You can set up Alexa without a smartphone only if your device has a screen. An Echo Show walks you through Wi-Fi and Amazon sign-in on its own display. Amazon’s standard instructions for screenless Echo and Echo Dot speakers use the Alexa mobile app, and Amazon’s setup guidance doesn’t describe a computer-browser alternative for them.
Which device do you have?
| Device | Smartphone-free setup? | How |
|---|---|---|
| Echo Show (smart display) | Yes, per Amazon’s setup guide | Follow the on-screen prompts |
| Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Dot with clock, Echo Dot Kids | Not documented | Amazon directs you to the Alexa app |
Amazon publishes separate setup guides for Echo speakers and for Echo devices with screens, and the steps can differ by model and generation. For an older or less common device, check the guide for your exact model.
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Setting up an Echo Show without a phone
Amazon’s guide for the Echo Show says to plug it in with the included power adapter and follow the on-screen instructions.
What to have ready
- The Echo Show and its power adapter
- Your Amazon account email or phone number and password
- Your Wi-Fi network name and password
If your Amazon account has no password, Amazon says you must set one to register an Echo Show 8 (2025 release). It’s easiest to do that before you start.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Steps
- Plug the Echo Show into power.
- Choose a language for the device on the screen.
- Select your Wi-Fi network and enter its password.
- Sign in to your Amazon account.
- Follow the remaining prompts to customize the device.
Setup is complete when the home screen and clock appear.
The Echo Show 8 (2025 release) also shows a QR code that lets you continue in the Alexa app. That is optional. You can ignore it and finish on the device itself. Prompts may vary slightly across Echo Show generations.
Rank #2
- 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.
Screenless Echo and Echo Dot speakers
Amazon’s guide for the Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Dot with clock and Echo Dot Kids says to use the Alexa app to set up or register the device. In the app, you open Devices, select Add Device, choose Amazon Echo, pick the matching Echo category and follow the prompts.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Amazon’s guidance doesn’t say that Alexa.com or another browser can register a screenless speaker. I couldn’t confirm an official workaround for someone who owns only a screenless Echo and has no phone or tablet. Don’t count on a browser route until Amazon confirms one for your model.
Rank #3
- 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 you don’t own a phone, you may be able to borrow one or use a tablet for the one-time setup. Amazon’s app-based flow is the only documented method for these speakers.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If you’re buying a device for phone-free use
An Echo Show is the model with a documented on-device setup route, so it fits people who don’t use a smartphone. Screenless speakers are a poor choice for that purpose, because their documented setup requires the app. Check the current listing and model before you buy.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Meet Echo Studio: Redesigned in a compact size that is 40% smaller than the original to deliver immersive spatial sound. Dolby Atmos adds space, clarity, and depth to make your entertainment even better. Enjoy powerful bass and crystal-clear vocals. Features a built-in smart home hub and Omnisense technology for highly personalized experiences.
- It's like a concert in your living room: Experience immersive sound thanks to spatial audio and Dolby Atmos in a compact design that fits easily into any living space. With room adaptation technology, Echo Studio analyzes the acoustics of your room, fine-tuning playback for optimal sound no matter where it's placed.
- Do more with device pairing: Play music across multiple Echo devices for multi-room music, or pair with a second Echo Studio for even more powerful sound.
- Simple smart home control: Set routines, pair and control lights, locks, and thousands of 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 Studio doubles as a mesh wifi extender, adding up to 1,000 sq. ft. of wifi coverage to your existing eero network.
Rank #4
- 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.
Notes on accessibility and privacy
- Amazon lists Tap to Alexa, captioning, screen magnifier and VoiceView among its Echo accessibility features. Availability varies by device, so check Amazon’s device-specific accessibility information.
- On the Echo Show 8 (2025 release), Amazon says a blue light appears on screen while Alexa records and processes a request, and the camera is enabled by default. That is specific to this model, so check your own Echo Show’s settings.
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