Connecting your Spotify account to your Amazon Alexa device opens up a world of music and podcasts, all controllable with your voice. Whether you’re using an Echo Dot, Echo Show, or another Alexa-enabled speaker, this guide will walk you through the simple process of linking Spotify to Alexa and enjoying your favorite tunes. Learn how to play music on specific devices, troubleshoot common issues, and make the most of your Spotify Premium or Free account with Alexa.
Linking Your Spotify Account to Alexa
Before you begin, ensure you have an active Spotify account (Free or Premium) and an Amazon account associated with your Alexa device. Both accounts are necessary for the connection to work. You’ll also need the Alexa app installed on your smartphone or tablet.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to connect Spotify to Alexa:
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Open the Alexa App: Launch the Alexa app on your Android, iOS, or iPadOS device. Make sure you’re logged in with the correct Amazon account.
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Navigate to Settings: Tap the “More” icon in the bottom right corner of the app, then select “Settings” from the menu.
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Access Music & Podcasts: Scroll down and tap on “Music & Podcasts.” This section manages all your music streaming services connected to Alexa.
Alexa App Music and Podcasts Setting -
Link a New Service: Tap on “Link New Service” or “+ Link new service” if you haven’t connected any music services yet. From the list of available services, choose “Spotify.”
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Authorize Spotify: You’ll be redirected to the Spotify login page. Enter your Spotify username and password, or use your preferred login method (e.g., Facebook, Apple). Authorize Alexa to access your Spotify account.
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Confirmation: Once successfully linked, you’ll see a confirmation message in the Alexa app. Spotify will now appear in your list of connected music services.
Setting Spotify as Your Default Music Service
To avoid saying “on Spotify” every time you request music, set Spotify as your default music service:
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Return to Music & Podcasts: In the Alexa app, go back to the “Music & Podcasts” settings.
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Default Services: Tap on “Default Services.” You’ll see options for different music types: “Music,” “Artist/Genre Stations,” and “Podcasts.”
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Choose Spotify: Select “Spotify” as your preferred service for each category. You can customize these settings to use different services for different audio content. For instance, you could set Spotify for on-demand music and Apple Podcasts for podcasts.
Playing Music with Spotify and Alexa
Now you can control Spotify with voice commands! Try these examples:
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General Playback: “Alexa, play music by [Artist Name].” “Alexa, play [Song Name].” “Alexa, play [Album Name].” “Alexa, play [Playlist Name].”
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Specific Controls: “Alexa, shuffle my [Playlist Name] playlist.” “Alexa, play the latest episode of [Podcast Name].” “Alexa, pause music.” “Alexa, resume music.” “Alexa, skip this song.”
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Multi-Room Audio: “Alexa, play [Artist Name] in the [Room Name].” “Alexa, play [Playlist Name] everywhere.” This requires setting up multi-room audio groups in the Alexa app.
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Spotify Connect: Alternatively, start playing music in the Spotify app on your phone or computer, then tap the “Devices Available” icon and select your Alexa device.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
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Alexa Can’t Find Music: Ensure your Spotify account is linked correctly and that you’re using clear pronunciation for artist and song names. Try rephrasing your commands.
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Spotify Premium Required: Certain features, such as on-demand playback of specific songs and ad-free listening, require a Spotify Premium subscription. Free users can only shuffle playlists or play artist/album radio.
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Multiple Spotify Accounts: Currently, only one Spotify account can be linked to an Amazon Household. Consider creating separate Amazon Households for individuals with different Spotify accounts.
By following these steps, you can seamlessly integrate Spotify with your Alexa device and enjoy a hands-free music experience.
