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If you are one of the thousands of people who recently got an Echo Dot (3rd generation) during the Amazon Prime Day event and you aren’t sure how to set it up, you have come to the right place. Setting up your new Echo Dot doesn’t take long at all, but there are a few steps you need to follow. Here’s how to set up the Echo Dot 3.
How to set up an Echo Dot (3rd generation)
Amazon Alexa is available for download on iOS and Android devices. Credit: Review / Rachel Murphy
Amazon Alexa is available for download on iOS and Android devices. Credit: Review / Rachel Murphy
1. Download the application
Install the Amazon Alexa app on your iOS or Android device. If you already have the app installed, check to make sure you are running the latest version of it.
2. Plug it in
Place the Echo Dot 3 in an area of your home where it will get the most benefit. Amazon recommends placing the smart speaker at least 8 inches from any walls, such as a kitchen table or living room end table. Plug the power adapter (included with purchase) to the back of the Echo Dot and then plug the speaker into a nearby electrical outlet. The ring surrounding the highest point of the Echo Dot will start flashing blue for about 60 seconds.
3. Add your echo to the app
Then open the Amazon Alexa app. Go to the settings menu in the upper left corner of the app and select Add device. Under “All devices,” click Amazon Echo> Echo Dot. Then, click on the option to set up the third generation Echo.
Now, the rotating light should change from blue to orange, indicating that the Echo Dot is in setting mode. Amazon Alexa will search for the Echo Dot. Once it appears, tap on the device name inside the app to finish the setup process.
4. Connect the Echo to the WiFi network
Before you start asking the latest questions about your Alexa-enabled device, you need to connect it to your home WiFi network. This can be done by following the Amazon Alexa on-screen instructions that appear during setup. (You can update the WiFi settings in the Amazon Alexa app by going to Settings> Device Settings and choosing the device that you want to update.)
Once your Echo speaker is successfully connected to the internet, we recommend a quick test to ensure that the Echo speaker is working as it should. You could say something as simple as “Alexa, hello,” and she’ll respond with a compliment.
5. Get to know the Echo Dot
There are over 100,000 Alexa skills that can help you take control of your smart home. But, you can also have fun with Alexa by using the Echo Dot 3 to create a playlist, listen to music, entertain your children, and even help you celebrate holidays like Halloween and track Christmas on Christmas Eve. It can also help make your life easier by ordering Uber, finding your phone, and more.
However, before you can start using any of these skills, you will need to enable them using the Amazon Alexa app or the Amazon Alexa Skills website in order to take advantage of all the great things Alexa can do for you.
find the mistakes and resolve it
Amazon Customer Support should be able to help if you encounter any issues while setting up the Echo Dot (3rd generation). Credit: Amazon
Are you having trouble setting up your Echo Dot? First, make sure to connect the speaker to the wall. Second, check your WiFi connection to make sure it is working as usual. You may need to disconnect your router for 30 seconds and then reconnect it.
Third, if your Dot is still not working, you can try to restore the device to its factory settings and repeat the setup process. To do this, press and hold the Action button (the button with a white dot) on top of the Echo Dot for about 25 seconds or until the ring of light turns orange. From here, you can restart the setup process.
Still no dice? Contact Amazon Customer Service for further troubleshooting.
Echo Dot (3rd generation) and privacy
An Amazon account is required to set up the Echo Dot (3rd generation). Credit: Amazon
Privacy may seem like a thing of the past, since everywhere you go there is a computer that is watching or listening. But in your own home, you can do a few things to protect yourself, even from the naturally invasive smart home devices.
You can prevent Dot from hearing (and possibly not hearing) your wake-up word by turning off the microphone via the mute button at the top of the device. Or, turn on audio alerts inside Settings in the Alexa app to see when your Echo is only listening outside the indicator light.
Last year it was reported that Amazon is hiring workers to manually review audio recordings. You can unsubscribe from including your audio recordings in the review process by going to Settings> Alexa Privacy> Manage Your Alexa Data, then cancel the setting that says to use voice recordings to improve Amazon services. In these privacy settings, you can also delete audio recordings, which anyone can share the app with. You can even set up automatic deletion every three or 18 months.
Get the Amazon Echo Dot (3rd generation) for £ 29.99 (save £ 20)
Pre-order the all-new Echo Dot (4th generation) for £ 49.99
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