Amazon
How to connect Amazon Echo Plus to Zigbee devices
With a Zigbee hub inside, the second generation Amazon Echo Plus can connect, on its own, to devices that run on this smart home protocol
With a Zigbee hub inside, the second generation Amazon Echo Plus can connect, on its own, to devices that run on this smart home protocol
Zigbee, a wireless protocol, allows other Zigbee devices to connect to each other when routed through a hub. However, the new Amazon Echo Plus now has a Zigbee hub baked inside, expanding the way the speaker can be used — and the smart home products they can add to their system. Here's how to quickly add Zigbee devices to you Amazon Echo Plus smart speaker.
Read More:
You can operate Philips Hue light strips, among other lights, through the new Amazon Echo Plus Philips Hue
Launching the Echo Plus
If you are just opening your Amazon Echo Plus for the first time follow these directions first or skip to the next section below if your speaker is already up and running:
What works with the Echo Plus and what does not
Now that your Amazon Echo Plus is installed and working, make sure you have the Zigbee product you want to connect close by within range.
Amazon states that in-wall switches, plugs, outlets lights and locks that use Zigbee will be able to connect to the Echo Plus. We did not find that to be the case. In our testing we found, for example, that the Jasco smart plug would not, even though it is a Zigbee device. But the GE-branded smart plug from Jasco will.
Amazon does provide a complete list of which Zigbee devices will work with the Echo Plus, and it's worth checking that before you buy additional Zigbee devices. You can also check to see what products work with Amazon Alexa as well through The GearBrain, which is a comprehensive list of devices that connect to the voice assistant.
With a Zigbee hub inside, the Amazon Echo Plus can speak directly to many Zigbee devices on its own GearBrain
Connecting to Zigbee
If you have a Zigbee device that works with the Amazon Echo, you can start adding them Alexa:
At this point you will be able to operate your Zigbee device through Alexa, such as:
"Alexa, turn on Living Room Light"
Or, if the light is part of a Morning Routine, you could say:
"Alexa, start Morning Routine"
Having a Zigbee hub inside the Amazon Echo is a nice perk, expanding the smart home features someone can add to their living area, without necessarily needing an additional device or requiring additional space.
Check out The GearBrain, our smart home compatibility checker to see the other compatible products that work with Amazon Alexa enabled devices.GearBrain Compatibility Find Engine
A pioneering recommendation platform where you can research,
discover, buy, and learn how to connect and optimize smart devices.
Join our community! Ask and answer questions about smart devices and save yours in My Gear.