Do you own the old Amazon Echo? Are you starting to feel that it is way too big for you to carry around? Then it is likely that you are starting to look toward the direction of the Echo Dot. The Echo Dot is like the smaller sibling of the Echo speaker. The main difference between the two lies in the speaker. Technically, the regular Echo’s topmost portion is the Echo Dot.
Moreover, the latter functions by hooking it up with external speakers. But the biggest concern of many people is this: Does Echo Dot work without Alexa? You may like Alexa and its features. However, some harbor mixed feelings about it.
Some focus on Alexa’s limitations. And if you’re one of those wondering if you can use the Echo Dot apart from Alexa, we invite you to continue reading below.
The Supposed Caveat
Let’s first set things straight. Like the Amazon Echo, the Echo Dot supports voice commands. You can use this feature through the Alexa personal assistant.
By default, your voice commands must go through Alexa. In turn, Alexa responds by playing the news, answering your questions, or playing music, among others.
It is practically the same as the Amazon Echo when it comes to its relationship with the Alexa personal assistant. If you buy the Echo Dot, you must live with the Alexa restriction, or so it seems.
Can You Buy Echo Dot without Alexa?
First, let’s go over the purchasing hump. Back in 2016, Amazon announced that you can only buy the Echo Dot via Alexa. The process involves instructing Alexa through the old Amazon Echo that you want to buy the new Echo Dot. Thankfully, there is a simple workaround that you can try right now. This involves buying the Echo Dot directly from the Amazon mobile app. Go to the Amazon mobile app and type “Echo Dot” in the search box. The product will then appear on the top portion of the search page. From there, simply swipe right to add the Echo Dot to your cart.
Alternatively, you can purchase the product by using a friend’s Amazon Android storefront app. But before you do this, ask your friend if they’re an Amazon Prime subscriber. If not, this workaround won’t work. If they are, enter using your Android device. It doesn’t matter if you’re using the latest flagship smartphone or a tablet from two years back. Once there, log in to your Amazon Prime account.
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Hit the microphone icon on the upper left-hand side of the screen to turn on the voice command function. Next, instruct the app by saying “add Echo Dot to the shopping cart.” Make sure to say the words as clearly as possible.
You will then see a list of products. From there, look for the product and tap the “Add to Cart” button. Hit “Proceed to Checkout” to complete the process.
Does Echo Dot Work Without Alexa?
Does Echo Dot work without Alexa? Yes and no. Yes, because it’s Alexa that makes your Echo Dot smart. It is Alexa that allows you to turn your Echo Dot into a device that can tell you today’s weather forcast. It is also Alexa that helps turn your lights on or off using your Echo Dot. On the flip side, the answer is also a “no.”
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Though Alexa is a built-in feature of the Echo Dot, it doesn’t mean you have to rely on the former to use the latter, at least when enjoying your favorite music. For starters, you can turn your Echo Dot into a music speaker sans the help of Alexa. If you’re using an Android device, head on to “Settings” and select “System Settings.” Click on “Bluetooth” and hit the “Echo” or “Amazon” button.
Choose “Paired” then open your Alexa app. Hit the device icon in the bottom-right corner then select “Echo and Alexa.” Select your speaker then tap “Pair new device.”
This lets you play music without using Alexa.
Do You Need Amazon Echo to Make It Work?
This is another question people often ask. Do you need to own an Amazon Echo to make your Echo Dot work? As we discussed above, you can turn your Echo Dot into a speaker even without Alexa.
This also means you can play music without an Amazon Echo. Hence, the Echo Dot can work independently from the Amazon Echo. In the same way, you also do not need other Amazon products like the Amazon Fire TV to make it work.
However, it is important to note the relationship between the two. If you have an Amazon Echo, an Amazon Fire TV, or an Echo Tap at home, your Echo Dot becomes much like them: another Alexa unit.
The good thing about this is it gives you more coverage at home. You can play music and throw in commands wherever you decide to place your Echo Dot.
The Echo Dot and Bluetooth Speakers
Last but not least, we should also touch on the Bluetooth speakers. Do you need to invest in them if you decide to buy an Echo Dot?
It is important to note that the Echo Dot (3rd Generation) features an updated audio system. Unlike the older iterations of the Echo Dot, the latest version sounds better in all aspects. Despite this, the Echo Dot is still not the best device if you wish to enjoy music for extended periods.
Yes, there are ways to boost and improve the sound of your Alexa speakers. But if you want a more exceptional listening experience, paring your Echo Dot on a set of Bluetooth speakers is the way to go.
Increase Your Tech Knowledge, Today!
Does Echo Dot work without Alexa? Yes, it can — so don’t hesitate to explore its features!
You can use it more wisely and get the most out of your money. And if you wish to learn more about other devices, that’s where Tech Sagar comes into the picture.
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