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

How to Reset Echo Dot 3 Speaker

Here, we demo how to reset the Echo Dot 3 talking speaker. Resetting restores this unit back to default, fresh-from-the-factory settings.  So why would anyone want to reset?  Because you might wish to sell the speaker, donate it, or give it to friend for Christmas.  Resetting also allows you to link the Echo Dot 3 to a different Amazon account.  Or set it up on a different wireless network.  In all these cases, resetting works best to clear old account data from the speaker.  It also prepares the speaker for setup on a new account and / or WiFi network.

To detach the Echo Dot 3 from its current Amazon account, run the routine below.





Now if you’re just trying to get rid of unusual behavior of the Echo Dot 3, you may not need a complete reset. So, before resetting, try powering off this Alexa speaker for fifteen seconds.  Turn it off by unplugging its power cord either from the AC outlet, or from the unit itself.  Then, wait ten to fifteen seconds. Then plug it back in. Rebooting often restores normal running. But if not, read on for the reset procedure.

Once reset, you’ll no longer have control of the speaker from the account where you controlled it from before.  To control it again through the previous account, run through the setup procedure again.

Please note that resetting the speaker alone does not remove it from your Amazon account.  To do that, you must deregister the speaker in the Alexa app, and we recommend that you do this if you’re selling or gifting this speaker, to prevent others from accessing any of your Amazon account data.

How to Reset Echo Dot 3 Speaker, Step by Step

1. Connect the Power Cable

First, connect the Echo Dot 3 speaker to its 12-volt power cord, as shown next.

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

2. Next, Plug the Adapter End into a Working AC Outlet

See this as shown next.

Picture of the Echo Dot 3 smart speaker powering up, showing its AC adapter plugged into standard wall outlet.
The Echo Dot 3 smart speaker powering up, showing its AC adapter plugged into standard wall outlet.

Then, wait for the speaker to complete booting.  That’s done when either the light ring goes dark, or it starts flashing orange, red, or purple.

3. Next, Press and Hold the Action Button for Five Seconds

Hold in the Action button until the light ring turns orange, and the Echo Dot 3 says that it is entering Setup mode.  On this smart speaker, the Action button also works as the Reset button.  Find it pointed at by the green arrow in the next picture.

Picture of the Echo Dot 3 speaker, top view, showing the -Action- button highlighted.
An Echo Dot 3 speaker, top view, showing the Action button highlighted.

4. Finally, What Happens After Echo Dot 3 Reset?

The speaker has now been returned to its factory default state, and has entered Setup mode, as shown next.

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




Pack it Up or Set it Up Again

You may now give your Echo Dot 3 to another without worry that they’ll have access to the account information and settings on your Amazon account. Or, you can set it up again on your account. If selling though, we suggest that you pack the speaker in its original box if you still have it.  This makes for the safest transport through mail or other delivery service, as shown in the next picture.

Front view picture of the Echo Dot 3 speaker box.
Echo Dot 3 speaker box, front view.

Other Posts About the Echo Dot 3 Speaker

  1. Echo Dot 3 Setup Instructions
  2. Dot 3 Echo Buttons Guide, Layout, Purpose, How to Use
  3. Echo Dot 3 Power Adapter Specs
  4. How to Factory Reset Echo Dot 3

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  4. How to Reset Amazon Echo Dot Speaker
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References for How to Reset Echo Dot 3

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

Revision History

  • 2020-12-08: First published.