How to put your Echo Dot in pairing mode

The Amazon Echo Dot® is marketed as a speaker, but it functions more like a digital hub. It can blast the latest Taylor Swift album for the 800th time, add coffee to your grocery list, and even turn on the AC. But to get the most out of this technology, you need to pair it with other devices.

At Asurion, we love our smart home devices, and we're always helping customers find new ways to get the most out of them. Whether you're trying to connect the Echo Dot to Wi-Fi or setting up an Amazon Echo, count on us for tech tips. Here's how to put Echo Dot in pairing mode quickly, so you can start linking devices.

Put your Echo Dot in pairing mode with voice

The Echo Dot uses Bluetooth to pair with other devices, not Wi-Fi. That lets it connect with a huge range of technology, from smart coffee makers to security cameras and iPhones®. 

Voice commands are the easiest way to connect Echo to Bluetooth: 

1. Turn on the Bluetooth of the device you want to sync with the Echo. If you're connecting a smartphone, you'll likely find this button in Settings. 
2. Stand near the Dot and say, "Alexa, pair Bluetooth." 
3. Open the Bluetooth menu on the second device and tap the Echo Dot in the list of devices. This may also be labeled as "Pair Alexa Gadget." If the devices connect successfully, you'll hear a chime, and the Echo Dot will say, "Now connected to [Device name]." 

When you're ready to remove the paired device from your Echo, just say, "Alexa, disconnect from Bluetooth." This switches off the connection, so you don't need to worry about accidentally blaring a private phone call over the speaker. 

If the Alexa Bluetooth pairing doesn't work, try repeating the command in a clear voice. You may also need to switch Bluetooth on and off on your phone to refresh the list of devices. 

Use the Alexa app to activate pairing mode

If you've repeated the voice command a few times and your devices are still not syncing, no worries. The Alexa app can help you manually put your Echo Dot in pairing mode. You should also use this method the first time you pair the Echo Dot with your phone or speaker. 

1. Plug in the Echo Dot. 
2. Download and open the Alexa app on your mobile device. 
3. Tap Devices > Echo & Alexa. 
4. Select the Echo Dot and tap Device Settings. 
5. Tap Bluetooth devices > Pair a New Device. 
6. Select the device you want to pair with the Bluetooth speaker Echo Dot. 

You'll hear a chime when the devices are linked, and a notification will appear on your smartphone. Still not working? Our tech support experts are available 24/7 to assist you in setting up your Echo Dot's wireless connection. 

Can I pair my Echo Dot with multiple devices?

Once you understand how to put Echo Dot in pair mode, you can set up a network of connected smart home devices. For example, connect your Echo Dot to a speaker so you can rock out to your playlist while getting ready, or add smart lights for quick ambiance changes. And, if you get a phone call while jamming out, you can switch from the speaker to your phone so you can talk through the Dot. 

There's one caveat, though — while you can pair multiple devices with your Echo, you can only use one at a time. Switch between these paired devices by saying, "Alexa, disconnect," followed by "Alexa, connect to [device name]." 

Or open the app and follow these steps: 

1. Tap Devices. 
2. Under Connected Devices, tap Change and select a different device. 

What to do if your Echo Dot won’t pair

You've followed every step in this Echo Dot setup guide, but you still don't hear that successful chime. Don't give up yet. These Echo Dot troubleshooting tips can get you back online: 

Make sure you actually turned Bluetooth on 

When you put your Echo Dot in Bluetooth mode, you'll see a flashing blue ring at the top of the device. Double-check your smartphone or speaker as well. Sometimes, Bluetooth can accidentally turn off. 

Restart everything 

If your Echo Dot isn't connecting, turn it on and off. Do the same for the other device. This sounds basic, but sometimes a quick reset is all you need. 

Update the Alexa app 

If your Alexa app is out of date, the Bluetooth setup for Echo Dot might not work. Say, "Check for software updates" to see if there's new software pending. Once you install it, try reconnecting your Echo Dot to Bluetooth.