Have you just set up a new Alexa smart speaker and wondering how to unleash its full potential? Connecting it to your other devices via Bluetooth is an excellent way to maximize what Alexa can do.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn all about Alexa‘s Bluetooth capabilities and how to connect your smartphone, tablet, speakers, headphones and more.
We’ll cover:
- A brief history of Bluetooth technology
- An overview of Alexa device models and Bluetooth support
- Step-by-step instructions to connect Alexa to Bluetooth
- Setting up wireless Bluetooth speakers with Alexa
- Tips for troubleshooting connections
- Example use cases and device pairing best practices
I’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about getting Alexa on Bluetooth properly.
So let’s get started!
An Abridged History of Bluetooth
To understand Alexa‘s abilities, it helps to learn a bit about the history of Bluetooth technology.
Bluetooth was created in 1994 by the Swedish telecommunications company Ericsson as a way to wirelessly connect mobile devices like phones and headsets over short distances.
The name actually comes from a 10th century Scandinavian king named King Harald Bluetooth who united warring tribes into one kingdom. This parallels how Bluetooth tech aims to "unite" devices seamlessly.
Over the next decades, other technology companies like Intel, IBM, and Nokia contributed to developing Universal Bluetooth standards all devices could use.
Key Bluetooth milestones include:
- 1998: Bluetooth 1.0 specification released
- 2003: Bluetooth 2.0 introduced faster speeds
- 2009: Bluetooth 3.0 increased max bandwidth to 24 Mbit/s
- 2016: Bluetooth 5.0 allows connections up to 240m distances
Today, Bluetooth has become the universal wireless standard for connecting everything from smartphones, speakers, wearables, home electronics, medical devices, and now voice assistants!
Next let‘s recap Alexa device models and their Bluetooth capabilities.
Alexa Device Models and Bluetooth Support
Amazon has released various Alexa device models over the years, each with varying levels of Bluetooth support.
Here is a comparison of some popular Alexa devices and their Bluetooth features:
| Device | Year Released | Bluetooth Version | Max Connections | Bluetooth Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Echo Dot 3rd Gen | 2018 | Bluetooth 5.0 | 128 | Streaming, Calling, Connect Speakers |
| Echo Show 5 | 2019 | Bluetooth 5.0 | 128 | Streaming, Calling, Connect Speakers |
| Echo Studio | 2019 | Bluetooth 5.0 | 128 | Streaming, Connect Speakers |
| Echo Buds | 2019 | Bluetooth 5.0 | 2 | Stream Audio, Calling, Virtual Assistant |
Some key takeaways:
- Newer Echo devices from 2018 onwards support Bluetooth 5 for wider compatibility
- Most models can handle streaming media, connecting external speakers, and hands-free calling via Bluetooth
- Bluetooth 5 increased the max simultaneous connections to up to 128 devices
So in summary – all the latest Alexa gadgets have excellent built-in Bluetooth functionality to connect your other devices.
Now let‘s walk through getting your smartphone paired…
Step-by-Step: Connecting Alexa to Your Phone via Bluetooth
The most common use of Alexa‘s Bluetooth is to connect your smartphone. This allows you to make calls, stream music libraries, manage smart devices like lights and thermostats, and access phone contacts all through Alexa.
Here is an easy 7 step process to connect your phone:
Step 1: Turn On Bluetooth on Your Phone
For iPhones go to Settings > Bluetooth and toggle it on. For Androids, go to Settings > Connected Devices and turn on Bluetooth.
Tip: Your phone will automatically become "discoverable" to other Bluetooth devices when you turn on Bluetooth.
Step 2: Download the Alexa App
If you don‘t already have it, download Amazon‘s free Alexa app for iOS or Android. This is required for setup.
Step 3: Register Your Alexa Device
Open the Alexa app and register the device you want to connect if you haven‘t already done so. Make sure your Alexa device is powered on and connected to WiFi as well.
Step 4: Go to Settings
Tap the menu ≡ icon and choose Settings at the very bottom to enter the device management area.
Step 5: Select Your Alexa Device
Next choose the specific Echo, Fire TV, or other Alexa device you want to link up with Bluetooth.
Step 6: Head to Bluetooth Settings
Scroll down on your device page and select Bluetooth. Then choose Pair New Device to put Alexa into discoverable mode.
Alexa will now start searching for your phone…
Step 7: Connect Your Phone
You‘ll see your phone name pop-up for pairing. Simply tap it to connect via Bluetooth.
And that‘s it – your Alexa device and phone are now wirelessly connected via Bluetooth!
The process only takes about a minute and just needs to be setup once.
Now Alexa can make calls, stream music, manage smart devices like lights and thermostats, and access your phone contacts all completely hands-free!
Next, let‘s go over how to connect wireless Bluetooth speakers…
Connect Any Speakers to Alexa via Bluetooth
Another great way to extend Alexa‘s capabilities is by hooking up external Bluetooth speakers. This allows you to either enhance the sound from your built-in Alexa speaker, or place remote speakers in other rooms.
Here is an overview of how to connect Bluetooth wireless speakers to your Alexa device:
Step 1: Ensure speakers are powered on and put into Bluetooth pairing mode. Consult your speaker manual if unsure of how to do this.
Step 2: Follow steps 1-5 above to access Bluetooth settings in the Alexa app.
Step 3: Select “Pair New Device” and choose your speaker from the list when it appears.
Step 4: Alexa will automatically connect whenever you say “Alexa, connect Bluetooth speaker”.
I personally recommend the Anker Soundcore Bluetooth Speaker as an affordable but good quality portable Alexa speaker.
But any portable Bluetooth speaker will work great for extending Alexa around your home.
Now that you know the basics, let’s go over some pro tips…
Pro Tips for Seamless Bluetooth Connections
Here are some power user recommendations for avoiding issues and streamlining connectivity between Alexa and your devices:
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When pairing new devices, keep them within 5-10 feet of your Alexa smart speaker for best connectivity.
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You can pair multiple devices like phones and speakers so Alexa can handle each seamlessly. But limit to less than seven connected devices.
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Bluetooth has a typical indoor range of up to 30 feet between paired devices before sound degrades or disconnects.
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Place Alexa centrally if using remote Bluetooth speakers so all locations are within operating range.
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If you encounter issues first unpair then forget the device in Bluetooth settings before attempting to re-pair.
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When done using Bluetooth devices use the disconnect feature so Alexa knows to pause that connection.
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You can manually force reconnect to the last Bluetooth device by saying "Alexa, connect Bluetooth".
Using Bluetooth to wirelessly interconnect your phone, speakers and other devices instantly supercharges what Alexa is capable of!
Now let‘s wrap up with some common troubleshooting solutions…
Alexa Bluetooth Troubleshooting Guide
Like any technology, you might occasionally encounter hiccups with the Bluetooth connectivity.
Here are some troubleshooting tips if Alexa is having issues pairing:
Can‘t Discover Device:
- Re-enable Bluetooth discoverable mode on the device
- Power cycle the problematic device
- Ensure device is within 30 feet maximum range
Won‘t Connect:
- Say “Alexa, disconnect Bluetooth” to reset active connections
- Delete old pairing and re-pair devices from scratch
- Check for device software/firmware updates
Choppy Audio Quality:
- Reposition devices closer together if far apart
- Clear line-of-sight obstructions between devices
- Upgrade routers/access points if using WiFi streaming
Alexa Not Responding:
- Say "Alexa disconnect Bluetooth" before command
- Power cycle Alexa device if frozen/unresponsive
Hopefully this gives you a game plan to get Bluetooth working smoothly. But drop me a line below if you have any other issues!
Finally, let‘s recap some key questions about Alexa‘s wireless capabilities…
Frequently Asked Alexa Bluetooth Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about getting Bluetooth set up on Alexa:
How many devices can Alexa connect to over Bluetooth?
Alexa can support pairing up to 128 devices thanks to Bluetooth 5. But aim to actively connect less than 5-7 devices.
What Alexa devices support Bluetooth?
All Echo smart speakers, Fire TV models, Echo Buds headphones, Echo Frames glasses and other Alexa gadgets support Bluetooth connectivity.
What can you do when Alexa is connected over Bluetooth?
Main features are audio streaming (music/podcasts/radio/etc.), hands-free calling through your phone, connecting external Bluetooth speakers and headphones in different rooms.
How far can Bluetooth devices be from Alexa?
Standard Bluetooth range is up to 30 feet indoors between paired devices. Extend further with WiFi streaming.
Hope this gives you everything you need to know to take full advantage of Alexa‘s seamless Bluetooth connectivity! Let me know if any other questions come up.
