How to set up that new Amazon Echo you bought on Prime Day

For many, including myself, Amazon Echo smart speakers and smart displays have become essential parts of our homes and lives. From answering all questions to setting timers and controlling additional smart devices: Alexa can help you with everything. But if you’re not a tech enthusiast, the idea of ​​setting up an Amazon Echo device can be a daunting experience.

After years of setting up and testing countless smart home devices, I know how frustrating it can be when getting these types of devices online isn’t as easy as we’d hoped. A simple set of instructions on what the Echo’s different lights mean, plus how to get your device online, can make all the difference. That’s why we’ve created a guide for you. Here’s how to connect your Alexa to Wi-Fi and start building out custom automations in no time.

Connect Alexa to WiFi

Connecting your new Amazon Echo to your Wi-Fi network is the most essential step because if you don’t do this, your smart speaker won’t be as smart. Amazon’s Alexa app can recognize when devices are ready to start setting up and guides you through the process. However, sometimes the app does not recognize that a device is ready. If that happens, you should do the following:

1. Open the Alexa app and tap Devices at the bottom of the screen
2. Tap the plus sign in the top right corner of the screen
3. To elect Add device
4. Select Amazon echo
5. Scroll through the list and select the type of echo you have: Echo, echo point, echo doll and more
6. Follow the instructions on the screen

If you’ve already set up your Amazon Echo smart speaker or display, but want to reconnect or change the connected Wi-Fi, there are several steps you’ll need to take.

1. Open the Alexa app and tap Devices at the bottom of the screen
2. Select the Ultrasound device for which you want to reconnect or change network settings
3. In the pop-up, tap the gear icon in the top right corner
4. To elect Change or delete a Wi-Fi network
5. Select Join a different Wi-Fi network
6. Follow the instructions on the screen

Connect Alexa to Bluetooth

Although Amazon Echo smart speakers can connect to music streaming services, sometimes you’ll want to connect your phone to the speakers. Whether it’s because Alexa doesn’t support the streaming service you want to use or you want better control over what’s playing on your phone, these steps will connect your cell phone to your Echo smart speaker.

1. Open the Alexa app and tap Devices at the bottom of the screen
2. Select the Ultrasound device for which you want to reconnect or change network settings
3. In the pop-up, tap Connect a device under the Bluetooth connection section
4. Choose the device you want to connect to in the list of available devices

Once Bluetooth is turned on and the initial connection to your phone has been made, you can use voice commands to connect in the future. Just say, “Alexa, connect [your device]” to connect or “Alexa, disconnect”. [your device]” to close the connection.

Connect Alexa to other smart devices

If you have a new smart bulb, security camera, smart lock, or other smart home gadget, chances are your Amazon Alexa device can connect to it. The process of adding these devices to Alexa follows many of the same steps for connecting a new Echo device to your Wi-Fi network. However, instead of tapping it Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Pop and morechoose the device type (bulb, plug, etc.) from the list and then follow the instructions.

Looking for specific instructions for Alexa-enabled devices?

Check out our guide to using Alexa commands with your home security camera and our overview of the smart devices that work with Alexa.