Ultimate Guide: How to Connect Alexa to Everything

Alexa is currently the famous voice assistant owned by Amazon that comes installed in Amazon’s home products such as Echo, Echo Dot, and Echo Show. Alexa enables you to make voice commands to play music, set alarms, control smart home devices, get news updates, and other services.

If you want full use of Alexa you have to connect the Alexa device to your home WiFi network and other devices such as phones and Bluetooth speakers. In this guide, we will offer clear, easy-to-follow instructions on how to connect alexa with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth devices, phones, and other gadgets. Here are a few pointers on how to connect an Alexa in a smart home system.

How to Connect Alexa to New WiFi

One of the first things you'll need to do with a new Alexa device is get it connected to your WiFi. This allows Alexa to access the internet to respond to your requests. Here are the steps for how to connect Alexa to internet:

1. Open the Alexa app and select Devices in the lower right. Select the + icon to add a device.
2. Select Amazon Echo, then follow the on-screen instructions to get your device into setup mode. This usually involves pressing and holding an "Action" button.
3. Select your WiFi network and enter the password when prompted. Alexa will connect to the internet once setup is complete.

If you ever need to know how to connect Alexa to wifi without the app, go into the Alexa app settings and select the name of your Alexa device. Tap "Change" under the WiFi section and enter the details for the new network.

How to Connect Your Phone to Alexa

You can make calls, send messages, and more through Alexa using your phone contacts and number. Here's how to set that up:

1. Open the Alexa app and select Communication in the menu.
2. Tap "Link Contacts and Numbers". This will allow Alexa access to your contacts and SMS.
3. Follow the prompts to sign in to your Amazon account and confirm permissions. This links your contacts.
4. Under "Your Numbers" tap "Link Number" to connect your mobile number. Verify it through the sent SMS.

Once your contacts and number are linked, you can ask Alexa to call or message your friends and family. Say "Alexa, call Mom" or "Alexa, send a message to John." Alexa will route these through your connected smartphone.

How to Connect to Amazon Alexa Bluetooth

Here are the steps to pair your Alexa device with a Bluetooth speaker or another Bluetooth device:

1. Put your Bluetooth device into pairing mode. Check its manual if unsure how.
2. In the Alexa app, go to Devices, select your Echo, then tap Bluetooth Devices.
3. Select "Pair Bluetooth Device." Alexa will scan and find your device.
4. Tap to connect once your device is found. You may have to confirm on both sides.
5. You can now say "Alexa, connect to my Bluetooth speaker" to link to it hands-free.

Bluetooth allows you to connect Alexa to external speakers for better sound quality. You can also link Alexa to Bluetooth headphones for personal listening.

How to Connect Alexa to Roku TV

If you want to be able to control your Roku TV with Alexa voice commands, follow these instructions:

1. Enable the Roku skill in the Alexa app under Skills & Games.
2. Under the Roku account linking page, sign in with your Roku account credentials.
3. Select the Roku devices you want Alexa to be able to control.
4. Return to the Alexa app and try commands like "Alexa, turn on Roku" or "Alexa, launch YouTube on Roku."
5. You can also search for movies, launch apps, control playback, and more.

Connecting to Roku allows Alexa to change channels, search for entertainment, control volume, and essentially replace your physical remote. Just use your voice to watch TV!

How to Connect Alexa to Security Cameras

Many users ask: "can I connect Alexa to security cameras?" Yes, you can connect Alexa to security cameras. Many modern security cameras are compatible with Alexa, such as the Reolink Argus PT. This battery-powered camera offers enhanced pan & tilt capability and works seamlessly with Amazon Alexa. Here's how to do it:

1. Download and install the security camera's app on your smartphone. Set up the camera according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Open the Alexa app on your smartphone. Go to "Skills & Games," search for the skill associated with your camera brand, and enable it.
3. Follow the prompts to link your camera account with Alexa. You may need to sign in to your camera account within the Alexa app.
4. In the Alexa app, go to "Devices" and select "Add Device." Alexa will search for and discover your connected security cameras.

Once connected, you can use voice commands like "Alexa, show me the front door camera" to view the camera feed on an Alexa-enabled screen, such as an Echo Show.

How to Pair Alexa with Bluetooth Devices

In addition to Bluetooth speakers, you can also pair Alexa with other Bluetooth gadgets like headphones, your car stereo, and more. Here is how to connect Alexa to Bluetooth:

1. Put the Bluetooth device into pairing/discoverable mode.
2. In the Alexa app, select Add Bluetooth Device under your Echo's Devices settings.
3. Choose the device once Alexa locates it through a scan.
4. Confirm the pairing request on both ends if prompted.
5. To reconnect later just say "Alexa, connect to my headphones" or whichever device name you assigned.

This allows you to hear Alexa anywhere through wireless headphones or listen through your car's speakers. Alexa can become a hands-free driving companion for music and voice control.

FAQs

How do I connect an Alexa device?

To set up a new Alexa device, download the Alexa app and connect to your WiFi network by following the in-app instructions. You'll need your WiFi password handy to get Alexa online and ready to start using.

How do I pair Alexa to my Wi-Fi?

In the Alexa app, go to Devices, select your Echo, tap Settings, then Wireless. Choose your network and enter the WiFi password when prompted. Alexa will connect to your WiFi network automatically.

How do I get Alexa to recognize my device?

If Alexa isn't finding a device you want to pair, ensure the device is in pairing mode and that you're initiating the search from the Alexa app's Bluetooth settings under the proper Echo device. Being close to the device while pairing also sometimes helps.

Conclusion

Connecting your Alexa device to your home WiFi, Bluetooth devices, phone, and entertainment systems including Roku TVs allows one to control various gadgets using voice commands without physically interacting with the gadgets.

Thanks to the Alexa app, you will be able to play music, make calls, control your smart home devices, and other features you never knew you needed! If you have any other tips that you think may help to make an Alexa connection then please feel free to add it in the comments section below. Have fun making Alexa earn her keep in your smart home.