AirPods are some of the best audio devices.
And it won’t be an understatement to say that…
Alexa is the queen of voice assistants.
So, it’s unsurprising that you want to connect these 2 top-tier techs.
Want to do so in less than 3 minutes?
Continue reading to find out:
- 5 quick steps to connect AirPods to Alexa.
- 5 easy fixes to try if your AirPods won’t connect to Alexa.
- Whether you need an Internet connection to do this process.
- And this is just the beginning…
Can you connect AirPods to Alexa?
You can connect AirPods to Alexa. All you have to do is put both devices into their pairing modes. Then, use the Amazon Alexa app to establish the connection. After pairing, you can use your AirPods to listen to your voice assistants’ audio.
How to connect AirPods to Alexa? 5 steps
#1: Ensure your devices have power
Make sure your Echo device is plugged into a functioning outlet.
And before proceeding to the next step…
Double-check that your AirPods are fully charged.
Because sometimes, an insufficient battery level prevents audio devices from pairing together.
#2: Put Alexa in pairing mode
Step 1: Launch your Amazon Alexa app.
If you don’t have it yet…
Here’s the application’s download page: (iOS/Android).
Make sure to log in using the Amazon account linked to your Echo.
Then, proceed to…
Step 2: Tap More
You’ll find this icon at the bottom-right corner of your screen.
Step 3: Click Device Settings
It’s near the page’s title.
So you won’t need to scroll to find this option.
Step 4: Select your Echo device
Simply tap its name to do so.
Note: Ensure you see the word Online or a green dot under your Echo’s name. This indicates that your Alexa device is connected to the Internet. Which is necessary to make this setup work.
Step 5: Tap Bluetooth Devices
You’ll find this under the WIRELESS heading.
Step 6: Disconnect other paired devices
If you see gadgets’ names on your screen…
Simply tap their name and select Forget Device.
This way, there won’t be any interruptions between Alexa and your AirPods later.
Step 7: Put Alexa in her pairing mode
You can do this by tapping the “PAIR A NEW DEVICE” button at the bottom of your screen.
And while Alexa is searching for nearby wireless devices, quickly…
#3: Make your AirPods discoverable
Pro tip: Remove your AirPods’ protective casing if it has any. So you won’t have any problems doing this step.
At the back of your audio device’s case…
You’ll find a small tactile circle.
That’s called the Setup button.
And it’s what you’ll press and hold to put your AirPods in pairing mode.
With that…
Ensure both your earpieces are in their case and that their lid is open.
Then, press and hold your device’s Setup button until its indicator light blinks white.
Note: For Generation 1 AirPods, the light is inside the case, between the earpieces. But for newer models, the LED is in front of your device.
You might also want to know: AirPods Not Turning On: 5 Causes & Fixes (Guide)
#4: Pair Alexa with your AirPods
When you return to your Amazon Alexa application…
You should find your AirPods’ name.
So, simply tap it to make Alexa establish a direct connection.
#5: Wait for your Alexa’s confirmation
Once your smart speaker says:
“Connected to (your AirPods’ name).”
You can start using your Apple audio device to listen to Alexa.
Need a visual guide for the pairing process?
Watch this video:
AirPods won’t connect to Alexa: Troubleshooting
There are several reasons your AirPods won’t connect to Alexa. Your Echo may be glitching. Or your Alexa may not be connected to the Internet. Hence it can’t pair. Alternatively, other wireless devices may interfere with your Echo and AirPods’ connection.
But don’t worry. You can fix all of these problems with ease.
I’ll give you a detailed guide with…
5 easy ways to fix AirPods that won’t connect to Alexa
#1: Restart your Echo
Let’s start with the easiest fix for this problem.
And that’s to restart your Echo.
Like all gadgets…
Alexa devices may also glitch.
Fortunately, restarting your Echo only takes minutes to do.
Just power cycle your device.
In other words…
Unplug it from the outlet, then plug it back.
Why is this process effective?
Well, power cycling allows your Alexa device to stop all its tasks. Which removes the temporary glitches that may have attached to your Echo’s system.
That said, just follow these…
Steps to power cycle your Echo:
- Disconnect your Alexa device from its power source.
- Wait for 1 minute.
- Plug your Echo into the outlet again.
And before you reconnect Alexa to your audio device…
#2: Reset your AirPods
Resetting is your AirPods’ ultimate fix to common tech issues.
Including the connection problem you’re experiencing.
Luckily, all you need for this process is your phone.
“Does it have to be an iOS model?
No. You can reset your AirPods through iPhones and Android devices.
So, I’ll show you the detailed steps for each, starting with the guide for…
Resetting your AirPods (Pro) using your iPhone:
Step 1: Put both earpieces in their charging case.
Step 2: Close the lid of your audio device.
Step 3: Wait for 30 seconds.
Step 4: Open your case’s lid.
Step 5: Wear both AirPods.
Step 6: Turn ON your iPhone.
Step 7: Launch your phone’s Settings.
Step 8: Tap Bluetooth.
Step 9: Find your AirPods’ name from the list.
Step 10: Tap the More Info (i) button next to it.
Step 11: Click Forget This Device.
Step 12: Select the same option to confirm.
Step 13: Return both earpieces to their case, and don’t close the lid.
Step 14: Press and hold your device’s Setup button.
Step 15: Let go when its status light flashes amber, then white.
How to reset your AirPods using an Android:
Step 1: Charge your AirPods to at least 80%.
Step 2: Press and hold the case’s Setup button.
Step 3: Let go when its LED turns amber.
Further reading: 3 Easy Steps To Reset AirPods On Android (How-To)
#3: Check your Internet connection
Yes, Alexa is capable of many cool tricks and impressive skills.
But without the Internet…
Your voice assistant loses most of its functionalities.
For example, if Alexa’s offline…
She can’t respond to your voice commands.
And worse, she won’t be able to pair with new gadgets.
Why?
Because the Amazon Alexa app communicates with your Echo device through the cloud. Which is an online database.
So, take this time to…
Ensure that Alexa has access to the Internet:
Alexa can only check the latest weather updates if she’s online.
So, say something like:
“Alexa, what’s the weather like?”
And observe whether your voice assistant responds with the weather report.
If she does, the Internet isn’t causing this connection problem.
So, proceed to the next solution.
But if she doesn’t…
Contact your Internet Service Provider for assistance in fixing your Internet.
Related reading: Can IoT Work Without The Internet? Why & How…
#4: Place your devices away from possible interference
Compared to wired connections…
Wireless protocols like Bluetooth are much easier to set up.
However, here’s the latter’s 1 major downside:
Wireless connections are less reliable.
See, Bluetooth sends signals through the 2.4 GHz band. The frequency with the longest connection range.
And since it’s also what most wireless household devices, like the following, use:
- Microwaves.
- Baby monitors.
- Security cameras.
Wireless gadgets are prone to interrupting each other’s signals. AKA interference.
And this results in connection problems.
“How can I avoid interference?”
Easy. Temporarily turn OFF the wireless devices near you except for your router.
Then, pair your Alexa and AirPods again.
#5: Update Alexa and its app
If you still can’t pair your AirPods to Alexa…
It’s time to update your AI’s mobile app and its Echo device.
Because either or both of them may currently have stubborn bugs.
And the only way to remove these is through Alexa’s software updates.
Now, don’t worry.
Updating both your Alexa app and Echo device will only take minutes to do.
Let’s start with…
Updating your Echo:
- Unmute your Echo.
- Say, “Alexa, check for software updates.”
- Wait for your smart speaker to finish updating.
Steps to update the Amazon Alexa app:
iOS:
- Launch the App Store.
- Tap the Search icon at the bottom.
- Search “Amazon Alexa.”
- Click the official application.
- Tap Update.
- Follow further instructions.
- Wait for the app to be fully updated.
Note: Your app’s already updated if you can’t see the “Update” button.
Android:
- Launch the Google Play application.
- Click your profile picture at the top.
- Tap Manage apps and device.
- Touch Updates available.
- Click See details.
- Find your Amazon Alexa’s name.
- Choose Update.
Note: If you can’t see your app’s name, it’s already up to date.