You can connect a computer with Alexa, both a PC and a Mac computer. Windows 10 has an Alexa-only app, but if you're using another operating system, you may need to access Alexa via an Alexa-enabled speaker (e.g. Echo) or a web browser (at https://alexa.amazon.com). This wikiHow teaches you how to connect Alexa to your computer.
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Method 1 of 3: Using the Alexa App on Windows 10
Step 1. Open Alexa
You can find this application in the "Start" menu. The icon looks like a dark blue speech bubble over a light blue circle on a dark blue background. The Alexa app for Windows 10 is exactly the same as the Alexa app available on mobile. You can listen to music, control speakers and other connected devices, or search the internet using voice commands.
- On a computer running (at least) the Windows 10 operating system, you can use the dedicated Alexa app. For older PC models, refer to method two.
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If you don't have the Alexa app, you can get it through the Microsoft Store
by searching the app
“Alexa” developed by AMZN Mobile LLC.
Step 2. Click Set up Amazon Alexa
Step 3. Sign in using your Amazon account information
Read the terms and conditions that appear, then click Continue
Step 4. Click Continue to grant permission to the app
Alexa needs to access the computer's microphone.
Step 5. Decide whether you want to activate the hands-free feature or not
This feature may use more power, but it allows you to give commands to the computer without having to press a button. For example, you could say (in English), “Alexa, what is in apple sauce?” (Alexa, what are the ingredients in applesauce?) while the app is running in the background so you don't have to stop the current activity. If you don't enable the feature, you must press a key combination (eg Ctrl+⇧ Shift+A) before throwing the question.
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Without the hands-free feature, you need to press the speech bubble icon at the bottom center side of the app window to talk to Alexa. You can change this procedure through the settings menu or “Settings”
(the gear icon on the left side of the app window) and set specific keyboard shortcuts so you can talk to Alexa with the press of a few keys. For example, you can press the shortcut Ctrl+⇧ Shift+A and ask the question in English, “What's in apple sauce?” (“What are the ingredients in applesauce?”)
Step 6. Specify more options you want to enable
You can click the boxes to turn certain features on or off, such as automatically activating Alexa when you log in to your computer.
Step 7. Click Finish setup
You can talk to your computer to activate Alexa and give commands. If you turn on the hands-free feature, you can say “Alexa, (your command is in English)”. If the feature isn't enabled, you can press the speech bubble button at the bottom center of the app window to give Alexa a command
Method 2 of 3: Using Alexa Featured Speakers on PC
Step 1. Visit https://alexa.amazon.com via a web browser
Step 2. Sign in using your Amazon account information
Step 3. Click Settings
This menu is on the left side of the page.
Step 4. Click speaker on the list of devices
You can choose Echo Dot or Echo Plus.
Step 5. Select Bluetooth
A list of options will be displayed. You can select a paired device (if you have paired your computer with speakers before, the device name will be displayed).
Step 6. Select Pair a New Device
Amazon Alexa will search for available devices. Make sure your computer's Bluetooth radio is turned on and can be detected.
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Search for “Bluetooth” via the search bar next to the “Start” menu icon
- Click “Bluetooth and other device settings” in the search results. The Bluetooth settings menu will load.
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Make sure the switch under the “Bluetooth” heading is on or “ON”
Step 7. Click Add Bluetooth or other device
It's at the top of the Bluetooth settings window.
Step 8. Click Bluetooth
Step 9. Select the Alexa-enabled speaker from the list of devices
Step 10. Click Done
Now, your computer is connected to the speakers
Method 3 of 3: Using Alexa Featured Speakers on a Mac
Step 1. Visit https://alexa.amazon.com via a web browser
Step 2. Sign in using your Amazon account information
Step 3. Click Settings
This menu is on the left side of the page.
Step 4. Click speaker on the list of devices
You can choose Echo Dot or Echo Plus.
Step 5. Select Bluetooth
A list of options will be displayed. You can select a paired device (if you have paired your computer with speakers before, the device name will be displayed).
Step 6. Select Pair a New Device
Amazon Alexa will search for available devices. Make sure your computer's Bluetooth radio is turned on and can be detected.
Step 7. Select System Preferences from the Apple menu
You'll find this menu in the upper-left corner of the screen.