Listening to your favorite podcasts on your Amazon Alexa device is a convenient and enjoyable experience. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough on how to set up and use Apple Podcasts with Alexa, troubleshoot common issues, and make the most of your podcast listening.
Setting Up Apple Podcasts with Alexa
To enjoy uninterrupted playback and resume podcasts where you left off, link your Apple Podcasts account to the Amazon Alexa app. Here’s how:
- Open the Alexa App: Launch the Amazon Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Navigate to Settings: Tap the “More” tab at the bottom right of the screen, then select “Settings.”
- Access Music & Podcasts: Scroll down and tap on “Music & Podcasts.”
- Link Apple Podcasts: Tap “Link New Service” and select the Apple Podcasts icon.
- Enable and Link Account: Tap “Enable to Use,” followed by “Settings,” then “Link Account.” Authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
- Alternative Setup: You can also enable the Apple Podcasts skill directly from the Alexa Skills store on the web.
Playing Podcasts with Alexa
Once linked, you can easily control podcast playback with simple voice commands.
- Start Playing: Say, “Alexa, play [Podcast Name] on Apple Podcasts.” Replace “[Podcast Name]” with the specific podcast you want to hear.
- Resume Playback: Alexa automatically remembers your listening progress. Just say, “Alexa, resume my podcast” or “Alexa, play [Podcast Name]” to continue where you left off.
- Control Playback: Use commands like “Alexa, pause,” “Alexa, next,” “Alexa, previous,” and “Alexa, restart” to manage your podcast.
Making Apple Podcasts Your Default
Tired of specifying “on Apple Podcasts” every time? Set Apple Podcasts as your default podcast provider:
- Open Alexa App Settings: Follow steps 1-3 from the setup instructions above.
- Access Default Services: In the “Music & Podcasts” settings, tap “Default Services.”
- Choose Apple Podcasts: Under “Podcasts,” tap “Change” and select “Apple Podcasts.”
Now, you can simply say “Alexa, play [Podcast Name]” without specifying the service.
Disabling Apple Podcasts from Alexa
If you need to unlink your Apple Podcasts account:
- Open Alexa App Settings: Follow steps 1-3 from the setup instructions above.
- Disable the Skill: Tap “Apple Podcasts,” then select “Disable Skill.” This will also unlink your account.
Troubleshooting and Tips
- Update Your Apps: Ensure your iOS/iPadOS and Amazon Alexa app are updated to the latest versions for optimal performance.
- Check Device Compatibility: Confirm your device is compatible with Apple Podcasts on Alexa (Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Echo).
- Country/Region Availability: Apple Podcasts on Alexa is not available in all countries and regions.
- Explicit Content: Explicit content may be restricted in certain locations.
By following these instructions, you can seamlessly integrate Apple Podcasts with your Alexa device and enjoy a hands-free podcast listening experience. For further assistance with Alexa or your Amazon device, consult Amazon’s help resources.
