To get the Amazon Echo Dot to function at its best, users should download the Alexa Dot app, or Alexa app. All Echo products, including the Echo Show, Echo Plus, and Echo Dot, utilize the virtual assistant Alexa. Alexa helps users to manage smart devices, set reminders, and play music. Although users can use the devices without the help of the Alexa app, there are many benefits that the app brings to Alexa’s functionality. The app allows users to change settings as well as access important information on the device like to-do lists and previously stated commands. Here we discuss the Alexa Dot app (Alexa app), as well as how to setup the Echo Dot.
Amazon Echo Dot Setup
Setting up the Amazon Echo is fairly straightforward, and follows similar steps to setting up the other Echo products. After unboxing the device, place it somewhere near a power source and plug it in. Make sure it is somewhere convenient to be able to hear your voice, and so you can hear Alexa when she responds. Additionally, the Echo Dot comes with an audio port so users can connect it to external speakers. Plugging in the Echo Dot near external speakers will give users the best Echo Dot experience.
After the Echo Dot is plugged in, the ring will turn blue and then orange, and Alexa will speak. For the next step, users will need the Alexa Dot app or they can go online to https://alexa.amazon.com and create an account. We’ll talk about the app in the next section. For now, users can go to the website and follow the directions to connect the Echo Dot to the Wi-Fi. If it does not connect automatically, go to Settings and then click on Set up a New Device. After the Echo Dot is connected, users can say “Alexa…” and then give a command or ask a question. The Echo Dot is ready to use, but if users haven’t already, they should make sure to download the Alexa Dot app.
Alexa Dot App
The Alexa Dot app, or Alexa app, is easy to use, well organized, and is handy for a number of reasons. In the previous steps of setting up the Echo Dot, utilizing the app rather than the website could make setup simpler, since it is easier to move around with a phone rather than a laptop or computer. The app also allows users to adjust numerous settings. Alexa’s wake word can be changed to “Computer” or “Amazon”, and her language can be changed as well. The app can be used to coordinate smart devices in the home and also simplify commands. Users can check their shopping lists or to do lists using the app, which makes finding items at the grocery store much easier.
Echo Dot App
One important function in the app that is especially important to the Echo Dot is the ability to connect to external speakers. While some Echo devices have special functions, like playing videos with an Amazon Echo Show and YouTube, the Amazon Echo is simple and usually requires connecting to external speakers. With Bluetooth enabled speakers and the Alexa Dot app, the Echo Dot can be paired to the speakers easily and don’t necessarily need to be right next to one another. Once Bluetooth is turned on for the speaker, users can go to the Alexa app and select Settings. From there, select Bluetooth, and then Pair a New Device. The speaker should appear in the available list of devices to pair, and can be selected. Now, all music and Alexa sounds will play from the speakers until they are disconnected. For users that wish to connect to speakers via a cord, the app does not need to be used. Simply plug in the speakers to the device, and the two will be paired and ready to use.