This article explains how to pair an Echo Dot via Bluetooth, with instructions for placing a Dot in pairing mode and then pairing to a phone or a Bluetooth speaker.

What to Know

  • Use the Alexa app to pair your Echo Dot.You can pair the Dot to phones, Bluetooth speakers, and other compatible devices. Say, “Alexa, pair,” or “Alexa, Bluetooth” to re-establish the connection after you’ve performed the initial pairing with the Alexa app.

Regardless of which type of connection you want to use, the process is similar. You need to place both the Echo Dot and the other device into pairing mode and then connect through the Alexa app on your phone.

How Do I Put My Echo Dot in Pairing Mode?

There are two ways to put an Echo Dot into pairing mode: the Alexa app on your phone or a voice command. To establish an initial connection, you need to put the Dot into pairing mode via the Alexa app and then use the app to select the device you want to pair.

After establishing that initial connection, you can reconnect your Dot and previously paired device by using the voice commands, “Alexa, pair,” or “Alexa, Bluetooth.” These commands are interchangeable, and both cause your Dot to enter pairing mode and re-establish a connection with a previously connected device as long as it’s nearby and has Bluetooth turned on.

Here’s how to pair an Echo Dot:

  • Put your Bluetooth device in pairing mode.
  • Android: Swipe down from the top of the screen, then tap the Bluetooth icon if it isn’t already on.iOS: Settings > Bluetooth > tap the Bluetooth toggle if it isn’t already on.Bluetooth speakers: Procedures vary. May enter pairing mode automatically, or you may need to hold the power button, play button, or another button combination. Contact the manufacturer if your speaker won’t enter pairing mode.
  • Open the Alexa app on your phone.
  • Get Alexa on the App Store
  • Get Alexa on Google Play
  • Tap Devices.
  • Tap Echo & Alexa.
  • Select your Echo Dot.
  • Tap Bluetooth Devices.
  • Tap Pair A New Device.
  • Wait while the Alexa app looks for available devices.
  • If your Echo Dot doesn’t find your device, it may no longer be in pairing mode. Put it back in pairing mode, and tap Pair a New Device again.
  • Tap the phone, speaker, or another device you want to pair.
  • If the pairing is successful, the device you chose will appear in the paired devices list.
  • In the future, you can reconnect your Echo Dot to this device by saying, “Alexa, pair,” or “Alexa, Bluetooth.”

Put your Bluetooth device in pairing mode.

  • Android: Swipe down from the top of the screen, then tap the Bluetooth icon if it isn’t already on.iOS: Settings > Bluetooth > tap the Bluetooth toggle if it isn’t already on.Bluetooth speakers: Procedures vary. May enter pairing mode automatically, or you may need to hold the power button, play button, or another button combination. Contact the manufacturer if your speaker won’t enter pairing mode.

Open the Alexa app on your phone.

Tap Devices.

Tap Echo & Alexa.

Select your Echo Dot.

Tap Bluetooth Devices.

Tap Pair A New Device.

Wait while the Alexa app looks for available devices.

If your Echo Dot doesn’t find your device, it may no longer be in pairing mode. Put it back in pairing mode, and tap Pair a New Device again.

Tap the phone, speaker, or another device you want to pair.

If the pairing is successful, the device you chose will appear in the paired devices list.

In the future, you can reconnect your Echo Dot to this device by saying, “Alexa, pair,” or “Alexa, Bluetooth.”

To connect your Echo Dot with an iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and toggle on Bluetooth. Your Echo Dot should show up under My Devices or Other Devices when it connects via Bluetooth.

There are several reasons why your Echo Dot may not be connecting to Wi-Fi. An excellent first troubleshooting step is to ask Alexa, “Are you connected to the internet?” You’ll be given network diagnostics for your Echo Dot and other Alexa-compatible devices. Next, try restarting your Echo Dot, then ensure it’s within 30 feet of your router. Ensure your router is working correctly, and if it has separate GHz bands, try moving the Echo Dot to the other network. Make sure you’ve logged into your Wi-Fi network with the correct password. If other devices are also having connection problems, troubleshoot your wireless connection issues.

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