While the Echo Dot is a great home automation device, it’s capable of doing several different tasks. These include tasks related to enhanced productivity or tasks that provide entertainment value. One of which is the ability to output music.
You may even be surprised by the quality of sound the Echo speakers are capable of outputting (especially if you own an Amazon Echo 4th Gen). This may cause you to wonder whether or not the Echo is capable of being used with an AUX cable.
Does Amazon Echo Have An Aux Input?
The Amazon Echo (3rd and 4th gen), as well as the Amazon Echo Studio, are fully equipped with both an aux input and output. This allows you to either use your Echo device as a speaker and listen to audio played by another source (Such as your Phone, PC…etc.) or to play audio to another speaker.
However, all generations of the Echo Dot, Echo Spot, and Echo Show contain AUX outputs only, meaning that they will not be able to be used as a speaker. And instead can only play audio to another speaker.
| Echo Model | Does it Have an AUX Input & Output? |
| Amazon Echo 4th Gen | Equipped with Aux input & Output |
| Amazon Echo 3rd Gen | Equipped with Aux input & Output |
| Amazon Echo Plus | Equipped with Aux input & Output |
| Amazon Echo Studio | Equipped with Aux input & Output |
| Amazon Echo Dot (All Generations) | Audio output only |
| Amazon Echo Spot | Audio output only |
| Amazon Echo Show | Audio output only |
How to Use Your Amazon Echo as a Speaker
The first step is to connect your Echo dot to your device via the Audio cable. You’ll first need a 3.55 mm AUX cable. Simply plug the cable into the Echo dot and the other end into a device (Phone, PC…etc.).
Next, certain Echo models, such as the Amazon Echo (3rd & 4th Gen) require the Aux Line to be changed via the App. This allows you to switch between an AUX output to an AUX input and vice-versa. You will first need to have the Alexa app downloaded, then here’s how to do it:
- Open the Alexa App
- Go to General Settings
- Devices
- Echo & Alexa
- Select Your Device
- Select AUX Audio
- From here, you can select “Line in” if you want to listen from an external source or “Line Out” if your want to play to another speaker.
How to Play Music from Your Echo Device to another Speaker
You have two options to connect your Echo device to your Speakers. The first is via an Audio cable, and the second is via Bluetooth.
Connect Via AUX:
- Plug in a standard 3.5mm Audio cable into your Echo device and the other end into your speakers
- Turn on your speakers.
- Play a song from your Echo device
- Your speakers will then begin to output the audio.
Connect via Bluetooth:
- Start by saying, “Alexa pair Bluetooth”.
- On your device, navigate to your Bluetooth settings.
- Select your device.
- Play a song from your Echo device.
- The audio should now begin to output through your speakers.
What’s the difference between Amazon Echo and Amazon Dot?
The primary differences between both devices come down to Size, Sound, and cost. The Amazon Echo dot is a smaller version of the Amazon Echo, which makes it a better option for portability, but this would impact certain features, such as sound quality.
The Amazon Echo’s speakers are noticeably better than the Echo Dot. Additionally, as mentioned above, the Echo is equipped with both an aux input and output, whereas the Amazon Echo Dot simply features an AUX Output.
While both devices essentially provide the same service, the Amazon Echo is superior when it comes to sound quality, thus making it a better choice for music lovers.
Does Amazon Echo require Alexa?
Yes, amazon echo is the name of the speaker, whereas Alexa is the name of a voice assistant that comes built into the echo products.
Is there a monthly fee for Amazon Echo?
There is no subscription-based fee with the amazon echo. You’ll just have to purchase it once, then download the Amazon Alexa app, which is free and create a free account to get started.
Amazon Echo Features That You May Have Not Heard Of:
Alexa Guard
The Amazon Echo has a feature called Alexa guard, which is aimed at protecting your house when you are gone. The way it works is it listens for certain sounds, such as smoke detectors or broken glass, to detect intruders.
Alexa Guard also takes control of your home lighting by turning on and off lights in different rooms. This is done to mimic someone being there, Thus reducing the chances someone would consider breaking in.
Alexa Guard is easy to set up and will take no longer than 5-8 minutes, depending on what features you would like to enable.
Whisper Mode
To activate whisper mode, just whisper to the device, and it will immediately whisper back. This feature is incredible if people are asleep and you don’t want to wake anyone up but want to use amazon echo features.
Change Alexa Voice Speed
If you feel like Alexa might be talking too slow, or too fast, there is an incredible feature that allows you to tell Alexa to talk slower or faster. There are seven options for speed. There is the default speed; then there are four additional speeds for Alexa to talk faster and then two for Alexa to talk slower.
Delete All Recordings
Once you activate Alexa’s wake words which are: ‘Alexa’, ‘amazon’, ‘echo’, or ‘computer’ your voice recording will be recorded(this is to provide you with a better, more personalized experience). Amazon Echo has a feature that allows you to review and delete all of your voice recordings to Alexa.
Activate Brief Mode
Brief mode stops Alexa from repeating everything back to you and instead will respond to you with a ding or a beeping noise. This is beneficial if you use Alexa a lot throughout the day and would rather have the device do a task without repeating back what you just said.
Play Games
Amazon Echo has a feature that allows you to play various types of games with as many people as you want. These games range from trivia to rock paper scissors, blackjack, and much more.
