The Alexa app is one of the most popular apps on the planet, and luckily for everyone, it is extremely user friendly. However, there are a few things that you might not know how to do on your Alexa app. So if you want to find out how to rename smart devices in the Alexa app, keep reading! We have the answers you need. 

To rename smart devices in the Alexa app, all you need to do is open the Alexa app on your smart device, select the category in which your device is found, and click the existing device name. Then you will see the option to Edit Name under the existing name and can click there to change it. 

However, that isn’t all you need to know! In this article, we are not only going to step through the detailed instructions on how to rename smart devices in the Alexa app with screenshots, we will also discuss what are good name options and what to do if the instructions aren’t working. 

How to Rename Smart Devices in Alexa App

The good news is that renaming smart devices in the Alexa app is actually incredibly simple. In fact, it will only take you a few moments to rename all your devices once you have these directions! 

So, here’s what you need to do: 

  • Open your Alexa app.

  • Select the device category (i.e. Echo Devices.)

  • Click on the device which name you want to change.

  • Under the given name, you will see “Edit Name” in blue.

  • Click Edit Name.

  • Change the name to whatever you’d prefer.

  • Click the back arrow.

The new name will automatically save to the Alexa app and you should be good to go! 

Why Should You Rename Smart Devices on Alexa App?

Before we dig into the detailed directions as to how to actually rename smart devices on the Alexa app, you may be wondering why you might want to do so. 

And realistically, there are quite a few reasons why you would want or need to rename your smart devices.

  • You cannot easily remember the given name of the device. As you need to use the name of the device when giving commands though Alexa, it’s important that you can remember the name of the device!
  • There are too many devices with similar names. This is quite a common problem as many people connect several smart home devices to their Alexa and they can have extremely similar names, making voice commands confusing.
  • You want to personalize your devices. If you have a large family with many smart home devices, you may want to differentiate between the lights Jimmy’s room or Jessica’s.

Now that you know why you maybe should rename your smart devices, let’s find out how to make it happen. 

What Should You Name Your Smart Devices?

The next question you might be asking yourself is what you should name your smart devices when you do rename them. 

And there are a few aspects of renaming that you should keep in mind:

  • It should be easy to say clearly.
  • You want to make sure you can remember the name.
  • Make sure that the name is significantly different from your other devices.

Essentially, you just want to make sure that you will remember the name and that it is unique so as not to confuse you or your Alexa. 

If all goes well, that’s all you need to know. However, there is a chance that you may have a few issues that need troubleshooting. 

Alexa Won’t Recognize the Rename of Devices

If you followed the instructions listed above, you should be able to use the new name with your Alexa to control your smart devices. 

Although some users have reported that Alexa won’t allow a new name. If that happens to you, don’t worry. There are a few reasons why that is happening and we have the tactics you can try to fix the problem right now. 

  • The most common issue users encounter is that the renaming doesn’t work because you attempted to use a name that is already being used by another device. So it’s important to ensure the name is unique.
  • Another problem is that the new name is simply not registering. And users have reported that sometimes, it simply takes a few minutes or even hours for Alexa to actually change the name. Therefore, you should wait at least a day before assessing whether there is really an issue.
  • You are saying the new name incorrectly. Although it sounds silly, many people rename their smart devices and then don’t remember exactly what they named it!

Now, you have absolutely all the information you need to change the name of your smart devices in the Alexa app! 

Final Thoughts

As promised, you can now rename the smart devices on your Alexa app. 

Just remember, all you need to do is open the device on the Alexa app and select the option to Edit Name, and it will automatically save!