Top view picture of the Echo Dot 3rd Generation speaker as it boots.

How to Factory Reset Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Generation

Here, we show how to factory reset the Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Generation Alexa speaker back to default settings.  So why would you ever wish to do this?  In fact, you may wish to sell or give your Dot to a friend.  Or you might need to link it to a new Amazon account.  Or you could want to connect it to a new WiFi network.  In all these cases, factory resetting is the best way to clean out all old account data from the Dot.  A factory reset gets the speaker ready to use on a new account and / or WiFi network.

Do not always factory reset as a first step for fixing strange behavior. Before that, try turning off the speaker for fifteen seconds by unplugging its power cable either from the wall outlet, or from the unit itself.  Then, wait for a quarter minute. Finally, plug it back in. Cold booting often restores proper function. But if not, read on for the proper procedure.





Once you factory reset your Amazon Echo Dot 3rd generation you’ll no longer be able to control it from your Amazon account.  To regain control, run through the setup routine again.  There, relink the speaker to that Amazon account again via the Alexa app.

How to Factory Reset Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Generation Speaker

1. Attach Wall Power Cable

First, connect the Dot to its 12-volt power adapter cord, as shown next.

Picture of the Amazon Echo Dot 3rd generation speaker AC power adapter, plugged into speaker back.
Amazon Echo Dot 3rd generation speaker AC power adapter, plugged into speaker back.

2. Next, Plug the Power Cord into a Working Wall Outlet

See this as shown next.

Picture of the speaker powering up, showing its AC adapter plugged into standard wall outlet.
The speaker powering up, showing its AC adapter plugged into standard wall outlet.

Then, wait for the Echo Dot to finish booting.  It’s done booting when either the light ring goes dark, or it begins flashing orange, red, or purple.

3. Next, Press and Hold the Action Button for 5 to 10 Seconds to Continue with How to Factory Reset Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Generation

Press the   Action   button until the light ring on top turns orange.  You should also hear the unit announce that it is entering Setup mode.  On this speaker, the  Action  button doubles as the   Factory Reset   button, and is pointed at by the green arrow in the next picture.

Picture of the speaker, top view, showing the Action button highlighted.
Top view of the speaker, showing the Action button highlighted.

4. Finally, What Happens After Factory Reset?

Your Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Generation assistant is now restored to its factory default settings.  It also has entered   Setup   mode, as shown next.

Picture of the speaker shown in Setup mode, light ring orange and spinning. How to Factory Reset Echo Dot 3rd generation.
The speaker shown in Setup mode, with its light ring glowing orange and spinning.

5. Done !





Pack it Up or Set it Up Again

You may now give your Dot 3 to another now.  Don’t fear that they’ll have access to the Alexa settings on your Amazon account. Or, you can set it up again on your existing account. But if selling, we suggest that you pack the speaker in its original carton. Do this for safest transport through the mail, as shown in the next picture.  Then, pack the Echo box in another outer box for further safety.

Picture of the original speaker box packaging, front view.
The original speaker box packaging, front view.

 

Other Posts About the Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Generation Speaker

  1. How to Setup Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Generation Speaker
  2. How to Restart Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Generation

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Suggested Reading

  1. Google Home Mini Setup Instructions
  2. How to Pair Sony Speaker to iPhone
  3. Philips SHQ3000 Earbuds Earhook Headphones Review
  4. How to Connect Alexa to Another WiFi Network
  5. Finding Radio Stream URL Using URL Snooper 2

References for How to Factory Reset Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Generation

  1. All-new Echo Dot (3rd Gen) – Smart speaker with Alexa, on Amazon.com
  2. What is Amazon Echo? on Wikipedia

Revision History

  • 2020-09-20: First published.