almost certainly a network issue. Before you pull your hair out, run through these basic checks:

• Are you on the right network? Make sure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network you’re trying to connect the Echo to.
• Correct password: It sounds obvious, but a typo in the Wi-Fi password is a super common cause. Enter it again, slowly.
• 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz? Many Echo devices, especially older or budget models like the Echo Pop, work best (or exclusively) on the 2.4 GHz band. If your router broadcasts both bands under the same name (SSID), it can cause confusion. Try explicitly connecting to the 2.4 GHz network if you have it set up separately.

If the above points don’t work, it’s time for a controlled reboot, which fixes about 90% of connectivity problems. For more details, check out our complete guide on how to fix Alexa Wi-Fi connection issues.

How to Properly Reboot Your Router and Echo Device

1. Unplug the Echo device from the wall outlet. Don’t just use a power button.
2. Unplug your router from the wall outlet.
3. Wait a full 60 seconds. This step is crucial. It allows the internal capacitors to fully discharge and clears the memory.
4. Plug the router back in first. Wait for all its lights to become stable and for you to have internet access on your phone.
5. Now, plug the Echo device back in and wait for it to fully boot up (it will usually greet you).
6. Try the setup process again from the Alexa app.

Cause #3: Glitches in the Alexa App or Setup Process

Sometimes the problem isn’t the Echo or your network, but the app on your phone. If the Alexa app can’t find your device, follow these steps:

• Update the app: Go to the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iOS) and make sure you have the latest version of the Amazon Alexa app.
• Enable permissions: The Alexa app needs both Bluetooth and Location permissions to discover new devices nearby. Make sure they’re enabled in your phone’s settings.
• Clear the cache: On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Amazon Alexa > Storage & cache, then tap “Clear Cache.” On iOS, the easiest way is to uninstall and reinstall the app.
• Reboot your phone: The classic fix that never fails. Restarting your smartphone can solve temporary communication glitches.

The Nuclear Option: Factory Reset Your Echo

If you’ve made it this far and nothing has worked, it’s time for the last-ditch effort before contacting support: factory resetting your Echo. This will wipe all its settings and return it to its out-of-the-box state.

The process varies slightly by model, but for an Echo Dot (4th or 5th Gen), these are the steps:

1. Press and hold the Action button (the one with the single dot in the center).
2. Keep holding it for about 25 seconds. The light ring will turn orange, then blue.
3. Wait for the light ring to turn off and then back on in orange. Alexa will tell you the device is now in setup mode.
4. Now, open the Alexa app and go through the setup process from the very beginning, as if you just unboxed it.

[Image: Action button on an Amazon Echo Dot used to initiate a factory reset.]

Still Not Working? Time to Contact Amazon Support

If even a factory reset doesn’t solve the problem, it’s highly likely there’s either a hardware fault with the device or a server-side block on Amazon’s end that only they can resolve. It’s time to contact their customer service team.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why does my brand-new Echo Dot say it’s not registered?

This is usually due to a connection issue. Double-check that you’re using the correct Wi-Fi password and try connecting the Echo to your router’s 2.4 GHz band. A full reboot of both the router and the Echo itself typically solves the problem.

I bought a used Echo and can’t register it, what do I do?

99% of the time, the previous owner did not deregister the device from their Amazon account. You need to contact them and ask them to do it. If that’s not possible, contact Amazon support with the device’s serial number and ask them to attempt a remote unlinking.

Can I use my Echo if I don’t register it?

No. Registering the device to an Amazon account is a mandatory step for it to function. Without registration, it can’t connect to Alexa’s services and is, at best, a very basic Bluetooth speaker (and sometimes not even that).

Is the “device not registered” error the same as “no internet connection”?

Not quite. A “no internet connection” error means the Echo was successfully set up but has now lost its connection to your router or Amazon’s servers. The “device not registered” error happens during the initial setup and prevents the device from being linked to your account in the first place.