Amazon’s Echo smart speakers aren’t just able to connect over Wi-Fi – they are also Bluetooth compatible too.
Connecting an Echo speaker via Bluetooth allows you to control music playback from your phone or tablet manually.
However, many people don’t realize you can also connect your Echo device to another Bluetooth speaker, giving you all the same control. Still, with potentially better sound from a higher-end speaker – that’s especially in the case with the smaller Echo Dot.
Both of these things will be covered in this guide.
Once you’re set up, you’ll be able to stream music to your phone through a web browser or non-supported streaming service as well as Spotify with Alexa.
The answer to the question “does my Echo have Bluetooth?” is yes – all the Amazon Echo devices support Bluetooth, from the cheapest Echo Dot to the motion tracking Amazon Echo Show 10.
How to pair your Echo with a Bluetooth speaker
The sound quality from some Alexa smart speakers leaves a lot to be desired, even with improvements in the third generation. However, the good news is that for those with a beefy Bluetooth speaker to hand, you can combine the two.
That means you get the full voice control experience from Alexa, but block-rocking beats from your existing set-up.
It means a life without wires – as you can always use the 3.5mm jack to connect your Echo to external systems – and makes for a much neater set-up. Also, if you have an older analogue system, you can buy Bluetooth adapters that can bridge the gap.
Pair a Bluetooth-enabled speaker with the Amazon Echo
1. Power on your external Bluetooth speaker enable pairing mode.
2. Head to the Alexa app (you can also use the alexa.amazon.com web app).
3. Go to Settings, after tapping More in the bottom bar.
4. Choose Device Settings, and select the Alexa device you want to pair.
5. Tap Bluetooth.
6. Choose Pair a New Device.
7. You should now see your external device listed. Tap to pair.
Connect your phone to Echo and Alexa over Bluetooth
Suppose you don’t want to have to talk to Alexa to hear music through your Echo smart speaker or Alexa-compatible speaker. In that case, there’s the option to simply connect over Bluetooth and handle tunes through your phone’s app manually.
1. Start with your iOS or Android smartphone or tablet.
2. Go to the Settings menu and open the Bluetooth settings menu – ensure Bluetooth is turned on and the device is in the vicinity of your Amazon Echo.
3. Say, “Alexa, pair”. Doing so will see Alexa enter pairing mode and search for nearby Bluetooth-enabled devices.
4. If this is the first time you’re pairing the two, look for the Echo speaker in the list of the new device (usually located at the bottom of the Bluetooth settings menu of your iOS or Android device).
5. Once the two have established a connection, the Echo device will appear in the Bluetooth connections list on a phone or tablet. This allows you to connect over Bluetooth in the settings menu manually – or, alternatively, you can say, “Alexa, pair [device name]” to reinstate the connection.
6. To disconnect your mobile device from Amazon Echo, say, “Alexa, disconnect from Bluetooth”.
Tip – with an Echo Show or Spot, you can pair to your phone using the Settings from the touchscreen.
How to remove paired Bluetooth devices from your Echo
Remove Paired Bluetooth Devices from Your Echo Device
If you want to delete the Bluetooth pairing, do the following:
1. Open the Alexa app.
2. Tap Devices.
3. Choose Echo & Alexa and tap the device you want the connection removed from.
4. Select Bluetooth Devices.
5. Tap Forget Device.