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Regardless of whether you want poppy beats or classic soundscapes: Bluetooth speakers are now part of the good tone. Whether at the beach, in the park or at home in the garden: wireless speakers are simply part of the game.
If these can then also be conveniently operated via voice control, musical happiness is perfect. Many users ask themselves the question:
Can I pair Alexa with a Bluetooth speaker? Yes, you can!
Alexa is Amazon’s voice assistant. And since the beginning of 2017, the lady can also control a wide variety of speakers. To realize this, an Echo Dot* is paired with the speaker.
Alternatively, the pairing with the Echo takes place via Bluetooth. Once a successful connection between the two devices has been established, the Echo device can be used to ask Alexa to play music tracks. The desired beats are then output via the Bluetooth speaker.
In order for Alexa to be able to set the tone, however, some requirements must be met. We will list these below.
It is important that the firmware version 5031 is installed on the Echo Dot device. If you are not sure, you can check which version is available. This is done by opening the Alexa app, where the device software can be viewed under the menu item “Devices”.
From there, simply navigate to the item “Echo and Alexa”, where the corresponding device can be selected. Now click on the menu item “Info” and the existing firmware version is displayed.
Another requirement relates to compatibility. The existing Bluetooth speaker must have been designed for use in combination with Alexa and support the following Bluetooth profile.
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A2DP SNK or AVRCP
The abbreviations stand for “Advanced Audio Distribution Profile” and “Audio/Video Remote Control Profile”. The best way to establish the connection is to use a speaker that is Amazon Echo certified and declared as such in the product descriptions.
The next requirement relates to the Alexa app, which is available free of charge in both stores (iOS and Android). This must be installed on a corresponding smartphone or tablet PC.
You should also pay attention to the distance between the Bluetooth speaker and the Echo device. This should be large enough to prevent potential interference during speech recognition. The manufacturer recommends a distance of at least one meter.
The number of devices also defines itself as a requirement. The problem-free connection can only be established when only one Bluetooth device is used with Echo or the Echo Dot. This has the simple background that only one device can be controlled with the Echo at the same time.
However, if several Bluetooth devices are to be controlled in parallel with the voice assistant, Echo devices are also required in the corresponding quantity. Alternatively, you can use a smart Bluetooth speaker that is already equipped with the Alexa function by the manufacturer. This is the case with Sony’s SRS-XB402M, for example. The Echo device is not required for this Bluetooth speaker. Instead, the Amazon account is simply and directly connected to the speaker app.
Bluetooth with Alexa Step by Step
To ensure that the pairing with Alexa works smoothly, we will explain the connection setup step by step below. As long as the aforementioned requirements are met, Amazon’s voice assistant can be connected to the corresponding Bluetooth speaker. However, we would like to point out at this point that the following steps are exemplary instructions. This means that they can vary. Depending on the model of the speaker, slight deviations can be seen here.
Step 1:
First, you need to turn on the Bluetooth speaker. Then the pairing mode is activated. How this works can be found in the user manual of the device.
Step 2:
Now open the Alexa app on the smartphone or tablet PC. Within the app, navigate to the settings and then click on the “Device settings” menu item.
Step 3:
Here, the respective Echo device is selected and then click on “Wireless Connections” in the sub-item. From there, navigate to “Bluetooth Devices” and then “Connect a new device”.
Alternative:
Another path is defined via “Devices”, “Echo and Alexa”. Once this is done, the Alexa app starts searching for devices that are ready to be paired. As soon as your own Bluetooth speaker is displayed, it can be selected. Clicking the “Next” button completes the pairing between the two devices. Now the lady can already be controlled with the first voice command by asking her to connect to the respective speaker. It is already sufficient if the following words are said for this: “Alexa, connect!”
Tip: this even works if the speaker was in sleep mode or even switched off in between.
Once Alexa is connected to the Bluetooth speaker, all it takes is a voice command such as “Alexa, play my workout playlist on my…(at this point, the name of the speaker in question is mentioned). The favorite music will then be started. If this does not work, it is important to check whether the speaker is still displayed in the context of the app. After all, the Echo can only control Bluetooth devices that are actually connected with the help of the Alexa app.
Creating Alexa Routines
If the connection between Alexa and the Bluetooth speaker is to be disconnected, this is done with a few clicks. As described above in the section “Connecting Alexa with Bluetooth speakers”, it is again a matter of getting to the devices by clicking on the corresponding menu items. Now, the device to be removed is clicked in the selection. Either the menu item is called “Discard device” or “Forget device”.
Recommended, Compatible Bluetooth Speakers
So that the selection around the extensive product portfolio does not turn into a wrong purchase, we want to present five suitable speakers that can be connected well with Amazon’s voice assistant. The devices listed below are not only compatible, they also convince with an excellent sound. Some models are already equipped with the Alexa function at the factory, others are simply paired with the Echo to use the voice control via Alexa.
BOSE Home Speaker 500
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The BOSE Home Speaker 500* is a very small but nevertheless large speaker, which convinces with compact dimensions and delivers a room-filling stereo sound.
The matching Bose app allows you to connect a group consisting of several speakers. This makes it possible to place several devices in different rooms to play the same music everywhere.
JBL Charge 5
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If you like to dance in the rain and are looking for a suitable speaker, you should take a closer look at the JBL Charge 5*. The IPX7 waterproof speaker provides up to 20 hours of rich sound and allows you to connect multiple devices.
If Alexa is not being used, the music can also be controlled via the buttons on the speaker or in the corresponding JBL app.
Harman/Kardon Go + Play
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The Harman/Kardon Go + Play* impresses with rich sound and deep bass. The integrated battery ensures that the device can also be used on the road. For this purpose, a large carrying handle is installed, which makes the transport as comfortable as possible. The speaker can even be used as a power bank if the smartphone runs out of juice.
If you want even more music enjoyment, simply pair two dual-sound-capable speakers from the same manufacturer. If a smartphone is connected to the device, the integrated conference system enables conversations with several participants.
Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3
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The Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3* is particularly good at taking a beating. The speaker is not only waterproof, but also impact-resistant and thus particularly tough.
The manufacturer states that it can even be submerged in water up to 30 meters deep. The only popular question is what purpose the device is supposed to serve down there. The sophisticated design ensures an enjoyable 360-degree surround sound and the battery lasts up to 20 hours.
Attention: When installing electronic equipment, please be sure to observe the manufacturer’s safety instructions. You have to take care of your own safety. The information on this site only helps you to learn.
Disclosure: This website is the property of Martin Lütkemeyer and is operated by Martin Lütkemeyer. Martin Lütkemeyer is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Affiliate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to enable Web sites to earn advertising revenue through advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Links marked with * are affiliate links.