Last updated on February 7, 2026
In 2026, customizing our smart devices isn’t just a cool trick—it’s essential for a smooth-running, multi-user smart home. If you have an Amazon Echo speaker, you’re probably used to the name ‘Alexa’ echoing through your house. While it’s iconic, hearing it constantly can lead to accidental activations or just plain monotony. Luckily, learning how to change Alexa’s wake word is a dead-simple process that can seriously upgrade your daily experience.
This up-to-date guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, so you can pick from the different wake words Amazon offers. We’ll cover how to do it with your voice and through the mobile app, and I’ll even throw in a pro-tip using Routines to create more personalized voice commands.
Alexa’s Alternative Wake Words in 2026
One of the most common questions I get is, “What are my options besides ‘Alexa’?” Over the years, Amazon has slowly expanded the list. While you still can’t choose a completely custom name (due to the technical challenge of on-device voice processing), the available alternatives are solid and reliable. Here’s the full list of options available in the US for 2026:
| Wake Word | Notes / Best For |
|---|---|
| Alexa | The default, and the most widely recognized option. |
| Amazon | Great if someone in your house is named Alex or Alexis to avoid confusion. |
| Echo | A short, direct word that’s hard to mistake in everyday conversation. |
| Computer | The classic choice for Sci-Fi fans, made famous by Star Trek. |
| Ziggy | A more recent, fun-sounding option that adds a bit of personality. |
Heads up: Changing the wake word applies to a single device. If you have multiple Echo speakers, you’ll need to configure each one individually.
How to Change Alexa’s Wake Word (2 Easy Methods)
There are two incredibly simple ways to make this change. Pick whichever one is most convenient for you.
Method 1: Using a Voice Command (The Fastest Way)
This is the most direct method. Just get close to the Echo speaker or display you want to change and say clearly:
“Alexa, change the wake word.”
The assistant will respond by listing the available options (“You can choose from Alexa, Amazon, Echo, Computer, or Ziggy. Which one would you like?”). Just say your choice, and the device will confirm the change. That’s it! The speaker will briefly restart and will then respond to its new name.
Method 2: Using the Alexa App (For Total Control)
If you’d rather use your phone or need to change the settings on a device in another room, the Alexa app is your best friend. Just follow these steps:
- Open the Alexa app on your smartphone.
- Tap the Devices tab in the bottom menu bar.
- Select Echo & Alexa at the top.
- Find and tap on the specific device whose wake word you want to change.
- On the device screen, tap the gear icon (Settings) in the top-right corner.
- Scroll down until you find the Wake Word option and tap on it.
- Choose your new wake word from the list and then exit the settings. The change will sync to your device within a few seconds.
Important Reminder: As mentioned before, you have to repeat this process for every single Echo device in your home if you want them all to use the same new wake word.
Pro-Tip: Create “Custom Commands” with Routines
While we can’t set a primary wake word like “Jarvis” or “Athena,” we can get creative and use Routines to make Alexa respond to unique phrases. A Routine lets you trigger one or more actions whenever you say a specific custom phrase.
For example, instead of making several requests, you could create a Routine that activates when you say, “Alexa, it’s movie time.” This single command could then dim the lights, turn on the TV, and set your soundbar to the right input.
This is a fantastic way to create more powerful and personal interactions with your assistant. To learn more about what’s possible, check out our ultimate guide to Alexa commands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use any name I want for Alexa?
No. As of 2026, we are still limited to the predefined list of wake words from Amazon. This is because the wake word detection happens locally on the Echo device itself for a super-fast response. These specific words have been highly optimized to work accurately with a low rate of false activations.
Does changing the wake word affect all my Echo devices at once?
No, the change is per-device. You must set the wake word on each Echo speaker or display individually. This actually gives you the flexibility to have different wake words in different rooms if you’d like.
My Echo keeps activating by itself. Will changing the wake word help?
Yes, it absolutely can. False activations often happen when the device mishears words that sound similar to “Alexa” in conversations or on TV. Switching to a phonetically different word like “Echo” or “Computer” can dramatically reduce these accidental triggers.
Do all wake words work in every language?
The available options can vary slightly depending on your country and the language setting of your Amazon account. The list provided in this article (“Alexa,” “Amazon,” “Echo,” “Computer,” and “Ziggy”) is confirmed for the U.S. English language setting in 2026.