While your Alexa-enabled device (such as an Echo smart speaker or Echo Show smart display) can stream music and other content from the internet, that’s not the only way you can use it to play audio. For example, you might want to stream your favourite music or podcasts directly from your phone.

To do that, you’ll need to connect your phone to the Echo device. It’s simple to do, and once set up, you can easily stream audio from your phone to Alexa as if it were an ordinary Bluetooth speaker.

Here’s how to connect your Alexa-enabled device to your phone.

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Preparing your devices for connection

Firstly, make sure you have an active Wi-Fi connection when you pair your device for the first time so your Echo device can access Alexa’s full range of features.

Of course, your Alexa device needs to be set up properly using the Alexa app on your phone. If you haven’t done that yet, install the Alexa app for iPhone or Android and then use it to set up your speaker. The app will walk you through every step, including connecting to your home Wi-Fi network and logging into your Amazon account.

You will know your Echo is in setup mode when the ring of light changes from blue to orange.

Connecting Alexa to your phone using the app

Once you’ve set up the Alexa app, you can use it to connect your Echo device to your phone by following these six simple steps:

  1. Put your Bluetooth device in pairing mode
  2. Open the Alexa app
  3. Select Devices
  4. Select your device
  5. Select Device Settings
  6. Select Bluetooth Devices, and then Pair A New Device
    A screenshot of Device Settings for Alexa.

  Alternative connection methods

Don't have a mobile device? You can also use the Alexa app on a compatible web browser.

The Alexa desktop app is compatible with:

● Safari
● Firefox
● Chrome
● Microsoft Edge
● Internet Explorer (10 and above)

To set up your Alexa on your web browser, visit https://alexa.amazon.co.uk/, sign in to your Amazon account, and follow the instructions on your desktop.

Connecting Alexa to phones and Bluetooth — FAQs

  • How do you put Alexa in Bluetooth pairing mode?

    Simply say, “Alexa, pair” to the Echo device you want to connect to. Doing this will put it into pairing mode and search for nearby Bluetooth-enabled devices. Alexa will tell you once it's connected to your phone, or you can look for the Echo Device in the list of new devices at the bottom of your phone’s Bluetooth settings page.

  • How do I play music from my phone to Alexa?

    When you connect your phone to your Echo device via Bluetooth, any audio you play from your phone will play through the device. To control playback, use your mobile device or speak commands to Alexa.

  • Can I connect Alexa to my phone without WiFi?

    As long as your phone has Bluetooth switched on, you can connect to Alexa without a WiFi connection after you've done the initial set up.

  • How do I connect Alexa to Spotify?

    You can stream your favourite music and podcasts from Spotify through your Echo device by following these simple steps:
    1. Open the Alexa app
    2. Click on More, and then Settings
    3. Under Alexa Preferences, select Music & Podcasts
    4. Select Link New Service
    5. Select Spotify and follow the on-screen instructions

Find out more about how you can get the most out of your Alexa-enabled device.