How to fix common Echo Show problems with a factory reset

Got a problem with your Echo Show? A factory reset could sort it – here’s how step-by-step.

Picture of an Echo tablet showing YouTube

Image credit: Saga magazine

By Jayne Cherrington-Cook | Published - 19 Oct 2023 | Updated - 10 Oct 2024

Knowing how to reset an Echo Show could sort out a multitude of issues.

Why reset your Echo Show?

If your Echo Show is acting slow, unresponsive, or can’t connect to any of your streaming accounts, a reset can often fix the problem.

Here are a few other reasons why you might need to reset your Amazon smart display:

Before selling or giving it away: If you're planning to sell, gift, or hand down your Echo Show, it's important to reset it first. This will erase all of your personal data, such as your Amazon account information and any voice recordings.
After changing your wi-fi provider: If you've changed your wi-fi provider or password, you should be able to update this via the Alexa app, but sometimes it can cause a glitch. A reset to your Echo Show will get it connected to the new network.
To fix network connectivity issues: If you're having trouble connecting your Echo Show to the internet, a reset can help resolve this issue.

How to restart an Echo Show

If your smart device is acting up, the first thing you should try is the good old unplug-and-plug-back-in trick. It's a simple solution, but it can often fix minor problems.

If that doesn't work, you can try a soft reset, which is like giving your device a little nap to refresh itself. It also means you won’t lose any data or setting details. Here’s how to do it:

Swipe down from the top of your home screen to find Quick Settings.
Look for the Settings icon (it looks like a little cog) and tap it.
Scroll down and find Device Options.
Tap Restart and confirm.

If you're having trouble with your Echo Show, try restarting your wi-fi router first. Sometimes, a router restart can fix various problems with connected devices.

How to do a factory reset on an Echo Show

There are two ways to reset an Echo Show smart device: using the on-screen menu or using the buttons.

Just remember that resetting your Echo Show will delete your personal data and settings, including your wi-fi password, registered devices, and Alexa skills.

Reset via the touchscreen

Say “Alexa, go to settings” or swipe down from the top of the screen and select Settings.
Select Device Options.
Select Reset to Factory Defaults.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.

You can reset an Echo Show (2nd Generation) or Echo Show 10 device without losing your smart home device connections.

Follow the instructions for resetting using the on-screen menu and select “Reset to Factory Defaults but retain Smart Home Device Connections” when prompted.

the back of an echo — Image credit: Saga magazine

Reset via device buttons

Press and hold both the Mute and Volume Down buttons at the same time.
While you are holding the buttons down, your device may ask if you want to power down. Ignore this and keep holding the buttons down.
After about 15 seconds, you should see the Amazon logo. This confirms your Show has completed the reset process.
You can confirm the device has been deleted from your account by checking in your Alexa app.

Are you selling your Echo Show or passing it on to someone else?

If you're resetting your Echo Show because you're giving it away or selling it, make sure you also deregister it from your Amazon account.

To do this, go to the Alexa app and tap Devices > Echo & Alexa. Then, select your Echo Show and tap Deregister.

Written by: Jayne Cherrington-Cook

Jayne cut her online journalism teeth 24 years ago in an era when a dialling tone and slow page load were standard. During this time, she’s written about a variety of subjects and is just at home road-testing TVs as she is interviewing TV stars.
A diverse career has seen Jayne launch websites for popular magazines, collaborate with top brands, write regularly for major publications including Woman&Home, Yahoo! and The Daily Telegraph, create a podcast, and also write a tech column for Women’s Own.

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