How to Factory Reset Echo Dot 3rd Gen

Here, we show how to factory reset the Echo Dot 3rd Gen speaker, to set it back to factory default settings. So why would you ever reset ? Well, you may wish to sell or give this speaker to another person. Or link it to a new Amazon account. Or 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 this speaker. A factory reset gets it ready to use on a new account and / or WiFi network. So to reset the speaker, and unpair it from its current Alexa account, run through the routine below.

Do not always factory reset as a first step for fixing strange Echo Dot 3rd Gen speaker behavior. Before factory resetting, try turning off the speaker by unplugging its power cable either from the wall outlet, or from the speaker itself. Then, wait 1/4 minute. Then plug it back in. Rebooting often restores proper working. But if not, read on for the proper factory reset procedure.

Once you factory reset the speaker, you’ll no longer be able to control the speaker from your Amazon account. To get control of it back, run through the Setup procedure again. There, relink the speaker to that account again via the Alexa app.

How to Factory Reset Echo Dot 3rd Gen Speaker

1. Attach Wall Power Cable

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

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

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

See this as shown next.

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

Then, wait for the unit 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 an Echo Dot 3rd Gen Speaker

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

Top view of the 3rd gen Echo Dot speaker, showing the Action button highlighted. — Top view of the 3rd gen Echo Dot speaker, showing the -Action- button highlighted.

4. Finally, What Happens After Factory Reset?

Your Echo Dot 3rd Gen speaker 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. — The speaker, shown in Setup mode, light ring orange and spinning.

5. Done with How to Factory Reset the Echo Dot 3rd Gen !

Pack it Up or Set it Up Again

You may now give your 3rd gen Echo Dot to another now. Don’t fear that they’ll have access to the Alexa settings on your Amazon account though. They won’t.

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.

Front view of the Echo Dot 3rd Gen speaker box.

References for How to Factory Reset Echo Dot 3rd Gen

Revision History

2020-07-15: First published.