Skip to main content

Can Alexa connect to Bluetooth speakers?

Amazon’s Echos are made to function as smart speakers all on their own … but sometimes you want more. If you love playing music or other audio from an Echo speaker, you may want to add more Bluetooth speakers for multi-room sound or simply connect your Bluetooth headphones directly to the Echo for private listening. Here’s how to connect Bluetooth speakers directly to your Echo for situations just like these!

Step 1: Get an Alexa device, and sign in to your account

The Amazon Alexa sign-in screen.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Let’s start with the basics. You’ll need an Echo device that you have previously set up with the Alexa app. It sounds easy, but if it’s your first Echo, then take the time to learn how the speaker works. Try playing some music on it so you don’t have to worry about figuring any of that out later.

Recommended Videos

When ready, open the Alexa app, and make sure that you are signed in with your Amazon account, if necessary.

Step 2: Find your Alexa device

The Alexa devices main screen.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Now you need to go to the specific Echo that you want to pair with another Bluetooth speaker. Look at the bottom menu on the home screen, and choose Devices.

The next window lists several different devices. Choose Echo & Alexa to find your device. Now you’ll see a list of all the Echo devices you are currently signed in on and whether or not they are online (they’ll need to be online for this process, which is why step 1 is important). Your Echo will be listed by the name you assigned during setup, so select that name to continue.

Step 3: Get ready to pair with Bluetooth

The Echo settings in the Alexa app.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Next, navigate to the Bluetooth section of this particular Echo. Look in the section that says Connected Devices and select the Speaker option.

The Bluetooth section of connected speakers for an Echo device in the Alexa app.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Now, look for the section that says Other Speakers. Select the Bluetooth section and select Next.

Step 4: Find your Bluetooth device

Alexa showing option to pair new Bluetooth device.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Alexa will now present a list of previously paired devices. Since you are pairing a new Bluetooth speaker, ignore this section for now and look below and select Pair a New Device.

Step 5: Pair your devices and start playing

The Alexa app searching for Bluetooth devices for an Echo.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Alexa searches for any new Bluetooth devices nearby. Once it finds them, the voice assistant will list available devices. Select your Bluetooth speaker from this list, and wait for Alexa to pair them. Confirm the process is complete. If your Bluetooth device has a pairing button, make sure to press it while Alexa is searching. Don’t choose the Skip This Step button, or it will cancel the search.

If Alexa can’t find your Bluetooth speaker, it’s a good idea to reboot everything, including the Alexa app device, and try again.

Final notes

Alternatively, if you have an Echo Show, you can use the Show’s touchscreen to pair more directly. Simply swipe down, select Settings, and select Bluetooth, and the Echo Show should automatically start looking for nearby Bluetooth devices.

Remember, you will probably want to unpair the Bluetooth speaker when you are done to return to the normal Echo function. You can do this with a simple voice command. Just say, “Alexa, disconnect from my speaker,” and the Echo should respond. Now that Alexa has recognized your Bluetooth device, you should be able to pair it again with another voice command: “Alexa, connect to [speaker name].”

Finally, did you know that you can connect Alexa directly to a Bluetooth speaker without needing an Echo device as a go-between? Here’s our guide to connecting Alexa to compatible home speakers even without an Echo.

Topics
Tyler Lacoma
Former Digital Trends Contributor
If it can be streamed, voice-activated, made better with an app, or beaten by mashing buttons, Tyler's into it. When he's not…
How to deck out your pad with smart home gadgets for the holidays
Mother and daughter dancing in living room with Govee smart lights on.

The holiday season is often called the most wonderful time of the year -- but if you’re hosting any parties, you probably know it as the most stressful time of the year. Getting your house prepared, ensuring guests will be entertained, and the act of hosting a large group of people in your home aren’t easy tasks. Thankfully, there are a handful of smart home gadgets that can help you prepare for the big day and ensure things run smoothly when your holiday party rolls around.

Here's how to deck out your pad with smart home gadgets for the holidays and ensure your season is as stress-free as possible.
Create a festive ambiance with smart lights

Read more
Can a smart sprinkler system help you use less water?
Rachio IRO smart sprinkler installed on wall.

Installing a smart sprinkler system is a great way to keep your yard green without much effort. They tend to carry hefty upfront fees, but once they're installed, it's hard to beat the convenience they offer. Aside from convenience, many smart sprinkler systems also claim to help you save water -- and if you're using less water, you're probably saving on your monthly water bills.

But can a smart sprinkler really help you use less water? And do they save you enough money to be worth the investment? Let's take a closer look to find out.
What is a smart sprinkler system?

Read more
What is Amazon Alexa, and what can it do?
Echo 4th Gen speaker on table.

Amazon Alexa is an interactive voice assistant that can check the weather, launch your favorite playlist, and everything in between. Alexa can be found on most Amazon products, including the new Echo Pop, the iconic Echo Dot, and even a variety of smart thermostats, soundbars, lamps, and more. Aside from taking basic commands from you, Alexa can also dish out commands to the rest of your connected smart home -- making it easy to streamline your life.

Interested in learning more about Amazon Alexa? Then you’re in the right place. Here’s a closer look at where Alexa comes from, how it works, where it got its name, and just about everything else you’d want to know about the popular voice assistant and smart home savant.
Who/what is Alexa?

Read more