It’s simple to change the Amazon voice assistant’s wake word, and there are a few different words to choose from. Here’s a look at how you can evict Alexa in favour of a new wake word.
(Note: If you are using a third-party device with Alexa built in, you may not have the option to
change the wake word.)
Open the Alexa app and select Devices
Select Echo & Alexa from the top row of icons
Choose the device you want to change the name for. You need to change it individually on each Echo speaker or display.
Select the Settings icon in the top right-hand corner, scroll down, and select Wake Word.
Choose your new wake word. (Your options include Amazon, Computer, Echo, or Ziggy.)
The update will take a few moments; then, you can start using the new wake word.
CHANGE ALEXA’S NAME / WAKE WORD ON THE DEVICE
You can change the wake word directly on your Echo device using voice commands.
Say “Alexa, change your wake word.”
Alexa will say “OK, you can choose from Amazon, Computer, Echo, or Ziggy — which of these do you like?”
Say “Computer” (or whichever word you want).
Alexa will say “OK, you can call me ‘Computer’ on this device in a few seconds.”
If you have an Echo Show, you can also use the touchscreen to change the wake word.
Swipe from the top of the screen
Select Settings
Scroll down and choose Device Options
Choose Wake Word
Select the option you want to use on this device
In some regions you can also opt for a celebrity wake word, which will change Alexa’s voice. Current options include Hey Samuel (Samuel L. Jackson), Hey Shaq (Shaquille O’Neal), and Hey Melissa (Melissa McCarthy). These cost $4.99 to enable.
