How to Hard Reset Amazon Echo Show 8

The Amazon Echo Show 8 is a popular Alexa-enabled smart display that many households have adopted as an AI assistant. Like many electronics, the Echo Show 8 can start to slow down and develop issues over time with prolonged use. Performing a hard reset restores the device to its original factory settings, cleaning up software glitches and removing personal information before selling or gifting the gadget. This comprehensive article covers multiple ways to factory reset your Echo Show 8, from using onscreen settings to the Alexa app and voice commands, as well as what happens to your data and how to set the gadget up again post-reset.

Method 1: Factory Reset via On-Screen Settings

The quickest way to reset your Show 8 is by using the Settings menu physically on the device itself:

Step 1: Access Settings Menu

On your Echo Show 8 screen:

• Swipe down from the top to bring down the shortcuts menu
• Select the Settings icon (looks like a gear)

Step 2: Navigate to Reset Option

• Scroll down and select Device Options
• Now choose Reset to Factory Defaults

Image: Device Options Reset Screen on Echo Show Display

Step 3: Confirm Factory Reset

• You will be asked to confirm if you want to erase all data and reset your Echo Show 8
• Select the on-screen Reset button to confirm

Your Show 8 will now restart and reset itself back to factory settings, removing all your data and accounts in the process. The initial out-of-the-box setup wizard will start once the reset completes.

That’s all there is to directly factory reset your Echo Show 8 right from the device itself!

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Method 2: Reset Through Alexa Mobile App

You can also remotely reset your Echo Show 8 right from the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet:

Step 1: Open Alexa App & Select Devices

• Launch the Alexa app on your mobile device
• Tap on Devices icon on bottom toolbar

Step 2: Select Your Echo Show

• A list displays all your Alexa devices
• Choose your Echo Show 8 from this list

Image: Selecting Echo Show in Alexa App

Step 3: Go to Device Settings

• You will see options for your Show 8 – tap on Device Settings

Step 4: Choose Factory Reset

• Scroll down and tap on Factory Reset

Step 5: Confirm Reset

• Final popup prompts you to confirm factory reset
• Select Reset to erase all data and settings

Leave your Echo Show 8 plugged in after initiating remote reset. It will restart automatically once finished to complete the process.

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Method 3: Reset Echo Show 8 via Voice Command

You can even simply use your voice and ask Alexa to reset the Echo Show 8!

Step 1: Wake Up Your Echo Show

• Say “Alexa” or tap the mic icon to activate your Show
• Make sure it responds so microphone is enabled

Step 2: Give Reset Voice Command

Now say these words exactly:

“Alexa, factory reset my echo show.”

Step 3: Confirm Reset

• Alexa will ask to confirm before resetting
• Say “Yes” to proceed or “No” to cancel

That’s it! Alexa will handle the reset automatically. Your Show’s screen may go black for a few minutes – this is normal. It will start up fresh once factory reset is complete.

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Method 4: Hardware Factory Reset

If above software reset methods don’t work or you can’t boot into the OS, there is a physical hardware reset button:

Locate the Reset Button

Your Echo Show 8 has a tiny reset pinhole at the back near the power port. The location may vary slightly between units but is along the lower back edge.

Refer official visual guide here to locate it.

Initiating Hardware Reset

• Insert a long stiff item like an unfolded paperclip into the pinhole
• Hold for 20-25 seconds until screen flashes orange
• Unplug the Echo Show 8 and leave for 2 minutes minimum

This hard resets the Show 8 back to default factory conditions by directly cutting power during the reboot.

What Data Gets Removed via Reset?

Performing any full factory reset erases all data and accounts stored locally on your Echo Show 8, including:

• Your Amazon/Alexa account details
• WiFi passwords
• Paired Bluetooth devices
• Contacts list
• To-do/shopping/reminders lists
• All device settings
• Smart home configurations
• Routines, alarms & timers
• Photos, videos and voice recordings
• Browsing history
• Music and audiobook libraries
• Flash briefing configurations
• Skill permissions granted by you

So you will have to set up everything like it’s a brand new device post-reset. Your purchased apps/skills data resides safely in your Alexa account so gets automatically restored later.

What If My Echo Show 8 Gets Bricked?

In rare cases, the factory reset process may get interrupted or fail which can brick the Echo Show 8 – leaving it unable to boot up properly.

If this happens, contact Amazon customer service right away. Normally you have to provide:

• Proof of purchase for Echo device
• Serial/model number
• Detailed issue/error description

Amazon can then help troubleshoot and replace bricked devices if found to be defective. But intentional corruption of software are not covered under warranty usually.

So follow reset steps properly without disconnecting mid-process. Seek help promptly if issues arise anytime.

Post-Reset Setup Guide

After factory resetting, when your Echo Show 8 boots up again you’ll have to set up the essentials from scratch:

1. Connect to a WiFi network

2. Sign-in with your Amazon account

3. Allow geo-location access if you want location-based features

4. Enable camera and microphone access in settings

5. Set up Alexa Voice Profiles for everyone if used previously

6. Link any compatible smart home devices & apps again

7. Configure routines, alarms, music playlists etc. afresh

That covers the major settings and customizations you’ll probably want configured. Explore newly added features as well during first-time setup prompts.

Alternative: Soft Reset to Restart Echo Show 8

If you DON’T want to erase data and just restart the Echo Show 8 to troubleshoot minor issues, perform a soft reset instead:

• Ask Alexa to “restart”
• Or press & hold top button for 10 seconds

But for major performance issues, uncontrolled glitches or preparing to sell/gift your device – carry out a full factory reset as elaborated earlier.

When Should You Hard Reset Echo Show 8?

Before we jump into the step-by-step instructions, here are some common reasons for resetting your Echo Show 8 to factory settings:

• Performance issues: A hard reset can fix software glitches causing sluggishness or freezing.
• Remove accounts & data: Resetting before selling or gifting lets you erase private data/recordings.
• Resolve persistent problems: If troubleshooting methods don’t work, a clean slate fix may help.
• Prepare for upgrades: Sometimes it helps to reset before installing major Alexa software updates.

Resetting ultimatley wipes the Show 8’s storage back to a clean state – similar to how it was when you first unboxed it.

Now let’s go through various methods to hard reset the Echo Show 8.

The Bottom Line

To recap, follow these guidelines when factory resetting your malfunctioning, buggy or old Echo Show 8:

• Backup photos, videos or anything else important first
• Sign out of your Amazon account before resetting
• Pick software reset method unless device is unresponsive
• Have your WiFi password handy for quick setup after
• Check for physical damage if bricked to claim warranty
• Set up essentials like accounts, WiFi, profiles etc. post-reset
• Unlink ALL connected smart home devices and relink them
• Enable camera/mic access again during initial setup

This completes our definitive step-by-step walkthrough for successfully factory resetting the Amazon Echo Show 8 in 2024 via different methods. Go ahead and breathe new life into your aging or problematic Echo Show with these instructions!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)