How to use Alexa as a speaker

Because sometimes you just need a speaker.
By Elena Cavender  on 
How to use Alexa as a speaker
Man connects his Echo to his iPad's Bluetooth to enable it as a speaker. Credit: Shutterstock / Gabriel Gurzo

Do you want to play your music but are still in need of a speaker? Well, if you have an Amazon Echo, you can still jam out.

The Amazon Echo is an Alexa-enabled smart speaker that can perform a variety of functions from answering your questions to listening to podcasts and directing smart home devices. But sometimes you just need a speaker.

The following steps will teach you how to use your Amazon Echo as a Bluetooth speaker allowing you to pair it to your devices such as your iPhone.

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How to use your Echo as a speaker:

  1. Go to the settings app on your iPhone and click Bluetooth to make sure your Bluetooth is on. If it is on the oval next to Bluetooth will be green and you will see "My Devices" and "Other Devices" below Bluetooth. To turn Bluetooth on tap the circle in the oval next to Bluetooth. This step may be different depending on what device you are using.

  2. Say "Alexa, pair," or "Alexa, Bluetooth on," within hearing distance of your Amazon Echo. This will put yourEcho into pairing mode. A flashing blue light will turn on and the device will appear under "Other Devices" on the Bluetooth menu on your phone.

  3. Tap Echo under "Other Devices" on your iPhone and it will connect.

Once connected, your Echo will function as Bluetooth speaker. To disconnect, say "Alexa, disconnect from my phone."

Once you pair your phone once it should be easier to use your Echo as a Bluetooth speaker. Whenever you want to connect your phone to your Echo you just need to say "Alexa, connect to my phone."

Now that you've mastered turning Alexa into a speaker, maybe you can try activating Super Alexa mode.

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Elena Cavender

Elena is a tech reporter and the resident Gen Z expert at Mashable. She covers TikTok and digital trends. She recently graduated from UC Berkeley with a BA in American History. Email her at [email protected] or follow her @ecaviar_.


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