Don’t know how to use Alexa as Bluetooth speaker without WiFi? Here’s the answer!
Although Alexa is meant to be used with some type of internet connection, using it as an offline, standalone Bluetooth receiver is utterly possible!
Putting aside the fact that your Alexa will lose its capabilities as a voice assistant, using the device on Bluetooth connection only is achievable!
Let’s learn how!
To use your Alexa device as a Bluetooth speaker without WiFi, put the device in Pairing Mode and access your mobile’s Bluetooth settings. In the “Discoverable Devices” section, locate your Alexa device and tap its connection in order to pair.
Let’s learn more about the benefits and losses of using your Alexa without WiFi!
Can I Use Alexa as a Bluetooth Speaker Without WiFi?
One of the ways to utilize an Alexa speaker when it is not connected to WiFi is to use it as a Bluetooth speaker.
Whenever Alexa connects to a particular source via Bluetooth, its functionality as a voice assistant is not currently in use, meaning it does not need the internet.
- Other (network) sources require Alexa to be connected to WiFi
That means, WiFi connectivity only supports the voice assistant capabilities of Alexa, but it is not required for connection over Bluetooth.
Therefore you could play music, or make the speaker broadcast anything you play on the connected device, only via Bluetooth.
In Short: Yes, you could use your Alexa as a Bluetooth speaker without being connected to WiFi.
How to Use Alexa as Bluetooth Speaker Without WiFi – Steps!
After reviewing what are the benefits and losses of having your Alexa run without WiFi, here’s how to use the device as a Bluetooth speaker, without an internet connection.
Achieving this type of functionality with Alexa is really easy and the best thing is that you do not need WiFi!
Important: Keep in mind that WiFi is required for the initial setup of your Alexa.
Once you’ve got the speaker added to the Alexa app, it’ll no longer require WiFi to act as a Bluetooth speaker!
Let’s learn how to use your Alexa as a Bluetooth speaker without internet/WiFi!
Step #1 Setup the Alexa Speaker
Although you’ll not be using WiFi connectivity for the long run of your Alexa being a Bluetooth speaker, it is essential for the setup.
You’ll have two options for your Alexa setup:
- WiFi Connectivity
- Connect to a Hotspot
If you don’t yet have WiFi installed in your household, that’s alright since you’ll be able to connect Alexa to your phone’s hotspot.
Either way, the device will be on the internet during the setup, which is a requirement.
Here’s how to set up your Alexa in easy steps:
- Plug Alexa’s cable into an electrical outlet.
- Get or launch the Amazon Alexa app.
- Press the “+” button and select the type of device you’ll be adding (Echo Dot).
- Press “Set Up Internet Connection” and go to “Discoverable Networks”.
- (Optional) Enable your phone’s hotspot and connect Alexa there.
- Once the internet of the speaker has been set up, follow the rest of the instructions.
Once Alexa has been connected to the application, a profile for the device will be created, that’ll be offline whenever the device is not connected to the internet.
Note: Once the speaker’s profile is created you could disconnect it from the internet
Step #2 Put the Speaker in Pairing Mode
Your next step is to place your Alexa in pairing mode.
Assuming the device is already disconnected from either your phone’s hotspot or the WiFi, there is a way to do this by pressing a button on the top panel of Alexa.
- An indication for activated pairing mode is “breathing” amber light underneath!
You’ll have 3 buttons on top of your Alexa, one of which is the Bluetooth Button.
In order to activate the pairing mode, you must press the Bluetooth button and as a result of that, the LED of the device will start pulsating in amber light.
Alert: The pairing mode usually persists shortly, so you may have to re-enable it soon.
Step #3 Access your Phone’s Bluetooth
To understand how to use Alexa as Bluetooth speaker without WiFi, you must get the basics of Bluetooth connectivity.
Since we’re not going to be using WiFi here, we’re completely bypassing the usage of the Amazon Alexa app in this operation.
Instead, you’ll be directly accessing the Bluetooth Settings of your mobile device, in order to discover and connect with the speaker.
Here’s how to access your phone’s Bluetooth in easy steps:
- On your device, launch the Settings app.
- Scroll down and select “Wireless”.
- Press “Bluetooth”.
- View the list of the created Bluetooth profiles.
ALERT: Make sure that your phone is not connected to any one Bluetooth speaker as of completing this step.
This will prevent your smartphone from discovering the Alexa device and connecting with it. Connect Bluetooth devices will have a “Connected” status next to them.
Once you’ve made sure that your phone is pairing-free, let’s proceed with the next step!
Step #4 Discover the Alexa Speaker
Once you have access to your phone’s Bluetooth and you’ve made sure that there are no other Bluetooth connections currently, it’s time to discover your Alexa speaker!
If the Bluetooth Feature is enabled on your mobile device, it should be constantly searching for new connections nearby.
However, you’ll only be able to discover the Alexa speaker with your mobile smartphone if you’re standing within close range of the device.
- Make sure that you’re staying within at least a 5-meter radius of your speaker!
This is the only way to make the Alexa speaker’s connection appear in the Bluetooth menu of your mobile device, so stay close to the device.
In addition, you must make sure that the speaker is still blinking in amber light, meaning that the pairing mode is still active.
Tip: If the speaker stopped blinking in amber, re-activate the pairing mode.
Step #5 Connect with the Alexa Device
Now to connect your mobile smartphone with the Alexa speaker, all you have to do is press on the connection, discovered within the phone’s Bluetooth settings.
Once you’ve done that, the pairing will begin shortly and your phone will become connected to the speaker.
- If the pairing was successful, a “Connected” status will appear in the Bluetooth menu!
Once the speaker is connected to your phone, maintain optimal distance in order for the device to remain connected.
Moving too greatly outside of its connectivity boundaries will cause the Bluetooth connection to be dropped and your phone will be disconnected.
Note: As soon as you move back into Alexa’s rangers, it will connect automatically.
Step #6 Connect with the Speaker Automatically
In order to finalize the offline setup of your Alexa speaker, it’s recommended that you got familiar with the automatic Bluetooth connection of your Alexa.
Once your phone exists as a Bluetooth profile to the speaker, Alexa will connect automatically to your device, anytime Bluetooth is enabled on the phone.
The only moments where you’ll be in the range of the speaker and it will not connect is whenever the Bluetooth is either turned off, or the speaker is unplugged from the power.
- Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone to automatically connect with Alexa
In moments where you do not wish for Alexa to hook up to your phone, it’s best to keep the speaker unplugged.
Since you’re running Alexa offline right now, you’re unable to change its connectivity settings from the Amazon Alex app.
Note: Figure out a strategic place for Alexa, so no environmental interference could occur.
Need Help?
If you’re failing to perform this setup on your own, Amazon should be able to help you!
They are very responsive to their customers and will answer any question you have, regarding their products and the functionality that comes along.
In that regard, if you’re having issues with the offline setup of your Amazon Alexa, consider getting in touch with Amazon for more info!
Quick Recap:
Hence, to use Alexa as Bluetooth speaker without WiFi, you must enable the Pairing Mode on the device and access the Bluetooth settings on your mobile. After that, discover the speaker and press on its connection to pair it with the device.
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Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.