Picture of the Amazon Alexa Echo Dot 3rd Generation speaker, shown in Setup mode, light ring orange and spinning.

How to Reset Alexa Dot 3rd Generation Speaker

Here, we show how to reset the Alexa Dot 3rd Generation speaker to return it to its factory default settings.  So why would you ever reset ?  Because you may desire to sell or give this unit to another person.  Or, connect it to a new Amazon account.  Or sync it to a new WiFi network.  In these cases, resetting is the best way to purge all old account data from the speaker.  A reset gets it ready to attach to a new account and / or WiFi network.  So to reset it and unlink it from its current Alexa account, run through the directions below.

Do not always reset as a first step to fix strange speaker behavior though, as this can create lots of unnecessary effort. So before resetting, try turning off the speaker for fifteen seconds by unplugging its power cord either from the AC outlet, or from the unit itself.  Then, wait for a quarter minute. Then plug it back in. Rebooting often restores proper working, without doing a full reset. But if not, read on for the proper full reset procedure.





Once you reset the Alexa Dot 3rd Generation, it will no longer work via your Amazon account.  So to restore control, run through the setup instructions again.  There, relink the speaker to your account again via the Alexa app.

How to Reset Alexa Dot 3rd Generation Speaker

1. Attach the AC Power Cable

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

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

2. Next, Plug the Cord into a Working Power 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 Reset Alexa Dot 3rd Generation

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 generation Alexa Dot speaker, showing the Action button highlighted.
Top view of the 3rd generation Alexa Dot speaker, showing the -Action- button highlighted.

4. Finally, What Happens After Reset?

Your Alexa Dot 3rd Generation 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 Reset Alexa Dot 3rd Generation ! 





Pack it Up or Set it Up Again

You may now give this smart speaker to someone else.  Indeed, there’s no need to  fear that they’ll have access to the Alexa settings on your Amazon account. 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 the carton it came in. Do this for safest transport through the mail, as shown in the next picture.  Then, pack that box into another outer box for further safety.

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

Related Posts to How to Reset Alexa Dot 3rd Generation

  1. How to Reset Echo Spot to Factory Settings
  2. How to Reset Original Google Home Smart Speaker to Factory Default Settings
  3. Reset Echo Dot 2nd Generation to Factory Settings
  4. How to Reset Chromecast Audio to Factory Settings

References for How to Reset Alexa Dot 3rd Generation Speaker to Factory Settings

  1. The Alexa Dot (3rd Gen) – Smart speaker with Alexa, on Amazon.com

Revision History

  • 2020-12-09: First published.