The Amazon Echo Dot is a popular, affordable smart speaker that allows you to access Amazon’s voice assistant, Alexa. With Alexa, you can ask questions, get news/weather updates, control smart home devices, set timers and alarms, play music, and more – all through simple voice commands.
The Echo Dot connects to your home WiFi network to access Alexa’s full functionality. But you can also connect your iPhone to the Echo Dot via Bluetooth to play audio from your phone directly through the speaker.
Here is a step-by-step guide to get your Echo Dot set up and connected to your iPhone:
Table of Contents
Set Up the Echo Dot
What you’ll need:
- Amazon Echo Dot
- iOS device (iPhone/iPad)
- Amazon Alexa app
- WiFi network name and password
Steps:
- Plug in your Echo Dot. Connect the power adapter and plug it into an outlet. The light ring at the bottom will turn orange and then blue.
- Download the Amazon Alexa app (if you don’t already have it) and sign into your Amazon account.
- Open the app and select “Devices” at the bottom. Tap the “+” icon to add the Echo Dot.
- Select “Amazon Echo” and then “Echo Dot.” Follow the on-screen instructions to connect the Dot to your WiFi. You’ll need to enter your WiFi network name and password.
- Finish setup. Select your Alexa voice language, connect music services if desired, and customize settings. Tap “Done” when finished.
Your Echo Dot is now connected to WiFi and Alexa is ready to use! Try some simple voice commands like “Alexa, what’s the weather?”
Connect iPhone to Echo Dot via Bluetooth
You can play audio from your iPhone directly through the Echo Dot speaker using Bluetooth.
To pair your devices:
- On your iPhone, open Settings > Bluetooth and turn Bluetooth on. Make sure your phone is discoverable.
- In the Alexa app, tap “Devices.” Select your Echo Dot.
- Tap “Bluetooth Devices” and then “Pair New Device.”
- Select your Echo Dot from the available devices list on your iPhone. Once successfully connected, you’ll see “Connected” under your Echo Dot in the Alexa app.
To play audio from iPhone:
- Open music or video apps on your iPhone and tap the Airplay icon. Select your Echo Dot to stream audio through the speaker.
- Ask Alexa to connect Bluetooth and begin playing audio from your iPhone. Say “Alexa, connect Bluetooth” and music will automatically start from your phone.
- Use controls on your iPhone or ask Alexa to pause, resume, skip tracks etc. Volume can be controlled from either device.
Your Echo Dot and iPhone will remain paired unless you manually disconnect them. The next time you want to play audio from your iPhone, just turn on Bluetooth and you’re ready!
Tips for Using Echo Dot with iPhone
- Use Alexa voice commands to request songs, playlists, radio stations etc. Say “Alexa, play some jazz music” or “Alexa, play my Dinner Party playlist on Spotify.”
- Manage smart home devices like lights, locks, switches and more using the Alexa app. Voice control them by saying things like “Alexa, turn on the living room lights.”
- Set up Alexa Routines to automate multiple smart home actions with a single command. Say “Alexa, start my morning routine” to turn on lights, get a weather report and play music.
- Make Alexa Announcements to broadcast messages through Echos in your home. Say “Alexa, announce that dinner is ready” and anyone nearby will hear it.
- Use the Echo Dot as a speakerphone for hands-free iPhone calls. When a call comes in, Alexa will announce the name or number and you can say “Alexa, answer” to take the call.
- Voice control iPhone music when connected via Bluetooth. Say “Alexa, next song” or “Alexa, turn it up” to manage playback.
- Pair multiple iPhones so anyone in the household can stream their own music. Alexa will know which device is active when you make requests.
The Echo Dot opens up tons of helpful Alexa capabilities to make everyday life easier. Combined with iPhone connectivity for audio playback, it becomes even more useful. Try out some of these tips to get the most out of your Echo Dot and iPhone!
