How to put your Echo Dot in pairing mode

⚡ Fast fix

• Say "Alexa, pair" to make the device discoverable to nearby Bluetooth phones or speakers.
• Use the Alexa app to manually select "Pair Alexa Gadget" under the device’s Bluetooth settings.
• Disconnect existing devices first if your Dot is already linked to another speaker.
• Bluetooth search coming up empty?
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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 primarily uses Wi-Fi to control your smart home devices, but it also features Bluetooth so you can use it as a wireless speaker for your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Voice commands are the easiest way to connect your phone to your Echo via Bluetooth:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your source device. If you're connecting a smartphone, open your Settings app and ensure Bluetooth is toggled on.
2. Initiate pairing. Stand near the Echo Dot and say, "Alexa, pair Bluetooth."
3. Select the Echo Dot. Open the Bluetooth menu on your smartphone (or other device) and look for the Echo Dot in the list of available devices. It will usually be named something like "Echo Dot-1A2B." Tap it to connect.
4. Confirm connection. If the devices connect successfully, you'll hear a chime, and the Echo Dot will say, "Now connected to [Your Device Name]."
5. Disconnect. When you're ready to remove the paired device from your Echo, just say, "Alexa, disconnect from Bluetooth." This severs the connection so you don't need to worry about accidentally blaring a private phone call over the speaker.

Troubleshooting Tip: If the pairing doesn't work, try repeating the command. You may also need to switch Bluetooth off and on again in your phone's settings to refresh the list of available 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.

1. Ensure your Echo Dot is plugged in and turned on.
2. Open the Alexa app on your mobile device.
3. Tap the Devices tab at the bottom, then tap Echo & Alexa.
4. Select your Echo Dot from the list, then tap the gear icon (Settings) in the upper right corner.
5. Tap Bluetooth Connections, then tap Connect a Device. Your Echo Dot is now in pairing mode and searching.
   1. If pairing a smartphone: Leave the Alexa app, open your phone's native Bluetooth settings, and tap the Echo Dot on your phone's list of available devices to connect.
   2. If pairing an external Bluetooth speaker: Make sure the external speaker is in pairing mode. Its name will pop up on your screen inside the Alexa app. Tap it to connect.

You'll hear a chime when the devices are linked, and a notification will appear on your smartphone.

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.