For many, including myself, Amazon Echo smart speakers and smart displays have become essential parts of our homes and lives. From answering any and all questions to setting timers and controlling additional smart devices, Alexa can help with it all. But if you aren’t a tech aficionado, the idea of setting up an Amazon Echo device might feel daunting.
After spending years setting up and testing countless smart home devices, I know how frustrating it can be when getting these types of devices online isn’t as easy as we hoped. A simple set of instructions on what the Echo’s different lights mean, plus how to get your device online, could make all the difference. So, we created a guide for you. Here’s how you connect your Alexa to Wi-Fi and how to build out custom automations in no time.
How to connect Alexa to Wi-Fi
The Amazon Echo Spot is a perfect bedside smart speaker thanks to its small display that provides essential information without being a distraction.
Chris Wedel/CNETConnecting your new Amazon Echo to your Wi-Fi network is the most essential step because without doing this, your smart speaker won’t be so smart. Amazon’s Alexa app can recognize when devices are ready to begin setup and will walk you through the process. However, sometimes, the app won’t notice that a device is ready. If that happens, here’s what you should do:
- Open the Alexa app and tap Devices at the bottom of the screen
- Tap on the plus sign in the upper-right corner of the screen
- Choose Add Device
- Select Amazon Echo
- Scroll down the list and select the type of Echo you have: Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Pop and more
- Follow the on-screen instructions
If you have already set up your Amazon Echo smart speaker or display but need to reconnect or change the Wi-Fi that’s connected, there are different steps to take.
- Open the Alexa app and tap Devices at the bottom of the screen
- Select the Echo device you want to reconnect or change the network settings for
- In the pop-up, tap on the gear icon in the upper-right corner
- Choose Change or remove a Wi-Fi network
- Select Join another Wi-Fi network
- Follow the on-screen instructions
How to connect Alexa to Bluetooth
The Amazon Echo Show 5 is a great smart display for a nightstand or office desk. It provides visual feedback but doesn't take up too much space.
Chris Wedel/CNETWhile Amazon Echo smart speakers can connect to music streaming services, you may sometimes want to connect your phone to the speakers instead. Whether it's because Alexa doesn’t support the streaming service you want to use or you want better control over what’s playing by using your phone, these steps will connect your cellphone to your Echo smart speaker.
- Open the Alexa app and tap Devices at the bottom of the screen
- Select the Echo device you want to reconnect or change the network settings for
- In the pop-up, tap on Connect a device under the Bluetooth Connection section
- Choose the device you want to connect to in the list of available devices
With Bluetooth on and the initial connection made to your phone, you can use voice commands to connect in the future. Simply say, "Alexa, connect to [your device]" to connect or "Alexa, disconnect from [your device]" to disconnect.
How to connect Alexa to other smart devices
If you have a new smart light, security camera, smart lock or any other smart home gadget, chances are that your Amazon Alexa-enabled device can connect to it. The process of adding these devices to Alexa follows many of the same steps to connect a new Echo device to your Wi-Fi network. However, instead of tapping on Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Pop, and more, you’ll choose the device type (light, plug, etc.) from the list, then follow the instructions.
Looking for specific instructions for Alexa-compatible devices?
Check out our guide to using Alexa commands with your home security camera and our roundup of the smart devices that work with Alexa.