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Amazon Echo Buds User Manual

Amazon Echo Buds

Support For Echo Buds
Get help using and troubleshooting common issues with Echo Buds.

Set Up Your Echo Buds

To play media and access Alexa on the go, set up your Echo Buds with the Alexa app.

Set Up Your Echo Buds

Note: For Echo Buds (2nd Gen), you must register your Echo Buds in the Alexa app first in order to set up your device successfully.
  1. Open the Alexa app .
  2. Open the case lid. Press the button on the case for 3 seconds to enter pairing mode. Confirm that the blue light is flashing.
  3. Select the pop-up notification.
    1. If you don’t see the notification, open the Alexa app. Open More  and select Add Device.
    2. Select Amazon Echo , and then select your device:
    3. Echo Buds (1st Gen) 
    4. Echo Buds (2nd Gen) 
      Note: You might have to approve the pairing request on your phone.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Note: For setup on iOS, it may take 1 minute for your Echo Buds to appear in the accessory list.

Getting Started:

Download the Alexa App

Download and install the Alexa app from your mobile device app store. Add the Alexa widget for easy home screen access.

  1. Open the app store on your mobile device.
  2. Search for Amazon Alexa app.
  3. Select Install.
  4. Select Open and sign in with your Amazon Account.
  5. Install Alexa widgets (optional).
Tip: Widgets allow easier access to Alexa from your device home screen. Alexa widgets become available in the device widget menu after you sign in to the Alexa app. On iOS (iOS 14 or newer) or Android devices, long-press the home page of your device and follow the instructions to add widgets.
How Do Echo Buds Work?

Echo Buds wirelessly connect to your phone to access Alexa.

With Echo Buds you can:

  • Listen to music.
  • Ask Alexa questions.
  • Control Alexa and audio through your voice or optional touch gestures.
  • Access Siri.
  • Access Google Assistant.
What Does the Light On the Echo Buds (1st Gen) Case Mean?

The LED light on the Echo Buds case communicates charging status for both the buds and the case.

Tip: To check the battery life of Echo Buds, ask “Alexa, what’s my battery?”
With Echo Buds in the Case:

To view the battery level, press the button on the case (or open the case lid). The LED indicator displays the status of the earbud with the lowest battery level.

Green
Both of the buds are at least 40 percent charged and have more than 2 hours of battery life for streaming music remaining.

Yellow
One or both of the buds are less than 40 percent charged and have less than 2 hours of battery life for streaming music remaining.

Red
One or both of the buds are at critical level, and have less than 5 percent battery remaining.

Flashing Green
The buds are charging.

Flashing Blue
The device is in pairing mode.

Flashing Red
There’s an error with the device. Check to make sure that the buds are clean and connecting with the charging pins.

Flashing Orange
Factory reset is starting.

When Charging Case Is Empty:
To see the LED status, press the button at the bottom of the case.

Solid Green
The case has more than one full charge.

Solid Yellow
The case has less than one full charge.

Solid Red
The case has low battery.

Related Help Topics

Use the Alexa App to Check Battery Status on Echo Buds

What do the Lights on the Echo Buds (2nd Gen) Case Mean?

The three LED lights on your Echo Buds case show the charging status for both ear buds and the case.

Tip: To check the battery life of Echo Buds, ask, “Alexa, what’s my battery?”
Note: The LED light on the outside of the case means different things when the case is closed or open. When the case is closed, the LED light shows the battery status for whichever ear bud has the lowest battery level. When the case is open, the LED light tells you the battery status for the case. The two LED lights inside the case show the battery status for each ear bud.

With Echo Buds in the Case:

To view the battery level, press the button on the case (or open the case lid).

Green

The ear bud is at least 40 percent charged and has more than 2 hours of battery life for streaming music remaining. The case has more than one full charge. For more information on battery life, see Echo Buds Battery Life Testing Information.

Yellow

The ear bud is less than 40 percent charged and has less than 2 hours of battery life for streaming music remaining. The case has less than one full charge. For more information on battery life, see Echo Buds Battery Life Testing Information.

Red

The case or ear bud is at a critical level, and has less than 5 percent battery remaining.

Flashing Green

The case and ear buds are charging.

Flashing Blue

The device is in pairing mode.

Flashing Red

The device is charging when the battery is very low.

There’s an error with the device. Make sure that the buds are clean and connecting with the charging pins.

Flashing Orange

Factory reset is starting.

Fit Echo Buds (1st Gen) to Your Ear

Use the right sized ear and wing tips to improve comfort and audio quality.

Fit Echo Buds (1st Gen) to Your Ear

To test your eartip fit:
  1. Open the Alexa app .
  2. Select Devices .
  3. Select Echo & Alexa , then select your Echo Buds  device.
  4. Select Eartip Sizing Test.
Important: If the Eartip Sizing Test isn’t in the Alexa app, your Echo Buds (1st Gen) need a software update. Software updates happen while your Echo Buds are in the case and the lid is closed. Check the Alexa app again in 24 hours.

When exercising, try the wing tip to create a comfortable, secure fit.

Note: Make sure the horizontal lines on the wing tips align with the top of the letter R or L on the bud. When placing Echo Buds in the charging case, press down on each bud until the LED light turns green. Then close the case.
Fit Echo Buds (2nd Gen) to Your Ear

Use the correctly sized ear and wing tips to improve comfort and audio quality.

Fit Echo Buds (2nd Gen) to Your Ear

Tip: To find the best fit, test different ear tip sizes and choose the one that is both comfortable and provides a snug fit. Your Echo Buds (2nd Gen) come with four ear tip sizes. You may need a different ear tip size for each ear. Use the Amazon smile logo to orient the ear bud. Turn the ear bud so the smile logo is right-side up. Then place the ear bud in your ear and rotate slightly to get a secure fit.
To test your ear tip fit:
  1. Open the Alexa app .
  2. On the home screen, locate the Echo Buds card.
  3. Tap the settings icon  on the card.
  4. Select Ear Tip Fit Test.

When exercising, try the wing tip for a secure fit.

Note: The wing tips may provide a more secure fit for some. To find the best fit, try your Echo Buds with and without the wing tips. To use the wing tips: place the left wing tip, marked with an L, around the left ear bud, also marked with an L. Don’t cover the IR sensor on the ear bud. Remove the ear tip from the ear bud before attaching or detaching the wing tips. To avoid tearing the wing tip, hold it by the wing and pull gently when you attach or detach it.
Set Up Audio Personalization for Echo Buds (2nd Gen)

Your Echo Buds (2nd Gen) can perform an audio assessment to help tune audio for your unique hearing preferences.

Tip: Before setup, ensure that your Alexa app and Echo Buds software are updated to the latest version. Echo Buds firmware must be version 603594926 or greater. Update the Software on Echo Buds
  1. Open the Alexa app.
  2. Select Devices, then All Devices.
  3. Choose the Echo Buds (2nd Gen) that you want to personalize and select the Settings () icon.
  4. Select Audio Personalization, then follow the on-screen instructions.
  5. To turn off this feature, follow steps 1 through 3, go to Audio Personalization, and turn Audio Personalization off.
Note: This feature is not intended to diagnose or treat any hearing conditions.
Delete Audio Personalization Data for Echo Buds (2nd Gen)

Follow these steps to delete your Echo Buds Audio Personalization data.

  1. Open the Alexa app .
  2. Select Devices, then All Devices.
  3. Choose your Echo Buds (2nd Gen) and select the Settings () icon.
  4. Select Audio Personalization, then Manage Personalization Data.
  5. Select Delete.
Echo Buds Help Videos

Factory Reset Your Echo Buds

Customizing Tap Controls on Echo Buds

Clean Your Echo Buds

Echo Buds Help Videos


Device Settings and Features:

Use Alexa with Echo Buds

Use Alexa to play media, control playback, and ask questions on your Echo Buds.

  1. Open the Alexa app .
    Important: The Alexa app must be open and running in the background to use Alexa on Echo Buds.
  2. Use your voice to activate Alexa and make request.
The microphone stays on until you disconnect or mute it or take out both buds.

Related Help Topics

Use Voice Assistants on Echo Buds

You can use Echo buds with voice assistants, like Siri and Google Assistant, and create touch shortcuts to access them

Note: For Echo Buds (2nd Gen), customize your tap controls in the app to set a gesture for using voice assistants.
  1. Make sure that your phone has Siri (iOS) or Google Assistant (Android) enabled.
  2. Place Echo Buds in your ears.
  3. Use tap controls to access the voice assistant feature.
    • For Echo Buds (1st Gen), press and hold the touch sensor until you hear a chime.
    • For Echo Buds (2nd Gen), use the custom tap control you have set in the app.
Tap Controls on Echo Buds

Use tap controls to reduce noise, increase ambient sound, or pause and resume music.

Echo Buds (1st Gen)

 
Touch Control Result
Double tap. Switch between Bose Noise Reduction and Passthrough.
Press and hold.

Access Google Assistant and Siri.

Take out one (or both) buds. Pause music.
Put one (or both) buds in. Music resumes.

Echo Buds (2nd Gen)

 
Touch Control Result
Single tap. Play or pause music.
Double tap.

 

  • Next song.
  • Answer/end a call.

 

Triple tap. Previous song.
Long hold.

 

  • Switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Passthrough.
  • Reject a call.

 

Take out one (or both) buds. Pause music.
Put one (or both) buds in. Music resumes.

Note: With Echo Buds (2nd Gen), you can customize the long hold touch control in the Alexa app for the following actions:

  • Access Google Assistant and Siri.
  • Volume up/volume down.
  • Mute microphones.
Use Tap Controls to Answer or End Calls on Echo Buds

Use tap controls to accept, end, or switch between phone calls.

 
Touch Controls Result
Double tap the touch sensor. Accept a call.
Double tap the touch sensor again. End a call.
Double tap on an active call when receiving an incoming call. Switch between calls.
Long hold the touch sensor. Reject a call.
Customize Tap Controls on Echo Buds

Personalize tap controls to pause and play media activate voice assistants, and adjust noise reduction.

Customizing Tap Controls on Echo Buds

  1. Open the Alexa app .
  2. On the home screen, locate the Echo Buds card.
  3. Select the settings icon on the card .
  4. Scroll down and select Tap Controls.
Turn On Noise Cancellation and Passthrough on Echo Buds (2nd Gen)

Turn ambient noise on or off with tap controls.

  1. Place Echo Buds (2nd Gen) in your ears.
  2. Long hold the touch sensor to switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Passthrough.
To customize tap controls for noise cancellation, Passthrough, and music, change your device settings in the Alexa app.
Turn On Noise Reduction and Passthrough with Tap Controls on Echo Buds (1st Gen)

Turn ambient noise on or off with tap controls.

  1. Place Echo Buds (1st Gen) in your ears.
  2. Double tap the touch sensor to switch between Bose Active Noise Reduction and Passthrough.
Noise reduction limits background noise and Passthrough lets you control the amount of ambient noise you hear.To customize tap controls for noise reduction, Passthrough, and music, go to device settings.
Turn On Noise Reduction and Passthrough with Alexa on Echo Buds (1st Gen)

Use your voice to turn noise reduction or Passthrough on or off.

  1. Place Echo Buds (1st Gen) in your ears.
  2. Make sure that your phone is connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data and that Echo Buds is connected to your phone with Bluetooth.
  3. Important: The Alexa app must be open and running in the background to use Alexa on Echo Buds.
  4. Say:
    1. “Turn on Passthrough.”
    2. “Turn on noise reduction.
Adjust the Level of Passthrough on Echo Buds

Use the Alexa app to adjust the amount of ambient noise you hear with Passthrough.

Tip: To quickly access Passthrough settings in the Alexa app, you can press the Echo Buds card in the Alexa app. If you don’t see the Echo Buds card, use the following steps to update your device settings:
  1. Enable Bluetooth on your phone.
  2. Open the Alexa app .
  3. Open the case, and place the Echo Buds in your ears.
  4. Select Devices .
  5. Select Echo & Alexa , and then select:
    • Echo Buds (1st Gen) 
    • Echo Buds (2nd Gen) 
  6. Under Ambient Sound Control, select Passthrough.
  7. Under Passthrough, choose plus or minus to adjust the amount of noise you hear.
    Note: For Echo Buds (2nd Gen), you only see this option if Passthrough is turned On.
Get Directions with Echo Buds on iOS

To get turn-by-turn navigation with Echo Buds, say “Get walking directions to [destination].”

Alexa uses the default navigation app on your smartphone and your data plan to provide directions.
  1. Go to your mobile phone’s settings. Scroll down, select the Alexa app, and then:
    1. Enable notifications and set banner style to Persistent.
    2. Set location permissions to Always.
  2. Say, “Get walking directions to [destination].”
  3. In the Alexa app, select “open” to start navigation.
To turn off navigation, say, “Cancel navigation.”
Get Directions with Echo Buds on Android

Use your voice to get walking direction with Echo Buds.

Note: Alexa uses the default navigation app on your smartphone and your data plan to provide directions.
  • To get directions on foot, say “Give me walking directions.”
  • To turn off navigation, say, “Cancel navigation.”
How Is Calling and Messaging Different with Echo Buds?

Echo Buds use data or minutes and texts from your mobile provider for calling and messaging.

  • Calls to phone numbers use your minutes.
  • Texts to phone numbers use your text allowance (Android only).
  • Alexa-to-Alexa calls and messages use data from your mobile phone provider.
How Does VIP Filter Work?

VIP Filter allows you to customize how you receive phone notifications.

You can limit phone notifications to specific contacts or apps. To hear your notifications, say “What are my notifications?”

On Echo Frames: When you receive a phone notification, swipe any direction on the touch pad to allow notifications from the contact or app. To reject the notification or stop notifications from the contact or app, tap the touchpad.

On Echo Buds: When you receive a phone notification, single tap to allow notifications from the contact or app. To reject the notification or stop notifications from the contact or app, double tap your Echo Buds.

Note: You can change your VIP Filter settings from Device Settings in the Alexa app.
Turn VIP Filter On or Off

VIP Filter lets you turn phone notifications on or off for specific apps, contacts, or groups.

You can find apps, contacts, or groups that can send notifications in your VIP List. Your VIP List is in the VIP Filter settings.
  1. Open the Alexa app .
  2. On iOS devices, select Devices. On Android devices, go to Settings, then Alexa.
  3. Select Echo & Alexa, then select your device under Accessories.
  4. Turn on Phone Notifications under Phone Notifications & VIP Filter.
  5. Select VIP Filter to go to the VIP Filter settings.
  6. Turn VIP Filter on or off.
How Do I Track My Workout With Echo Buds?

Work out with your Echo Buds using the Alexa app.

With your Echo Buds, you can use the Alexa app to track and learn more about your workouts, such as:

  • Calories Burned
  • Workout Distance
  • Step Count
  • Average Pace
  • Overall Time
  • Route Map (if enabled)

With your Echo Buds on and your Workout Profile complete, you can start a workout using the Alexa app or by saying, “Start a workout.” To stop a workout, say, “End my workout.”

Set Up Your Echo Buds Workout Profile

To track your workout with Echo Buds, set up your Workout Profile in the Alexa app.

  1. Open the Alexa app .
  2. Open Devices .
  3. Select Echo & Alexa.
  4. Select Echo Buds.
  5. Under Workouts, select Profile.

Once you have set up your Workout Profile, start your workout by placing your Echo Buds in your ears and saying, “Start a workout.”

Note: When you create a workout profile, it will be saved to the person selected when you logged into the Alexa app. Each person associated with the same Amazon account can maintain a separate workout history. People sharing the same Amazon account can view each person’s workout history.
View or Delete Echo Buds Workouts

View or delete previous Echo Buds Workouts in your Alexa app.

  1. Open the Alexa app .
  2. Open Devices .
  3. Select Echo & Alexa.
  4. Select your device.
    • Echo Buds (1st Gen) .
    • Echo Buds (2nd Gen) .
  5. Under Workout, select History.
  6. To delete a single workout, locate and select the workout in History. Tap the three dots in the upper right corner, then select Delete workout.
  7. To delete all workouts, tap the three dots in the upper right corner and select Delete all workouts.
Note: Workouts and mapped routes are stored in the cloud, and can be deleted at any point from your Workout History. If you haven’t tracked any workouts with your Echo Buds, you won’t have any Workout History.

Device Software and Hardware:

Mute the Microphone on Echo Buds with the Alexa App

Turn on the microphone or mute it with the Alexa app.

The microphone is on by default. It stays on until you mute it or take out both buds.
Tip: When your Echo Buds are connected to your phone, look for the Echo Buds card on the home page of the Alexa app. Select the microphone icon  to mute or unmute the microphone on your device.
Note: For Echo Buds (1st Gen), if you don’t see the Echo Buds card on the home page of the Alexa app, follow these steps:
  1. Open the Alexa app .
  2. Select Devices.
  3. Select Echo & Alexa.
  4. Select Echo Buds.
  5. Under Alexa and Microphones, use the slider to select Mute Microphones.
Note: For Echo Buds (2nd Gen), you can customize touch controls on your device to mute the microphone.
Use Your Voice to Check Battery Status on Echo Buds

To check your battery levels, ask Alexa.

To check the battery status of the left bud or the right bud while using your Echo Buds, ask “What’s my battery level?”

Use the Alexa App to Check Battery Status on Echo Buds

To make sure that your device is charged, check battery status in the Alexa app

When your Echo Buds are connected to your phone, you can use the Alexa app to check the charge level. To check the battery level in the Alexa app:
  1. Open the Alexa app .
  2. Locate the Echo Buds card on the home page of the Alexa app.
    Note: If you don’t see the Echo Buds card on the home page of the Alexa app, check to make sure that your Echo Buds are connected to your phone.
  3. At the top of the Echo Buds card, you can see the charge level for the left ear bud, the right ear bud, and the charging case.
Tip: If battery status isn’t showing in the app, place your Echo Buds in the case. Close the case and wait 30 seconds. Reopen the case and wait 3 seconds before checking the battery status in the app.
Clean Your Echo Buds

Keep your Echo Buds clean to ensure the best audio performance.

Clean Your Echo Buds

Tip: To keep your device in good working order, clean your Echo Buds periodically. To remove large particles, remove the ear tips and lightly brush the mesh screen with a soft, dry toothbrush. Then reattach the ear tips. Be careful not to push earwax or other debris into the mesh surface or port hole.
If you’ve tried the previous steps and you still experience a drop in audio quality, try deep cleaning your Echo Buds. To clean the ear tip and nozzle mesh:
  1. Remove the ear tips from your Echo Buds and wash them with mild soap.
    1. Rinse the ear tips thoroughly and dry them with a soft cloth.
  2. Face the nozzle mesh towards the ground. Apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide (maximum concentration, 3 percent) to the mesh surface using a cotton swab. Be careful not to allow excess liquid to enter the open port on the Echo Buds.
  3. Let the Echo Buds sit with the nozzle facing down for 5 minutes to allow the wax to soften.
  4. Gently clean the downward facing nozzle with a new cotton swab soaked in hydrogen peroxide (maximum concentration, 3 percent).
  5. Wet a toothbrush with hydrogen peroxide (maximum concentration, 3 percent) and gently clean the downward facing nozzle to clear debris from the mesh. Don’t apply heavy pressure.
  6. After the mesh surface is clean, gently shake out any excess liquid and debris. Dry the Echo Buds with a soft cloth.
  7. Blow across the mesh several times to dry it.
  8. Make sure that the ear tips are completely dry, then reattach the ear tips to your Echo Buds.
If the audio is muffled or if you hear a chirping noise, lightly dab the nozzle area to draw out excess moisture. Let dry for 24 hours. If audio chirping noise continues after cleaning and drying your Echo Buds, disable Passthrough.
Update the Software on Echo Buds

Your Echo Buds automatically download software updates when they’re in their case and connected to the internet.

Recent updates install over Bluetooth when you charge your Echo Buds in their case. You can check which software version you own by referring to the devices section of the Alexa app.

 

Note: To receive software updates, first register your Echo Buds in the Alexa app.

To manually update the software on Echo Buds:

  1. Download the latest version of the Alexa app on your phone.
  2. Place your Echo Buds in the case and keep the lid open.
  3. In the Alexa app, check that your Echo Buds are connected to your phone.
  4. Check that your Echo Buds and case area at least 30% charged.
  5. Close the case lid.
  6. Keep your Echo Buds next to your phone with the case closed for at least 30 minutes.
Alexa Device Software Versions

Alexa-enabled devices receive software updates automatically when connected to the Internet. These updates usually improve performance and add new features.

Amazon Echo (1st Generation)
Latest Software Version: 669701420

Amazon Echo (2nd Generation)
Latest Software Version: 8289072516

Amazon Echo (3rd Generation)
Latest Software Version: 8624646532

Amazon Echo (4th Generation)
Latest Software Version: 8624646532

Amazon Smart Oven
Latest Software Version: 304093220

Amazon Smart Plug
Latest Software Version: 205000009

Amazon Smart Thermostat
Latest Software Version: 16843520

Amazon Tap
Latest Software Version: 663643820

AmazonBasics Microwave
Latest Software Version: 212004520

Echo Auto
Latest Software Version: 33882158

Echo Auto (2nd Generation)
Latest Software Version: 100991435

Echo Buds (1st Generation)
Latest Software Version: 318119151

Echo Buds Charging Case (1st Generation)
Latest Software Version: 303830987

Echo Buds (2nd Generation)
Latest Software Version: 578821692

Echo Buds Charging Case (2nd Generation)
Latest Software Version: 571153158

Echo Connect
Latest Software Version: 100170020

Echo Dot (1st Generation)
Latest Software Version: 669701420

Echo Dot (2nd Generation)
Latest Software Version: 8289072516

Echo Dot (3rd Generation)
Latest Software Version:

8624646532
8624646532
Echo Dot (4th Generation)
Latest Software Version: 8624646532

Echo Dot (5th Generation)
Latest Software Version: 8624646532

Echo Dot Kids Edition (2018 Edition)
Latest Software Version: 649649820

Echo Dot Kids Edition (2019 Edition)
Latest Software Version: 5470237316

Echo Dot (4th Generation) Kids Edition
Latest Software Version: 5470238340

Echo Dot (5th Generation) Kids
Latest Software Version: 8087719556

Echo Dot (3rd Generation) with clock
Latest Software Version: 8624646532

Echo Dot (4th Generation) with clock
Latest Software Version: 8624646532

Echo Dot (5th Generation) with clock
Latest Software Version: 8624646532

Echo Flex
Latest Software Version: 8624646532

Echo Frames (1st Gen)
Latest Software Version: 1177303

Echo Frames (2nd Gen)
Latest Software Version: 2281206

Echo Glow
Latest Software Version: 101000004

Echo Input
Latest Software Version: 8624646020

Echo Link
Latest Software Version: 8087717252

Echo Link Amp
Latest Software Version: 8087717252

Echo Look
Latest Software Version: 642553020

Echo Loop
Latest Software Version: 1.1.3750.0

Echo Plus (1st Generation)
Latest Software Version: 683785720

Echo Plus (2nd Generation)
Latest Software Version: 8624646020

Echo Show (1st Generation)
Latest Software Version: 683785820

Echo Show (2nd Generation)
Latest Software Version: 683785820

Echo Show 5 (1st Generation)
Latest Software Version: 8624646532

Echo Show 5 (2nd Generation)
Latest Software Version: 8624646532

Echo Show 5 (2nd Generation) Kids
Latest Software Version: 5470238340

Echo Show 8 (1st Generation)
Latest Software Version: 8624646532

Echo Show 8 (2nd Generation)
Latest Software Version: 27012189060

Echo Show 10 (3rd Generation)
Latest Software Version: 27012189060

Echo Show 15
Latest Software Version: 25703745412

Echo Spot
Latest Software Version: 683785820

Echo Studio
Latest Software Version: 8624646020

Echo Sub
Latest Software Version: 8624646020

Echo Wall Clock
Latest Software Version: 102

Check Your Echo Device’s Software Version

View your current software version in the Alexa app.

  1. Open the Alexa app .
  2. Select Devices.
  3. Select Echo & Alexa.
  4. Select your device.
  5. Select About to see your device’s software version.

Troubleshooting:

Pair Echo Buds with a New Device

Use Bluetooth to connect Echo Buds to a laptop or tablet.

For Echo Buds (2nd Gen), you must register your Echo Buds in the Alexa app first in order to pair them successfully to a device.
Note: You can use Echo Buds with any Bluetooth device, but Alexa only works when paired to the Alexa app on an iOS or Android device.
  1. With your Echo Buds in the case, open the case. Press the button on the case for 3 seconds. When you see a pulsing blue light on the case, your Echo Buds are ready to be paired with other devices.
  2. Place the Echo Buds in your ears.
  3. On your computer, tablet, or other device, go to Bluetooth settings and pair your Echo Buds.
    1. When pairing Echo Buds with a laptop, Windows may show multiple devices when in pairing mode. Select the option with the headphones icon.
Tip: If your new device won’t pair to your Echo Buds, make sure that you have enabled Bluetooth on your phone, computer, tablet, or other device. Then try again.
Music or Media Isn’t Playing with Echo Buds

Music playback doesn’t work on your Echo Buds.

  • Make sure that your Echo Buds are paired to your phone or another device via Bluetooth.
  • Make sure that your Echo Buds are connected to the Alexa app. The app home screen has an Echo Buds card when connected.
  • Check your phone’s volume and increase it as needed.
  • Place your Echo Buds in the case and close the lid for 30 seconds. Take them out and retry.
  • Make sure that your phone is connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data connection.
  • Make sure there’s sufficient battery for both ear buds. To make sure there’s sufficient battery, check the light on the case or check in the Alexa app.
  • Echo Buds automatically start playback when placed in the ear. Check that the ear buds are securely placed in your ear. You can hear a chime when the ear buds are correctly placed.
Battery Isn’t Charging for Echo Buds

Echo Buds aren’t charging when placed in the case.

  • Make sure that the case has a charge, or is plugged in to a wall outlet.
  • Make sure that the correct ear bud is in the correct charging pocket.
  • If using the wing tip, make sure it’s installed correctly. Check that the wing tip isn’t covering the IR sensor.
  • If the device is too hot, it may not work correctly. Place your device in an area away from sun and heat sources, then try again.
  • Try cleaning your Echo Buds.
Tip: Check that the three charging pins in the case aren’t broken. If they are broken, your device can’t charge. See the Amazon Device Warranty page for more info.
Sound Isn’t Clear on Echo Buds

The audio on your Echo Buds is choppy or you hear a squeal, buzzing, or static.

  • Try turning down the Passthrough volume, or turning off Passthrough.
  • If you hear background noise or a hissing sound while on a call, turn off Sidetone. In the Alexa app, go to Device Settings and select Sidetone.
  • If static is interrupting your sound, check your Echo Buds for a secure fit using the fit test in the Alexa app.
  • If sound is muffled, check to make sure there’s no earwax buildup. Wipe your Echo Buds with a clean, dry cloth.
  • Make sure that your phone is within Bluetooth range (about 30 feet).
  • Make sure that you have a strong Wi-Fi or data connection.
  • If you hear a feedback noise, try turning off Passthrough.
Echo Buds Lose Bluetooth Connection

To resolve most issues with Bluetooth connectivity, close the Alexa app and place your buds in the case for 30 seconds.

Tip: For Echo Buds (2nd Gen), make sure that the device was registered through the Alexa app first.

After you try each troubleshooting step, check to see if your Echo Buds are now connected to your phone.

  • Make sure that your device is charged and your phone’s Bluetooth is turned on.
  • Force close the Alexa app, and then launch it again.
  • Turn on Airplane mode on your phone. Wait 45 seconds, then turn it off.
  • Turn off Bluetooth on your phone. Then turn it on.
  • Restart your smartphone.
  • Factory reset your Echo Buds.
Echo Buds Aren’t Holding a Charge

Your Echo Buds are losing battery too quickly.

Note: For Echo Buds (1st Gen), wing tips can make it difficult for the case to close.
  • Check that the buds fit well in the charging case. The sensors on the buds should line up with the charging points in the case.
  • Make sure that the LED light on the case is green when the buds are charging.
  • For Echo Buds (2nd Gen), make sure that the LED light for each ear bud turns on when placed in the case.
Alexa Isn’t Responding on Your Echo Buds

Alexa doesn’t answer your voice commands.

  • Proper fit and placement help the microphones pick up your voice commands. Check that your Echo Buds fit correctly with the fit test in the Alexa app.
    • For Echo Buds (2nd Gen), check that your Echo Buds are oriented correctly. Turn the ear bud so the Amazon smile logo is right-side up. Then place the ear bud in your ear and rotate slightly to get a secure fit. You can hear a chime when the buds are securely placed in your ear.
  • Make sure that Echo Buds are connected to your phone via Bluetooth.
  • Check that the Alexa app is open and that Echo Buds are online.
  • Check your phone’s volume and increase it as needed.
  • Try pressing the Alexa button  in the app to ask a question. If that works, make sure that the Echo Buds microphone isn’t muted in the app.
  • Make sure that the wake word is turned on from Device Settings in the Alexa app.
  • Check that your phone is connected to Wi-Fi or data.
VIP Filter Doesn’t Work

Your device isn’t reading phone notifications or your VIP Filter settings aren’t working.

If VIP Filter isn’t working:

  • Check that Phone Notifications are on in the Alexa app under your device settings.
  • Check that your smartphone isn’t on Do Not Disturb mode.
  • Turn on mic and phone notifications.
  • Turn on group messaging.
  • Grant Alexa permission to read phone notifications from your smartphone’s settings.
  • Turn off Pause New Requests in the Alexa app.
  • Make sure that the Alexa app is in the recently opened tray on your smartphone.
  • In the VIP Filter settings, turn notifications on and off for specific apps or contacts that aren’t working.
  • Make sure you also turn on notifications for apps you’d like notifications from.
  • Reset your VIP Filter settings.
Tip: If you’re still having issues receiving notifications from messages or a specific app on your iOS device, it may be due to your phone’s settings. Go to your phone’s settings, and select Notifications. Go to the app that isn’t working, then select Allow Notifications. Under Show Previews, select When Unlocked or Always.
Reset VIP Filter Settings

To clear your VIP Filter preferences, you can reset your VIP Filter settings.

  1. Open the Alexa app .
  2. On iOS devices, select Devices.On Android devices, go to Settings, then Alexa.
  3. Select Echo & Alexa, then select your device under Accessories.
  4. Turn on Phone Notifications under Phone Notifications & VIP Filter.
  5. Select VIP Filter to go to the VIP Filter settings.
  6. Select Reset VIP List.
Tip: If you’re having issues using VIP Filter, try resetting your device.
Factory Reset Your Echo Buds

If your Echo Buds are unresponsive, or you want to erase your device settings, factory reset your device.

Note: Having trouble with your Echo Buds? Restart your Echo Buds first: place your Echo Buds in the case close the case, and wait 30 seconds. Before you start a factory reset, try playing music again.

Factory Reset Your Echo Buds

If that doesn’t work:

  1. Open the Alexa app  and select Devices .
  2. Select All Devices to see if Echo Buds are listed. If yes, select the device and select Forget Device.
  3. Unpair Echo Buds from your phone’s Bluetooth settings.
  4. Put your Echo Buds in the case, close the case, and press the button on the case for 15 seconds. The LED turns solid orange when the factory reset is done.
  5. Open the Alexa app , and open the case lid. When the LED light changes to flashing blue, start setup again.
Note: After a factory reset, you must unpair your Echo device from any other paired devices, such as a laptop or tablet. After setting up your Echo Buds, you can pair them to a new device in the Alexa app.
Deregister Your Device

If you no longer wish to use your device, you can deregister it from your Amazon account.

If you would like to give your device as a gift or wish to register the device under a different account, you will need to deregister the device from your account.

To deregister your device:

  1. Go to Manage Your Content and Devices and log in to your account.
  2. Click Devices.
  3. Select your device and click Deregister.
Echo Buds (2nd Gen) Aren’t Pairing with a New iOS Device

If your Echo Buds aren’t pairing with your iOS device, try these steps:

  1. Unpair Echo Buds from your mobile device’s Bluetooth settings.
    1. Open Your mobile device’s Bluetooth settings.
    2. Select your Echo Buds and Forget This Device.
  2. Remove Echo Buds from your Alexa account.
    1. Open the Alexa app.
    2. Select Devices, then All Devices.
    3. If your Echo Buds are listed, select them and Deregister.
  3. Factory Reset Your Echo Buds.
  4. Restart your mobile device.
Tip: If your Echo Buds still won’t pair after these steps, change the language in your iOS settings, follow pairing steps, then return to the original language.

References

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