Screenshot of the Alexa app on iOS, displaying its -Choose Echo Dot Version to Set Up- page, with the -3rd Generation- option highlighted.

How to Reset Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Generation

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

To reset the Amazon Echo Dot 3rd generation speaker and unlink it from its current Amazon account, run through the routine below.

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

Once you reset Echo Dot 3rd generation 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 Dot 3 to that account again via the Alexa app.

How to 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 Reset Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Generation

Press the   Action   button until the light ring turns orange.  You should also hear the smart speaker announce 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.

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 Reset?

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

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

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

Related Posts to How to Reset Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Generation Speaker

  1. Reset Echo Spot to Factory Settings, How To Hard Reset
  2. How to Reset Alexa Echo Gen 2 Dot Back to Factory Default Settings
  3. Reset Chromecast Audio to Factory Settings, How To
  4. Reset Echo Spot WiFi, How To Instructions
  5. How to Reset Echo Dot 1st Gen

References for Reset Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Generation

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

Revision History

  • 2020-05-18: First published.