How to Set Up Alexa on Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Plus, Android Phone, or iPhone

Amazon says it has sold more than 100 million devices with Alexa built-in, whether they are devices it makes and sells under the Echo sub-brand or devices made by other companies that have Alexa integrated in some way. Voice-based digital assistants have slowly become part of the mainstream, with some of their failures and glitches drawing widespread attention over the past few years. The first question most people who buy an Echo device ask is how to set up Alexa. This tutorial will answer this question. If you’re wondering how to set up Alexa on your Android phone or iPhone, we can help you. Follow these instructions to learn how to set up Alexa.

How to set up Alexa on your Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Plus, or other Amazon Echo device

The Echo line of devices is the foundation of Amazon’s Alexa-led foray into the home, promising to give you everything you need for a hands-free future. You can get a variety of products, from the slim Echo Input to the Dolby-powered Echo Plus. Here’s how to set up Alexa on all your Echo devices:

Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Generation and Echo Plus 2nd Generation Review

1. Download the Alexa app for Android or iOS and log in with your Amazon account.
2. Plug your Echo device into an electrical outlet. The ring will light up blue and eventually turn orange.
3. On the Alexa app, go to equipment. Then click + icon, select Add device amazon echo.
4. Follow the instructions displayed on the app to connect your Echo device to your Wi-Fi network
5. That’s it. You can now talk to Alexa.

Note that the echo input does not have its own speaker. If you don’t connect an external speaker, Alexa can still listen to you, but you won’t hear what it says.

The Echo Spot isn’t included above because setting up Alexa using the screen is easy and straightforward. Simply follow the on-screen instructions to connect to a Wi-Fi network and log in to your Amazon account. If you prefer, you can also log in using your Android or iOS phone.

Amazon Echo Spot review

How to set up Alexa on your Android phone

In addition to the Echo family of devices, you can also use Alexa on your phone. Thanks to Android’s open nature, you can even replace Google Assistant as your default voice assistant. Here’s how to set up Alexa on your Android device:

1. Download the Alexa app and log in with your Amazon account.
2. Go to your phone settings. then select appclick the three-dot icon in the upper right corner and select Default application Assistive and voice input. On Samsung phones, the last one is called Device Assistance Apps. This may vary slightly depending on the Android version or custom UI your device uses.
3. On the next screen, select Alex instead of the default google assistant.
4. Say yes to any permission it asks for.
5. That’s it. Alexa is now your go-to Android assistant.

How to set up Alexa on your iPhone or iPad

Apple’s love of its closed ecosystem means you can’t use Alexa as your default voice assistant, instead using the somewhat bland Siri. But you can still use it through the Alexa app. Here’s how to set up Alexa on your iPhone or iPad:

1. Download the Alexa app and log in with your Amazon account.
2. Click the Alexa button at the bottom center of the app.
3. Say yes to any permission it asks for.
4. That’s it. You can now talk to Alexa.

For more tutorials, visit our how-to section.