Can I get Amazon Alexa for my car?

Amazon Alexa Auto is a voice-based digital assistant for your car. It works in a similar way to home-based systems such as Amazon Alexa, Apple HomePod and Google Home, and has been around for many years.

Having Amazon Alexa Auto in your car means that you control functions such as your music, podcasts and phone without taking your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road. Like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it’s a useful feature that keeps you connected on the move without the need to touch your phone (it’s illegal to use a phone while driving in most cases).

So, here we take a deep dive into how to use Amazon Alexa Auto, plus show you how to check whether your car supports it.

How do you use Amazon Alexa Auto?

First, you’ll need to check whether your car’s infotainment system supports Amazon Alexa Auto (see below our list of car manufacturers that support it). If it does, you’ll need to connect your phone to the car via Bluetooth or a USB connection.

Because Amazon Alexa Auto operates via the internet through your smartphone, you’ll also need to download the Amazon Alexa app and set up or log in to your account. 

Once you’re connected to it, you can then use Alexa in a similar way to how you might use it in your home. 

Which cars have Amazon Alexa Auto built-in?

The following car brands support Amazon Alexa Auto in some of their models. You can check with manufacturer websites or a dealer to see whether a car is compatible.

• Alfa Romeo

• Audi

• BMW

• Ford 

• Honda

• Jaguar

• Jeep

• Land Rover

• Lexus

• Maserati

• Mini

• Nissan

• Toyota 

• Volkswagen

Which cars have voice-controlled virtual assistants?

Many higher-end new cars are fitted with voice-controlled virtual assistants that are similar to Amazon Alexa. For example, the latest Mercedes-Benz A-Class has Hey Mercedes, which lets you ask the car for all sorts of information, such as the nearest free parking space or Italian restaurant. 

Can I use Amazon Auto if my car isn’t compatible?

If your car doesn’t have Amazon Auto, all is not lost, because you can buy a standalone Amazon Echo Auto device. Amazon Echo Auto is similar to the Amazon Alexa Echo Dot speaker that you may use in your home, but instead plays through the car’s speakers instead of the device itself. It connects to your smartphone via the app and connects to the car via USB and auxiliary input or Bluetooth. You can buy an Echo Auto from Amazon for around £60.

Can you buy an aftermarket version of Amazon Echo Auto?

Many aftermarket touchscreen systems that feature Apple CarPlay and/or Android Auto come with voice-based digital assistants built-in. These systems provide a more integrated alternative, and enable you to use your smartphone via touch or voice control.

The cheapest aftermarket stereos with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto cost from around £40, but they will require fitting, which can be difficult.

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Read more: What is Apple CarPlay?