Amazon Disables Alexa Voice Controls for AUX Input on Older Echo Speakers

Amazon has disabled Alexa voice controls for the AUX input on several older Echo speakers. Commands such as Alexa, play from line in and Alexa, set AUX input no longer work. The physical AUX connection remains usable, and owners can still manage AUX input through the Alexa app.

Affected devices

The affected devices are the second-generation Echo Plus (2018), third-generation Echo (2019), original Echo Studio (2019), and fourth-generation Echo (2020). Amazon confirmed the removal and said it notified the very small number of customers who use voice requests for AUX playback. The company did not say why it removed the feature.

How AUX works on Echo speakers

The 3.5mm AUX jack on supported Echo speakers can serve two purposes, depending on the model. When used as an input, it allows the speaker to play audio from an external source such as a phone or computer. As an output, it routes Alexa's audio to another speaker or amplifier. The third-generation Echo, fourth-generation Echo, and second-generation Echo Plus support both input and output, while the original Echo Studio supports input only. Older Echo Dots, including third- and fourth-generation models, have jacks that support output only, and the fifth-generation Dot removed a 3.5mm connection.

Using AUX without voice commands

Owners can still play audio through a cable and use the Alexa app to enable or disable AUX input on supported models. In the app, select the speaker under Devices, find AUX Audio in its settings, then choose Line In to play audio from an external source through the Echo. On models that support both directions, Line Out sends the Echo's audio to a wired speaker or receiver. Depending on the app version, the setting may be listed under General. After connecting devices, use the source device's own controls to start playback or skip tracks.

Keeping older hardware useful

There is still a reason to hold on to older hardware. For example, an early-2000s Sony CD changer can send audio to an original Echo Studio through an RCA-to-3.5mm cable, allowing those CDs to play through the Echo without a Bluetooth transmitter or a replacement player. The connection is unchanged, even if Alexa is now less cooperative about using it.

Sources: Engadget