Alexa often requires a stable Wi-Fi connection to function properly, as it accesses enormous web resources to give information, play music, and execute other requests. But what if you’re in a circumstance where Wi-Fi is unavailable, but you still want to listen to music or transfer audio wirelessly?
Fear not, because there is a smart workaround to turn your Alexa device into a Bluetooth speaker without the requirement for Wi-Fi access.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to unlock your Alexa device’s latent potential, allowing it to work as a Bluetooth speaker even when Wi-Fi is unavailable. So, get ready to go on a wireless audio experience with us.
Understanding Alexa’s Bluetooth Capability
Alexa devices, like the Echo speakers, include Bluetooth capabilities, allowing them to work as Bluetooth speakers. This means you can pair your smartphone, tablet, or another Bluetooth-enabled device with Alexa and wirelessly stream audio material.
You can use Alexa as a Bluetooth speaker to play music, podcasts, audiobooks, and other content from your associated device. The audio is sent over Bluetooth, allowing you to listen to your favorite music even when there is no active Wi-Fi network. It effectively transforms your Alexa device into a standalone speaker for Bluetooth-enabled items.
Preparing Your Alexa Device For Bluetooth Connection
Here are the steps to prepare your Alexa device for Bluetooth connection and how to put it in pairing mode:
Step 1 Turn on your Alexa device and place it within range of the device you wish to pair it with.
Step 2 Ascertain that your Alexa device is not currently linked to any other Bluetooth device. If it is, tell Alexa to disconnect by stating, “Alexa, disconnect from Bluetooth.”
Step 3 Put your Alexa device in Bluetooth pairing mode by doing the following:
For screen-equipped Echo speakers (such as the Echo Show or Echo Spot):
- To reach the quick settings menu, swipe down from the top of the screen.
- Select the “Settings” icon.
- Choose “Bluetooth.”
- To activate Bluetooth, toggle the switch.
For Other Alexa Devices
- Hold down the Action button (the one with a dot or a line) until the light ring becomes orange and the device enters pairing mode.
- The light ring will spin blue, signaling that it is ready for pairing.
- Go to the Bluetooth settings on your smartphone, tablet, or other Bluetooth-enabled device once your Alexa device is in pairing mode.
- Enable Bluetooth on your device and search for available devices.
- Choose your Alexa device from the list of options. It may be something like “Echo-XXX” or “Amazon-XXX.”
To finish the pairing procedure, follow any on-screen prompts.
Pairing Your Smartphone Or Tablet With Alexa
- Check that your Alexa device is turned on and plugged into a power source.
- Launch the Alexa app on your phone or tablet. Check that you have the most recent version of the program installed.
- Tap the “Devices” icon in the bottom right corner of the screen in the Alexa app. It appears to be a house.
- To add a new device, hit the “+” icon in the top right corner of the Devices screen.
- Choose “Add Device” and then the sort of device you want to add. If you have an Amazon Echo, for example, choose “Amazon Echo.”
- Set up your device by following the on-screen directions. During this process, ensure your Alexa device is connected to your Wi-Fi network.
Also read: How to Get the Most When Using a Smartphone With a Laptop
Steps To Follow Once Bluetooth Is Set-Up
- Return to the Alexa app’s Devices screen once your Alexa device has been configured and linked to Wi-Fi.
- Locate and choose your Alexa device from the list of available options.
- Look for and touch the “Bluetooth Devices” option on the device settings screen.
- Tap the “Pair a New Device” option on the Bluetooth Devices screen.
- Your Alexa device should now be in pairing mode, as indicated by a flashing blue light or a voice prompt that says, “Ready to pair.” Depending on your Alexa device type, the particular indication may be different.
- Navigate to the Bluetooth settings menu on your Bluetooth-enabled device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, or computer).
Final Steps
- Your Alexa device should now be in pairing mode, as indicated by a flashing blue light or a voice prompt that says, “Ready to pair.” The particular indication may differ depending on the type of Alexa device you have.
- Navigate to the Bluetooth settings menu on your Bluetooth-enabled device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, or computer).
- Look for available devices in the Bluetooth settings menu. Your Alexa device should be listed among the available devices. It could be identified by the model name or by a custom name you specify.
- To begin the pairing process, select your Alexa device from the list of accessible devices.
- Follow any additional on-screen prompts to complete the connecting procedure between your Alexa device and your Bluetooth-enabled device.
Playing Audio Through Alexa
Once the device is paired, you can use Bluetooth to play audio through Alexa. Here are a few examples:
- Voice command: You can play audio with Alexa using voice commands. Say something like, “Alexa, play music from [Bluetooth device name]” or “Alexa, play [song/artist/playlist] from [Bluetooth device name].”
How To Play Audio?
- Launch the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Tap the “Devices” icon, then pick your Alexa device before tapping “Bluetooth Devices.”
- Select the connected Bluetooth device to play audio and utilize the app’s controls.
Note: Depending on the Alexa device, physical buttons or controls to play/pause, skip tracks, or adjust volume may be included. More information on these can be found in the user manual for your device.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Try disconnecting and reconnecting the Bluetooth connections on both devices.
- Check that the Bluetooth-enabled device you’re using supports the audio format you’re attempting to play.
- Check for software upgrades for both your Alexa device and the Bluetooth-enabled gadget.
- Turn off and on Bluetooth on both devices.
- Bring the devices closer together to eliminate any connectivity concerns.
- Connect the Bluetooth-enabled device to a separate Bluetooth speaker or headphones to determine whether the problem is with the device itself.
Additional Tips For Alexa Pro Users
- If you’re having problems playing audio, restart both the Alexa device and the Bluetooth-enabled device before reconnecting them.
- Some Bluetooth devices may require extra actions for music playback, such as selecting an audio source or activating Bluetooth streaming. For precise instructions, consult the user handbook for your Bluetooth device.
- Remember that Bluetooth audio streaming may include a tiny delay or latency compared to cable or direct streaming alternatives.
Conclusion
Using Bluetooth to play audio through Alexa can improve your listening experience and enable simple wireless connectivity.
You can easily connect your Bluetooth-enabled device and enjoy music or audio playback by following the instructions to prepare your Alexa device for Bluetooth connection and placing it in pairing mode.
Furthermore, the troubleshooting suggestions can aid in resolving frequent issues that can develop during the procedure. Take advantage of the seamless integration of Alexa and Bluetooth to enhance your audio experience.
FAQs
Can you use Alexa just as a Bluetooth speaker?
Yes, Alexa may be used solely as a Bluetooth speaker. Simply pair your Bluetooth-enabled device with Alexa, and audio from your device will be streamed to the Alexa speaker.
How do I open Alexa Bluetooth without Wi-Fi?
To use Alexa Bluetooth without Wi-Fi, turn on your Alexa device and enter Bluetooth pairing mode by pushing and holding the device’s Bluetooth button. Then pair your Bluetooth-enabled device with Alexa and listen to music through the speaker.
How do I put Alexa in Bluetooth mode?
- Press and hold the Bluetooth button on your Alexa device until it enters Bluetooth pairing mode to put Alexa in Bluetooth mode.
- The indicator light will flash or change color, and Alexa will issue an audible prompt to indicate that it is in pairing mode.
- Then, for audio playback, connect your Bluetooth-enabled device to Alexa.
