● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportLow impact1 negative
Amazon Disables Alexa Voice Control for AUX Input on Older Echo Devices
Key points
- Alexa voice commands for AUX input disabled on older Echo speakers.
- Affected models include Echo Plus (2nd gen), Echo (3rd/4th gen), Echo Studio (original).
- Physical AUX connection and Alexa app controls for AUX still work.
- Amazon notified a small number of customers about the change.
Alexa Voice Commands Removed
Amazon has disabled specific Alexa voice commands related to the AUX input on several older Echo speaker models. Users can no longer issue commands such as "Alexa, play from line in" or "Alexa, set AUX input" to manage wired audio sources. This modification impacts devices like the second-generation Echo Plus (2018), third-generation Echo (2019), original Echo Studio (2019), and fourth-generation Echo (2020).
Impact on Users
While the physical AUX connection remains functional, the removal of voice controls introduces an inconvenience for users who relied on these commands to switch audio inputs. Amazon confirmed the change and stated that it notified a small number of customers who actively used these voice requests for AUX playback. The company did not provide a reason for the feature's removal.
Continued AUX Functionality
Despite the loss of voice control, the AUX port on these devices continues to operate. Users can still connect external audio sources via a 3.5mm cable. Additionally, the Alexa app can be used to enable or disable the AUX input on supported models, providing an alternative method for managing the connection.
AUX Port Capabilities
The 3.5mm AUX jack on supported Echo speakers can function as both an input and an output, depending on the specific model. As an input, it allows the speaker to play audio from devices like phones or computers. As an output, it routes Alexa's audio to external speakers or amplifiers. 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 (third- and fourth-generation) have output-only jacks, and the fifth-generation Dot lacks a 3.5mm connection entirely.
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Reporting from
Amazon has removed Alexa voice commands for controlling the AUX input on several older Echo speaker models, including the second-gen Echo Plus, third-gen Echo, original Echo Studio, and fourth-gen Echo. This change means users can no longer use voice commands like "Alexa, play from line in" to switch to a wired audio source, though physical AUX connections and app controls still function.