This article explains how to use an Echo Dot as a speaker. In addition to streaming music, podcasts, or audiobooks directly from your paired device to your Echo Dot, you’re also able to connect to other devices such as a smartphone, tablet, or an external speaker through Bluetooth or an AUX cable.

What to Know

Can Echo Dot Be Used as a Speaker?

Yes, the Echo Dot is a speaker that, in addition to virtual assistant functionality called Alexa, can play music, read audiobooks, or keep you entertained with your favorite podcast. The Echo Dot comes equipped with a 1.6-inch front-firing speaker that can successfully fill a large room with sound.

The Echo Dot is a diminutive speaker, so keep your sound expectations in check (it’s likely better than the speaker in your smartphone, however). While you can connect a bigger, better speaker to the Echo Dot, this article is going to focus on using the Echo Dot as the output (aka speaker) device.

Since the Echo Dot is a speaker with additional functionality, to use it as a speaker is to simply start using it.

Use the Echo Dot as a Speaker for Another Device via Bluetooth

Open the Alexa app.

Navigate to Play.

If you want to link a new music service, navigate to the bottom of the screen and choose a service listed under Link New Services.

Once selected, tap Enable to Use.

Follow the prompts, such as entering your credentials and giving Alexa permission to link your account.

Once the account is linked, you will see a confirmation in the Alexa app. Tap Close.

To use your desired music streaming service, say “Alexa, play Pandora” or “Alexa, play Spotify.”

  • Make sure the device you want to connect is within Bluetooth range and its Bluetooth is enabled.
  • Ask Alexa to “Pair New Device.” Alexa will search for the device you want to connect.
  • Go into your device’s Bluetooth settings and tap Echo Dot-XXX (the exact name of the network will be different for each device). Connect to it.
  • You can now stream music from this device over Bluetooth through your Echo Dot’s speaker.

Connect to an Echo Dot With a Cable

If all of that sounds like a hassle, there’s another way for you to use your Echo Dot as a speaker, which involves connecting an AUX cable to the Echo Dot’s 3.5 mm input. By doing so, your Echo Dot will play music from the connected device.

Make sure the device you want to connect is within Bluetooth range and its Bluetooth is enabled.

Ask Alexa to “Pair New Device.” Alexa will search for the device you want to connect.

Go into your device’s Bluetooth settings and tap Echo Dot-XXX (the exact name of the network will be different for each device). Connect to it.

You can now stream music from this device over Bluetooth through your Echo Dot’s speaker.

For certain devices like an external Bluetooth speaker, you may need to manually add the device in the Alexa app by going to Devices > Echo & Alexa > Echo Dot (your device) > Connect a device. You’ll then select the device from the provided list of available devices.  

  • Plug the AUX cable into the 3.5 mm output on your Echo Dot, which is next to the power port.
  • Plug the other end of the cable into the device to which you want to connect your Echo Dot, such as a smartphone.
  • With both devices connect via the wire, any sound from the source device (a smartphone in our example) will play through the Echo Dot’s speaker.

 

Plug the AUX cable into the 3.5 mm output on your Echo Dot, which is next to the power port.

Plug the other end of the cable into the device to which you want to connect your Echo Dot, such as a smartphone.

With both devices connect via the wire, any sound from the source device (a smartphone in our example) will play through the Echo Dot’s speaker.

To reset your Echo Dot back to factory settings, open the Alexa app and tap Devices > Echo & Alexa, choose your Echo Dot, then tap Factory Reset. For a less drastic solution to many problems, consider restarting your Echo Dot instead: unplug the power cord, wait a few minutes, then plug it back in.

There’s no dedicated power button that will turn off an Echo Dot. Unplug the unit to power it off completely. If you’d like to mute the Echo Dot, press the mute button to turn off the device’s microphone.

If your Echo Dot is flashing green, the device is indicating that you’re on a call or that you have an incoming call. The Echo Dot will keep flashing green until you end the call. To end a call, say, Alexa, end call.

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