Have you recently purchased the latest Echo Buds Gen 2 from Amazon and wondering how to unleash their full potential? As an experienced wireless earbuds user, allow me walk you step-by-step through the ideal setup process.
Overview – Meet Echo Buds Gen 2
Before diving into the pairing and personalization, let‘s briefly recap what makes the newest Echo Buds special. Building upon 2019‘s original release, Gen 2 earbuds packing multiple upgrades:
- 2x improved active noise cancellation using refined inward and outward-facing mics
- 30% more battery life reaching 5 hours playback per charge with ANC on
- Wireless charging case now with Qi standard support
- Snappier Alexa activation via new AZ1 processor
I‘ve tested both generations extensively and can certainly vouch for the audio, comfort and connectivity improvements. Amazon also refined the design – 20% smaller buds and a more flush case charging interface.
Now that you know what‘s new, let‘s get your Echo Buds Gen 2 ready for sonic glory!
Step 1 – Download and Install Alexa App
The Alexa smartphone app is mandatory for setting up Echo Buds 2. This app handles critical functions like:
- Initial Bluetooth pairing
- In-ear fit analysis
- Settings customization
- Tracking battery status
Download links:
I recommend iOS users update to 15.2+ and Android users on 8.0+ for maximum compatibility. Have your Amazon login also ready during installation.
Step 2 – Register Your Earbuds
Under the Devices tab in Alexa, select Add + and choose "Amazon Echo" then Echo Buds. Enable Bluetooth and location access when prompted.
Next press the pairing button on your Echo Buds case for 3 seconds until the light flashes blue. This puts the earbuds into discoverable mode. Your phone should automatically detect "Echo Buds" for pairing – select them when found.
Allow contacting and microphone access so all features work correctly. Finally enable Alexa access to complete registration. You‘ll know its worked when Alexa starts speaking into your ears!
| Platform | Version | Bluetooth Supported |
|---|---|---|
| iOS | 15.2+ | 5.0 |
| Android | 8.0+ | 5.0 |
Step 3 – Find Your Ideal Ear Tip Fit
Amazon provides multiple ear tip sizes from extra small to large. Finding the right fit is crucial for both comfort and optimal sound.
Thus the Echo Buds has a built-in fit test. Under Earbud Fit, equip both earbuds then choose Check Fit. Alexa will play a series of tones while mics detect in-ear resonance and external leakage.
A "Good Seal" result means minimal sound leakage. But you want to aim for an "Excellent Seal" which signals a snug in-canal fit for best noise cancellation and accuracy across the sound spectrum from punchy bass to clear highs.
Retake the test with different sized eartips until you nail that excellent rating!
Step 4 – Customize Your Tap Controls
One of my favorite Echo Buds elements is the tactile tap interface. Each earbud is touch sensitive allowing you to control audio and Alexa hands-free.
Here are the default tap control schemes:
- Single Tap – Play / Pause
- Double Tap – Skip Track
- Triple Tap – Previous Track
- Long Hold – Noise Cancellation Cycling / Alexa Activation
Under Tap Controls in Settings, you can customize single, double, triple taps and long hold function per your needs across:
- Playback (play, pause, skip track/back)
- Volume Up/Down
- Noise Cancellation Cycling
- Alexa Activation
For example, I have double tap set to enable pass-through audio instead of next track. And long hold pauses music rather than cycling ANC. Set this up based on how you use the buds!
Step 5 – Allow Desired Notifications
A standout Echo Buds feature is having notifications read directly into your ears freeing you from phone checking. But unfiltered, this can get overwhelming fast.
Start by toggling on Notifications under Settings. Then tap on the VIP filter section. Here you can explicitly allow notifications from desired apps and contacts while blocking the rest.
Customize Alexa‘s speech speed and volume too so you never miss an important alert. Just take care not to constantly overload yourself when notifications are enabled!
On Android I noticed some messaging apps require explicit notification access granted first before functioning correctly with Echo Buds. So check this if some expected alerts don‘t come through.
Step 6 – Get Your Sound Dialed In
Understanding the audio options will let you better personalize your listening experience:
Equalizer
The built-in 5-band equalizer under Sound Settings lets you manually adjust:
- Bass: 100Hz-400Hz
- Low Mid: 400Hz-2000Hz
- Mid: 1000Hz-8000Hz
- High Mid: 4000Hz-10,000Hz
- Treble: 9,000Hz-14,000Hz
So for example, bump the Bass and High Mids if you want louder, punchier audio. I recommend starting flat then tuning to your preferences.
Audio Personalization
This intelligent feature under Personalization analyzes your hearing and environment to auto-calibrate the buds each time run. It adjusts output to compensate for sound leakage and ear anatomy.
I suggest occasional re-runs as it often yields better objective quality than manual tweaking alone.!
Step 7 – Monitor Your Battery Levels
Under About Earbuds > Battery Status, you can check the exact percentage remaining on each bud (left/right) and the charging case. This helps avoid unexpectedly running out of juice mid-jam!
Expect around 5 hours listened time per full earbud charge with ANC on. The case itself holds 2 additional full charges equaling ~15 total hours away from a wall outlet.
Seeing cases run on averages 15-20% total capacity loss after 2 years. So factor that into long term use. Qi charging also helps extend case longevity given no physical charge port wear and tear.
In terms of hard specs, each Echo Bud contains a 48 mAh battery with the Wireless Charging Case bumped up to a 620 mAh cell size this generation.
Step 8 – Power Up Your Earbuds
Always store the buds securely into their personalized left/right marked slots in the charging case. The case LED will glow amber when charging then turn green at 100%.
Standard case charging times:
- Earbuds: 1.5 hours 0 to 100%
- Case: 3 hours 0 to 100%
Charging speeds did not dramatically improve on Gen 2, peaking around 5-7W power draw. So no need for the latest 20+W Fast Charging adapters. Any 10W+ USB brick will replenish at similar rates.
The Wireless Charging Case convenience comes at the cost of slower charging – expect 0 to 100% in 3 hours on reputable pads like Anker, Belkin and RavPower.
Pro Power User Tips!
Here are some bonus pointers I‘ve discovered through my extensive Echo Buds usage:
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Enable Find My and Find My Buds in Settings. Then say "Alexa, find my buds!" if you misplace any earbud or case.
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For real-time voice sidetone when on calls, slide up the Monitor Your Voice slider under Settings > Personalization.
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Via Alexa Voice Responses, you can now change wake word ("Computer" etc), accent (British, Indian English) and even gender!
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Add your height/weight workout profile for basic activity tracking without the phone including steps, duration and pace.
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I highly recommend enabling one-earbud mono mode for ambient listening while keeping one bud free. Go to About then toggle on Single Bud Use. Game changer!
So there you have – everything you need for taking full control of your Echo Buds Gen 2. Follow this guide and you‘ll be tuned in with a personalized audio experience in no time. Reach out if any other questions arise during your usage journey!
