Alexa is undoubtedly the most popular voice assistant in Italy, especially thanks to the amount of devices that support its functions.
Today, in particular, we are going to seehow to connect it to the TV, both on smart televisions and already set up for use and on those a little more standard and without voice commands.
The configuration procedures could certainly be different, but in all cases you will need to use the free Amazon Alexa application for Android and iOS smartphones and tablets.
How to connect Alexa to compatible Smart TVs
Before starting, we remind you that in any case it will be necessary to have an Amazon account (free, no Prime subscription is required ) and the“Amazon Alexa” application, available for download forAndroidandiOSoperatingsystems.
Of course, you will also need to have a stable internet connection. Having made the necessary premises, let’s see how to proceed on compatible Smart TVs.
How to connect Alexa to Samsung Smart TVs
Some of the Smart TVs offered by Samsung, in particular those configurable within the“Smart Things” application, have the possibility of being controlled directly by Alexa, thus forgetting the use of the traditional remote control.
Unfortunately, however, it must be specified that not all will have the remote control equipped with a microphone and that, in these cases, to issue the commands, you will need to use the Alexa app or an Amazon Echo.
- Download and open the“SmartThings”application onAndroidoriOS
- Open the TV settings and access the section dedicated to the network
- Make sure you are logged in to the Wi-Fi network or, if necessary, proceed with access
- Use the“SmartThings”app to create a Samsung account (free) and connect the TV which will automatically appear in the list of configurable devices
- Open the Alexa app
- Access the side menu by clicking on the icon at the top left
- Continue with“Skills and Games”
- Search and install the“Samsung Smart Things”Skill by clicking on“ENABLE TO USE”
- Log in with the same Samsung account you used previously
At this point, all the accessories configured in Smart Things, including the TV, will appear in the Alexa device list.
How to connect Alexa to Sony Smart TVs
Sony Smart TVs, on the other hand, have all the necessary features for using Alexa as standard onBRAVIA Android TVs.
Here it will not be necessary to download any further applications, as access to the televisions will be via the classic Google account.
- Open the Alexa app
- Access the side menu by clicking on the icon at the top left
- Continue with“Skills and Games”
- Search and install the“Sony’s Android TV”Skill by clicking on“ENABLE TO USE”
- Complete the login by entering the credentials of the Google account used on the TV
How to connect Alexa to LG Smart TVs
As for the LG Smart TVs, we need to do a little more reasoning. First of all,only televisions equipped with version 4.5 of WebOS will be able to be used with Alexaand, in addition, you will also need to have a particular remote control, otherwise the configuration will not be completed.
The model is theMagic Remote, equipped with a microphone and available for online purchase (in case it does not come with the TV already).
- Start the TV settings by clicking on the remote control button with the gear icon
- Continue with“Settings”and then with“Connection”
- Choose the option“Connect to voice control devices”
- Click on“Amazon Alexa”
- Log in with your Amazon account and complete the setup by choosing a name for the TV
If, on the other hand, you simply want to control the LG Smart TV using the Alexa app or an Amazon Echo, you will need to download the Skill dedicated to configuration.
- Open the Alexa app
- Access the side menu by clicking on the icon at the top left
- Continue with“Skills and Games”
- Search and install the” LG SmartThinQ “Skill by clicking on“ENABLE TO USE”
- Complete the setup by following the steps indicated on the screen
How to connect Alexa to other TVs
Other brands have decided to develop Alexa-compatible TVs, includingTCL and HiSense. These obviously have their own dedicated applications, but the configuration is always very simple.
In fact, all you need to do is create an account and immediately access it through the dedicated Skill, just as seen previously.
But what to do if you don’t have a compatible Smart TV or simply a TV without a Wi-Fi connection? The solution obviously passes through thepurchase of an external device capable of connecting to both Alexa and the TV.
In particular, the best choice obviously falls on the Fire TV Stick from Amazon itself, equipped with a fairly affordable price and lots of smart features.
The alternative is instead anIR HUB, which is an accessory that can connect to Alexa (again via Skill) and use infrared rays to give commands to the TV.
A sort of intelligent remote control that works through voice commands. The best in this field for value for money is theBroadlink RMMini3, available for purchase below.