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You can connect Alexa and your Amazon Echo to just about anything (within reason).
Amazon
Amazon Echo smart speakers Y shows can be useful nerve centers for your home, connecting your smart devices and orchestrating their actions with simple phrases or elaborate routines. But get Alexa to cooperate with your Wifi, Bluetooth and other networks or devices can be a nuisance, especially when it comes to decode various color codes on your smart speaker.
I’ve set up dozens, if not hundreds, of smart devices over the years, and a clear set of instructions makes a big difference. So here’s how to connect Alexa to, well, just about anything.
read more: The best Alexa devices to buy in 2021
How to connect Alexa to Wi-Fi
You smart displays Y Speakers It should automatically guide you through connecting to the Wi-Fi network as soon as you first start them, but if you missed the instructions or need to reconnect a device, here’s how.
Open the Alexa app and tap Devices at the bottom right of the screen, then Echo and Alexa in the upper right. Select the device you want to connect to Wi-Fi, then press Condition to see which Wi-Fi network your device is currently connected to. Select blue Change next to the Wi-Fi network.
Next, press and hold the action button (the button with the dot in the center) on your device. The light on your device should turn orange and start spinning. This step puts your device into setup mode, and your device should even say, “Now in setup mode. Follow the instructions in your Alexa app.” Paste Continue.
Select your Alexa device from the list and then select your Wi-Fi network. Finally, enter your Wi-Fi password and tap Connect.
Connecting your Echo smart speaker or display to Wi-Fi is the only way to make Alexa work.
Dale Smith / CNET
How to connect Alexa to Wi-Fi without the app
To connect Alexa to Wi-Fi without the app, start by going to alexa.amazon.com and logging into your account. Click Settings > Set up a new device. Select the Alexa device you want to connect to Wi-Fi from the list. Tap Continue.
Next, you will need to put your device into pairing mode. Start this process by connecting your device to an electrical outlet. Wait for the blue light to turn orange (it should take about a minute) and then click Continue.
Now, you need to connect to their network. Go to the Wi-Fi settings on your computer or phone and select the network with the format Amazon-XXX. Go back to the Amazon Alexa website and you should see the message “Your computer is connected” to your Alexa device (great, you’re almost done!). Tap Continue. Finally, select the Wi-Fi network you want Alexa to connect to and enter your Wi-Fi password.
Your Alexa device should now be connected. If you’re not sure if the setup worked, you can check by asking Alexa a question.
read more: Tired of the same old Amazon Echo tricks? Create new custom Alexa commands
How to connect Alexa to Bluetooth
Okay, maybe you want to connect your phone to your smart speaker to, you know, use it as a speaker. Doing it for the first time is quite similar to connecting to Wi-Fi, but it gets easier.
Before connecting any device, you must first make sure that your phone’s Bluetooth is enabled. To check, go to Settings > Bluetooth. Activate Bluetooth. Now, let’s talk about connecting to another device.
Some Echo devices, like Echo Frames or Echo Auto, depend on Bluetooth connections to your phone.
Eli Blumenthal / CNET
First, open the Alexa app and tap Devices, then Echo and Alexa. Select the device you want to use, then touch Bluetooth devices. Tap Pair a new device. The Echo will search for devices to pair with and display a list of available devices. Touch the one you want to use. Once paired, you can stream the music or podcasts of your choice directly to the smart speaker or display by activating Bluetooth on your phone.
Now that your Bluetooth is on and connected, you can use voice commands to connect in the future. Just say “Alexa, connect to [your device]”to connect or” Alexa, disconnect from [your device]” to disconnect.
If you want to connect your Echo to other speakers, you can also do so by scrolling down the device screen, going through Bluetooth Devices and Wi-Fi Network, to Pair of speakers and stereo / subwoofer, allowing you to further customize your sound system.
How to connect Alexa to other smart devices
If you get a new connected smart bulb, security camera, smart lock or pretty much any other smart home device, Alexa can probably talk to it too. As long as the device is compatible with Alexa, just head over to the Alexa app.
Once the app is open, tap Devices, then touch the little one Plus in the upper right corner of the app. A menu will slide up from the bottom of the screen, and you can add devices by tapping – you guessed it – Add device. From here, select the smart home device you want to add (the app provides a list) and follow the specific on-screen instructions for your new device.
7 Excellent Security Cameras That Work With Amazon Alexa
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Looking for specific instructions for Alexa-compatible devices? Check out our guide to use Alexa commands with your home security camera and our roundup of smart bulbs that work with Alexa.
Anything else you want to connect? Or any advice for people who are just setting up Alexa? Leave a comment below.