How to Connect Any Alexa-Enabled Amazon Device to Wi-Fi (and Fix These Common Problems)
A smart assistant such as Alexa, Siri or Google is an important component of your smart home. Sure, you can turn the lights on and off using an app on your phone, but being able to ask Alexa to do it for you is like living in The Jetsons . These assistants come to life thanks to devices installed throughout the home. For Alexa, that means Amazon Echo , which offers a range of different options.
Select device
Depending on where you set up your device, you’ll want to choose the Echo that suits you best. To use the assistant, you’ll need to be within listening distance of the Echo, so you might want to consider installing a few small Echo Dots around your home. Powerful and miniature, they fit almost anywhere and can even be attached to walls and ceilings. Every Echo is also a speaker, but sometimes you want better sound, so the Echo Studio might be the way to go. In your kitchen, you may need the ability to watch videos or participate in video chats, so an echo display may be the right choice.
Either way, once you select the correct device or devices, you need to enable them and configure them to access your virtual assistant. If you’re just going to mount the Echo on a stand, everything you need is included in the box. You just need to get the Wi-Fi password and figure out where to connect the Echo. If you plan to install the Echo, you may need additional tools, be it a drill, level, or screwdriver, depending on the installation instructions. You may also consider using a cord cover .
Add device
Next, grab your device of choice and download the Amazon Alexa app for Android or iOS . To get started, log into your Amazon account. In the app, select “Add device ” and let the app guide you through the installation. Throughout the process, your Echo will display colorful lights on its face. You will be prompted to connect it to the Wi-Fi network you selected. In the future, if necessary, you can change this network by selecting the device and then going to the “status” menu.
Setting preferences
Now that you’re connected, Alexa can help you with anything you need to do. Your Echo can act as a smart hub for your home, to which you can add not only other Echo devices, but also devices from other apps that work with Alexa. On your phone, go to the Alexa app and select Add Device to see what other devices you can add. If your smart device uses Matter, you can always add it to Alexa.
Alexa knows best
The best way to find out what Alexa can do for you is to simply ask her. Wake up Alexa at any time by saying “Alexa!” and then ask him to do something for you. Start by asking, “Alexa, what can you do for me?” You can find out the time, the weather, directions on how to cook or make something, convert measurements (“Alexa, how many tablespoons are in 2.5 cups?”), or whether the nearest restaurant is still open.
Over time, you can use this to ask Alexa to play music from your music library, play white noise or something else to fall asleep to, or even read you a bedtime story. In fact, these hidden “Easter eggs” are a source of pride for smart assistant developers. Alexa can recognize your name, your voice, and the voices of everyone else in your home.
Troubleshooting Amazon Echo
Some common problems with Echo devices are not being able to connect to Wi-Fi initially or losing connection over time. One of the most common causes is Wi-Fi interference. You want to make sure your Echo device is within the signal range of your Wi-Fi router or repeater. If the location you want for your Echo is out of clear range, you can add a repeater or booster, or move the Echo closer. Remember that things like large appliances, especially microwaves, can disrupt the clear range.
Performing a hard reset
Sometimes the best way to get things in order and in order is to start over. To do this, you’ll need to do a factory reset, which will depend on what kind of Echo device you have. On a standard Echo Dot, you hold down the microphone mute and volume down buttons simultaneously for twenty seconds. The lights on your Echo will confirm that it’s entering setup mode, and if you do, you’ll have to repeat the process above again.
Enjoy your new virtual assistant
Your assistant won’t become your new best friend, but it will get into the habit of talking to Alexa throughout the day, freeing up your hands to quickly get information, listen to music, or control devices in your home. Thanks to the popularity of these devices, almost any problem you might have with your Echo device is bound to be documented online, and a quick search will likely help you find a solution. Alternatively , Amazon support for your Echo devices is just one click away.