Picture of the Echo Dot 3rd Gen speaker box, front view.

How to Reset Echo Dot 3rd Generation

Here, we show how to reset the Echo Dot 3rd Generation smart speaker back to factory default settings.  So why would you ever do this?  Well, you may wish to sell or give your Dot 3 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 Echo Dot 3rd generation and unlink it from its current Alexa account, run through the routine below.

Do not always reset as a first step for fixing strange Echo Dot behavior. Before hard resetting, try turning off the Dot 3 for fifteen seconds.  Do this by unplugging its power cable either from the wall outlet, or from the speaker 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 hard 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 Echo Dot 3rd Generation 

1. Attach Wall Power Cable

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

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

Top view of the 3rd generation Echo Dot speaker, showing the Action button highlighted.
Top view of the 3rd generation Echo Dot 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 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 Echo Dot 3rd Generation ! 

Pack it Up or Set it Up Again

You may now give your 3rd generation Echo Dot 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.

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

Other Posts About the Echo Dot 3rd Generation Smart Speaker

  1. How to Set Up Echo Dot 3rd Generation
  2. How to Restart Echo Dot 3rd Generation
  3. Echo Dot 3rd Generation Charger Specs
  4. Buttons on Echo Dot 3rd Generation Top
  5. How to Reboot Echo Dot 3rd Generation Speaker

Related Posts to How to Reset 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. Echo Dot 3 Buttons and Ports Guide, Layout, Purpose, How to Use
  5. Reset Echo Spot WiFi, How To Instructions

References for How to Reset Echo Dot 3rd Generation

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

Revision History

  • 2021-08-10: Revised the internal links and tags lists.
  • 2020-07-13: Optimized the text and adjusted the tags list.
  • 2020-05-19: Revised the tags list and optimized the text.
  • 2020-04-07: Added more tags.
  • 2019-05-03: Tuned the targeting for ‘Reset Echo Dot 3rd Generation’.
  • 2019-04-19: Shortened sentences.
  • 2018-12-01: First published.