Introduction
The Amazon Echo Hub is an 8-inch smart home control panel designed to centralize management of your compatible smart devices with Alexa. This manual provides instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your Echo Hub, along with detailed specifications and troubleshooting tips.
Package Contents
Before you begin, ensure all items are present in your package:
- Echo Hub device
- Power adapter (12.5W) and 6 ft. (1.8m) cord (white)
- Wall mount
- Anchors and screws
- Mounting template
- Quick start guide
Note: Setup requires internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. A table-top stand and in-wall cable pass-throughs or a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) adapter are sold separately. The device is not intended for handheld or portable use.
Setup Instructions
1. Power Requirements
The Echo Hub requires a power supply that complies with the USB PD protocol and supports both 5V/2.4A and 9V/3A ratings. It is compatible with alternative USB-C PD power accessories.
For Power over Ethernet (PoE), the device supports PoE with a compatible USB-C converter. This requires IEEE 802.3at/PoE+/Type2 or IEEE 802.3bt/PoE++/Type 3 support.
2. Installation Options
The Echo Hub can be wall-mounted or placed on a table-top stand (sold separately).
- Wall Mounting: Use the included wall mount, anchors, screws, and mounting template. An electric drill is required for installation. For a cleaner look, consider using in-wall cable pass-throughs or a Power-over-Ethernet adapter (both sold separately) to conceal cables.
- Table-Top Placement: If not wall-mounting, a table-top stand (sold separately) is recommended for stable placement.
Image: Amazon Echo Hub mounted on a wall, displaying a video feed from a front door camera. This shows the device in a typical wall-mounted setup.
3. Initial Device Setup
Once powered on, the Echo Hub will guide you through the initial setup process. This involves connecting to your internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Amazon WiFi Simple Setup is available to facilitate connecting smart devices to your network.
The Alexa app is compatible with Fire OS, Android, and iOS devices and is also accessible via a web browser. Ensure your mobile device meets the system requirements for the Alexa app.
Operating Your Echo Hub
1. Smart Home Control
The Echo Hub serves as a central control panel for your smart home devices. You can interact with it using Alexa voice commands or by tapping the 8-inch touch display.
Image: Amazon Echo Hub displaying a smart home dashboard with controls for lights, fans, and other devices. This illustrates the primary interface for managing smart home functions.
- Device Control: Control lights, smart plugs, thermostats, and other compatible devices.
- Camera Feeds: View live feeds from compatible security cameras and video doorbells.
- Routines: Start and manage Alexa routines directly from the display.
- Customization: Customize the dashboard with controls and widgets for quick access to frequently used devices and functions.
Image: Amazon Echo Hub displaying smart home controls for 'Downstairs Lights' and 'Patio Lights'. This demonstrates the touch interface for adjusting lighting.
2. Smart Home Device Compatibility
The Echo Hub is compatible with thousands of Alexa-enabled devices, including:
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy Mesh devices
- Zigbee devices
- Thread devices
- Matter devices (functions as a controller only)
The built-in smart home hub ensures seamless synchronization with these devices.
3. Home Security Integration
Use the Echo Hub to arm and disarm compatible security systems. Through the Alexa app and compatible cameras, locks, alarms, and sensors, you can monitor your home remotely.
Image: Amazon Echo Hub displaying a Ring security system interface with an 'Exit delay started' countdown. This shows the security system integration feature.
4. Audio Playback
Connect your preferred speaker to the Echo Hub to play music, audiobooks, and podcasts. The device supports Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) for streaming from your mobile device to the Echo Hub or from the Echo Hub to your Bluetooth speaker. Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) is supported for voice control of connected Bluetooth speakers.
Note: Hands-Free Profile (HFP) is not supported. Bluetooth speakers requiring PIN codes are not supported.
5. Alexa Features and Language
Alexa provides various features to enhance your daily life through voice control. The Echo Hub supports Alexa in English and Spanish.
Maintenance
To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your Echo Hub, follow these general maintenance guidelines:
- Cleaning: Gently wipe the screen and device exterior with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or sprays.
- Software Updates: Ensure your device receives regular software security updates. These updates are typically automatic when connected to the internet. For more information, visit Manage Your Content and Devices.
- Environmental Conditions: Operate the device within recommended temperature and humidity ranges. Avoid exposing it to extreme heat, cold, or moisture.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Echo Hub, consider the following:
- Connectivity Issues:
- Ensure your Wi-Fi network is active and the Echo Hub is within range.
- Verify that your internet connection is working.
- Restart your router and the Echo Hub.
- Check if Amazon Sidewalk is enabled, as it can help compatible devices stay connected if Wi-Fi is lost. You can manage Sidewalk settings at any time.
- Device Responsiveness:
- If the device is unresponsive, try restarting it by unplugging and replugging the power adapter.
- Ensure the microphone is not muted. The Echo Hub has a physical mic off button.
- Smart Home Device Compatibility:
- For issues with specific smart home devices, ensure they are compatible with the Echo Hub (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy Mesh, Zigbee, Thread, Matter).
- Visit the Alexa app or Amazon's help pages for troubleshooting compatible devices.
- Software Update Problems:
- If a device gets stuck during a software update, ensure a stable internet connection. Contact customer support if the issue persists.
Image: Close-up of the side of the Amazon Echo Hub showing the mic off button and volume controls. This highlights the physical controls for privacy and audio adjustment.
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Display | 8-inch touch screen with 1280 x 800 resolution |
| Audio | Pair of top-ported full-range speakers, with stereo playback |
| Sensors | Passive infrared (PIR) sensor for proximity detection, ambient light sensor (ALS) |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac networks. Does not support ad-hoc or peer-to-peer networks. |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | A2DP for audio streaming, AVRCP for voice control of connected Bluetooth speakers. HFP and PIN-code requiring speakers not supported. |
| Smart Home Compatibility | Compatible with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy Mesh, Zigbee, Thread, and Matter devices (as controller only). |
| Processor | MediaTek MT 8169 A |
| Size | 7.9"W x 5.4"H x 0.6"D (202 mm x 137mm x 15mm) |
| Weight | 12.9 ounces (365 grams). Actual size and weight may vary. |
| Power Requirements | USB PD protocol, 5V/2.4A and 9V/3A ratings. Supports PoE with compatible USB-C converter (IEEE 802.3at/PoE+/Type2 or IEEE 802.3bt/PoE++/Type 3). |
| System Requirements | Internet connection via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Alexa app compatible with Fire OS, Android, iOS, and web browsers. |
| Language | Alexa speaks English and Spanish. |
Privacy Features
The Amazon Echo Hub is designed with multiple layers of privacy controls:
- Wake Word Technology: The device only begins recording after detecting the wake word.
- Streaming Indicators: Visual indicators show when audio is being streamed to the cloud.
- Microphone Off Button: A physical button allows you to electronically disconnect the microphones.
- Voice Recording Management: Ability to view and delete your voice recordings.
- Ring End-to-End Encryption: Support for Ring’s End-to-End Encryption feature for Ring video (coming soon).
For more details, visit the Alexa Privacy Hub.
Accessibility Features
The Echo Hub includes various accessibility features to personalize Alexa to your needs. These can be accessed via Settings → Accessibility on your device:
- Tap to Alexa: Access Alexa via touch through on-screen tiles or a keyboard, including saving favorite actions.
- Adaptive Listening: Provides more time to finish speaking before Alexa responds.
- Preferred Speaking Rate: Control how fast or slow Alexa speaks.
- Alexa Captioning, Call Captioning, Closed Captioning: Provide text captions for supported content.
- VoiceView Screen Reader: Enables access for blind or visually impaired users.
- Screen Magnifier: Zoom in/out and pan around the screen.
- Notify When Nearby: Plays notification sounds when detected near your Echo device.
- Kindle Read Aloud: Alexa reads your Kindle books aloud.
- Real Time Text: Type live text in a video call.
- Additional settings include Color Inversion, Color Correction, Request Sound, and more.
Warranty and Service
The Echo Hub comes with a 1-year limited warranty and service. An optional 1-year extended warranty is available for U.S. customers, sold separately. This device, even if "Like-New" or refurbished, receives the same limited warranty as a new device.
For more information on Like-New Amazon devices, please refer to Amazon's official documentation. Use of the device is subject to Amazon's Conditions of Use.
