If you own an Amazon Echo device, you likely enjoy its smart capabilities, especially streaming music with simple voice commands like “Alexa, play Spotify.” However, you might have discovered limitations when trying to play audio from services not directly integrated with Alexa, such as Apple Music or certain podcast apps.
Fortunately, there’s a convenient workaround. Beyond being intelligent voice-activated assistants, all Echo devices function as regular Bluetooth speakers too! This means you can wirelessly stream audio from your smartphone, tablet, or computer directly to your Alexa speaker.
Here’s a simple guide on how to connect your Alexa speaker via Bluetooth:
- Bluetooth Activation: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your smartphone, tablet, or any device you intend to connect. Keep the device within close range of your Alexa speaker – within the same room is generally sufficient.
- Disconnect Existing Devices (If Necessary): If your Alexa speaker is already paired with other Bluetooth devices, say “Alexa, disconnect” to clear any existing connections.
- Initiate Pairing Mode: Say “Alexa, pair.” Alexa will then enter pairing mode and begin searching for nearby Bluetooth-enabled devices.
- Select Your Alexa Speaker: On your smartphone or tablet, navigate to the Bluetooth settings menu. You should see your Alexa speaker listed among the available devices. Select it to initiate the connection.
- Successful Connection: If the pairing is successful, Alexa will announce “Now connected,” indicating a successful Bluetooth link. You can now play audio from your chosen device, and it will stream directly through your Echo speaker.
Enhance Your Audio by Connecting Alexa to External Bluetooth Speakers
While Echo speakers offer convenience and smart features, their compact design sometimes compromises on sound fidelity. If you desire a richer and more immersive audio experience, you can easily connect your Echo device to a separate, higher-quality Bluetooth speaker. This setup allows you to retain Alexa’s voice control for music and other audio while enjoying enhanced sound performance. This process is also applicable for connecting Bluetooth headphones for private listening.
To connect to an external Bluetooth speaker, first, ensure your external speaker is in pairing mode. Then, simply say to your Echo, “Alexa, pair” or “Alexa, search for Bluetooth devices.” Alexa will scan for discoverable devices and announce the devices found. Confirm if you want to connect to your external speaker when prompted. After the initial setup, future connections become even simpler. Just say, “Alexa, connect to my Bluetooth speaker,” and it will automatically establish the link, letting you enjoy superior sound driven by Alexa’s smart features.
