Your Amazon Echo, powered by Alexa, can do more than just play music; it can also identify songs playing around you. Whether you’re curious about a tune on the radio or can’t quite place a song at a party, Alexa’s song identification feature can help. This article explores how to use this handy feature, both on-demand and automatically.
A woman talking to an Amazon Echo
Identifying Songs on Demand with Alexa
The simplest way to get Alexa to identify a song is by asking it directly. When music is playing, just say, “Alexa, what song is this?” or “Alexa, what’s playing?” Alexa will briefly pause the music to announce the song’s title and artist.
However, this feature has some limitations. It primarily works when you’re streaming music from services like Spotify or Amazon Music. It won’t work with live radio; in that case, Alexa can identify the station but not the specific song. Also, background noise can interfere with Alexa’s ability to recognize the song.
Using Alexa’s Song ID for Automatic Music Recognition
For a more seamless experience, especially when using Amazon Music, you can enable Song ID. This feature automatically announces the title and artist of each song before it begins playing. To activate it, simply say, “Alexa, turn on Song ID.” Conversely, to deactivate it, say “Alexa, turn off Song ID.”
Keep in mind that Song ID currently only works with Amazon Music. If you prefer using Spotify or another music service as your default, you can still utilize Song ID by specifically requesting Amazon Music. For instance, say, “Alexa, play [song name] on Amazon Music.” This will ensure the song plays through Amazon Music, enabling the automatic song identification feature. If you simply ask “Alexa, play [song name],” and Spotify is your default music service, Song ID will not work.
Tips for Accurate Song Identification with Alexa
To maximize the accuracy of Alexa’s song identification, consider these tips:
- Reduce background noise: Minimize competing sounds for clearer audio recognition.
- Speak clearly: Ensure your commands are distinct and easily understood by Alexa.
- Check your internet connection: A stable internet connection is crucial for both music streaming and song identification.
- Update your Alexa app: Keeping your Alexa app up-to-date ensures you have the latest features and improvements.
Conclusion
Alexa’s ability to guess a song provides a convenient way to discover new music or rediscover old favorites. Whether you use the on-demand feature or enable automatic Song ID, identifying music with your Amazon Echo is a simple and enjoyable experience. Just remember the limitations regarding streaming services and background noise for optimal results. By understanding how these features work, you can get the most out of your Alexa device and enhance your music listening experience.
