Do you have Alexa at home? Have you tried to get it to connect to other networks without seeing positive results? We understand that getting your Alexa to connect to your WiFi and Bluetooth is not so easy, especially when you have to decode different color codes on your Amazon Echo smart speakers. So, to help you overcome this problem, we’ve written a clear procedure for you to follow in order to connect your Alexa to anything – WiFi, Bluetooth, or any other network.
Connecting Alexa to Wi-Fi
The only way to connect Alexa to WiFi is by connecting it to your Echo Smart speaker or display. This is pretty easy to do. Firstly, if you haven’t installed your Alexa app (Android, iOS, Windows), do that right away. Your speakers and smart displays will take you through the process when booting them for the first time.
Preparing Your Alexa-Enabled Device
If you just bought the Alexa-enabled device, take it out of its packaging. Then, locate the power connector. If you’re using an Amazon Echo, it will start up immediately you plug it into the AC outlet. If you need any help in starting your device, check the owners’ manual in the packaging. Your device may begin to flash an orange glow or even announce that it is ready to connect after you plug it in.
Here are the steps to follow to connect your Alexa device to your WiFi:
- Open the Alexa app on your phone.
- Sign in using your Amazon login details.
- Select Devices at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap the + button at the upper right corner.
- When a menu pops up below the screen, select Add Device.
- Select Amazon Echo.
- Choose your Echo device.
- Confirm that your device is flashing orange by tapping Yes.
- Select the detected device.
- Choose the WiFi network you’re connecting to. It may only take a minute for Alexa to connect.
- After the Alexa-enable device is connected, tap Continue.
If you change routers, here’s how to connect your Alexa to the new WiFi router:
- Open the Alexa app.
- Tap Devices on the bottom of the screen.
- Select Echo & Alexa on the top left corner of the screen.
- Choose the device you want to connect with.
- Tap the blue Change button beside the WiFi network.
- Verify that your device is plugged in and showing the light
- Choose your WiFi network and input your password.
How to Fix It When Your Alexa is Not Connecting to WiFi
Sometimes, your Alexa may refuse to connect to WiFi. It may be because your WiFi signal is blocked by a physical object, or because your router or modem needs a reboot. Here are tips that will help you connect your Echo smart speaker or other Alexa-enabled devices back to the WiFi.
- Make sure your internet connection is turned on and working properly. If your internet is not connecting to other devices, then Alexa won’t be able to connect either.
- Restart your modem and router manually. Then, wait for about five minutes before retrying to connect your Alexa to WiFi. The problem may be from your hardware and not the Alexa.
- Turn off the Alexa-enabled device and then turn it on again. Then try to connect to WiFi again. Sometimes, the connectivity problems you’re having can be solved by a simple reboot of your Alexa-enabled device.
- Check the WiFi password you’re filling in, and make sure it is correct. To verify if you’re using the right password, find another device on your WiFi network and disconnect it. Then, try to connect back with the password you use to connect Alexa. If the device recognizes the network but cannot connect, then the WiFi password is not correct. Reset your password and fill in the right password for your Alexa device.
- Find blocks that may be preventing the connection. WiFi cannot travel long distances or pass through several thick walls. So, remove all obstructions separating your device from your router. Your Alexa-enabled device may have been unable to connect because it was out of range. If you live in a large home and will like to use your Alexa device wherever you are, consider expanding the connectivity in your home with a mesh network.
- Turn off devices that can interfere with the network like baby monitors or FM radios.
- If you’ve tried all these methods and nothing worked, reset the factory settings of your Alexa device. The instructions to follow to reset your device differs based on its generation.
It is easy to know the generation of your device by studying the design. Third-generation Echo Dot speakers have a fabric speaker placed around the sides of the device. It also features four control buttons on top. On the other hand, the second-generation Dots have a non-fabric speaker around the sides, but also has four control buttons. First-generation Dots feature only two buttons on top.
If you’re using Echos, your second-generation device has a fabric speaker around its side, while the first-generation Echos have no fabric.
If you can’t still connect your device after resetting factory settings, you should contact Amazon or your internet service provider.
Connecting Alexa to Bluetooth
If you want to connect your Alexa-device to your phone, then you have to use Bluetooth. To connect Alexa to your Bluetooth:
- Open your Alexa app.
- Select Devices.
- Tap Echo & Alexa.
- Select your device and tap Bluetooth Devices.
Your Echo will then search for available Bluetooth devices and you can select your mobile device. Once the devices are paired, you’ll be able to listen to music or radio on your smart speaker by turning on your Bluetooth.
You can also connect your Echo to other speakers by scrolling down on your device screen to Speaker and Stereo Pair/Subwoofer. It is located below WiFi Network and Bluetooth Devices option on your phone.
Connecting Alexa to Other Smart Devices
If you have a camera, deadbolt, lightbulb, or any other smart devices, you can get your Alexa to connect to them too. You can find out if they are compatible by checking your Alexa app.
When the app is open, select Devices. Then, click the plus sign at the top right corner of the screen. A menu will slide up at the bottom of the screen. Select Add Device. The app gives you a long list of devices you can add. Once you find the one in your home, select it and follow the directions given to connect it to your Alexa.