Echo Disruption: Alexa’s Aux Input Dilemma

If you have been using an older Amazon Echo device for audio playback through its 3.5mm aux input, you may encounter issues with Alexa voice commands for play or pause

According to a report from Ars Technica, Amazon is discontinuing support for voice commands to play or pause audio from the aux audio input on select Echo devices. A Reddit user claimed to have received a message from Amazon regarding this change, which has been confirmed by the company’s spokesperson, Claudia Chavira Velez. Velez stated, “We recently notified the very small number of customers using voice requests to play or pause audio from the aux audio input on select Echo devices that this functionality will no longer be supported.”

The message did not provide an explanation for the removal of this feature. Additionally, there have been no changes mentioned regarding audio output functionality, such as connecting an external speaker to an Echo Dot. Amazon’s statement clarified that the physical connection still works on specific devices with the port, including the Echo Plus (2nd gen), Echo (3rd gen), Echo (4th gen), and Echo Studio (1st gen). Owners can manage this functionality through the Alexa app and pair Bluetooth speakers as an alternative.

As highlighted by Ars Technica, it has been a considerable amount of time since Amazon released an Echo speaker with a 3.5mm aux port. Last year, Amazon also eliminated a feature that allowed users to opt out of sending voice recordings to the cloud.

Update, October 6th: An additional comment from Amazon has been included.