Amazon Disables Voice Control for Auxiliary Input on Older Echo Speakers

Amazon has quietly disabled voice control for the auxiliary (AUX) input on several older Echo speakers. This move affects devices such as the second-generation Echo Plus and third-generation Echo, among others, making it less convenient to switch to a wired audio source.

The affected models include the original Echo Studio and fourth-generation Echo, all of which were released in recent years. Amazon's decision has been confirmed, but the company hasn't provided an explanation for why this feature was removed. The change may seem minor, but it can be frustrating for users who rely on voice commands to switch between different audio sources.

The removal of voice control for AUX input does not affect the physical connection itself. Owners can still connect their devices using a cable and use the Alexa app to enable or disable AUX input. However, this requires more effort and may not provide the same level of convenience as voice commands.

Amazon has notified customers who rely on voice requests for AUX playback, but it's unclear how many people are affected by this change. The company has not disclosed any plans to reinstate the feature or provide an alternative solution.

The AUX input feature on older Alexa devices has been compromised in some way, making it less useful for users who rely on this functionality.

Some Echo speakers, including the third-generation Echo and fourth-generation Echo, have a 3.5mm AUX jack that can serve as both an input and output connection. However, when used as an output, this feature now appears to be non-functional, preventing Alexa's audio from being sent to another speaker or amplifier via a wired connection.

Users who want to play external audio through their Echo speakers are still able to do so, but the process may require some adjustments in the Alexa app settings. Depending on the device model and app version, users can enable "Line In" to play audio from an external source, such as a phone or computer.

The AUX input feature is not entirely eliminated, but its functionality has been limited in some way. This change affects Echo speakers that support both input and output connections, including the second-generation Echo Plus.

Older Echo devices, like the original Echo Studio, still have a 3.5mm connection that can be used to play audio from external sources, but it is unclear if this feature will continue to work as intended in the future.

Some users may find creative ways to use their older Alexa devices despite these limitations, such as connecting an early-2000s Sony CD changer to an original Echo Studio using a specialized cable.

When using an older Alexa device's AUX input, users must control playback through the connected equipment's own controls, rather than relying on voice commands that are no longer supported.

The AUX feature remains functional in older Echo devices, but upgrading to newer models with a 3.5mm input may mean sacrificing this functionality, as seen in the transition from the first-generation Echo Studio to its redesigned counterpart.