How to Connect Alexa to Wi-Fi Without the App [Updated]
Reviewed by Huzaifa Haroon- Amazon recently updated their Alexa and Echo systems to only be able to connect to Wi-Fi with the app. Some users might still be able to use the old method but for most, an app is now seemingly necessary.
Amazon’s Alexa, a voice-controlled virtual assistant capable of fulfilling many commands, has become integral to many households. While traditionally, the Alexa app has been the primary method for setting up and managing Alexa-enabled devices, many wonder how you can connect it without it. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this.
Table of Contents
Why Does Alexa Need Wi-Fi?
It’s essential to know that Alexa requires a Wi-Fi connection to function optimally. When you ask Alexa a question or give a command, it sends an audio recording to Amazon’s servers via the internet (for which it uses Wi-Fi), processes it, and then sends back the response.
Connecting Alexa to Wi-Fi
There are two ways you can connect your Alexa to Wi-Fi. One of them involves using Amazon’s app for controlling and configuring Echo devices, and the other method omits the usage of their app. However, certain users have reported that they can no longer configure their Alexa without using Amazon’s app. So, we will take a look at both methods.
How to Connect Alexa to Wi-Fi Without Using the App
There are various reasons for wanting to set up Alexa without the app. Perhaps you don’t have access to a smartphone, or maybe you prefer using a computer. Regardless, here are the steps for connecting Alexa to Wi-Fi without using the app.
Be wary that this method is outdated and might not work correctly, if not entirely. If that is the case, then move on to our section explaining how to connect Alexa to Wi-Fi with the app.
- Open a browser on your device and head over to Alexa.Amazon.com.
Amazon Alexa Login Page - Log in using your Amazon account credentials. If you do not have an Amazon account, you can easily create one at the bottom of the page.
- After logging in, click on “Settings“. This option will be available in the left-hand sidebar.
- Click on “Set up a new device.”
Alexa Setup A New Device - Here, you can select the Alexa device you want to set up on your Wi-Fi network.
- Choose the device you own and press on “Continue.”
Setup Alexa Device - Now, you must plug your Alexa device into a power source to turn it on.
- After turning it on, please wait for the right light to turn orange. The orange light means it is ready to connect to the internet.
Alexa Orange Ring Light - Now, you must connect your system to the Wi-Fi with the SSID being Amazon-XXX without closing your browser.When connecting to the “Amazon-XXX” Wi-Fi, it’s the setup mode for Alexa devices. It acts as a bridge between the device and your browser or app, allowing you to provide your actual Wi-Fi credentials for Alexa to use.
- After connecting to Amazon Wi-Fi, open your browser again and click on “Continue.” Now, you will be able to see “Your computer is connected” to your Alexa device.
- Now, select the Wi-Fi network you want your Alexa to be connected to.
- Enter your Wi-Fi password so that Alexa can connect to it and click “Connect.”
- Finally, your Alexa will soon be connected to the Wi-Fi network. Wait for a few minutes, and then test the connection by asking Alexa a question.
After these steps, your Alexa device will have internet access and be able to solve all of your queries.
How to Connect Alexa to Wi-Fi with the App
As we mentioned earlier, most people won’t be able to connect their Alexa to Wi-Fi without an app as Amazon has removed this functionality recently. Therefore, all you have to do is download Alexa’s app and start configuring. Here are the steps to accomplish this task:
- Download and install the Amazon Alexa app on your smartphone.
Play Store App Store. - Open the Amazon Alexa app and tap on “Devices,” you will see this option in the bottom-right corner of your screen.
- Now, tap on the + in the top-right corner and select “Add Device.”
Add a device - Select “Amazon Echo” from the list that pops up, then select your specific Echo device from the next list.
Select Amazon Echo 
Select your Echo device You might be asked for location and Bluetooth permissions, so allow those. - Next, it will show you a screen asking if your Echo device is turned on and in pairing mode—pulsing with an orange light. After you’ve turned it on, select Yes if it’s showing the orange light or No if it’s not. If you select No, it will show you on-screen instructions to pair it, otherwise it will start searching for Echo devices nearby if you select Yes.
- After the searching is complete, select your Echo device from the list.
- Next, choose your Wi-Fi network from the list of available networks, enter the Wi-Fi details and wait for it to connect.
- Congratulations! Your Amazon Echo device is now connected to Wi-Fi. Continue with the on-screen instructions and start using Alexa when setup is finished.
If you’re having issues connecting your Alexa to Wi-Fi because the light isn’t turning orange, check out our detailed guide on how to troubleshoot Alexa flashing yellow and green.
Conclusion
Connecting Alexa to Wi-Fi is no biggie. You can accomplish this with or without the app, ensuring your Alexa device is ready to respond to your commands, play music, provide weather updates, and more without needing a mobile application.
We can only hope Amazon will make this process a little more seamless in the future, to the extent that users can connect their Alexa to the Wi-Fi directly without needing an external device.
FAQs
Yes, each Alexa device needs to be set up individually to ensure it connects to your Wi-Fi network and operates correctly.
Yes, you need to sign in with your Amazon account credentials to access the settings and set up your Alexa device through the app.
Yes, you can use a mobile hotspot to set up Alexa. Ensure your hotspot has a stable internet connection and follow the same steps for connecting to a WiFi network.
Reviewed by Huzaifa Haroon
