Adding a home assistant like Amazon Echo is a great way to control the smart devices in your home and play media. But if you’ve already invested in a nice stereo system, the Echo’s small speakers just won’t cut it. Here’s the secret: You can get the best sound from your Amazon Echo while playing back music or chatting with friends by connecting your system to your home stereo. From using an audio jack to Bluetooth, here’s everything you need to know about how to connect Amazon Echo to external speakers in your home. We’ll also give you steps for connecting Alexa to external speakers without an Echo at all.
How to connect Amazon Echo to external speakers
Connect via Audio In
The simplest way to connect your Amazon Echo to your home speaker system is through an Audio In port on your device. This method works with Echo Dot, Echo, Echo Plus, and Echo Input. (Note: This method only works on Echo devices with an audio jack.) Before getting started, make sure you have an RCA cable with a 3.5mm male to 2RCA male adapter. This JSAUX chord is affordable and sounds great.
- Turn off your stereo receiver. Connect the RCA cables to the back of your stereo receiver, and note which input they’re attached to.
- Plug in the 3.5mm end of your RCA cable into your Echo device. Your Echo will now play over your speakers when your stereo is set to the matching input. Be aware: If you switch between inputs, you won’t be able to hear your Echo talk until you put it back on the correct input.
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Connect via Bluetooth
Getting your Amazon Echo to play nice with your Bluetooth speakers requires a slightly more complicated process. Before you get started, make sure your Echo is at least three feet away from your Bluetooth speakers. Some Bluetooth speakers have already been optimized to work with Echo. Amazon has made a handy list of these devices available here. Also note that an Echo can only be connected to one Bluetooth source at a time. Make sure you disconnect it from any other Bluetooth devices before trying to connect it to your speakers.
- Set your Bluetooth speaker to pairing mode.
- In the Alexa app, select the Devices option and choose your Echo.
- On the next menu select the Bluetooth Devices option, then Pair a New Device.
- You should see a list of available devices. Select your Bluetooth speakers from the listed menu.
- If you find your Echo has disconnected from your Bluetooth speaker the next time you fire it up, simply say “Connect” out loud. Echos are set to connect with the last device they were paired with when they hear this command.
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Connect your speakers to Alexa without an Echo
Want the functionality of Echo without adding another speaker to your house? Amazon’s recently launched Echo Input is the device for you. This speakerless Echo device connects to your existing speaker system via Audio In or Bluetooth. With a tiny profile for easy hiding, Echo Input is perfect for minimalists who want a home assistant.
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