● Covered by 2 sources · 2 reportsLow impact1 negative1 neutral
Amazon Disables Alexa Voice Control for AUX Input on Older Echo Speakers
Key points
- Alexa voice control for AUX input is disabled on older Echo speakers.
- Affected models include Echo Plus 2nd Gen, Echo 3rd Gen, Echo Studio 1st Gen, and Echo 4th Gen.
- Physical AUX input functionality remains, as does control via the Alexa app.
- Amazon confirmed the change, notifying a small number of users.
- No explanation was provided for the removal of this feature.
Alexa Voice Control Removed for AUX Input
Amazon has disabled Alexa voice command control for devices connected to the AUX input on several older Echo smart speakers. Users who previously relied on commands such as "Alexa, play from line in" or "Alexa, set aux input" will find these no longer work.
The company confirmed the change, stating that it recently notified a small number of customers who used voice requests to play or pause audio from the aux audio input on select Echo devices that this functionality would no longer be supported.
Affected Devices and Continued Functionality
This change impacts specific Echo models that include a 3.5 mm port, as Amazon has not produced new Echo devices with this feature for several years. The affected devices are the Echo Plus 2nd Gen (released in 2018), Echo 3rd Gen (released in 2019), Echo Studio 1st Gen (released in 2019), and Echo 4th Gen (released in 2020).
While voice control is removed, the physical AUX inputs on these devices continue to function. Users can still connect external audio sources and listen to them. Control of the AUX input can also still be managed through the Alexa app.
User Notifications and Lack of Explanation
Users began receiving emails from Amazon informing them of the change, with one Reddit user sharing a screenshot of the notification. The email stated that voice commands to control the Echo device’s Aux input were no longer available as of the notification date.
Amazon has not provided an explanation for the removal of this feature. The change does not affect audio output functionality, such as connecting an external speaker to an Echo Dot.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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How outlets covered it
Amazon has removed the ability for Alexa voice commands to play or pause audio from the 3.5mm aux input on select older Echo devices. The physical aux connection still functions, but control must now be done through the Alexa app or the connected device itself.
Amazon has removed the ability to control AUX input on older Echo smart speakers using Alexa voice commands. This change affects specific Echo models that still feature a 3.5 mm port, though physical AUX functionality and app control remain.