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Echo Dot Won’t Reset: 6 Ways To Fix In 30 Sec. (2023)

Echo Dot Won't Reset

“Help! I can’t reset my Echo Dot. I’m sure that I’m following the right procedure…”

Many things can cause your Echo Dot to fail to reset.

For once, it may be because you’re following a reset process for a different model.

Or maybe your speaker can’t fully receive commands due to some error.

Don’t worry, as there are several ways you can troubleshoot it.

And you’ll be surprised how simple it is!

Read on to learn:

  • What causes an Alexa speaker to fail to reset.
  • 6 ways to fix Echo Dot that won’t reset in 30 seconds.
  • How to factory reset the Echo Dot using the Alexa app.
  • And so much more…

Why can’t I reset my Echo Dot?

You can’t reset your Echo Dot because you’re doing the wrong factory resetting procedure. It will also fail to reset if the speaker has a power or internet connectivity issue. Meaning it can’t connect to a power source and WiFi network. An Echo Dot will not reset as well if its software is outdated.


Echo Dot won’t reset: 6 ways to fix it


#1: Refer to the user manual

If you can’t reset your Echo Dot, then maybe you’re not doing it correctly.

When resetting an Echo Dot, you should strictly follow its instructions.

For example, if it says to hold the “Action” & “Volume Down” buttons for 25 seconds, you should hold it for 25 seconds.

It’s also possible that you’re pressing the wrong buttons. 

This can happen because there are no labels but only icons on the speaker.

So, make sure to refer to the user manual. 

Study the icons and the right procedure.

“I’m following a resetting procedure that I’ve seen online…”

Well, there’s nothing wrong with it.

But the instruction may be meant for a different Echo Dot generation.

There are several Echo Dot generations. And they have different resetting procedures.

So, once again, review your user manual to make sure that you’re doing the right and proper process.

Want to know how to reset an Echo Dot 4th Gen? Then, watch this short video!

Learn more: Why is my Echo Dot not turning on?

#2: Ensure that the speaker is fully plugged in

Echo Dot can only work when it’s plugged into a power source.

“It’s plugged in. Its LED light is on…”

But is the plug fully inserted on a power socket?

Because if not, it can cause the speaker to malfunction.

The speaker doesn’t receive the right amount of power it needs to function.

And so, it may fail to follow any commands. 

If your Echo Dot fails to reset, check its power adapter.

Ensure that the plug is fully inserted into the power socket. 

Don’t forget to check if the other end is correctly plugged into the speaker power port.

While you’re at it, try checking if the power socket you’re using has a stable charge.

You may do that by using an outlet tester.

If not available, you may try plugging in another device to the same socket.

See if the device works when plugged in.

If not, plug your Echo Dot on a different power socket.

#3: Use an Amazon-certified power adapter

“I’m sure that my device is fully plugged in. But why it still doesn’t work?”

Perhaps the power adapter of your speaker is faulty.

Check if there are any bite marks, exposed wirings, or burnt plug prongs on the power adapter.

If yes, then that may be the reason why.

“But I just replaced my power adapter with a new one…”

If that’s the case, then the power adapter you’re using must be incompatible with it.

Not all “universal” power adaptors can work with Echo Dot.

So, to resolve the problem, use an Amazon-certified power adapter.

Doing this ensures that your speaker device will work well. As the adapter is made according to the specifications of your Echo Dot.

#4: Improve the WiFi connection

Echo Dot Closer to Router

Another possible reason why your Echo Dot won’t reset is that your WiFi connection is poor.

Echo Dot needs a strong and stable WiFi connection to work.

Once the connection becomes unstable, it can fail to register and follow commands.

If your device fails to reset, improve your WiFi connection.

Here are some things you can do:

  • Restart the WiFi router.
  • Restart the Echo Dot speaker.
  • Move the Echo Dot closer to the WiFi router.
  • Disconnect not-in-use devices from the WiFi network.

Restarting the router and Echo Dot speaker can help eliminate WiFi connectivity issues.

To restart the devices, just unplug them from the power source.

Then, wait for at least 30 seconds before plugging them back in.

Before you re-do the resetting process, make sure that the speaker is connected to the WiFi.

#5: Force update the speaker

“I’ve already restarted my Echo Dot. But I still can’t reset it!”

Your Echo Dot can also fail to reset if its firmware is outdated. 

Outdated firmware can reject any actions done on the speaker.

Meaning, no matter how hard you try to push the buttons, it won’t reset because the speaker’s system doesn’t register it.

“So, how can I update my Echo Dot’s firmware?”

Normally, Echo Dot devices update themselves automatically.

But it can sometimes fail to do so due to some system room.

One thing you can do is to force update it.

You can do that by restarting the device.

Then, muting it for at least 15 minutes.

You have to do it for 15 minutes because an Echo device typically updates for 15 minutes.

#6: Factory reset using the app

“I’ve tried everything already. I’m losing hope…”

Chin up! It’s not the end yet.

If you can’t reset your Echo Dot through the speaker buttons, reset it via the app.

The Amazon Alexa app allows users to factory reset their devices through the app.

To factory reset Echo Dot via the Alexa app:

  1. Launch the Amazon Alexa app.
  2. Go to “Devices.”
  3. Click the “Echo & Alexa” icon.
  4. Select the Echo Dot device you want to reset.
  5. Tap “Factory Reset.”
  6. Then, press “OK” to confirm the action.

After this, your Echo Dot settings will turn on its default.

Reading recommendation: Can Echo and Echo Dot Work Together? 5 Things To Know