Some users report that the Echo Auto won’t play through their car’s speakers. If you're experiencing this issue, it could be due to a problem with the connections or the device itself.
If your Echo Auto is not playing through your car's speakers, continue reading as we explain the possible causes and provide solutions to resolve it.
Key Points
- To resolve most issues with car speaker playback, ensure that you set up the Echo Auto correctly.
- Also, check your car’s compatibility with the device, regularly update Echo Auto’s firmware, and frequently refresh the Alexa App to avoid performance issues.
- See if Echo Auto connects to your car speakers during every troubleshooting step.
Why Echo Auto Isn’t Playing Through the Car’s Speakers & How to Fix It
There are several reasons why your Echo Auto may not be playing through the car’s speakers. It is possible that you did not set up the device correctly, your car is incompatible with Echo Auto, or you are running outdated software.
Whatever the issue, one of these troubleshooting tips should get Echo Auto working as it should.
1. Set up the Echo Auto Correctly
Have you ever thought that your Echo Auto isn’t playing through the car’s speakers because you did not set it up as required?
The most important part of setting up your Echo Auto is to have your smartphone at hand and find a suitable place for the devices. Place the phone on a holder and mount the Echo Auto device on the air vents.
Once you get this out of the way, follow this step-by-step guide to set up the Echo Auto correctly.
Connecting Echo Auto
- Begin by turning on your car to get the necessary power to set up your Echo Auto.
- After that, download and install the Alexa App. Sign in to the app and grant any necessary permissions.
- Ensure that you have a stable internet connection and Bluetooth capability. It's also essential to keep your Alexa App updated to the latest version.
- Connect the included Micro USB to your car’s USB port and the Echo Auto. You can also plug it into the 12V power supply. When ready to connect, the Echo Auto will show an orange light on the front.
- Open the Alexa App on your phone, go to Devices, then click on “Add.”. Next, select “Add Device”, click on “Amazon Echo,” and select “Echo Auto.”
You should notice a randomized number for your Echo Auto (i.e., Echo Auto A111) once you get to this point.
Connecting Bluetooth
At this step, you should answer a simple question: “Can your car be connected via Bluetooth to play music? If your answer is yes, then do the following.
- To get started, switch your car speakers to Bluetooth mode and enable your phone’s Bluetooth.
- Now open the Alexa App, go to More, and click “Add a Device.”
- Select Amazon Echo, then tap on Echo Auto. If everything is successful, a test tone will play over your car’s speakers.
If it's properly powered on, but your car speakers are still not playing, your Echo Auto may not be compatible with your car’s Bluetooth. In such cases, you can use an AUX cable.
Connecting Auxiliary Cable
For those using 3.5 mm, you'll get a prompt to plug it in the Echo Auto using a power adapter and a USB cable or your car’s built-in USB port. Here’s what you need to do.
- Plug in the AUX cable to the Echo Auto and your car's auxiliary port. When doing this, set the car stereo input to AUX.
- Once that's done, activate Bluetooth on your phone and open the Alexa App.
- From there, navigate to “More” and select “Add a Device.”
- Select Amazon Echo, then Echo Auto, and complete setting up the device.
Set Stereo to the Correct Input
Now, ensure you set the input on your car speaker to the correct one. If your car has:
- Bluetooth Music and Calling: Set the car stereo input to Bluetooth and ensure Echo Auto connects to your car using the phone's Bluetooth.
- Bluetooth Calling Only: Set the car stereo input to AUX and ensure the Echo Auto connects to the car stereo using the AUX cable.
- No Bluetooth: Set the car stereo input to AUX and ensure Echo Auto connects to your stereo using an AUX cable.
2. Your Car Should Be Compatible
If it's properly set up and powered on, but your car speakers are still not playing, your Echo Auto may not be compatible with your car or smartphone.
When connecting Echo Auto with Bluetooth, your car stereo should support Bluetooth (4.0 or higher) and Bluetooth music playback. Otherwise, it will not work!
Also, some phones, majorly older phones running outdated Android or iOS versions, are not compatible with Echo Auto. If your phone or car is incompatible with the Echo Auto, try accessories like a cassette tape adapter or an FM transmitter.
3. Restart the Echo Auto
Restarting the Echo Auto clears bugs, built-up caches, and any pent-up charges that might corrupt its connection. To restart the Echo Auto, unplug the USB power cable and wait 45 seconds before plugging it back.
The device should connect automatically immediately after booting. If that does not solve the problem, reboot your phone by pressing the power button for about 15 seconds.
4. Reconnect Echo Auto
Sometimes, a quick reconnection is all you need to get your Eco Auto back online. Open settings in the Alexa app, then forget or unpair your device.
Check your phone’s Bluetooth to see if it’s connected to the Echo Auto. If it is, unpair or forget the connection.
Unplug the USB cable and wait for at least a minute before plugging it in. Open the Alexa App and set up the device again.
5. Factory Reset Echo Auto
Many users have been successful when factory resetting their Echo Auto devices. If all else fails, try resetting the Echo Auto back to factory defaults to fix the issue. Fortunately, Amazon integrated a relatively easy reset procedure into all its Echo devices.
To reset the Echo Auto, press the mute button, then press the Action button for about 15 seconds until Alexa indicates that the device is resetting. Wait until the light bar pulses orange, then release the button.
Leave the device for a few seconds to complete the setup; once done, the light bar should stop flashing. With any luck, Echo Auto will start working with your car speakers like normal.
What Are Other Possible Solutions?
After trying all of the above-mentioned solutions, if you are still not able to get your device to play, there’s a good chance that the problem isn’t with the device. So try these other fixes instead.
1. Check Your Internet Connection
Your Echo Auto needs internet access to process voice commands and perform other tasks.
Also, your phone usually downloads software updates automatically for your Echo Auto whenever you connect it to the internet. Though running outdated Echo Auto software might not be a big issue, it occasionally causes this problem from time to time.
To avoid these connectivity issues, it is best to have a reliable and high-speed internet connection on your mobile device. If you cannot resolve the issue alone, you must contact your internet service provider.
2. Refresh Alexa App
Most Alexa Apps go weeks (or months) without being refreshed. If it has been a while since you last refreshed it, do so to avoid functional issues.
Refreshing the app enhances the overall performance of your device by clearing build-up caches and fixing bugs.
Whether you’re on iOS or Android, simply force-stop the Alexa App, then re-open it. Now unplug the USB cable from the Echo Auto and wait for at least 30 seconds before plugging it back.
- For Android Phones: Turn on Airplane mode and wait for 45 seconds, then plug it back
- For iOS Phones: Turn off the Bluetooth, then turn it on
3. Ensure Alexa Microphone Is Turned On
The reason Echo Auto isn’t playing through your car speakers could be because the Alexa App is unable to receive voice commands.
Alexa won’t respond if your microphone is muted or turned off. For this reason, ensure your microphone is on and the built-in microphones are not damaged or obstructed.
Also, consider the possibility of ambient noise interfering with the Echo Auto. So ensure you turn up the volume of your Echo Auto, especially during the initial setup.
4. Use Compatible Streaming Platform
Generally, streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music are compatible with the Amazon ecosystem. However, they could malfunction occasionally and stop working on your Eco Auto.
If the streaming platforms are experiencing such issues with your device, try switching to other platforms, such as Amazon Music or Deezer, and see how it plays.
3 Echo Auto Alternatives to Try For Your Car
To use Alexa in your car, there are now some popular alternatives to the Echo Auto. Here are some Echo Auto alternatives for your car.
1. Anker ROAV Viva
The Roav Viva is a car charger with Amazon's Alexa built-in and two USB ports. Just like the Echo Auto, this device combines several functions in one. With Alexa, you can start navigation, answer messages, make calls, and play music through services like iHeartRadio, Pandora, Amazon Music, and Audible.
It has four options to stream your phone’s audio signal through your car’s stereo system: AUX cable, Bluetooth, FM radio, and USB.
2. Garmin Speak
Garmin and Amazon collaborated on a device that combines Alexa and navigation, and came up with Garmin Speak. With the ability to check your calendar, navigate with ease, manage tasks and listen to music, this device is a valuable addition to any car.
3. Echo Dot
If you would like access to all the same services and hardware features as the Echo Auto, your best option is to have an Echo Dot in your car. This device comes with eight microphones designed for use in areas with low or no background noises.
Echo Dot can be powered by a car charger with a Micro USB cable and connects to the Internet via a hotspot on your phone. The device also features Bluetooth audio and an AUX output, making it versatile for any car setup. And, its compact size allows for easy placement on your dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Echo Auto Play Through Car Speakers?
Does Echo Auto Need AUX?
Does Echo Auto Work Without Internet?
– Alexa-to-Alexa calls
– Messages use data from your smartphone plan.
– Texts to phone numbers.
– Calls to phone numbers.
Can You Use Alexa Auto in Any Car?
However, if you have an older car that doesn't have a stereo, then the easiest option is to get yourself a decent Bluetooth speaker. Ensure you connect the Echo Auto to the speaker during the setup process.
Bottom Line
If your Echo Auto is not playing through the car’s speakers, consider using the recommended setup procedure, checking your car’s compatibility, and regularly checking for firmware updates. You can also refresh the Alexa App and reset the Echo Auto device as a last resort.
However, if none of these fixes work, you shouldn’t worry. Amazon tends to notice Echo Auto issues rather quickly, so there is a good chance the team is already working on a fix. You can try checking their website, as they are constantly posting updates and responding to users who report such issues.
