If you own an Amazon Echo, you likely use it for music streaming. Many users simply ask Alexa to play music from services like Spotify. But what if your preferred service, such as Apple Music or a specific podcast app, isn’t directly supported by Alexa? There’s good news: you can use your Echo device as a Bluetooth speaker!
Turning Your Echo into a Bluetooth Speaker
Any Echo device can function as a standard Bluetooth speaker, offering a workaround for unsupported apps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to connecting your device:
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Enable Bluetooth and Proximity: Ensure Bluetooth is activated on the device you want to connect (smartphone, tablet, etc.) and that it’s within range of your Echo (typically the same room).
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Disconnect Existing Connections: If your Echo is already paired with a Bluetooth device, instruct Alexa to disconnect by saying, “Alexa, disconnect.”
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Initiate Pairing Mode: Tell Alexa to enter pairing mode by saying, “Alexa, pair.” Your Echo will then begin searching for available Bluetooth devices in range.
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Select Your Echo: On your connecting device, navigate to Bluetooth settings and choose your Echo speaker from the list of discovered devices.
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Confirmation and Playback: Once the connection is successful, Alexa will confirm it verbally. You can then stream audio from your phone or tablet through your Echo.
Enhancing Sound Quality: Connecting Alexa to External Bluetooth Speakers
While Echo devices are convenient, their sound quality might not satisfy audiophiles. Fortunately, you can pair your Echo with a higher-quality Bluetooth speaker for improved audio. This also works with Bluetooth headphones. You retain Alexa’s voice control while enjoying superior sound.
To connect to an external Bluetooth speaker:
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Enable Pairing Mode on the External Speaker: Put your external Bluetooth speaker or headphones into pairing mode.
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Initiate Pairing on the Echo: Say, “Alexa, pair” or “Alexa, search for Bluetooth devices.”
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Confirm Connection: Alexa will identify the discovered device and ask for connection confirmation.
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Simplify Future Connections: After the initial pairing, connect in the future by saying, “Alexa, connect to my Bluetooth speaker.” Replace “my Bluetooth speaker” with the actual name of your device if necessary.
By leveraging the Bluetooth functionality of your Echo device, you can expand its capabilities beyond built-in music services and enjoy a personalized audio experience.
