Amazon Echo Dot F35 Error Code Fix Guide

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What This Error Means

F35 on an Amazon Echo Dot means the device failed its firmware/update or account setup process; this code isn’t in public manuals, but it shows up when the Dot chokes during updates.

The Dot starts the update or secure connection, can’t finish talking to Amazon’s servers, and gets stuck instead of going to the blue ready state.

Official Fix

This is the script Amazon support will walk you through. Do it step by step; don’t skip.

  • Kill the power
    • Unplug the Echo Dot power adapter from the wall.
    • Wait at least 60 seconds.
    • Plug it back in and let the light ring cycle on its own for a couple of minutes.
  • Reboot your internet
    • Unplug modem and router for 30–60 seconds, then power them back up.
    • Wait until Wi‑Fi is fully back (all lights solid, internet working on your phone).
  • Check the Wi‑Fi the Dot is using
    • Use a normal home network, no hotel/captive portals or enterprise Wi‑Fi.
    • Prefer 2.4 GHz if your router splits 2.4 / 5 GHz; Echo Dots are less fussy on 2.4.
    • Make sure the Wi‑Fi password is correct and you’re using WPA2, not open or weird security.
  • Re-run setup in the Alexa app
    • Open the Alexa app > Devices > Echo & Alexa > select your Dot.
    • Tap the gear icon > "Change Wi‑Fi Network" or deregister the Dot and set it up as new.
    • Keep the Dot within a few feet of the router during this.
  • Factory reset the Dot (only if F35 keeps coming back)
    • Most Dots: hold the Action button (the dot icon) for about 20–25 seconds.
    • Wait for the light ring to turn orange and for it to say it’s in setup mode.
    • Go back into the Alexa app and add it like a brand‑new device.
  • Let it sit and update
    • After setup, leave the Dot powered and on Wi‑Fi for 15–20 minutes.
    • Don’t unplug it while the light ring is spinning or pulsing; that’s when updates run.

If it still throws F35 after a clean reset and solid Wi‑Fi, Amazon support will usually move straight to replacing the unit. They don’t service the internals.

The Technician’s Trick

When F35 won’t die but the Dot still powers on, here’s what actually saves time in the field.

  • Force a deeper boot than the normal reset
    • Unplug the Dot.
    • Hold the Action button for 20–30 seconds while it’s unplugged to drain it.
    • Keep holding the button, plug it back in, then release when the light ring flashes.
    • This can clear a half-baked firmware state that a quick reset leaves behind.
  • Use a phone hotspot to dodge a cranky router
    • Turn on hotspot on your phone and give it a simple name and password.
    • In the Alexa app, set the Dot up on that hotspot instead of your home Wi‑Fi.
    • Let it sit on the hotspot for 15–20 minutes so it can fully update.
    • Then go back into settings and switch it over to your regular Wi‑Fi.
  • Swap the power brick
    • Use a known-good, matching Echo power adapter. Avoid random cheap chargers.
    • Weak or noisy power can make updates fail and spit out mystery errors like F35.
  • Account clean-up from a browser
    • On a computer, log into your Amazon account.
    • Go to Manage Your Content and Devices > Devices.
    • Find the Echo Dot, deregister it, then re-add it fresh from the Alexa app.

Is It Worth Fixing? (The Financial Verdict)

  • ✅ Fix: Dot is under 4 years old, powers on fine, only shows F35 during setup or updates, and you’re comfortable doing the resets above.
  • ⚠️ Debatable: Older 1st/2nd‑gen Dot, Wi‑Fi in the house is flaky, and you’d be paying someone hourly just to chase a network or power issue.
  • ❌ Replace: No lights, burned smell, cracked case, water damage, or F35 survives multiple resets, hotspot setup, and a known-good power adapter.

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See also

Got other devices chirping error codes at you? These breakdowns can save you some headaches: