Amazon has quietly disabled voice controls for the AUX input on several older Echo speaker models. Owners of second-generation Echo Plus (2018), third-generation Echo (2019), original Echo Studio (2019), and fourth-generation Echo (2020) can no longer use commands like "Alexa, play from line in" or "Alexa, set AUX input." An Amazon email confirms the change, though the company did not explain why the feature was removed. While the physical AUX jack remains functional, the convenience of voice switching has been stripped away. Owners can still play audio via cable and manage input through the Alexa app, but must rely on manual controls rather than voice commands.
The 3.5mm AUX jack on supported Echo speakers serves dual roles: as an input to play external audio from phones or computers, and as an output to route Alexa's audio to another speaker or amplifier. The third- and fourth-generation Echo models, second-generation Echo Plus, and original Echo Studio support both directions, while the original Echo Studio is input-only. Notably, fifth-generation Dot models have abandoned the 3.5mm jack entirely. Despite the loss of voice control, users can still utilize the port for legacy hardware, such as connecting a 2000s Sony CD changer to an Echo Studio via RCA-to-3.5mm cable.
To use the AUX input manually, owners should open the Alexa app, select the speaker under Devices, and locate AUX Audio in settings to choose Line In. Depending on the model and app version, the setting may appear under General. After connecting the source device, users must use that device's own controls to manage playback, as Alexa no longer handles these functions.
Source: Engadget · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing