Playing separate music on Alexa devices can be a game-changer, whether you have multiple Alexa devices in your home or want to listen to different songs in different rooms simultaneously. While playing the same music on all devices might be convenient at times, having the ability to play separate music can offer more personalized and enjoyable listening experiences. In this blog post, we’ll explore different methods to achieve this and provide step-by-step instructions to get you started.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we dive into the methods, let’s make sure you have everything you need to play separate music on Alexa devices. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Alexa devices: You’ll need at least two Alexa devices connected to your Amazon account. These can include Echo speakers, Echo Dots, or any other Alexa-enabled devices.
2. Amazon Music subscription: To play separate music on multiple devices, you’ll need an Amazon Music subscription. Amazon Music offers access to millions of songs, playlists, and albums that you can stream on your Alexa devices.
3. Stable internet connection: Ensure that you have a stable and reliable internet connection for seamless playback across multiple devices.
What Requires Your Focus?
To play separate music on Alexa devices, there are a few aspects that require your attention. These include:
1. Device grouping: Before you can play separate music, you’ll need to create device groups in the Alexa app. Device groups allow you to assign Alexa devices to specific groups, such as "Living Room" or "Bedroom." This way, you can easily control which devices play the same music and which ones play separate music.
2. Music selection: You’ll need to choose the appropriate music streaming service and determine which songs or playlists you want to play on each device. This could involve creating separate playlists or selecting different albums or artists for each device.
3. Voice commands: Knowing the right voice commands to control your Alexa devices is crucial. You’ll need to familiarize yourself with the commands to play, pause, skip, and control the volume of the music on each device.
4. Troubleshooting: In case you encounter any issues or face difficulties while playing separate music, understanding how to troubleshoot common problems will be essential. We’ll cover some common issues and their fixes later in this blog post.
Method 1. How to Play Separate Music on Alexa Using Amazon Music
Playing separate music on Alexa devices using Amazon Music is the most straightforward method. Amazon Music integrates seamlessly with Alexa, allowing you to control music playback across multiple devices. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Open the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet.
Step 2: Tap on the "Devices" tab at the bottom of the screen.
Step 3: Select the "+" icon at the top-right corner to create a new device group.
Step 4: Give your device group a name, such as "Living Room" or "Bedroom."
Step 5: Tap on "Next" and then select the devices you want to include in the group. You can choose multiple Alexa devices for each group.
Step 6: Tap on "Save" to create the device group.
Step 7: Open the Amazon Music app on your smartphone or tablet.
Step 8: Browse or search for the song, album, or playlist you want to play on a specific device.
Step 9: Once you’ve found the desired music, tap on the three dots or ellipsis icon next to it.
Step 10: Select the device group you created earlier, such as "Living Room" or "Bedroom."
Step 11: The music will start playing on the selected device group, allowing you to play separate music on multiple devices simultaneously.
Pros:
1. Easy and straightforward process to play separate music on multiple devices.
2. Seamless integration with Alexa devices for convenient control.
3. Offers access to a vast library of songs, playlists, and albums.
Cons:
1. Requires an active Amazon Music subscription.
2. Limited to music available on Amazon Music.
Method 2. How to Play Separate Music on Alexa via Spotify
If you prefer using Spotify as your primary music streaming service, you can still play separate music on Alexa devices. Spotify also offers integration with Alexa, allowing you to stream your favorite songs on multiple devices at the same time. Follow the steps below to achieve this:
Step 1: Open the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet.
Step 2: Tap on the "Devices" tab at the bottom of the screen.
Step 3: Select the "+" icon at the top-right corner to create a new device group.
Step 4: Give your device group a name, such as "Living Room" or "Bedroom."
Step 5: Tap on "Next" and then select the devices you want to include in the group. You can choose multiple Alexa devices for each group.
Step 6: Tap on "Save" to create the device group.
Step 7: Open the Spotify app on your smartphone or tablet.
Step 8: Browse or search for the song, album, or playlist you want to play on a specific device.
Step 9: Once you’ve found the desired music, tap on the "Devices Available" icon. It usually appears as a speaker or TV screen icon.
Step 10: Select the device group you created earlier, such as "Living Room" or "Bedroom."
Step 11: The music will start playing on the selected device group, allowing you to play separate music on multiple devices simultaneously.
Pros:
1. Integration with Spotify, a popular music streaming service.
2. Wide variety of songs, playlists, and albums available.
3. Familiar interface for Spotify users.
Cons:
1. Requires a Spotify Premium subscription for full control and ad-free experience.
2. Limited to music available on Spotify.
Method 3. How to Play Separate Music on Alexa via Bluetooth
If you have a preferred music app or service that is not directly compatible with Alexa, you can use the Bluetooth feature to play separate music on your Alexa devices. This method allows you to connect your smartphone or tablet to the Alexa device via Bluetooth and stream audio from any app or service. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Put your Alexa device in pairing mode by saying, "Alexa, pair Bluetooth."
Step 2: Open the Bluetooth settings on your smartphone or tablet.
Step 3: Locate and select your Alexa device from the list of available devices.
Step 4: Once connected, open your preferred music app or service on your smartphone or tablet.
Step 5: Select the desired song, album, or playlist to start playing.
Step 6: The audio will be streamed to the connected Alexa device, allowing you to play separate music.
Pros:
1. Flexibility to stream audio from any app or service.
2. Works with any Alexa-enabled device with Bluetooth capabilities.
3. Can play separate music from services not directly integrated with Alexa.
Cons:
1. Requires manual connection and setup each time.
2. Reliance on a stable Bluetooth connection.
Method 4. How to Play Separate Music on Alexa Using Multi-Room Music
If you have an extensive collection of Alexa devices in your home, you can take advantage of the Multi-Room Music feature to play separate music across multiple rooms. This feature allows you to create groups of Alexa devices and synchronize music playback. Here’s how you can set it up:
Step 1: Open the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet.
Step 2: Tap on the "Devices" tab at the bottom of the screen.
Step 3: Select the "+" icon at the top-right corner to create a new device group.
Step 4: Give your device group a name, such as "Living Room" or "Bedroom."
Step 5: Tap on "Next" and then select the devices you want to include in the group. You can choose multiple Alexa devices for each group.
Step 6: Tap on "Save" to create the device group.
Step 7: Once the device groups are set up, simply ask Alexa to play music on a specific group, such as "Alexa, play classical music in the Living Room."
Step 8: The music will start playing on all devices within the selected group simultaneously, allowing you to enjoy separate music in different rooms.
Pros:
1. Ideal for homes with multiple Alexa devices.
2. Simultaneous playback across multiple rooms.
3. Seamless integration with Alexa for voice control.
Cons:
1. Requires multiple Alexa devices to create separate groups.
2. All devices within the group will play the same music.
Why Can’t I Play Separate Music on Alexa?
While playing separate music on Alexa devices is possible, there are a few reasons why you might encounter difficulties or limitations. Here are some common reasons and their fixes:
1. Music streaming service limitations: Some music streaming services might not support playing separate music on Alexa devices. In such cases, it’s best to check the compatibility of your preferred service with Alexa and consider using a different service that offers this feature.
2. Incompatible devices: Certain older or non-Alexa-enabled devices might not support playing separate music. Make sure all your devices are up-to-date and compatible with the desired features.
3. Incorrect device grouping: If you’re unable to play separate music, check if your devices are correctly assigned to the desired groups. You can edit the device groups in the Alexa app to ensure accurate playback.
Pros:
1. Provides solutions to common issues encountered while playing separate music on Alexa devices.
2. Helps troubleshoot and resolve compatibility problems.
3. Offers alternatives and suggestions for a smoother experience.
Cons:
1. Possible limitations based on music streaming service or device compatibility.
Implications and Recommendations
When playing separate music on Alexa devices, there are a few implications and recommendations to consider:
1. Room-specific playlists: Create playlists for each room or device group to personalize the listening experience. This allows you to have mood-specific music in the living room and soothing tunes in the bedroom, for example.
2. Guest preferences: If you have guests in your home, consider asking for their music preferences and playing separate music in the room they are staying. This adds a personalized touch and enhances their overall experience.
3. Voice commands: Practice using voice commands to control the music playback seamlessly. This allows you to change songs, adjust the volume, and skip tracks without having to physically interact with the devices.
4. Experiment with different methods: Depending on your preferences and requirements, try out different methods discussed in this blog post to find the one that suits you best. Each method has its pros and cons, so experimenting will help you make an informed decision.
5 FAQs about Playing Separate Music on Alexa
Q1: Can I play separate music on Alexa devices without a music streaming subscription?
A: No, playing music on Alexa devices requires a music streaming subscription. Whether it’s Amazon Music, Spotify, or any other supported service, you need an active subscription to stream songs on multiple devices simultaneously.
Q2: Can I play separate music on Alexa devices using third-party music apps?
A: It depends on the app’s compatibility with Alexa. While Amazon Music and Spotify are directly integrated with Alexa, other music apps might not have the same level of integration. However, you can still use the Bluetooth method to stream audio from any app or service.
Q3: Can I control the volume of separate music playing on different Alexa devices?
A: Yes, you can control the volume of each Alexa device individually using voice commands. Simply specify the desired device and adjust the volume accordingly. For example, "Alexa, decrease the volume in the bedroom."
Q4: Can I create custom device groups with specific Alexa devices for separate music?
A: Yes, you can create custom device groups with specific Alexa devices for playing separate music. The Alexa app allows you to group devices together and control their music playback seamlessly.
Q5: How many device groups can I create for playing separate music on Alexa devices?
A: There is no limit to the number of device groups you can create for playing separate music on Alexa devices. Feel free to create as many groups as you need to personalize your listening experience.
Final Words
Playing separate music on Alexa devices opens up a world of possibilities for customized and enjoyable listening experiences. Whether you use Amazon Music, Spotify, or any other music streaming service, there are various methods to achieve this. By creating device groups, selecting the right music, and using voice commands effectively, you can easily play separate music across different rooms and devices. Experiment with the methods outlined in this blog post to find the one that suits your preferences and enjoy a new level of personalization with your Alexa devices.