Since the release of the Amazon Echo, Amazon has been weirdly quiet about rolling out new features. Usually the updates are things like minor bug fixes, updates to the Alexa app or compatibility with other smart products. Last week Amazon silently released a feature allowing the Amazon Echo to pair with Bluetooth speakers.
Many Echo Dot users love this feature because it offers the freedom to use much more powerful speakers than the ones that come with the device. The Echo Dot was never meant to be a primary music player, which is why it always had both Bluetooth functionality and a speaker out jack. Although the Echo does not have a speaker out jack, you can now pair it with any compatible Bluetooth speaker.
One of the major complaints that people, have had about the Echo is that while it is a serviceable speaker, it’s not good enough to be a primary music speaker. This update gives people many more options for playback. If you plan to use an external Bluetooth speaker as your primary playback speaker for an Echo device, I recommend just getting a Dot and saving yourself $140. But if you already own an Echo and would like the flexibility of playing through an external Bluetooth speaker, here’s how:
How to pair your Amazon Echo with a Bluetooth Speaker
- Turn on pairing mode on your Bluetooth speaker. If you don’t know how to do this, refer to the user guide for your Bluetooth speaker.
- Open the Alexa app and select Settings.
- Select your device, and then select Bluetooth > Pair a New Device. Your Echo device enters pairing mode. When your Echo device discovers your Bluetooth speaker, the speaker appears in the list of available of devices in the Alexa app.
- Select your Bluetooth speaker. Your Echo device connects to the speaker and Alexa then tells you if the connection is successful.In the Alexa app select Continue. Your Bluetooth speaker is now paired with your Echo device.
- If you want to play audio from another device on your Bluetooth speaker, say “Disconnect.”