Got an Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Show or other Amazon smart device in your home? You’ve probably met Alexa. She’s the super smart virtual assistant that lets you search the web and control your smart devices with just your voice.
You can play music from your favourite streaming apps, get local news updates, check the weather and set reminders. Plus, if you’ve got smart thermostats, lights, TVs or speakers, you can control them all with Alexa.
How do I connect Alexa to WiFi?
Before you get all futuristic with voice commands, you’ll need to connect your Alexa device to good old WiFi. It’s pretty easy – just follow these steps:
Plug in your Alexa device and wait for it to light up.
Open the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet.
Sign in with your Amazon account.
Follow the prompts to connect your device to your WiFi network.
Having trouble connecting? Try moving your device closer to your router.
That’s it! Your Alexa device should now be connected to your WiFi network and ready to go.
How do I connect Spotify to Alexa?
If you’re a music lover, you’ll be pleased to know that Alexa can play your favourite songs right from Spotify. Here’s how to connect Spotify to Alexa:
Open the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet.
Tap the menu in the top left.
Go to Settings.
Scroll down and select Music.
Select Spotify and sign in to your Spotify account.
Follow the prompts to link your Spotify account to Alexa.
If you don’t fancy saying ‘on Spotify’ after every command, make sure you set Spotify as the default music player on your Alexa device. To do this, head to Settings > Music > Choose default music services > Spotify > Done.
Now you’re ready to get grooving! Just say “Hey Alexa, play [your all-time favourite tune]” when you’re ready to jam out.
How do I connect Alexa to Bluetooth?
Sometimes you just want to keep things simple. Luckily, you can use Alexa as a Bluetooth speaker to listen to any audio from a smartphone, tablet or other Bluetooth-enabled device. There are two ways to do this:
If your Alexa device is already connected to WiFi, you can ask it to go into Bluetooth pairing mode by saying ‘Alexa, pair’. Alexa will then tell you to go to the Bluetooth settings on the device you’re trying to connect. You should see your Alexa device pop up – just select it and you’re ready to go.
The other way uses the Alexa app. Here’s how to do it:
Turn on your Bluetooth device and put it in pairing mode.
Open the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet.
Select Devices.
Select the + sign.
Select Add Device.
Select Amazon Echo (or whatever Alexa-enabled device you want to connect).
Follow the prompts to connect to your Bluetooth device.
Alexa should now be connected to your device, and you can use it as a speaker to listen to any audio.
How many Alexa devices can I have on one account?
Nobody’s got just one device these days. You might have an Amazon Echo in your living room and an Echo Dot in your bedroom or kitchen. Luckily, you can sync two or more Alexa devices to one Amazon account - up to as many as you like, actually!
You’ll need to set up connectivity for each one using the steps outlined above, but once that’s done, you’ll be free to explore Alexa’s coolest features. You can even group your Alexa speakers up and have them play music in multiple rooms at the same time.
Found what you need?
If you have – great. If not – don’t worry. You can always chat to an expert in-store or via video call on ShopLive. They’ll be able to give you the lowdown on loads of great smart tech and accessories.
