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World desk2 min

Alexa Bluetooth: How to Pair a Phone, Speaker, or Smart-Home Device

Pair a phone or speaker with an Echo using the Alexa app or screen settings. Learn how to reconnect and what to check when pairing fails.
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To connect a phone or Bluetooth speaker for audio, put it in pairing mode, then pair it with your Echo in the Alexa app or on the Echo’s screen. For an already-paired audio device, say “Pair Bluetooth” to reconnect. Bluetooth smart-home setup is different: Alexa discovers compatible devices with “Discover devices.”

Pair a phone or Bluetooth speaker using the Alexa app

  1. Put your phone or Bluetooth speaker into pairing mode using its manufacturer’s instructions.
  2. Open the Alexa app and select Devices.
  3. Select the Echo you want to use, then open Device Settings.
  4. Select Bluetooth Devices, then Pair A New Device.
  5. Choose the device when it appears. Amazon documents these steps for pairing a phone or Bluetooth speaker with an Echo. Amazon’s app-pairing instructions

Pair from an Echo with a screen

  1. Put the phone or speaker into pairing mode.
  2. Say “Go to Settings,” or open settings on the Echo screen.
  3. Select Device Options, then Bluetooth.
  4. If the accessory does not appear, select Scan.
  5. Select the accessory and choose Connect.

Amazon says this on-device flow also applies to Echo Spot. Menu labels may vary by model and software; Amazon notes variation on Echo Hub and Echo Show 5 generations. Amazon’s screen-device instructions

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Reconnect an audio device you have already paired

Turn on Bluetooth on the phone or speaker, then say, “Pair Bluetooth.” Amazon says some previously paired devices may reconnect automatically when they are in range. Amazon’s reconnection guidance

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If Alexa cannot pair the phone or speaker

  • Check Bluetooth audio compatibility. Amazon lists A2DP SNK (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) and AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile) for Echo Bluetooth audio. Check that the accessory supports a suitable profile. Amazon’s Echo Bluetooth troubleshooting page
  • Update the Echo software. Amazon recommends checking for available software updates.
  • Charge the accessory and bring it close. Keep the phone or speaker near the Echo while pairing.
  • Reduce wireless interference. Try pairing away from microwaves, baby monitors, and other wireless devices.
  • Remove a stale pairing and retry. If the accessory was paired before, remove its saved pairing from Alexa, then start the pairing steps again.

Bluetooth audio pairing is not smart-home discovery

Pairing a phone or speaker routes audio between that accessory and the Echo. To set up a compatible Bluetooth smart-home device, such as a bulb or plug, power it on and say “Discover devices.” Compatibility and setup steps vary, so check the device maker’s instructions or app as well as Amazon’s guidance. Amazon’s Bluetooth smart-home setup instructions

#1 Best Overall
Amazon Echo Dot (newest model) - Vibrant sounding speaker, Designed for Alexa+, Great for bedrooms, dining rooms and offices, Charcoal
  • Your favorite music and content – Play music, audiobooks, and podcasts from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and others or via Bluetooth throughout your home.
  • Alexa is happy to help – Ask Alexa for weather updates and to set hands-free timers, get answers to your questions and even hear jokes. Need a few extra minutes in the morning? Just tap your Echo Dot to snooze your alarm.
  • Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart home devices with your voice and routines triggered by built-in motion or indoor temperature sensors. Create routines to automatically turn on lights when you walk into a room, or start a fan if the inside temperature goes above your comfort zone.
  • Do more with device pairing – Fill your home with music using compatible Echo devices in different rooms, or create a home theatre system with Fire TV.
  • Say goodbye to drop-offs and buffering - With eero Built-in, Echo Dot doubles as a mesh wifi extender, adding up to 1,000 sq. ft. of wifi coverage to your existing eero network.

If a smart-home device is not discovered, confirm that it supports both Bluetooth and Alexa, use the manufacturer’s pairing mode, and update its firmware if an update is available. Amazon recommends keeping it within 30 ft (9 m) of the Echo for this smart-home setup; that is not a universal range guarantee for Bluetooth audio. If it still fails, reset the device and try setup again. Amazon’s smart-home Bluetooth troubleshooting

Best Value
Amazon Echo Spot (newest model), Great for nightstands, offices and kitchens, Smart alarm clock, Designed for Alexa+, Black
  • MEET ECHO SPOT - A sleek smart alarm clock with Alexa and big vibrant sound. Ready to help you wake up, wind down, and so much more.
  • CUSTOMIZABLE SMART CLOCK - See time, weather, and song titles at a glance, control smart home devices, and more. Personalize your display with your favorite clock face and fun colors.
  • BIG VIBRANT SOUND - Enjoy rich sound with clear vocals and deep bass. Just ask Alexa to play music, podcasts, and audiobooks. See song titles and touch to control your music.
  • EASE INTO THE DAY - Set up an Alexa routine that gently wakes you with music and gradual light. Glance at the time, check reminders, or ask Alexa for weather updates.
  • KEEP YOUR HOME COMFORTABLE - Control compatible smart home devices. Just ask Alexa to turn on lights or touch the screen to dim. Create routines that use motion detection to turn down the thermostat as you head out or open the blinds when you walk into a room.
Rank #4
Sale
Amazon Echo Dot Max (newest model), Alexa speaker with room-filling sound and nearly 3x bass, Great for living rooms and medium-sized spaces, Designed for Alexa+, Graphite
  • Meet Echo Dot Max: Experience rich room-filling sound that automatically adapts to your space and fine-tunes playback. Features a built-in smart home hub and Omnisense technology for highly personalized experiences.
  • Music to your ears: With nearly 3x the bass versus Echo Dot (2022 release), it fits beautifully in any space, delivering your personal sound stage with deep bass and enhanced clarity. Listen to streaming services, such as Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, and SiriusXM. Encore!
  • Do more with device pairing: Connect compatible Echo smart speakers and smart displays in different rooms, or pair with a second Echo Dot Max to enjoy even richer sound
  • Simple smart home control: Set routines, pair and control lights, locks, and thousands of smart home devices that work with Alexa without needing a separate smart home hub. With Omnisense technology, you can activate routines via temperature or presence detection.
  • Say goodbye to drop-offs and buffering - With eero Built-in, Echo Dot Max doubles as a mesh wifi extender, adding up to 1,000 sq. ft. of wifi coverage to your existing eero network.
Rank #3
Amazon Echo Dot (newest model) - Vibrant sounding speaker, Designed for Alexa+, Great for bedrooms, dining rooms and offices, Deep Sea Blue
  • Your favorite music and content – Play music, audiobooks, and podcasts from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and others or via Bluetooth throughout your home.
  • Alexa is happy to help – Ask Alexa for weather updates and to set hands-free timers, get answers to your questions and even hear jokes. Need a few extra minutes in the morning? Just tap your Echo Dot to snooze your alarm.
  • Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart home devices with your voice and routines triggered by built-in motion or indoor temperature sensors. Create routines to automatically turn on lights when you walk into a room, or start a fan if the inside temperature goes above your comfort zone.
  • Do more with device pairing – Fill your home with music using compatible Echo devices in different rooms, or create a home theatre system with Fire TV.
  • Say goodbye to drop-offs and buffering - With eero Built-in, Echo Dot doubles as a mesh wifi extender, adding up to 1,000 sq. ft. of wifi coverage to your existing eero network.
Rank #2
Amazon Echo Dot (newest model) - Vibrant sounding speaker, Designed for Alexa+, Great for bedrooms, dining rooms and offices, Glacier White
  • Your favorite music and content – Play music, audiobooks, and podcasts from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and others or via Bluetooth throughout your home.
  • Alexa is happy to help – Ask Alexa for weather updates and to set hands-free timers, get answers to your questions and even hear jokes. Need a few extra minutes in the morning? Just tap your Echo Dot to snooze your alarm.
  • Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart home devices with your voice and routines triggered by built-in motion or indoor temperature sensors. Create routines to automatically turn on lights when you walk into a room, or start a fan if the inside temperature goes above your comfort zone.
  • Do more with device pairing – Fill your home with music using compatible Echo devices in different rooms, or create a home theatre system with Fire TV.
  • Say goodbye to drop-offs and buffering - With eero Built-in, Echo Dot doubles as a mesh wifi extender, adding up to 1,000 sq. ft. of wifi coverage to your existing eero network.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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