Skip to main content

How to set up the Echo Pop

The Echo Pop is the newest addition to the Echo family, offering access to the Alexa voice assistant for just $40. It may not sound as impressive as the Echo Studio, and it lacks the display of the Echo Show lineup, but the Pop is perfect as a budget-friendly entry into the world of smart assistants.

As a smart speaker designed for newcomers to the world of smart homes, you might have a few questions about how to install the Echo Pop – and you might even have some questions about how it works or what exactly it’s capable of handling.

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

10 minutes

What You Need

If you need some help, here’s a look at how to set up your Echo Pop, along with a few tips and tricks to maximize its potential.

Amazon Echo Pop setup on an iPhone.
Setting up an Echo Pop is as easy as any other Echo device. Phil Nickinson/Digital Trends

How to set up the Echo Pop

Like all Echo products, the Echo Pop is easy to install. The first thing you’ll want to do is install the Alexa app on your smartphone. With that done, here’s what you need to do.

Step 1: Plug in your Echo Pop.

Step 2: Open the Alexa app on your smartphone.

Step 3: Select the More option, then select Add a Device.

Step 4: Scroll down to the Amazon Echo menu, then select the Echo Pop from the long list of products.

Step 5: Continue following the on-screen instructions to sync your product and get it ready for use.

The Echo Pop sitting on a countertop.
Digital Trends

Tips for using your Echo Pop

While you can certainly just plug in your Echo Pop and start accessing all its great features, there are a few things you can do to improve the experience.

  • Find the right spot in your home for the Echo Pop. Since it doesn’t offer a 360-degree design like the Dot, the Echo Pop can largely only output sound in one direction. Because of this, don’t be afraid to tuck it into a corner. A good spot for it is on a kitchen counter, nightstand, or end table in your living room.
  • Link your music services to your Pop. If you want to listen to Spotify, be sure to dive back into the Alexa app and check out the Music & Podcasts menu. This can be found in the Settings menu under the Alexa Preferences section.
  • Give commands to other smart home devices. Once you’ve paired your smart home devices to Alexa, you can dish out voice commands to turn off lights, change the thermostat, and more. Functionality varies by device, so keep that in mind as you start to piece together your smart home.

There are plenty of other great ways to use your Echo Pop – be sure to check out our extensive guide on Echo tips and tricks for more great suggestions.

Editors' Recommendations

Jon Bitner
Jon Bitner is a writer covering consumer electronics, technology, and gaming. His work has been published on various websites…
How to empty the Narwal Freo X Ultra dustbin
The Narwal Freo X Ultra working in a living room.

One of the most unique parts of the Narwal Freo X Ultra is its dustbin. Unlike most premium robot vacuums, its dock doesn't have a disposable dustbin. Instead, the bin is built directly into the robot itself. What's more interesting is that it supports both disposable and reusable options — letting you choose how much maintenance you want to deal with. The reusable bin will save you money (since it can just be cleaned and replaced), while the disposables can be tossed every seven weeks and replaced for a low-maintenance alternative.

Read more
This bundle of five Blink Outdoor security cameras is 50% off
The Blink Outdoor Camera 4 mounted on a brick wall.

For the protection of your family and your home, you should think about investing in security camera deals. You can't put a price on your peace of mind, but you could enjoy huge savings with Amazon's offer for five units of the fourth-generation Blink Outdoor. From an original price of $400, you can get the package for just $200, following a 50% discount that translates to $200 in savings. This is exclusive for Amazon Prime members though, so this is a good reason to sign up for it if you're not yet a member, but you need to hurry because the bargain may disappear at any moment.

Why you should buy the Blink Outdoor 4 security camera
The Blink Outdoor is in our roundup of the best home security cameras as the top option to work with Amazon's Alexa, which isn't a surprise as Blink is an Amazon-owned company. You can use voice commands on smart home devices powered by the digital assistant for functions such as engaging live view through the security cameras, and arming or disarming your systems. The latest version of the security camera, the Blink Outdoor 4, introduces Person Detection, which will give you more detailed alerts and identify if a person is captured in the motion zones and not an animal or object. You'll need a Blink subscription to access this feature though.

Read more
Echo Hub vs. Echo Show 15: Which is the best smart home gadget?
Amazon Fire TV on Echo Show 15.

The Echo Hub might look like a smart display, but it actually falls into a category of smart home products known as smart control panels. Unlike smart displays, which are jack-of-all-trades entertainment hubs, control panels are designed to give you enhanced control over the rest of your smart home. That's an important distinction, and it's one of the main differences between the Echo Hub and Echo Show 15.

But is the Echo Hub or Echo Show 15 better for your smart home? Here's everything you need to know before making a purchase.
Pricing and design

Read more