Amazon Echo Spot Complete Setup Guide: Smart Display + Alexa in One Device (Perfect for Beginners!)

Master Your New Echo Spot in Minutes—From Unboxing to Voice Commands, Smart Home Control & Hidden Display Features

Author

Christine Emmanuelle Bago
December 04, 2025

In partnership with

Ready to experience Alexa with a beautiful screen? The Amazon Echo Spot combines the power of Alexa voice assistant with a customizable display that shows weather, timers, clock faces, and so much more. Unlike traditional Echo Dots, this smart speaker lets you see information while you hear it—making it perfect for bedside tables, kitchens, or home offices.

Whether you're new to smart home devices or adding to your existing setup, this complete guide will have you up and running in no time. Let's dive in!

🎥 Watch the Full Tutorial

👆 See the Echo Spot in action! Watch the complete unboxing, real-time setup process, live voice command demonstrations, and discover display customization tricks you won't find in the manual.

What You'll Learn in This Guide

✅ Unboxing and physical setup of your Echo Spot
✅ Step-by-step first-time device configuration
✅ Customizing your clock face and display themes
✅ Essential Alexa voice commands for everyday use
✅ Connecting Bluetooth devices to stream audio
✅ Smart home control tips and automation tricks
✅ Troubleshooting common setup issues

📦 What's Inside the Box

When you open your Echo Spot package, you'll find:

  • The Echo Spot device (with built-in display and speaker)

  • Power adapter (required for operation)

  • Quick start guide (in multiple languages)

  • Safety and product information

Understanding Your Device's Physical Features

Top Controls:

  • Volume Down button (left side)

  • Volume Up button (right side)

  • Microphone Mute switch (center) - disables voice listening

Back Panel:

  • Power port - connects to the included adapter

🔍 QUICK TIP: The Echo Spot requires constant power—there's no battery option. Choose a convenient location near an outlet before setting up!

🔌 Initial Setup: Powering Up Your Echo Spot

Getting Started:

  1. Plug the power adapter into the back of your Echo Spot

  2. Connect the other end to a wall outlet

  3. Watch as the Amazon logo appears on screen

  4. Wait for the device to boot up (you'll see the Echo logo animation)

⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTE: Your Echo Spot will automatically check for software updates during first setup. This mandatory update can take 30-45 minutes depending on your internet speed. Be patient—this only happens once!

What Happens During the Update

You'll see:

  • Rotating images showcasing Echo Spot features (music, calendar, packages, etc.)

  • A progress bar with a half-arc circle indicator

  • The screen will turn black periodically as it processes

🔍 QUICK TIP: The update duration varies based on your Wi-Fi connection speed. Faster internet = quicker setup. Don't unplug the device during this process!

📱 Connecting to the Alexa App

Download the Alexa App First

For iPhone users:

  1. Open the App Store

  2. Search for "Alexa"

  3. Download the official Amazon Alexa app

  4. Open the app and tap "Start"

For Android users:

  1. Open Google Play Store

  2. Search for "Alexa"

  3. Download the official Amazon Alexa app

  4. Open the app and tap "Start"

Two Ways to Connect Your Echo Spot

Method 1: Quick Scan (Easiest!)

  1. When prompted on your Echo Spot screen, you'll see "Scan to open the Alexa app"

  2. Open your phone's Camera app

  3. Point it at the QR code displayed on the Echo Spot

  4. The Alexa app will automatically open and begin searching

Method 2: Manual Connection

  1. Open the Alexa app on your phone

  2. Tap on "Set up a new device"

  3. Select Echo from the device list

  4. Follow the on-screen prompts

⚠️ SETUP TIMING MATTERS: Wait until the device shows an orange light or completes its update before attempting to pair. If the device is still updating, pairing won't work!

🔍 QUICK TIP: If you've purchased your Echo Spot directly from Amazon and have previous Alexa devices, it may automatically link to your account—making setup super fast!

⚙️ Completing Your Echo Spot Setup

Step 1: Language Selection

  1. In the Alexa app, select your preferred language

  2. Tap Continue

Step 2: Choose Your Device Location

  1. Select where your Echo Spot is located (bedroom, kitchen, office, etc.)

  2. This helps Alexa provide location-specific information

  3. Tap Continue

Step 3: Customize Your Clock Display

You'll see various clock face options:

  • Digital clock faces (multiple styles)

  • Analog clock face (traditional watch-style)

Choose your favorite and tap Continue

🔍 QUICK TIP: Don't worry about this choice—you can change your clock face anytime through settings! We'll show you how later in this guide.

Step 4: Snooze Feature Setup

Learn the special gesture: Press the top of your device with more than one finger to snooze alarms. This is different from pressing a single button!

▶️ TRY THIS NOW: Practice the snooze gesture on your Echo Spot. Use your whole palm or multiple fingers to firmly press the top surface.

Step 5: Amazon Sidewalk (Optional)

Amazon Sidewalk creates a shared network between your devices and your neighbors' devices to extend connectivity range.

Benefits:

  • Helps devices work at longer distances

  • Creates stronger radio connections

  • Assists with lost item tracking

Privacy concerns? You can disable this feature—just tap "Disable" during setup.

Step 6: Amazon Kids+ Subscription (Optional)

If you have children, this subscription offers:

  • Age-appropriate content

  • Parental controls and time limits

  • Access to Disney, Lego, iHeartRadio, and more

Not interested? Simply tap "No Thanks" to skip.

🎨 Customizing Your Echo Spot Display

Accessing Settings

Method 1: Touch Screen

  1. Swipe down from the top of the screen

  2. Tap the Settings icon (gear symbol)

Method 2: Voice Command

  • Say: "Alexa, go to settings"

Changing Your Clock Face

  1. Swipe down from the top

  2. Tap Settings → Clock and Theme → Clock Face

  3. Scroll through available options:

    • Multiple digital styles

    • One analog (traditional watch) style

  4. Tap your preferred face

  5. Press the checkmark to confirm

Your home screen instantly updates with your new choice!

🔍 QUICK TIP: Switch between clock faces as often as you like to match your mood or décor. There's no limit!

Changing Your Theme Color

Want to move beyond the traditional Alexa blue?

  1. Go to Settings → Clock and Theme → Theme

  2. Choose from available colors:

    • Blue (default)

    • Orange

    • Purple

    • Green

    • Pink

    • Teal

  3. Tap your color choice

  4. Press the checkmark

The color applies to your clock face, menus, and visual indicators throughout the interface.

Switching to 24-Hour Time Format

  1. Navigate to Settings → Clock and Theme → Clock Format

  2. Toggle on 24-Hour Clock

  3. Your time display immediately updates

Perfect for travelers or those who prefer military time!

🔊 Adjusting Audio and Display Settings

Brightness Control

Quick Access Method:

  1. Swipe down from the top

  2. Tap the Brightness icon (sun symbol)

  3. Slide the bar to increase or decrease

Settings Menu Method:

  1. Go to Settings → Display → Brightness

  2. Adjust to your preference

Adaptive Brightness: Enable this in Display settings to automatically adjust based on ambient light in your room.

Night Mode

Automatically darkens your screen during nighttime hours.

  1. Go to Settings → Display → Night Mode

  2. Toggle On (enabled by default)

🔍 QUICK TIP: Night mode is perfect for bedrooms—it prevents the bright display from disrupting your sleep.

Volume Settings

Using Physical Buttons:

  • Press Volume Up button (top right)

  • Press Volume Down button (top left)

In-App Settings:

  1. Go to Settings → Sounds

  2. Adjust Media Volume (music, videos, responses)

  3. Adjust Alarms, Timers & Notifications volume separately

⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTE: Media volume and notification volume are independent! Lowering one doesn't affect the other.

🎙️ Essential Alexa Voice Commands

Now comes the fun part—actually using your Echo Spot! Just say the wake word "Alexa" followed by your command.

Weather & Time

  • "Alexa, what's the weather?" - Get current conditions and forecast

  • "Alexa, what's the weather tonight?" - Evening forecast

  • "Alexa, what time is it?" - Current time display

Timers & Alarms

  • "Alexa, set a timer for 5 minutes" - Visual countdown appears on screen

  • "Alexa, set an alarm for 7 AM" - Morning wake-up

  • "Alexa, cancel the timer" - Stop active timer

  • "Alexa, stop" - Stop alarm or timer when it goes off

🔍 QUICK TIP: To snooze an alarm, remember to press the top of your Echo Spot with multiple fingers—don't try to tap the screen!

Information & Knowledge

  • "Alexa, tell me a joke" - Get a random joke (some are themed!)

  • "Alexa, what's the stock price of Amazon?" - Market information

  • "Alexa, who's the current CEO of Amazon?" - Factual questions

  • "Alexa, how do you spell [word]?" - Spelling help

Entertainment

  • "Alexa, play [artist/song/genre]" - Stream music

  • "Alexa, play nature sounds" - Relaxation audio

  • "Alexa, tell me about new movies" - Entertainment news

▶️ TRY THIS NOW: Say "Alexa, tell me a joke" and watch how the screen displays visual elements alongside the audio response!

📱 Connecting Bluetooth Devices

Turn your Echo Spot into a Bluetooth speaker for your phone or tablet!

Pairing Your Phone via Voice Command

Method 1: Voice Pairing (Easiest)

  1. Say: "Alexa, pair Bluetooth" or "Alexa, connect to Bluetooth"

  2. Alexa responds: "Searching..."

  3. On your phone, go to Bluetooth settings

  4. Look for "Echo Spot" in available devices

  5. Tap to connect

  6. You'll hear: "Now connected to Bluetooth"

Method 2: Settings Menu

  1. Swipe down on Echo Spot

  2. Tap Settings → Bluetooth

  3. On your phone, enable Bluetooth

  4. Find and select your Echo Spot

  5. Wait for confirmation

Using Your Phone's Audio Through Echo Spot

Once connected:

  • Play music from Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, etc.

  • Watch videos with audio coming through the Echo Spot

  • Stream podcasts or audiobooks

  • Take phone calls (audio plays through the speaker)

⚠️ TROUBLESHOOTING: If pairing fails, try these steps:

  1. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone

  2. Move your phone closer to the Echo Spot

  3. Restart both devices

  4. Try the voice command method instead of manual pairing

🔍 QUICK TIP: Once paired, your phone will remember the connection. Future connections are usually automatic when both devices are nearby!

🏠 Smart Home Control Features

The Echo Spot shines as a smart home controller, especially if you have compatible devices.

Connecting Smart Lights

Compatible brands include:

  • Philips Hue

  • LIFX

  • Sengled

  • TP-Link Kasa

  • And many more!

Setup Process:

  1. Open the Alexa app on your phone

  2. Tap the Plus (+) button at the top

  3. Select "Add Device"

  4. Choose "Light"

  5. Select your light bulb brand

  6. Follow the brand-specific pairing instructions

  7. Name your lights (living room, bedroom, kitchen, etc.)

Voice Commands for Smart Home

Once connected, control everything by voice:

  • "Alexa, turn on all lights"

  • "Alexa, turn off bedroom lights"

  • "Alexa, dim the living room lights to 50%"

  • "Alexa, set bedroom lights to blue"

  • "Alexa, turn on the lamp"

Managing Devices in the Alexa App

  1. Open the Alexa app

  2. Tap "Devices" at the bottom

  3. View all connected smart home devices

  4. Tap on your Echo Spot to see:

    • Current status

    • Connected Bluetooth devices

    • Volume controls

    • Do Not Disturb settings

🔍 QUICK TIP: You can control your Echo Spot remotely through the app—adjust volume, enable Do Not Disturb, or check connection status from anywhere!

🔕 Do Not Disturb Mode

Perfect for sleep, meetings, or focused work time.

Activating Do Not Disturb:

Method 1: Quick Access

  1. Swipe down from the top

  2. Tap the Do Not Disturb icon (moon symbol)

  3. Icon turns highlighted when active

Method 2: Voice Command

  • Say: "Alexa, turn on Do Not Disturb"

What It Does:

  • Silences all notifications

  • Blocks incoming calls (if enabled)

  • Prevents announcement interruptions

  • Still responds to your direct commands

Turning It Off:

  • Swipe down and tap the icon again

  • Say: "Alexa, turn off Do Not Disturb"

▶️ TRY THIS NOW: Enable Do Not Disturb before bed tonight, then test it by having someone send you an Alexa announcement or drop-in call. You won't be disturbed!

🛠️ Advanced Settings & Features

Device Options

Access system information and controls:

  1. Go to Settings → Device Options

  2. View:

    • Current software version

    • Serial number

    • Factory reset option

⚠️ FACTORY RESET WARNING: Only use factory reset if you're giving away your device or experiencing major issues. This erases all settings and connections!

Privacy & Security

Muting the Microphone:

  • Press the Mute button on top of your device

  • A red light indicates the mic is disabled

  • Alexa cannot hear you until unmuted

Accessing Privacy Settings:

  1. Open Alexa app

  2. Go to Settings → Alexa Privacy

  3. Review voice recordings

  4. Manage data sharing preferences

  5. Delete voice history

Accessibility Features

Amazon offers accessibility options for users with different needs:

  • Voice speed adjustments

  • Screen reader compatibility

  • Visual and audio alert customization

Find these in Settings → Accessibility

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💡 Top 3 Takeaways

1. The Display Changes Everything
Unlike traditional Echo Dots, the Echo Spot's screen provides visual feedback for timers, weather, alarms, and more. This makes it exponentially more useful for quick glances and bedside use.

2. Full Alexa Power in a Compact Package
Don't let the size fool you—this device has all the smart home control, information lookup, and entertainment features of larger Echo devices, plus Bluetooth speaker functionality.

3. Customization is Key to Enjoyment
Take 10 minutes to personalize your clock face, theme color, brightness, and volume settings. A device that matches your style and environment becomes something you'll actually use daily.

❓ Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Q: How long does the initial setup take?
A: The software update during first setup can take 30-45 minutes depending on your internet speed. After that, configuration takes just 5-10 minutes.

Q: Can I use the Echo Spot without the Alexa app?
A: Initial setup requires the app, but once configured, you can control most features via voice commands. The app is recommended for accessing advanced settings and smart home device management.

Q: Does the Echo Spot work as a regular Bluetooth speaker?
A: Yes! Once paired with your phone or tablet, it functions as a high-quality Bluetooth speaker for any audio source.

Q: Why won't my Echo Spot pair during setup?
A: Make sure the device has completed its software update and is showing an orange light. If still updating (showing progress bar), wait until it restarts before attempting to pair.

Q: Can I turn off the screen completely at night?
A: The screen cannot be turned completely off while the device is powered on, but Night Mode significantly dims the display. You can also manually reduce brightness to the lowest setting.

Q: How do I change which Amazon account is linked to my Echo Spot?
A: You'll need to factory reset the device through Settings → Device Options → Factory Reset, then set it up with a different Amazon account during the configuration process.

Q: Can I set multiple alarms?
A: Absolutely! Just say "Alexa, set an alarm for [time]" for each alarm you need. You can have multiple alarms active simultaneously.

Q: My Echo Spot isn't responding to voice commands. What should I do?
A: Check that the microphone isn't muted (no red light on top). If still not responding, try unplugging the device for 10 seconds, then plug it back in.

Q: Can I use the Echo Spot to make video calls?
A: The Echo Spot does not have a camera, so video calls aren't supported. However, you can make voice calls and receive Drop-In audio calls through the device.

Q: Does the Echo Spot require a monthly subscription?
A: No! The device works with your free Amazon account. However, music streaming services (Spotify, Amazon Music Unlimited, Apple Music) require their own subscriptions for full access.

🎬 Ready to See It All in Action?

This guide covered the essentials, but there's so much more to discover! Watch the complete video tutorial to see:

  • Real-time unboxing and setup

  • Live demonstrations of every setting

  • Voice command examples with visual responses

  • Bluetooth pairing in action

  • Smart home integration demos

📢 We Want to Hear From You!

Are you setting up your first Echo Spot or adding to your smart home collection? Reply to this email and let us know:

  • What will you use your Echo Spot for most?

  • Which feature are you most excited to try?

  • What other smart home guides would help you?

We read every reply and use your feedback to create better content!

Until next time,
The AppFind Team